WASHINGTON (AP) — It was just this past year that Social Security recipients saw their biggest increase in payments since 1982 -- a jump of 5.8 percent. It reflected a rise in consumer prices caused by higher energy costs. But now, consumer prices have dipped -- so the government confirmed this morning that there won't be an increase in those checks next year. That is, unless Congress goes along with a $250 payment suggested by President Barack Obama.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Businesses that received federal contracts under the economic stimulus are reporting more than 30,000 jobs saved or created in the first months of the program. The numbers released by a government watchdog only reflect jobs linked to federal contracts, like construction at military bases or within national parks. That's a tiny fraction of the $787 billion stimulus.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will be hearing directly today from residents of New Orleans who've been struggling to rebuild the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It's Obama's first presidential trip to the area devastated by the 2005 storm, which caused $40 billion in damage.

BEIJING (AP) — There's a strong signal from China today that it's not going to go along with Western appeals for additional sanctions against Iran. China's premier says his country intends to strengthen its cooperation with Iran. Earlier this week, Russia refused to support a warning to Iran that it could face tougher sanctions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court officials say Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who had cancer surgery earlier this year, was briefly hospitalized overnight after having a bad reaction to some medicine. A statement from the court says Ginsburg was taken to the Washington Hospital Center last night and released this morning.