From NPR news in Washington, I am Lakshmi Singh.

 

　　The US military is evacuating American and other foreign hostages held by Islamist militants at a gas complex in Algeria. NPR’s Tom Bowman reports some of the several dozen other hostages have been killed in the ongoing crisis though; there is no word on a final death toll.

 

　　The released hostages were expected to be flown to Europe before the C130 Medevac flight that arrived on day after Algerian forces stormed this spiraling gas site. Officials say an unknown number of militants and hostages were killed in the ensuing gun battle. London based BP runs the gas site. It will not comment about the fate of any individuals or their nationalities. US officials say besides Americans, the workers include British, French, Norwegian, and Japanese citizens. American and British officials say they were not told before hand of the assault by Algerian troops, but urged the Algerians to make the safety of the hostages their top priority. Tom Bowman, NPR news, Washington.

 

　　Syrians in Aleppo and Dara’a reportedly are under siege again. In Aleppo, witnesses are reporting rocket fire on a neighborhood. Local television is broadcasting images of a collapsed building and medics pulling victims from the rebel whoever this recording could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, state run TV says vehicles were blown up near a mosque in Dora, south of Damascus. It’s uncertain who is behind the attack or how many casualties are caused.

 

　　The former mayor of New Orleans office when hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the city has been indicted on corruption charges. xx of member station ww ? reports Ray Nagin is now facing 21 federal charges.

 

　　The former mayor is accused of wire fraud, money laundering, taking bribes, and filing false tax returns. Nagin is accused of profiting for city dealings, many after the 2005 hurricane left the city in chaos. Several businessmen have already pleaded guilty to pin Nagin in exchange for contracts. Nagin, a former businessman, took office in 2002. After Katrina he raged publically about the low federal response. Prosecutors say he gave his family granted businesses, exclusive deals, and took money and vacations from vendors. Nagin has consistently denied any wrongdoing. For NPR news, I am xx in New Orleans.

 

　　House Republican leaders will seek a three-month extension of the government borrowing authority next week. The plan announced at the end of the House Republican retreat would force Democrats controlled Senate to act first on passing a deficit reducing budget plan. House majority leader Eric Cantor says the Senate or House failed to pass a budget by April 15th, members of Congress would lose pay.

 

　　A last check on Wall Street, Dow was up 13 at 13,609, Nasdaq off 8, S&P500 down slightly. This is NPR.

 

　　In Chicago, authorities have exhumed the body of a man who died of cyanide poisoning after winning the Lottery. NPR’s xx has the story.

 

　　46-year-old Urooj Khan died last summer just a day after the state issued a check for his Lottery winnings along some payment after taxes of $425,000. Initially, the medical examiners’ office ruled that Cone died of natural causes, but a relative asked for officials to take another look. Full toxic ? results revealed the Lottery winner was poisoned. Cook County medical examiner Doctor Stephen Cina says an autopsy may help determine whether the cyanide was swallowed, inhaled, or injected and provide other details. “If ? this case goes to trial, I always like to have as many data ? as possible.” Khan’s widow says her husband was a good man and she has nothing to do with his death. xx, NPR news, Chicago.

 

　　The International Olympic Committee is urging veteran cyclist Lance Armstrong to give anti-doping authorities all the evidence he has of the drug he used to help him win his Tour de France titles. The IOC says Armstrong who admitted to doping during last night aired interview with Oprah Winfrey should do what he can to help develop a stronger, cleaner sport. Yesterday, the IOC stripped Armstrong of his bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney games. Armstrong has also lost his Tour de France titles.

 

　　Consumer sentiment has hit its lowest point in more than a year in the US during part of the recent debate over the fiscal cliff. ?? University of Michigan preliminary reading ? consumer sentiment fell to 71.3 this month.

 

　　Dow is up 12 points at 13,607, Nasdaq is off about 8, S&P500 up slightly. This is NPR news.