WASHINGTON (AP) — There are more signs the economy continues to improve despite sluggish job numbers. The government reported better-than-expected news on manufacturing, construction and contracts to buy homes. The overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, expanded at a 3.5 percent rate in the July-September quarter.

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Ford says it earned nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and will be solidly profitable by 2011. The automaker is emerging from a three-year makeover with popular cars and trucks. Analysts also cite cost cutting and the Cash for Clunkers program.

CHICAGO (AP) — Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis say nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood. The current recession could push those numbers even higher.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An Army Special Forces soldier has been arrested after a pair of hunters found about 100 pounds of explosives outside his home near Fort Campbell. Investigators in Tennessee say the explosives included C-4, a plastic explosive used by the military.

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama has launched a mentoring program to give local high school girls access to women at the White House. Eighteen White House staffers will work with 13 girls from public and private schools in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.