Mattis Says Further taliban Assaults Likely In Weeks Ahead

By ROBERT BURNS ,  AP National Security Writer BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Western-backed Afghan defenses will not break under the weight of Taliban violence in advance of scheduled parliamentary elections in October, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said. In his most detailed comments on the Taliban’s assault on the eastern city of Ghazni since it began…

Aretha Franklin’s Music Rising on Charts Following Her Death

NEW YORK (AP) — Aretha Franklin’s music quickly climbed the iTunes’ charts following her death on Thursday. Her “30 Greatest Hits” album hit the No. 1 spot, replacing Nicki Minaj’s new album, while “Respect” topped the songs’ charts. More songs from Franklin, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” ”Think,” ”Chain of Fools”…