Top Stories: Another Death In Afghanistan; Intense Fighting In Syria

Good morning.

Our early headlines:

-- In Afghanistan, A Struggle To Stem Deaths From 'Insider Attacks.'

-- Missouri GOP Senate Candidate's Remarks On Rape Stir Controversy.

-- 'I Function Off Fear,' Said Director Tony Scott, Who Died Sunday.

-- Congressman Who Took Nude Dip In Sea Of Galilee Apologizes.

-- Wife Of Ex-Chinese Official Given Suspended Death Sentence.

Other stories in the news:

-- "Intense Fighting Rages In Aleppo." ( The Associated Press)

-- "Pew! Pew! Pew! NASA's Curiosity Rover Zaps Mars Rock With Laser." ( Space.com)

-- "Pakistan President Orders Probe Into Christian Girl's Blasphemy Case." ( Los Angeles Times)

-- "Myanmar Government Abolishes Direct Media Censorship." ( Reuters)

-- Diana Dyad "Feeling Strong" During Latest Attempt To Make Cuba-To-Keys Swim. ( CNN.com)

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