Interest rate plans...Army barracks inspections...Naked prom invite

TOKYO (AP) Japan's central bank has decided to keep interest rates the same amid worries of a global slowdown. In the U.S., the Fed is poised to drop interest rates a quarter point Wednesday.

MEXICO CITY (AP) Defense Secretary Robert Gates says sending a second aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf is a "reminder" to Iran, but not a show of force. The Pentagon chief insists that U.S.

criticism of Iran's support of terror groups isn't a prelude to military action.

PENTAGON (AP) Army officials say they're inspecting every U.S.

barracks building worldwide to find out if poor conditions found at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, are a widespread problem. Video shot by a soldier's father shows mold inside a barracks and a bathroom drain plugged with sewage.

LOS ANGELES (AP) A former employee at the UCLA Medical Center has been indicted for allegedly selling the medical records of dozens of high-profile patients to a media outlet. The indictment doesn't list the celebrities. But it comes after revelations that the records of actress Farrah Fawcett, singer Britney Spears and California first lady Maria Shriver were breached.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) A prom invitation written on the bare bottoms of a Michigan high school lacrosse team has led to suspensions for some of the players. The school's athletic director says the stunt disrespected women. The girl accepted the invite.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-30-08 0150CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list