NPR News 2010-11-24 加文本

NPR News 2010-11-24

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst.

President Obama told workers at a Chrysler plant in Kokomo, Indiana today their success is a sign of confidence in the country’s future.

"But even as we continue to face serious challenges, what’s happening here at this plant - the changes we’re seeing throughout Kokomo - are signs of hope and confidence in the future."

Mr. Obama and the vice president are in Kokomo today, hailing the auto industry's success, since both Chrysler and GM were rescued by the federal government. Chrysler says it will pump (in) $840 million into the plant, contingent on the city offering tax breaks. The company says that money will keep 2,200 employees on the job.

The Pentagon isn't saying whether the US will consider any response in today's exchange of gunfire between the North and South of Korea, but the White House is demanding that North Korea stop its "belligerent action". At least two South Korean marines were killed, more than a dozen people wounded. From Seoul, Doualy Xaykaothao reports North Korea is threatening more military attacks.

While homes on the island are still burning and the wounded are being cared for at local hospitals, the North in an official communique said its military will take "merciless military actions" against the South if Seoul violates territorial waters. The North reportedly sent the South a protest letter earlier, warning of a response if they didn't end naval exercises that began in the Yellow Sea Monday. The South describes those naval exercises as defense drills, but the North views them as war exercises. President Lee Myung-bak, according to a spokeswoman, ordered his military to strike North Korea if there is another provocation. For NPR News, I'm Doualy Xaykaothao in Seoul.

After two months of gains, the National Association of Realtors says existing home sales fell 2.2 percent last month in the US. Danielle Karson reports, some analysts say the foreclosure freezes across the country could be discouraging buyers.

Last month's sales were almost 40 percent below their peak five years ago, when more than seven million homes were sold. Even though mortgage interest rates and prices are at record lows, would-be buyers are staying on the sidelines. Kathy Fettke, CEO of Real Wealth Network, says credit is tight and the foreclosure moratoriums have people spooked.

"When they see headline news: 'Hay, you'd better not buy a foreclosure 'cause you might have to give it back,' that's gonna scare a lot of people, especially some 34 percent of sales are distressed right now. So, I think it did have an impact."

Analysts expect the housing market will be choppy in the coming months, depending on the duration and impact of the foreclosure freezes. All 50 states are investigating whether mortgage companies kicked people out of their homes, based on sloppy paperwork. For NPR News, I'm Danielle Karson in Washington.

Stocks are trading lower on Wall Street just ahead of the close. The Dow is down 151 points at 11,027; the NASDAQ is down 38 at 2,493; the S&P 500 down 17 at 1,180.

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Rescue efforts have resumed, trying to reach 29 New Zealand coal miners missing after a massive explosion. A bomb-disposal robot has been restarted and sent further into the tunnel, checking the safety of that tunnel and the toxic gas levels, but officials still say they have no viable way to reach the trapped men when they find them.

Scientists are reporting a breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. A pill already in use to treat HIV infection turns out to be a powerful weapon in preventing its spread. NPR's Richard Knox has more on the research.

This is the first time anybody's shown that a pill can prevent HIV infection. The researchers gave the pill to 2,500 men who have sex with men. They were men who didn't use condoms consistently. After more than a year, there were 44 percent fewer HIV infections among those who took the pill even when they missed doses. Those who took the pill almost every day have 73 percent less risk of HIV infection. The pill's success raises difficult questions. Researchers have to figure out if it makes sense to give it to some high-risk people who're not infected yet. It's already sold under the brand name Truvada to treat existing HIV infections, but it's really expensive - around $36 a pill - and that's more than $13,000 a year. Richard Knox, NPR News.

Flight attendants can now skip the intrusive security scans in airports just like pilots by being in uniform and showing two IDs. They still have to go through a metal detector. TSA officials say pilots and flight attendants will now be treated the same.

Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton are set to be playing a very hands-on role on their upcoming nuptials. They've chosen April 29th as the wedding day. It will be held at Westminster Abbey. British Prime Minister David Cameron says the wedding day will be a public holiday.

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