Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — President Barack Obama is promising a sustained national effort to rebuild flood-ravaged southern Louisiana "even after the TV cameras leave." Obama made the statement during his first visit to the state since a record two-day rain event killed at least 13 people and displaced thousands. Some have said the president took too long to make it to Louisiana. But the White House says it's willing to assume criticism about "optics" as long as the federal response is up to par.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An American soldier has been killed and another has been injured during an operation in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. The deadly roadside bombing happened in the provincial capital a day after officials said 100 U.S. troops had been sent to the city over fears it could fall to the Taliban. Six Afghan soldiers were also wounded.
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi forces say troops are fighting militants at an oil refinery in an Islamic State-held town south of Mosul (MOH'-sul). The effort to take control of the refinery and town is part of a series of operations ahead of an eventual push to retake the country's second largest city, which fell to IS two years ago. About 40 miles of territory dotted with militant-held villages lies between the town and Mosul.
RIGA, Latvia (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is telling Baltic leaders to disregard Donald Trump's threats not to defend NATO allies. During a visit with the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, Biden said the U.S. honors its Article 5 commitment to defend NATO allies. Referring to Trump, Biden says, "I don't think he understands what Article 5 is."
HONOLULU (AP) — Federal regulators are proposing a widespread ban on swimming with Hawaii's spinner dolphins to allow the nocturnal creatures to rest during the day. The rule by the National Marine Fisheries Service would likely shut down or greatly disrupt Hawaii's dolphin tour industry as it currently operates. The agency plans public meetings on the proposal with a final decision next year.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
