Florida primary...Foreclosures rates soar...Mosul violence

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Voters have their say today in the hotly contested state of Florida. As the polls open in the Sunshine State, voters could have the chance to solidify one man as the GOP presidential front-runner. Polls show Mitt Romney and John McCain essentially tied for the top spot.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) House lawmakers are scheduled to vote today on a 150 billion dollar stimulus package for the economy. The plan may face a tougher fight in the Senate, where Democrats and some Republicans want to add spending in order to offer tax rebate checks to a larger group of Americans.

LOS ANGELES (AP) A new report says the number of homes in some phase of foreclosure skyrocketed 79 percent from 2006 to 2007.

Numbers from a real estate tracking company show Nevada, Florida, Michigan and California posted the country's highest rates last year. The company predicts foreclosure rates will remain steady during the first half of 2008.

BAGHDAD (AP) More violence has struck Mosul in northern Iraq.

A suicide car bomb targeting a U.S. patrol in the city has killed at least one Iraqi and hurt as many as 15 others. Today's attack comes after a roadside bomb killed five American soldiers yesterday.

ATLANTA (AP) The government estimates that cough and cold medicines send about 7,000 children to emergency rooms every year.

The study comes less than two weeks after the government warned parents that over-the-counter cough and cold medication is too dangerous for children younger than two.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-29-08 0548CST | save this article / add to your favorites list