CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Media entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner, founder of CNN and one of the most influential figures in modern broadcasting, has died at the age of 87. He died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises, which confirmed his passing.

Born in Ohio and later based in Atlanta, Turner began his career at age 24 after taking over his father’s billboard advertising company following his death. From there, he expanded into radio and television, purchasing an Atlanta television station in 1970 and transforming it into a national “superstation” by 1976.

Turner’s business growth set the stage for his most defining achievement. On June 1, 1980, he launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the world’s first 24-hour television news channel. Despite early doubts about continuous news coverage, CNN quickly transformed global journalism, especially during major events such as the 1990 Gulf War, when its live reporting demonstrated the power of round-the-clock broadcasting.

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Over time, CNN expanded into multiple networks including CNN International and HLN, while Turner also built a wider media empire with channels such as TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. CNN executives have described him as a fearless visionary whose ideas permanently reshaped global news reporting.

Beyond journalism, Turner built a major sports and entertainment empire. He acquired professional teams including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks and invested heavily in sports broadcasting rights, helping expand the reach of televised sports in the United States.

Turner also became widely recognised for his philanthropic and environmental work. He founded the United Nations Foundation and pledged $1 billion to support UN programmes. He also launched environmental initiatives, including efforts to reintroduce bison to parts of the United States, and became one of the largest private land conservationists in North America. His animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers further promoted environmental awareness.

In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in recognition of his global media influence. He sold his media empire to Time Warner in 1996 and later stepped back from corporate leadership following the AOL-Time Warner merger.

Turner later revealed in 2018 that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. He also recovered from a mild case of pneumonia in early 2025. He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Tributes have described him as a transformational figure whose vision changed how the world consumes news. Turner himself once said CNN was “the greatest achievement of my life,” underscoring the lasting impact of his work on global media.

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

French Vessel Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Crew Injured 

A French shipping company, CMA CGM, has confirmed that one of its vessels, the San Antonio, was attacked on Tuesday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leaving several crew members injured and the ship damaged.

The company said the vessel was targeted during passage through the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The injured crew members were evacuated and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Local and international maritime reports indicate that the attack occurred during heightened tensions in the region, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat in recent months.

Following the incident, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reiterated its warning to all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting they must use designated maritime corridors previously announced by Tehran. The warning comes amid growing assertions by Iran over navigation rules in the strategic waterway.

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CMA CGM confirmed that the ship sustained damage during the attack, though it did not immediately disclose the full extent. The company added that it is working with relevant authorities to ensure crew safety and assess operational impact.

Earlier reports suggest the vessel was struck while navigating the narrow strait, a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes.

The incident adds to a series of maritime security threats in the region, where commercial vessels have increasingly faced attacks, disruptions, and navigational warnings amid wider geopolitical tensions.

Shipping operators have reportedly become more cautious, with some adjusting routes or slowing operations due to rising risks, while international maritime agencies continue to monitor developments closely.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, and any disruption there raises concerns about global energy security and stability in international trade.

French Vessel Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Crew Injured

Federal Worker Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Donald Trump

A contractor working with the Federal Aviation Administration has been arrested in the United States over allegations that he threatened to kill former President Donald Trump and used a government-linked work computer to research details connected to the alleged plot, according to federal prosecutors.

Authorities identified the suspect as Dean DelleChiaie, a 35-year-old mechanical engineer based in New Hampshire. He is accused of using his official workplace computer system to carry out online searches and engage in communications that raised serious security concerns.

Court documents allege that DelleChiaie searched for information on how to bring a firearm into a federal facility, alongside explicit statements referencing a threat against Donald Trump. Investigators also said he searched for information relating to the families of senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The investigation reportedly began after internal monitoring systems at the FAA flagged suspicious activity. Officials said DelleChiaie later contacted the agency’s IT department requesting that his search history be deleted from his work computer, which further escalated concerns.

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Following the alert, a United States Secret Service agent interviewed him at his residence on February 3, where he allegedly admitted to conducting the searches and expressed anger over political developments, including elections, presidential pardons, and other issues referenced in court filings.

Prosecutors further alleged that on April 21, he used his personal computer to send an email to the White House with the subject line “Contact the President.” In the message, he allegedly issued a direct threat against Donald Trump, stating intentions to “neutralize/kill” him and linking his actions to grievances about government decisions.

Authorities also confirmed that he admitted to owning three firearms during the investigation. He is expected to appear in court, where he faces charges related to making threatening communications and misuse of electronic systems.

If convicted, DelleChiaie could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (£185,000), according to prosecutors.

The case forms part of a broader series of recent prosecutions involving alleged threats against Donald Trump and other U.S. officials, with authorities noting an increase in such incidents.

Federal prosecutors have reiterated that threats against public officials are treated with zero tolerance, as agencies continue to strengthen monitoring of digital communications and workplace systems to prevent security breaches.

Federal Worker Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Donald Trump