5 things you need to know Wednesday
Three million copies of Charlie Hebdo hit newsstands Wednesday, the first printing since gunmen opened fire on an editorial meeting of the newspaper last week. The paper appeared to sell out at news stands across France within minutes Wednesday, according to reports. The new issue includes drawings by the slain cartoonists and an editorial arguing for the right to lampoon religions and religious leaders. The typical circulation is 60,000. This week, editions were published in English and Arab. Much of the editorial staff and two police officers were killed in the attack that left 12 dead.
2. The Razzie nominations rip the worst in Hollywood
Awards season is in full swing. (Did you miss the Globes on Sunday?) And while the big shows highlight the best in acting, music, directing and behind-the-scenes goodness, the Razzie's do just the opposite. The Golden Raspberries nominations, announced Wednesday morning, are there to skewer the worst efforts of Tinseltown's titans. Categories range from Worst Actor and Worst Actress to some "special categories" such as 2010's Worst Eye-Gouging Misuse of 3D. The awards are, not surprisingly, bereft of smiling stars and fabulous fashions. Last year, Movie 43 and Will and Jaden Smith led the pack. The winners/losers are announced on Feb. 21, the day before the Oscars.
3. Men near Yosemite summit in record climb
Two climbers trying to become the first in the world to use only their hands and feet to scale a sheer granite face in Yosemite National are expected to reach the top Wednesday evening. Kevin Jorgeson, 30, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Tommy Caldwell, 36, of Colorado began the climb up El Capitan's Dawn Wall more than two weeks ago. The men are attempting what many thought impossible: free-climbing to the 3,000-foot summit, meaning they don't use climbing aids, just harnesses and ropes to prevent deadly falls.
4. Funeral for five-year-old girl thrown off bridge
Funeral services will be held for Phoebe Jonchuck, 5, who was thrown off a bridge to her death last week, at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church in Tampa. Her father, John Jonchuck, 25, faces first-degree murder and other charges in her death. A police officer says he saw Jonchuck walk to the passenger side of his car, remove a child from the seat, press her head to his chest and throw her over the rail into the water about 60 feet below. Police say Phoebe likely was alive when she was tossed into the water and drowned.
5. Pope calls for Sri Lankan reconciliation on Asian pilgrimage
Pope Francis pressed his call for Sri Lankan reconciliation Wednesday by canonizing the country's first saint as a model for national unity and visiting the war-ravaged north of the country to pray at a shrine revered by both Sinhalese and Tamil faithful. More than a half-million people packed the capital's seafront park for the Mass, with some spending the night under the stars to ensure a good spot. Seemingly rested after a grueling first day of his Asian tour, Francis arrived well ahead of time to greet the crowd, getting off his popemobile to kiss the sick and handicapped. On Thursday, he flies to the Philippines for the second and final leg of his Asian tour.