Trump spokeswoman blames Obama...Pro-Clinton ad features Republicans...Phelps gets the flag

WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokeswoman for Donald Trump is blaming Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for the 2004 killing of U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan in Iraq — even though the death occurred more than four years before Obama became president. Trump has been in a public fight with Khan's parents after Khan's father criticized the Republican nominee at last week's Democratic convention. In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer Tuesday evening, Katrina Pierson said, "It was under Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton that changed the rules of engagements that probably cost his life." Obama was a state senator in Illinois in 2004. Clinton was a senator representing New York.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new ad supporting Hillary Clinton uses the words of Republican leaders to make the case that GOP nominee Donald Trump is unfit to lead the United States. The 30-second spot shows clips of 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, former CIA Director Michael Hayden and other Republicans questioning Trump's temperament and foreign policy experience. Hayden is heard saying that Trump's comments "create a clear and present danger." The ad is running in nine battleground states.

ROME (AP) — Italy's defense minister says her government is ready to "positively evaluate" any request for use of its air bases or airspace as part of the U.S. campaign of airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Libya -- if that would help end the campaign more quickly. Italy had previously said its base in Sicily could be used for U.S. armed drones if they are needed to defend U.S. forces.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are slightly lower on Wall Street following sideways moves in Europe and Asia. A monthly survey of private hiring showed U.S. companies added 179,000 jobs in July, suggesting hiring remains healthy.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The most decorated athlete in Olympic history will carry the United States flag during the opening ceremony for the Rio Games. Michael Phelps was selected in a vote by members of the U.S. Olympic team. The decision was announced this morning. Phelps was a logical choice heading into his fifth Summer Games. He has won 18 golds and 22 medals overall, far more than any other athlete.

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