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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is expressing outrage at the violence aimed at religious minorities in Iraq. In a strongly worded message during his traditional Sunday blessing, Francis cited "the thousands of people, including Christians, who have been brutally forced from their homes, children who have died from thirst during the escape and women who have been seized." The pope is urging the international community to find a political solution, in his words, "to stop these crimes."
BAGHDAD (AP) — The U.S. military says a third round of airstrikes carried out by fighter jets and drones have taken out Islamic State armored carriers and trucks being used in an attack on civilians in northern Iraq. U.S. Central Command says the militants were firing indiscriminately on members of the Yazidi minority taking shelter in the mountains outside the town of Sinjar. U.S. and Iraqi aircraft also have dropped aid for the thousands trapped on a mountaintop.
DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — Conditions are deteriorating in the largest rebel stronghold in eastern Ukraine. Fighting has been raging in Donetsk today despite a request from the pro-Russian rebels for a cease-fire. The Ukrainian government in Kiev and the West have reacted warily to proposal, expressing concern that the move could be aimed at increasing international pressure on Ukraine to allow in a Russian aid mission. The West says that could be used as a pretext to bring Russian soldiers into Ukraine.
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii state Sen. David Ige (EE-gay) has won the state's Democratic primary for governor, upsetting incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Ige has promised to bring a different leadership style to Hawaii, saying he wants the state to live within its current revenues rather than raise taxes. In his concession speech, Abercrombie said he will campaign vigorously for Ige in the November election.
HONOLULU (AP) — The National Weather Service has downgraded Hurricane Julio to Category 1 storm with winds weakening to about 90 mph. Julio is expected come closest to Hawaii early today and linger near the state into tomorrow. Thousands of people in a rural stretch of the Big Island have been without power and unable to traverse roads blocked by toppled trees after Tropical Storm Iselle (ee-SEHL') hit Friday.
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