World/Nation briefs May 25, 2014
Patty Duke taken to hospital following speech
OMAHA, Neb. - An organizer of a screening of "The Miracle Worker" in Omaha said one of the movie's stars - Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke - left the event because of stomach pain.
The Omaha World-Herald reported that the 67-year-old Duke, a Coeur d'Alene resident, was taken by a private vehicle Friday evening to the Nebraska Medical Center after complaining of stomach pain.
Organizer Bruce Crawford said Duke's medical condition was not serious, but that an Omaha doctor who had been running tests on Duke asked her to come in for more tests Friday night after she reported the pain.
Before seeking medical attention, Duke delivered a speech at Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum, where "The Miracle Worker" was shown. The movie tells the story of tutor Anne Sullivan's efforts to help a young Helen Keller.
Duke is scheduled to perform in Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's July production of 'My Fair Lady.'
Pope denounces arms dealers at start of trip
AMMAN, Jordan - Pope Francis denounced arms dealers and appealed Saturday for an urgent end to the Syrian civil war as he began his three-day trip to the Middle East with an emotional meeting with refugees from Syria and Iraq who have fled to Jordan.
Francis deviated from his prepared remarks to make a strong plea for peace during his first day in Jordan, praying for God to "convert those who seek war, those who make and sell weapons!"
"We all want peace, but looking at the tragedy of war, looking at the wounded, seeing so many people who left their homeland who were forced to go away, I ask, 'Who sells weapons to these people to make war?'" he asked. "This is the root of evil, the hatred, the love of money."
His tough words echoed the diatribe he delivered a few weeks ago against mobsters in Italy, denouncing their activities and praying that they turn away from evil to embrace a more dignified life.
Coup leaders order activists to surrender
BANGKOK - In a chilling move apparently aimed at neutralizing critics and potential opposition, Thailand's new army junta ordered dozens of outspoken activists, academics and journalists to surrender themselves to military authorities.
The junta, which is already holding most of the government it ousted in a coup Thursday in secret locations against their will, said it would keep former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and others in custody for up to a week to give them "time to think" and keep the country calm.
Two days after the army seized power in the nation's first coup in eight years, it also faced scattered protests that came amid growing concern over the junta's intentions. Also Saturday, the military dissolved the Senate - the last functioning democratic institution left, and absorbed its legislative powers.
More than 150 people, mostly top politicians, have been detained incommunicado so far.
- The Associated Press