April 12 in history: American Civil War begins, Yuri Gagarin becomes first human in outer space and more

January 09 in history: Opening of first modern circus, firing of first shots of the American Civil War and more

Today in History: Resolution 90, Scotch Tape, Robert E. Lee becomes General-in-Chief and more!

Today in history: American Civil War, first nuclear-powered submarine and lots more!

'Captain Phillips' team of actor Tom Hanks and director Paul Greengrass are expected to once collaborate for the new film, 'News of the World'.

Luke Davies has written the script for the film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles.

According to Variety, Greengrass, who most recently helmed the 2011 Norway attacks film '22 July', is in negotiation to direct the new movie, which hails from Fox 2000 stable.

The story is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War and follows a widowed news reader, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), who travels from town to town in Texas announcing the news of the times.

He is given a handsome sum to deliver a young orphan girl, whose parents were killed by a Native American tribe who then raised her as their own, to her family in San Antonio.

The duo travel 400 miles through dangerous terrain, slowly developing a bond that will be tested when the man must give the girl up to relatives that not only don't want her but have abusive plans for her.

Hanks and Gary Goetzman will be producing the project through Playtone with Gail Mutrux through Pretty Pictures.&nbsp;

The director is best known for directing three films of the Matt Damon-starrer 'Bourne' franchise -'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004), 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007) and 'Jason Bourne' (2016).&nbsp;

The 2013 biographical drama, 'Captain Phillips', Greengrass' maiden collaboration with Hanks, had received six Academy Award nominations, including best picture.

'Captain Phillips' team of actor Tom Hanks and director Paul Greengrass are expected to once collaborate for the new film, 'News of the World'. Luke Davies has written the script for the film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles.

'Captain Phillips' team of actor Tom Hanks and director Paul Greengrass are expected to once collaborate for the new film, 'News of the World'. Luke Davies has written the script for the film, which is based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles. According to Variety, Greengrass, who most recently helmed the 2011 Norway attacks film '22 July', is in negotiation to direct the new movie, which hails from Fox 2000 stable. The story is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War and follows a widowed news reader, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), who travels from town to town in Texas announcing the news of the times. He is given a handsome sum to deliver a young orphan girl, whose parents were killed by a Native American tribe who then raised her as their own, to her family in San Antonio. The duo travel 400 miles through dangerous terrain, slowly developing a bond that will be tested when the man must give the girl up to relatives that not only don't want her but have abusive plans for her. Hanks and Gary Goetzman will be producing the project through Playtone with Gail Mutrux through Pretty Pictures. The director is best known for directing three films of the Matt Damon-starrer 'Bourne' franchise -'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004), 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007) and 'Jason Bourne' (2016). The 2013 biographical drama, 'Captain Phillips', Greengrass' maiden collaboration with Hanks, had received six Academy Award nominations, including best picture.

Paul Greengrass, Tom Hanks teaming up for 'News of the World'

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis bade farewell to the Pentagon on Monday, telling the US military to "hold fast" after he quit over a series of fundamental differences with President Donald Trump.

Mattis resigned December 20, after Trump stunned the US establishment by ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria.

"Our Department is proven to be at its best when the times are most difficult," Mattis said in a brief memo to the Pentagon, an apparent reference to the turmoil in Washington.

"So keep the faith in our country and hold fast, alongside our allies, aligned against our foes."

Mattis, a scholar who frequently backs his views with historical anecdotes, also quoted a telegram President Abraham Lincoln sent to General Ulysses Grant in February 1865, near the end of the American Civil War.

"Let nothing which is transpiring, change, hinder, or delay your military movements, or plans," Mattis quoted Lincoln as saying.

He added that he was confident military members are "undistracted from our sworn mission to support and defend the Constitution while protecting our way of life."

Mattis had initially been due to leave the Pentagon at the end of February, but Trump brought the date forward by two months.

Trump was reportedly angry over news coverage of Mattis's stinging resignation letter that laid bare his fundamental disagreements with the president.

In that letter, the 68-year-old Pentagon chief said his political outlook, which cherishes traditional alliances, could no longer be reconciled with that of the president, who has poured scorn on longstanding partnerships and repeatedly sought closer ties with Russia.

As of January 1, Patrick Shanahan will become acting defense secretary, moving up from his current position of deputy.

On Syria, Trump on Monday appeared to soften his stance, saying troops would only be sent home "slowly" while still fighting the Islamic State group.

Mattis resigned December 20, after Trump stunned the US establishment by ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis bade farewell to the Pentagon on Monday, telling the US military to "hold fast" after he quit over a series of fundamental differences with President Donald Trump. Mattis resigned December 20, after Trump stunned the US establishment by ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria. "Our Department is proven to be at its best when the times are most difficult," Mattis said in a brief memo to the Pentagon, an apparent reference to the turmoil in Washington. "So keep the faith in our country and hold fast, alongside our allies, aligned against our foes." Mattis, a scholar who frequently backs his views with historical anecdotes, also quoted a telegram President Abraham Lincoln sent to General Ulysses Grant in February 1865, near the end of the American Civil War. "Let nothing which is transpiring, change, hinder, or delay your military movements, or plans," Mattis quoted Lincoln as saying. He added that he was confident military members are "undistracted from our sworn mission to support and defend the Constitution while protecting our way of life." Mattis had initially been due to leave the Pentagon at the end of February, but Trump brought the date forward by two months. Trump was reportedly angry over news coverage of Mattis's stinging resignation letter that laid bare his fundamental disagreements with the president. In that letter, the 68-year-old Pentagon chief said his political outlook, which cherishes traditional alliances, could no longer be reconciled with that of the president, who has poured scorn on longstanding partnerships and repeatedly sought closer ties with Russia. As of January 1, Patrick Shanahan will become acting defense secretary, moving up from his current position of deputy. On Syria, Trump on Monday appeared to soften his stance, saying troops would only be sent home "slowly" while still fighting the Islamic State group.

Keep the faith in our country and hold fast: Jim Mattis bids farewell to Pentagon