News from NPR

Chicago has seen spikes in shootings as gangs have splintered and rival factions battle. But authorities say they've also seen a recent trend of gangs aligning to form new drug-dealing factions.

Al-Qaida said in February that it has no links with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. But since then, ISIS has only gained ground — and members. It's now making inroads across Iraq.

DNA evidence prompted the 2012 release of Andre Davis, who served 32 years on charges that he raped and killed a 3-year-old girl. Two years later, he's facing new murder charges.

Jubilant soldiers emerged from key government buildings after retaking them from pro-Russian forces, who seized control of the city last month.

Debate is raging online about whether profane chants directed at President Dilma Rousseff during Brazil's World Cup match against Croatia were sexist.

The president said any action in Iraq will be "targeted and precise" but must be accompanied by political action by Iraqis. The comments come as extremists seized control of parts of Iraq.

The next time this phenomenon will happen is Aug. 13, 2049.

The Army sergeant spent five years as a captive of the Taliban. He arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio early Friday morning after spending nearly two weeks recuperating in Germany.

The militant group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria already controls the cities of Mosul and Tikrit, and has now taken towns in Diyalah province.

With Rep. Pete Sessions stepping aside, it appears to clear the way for Rep. Kevin McCarthy to succeed outgoing Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who was defeated in a primary race on Tuesday.