Stocks again finish higher...Economy shows momentum...Clerk stands firm

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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks have finished sharply higher for a second day, after China's main stock index posted its biggest gain in eight weeks. Investors are also reacting to a report showing that the U.S. economy expanded at a much faster pace than had been estimated in the second quarter. The Dow finished the day with a gain of 369 points. That brings its two-day advance to almost 1,000 points.

WASHINGTON (AP) — One analyst says the economy "regained a massive amount of momentum" in the second quarter of the year. Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics says the evidence suggests that the momentum is continuing in the third quarter. The government now says economic growth in the second quarter of the year was at an annual rate of 3.7 percent. That's more than a percentage point higher than the initial estimate.

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — A ruling from a federal appeals court hasn't brought any change at the Rowan County Clerk's office in Kentucky. Clerk Kim Davis is still refusing to grant a marriage license to a same-sex couple, even after yesterday's decision from the court. Some gay couples say they'll no longer rush to Davis' office after a favorable court ruling -- but will instead wait and see how she responds.

ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) — A storm that could reach Florida as a hurricane on Monday has been pounding the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, where streets have turned into fast-flowing rivers. At least four people are dead in landslides. A hurricane center forecaster says the storm could dissipate if it passes over the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico -- or it could gather and pose a threat to Florida.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A white supremacist who's charged with killing three people at Jewish sites in the Kansas City area is accusing a judge of denying him a fair trial, for not letting him present evidence explaining his mindset at the time. Frasier Miller is defending himself at his capital murder trial, and could face the death penalty. He has admitted several times during the trial that he killed three people and shot at three others. Prosecutors rested their case today, and a judge told Miller he'll be expected to present his defense tomorrow.