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DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — The sound of high-caliber weapons fire has been heard sporadically across the city of Donetsk (dah-NETSK') in eastern Ukraine today. Fighting between Ukrainian troops and separatist rebels intensified yesterday, after the rebels tried to seize control of the airport. The mayor of Donetsk says 40 people were killed, including two civilians, though rebel leaders say the death toll could be more than twice that.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's military chiefs and the president are apparently split over how to free nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists. The military says it has located the girls, but isn't offering a way to free them. Nigeria's defense chief says use of force could get the girls killed. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan is refusing to consider a release of detained extremists in exchange for the girls' freedom.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says states must look beyond an intelligence test score in borderline cases of mental disability to determine whether a death row inmate is eligible to be executed. The justices said in a 5-4 ruling today that Florida cannot rely solely on an IQ score above 70 to bar an inmate from claiming mental disability. IQ tests have a margin of error and the court says inmates whose scores fall within the margin must be allowed to present other evidence of mental disability.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers' confidence is slowly rising. The Conference Board says that its index has edged up to 83 this month. That's the second-highest reading since January 2008. Consumers showed more optimism about future hiring and income gains. The index still isn't back to healthy levels. It regularly topped 90 before the Great Recession.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A closed-door auction is underway to determine the future of Philadelphia's two largest newspapers. The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News are being sold for the fifth time since 2006. Businessmen George Norcross and Lewis Katz led the latest purchase two years ago. But they began feuding and are now competing to take control.
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