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In other news...
August 22, 1996
Web posted at: 5:55 p.m. EDT (2150 GMT)Dogged by weight issue, Miss Universe re-emerges in public
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (CNN) -- Dressed in a black strapless evening gown, Alicia Machado reappeared in the spotlight Wednesday to attend the 1996 Miss Teen USA pageant in Las Cruces amid close scrutiny of her weight.
Machado is a 19-year-old Venezuelan who won the 1996 Miss Universe pageant. She was given an ultimatum to lose 27 pounds (12 kg) in two weeks or risk losing her title.
Machado weighed 112 pounds (51 kg) when she won the Miss Universe contest in May, but associates said she gained weight during the summer by indulging a passion for pasta and cake.
She hasn't revealed her current weight, but her appearance at the Miss USA pageant won rave reviews. "She is bigger than the other girls out there, but she still looks great," said local resident Ann Gardner.
Officials of the Miss Venezuela Organization Monday said Machado had been asked to lose the weight, but Martin Brooks, president of Miss Universe Inc. in Los Angeles, said that was "totally untrue."
Tourists rescued in New Zealand accident
QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (CNN) -- Eight Korean tourists were rescued Thursday, after their mini-van skidded off a bridge and plunged into an icy river.
After being plucked from the river, the tourists were rushed to a hospital about two hours away. Three of the tourists were in serious condition.
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