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    Contemporary Christian singer Mandisa, who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” has died. She was 47. A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville on Thursday. The cause of her death was not yet known. Mandisa gained stardom after finishing ninth on “American Idol” in 2006. In 2014, she won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album for “Overcomer,” her fifth album. She spoke openly about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith.

      Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says he'll keep his promise to call a special legislative session this summer to push lawmakers to find a fix for soaring property taxes. Pillen said Thursday on the last day of this year's regular session that he “will call as many sessions as it takes." The bill introduced at his request would have raised the state’s sales tax to 6.5%. It also would have expanded the number of goods and services taxed to items like candy, soda and digital advertising. The bill was pulled for a lack of support before a final vote could be taken.

        A video of people pulling bear cubs from a tree in North Carolina has prompted an investigation, but a state official says no charges will be filed. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says staff responded to a report of people harassing bear cubs at an Asheville apartment complex on Tuesday. Staffers learned that the two cubs escaped after one bit a person. Officials say one cub was found later in a retention pond but the second wasn't found. In the video, people are not only seen pulling cubs from a tree, but one person poses for a photo while holding one of the wild animals, then drops the cub, who runs for a nearby fence.

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