US asks Saudis to respect human rights...Protesters damage Saudi embassy in Iran...Obama acts on MO floods

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The United States is calling on Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights following the execution of 47 people, including a prominent opposition Shiite (SHEE'-eyet) cleric. State Department spokesman John Kirby says the U.S. is particularly concerned that the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr risks making sectarian tensions in the region worse.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — There are reports that protesters have entered the Saudi embassy in Tehran, setting fires and throwing papers from the roof. Iran's semiofficial ISNA news agency reports they're upset over the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia. The cleric was a staunch critic of the Al Saud ruling family, and was convicted for his role in protests that turned violent.

UNDATED (AP) — President Barack Obama is declaring that an emergency exists in Missouri because of flooding. Obama signed the declaration today. It allows federal aid to be used to help state and local response efforts. It also authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon had asked for the declaration.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans will finally put legislation on President Barack Obama's desk repealing his signature health care law. It's the first order of business when the House reconvenes this coming week. Obama will veto the legislation, which also would cut money for Planned Parenthood. Republicans say that'll highlight the clear choice voters face in the presidential election.

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says there's "no place" in the country's constitutional traditions for the idea that the state must be neutral between religion and its absence. Scalia says there is "nothing wrong" with the idea of presidents and others invoking God in speeches. He says God has been good to America because Americans have honored him.

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