COSTELLO: It's 18 minutes past the hour. Time to check our top stories, in Egypt, the death toll is climbing after a harrowing crash of a hot air balloon. In all 18 people died when the tourist ride crashed near Egyptian City of Luxor. Witnesses say the balloon somehow exploded and plunged nearly 1,000 feet to the ground. Somehow three people aboard the balloon managed to survive. These are images from freelance photographer, Christopher Michael. He was in a nearby balloon when the tragedy unfolded. Last hour, he told us he heard the explosion and watched helplessly as it fell from the sky. You're looking at live pictures of the Senate Finance Committee in Washington. In just about 15 minutes, they're expected to vote on the nomination of former White House Chief of Staff, Jack Lew for treasury secretary. Lew faced some tough questions during his confirmation hearing when Republicans focused on his experience at Citigroup during the 2008 financial collapse. The U.S. Census reportedly will stop using the word "Negro" in it surveys. Research shows most people no longer identify with that term and actually find it quite offensive. The bureau will now use black or African-American. GM reportedly will begin selling 4G AT&T; wireless connections next year on most of its 2015 models. GM hopes the high speed connection will offer drivers new services. The deal ends a long relationship GM had with Verizon. Michelle Obama's toned arms were apparently a little too exposed during the Oscars for an Iranian news agency. So they Photoshopped some sleeves on the first lady when she presented the Oscar for best picture "Argo," a film about the covert operation to rescue six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis.
Hot Air Balloon Explodes, Killing 18; Reports: Census Drops Offensive Word