Focusing on Florida...Financial news...Good news in Iraq

UNDATED (AP) Both Barack Obama and John McCain will be in Florida. McCain is focusing on national security issues, and his plans include a meeting with some of his advisers. Obama is airing his 30 minute primetime campaign spot tonight, before rallying with Bill CLinton.

Washington (AP) In the midst of the worst financial crisis in 70 years, the Federal Reserve is expected to announce another cut in interest rates. Policymakers are expected to slash a key rate by half-a-point, down to 1 percent. It'd be the second rate cut this month.

HONG KONG (AP) European stocks have opened with mixed trading, with London and Paris up. Germany has declined a bit after yesterday's big surge. In Asia, the Nikkei finished higher, but big gains in other markets were trimmed or even erased as the day went on.

KUT, Iraq (AP) The U.S. military has handed over security responsibilities for the southern province of Wasit to Iraqi authorities. The province borders Iran and was a stronghold of militant Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia before a crack down this year.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) The sister of actress and singer Jennifer Hudson is using her MySpace page to thank everyone for the support and prayers she's gotten. Police in Chicago think Julia Hudson's estranged husband is behind the deaths of her mother, brother, and her 7-year-old son.



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-29-08 0440CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list