Singer-actor Jennifer Lopez and former baseball star Alex Rodriguez are ready to exchange vows this summer.
The couple announced their engagement last March.
"They are getting married this summer," a source told Us Weekly.
Lopez, 50, and Rodriguez, 44, began dating in February of 2017.
The singer was previously married to actor Ojani Noa from 1997 to 1998 and backup dancer Cris Judd from 2001 to 2003. She got married to singer Marc Anthony in 2004 and divorced in 2014. The two share twins Max and Emme.
Lopez was also briefly engaged to actor Ben Affleck in 2002, before separating in 2004.
Rodriguez was previously married to Cynthia Scurtis from 2002 to 2008 and the ex-couple shares two daughters, Natasha and Ella.

Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez to have a summer wedding

PTI Automatic

A former telecommunications executive convicted in one of the largest corporate accounting scandals in US history died just over a month after his early release from prison. Bernard Ebbers was 78.
The former WorldCom chief died Sunday, according to a family statement cited by WAPT-TV in Mississippi.
The Mississippi-based WorldCom collapsed and went into bankruptcy in 2002, following revelations of an USD 11 billion accounting fraud that included pressure by top executives on subordinates to inflate numbers to make the company seem more profitable. The collapse caused losses to stockholders, including those who had invested through retirement plans.
The Canadian-born Ebbers was convicted in New York in 2005 on securities fraud and other charges and received a 25-year sentence. He was imprisoned from September 2006 until December 21, when he was released from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons in Texas.
US District Judge Valerie E. Caproni said it fell within her discretion to order ..

Bernard Ebbers, ex-CEO convicted in WorldCom scandal, dies

President Donald Trump used a Super Bowl pregame interview to rail against Democrats, accusing them of hatred and offering schoolyard insults about his potential 2020 rivals.
"I see the hatred. ... They don't care about fairness, they don't care about lying," Trump said in a taped interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity, which aired on Fox hours before sports' biggest night of the year.
But Trump's Super Bowl night may best be remembered by an errant -- now deleted tweet -- congratulating the state of Kansas and not mentioning Missouri, where the game was played at Missouri-based Arrowhead Stadium, for the Kansas City Chiefs' win.
Trump spent his weekend in Florida as most of the political world has been focused on Iowa, where Democrats on Monday will cast their first votes to choose the party's nominee.
Prompted by Hannity, Trump went through most of the major candidates one by one, deriding "Sleepy Joe" Biden, the former vice president, accusing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth ..

Trump bashes Democratic rivals during pre-Super Bowl show

Do you often feel groggy while waking up from sleep? A melodic alarm like 'Good Vibrations' by the Beach Boys may help, according to a study.
The research, published in the journal PLOS One, suggests that the sounds people wake up to could be affecting how groggy and clumsy they feel in the morning.
The researchers from RMIT University in Australia found that melodic alarms could improve alertness levels, while harsh alarm tones may increase levels of morning grogginess.
They noted that the finding could have important implications for anyone who needs to perform at their peak soon after waking, such as shift workers and emergency first responders.
"This study is important, as even NASA astronauts report that sleep inertia affects their performance on the International Space Station," said Associate Professor Adrian Dyer, from RMIT University.
"We think that a harsh 'beep beep beep' might work to disrupt or confuse our brain activity when waking, while a more melodic sound like the ...

Melodic alarms may help reduce morning grogginess: Study

Turkey has killed dozens of Syrian forces in retaliatory fire after four of its soldiers died in shelling on positions in the northwest of the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
"There is an ongoing operation right now and... according to initial findings around 30 to 35 Syrians on the other side were neutralised," he told reporters at an Istanbul airport before leaving for Ukraine.

30-35 Syrian troops killed in Turkish counter-fire: Erdogan

US President Donald Trump drew scorn and laughter on social media Sunday after placing the Kansas City Chiefs in the wrong state following their Super Bowl victory.
Trump said the Chiefs had made Kansas State proud, but the team actually hails from neighbouring Missouri.
"Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on a great game, and a fantastic comeback, under immense pressure," he tweeted.
"You represented the Great State of Kansas and, in fact, the entire USA, so very well. Our Country is PROUD OF YOU!".
He later deleted the tweet, and replaced it with one naming the correct state.
Reaction online was swift -- and not too polite -- towards a commander-in-chief who has a troublesome history with maps.
"It's Missouri you stone cold idiot," responded a former US senator from the state, Claire McCaskill.
Lauren Arthur, a current Missouri state senator, tweeted: "Wrong state. Best stay out of things you don't understand, like the Heart of America."
"Can't believe the Deep State put ...

State of the nation: Trump misplaces Kansas City Chiefs

At least four Turkish soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in "intensive shelling" on Monday by Syrian government forces in northwestern Syria, Turkey' said.
A Syrian war monitor said six Syrian troops were killed as well in the shelling.
The exchange came hours after a large Turkish military convoy entered the province of Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in the country. It is also likely to increase tensions between the two neighboring countries as such direct clashes have been rare.
Turkey's National Defense Ministry said the shelling in Idlib took place despite prior notification of the coordinates of the Turkish forces that were sent to the province as reinforcements. It said Turkish forces responded to the attack.
The incident comes amid a Syrian government offensive into the last rebel-held territory, located in Idlib and parts of the nearby Aleppo region. Turkish troops are deployed in some of those areas to monitor an earlier cease-fire that has since ...

4 Turkish troops, 6 Syrian soldiers killed in Idlib province

Pakistan on Monday resumed flights from coronavirus-hit China after two planes from the country landed at the airport in Islamabad.
Pakistan had suspended flights from China till February 2 after the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak of the novel virus as a global health emergency.
The death toll in the coronavirus epidemic soared to 361 with 57 deaths on Sunday alone while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 17,205.
According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA), two flights of China Southern Airlines  CZ 6007and CZ 5241 - from Urumqi city of China landed at Islamabad International Airport.
The flights were allowed a day after Pakistan said it has received special medical kits from China to detect the coronavirus cases.
Officials said a Qatar Airlines flight also came from Doha, bringing at least 40 Pakistani students from China who had travelled to Qatar due to suspension of direct flights to Pakistan.
Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza ..

Pakistan resumes flights from coronavirus-hit China

An all-weather bowling attack and batsmen's improved ability against pacers in overseas conditions have made India a formidable unit across formats, feels former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson.
Hesson, who will take charge of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2020 IPL season, also said the 5-0 rout of New Zealand in the T20 series shows the current lot of Indian players is exceptionally talented.
"India are far better side now at present and they are improving all the time. Their bowling attack now suits all conditions around the world because their bowlers, pacers and spinners, are so good. That's something they haven't always had," Hesson told PTI in an interview.
"And their batsmen's ability to play pace bowling has also got better the more they have toured. So this group of players is exceptionally talented group. This series' win will help them (for the World Cup in Australia later this year)."
Up next is a three-match ODI series, and India-New Zealand will play the first ...

All-weather bowling attack, improved batting overseas make India formidable: Mike Hesson

Actor Milla Jovovich and her husband, director Paul WS Anderson have become proud parents of a baby girl.
According to Us Weekly, the couple welcomed their third daughter on Sunday.
The "Resident Evil" star revealed over the weekend that the baby was due on February 2.
"Due date is tomorrow so getting ready to go to the hospital at anytime now! It's funny because I thought having our third would be a piece of cake, but I'm actually really nervous, now that I know what to expect! Anyway, hopefully the next post I make will be a picture of our newest little girlie girl! Wish me luck everyone," Jovovich wrote alongside a selfie.
The 44-year-old actor announced her pregnancy last August, nearly two years after she underwent an emergency abortion.
Jovovich and Anderson, 54, also share two daughters Ever, 11, and Dashiel, four.

Milla Jovovich welcomes third daughter

Four Turkish soldiers were killed on Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said.
Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets".
The ministry said the soldiers came under attack despite previous coordination on where they would be in the region.
It added Turkey was following the latest developments closely and that the necessary measures would be taken.
Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region as part of a Turkey-Russia deal to prevent a regime offensive.
The deaths come after local media reported Sunday that Turkey's military sent reinforcements to the region to bolster the forces stationed at the posts.
The Syrian regime, supported by Russian air strikes, has intensified its assault in recent weeks against Idlib, the last major opposition bastion.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week warned Ankara could 

Four Turkish soldiers killed by Syria regime shelling in Idlib: Ankara

"Stranger Things" star Gaten Matarazzo says his fourth surgery for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) was a "complete success" and the actor hopes it would be the last one.
The 17-year-old actor underwent the procedure for CCD, a condition which affects development of the teeth and bones, on January 29.
Matarazzo shared a health update on Instagram over the weekend.
"Though my expression in this picture may not show it, the surgery was a complete success. This was such a big one, it may be the last one I need. Hopefully at least. Those who suffer from Cleidocranial Dysplasia usually have Supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth that grow in the gums," he said.
The actor said the surgery went on for four hours and his recovery for the past few days has been "great".
"I can't thank the team that did the surgery enough. Thank you all for your kind wishes and prayers. It means a lot. Thanks again everyone," Matarazzo added.
He also shared a picture post surgery on the photo-video sharing ...

Gaten Matarazzo's fourth surgery a 'success'

Pakistan's out-of-favour wicketkeeper Umar Akmal could face disciplinary action after he reportedly asked a trainer "where is the fat" while exposing himself completely during a fitness test.
The matter has been reported to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and according to an 'ESPNcricinfo' report, they are fully aware of the incident that took place at the National Cricket Academy and are looking at potential punishments for bringing the game into disrepute.
The junior Akmal, who is reported to have exposed himself in frustration after failing to pass one of the fitness tests, is now faced with the prospect of being banned from the country's next domestic tournament.
He is said to have asked a staff "bataye charbee kaha hain (tell me where is the fat)".
Fitness has been an issue with the Akmal brothers for several years now with Umar falling out with the PCB on the same grounds during Mickey Arthur's time as head coach.
This comes at a time when the PCB, under the stewardship of ...

Umar Akmal faces sanctions for misbehaving during fitness test: Report

Communities in China are offering cash rewards, knocking on doors and questioning people trying to enter their neighbourhoods -- but they're not looking for criminals.
They're searching for anyone coming from Wuhan, the central city at the epicentre of a deadly virus epidemic that has sparked fear -- even panic -- in China and beyond.
The end of the extended Lunar New Year holiday this weekend has raised concerns that the new coronavirus could spread further as people travel across the country.
In Beijing, neighbourhoods have sealed themselves off -- some with homemade barriers -- to force visitors or anyone returning home from the holiday to register their travel history.
One district in northern Shijiazhuang city is even offering cash incentives of 2,000 yuan (USD 288) for reporting anyone who has travelled to Wuhan in the past two weeks.
For some communities, anyone who has visited central Hubei province -- of which Wuhan is the capital -- is no longer welcome at all.
"Even if you .

China hunts for travellers from virus epicentre

Ecuador's President Lenn Moreno has scrambled to apologise for comments suggesting women tend to complain about sexual harassment when it comes from ugly people.
In a speech to investors on Friday in the port city of Guayaquil, Moreno said men were under threat of being denounced for harassment and added, "at times, with harassment, they torment ugly people. That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person. But if the person looks good according to the standards, they tend not to think necessarily that it is harassment."
That prompted immediate outrage from women's rights activists and others.
Governing party congresswoman Soleda Buenda complained on Twitter that Moreno "justifies and reproduces violence against women. You can't joke about harassmant, rape, femicide, trafficking, sexual exploitation...Nothing justifies expressions that revictimise us!"
The Women for Change organisation joined in.
"It is not that everything now looks to women like harassment, it 

Ecuador president slammed for ugly words about harassment

Hollywood veteran Al Pacino says he would like to play Hamlet someday as it is one of those characters he hasn't dealt with yet.
The 79-year-old actor said though he "always had an inkling" towards essaying the Shakespearean character, he might be too old to play the titular Prince of Denmark now.
Asked on the red carpet of the 2020 Bafta Awards which roles he'd still like to play, Pacino said, "I've always had an inkling to play Hamlet. I don't know, that's a role I would like to play someday.
"But the late great Richard Harris, the actor, he once said if you don't do 'Hamlet' when you're young, you'll never do it. And he was right."
The actor lost his balance briefly at the red carpet after having tripped up as he ascended a small staircase. He didn't appear to be hurt and was promptly helped to his feet by the people around.
Pacino was nominated for the best supporting actor Bafta for "The Irishman". The award was won by Brad Pitt for "Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood".

Al Pacino wants to play Hamlet

Education should be democratised, be available in plenty and at a very low cost, a leading Indian educationist has said, underscoring that knowledge should reach all sections of society.
Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Chairman of the Ajeenkya D Y Patil Group (ADYPG), emphasised that parents, not just in India but in other countries as well, put their life's earnings into their child's education and future.
"This should not be the case," he said. Education, Patil said, should become affordable for all.
"I feel education should be democratised. It should be available in plenty and at a very low cost. Education is knowledge and knowledge should be allowed to go everywhere," he told PTI in a telephonic interview.
ADYPG is primarily focussed on the education, healthcare, agriculture and sports sectors. Among the largest education providers in India, the Group has five universities in Maharashtra and over 220 institutes of higher learning, including medical, dental, engineering, hotel management ...

Education should be democratised, available in plenty and at low cost: Leading Indian educationist

Embattled office-sharing firm WeWork has hired a new CEO to turn the page on Adam Neumann, its co-founder and former leader whose antics have finally tired investors.
Sandeep Mathrani, a real estate industry veteran, will officially take over on February 18, WeWork said in a statement published Saturday.
He will be charged with the difficult task of relaunching WeWork, which had been one of America's most celebrated startups that put a mammoth footprint in the commercial real estate of major cities around the globe.
Its collapse led to Neumann's departure and cost the main shareholder, Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, billions of dollars.
Mathrani will replace Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham, who have been acting as interim CEOs since Neumann's forced departure in September following WeWork's failed IPO, which fell from $47 billion to less than $10 billion.
Mathrani will report to Marcelo Claure, chairman of the board of directors and a close associate of Masayoshi Son, whose 

WeWork hires new boss to start fresh chapter

Gay Tanzanian activist Tee, 34, recalls with nostalgia a time when Tanzania was like "paradise" for LGBT people -- before the 2015 election of President John Magufuli ushered in fear and persecution.
It's all relative. Tanzania has long criminalised same-sex relations, and social stigma has always existed, but under previous governments homosexuality was not a public discussion.
The country was slowly making progress by including the LGBT community in discussions on healthcare and the fight against HIV/Aids.
"In those days Tanzania was like paradise... We were enjoying our life, people were going out, hanging out in bars, having meetings, public events, without fearing anyone. We were able to participate in government meetings," Tee told AFP during an interview in neighbouring Kenya, using a pseudonym out of fear for his safety.
"But now you can't even dare. Now we have to hide ourselves."
Since 2016, Tanzanian authorities have carried out numerous raids on private meetings held by ...

Tanzanian gays targeted and cut off from healthcare

Actor-director Andy Serkis, who was honoured at the Baftas 2020 for his pioneering work on performance capture, said this form of "egalitarian" acting is a great tool for artistes going ahead in the 21st century.
He was presented the Bafta for his outstanding British contribution to cinema by veteran theatre and film actor Ian McKellen.
The actor, who met with an accident while playing winter sports appeared onstage in crutches, received a standing ovation as he accepted the trophy from his "Lord of the Rings" co-star.
Serkis has delivered powerhouse performances by playing computer-generated characters such as Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the revolutionary ape, Caesar in "Planet of Apes" film franchise to name a few.
The 55-year-old actor said performance/ motion capture signifies the "end of typecasting", allowing actors to play any role they want to.
"I truly believe performance capture is an egalitarian form of acting. It's one of the great tools for actors and ...

Performance capture an egalitarian form of acting: Andy Serkis

Thirty six people aboard an evacuation flight from China that landed in France on Sunday showed symptoms of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 360 people, Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said.
In all, 254 people arrived in France from the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the deadly virus was first detected, on the second such flight.
"About 20 people who presented symptoms have stayed on the tarmac" at Istres airport in the south of France to undergo further testing, Buzyn told journalists. They included French and non-European nationals.
Tests were carried out to establish whether they had the coronavirus and the results will be known on Monday, the health ministry told AFP.  A further 16 foreign nationals displaying symptoms were flown back to their respective countries.
The second evacuation flight was carrying people of 30 different nationalities, most of them European. Sixty five of the returnees were French.
A total of 124 non-French evacuees swiftly travelled on to their home .

Page 941 - PTI Stories National