(CNN) -- President Obama holds what could be a pivotal afternoon meeting at the White House, conferring with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as he considers a new strategy in the Afghanistan war. This is the seventh in a series of high-level conversations. It comes as U.S. forces suffer their worst monthly death toll in the eight-year-long conflict.

MONEY-Stimulus-Jobs-Created

The Obama administration claims the economic stimulus plan has created or saved about 640,000 jobs. The conclusion is based on reports from state and local governments that have received federal assistance. It covers about $150 billion in spending from the $787 billion recovery package.

MED-H1N1-Vaccine

Federal health officials say they're gradually catching up with demand for the H1N1 flu vaccine. Americans have been lining up to be innoculated faster than the vaccine can be produced and delivered.

POL-Obama-HIV-AIDS

President Obama is lifting a 22-year federal rule that forbids people infected with HIV/AIDS to enter the United States. The president says he hopes this step will encourage more people to get tested and treated.

ENT-Hopper-Cancer

Dennis Hopper's manager says the actor and filmmaker has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Hopper is 73. His films include "Easy Rider", "Hoosiers" and "Apocalypse Now."

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