
The Tuesday news briefing: An at-a-glance survey of some top stories
Highlights from the news file for Tuesday, July 26
ISIL CLAIMS ATTACK THAT KILLED FRENCH PRIEST: The Islamic State group crossed a new threshold Tuesday in its war against the West, as two of its followers targeted a church in Normandy, slitting the throat of an elderly priest celebrating Mass and using hostages as human shields before being shot by police. It was the extremist group’s first attack against a church in the West, and fulfills longstanding threats against “crusaders” in what the militants paint as a centuries-old battle for power. One of the attackers had tried twice to leave for Syria.
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CLINTON STEPPING INTO HISTORY: Taking her place in history, Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night was set to become the first woman to lead a major party toward the White House, a triumphant moment for Democrats to relish before plunging into a bruising general election against Republican Donald Trump. Clinton’s campaign hopes a night of achievement, personal stories and praise can chip away at the deep distrust many voters, including some Democrats, have of the former secretary of state, senator and first lady.