Daily News Roundup

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

The head of CNN has slammed US President Donald Trump for his media attacks after police intercepted suspected pipe bombs sent to the network, former US president Barack Obama, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other public figures.

The office of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, also received a similar device, and CNN reported Eric Holder, who was US Attorney-General under Mr Obama, was also among those targeted, reports the ABC.

Described as an act of terrorism by New York officials, the series of suspicious packages intercepted by police appeared to target political and media figures disparaged by right-wing critics and publicly scorned by Mr Trump and his administration.

Mr Trump’s campaign rallies frequently include chants of “CNN sucks” and has consistently called CNN and other outlets “fake news” and the “enemy of the American people”.

CNN chief Jeff Zucker criticised Mr Trump and the White House for what he called “a total and complete lack of understanding” about the seriousness of their attacks on the media.

Mr Zucker tweeted that the Mr Trump and his administration, have shown “no comprehension” that their words matter.

Earlier, at an event for opioid abuse, Mr Trump said threats of political violence have no place in the United States, promising a full investigation into the origin of the suspicious packages.

“The full weight of our government is being deployed to conduct this investigation and bring those responsible for these despicable acts to justice. We will spare no resources or expense in this effort,” Mr Trump said.

“In these times, we have to unify, we have to come together, and send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America.”

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Actor David Schwimmer has responded after social media users drew attention to an alleged thief who bears a resemblance to his character in the US sitcom Friends, according to an Associated Press report.

Police in Blackpool had posted on Facebook asking for witnesses to identify a suspect pictured leaving a restaurant in Blackpool carrying what appeared to be a carton of cans.

Facebook users quickly piled into the comments section, pointing out the suspect’s likeness to Schwimmer’s character Ross Geller in the well-loved US show.

Schwimmer posted a video to his Twitter account that showed him scurrying through a convenience store carrying a carton of beer before looking up furtively at a CCTV camera.

He captioned the video: “Officers, I swear it wasn’t me. As you can see, I was in New York.”

“To the hardworking Blackpool Police, good luck with the investigation.”

He added the hashtag #itwasntme to the post.

The alleged theft happened on September 20, a post by Blackpool police said.

Lancashire Police responded to Schwimmer via its Twitter account, saying “Thanks for being there for us” before adding the hashtag “#appreciatethesupport”.

Following numerous responses, Lancashire Constabulary replied: “Thank you to everyone for your speedy responses.

“We have investigated this matter thoroughly and have confirmed that David Schwimmer was in America on this date.

“We’re so sorry it has to be this way.”

A Facebook user, referencing the Friends theme song, replied: “I don’t think it’s been this guy’s day, his week, his month or even his year…..”

Another, referencing a Friends episode where Ross says he is an expert in self-defence, wrote: “Please approach with caution. He is known to have studied karate and we believe he has mastered the art of unagi, the state of total awareness.”

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The Gospel choir who made international headlines after singing “Stand By Me” at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding are preparing to perform in front of the Royal couple again, reports the ABC.

The Kingdom Choir are on the bill for Saturday night’s Invictus Games closing ceremony, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Their rendition of Ben E King’s 1961 soul classic at the Royal wedding in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle was a highlight of the nuptials.

Choir director Karen Gibson said she was excited about performing in Sydney.

“We are all still pinching ourselves and asking ourselves what’s really happening here, is this real?” Ms Gibson said.

“It means so much to be able to perform before them men and women who’ve been through so much.

“I really commend them for the tenacity and bravery and courage.”

Ms Gibson said she “loved what the Invictus Games” stood for.

“It will mean an awful lot to be able to gift them with a song,” she said.

This daily news roundup has been curated with stories from the ABC News.