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BAGHDAD (AP) — There's word that Islamic State militants have seized another part of the Iraqi city of Ramadi following a series of deadly suicide car bombings aimed at Iraqi security forces. A police officer says militants took over the city's southern Malaab district after government forces retreated, leaving behind about 30 army vehicles and weapons that included artillery and assault rifles. The same officer says some two dozen policemen are missing after fierce clashes with the militants, who have taken over key areas of Ramadi.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — At least three people have been killed in a suicide car bombing in the Afghan capital, including a British contractor. The blast targeted a convoy from the European Union police training mission near the Kabul airport. The Taliban claimed responsibility.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has canonized two nuns from what was 19th-century Palestine, in hope of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who are facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (mahk-MOOD' ah-BAHS') attended the ceremony along with an estimated 2,000 pilgrims from the region. The nuns are the first people from the Holy Land to be named saints since the early years of Christianity.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A powerful storm system is stretching from Texas to Minnesota, bringing heavy rains and the possibility of flash flooding and more severe weather. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center says flash floods could happen in parts of the country that have already seen damaging tornadoes and strong winds this weekend. Scattered severe storms are expected to develop in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — State lawmakers across the country are increasingly saying "no" to cities and counties seeking to impose local restrictions on businesses. In the past five years, roughly a dozen states have enacted laws barring local governments from requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave to employees. The number of states banning local minimum wages has grown to 15. Some states have outlawed local bans on plastic bags, restaurant meal toys and sugary drinks.
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