STILFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) — The death toll in a monthslong standoff between police and miners trapped while working illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa has risen to at least 87, police said Thursday. Authorities faced growing anger and a possible investigation over their initial refusal to help the miners and instead “smoke them out” by cutting off their food supplies.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — One of NASA’s two stuck astronauts got a much welcomed change of scenery Thursday, stepping out on her first spacewalk since arriving at the International Space Station more than seven months ago.

Here's your preview of Thursday's paper

- Hospital sale approved by wide margin 

- CEDA stages monthly meeting

- Woman accused of assaulting deputy

- Clinton hoops shows life in loss to Woodward

Alicia Smith, 35, of Clinton, was arrested Dec. 13 on the charges of assault and battery upon a police officer and obstructing an officer.

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