From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Speer.
Federal Reserve Board（联邦储备金监察小组） chairman Ben Bernanke told members of the House Financial Services Committee today that inflation is too high and remains a top priority of The Federal Reserve. The Fed chairman also acknowledged the Americans are hurting whether or not the US economy is technically in a recession. "It's clear that growth has been slowed, the labour market is weak, and so, conditions are tougher on average families. I have no doubt of whether it's technically recession or not. I don't see what that makes a great deal of difference." On the topic of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Benanke said the mortgage finance giants are adequately capitalized that in his words in no danger of failing.
Speaking today in West Lafayette, Louisiana, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said much of the hidden security threat against the US comes in the form of merging nuclear and biological weapons. Presumptive Democratic nominee also accused the Bush Administration of failing to adjust what he turned the State to those threats of the 21st century. Obama said one of his goals as president would be the work to get rid of the nuclear weapons as long as such weapons exists, US will retain as a strong deterrent（制止）.
Education and the economy were focus of the speech by Senator John McCain today before the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati. NPR's Audie Cornish reports.
Senator John McCain asked black voters at the end of the NAACP meeting to break with conventional thinking about education issues. McCain is pushing for expanding marry pay, school vouchers and more money for tutoring programs. "After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public education establishment and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time, to shake off old ways and time to demand newly forms." McCain joked about missing last year's convention due to campaign travels. Some of the audience said after having President George Bush turned down several invotations. They hope McCain would do better if elected. Audie Cornish, NPR News.
Two dead Israeli soldiers returned to Israel in a prisoner swap will be buried tomorrow. Linda Gradstein reports.
In a statement Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel paid a heavy price for the bodies of two soldiers, but that Israel has a moral obligation to its troops. He said that obligation is the glue that holds Israeli society together and enables Israel to survive through surrounded by enemies. The families of the two Israeli soldiers said they're grieving, but they are also relief that the uncertainty of the past two years is over. The capture of the two soldiers sparked a month-long war between Israeli and Lebanon two years ago. In exchange for the two soldiers, Israel freed Samir Kantar, the longest serving Arab prisoner in Israel. Kantar was convinced of killing an Israeli man and his four-year-old daughter as supposed by policeman in 1979. He received a hero's welcome when he arrived in Lebanon. For NPR News, I'm Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 276 points.
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Defense officials are now confirming that the worsening situation in Afghanistan may require a need for more US troops there this year. An official say as a result, they're looking for ways to send additional forces. The assessment comes at the time of escalating violence in Afghanistan, with officials confirming insurgence are waging more sophisticated and better planned attacks. And includes an attack Sunday where nine US soldiers were killed at a base in Eastern Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said there are no plans to break the Pentagon's promise that soldiers would be deployed for no more than twelve months at a time.
College students who get sick to take time-off from school jeopardize their health insurance coverage unless legislation approved by US House Committee. NPR's Julie Rovner has more.
Most health insurance stop covering children on their parent's plan when they turn 18,unless they are full-time students. But what happens if those students get seriously ill. In 2004, New Hampshire college student Michelle Morse maintained a full schedule of classes while being treated for colon cancer, simply so she could keep a coverage. She died six months after her graduation. The bill approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would forbid insurance plans from dropping coverage for college student who take up a twelve months off due to illness. It's backed by a broad of * health groups, including the health insurance industry. Julie Rovner, NPR News, Washington.
Would you buy a car from an automaker that is filed for bankruptcy. Apparently most Americans would not, at least based on the survey of 6,000 would-be car buyers from CMW Research. The firm says more than 80 percent of those intending to purchase new vehicle in next six months said they would not buy from a company if it filed chapter 11.
I'm Jack Speer, NPR News, in Washington.
