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WASHINGTON (AP) — Leaders of both parties in the House say President Barack Obama will have his work cut out for him, as he looks for congressional authority to use U.S. military force against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. The White House says the request will come in the days ahead. Republicans generally want a broader authorization than Democrats do, for military action against the militants who've overrun large areas of Iraq and Syria. Obama has said he doesn't want U.S. "boots on the ground" in combat roles, while many Republicans believe that option ought to be available.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The beheading of two Japanese hostages by the group Islamic State won't shake Japan's resolve against terrorism. That was the message delivered at the United Nations. Japan's Foreign Ministry press secretary (Yasuhisa Kawamura) called the killings "outrageous and inhumane." He said Japan will continue to supply non-military assistance for the fight against the extremists.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pope Francis has agreed to address a joint meeting of Congress this fall -- making him the first pope to do so. Francis is an outspoken pontiff whose views on immigration and global warming clash with those of many Republicans who now run the House and Senate. And he has shown a willingness to publicly call on political leaders to follow some of his values.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Three prominent House Democrats say they won't attend a speech to Congress next month by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reps. John Lewis of Georgia, G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina and Earl Blumenauer of Oregon disapprove of House Speaker John Boehner's decision to invite the Israeli leader without consulting President Barack Obama. Netanyahu is expected to talk about Iran.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The man credited with being Whitney Houston's mentor says he's been in touch with Houston's family and is praying for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Clive Davis says Brown's family is grateful for support. Brown was found last weekend in suburban Atlanta where she was unresponsive in a bathtub. A family statement issued this week says she is fighting for her life.
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