Iraqi leader promises tougher security...Putin wants US ties to get back on track...1 dead in NYC road rage incident

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BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (HY'-dahr ahl ah-BAH'-dee) says there'll be new security measures following yesterday's truck bombing on a busy Baghdad street that killed at least 149 people and wounded more than 190 others. Officials warn that the death toll is likely to increase, as they continue searching for those still missing. The Islamic State group says it carried out the attack.

BEIRUT (AP) — The top U.N. official in Syria is demanding immediate and unconditional humanitarian access to tens of thousands of people trapped in four Syrian towns. Two towns are encircled by pro-government forces and access to two others is being blocked by rebels. The aid group Doctors Without Borders says even after aid was allowed in, 16 people died from siege conditions in Madaya in January.

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's hoping that ties between Russia and the U.S. can get back on track. In a July 4 message, Putin says that at one time, the U.S. and Russia were able to solve "the most difficult international problems to the benefit of both our nations and all humankind." Relations hit a low post-Cold War in 2014 when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

NEW YORK (AP) — It'll be franks and fireworks today, as Americans celebrate July 4. In Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence will be read this morning at an event honoring everyday heroes. There'll be a fireworks show tonight in Boston, where the Boston Pops give an annual Independence Day concert. At the White House, President Barack Obama celebrates his last July 4 as commander-in-chief with a barbecue attended by military families. And later, they'll watch the fireworks show on the National Mall.

NEW YORK (AP) — Police in New York City say a motorist was shot dead in a road rage incident with an off-duty police officer early this morning in Brooklyn. Police say the drivers got into a traffic dispute and stopped at a red light. They say the other driver got out of his vehicle and punched the officer repeatedly through an open window, and the officer pulled out his gun and shot the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooting is being investigated.