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1. Pope Francis urges U.S., Cuba to further normalize relations
Speaking to a crowd in Havana on Saturday, Pope Francis lauded U.S-Cuba diplomatic ties and pushed Presidents Obama and Castro to go even further. "I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its possibilities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples, of all America, and as an example of reconciliation for the entire world," he said. The U.S. still has a trade embargo against Cuba.
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump addressed an Iowa high school Saturday night, two days after catching bipartisan criticism for failing to correct a town hall supporter who said President Obama is Muslim, and asked Trump when the U.S. could "get rid" of Muslims. When a student asked if the real estate mogul would consider putting a Muslim person on his ticket or in his Cabinet, Trump said, "Oh, absolutely. No problem with that." And he told CNN afterward, "I love the Muslims. I think they're great people."
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3. Prominent Democratic donors sign petition urging Joe Biden to run for president
Democratic fundraisers started circulating a petition Friday to urge Vice President Joe Biden to run for president. "In our opinion, the next president must be Joe Biden," the letter read. "If he announces he's running, we're all in. The Wall Street Journal reports sources saying he is more likely than not to enter the race, and aides are apparently debating the timing of an announcement.
4. Black Lives Matter won't endorse a presidential candidate
The Black Lives Matter movement doesn't plan to endorse a presidential candidate. The network first gained widespread attention after protesting the 2014 fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Missouri. "What we've seen is an attempt by mainstream politics and politicians to co-opt movements that galvanize people in order for them to move closer to their own goals and objectives," founder Alicia Garza said, adding that the group will continue protesting presidential candidates.
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5. California wildfires have destroyed more than 1,000 homes
Two California wildfires that have been burning for more than a week have destroyed more than 1,000 homes. The fires, one in Amador and Calaveras counties and the other in Lake County, are still threatening more buildings in one of the state's worst wildfire seasons. "You've got some high temps, high winds that could stir up those ash piles and those ember piles," said a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection official. "We have to do that mop-up to be sure this fire goes to bed."
6. Greece votes in snap election months after bailout deal negotiation
Greece voters are taking to the polls Sunday to decide whether Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will stay in power, less than a year after he was initially elected. His Syriza party lost a majority in parliament in August following a polarizing bailout deal between the debt-saddled nation and its international creditors. Tsipras' main opponent is New Democracy leader Vangelis Meimarakis. Exit polls are expected to come in around 12 p.m. ET.
7. John Kerry will be flexible on timing of Syria leader's exit
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must step down, urging Russia to help persuade him. "We're not being doctrinaire about the specific date or time," he added. "Right now, Assad has refused to have a serious discussion, and Russia has refused to help bring him to the table in order to do that." Five years of conflict in Syria has led to millions of refugees fleeing and struggling to find European countries who will take them in.
8. Best-selling novelist Jackie Collins dies at 77
Best-selling British-born novelist Jackie Collins died of breast cancer Saturday at age 77. Collins wrote 32 books, all of which appeared on The New York Times bestsellers list and together sold more than 500 million copies. She was best known for writing about the sex lives of rich and famous characters, with her most successful work being Hollywood Wives, a 1983 novel that was optioned into a popular ABC miniseries.
Univision's Sabádo Gigante, TV's longest running variety show, signed off for the last time Saturday night after a 53-year run. "Through all these years, Sábado Gigante has been another member of the Hispanic family, one that has grown and evolved," said host Mario Kreutzberger, who goes by Don Francisco on-air. Celebrites including Shakira, Enrique Yglesias, and Juanes were on hand to pay tribute to the Spanish-language staple.
10. Andy Samberg to host 67th Primetime Emmy Awards
Saturday Night Live alumnus Andy Samberg is set to host the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The ceremony marks the last chance at recognition for favorites like Mad Men and Parks and Recreation, while welcoming popular newcomers like Better Call Saul and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Game of Thrones leads the pack with 24 nominations. Catch the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.
