AP Poll: Economy still troubles most Americans
WASHINGTON (AP) - One year after Wall Street teetered on the brink of collapse, seven out of 10 Americans lack confidence the federal government has taken safeguards to prevent another financial industry meltdown, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll. Even more - 80 percent - rate the condition of the economy as poor and a majority worry about their own ability to make ends meet. The pessimistic outlook sets the stage for President Barack Obama as he attempts to portray the financial sector as increasingly confident and stable and presses Congress to act on new banking regulations.
Senate health care plan to create winners, losers
WASHINGTON (AP) - Hospitals and drug makers like what they see in the early version of a health care plan that may evolve into the one that ends up on President Barack Obama's desk. But insurers and doctors say they aren't happy. Neither are advocates for low-income workers and some business groups representing employers.
Police: Found body is likely missing Yale student
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Police on Sunday said they found what they believe is the body of a Yale University graduate student and bride-to-be hidden inside the wall of a university building where she was last seen five days before. New Haven Assistant Police Chief Peter Reichard said officials are presuming the body was that of doctoral student Annie Le, who has been the focus of a massive police search since Tuesday.
Bin Laden reportedly calls Obama 'powerless'
CAIRO (AP) - Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden described President Barack Obama as "powerless" to stop the war in Afghanistan, and Americans' inability to grasp why the Sept. 11 attacks occurred has "cost you a lot without any result whatsoever." The remarks by the terrorist leader were released two days after the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that he ordered. Bin Laden typically addresses the American people in a message timed around the Sept. 11 anniversary.
AP IMPACT: Illiteracy undermines Afghan army
KABUL (AP) - Afghan army recruit Shahidullah Ahmadi can't read - and neither can nine out of 10 soldiers in the Afghan National Army. The lack of education points to a basic challenge for the United States, as it tries to expand the Afghan army in the hopes that U.S. and allied forces can one day withdraw. Just as in Iraq - and perhaps even more so - the U.S. is finding it no small task to recruit, train and equip a force that is large and competent enough to operate successfully on its own.
4 killed in missile attack in Pakistan
MIR ALI, Pakistan (AP) - A missile fired from a suspected unmanned U.S. plane slammed into a car in a Pakistani tribal region close to the Afghan border on Monday, killing four people, intelligence officials and residents said. The apparent American strike was the latest of more than 50 in the region since last year aimed at killing top al-Qaida and Taliban leaders. Last month, the head of the Pakistani Taliban was killed in one such strike.
Sebelius: Swine flu shots may start early October
WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's first round of swine flu shots could begin sooner than expected, with some vaccine available as early as the first week of October, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday. Sebelius said she is confident the vaccine will be available early enough to beat the peak of the expected flu season this fall and that early doses are intended for health care workers and other high-priority groups.
Awards given for leukemia treatment, DNA advances
NEW YORK (AP) - Five scientists have won prestigious research awards for developing a life-saving leukemia treatment and for advances in "reprogramming" DNA, which led to a new kind of stem cell. The $250,000 Lasker Awards will be presented Oct. 2 in New York by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. In addition, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg will receive a Lasker prize for public service.
Kanye West apologizes for Swift outburst at VMAs
NEW YORK (AP) - Kanye West apologized for yet another outburst at the MTV Video Music Awards, this time directed at country-pop sweetheart Taylor Swift. The disruption upstaged not just Swift's awards speech, but the entire evening, including an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson. In a rare conciliatory moment, West took to his blog to apologize. In a standard all-caps message, West said: "I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD'VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED!"
Rodgers brings Pack back for 21-15 win over Bears
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Aaron Rodgers brought the Packers back late in the fourth quarter, heaving a 50-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings with 1:11 remaining to give Green Bay a 21-15 victory over the Chicago Bears in the season opener Sunday night. Facing third-and-1 at the 50-yard line, Rodgers faked play action and heaved a rainbow of a throw deep to Jennings, who ran in for the go-ahead score. Rodgers found Jennings again for a 2-point conversion.
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