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WASHINGTON (AP) — The unemployment rate has dropped to a seven-year low, but jobs gains in August were the weakest in five months. The Labor Department says employers added a modest 173,000 jobs last months, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.1 percent. The report complicates the Federal Reserve's decision whether to raise rates when policymaker meet in two weeks. Steady hiring could encourage the Fed to raise rates, but turbulence in the stock market, a persistently low inflation rate and a sharp slowdown in China could weigh on officials.
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — A gay couple has walked out of the Rowan (ROW'-uhn) County clerk's office in Kentucky with a marriage license. William Smith Jr. and James Yates, a couple for nearly a decade, were the first to receive a license this morning in Rowan County, after repeatedly being turned down by County Clerk Kim Davis. Davis has been in jail since yesterday for defying court orders and refusing to license same-sex marriages.
BICSKE, Hungary (AP) — Britain and Ireland are making new commitments today to take in more refugees, as Europe continues to deal with a surge of people trying to reach its shores. Greece's coast guard says it has rescued more than 500 people from the sea near the eastern Aegean islands in the past 24 hours. European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans calls it "a moment of truth in European history," saying the EU needs to find a balance between protecting those needing shelter and keeping those out who only seek economic fortune.
ATLANTA (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden says unless he's able to devote his whole heart and soul to a presidential run, he won't do it. Speaking at an Atlanta synagogue last night, Biden said he remains unsure about a White House bid, and his decision will depend on whether he and his family have the "emotional energy to run." Biden's 46-year-old son Beau died of brain cancer in May.
HOUSTON (AP) — Thousands of people, including police from around the nation, are expected to gather at a Houston church today for the funeral of slain Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth. He was gunned down a week ago at a suburban Houston convenience store while fueling his patrol car. Shannon Miles, who has a history of mental illness and arrests, is charged in the death of the veteran officer. The motive remains unknown.
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