NPR 2009-03-20

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack 1 Speer.

Less than a week after reports surfaced about AIG's employee bonus program, House lawmakers have passed the bill to recoup the money through targeted taxes. NPR's Audie Cornish has more.

House Republican Leader John Boehner was among many GOP lawmakers who oppose the legislation. "The problem with AIG bonuses is nothing more than a shame. It's nothing more than an effort to cover somebody's rear end because of the political damage that's out there." Other opponents also said the bill aimed at taxing AIG employee bonuses was potentially unconstitutional. Supporters say the proposal was drawn 2 to cover all companies that receive federal bailout money, not just AIG and it wouldn't apply to employees who give the money back by the end of the year or to those whose family incomes were less than 250, 000 dollars. Audie Cornish, NPR News, the Capitol.  

President Barack Obama told the crowd at a town hall event in Los Angeles today that those demanding more money for education also need to be willing to embrace economic reform. President's comments coming in response to a woman who asked about the fact California's schools are facing an enormous deficit 3. President also talked about the need to save energy, saying the nation that leads on energy will be the nation that leads the world in the 21st century. "We can remain one of the world's leading importers of foreign oil, or we can make the investments that will allow us to become the world's leading exporter of renewable energy. We can let climate change continue to go unchecked or we can help stop it." The president also told those in the crowd that his administration is taking steps to resolve the housing crisis, promising 4 California will receive 145 million dollars in federal aid to help homeowners refinance their mortgages.

British Defense 5 Minister John Hutton says improving security is the top priority right now in Afghanistan. Hutton is visiting Washington to consult on the strategy review for Afghanistan and Pakistan. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports.

John Hutton calls the war in Afghanistan the greatest test for NATO since the cold war. In a speech at a Washington think tank, the center for strategic and international studies, Hutton said Afghanistan needs more combat troops to improve security, more training for the Afghan army and more focus on civilian 6 efforts. "You know, we're in the very fortunate position that we're able to determine our own exit strategy. The Afghan army and police are that exit strategy." Because they will enable Afghanistan to eventually take responsibility for its own security, Hutton said. Britain has the second largest contingent 7 of combat forces in Afghanistan after the US, some 9, 000 troops. Mary Louise Kelly, NPR News, Washington.

The number of people filing first time jobless claims to the weekend in March 7th fell slightly dropping by 12, 000, however, the Labor 8 Department says just under 5. 5 million people are currently collecting unemployment benefits. That's the highest number on record.

On Wall Street today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 85 points. The NASDAQ dropped seven points.

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In a move designed to get people buying cars again, the nation's largest automotive retailer 9 is taking a page from the playbook of Korean carmaker Hyundai and offering to help customers who lose their jobs. AutoNation announced today it will roll out a program that will cover a customer's car payment for up to six months if they lose their job. The program would apply to both new and used vehicles.  AutoNation plans to start the program at its 33 Florida dealerships, while expand it over the next month depending on how it goes.

New York City medical examiner says actress Natasha Richardson died of a blunt impact to the head. She died yesterday following a ski accident. NPR's Robert Smith has more.

 The Tony Award-winning actress was taking a private ski lesson in Quebec when she fell on the snow. Richardson was reportedly fine afterwards. But hours later, reported headache and nausea 10. She was flown back to a New York City hospital. Her death was announced on Wednesday night. Medical examiner spokeswoman Ellen Borakove says the death was ruled an accident. The cause was epidural hematoma due to a blunt impact to the head. That's when there is bleeding in between the skull 11 and brain's covering. It is treatable, but only if doctors know what's wrong and can quickly get the patient into an emergency surgery. It's not known if Richardson got a CAT scan after she fell ill. Robert Smith, NPR News, New York.

Famous Resort has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy 12 protection and agreed to sell itself to Marriott Hotel chain. Greenbrier resort in West Virginia announced today, under terms of an agreement with Marriott, it will receive 50 million over two years from the current owner to operate the resort with an option to then pay between 60 and 130 million for the property within seven years. The deal was given the approval of the bankruptcy court. It could be finalized 13 by later this year.