Iraqi troops retake oil refinery
BAGHDAD — Iraqi state television on Tuesday displayed images of triumphant soldiers inside the Beiji refinery, the first confirmation of many previous reports that government forces had broken a siege by the extremists who call themselves the Islamic State. Regaining control of the refinery is the government’s most significant victory since June in its fight to roll back the extremists, who retain control of much of the northwest of the country. The refinery at Beiji is Iraq’s largest, and government forces have struggled for at least six months to break the siege.
Student’s death ruled a homicide
A University of Virginia student whose disappearance sparked a monthlong search died from “homicidal violence” but the exact cause is unknown, authorities said Tuesday. The Albemarle County Police Department outlined the findings from the Virginia medical examiner’s office in the death of 18-year-old Hannah Graham but said a final autopsy report has not been issued. In an emailed statement, county police and prosecutors said they would not be answering any further questions or providing additional information so they can “protect the integrity of the case.”
Marley gets his own brand of pot
A U.S. private equity firm announced Tuesday it has joined the family of late reggae star Bob Marley in hopes of building what it touts as the “world’s first global cannabis brand.” Seattle-based Privateer Holdings announced Tuesday it has reached a licensing deal with Marley’s heirs to offer marijuana strains, including ones famed in Jamaica, where regulations permit by late 2015. It also plans to sell weed-infused lotions, creams and various accessories.
