NEW YORK (AP)—The holiday hiring picture looks a bit merrier this year.

Macy’s, Toys R Us, Pier 1, American Eagle Outfitters and Borders all plan to hire more temporary holiday workers this year than last, emboldened by several months of sales gains and a slowly improving economy.

The jobs probably won’t be enough to be a dent in the nation’s nearly 10 percent unemployment rate, but for Americans desperate for some work, they’re far more than an early Christmas present.

by Kelli Kennedy

MIAMI (AP)—For the first time in more than a decade, the federal government is funding sex education programs that aren’t based solely on abstinence. But they’re not just about handing out condoms, either.

TALKING TO STUDENTS—In this photo taken Sept. 10, sex education teacher Shayna Knowles, center, talks to students during class at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Lake Worth, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Beginning this school year, a five-year, $375 million grant is being divided among 28 programs that have been proven to lower the pregnancy rate among participants, no matter their focus. Many programs distribute condoms, but about half also aim to boost teens’ academics, get them involved in extracurricular activities and even improve their parents’ job status.

by Brandon A. Perry

(Editor’s Note: This is part one of a four-part series from the Indianapolis Recorder dealing with the abuse of power)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Like a late night storm, the controversy surrounding Bishop Eddie Long has shaken America’s faith community.

LARGER THAN LIFE—Traffic moves down a street as a billboard showing Bishop Eddie Long is seen above in Atlanta. The billboard near an Atlanta highway reads, “Love Like Him, Live Like Him, Lead Like Him.” The motto refers to Jesus Christ, but the smiling face next to it is that of Bishop Eddie Long. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

It has also awakened many observers to the issue of accountability, particularly in predominantly Black churches.

“We can’t just blame individual pastors for their moral failure if we also aren’t willing to do our part as members and call them out on the carpet,” said Rufus Burrow, an African-American and a professor of theological and social ethics at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. “Frequently, in Black churches, we just don’t seem to have the heart or the will to do it. But we need to do it.”

Week of Oct. 8-14

October 8

1775—Slaves and free Blacks are officially barred by the Council of Officers from joining the Continental army to help fight for American independence from England. Nevertheless, a significant number of Blacks had already become involved in the fight and would distinguish themselves in battle. Additional Blacks were barred out of fear, especially in the South, that they would demand freedom for themselves if White America became free from Britain.

JESSE JACKSON

1941—Jesse Jackson, National Black political leader and two-time candidate for president of the United States, was born on this day in Greenville, S.C. After the 1968 assassination of Civil Rights Movement icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson, who was one of his top aides, would become the nation’s most prominent and influential civil rights leader.