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extremists.
• "I'm afraid of wearing my uniform. Even with a weapon, I am helpless. There is nothing I can do," said the soldier in last Thursday's incident, who only identified himself by his first name, Israel, for fear of further retaliation from extremists. "This is the beginning of a phenomenon that we don't know how it will end."
• The issue of army service is at the core of a cultural war over the place of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli society. The ultra-Orthodox, who make up about 8 percent of Israel's 8 million citizens, have largely been allowed to skip compulsory military service to pursue their religious studies. Older men often avoid the workforce and collect welfare stipends while continuing to study full time.
• The system, which is the result of religious parties' historically disproportionate political power in parliament, has caused widespread resentment among Israel's secular majority. The issue figured prominently in January elections and propelled the secular Yesh Atid Party into the government.
• ___

• NEW YORK (AP) -- Mariano Rivera was all set up to save his final All-Star game -- or so it seemed.
• Jim Leyland just wasn't about to take that chance.
• Summoned in the eighth inning to make certain he would pitch, Rivera soaked up a 90-second standing ovation and got three straight outs while helping the American League to a 3-0 victory over the National League on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
• "I think the plan was perfect," said Rivera, who took home the MVP trophy.
• Rivera reported early for work and the New York Yankees' indomitable closer combined with nine other pitchers on a three-hitter as the AL snapped a three-game skid and regained home-field advantage in the World Series. Joe Nathan saved it in Rivera's place after the American League scratched out a pair of runs and got an RBI double from Jason Kipnis.
• ___

• IDYLLWILD, Calif. (AP) -- A wildfire in mountains west of Palm Springs burned seven homes and led to the evacuation of dozens more, officials said.
• The blaze destroyed three houses, damaged another and destroyed three mobile

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