Stocks open higher...Jobless claims down...McCain gets NRA nod



NEW YORK (AP) Stocks have opened higher, with the Dow up more than 100 points in the first few minutes. Investors are holding out hope that the government might take ownership stakes in banks to help stabilize the financial industry. Overseas markets have also stabilized. Many European markets have been higher while markets in Asia were mixed.

Washington (AP) The Labor Department reports that new jobless claims dropped last week from a seven-year-high but still remain at elevated levels. The housing slump and the credit crisis have hit the economy hard, causing consumers to cut spending and businesses to eliminate jobs.

WASHINGTON (AP) The National Rifle Association is backing John McCain. NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre says McCain has cast more than 60 votes in the Senate in support of the Second Amendment. Still, the NRA has differed with McCain on campaign finance restrictions and gun show rules.

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Two American journalists who went missing during a vacation in Lebanon eight days ago are under arrest in Syria after crossing the Lebanese-Syrian border. A Syrian official says the two will be handed over to the U.S. Embassy.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The lawyer for the mother of a missing Florida girl won't say whether he expects Casey Anthony to be indicted on homicide charges. But he tells NBC's "Today" show they've been preparing for the worst. Three-year-old Caylee Anthony was reported missing in July, but her mother tells police she hasn't seen the girl since June.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-09-08 0848CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list