From NPR news in Washington, I'm Jack Spear.
President Bush today signed a one-hundred-and-sixty-two billion dollar war funding bill. The president thanking both sides of the Ireland Congress for giving him a measure to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for another year. Speaking at Oval Office signing ceremony today, Mr. Bush said it showed there can be cooperation in Washington. "The bill shows the American people that even in an election year, Republicans and Democrats can come together to stand behind our troops and their families." According to congressional officials the measure brings more than six hundred and fifty billion dollars, the amount the Congress has provided for the war in Iraq and nearly two hundred billion spent so far in Afghanistan. President said nation has no greater responsibilities than to support its troops and their families.
As part of the legislation to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the president said they also approved a new GI bill for college education of veterans. The new measure comes close to the benefits \ accorded GIs at the end of World War II. NPR's John McChesney has more.
"The measure was authored by Senator Jim Webb of Virginia who said this shortly after he introduced it over a year ago, ' The veteran who was able to get a good education is generally more well adjusted veterans.' The measure faced opposition from the Pentagon where it was felt that it would be an enticement for soldiers to leave the military when recruitment and retention are tight, but a congressional study showed that the number of people \ attracted to the military would offset the potential losses. The new bill guarantees a full scholarship at the most expensive state university where the soldier lives along with a generous monthly housing stipend. It applies to anyone who has spent at least three years on active duty. Pass benefits will be more than doubled from 40,000 today to 90,000. The measure had exceptional by partisan support. John McChesney, NPR news."
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama spelled out his views on patriotism at a speech today independent Missouri. Maria Carter reports from member station KCUR in Kansas City. Missouri voted for President Bush in 2004 and is expected to be a swing state this year. Detractors have questioned Obama's commitment to his country. But the Illinois senator Thatcher reassure Missouri voters telling the packed crowed in Harry Truman’s home town that he's always been a patriot. "Throughout my life, I've always taken my deep and biting love for this country as a given. It was how I was raised. It is what propels me in the public service. It is why I'm running for president." Obama went on to outline his view of patriotism, which he said was loyal to American ideals but embrace dissent when those ideals weren't met. Obama plans to travels to the battle ground states of Colorado and Ohio later this week. For NPR news, I'm Maria Carter in Kansas City."
On Wall Street the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose three points today closing at eleven thousand three fifty. The NASDAQ lost twenty two points. The S&P 500 was up a point.
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Another law suit against giant mortgage lender Country Wide and the company's CEO Angelo Mozilo, latest suit file by the state of Florida alleges the company engaged in an unfair and deceptive trade practices in terms of its mortgage lending operations. The suit against California based Country Wild was filed by the Florida attorney general's office. Details of the suit expected to be announced tomorrow. Illinois and California suit the mortgage giant last week accusing it of persuading home owners to apply for risky mortgages beyond their means.
Autopsy results on Eve Carson, University of North Carolina student body president killed in March, were released today. David Wade of North Carolina Public Radio has more.
"According to the report, Carson raised her right arm to protect herself from the shotgun blast that struck her hand and her right temple. She was shot four other times. Court documents unsealed of the last few days have given new details of the case. According to interviews with informants, Carson was abducted from her home and taken to an ATM machine. She was then shot and killed in a residential neighborhood in Chaple Hill. According to the autopsy, she was not sexually assaulted. Demario Atwater and Laurence Lovette Jr. were arrested a week after the incident and charged with first degree murder. Both men are in jail awaiting trial. From NPR news, I'm David Wade in Duran, North Carolina.
Mississippi river is cresting today in Saint Louis, but so far city officials there are reporting no problems. They say \ low-lying areas are protected by a flood wall, and they say the downtown rise sharply from the river is not threatened. National Weather Service reported that the river appears to be leveled off in Saint Louis just slightly less than nine feet above flood stage where expected to remain before it slowly receding（倒退，退后） this week.
I'm Jack Spear, NPR news in Washington.
