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MOSCOW (AP) — Even as they make another advance on the ground in Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels are backing off of their demand for full independence. As talks began today in Belarus, the rebels said they would settle for autonomy. It's a significant change in their vision for the future of eastern Ukraine. The talks began as rebels pushed government forces out of an airport in the second-biggest city held by rebels.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has sent official notification to Congress of his order for last week's airstrikes and humanitarian aid drops to help Iraqis threatened by Islamic State militants. The White House today released a letter formally letting congressional leaders know that Obama approved the mission that repelled Sunni fighters in the northern Shiite town of Amirli and dropped food, water and medical supplies for civilians. Those notifications are required by law and are considered a formality.
NEW YORK (AP) — Colorful floats and elaborate costumes have been filling some New York City streets for the West Indian Day Parade, an annual Caribbean celebration. The parade is one of the city's largest, and it's been scarred by violence in recent years. Police say they've arrested a "career criminal" who had recently been paroled, and who they say opened fire on a crowd of people who had started parade festivities early today in Brooklyn. One man was killed.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A publicist for Jennifer Lawrence says the actress has contacted authorities after nude photos of her were apparently stolen and posted online. Intimate images of the Oscar winning actress began appearing online yesterday and nude images purported to be of other female celebrities were also being circulated online. The source of the leak isn't known. Lawrence's publicist calls the posts "a flagrant violation of privacy."
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The intergalactic misfits of "Guardians of the Galaxy" are the summer's box-office superheroes. According to studio estimates, the Marvel space adventure topped the Labor Day box office with a three-day take of $22 million — its third time in first place since its release five weeks ago. With North American ticket sales of more than $280 million so far, "Guardians" is also the summer's — and the year's — top-grossing film to date.
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