AP - An oil platform exploded and caught fire Thursday off the Louisiana coast, spreading a mile-long oil sheen into the Gulf of Mexico. All 13 crew members were rescued.

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Oil platform explodes off La. coast; oil spreading
(AP)

AP - The co-worker of a woman found dead in her boyfriend’s car after a fatal California police chase said Thursday that she spoke with the victim during the pursuit.

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Co-worker: Suspect’s girlfriend alive during chase
(AP)

AP - An FBI agent says an Illinois defense attorney facing federal charges that he tried to smuggle a heroin-filled condom into an Indiana federal prison claims to have done it repeatedly, exploiting greater privacy privileges lawyers are afforded in the lockups.

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Attorney accused in prison drug-smuggling case
(AP)

AFP - Afghan financial authorities and the owners of Afghanistan’s biggest bank said Thursday that Kabul Bank was in no danger of collapsing, as people across the country rushed to withdraw their money.

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Afghan govt declares bank safe amid rush for withdrawals
(AFP)

AP - Several current and ex-gang members lashed out at Chicago’s police chief on Thursday, calling his so-called “gang summit” initiative to crack down on crime a wasted effort that will have little effect on the streets of the county’s third largest city.

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Chicago gangs to top cop: You’re not playing fair
(AP)

Traders were slow to react to the modestly positive news Thursday. Instead they are waiting for Friday’s crucial monthly report on employment.

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Wall Street Wanders as Traders Sort Through Data

AP - Frank McCourt says his estranged wife wanted no part in the risk associated with buying the Los Angeles Dodgers six years ago.

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McCourt: Wife didn’t want to be Dodgers owner
(AP)

AP - The last ferries pulled away from North Carolina’s vulnerable barrier islands Thursday as Hurricane Earl spun closer with winds near 125 mph, putting the East Coast all the way to Canada on alert for what could be a blustery next several days.

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Earl threatens East Coast with 125 mph winds
(AP)

AFP - Fresh clashes between police and demonstrators erupted in Mozambique on Thursday, the second day of violent protests over food and fuel prices that have left seven dead and hundreds injured.

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Clashes continue in Mozambique price protests
(AFP)

AP - An international animal rights activist group has claimed responsibility for releasing more than 50,000 minks from two fur farms in northern Greece.

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Animal rights group claims mass Greek mink release
(AP)