MSNBC’s Breaking and Most Viewed News [May ‘11 Series]

[MSNBC]

Terrified passengers aboard a Cathay Pacific plane prayed together as their aircraft, one of its engines on fire, made its way back to Singapore on Monday, and their calm response earned praise from the captain.

Source: Blazing jet makes emergency landing

[MSNBC]

Scientists have found that a gene linked to diabetes and cholesterol is a "master switch" that controls other genes found in fat in the body, and say it should help in the search for treatments for obesity-related diseases.

Source: Fat's 'master switch' found -- could we turn it off?

[MSNBC]

The mysterious face of the Mona Lisa may be lying under a few feet of cement in a decrepit convent in Florence, Italy. Researchers are currently searching for the bones of what might turn out to be Lisa Gherardini Del Giocondo, the woman many art historians believe to be the inspiration of the iconic painting.

Source: Bones may reveal Mona Lisa's identity

[MSNBC]

The venerable Sahara hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip  closed its doors Monday after six decades as a playground and stage for some of the biggest names in showbiz.

Source: Sahara hotel-casino closing on Vegas Strip

[MSNBC]

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has acknowledged that he fathered a child with a member of his household staff.

Source: Schwarzenegger: I fathered a secret child

[MSNBC]

Russian authorities arrested a man in connection with the discovery of dismembered body parts found around Moscow, after finding half-eaten human remains in his fridge.

Source: Alleged cannibal arrested after human stew found

[MSNBC]

McDonald's says it is proud of the food it offers and that their venerable spokesclown teaches children to be active. Critics say it's time to hang up the yellow jumper.

Source: Ronald McDonald is facing a midlife crisis

[MSNBC]

Police in Mexico's southern Chiapas state found 513 migrants on Tuesday inside two trailer trucks bound for the United States, and said they had been transported in dangerously crowded conditions.

Source: X-rays reveal 513 US-bound migrants in trucks

[MSNBC]

According to reports, the woman with whom former Arnold Schwarzenegger had an affair — and fathered a child — some 14 years ago, is being identified as Mildred Baena.

Source: Report: Mom of Schwarzenegger love child identified

[MSNBC]

In an epic incident of the pot calling the kettle rude, a Tigard, Oregon woman said she felt "disrespected" after police escorted her from an Amtrak train mostly because she refused to get off her cellphone — for 16 hours.

Source: Cops kick cellphone blabbermouth off train