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BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi helicopter gunships have been attacking insurgent positions today in Tikrit (tih-KREET'), the hometown of Saddam Hussein. It's part of a government offensive to retake the city from Sunni militants. Security officials say the Iraqi army is coordinating the effort with the United States. The insurgents appear to have turned back the military's initial push for the city, and they remain in control, but residents say clashes continue in a northern neighborhood.
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than half-way through the primaries, the anti-Congress sentiment isn't being reflected at the polls. Even though two-thirds of Americans tell pollsters they want their own House member kicked out, only two incumbents have been defeated in House or Senate primaries so far, while 291 incumbents won their races. Most House candidates -- about 60 percent so far -- weren't challenged in the primaries. More incumbents will be vulnerable in the general election in November, but for the vast majority, their House and Senate seats appear to be secure.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The murder trial of Oscar Pistorius resumes tomorrow in South Africa. There was a one-month pause as mental health experts evaluated the double-amputee track star to determine if he has an anxiety disorder that might have influenced his actions on the night he shot and killed his girlfriend. The judge is expected to receive the conclusions of those experts.
NEW YORK (AP) — Gay Pride parades are taking place in cities around the world today. In the U.S., celebrations are planned from coast to coast: in New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, as well as many smaller cities. New York marchers will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots, which are credited with launching the modern gay rights movement in 1969. The U.S. festivities come as more and more states legalize same-sex marriage.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Some scientists suggest it could be another sign of climate change. A new study finds salamanders in the Appalachian Mountains are getting smaller. And the researchers at Clemson and three other universities think it's because in a drier, warmer climate, the little cold-blooded creatures use more energy to stay alive. Salamanders are a key food source for animals in the cool dark forests where they live — from birds and snakes to mammals.
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