CNN 2009-07-04（在线收听）

Live from CNN's world headquarters in Atlanta. I am Nicole Lapin, here's a look at what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

US marines are pushing deeper into Taliban’s strongholds in southern Afghanistan today and they say so far they are meeting little resistance. But there was an intense firefight yesterday in a remote area that is at the center of the country's illegal opium trade. One Marine was killed and several others were injured or wounded.

The search for an American soldier abducted in southeast Afghanistan is now centered in the Parkatiga province. More troops have come in from nearby areas to try and help along with helicopters and Afghan army support. The unidentified soldier vanished from his outpost on Tuesday and US military sources believe he is now in the clutches of a militant clan. They also believe that video of him could surface at any time now.

South Korea says it's keeping a close eye on North Korean military sites this weekend. North Korea test-fired 4 short-range missiles yesterday. Now there are concerns it might try a long-range test. The US strengthened defenses around Hawaii just in case, meanwhile the British ambassador to North Korea says there are no signs North Korea is willing to resume negotiations on its nuclear activities.

Seven more banks have been closed by Federal Authorities and that brings the number this year to 52, that is more than double last year's total. Six of the newly closed banks are in Illinois, one in Texas. The total cost of the FDIC is 314 million dollars for these most recent closures. Branches of seven banks are opening next week though under different names.

Plans have been made for the friends and family members and fans to celebrate Michael Jackson's life. A private ceremony will be held next Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. And a short time later a public memorial service at the Staples Center. 11,000 seats will be made available free to the public.

Those are the headlines at this hour. For more on these stories and other news of the day, CNN is always your source whether you’re watching with us online, watching on TV or watching on your cell phone.