Economy limps...Sexual abuse allegations...Al-Qaida update

Washington (AP) The economy limped along in the first quarter, growing at just six-tenths of a percent for the three months.

Economists say consumers and business face a number of negatives, including high fuel and food prices and housing and credit problems.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Child welfare officials in Texas now say they are investigating the possible sexual abuse of some young boys taken from the ranch of a polygamist group. The agency, in a written update to state lawmakers, says the investigation is based on interviews and journal entries. The department also claims that some of the more than 460 children taken from the ranch have evidence of broken bones and possible physical abuse.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) State police in New Mexico have taken four children from an apocalyptic church compound. Child services investigators say the four were removed after the investigators heard allegations that the church's leader may have had inappropriate contact with the children. The church leader, who claims he is the Messiah, admits to having sex with some of his followers.

WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department says al-Qaida is back to some of its pre-September 11th levels in remote places in Pakistan.

The administrations latest terrorism assessment finds that terror attacks jumped in both Pakistan and Afghanistan between 2006 and 2007. They dipped slightly in Iraq.

LOS ANGELES (AP) A hip nightclub at Hollywood and Vine has been heavily damaged by fire. Nobody was hurt in the fire in the landmark Los Angeles neighborhood. The building houses a club where Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 21st birthday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-30-08 1251CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list