choice...Unemployment up

Washington (AP) More is being learned about Army scientist Bruce Ivins who committed suicide this week. Officials say prosecutors were preparing charges in the mailing of anthrax-laced letters in 2001 that killed five people. According to a federal document reviewed by The Associated Press, Ivins worked for more than a decade to develop an anthrax vaccine, but complained about the limitations of testing it on animals.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) John McCain is accusing Barack Obama of neglecting the needs of underprivileged students. McCain told an influential black organization today that Obama sent his own children to private schools while fighting efforts to give more choice to low- income families. McCain acknowledges that he and his wife also sent their kids to private schools.

WASHINGTON (AP) The nation's unemployment rate has reached a four-year high. The Labor Department says employers cut 51,000 jobs last month, putting the jobless rate at 5.7 percent. On a brighter note, the Institute for Supply Management says manufacturing held steady in July not growing, but not contracting either.

DETROIT (AP) Auto sales are down for just about everyone. GM, Ford, Toyota and other automakers all say their July figures dropped by double-digits. GM says its sales were down by 26 percent, with trucks and SUVs leading the decline. Ford says its sales were off 15 percent from a year ago, while Toyota says its numbers were down 12 percent.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Thousands of state workers in California have been told to stay home today. It's the result of an order by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger aimed at cutting expenses as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a budget. An employees' union has filed a lawsuit over the order, claiming Schwarzenegger is overstepping his authority.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-01-08 1453CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list