By Nataliya Vasilyeva The Associated Press MOSCOW Russia said Friday it will allow the United States to ship weapons across its territory to Afghanistan, a long-sought move that bolsters U.S. military operations but potentially gives the Kremlin leverage over critical American supplies.

The Coast Guard's 5th District welcomed a new commander Monday and said farewell to Rear Adm. Fred M. Rosa Jr., who is retiring after 34 years of service.

HAMPTON

The Air Force will spray several areas next week for mosquitoes, a news release says.

Spraying will happen from 6 to 9 p.m. July 7 to 9, the release says.

By Jason Straziuso NAWA, Afghanistan  As thousands of U.S. Marines poured from helicopters and armored vehicles into Taliban-controlled villages in southern Afghanistan this morning, the U.S. military reported that insurgents have captured an American soldier in the eastern part of the country.

A just-amended lawsuit alleges six additional instances of unprovoked attacks on Iraqi civilians by Blackwater contractors. Three people, including a 9-year-old boy, are said to have died. Also added to the suit is a racketeering count accusing Blackwater founder Erik Prince of running an ongoing criminal enterprise involved in, among other things, kidnapping and child prostitution.

By Jaedda Armstrong

CHESAPEAKE

Gladys Schuster Carter may be remembered for her military career – she was one of the first black women to serve overseas in the Army during World War II. But to her close friends and family, friendliness was her most important trait.

WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday he wants to make the law prohibiting gays from serving openly in the armed forces “more humane” until Congress eventually repeals it. He said he has lawyers studying ways the law might be selectively enforced. “One of the things we’re looking at is, is there flexibility in how we apply this law?” Gates said.

Military veterans who are looking for work can get career counseling and possibly a lead on employment Thursday at a job fair organized by U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, D-Norfolk. The event - from noon to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 4809, 5728 Bartee St. - is expected to draw 24 employers, including the cities of Virginia Beach and Hampton, Farm Fresh stores, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and BAE Systems.

By Jaedda Armstrong The cutter Legare is set to leave Wednesday for Africa, the Coast Guard announced. Unit size: About 100 Coast Guardsmen Leader: Cmdr. Dennis Bauby Location of deployment: Central and western Africa Deploying: Wednesday, July 1 Returning: Expected three-month deployment

Crew size About 30 soldiers Leader Chief Warrant Officer David Sherrod Location of deployment Kuwait Deployed 12 months Returned Sunday Highlights The Army's 97th Transportation Company (heavy boat), based at Fort Eustis, hauled about 10,000 short tons of supplies throughout the Persian Gulf, to countries such as Qatar, Iraq and Bahrain. It was stationed at Kuwait Naval Base.