Ukraine divide grows...UN: violence in Feb. killed 703 Iraqis

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SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (AP) — The latest escalation in the Ukraine crisis comes from the pro-Russian leader of the semi-autonomous Crimea region, who has claimed control of the military and police there and asked Russia's President Vladimir Putin for help. The crisis continues following the ouster of Ukraine's pro-Russian president last week by a protest movement aimed at closer ties to the European Union.

BAGHDAD (AP) — The United Nations says another 700-plus Iraqis died in violence in February. The 703 deaths are slightly fewer than the 733 in January. Neither figure includes the number of militants killed or those killed in the embattled western province of Anbar. The figures show that 564 civilians and 139 members of the security forces were killed last month.

AZUSA, Calif. (AP) — It's still pouring rain in Southern California and officials say that so far there's no serious damage, though the threat of floods or mudslides remains serious. Despite all the rain, it's not enough to break the drought. Forecasters say such systems would have to become common to make serious inroads against the drought.

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — A prayer vigil is planned today at Minnesota's Carleton College after some students were involved in a fatal accident. Officials say an SUV skidded into the path of a semi-trailer on an icy highway, killing three students. The students were also members of one of the nation's top Ultimate Frisbee teams. Two others in the SUV are hospitalized. The driver of the truck was not injured.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the challenge is creating jobs and he wants Congress' help. He's using his weekly media message to say Congress can help boost high-tech manufacturing and rebuilding infrastructure. For the Republicans, Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri is asking the president to explain government reports that up to 11 million workers will pay higher insurance premiums because of the new health care law.