World
Somalia creates new state, Azania, could further fracture country
 
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Somali politicians on Sunday announced the creation of a new state in the battle-scarred nation, a move condemned by Somalia’s fragile government, which said it could further fracture the already chaotic country.
The creation of Azania was celebrated Sunday in a colorful ceremony in Kenya’s capital. Its creation brings the total number of new states to more than 10.
 
Abidjan holds its breath, awaits final battle between candidates
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — Residents barricaded themselves inside their homes Sunday, blanketing windows and pushing furniture against doors as this country on Africa’s western coast tensely awaited the final battle between the two men who claim the presidency.
Fighters backing the internationally recognized president, Alassane Ouattara, amassed at a tollbooth on the city’s northern edge, preparing for the final assault. Their leader was declared the winner of last November’s election, but Ouattara has not been able to assume office because outgoing president Laurent Gbagbo is refusing to yield power.
 
‘Sacred’ turtle captured in Vietnam lake, needs medical attention
urtle considered sacred by many Vietnamese was captured in central Hanoi on Sunday by rescuers who hope to give it medical attention.
Thousands of onlookers cheered at Hoan Kiem Lake as the mammoth creature was pulled in after escaping capture last month.
It took 50 workers two hours to net the turtle and lure into a cage which was then transported by boat to an island which is panded and equipped with a small pond.
 
Nation
Mechanics discover pre-existing damage on Southwest jet
YUMA, Ariz. (AP) — Southwest Airlines mechanics were working Sunday to cut out a section of ruptured fuselage from a Boeing 737-300 that was forced to make an emergency landing at a southwestern Arizona military base.
The tear along a riveted “lap joint” shows evidence of extensive cracking that hadn’t been discovered during routine maintenance before Friday’s harrowing flight — and probably wouldn’t have been unless mechanics had specifically looked for it, officials said.
 
Accuser in Duke lacrosse case stabbed boyfriend in chest
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say the woman who falsely claimed she was raped by Duke lacrosse players has been accused of stabbing her boyfriend in the chest at a North Carolina home.
Durham police say 32-year-old Crystal Mangum was arrested Sunday morning several hours after the stabbing that seriously injured her 46-year-old boyfriend.
Investigators said they were arguing but didn’t release other details.
Mangum is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and is being held without bond.