Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. and allied countries are trying to cut off the Islamic State group's funding with airstrikes in Syria overnight that targeted oil installations held by the militant group. Islamic State is believed to control 11 oil fields in Iraq and Syria, and earn more than $3 million a day from oil smuggling, theft and extortion. Activists say the latest airstrikes have killed nearly 20 people, including at least 14 militants.
UNDATED (AP) — U.S. officials are telling Americans in Turkey to be vigilant against possible terror attacks in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic State group. Meanwhile, Turkey says it's joining NATO allies and fellow Sunni Muslim nations in the coalition to destroy Islamic State militants. The U.S. says it's still waiting to hear what exactly Turkey will contribute. Turkey has long resisted being used as a launching pad for foreign troops to attack neighboring nations.
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — One-third of Sierra Leone's population is now isolated because of the Ebola outbreak. The country is restricting travel to three more "hotspots," meaning only people delivering essential services can enter the areas where a total of about 1.5 million people live. Ebola has sickened more than 6,200 people in West Africa, and the World Health Organization says more than 2,900 people have now died.
NEW YORK (AP) — Three New York City firefighters who became ill after the 9/11 terror attacks have died on the same day, from 9/11-related illnesses. The fire commission says the deaths of Lt. Howard Bischoff and firefighters Robert Leaver and Daniel Heglund on Monday are "a painful reminder that 13 years later we continue to pay a terrible price for the department's heroic efforts." The Uniformed Fire Officers Association says 99 percent of firefighters exposed to the 9/11 rubble have reported at least one new respiratory illness.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Zack Brown of Columbus Ohio says he was just joking when he went on a crowdfunding website and said he was raising $10 to fund his first attempt at making potato salad. Brown ended up raising $55,000, so he's having a party. The huge gathering called Potato-Stock 2014 is this Saturday in downtown Columbus. There'll be bands, food trucks, beer, potato-sack races, and of course, potato salad. The Idaho Potato Commission and corporate sponsors have donated supplies and volunteers to whip up 300 pounds of potato salad.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
