Big budget deficit...Obama blames Bush and Wall Street...McCain biopsy



WASHINGTON (AP) The next president will inherit an estimated record budget deficit of 482 billion dollars. The budget office blames it on the sagging economy and the economic stimulus payments. It predicts the economy will grow at a rate of 1.6 percent this year and 2.2 percent next year.

WASHINGTON (AP) Barack Obama blames the country's economic woes on what he calls "irresponsible decisions" by the Bush administration and Wall Street. He says "it was not an accident or a normal part of the business cycle." Obama met with more than a dozen economic advisers today in Washington.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) John McCain says he had a small patch of skin removed from his face. It's being biopsied as part of a regular checkup with his dermatologist. McCain, a three-time melanoma survivor, gets periodic in-depth skin cancer checks.

BOSTON (AP) Conservative political commentator Robert Novak says he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, less than a week after he struck a pedestrian in Washington, D.C., and drove away.

It's not known if the tumor is cancerous.

LONDON (AP) A spokesman for Amy Winehouse says the Grammy-winning singer has been rushed to a London hospital, but the reason isn't yet clear. Winehouse's musical success has been overshadowed by her tumultuous private life and public struggles with drugs and alcohol.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-28-08 1749CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list