From NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh.

 

　　Democratic former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr, has pleaded guilty to charges he misused 750,000 dollars in campaign funds. He could face four years in prison. His wife also faces prison time after agreeing to plead guilty for filing false joint federal income tax returns for the years 2006 to 2011. Republican former senator,  Pete Domenici of New Mexico confirmed he fathered to son outside of his marriage more than 30 years ago, and that the mother was Michelle Laxalt, they've 24-year-old daughter of fellow senator Paul Laxalt. In a statement to the Albuquerque Journal today, Domenici says he deeply regrets his behaviour.

 

　　The proposed merger of office depo and Office Max, is now official. NPR's Dave Mattingly reports the deal is valued of more than a billion dollars in stock.

 

　　Combine the two office supply retailers have more than 2500 sotres in the US, Canada and Mexico. But university of Michigan business and law professor, Eric Gordenxx, says look for that to change wants the deal go through.

 

　　There will be a lot of job losses, because the only way the merging makes senses they've closed a lot of stores, and cut costs.

 

　　Analysts say Office Depo or Office Max, each smaller than rival staples have been hurt by the weaker US economy. Increased competition from this kind of retailer, such as WalMart and Kascoxx, and once online, including Amazon.com. Dave Mattingly NPR News, Washington.

 

　　In Ireland, women who for years were incarceration laundries and workhouse conditions, are celebrating victory today. NPR's Philip Reeves reports they have finally received a government apology.

 

　　Some ten thousand Irish women were sent to the  Magdalene laundries before the lase one closed in 1996. They worked unpaid in very harsh conditions under the supervision of Catholic nuns. Ireland's prime minister Enda Kenny tearfully told parliament this was a national shame, and of the heart felt apology.

 

　　That they hope, the history and these patient, should make, health and your down, for all those who feel that the jail would be nice by never end.

 

　　Kenny outlined plans for compensation, and said a national monument will be built as a reminder of this dark episode in Ireland history. Philip Reeves NPR News, London.

 

　　Vice president Joe Biden has awarded the medal of Valor to 18 police officers, fire fighters and public safety officers.

 

　　You all share, the selflessness, that's not easy to explain, a commitment to you fellow man, that's rare, a bravery that inspires, little inspires on most everyone.

 

　　The medal is the nation's highest honor for public safety officers. This is NPR News.

 

　　Oscar Pistorious, the first Olympian runner to compete the Olympics is spending another 19 in jail. Spes second trying to convince a judge to release him on bail, as he fights the charge of premeditate murder in the death of his girlfriend last week.

 

　　Today was the deadline for embattling veteran cyclist Lance Armstrong to decide whether he would meet with US's antidoping agency officials. They wanna testify under rows about the use of performance enhancing drugs in the sport. Armstrong recently admitted to doping. He was stripped of his seven toured France titles.

 

　　Investigators are combing through the wreckage of the restaurant that blew up and cought fire in upscale entertainment district in the center of Kansas City, Missouri, at least one person was killed in the blast. FrekMoursx, of member station KCUR, has details.

 

　　The gas explosion yesterday evening shot the country club plaza section of Kansas city. The resulting fire obliterated a popular local under restaurant. Workers using heavy equipment hit the gas main , hours before the blast, and gas company officails were on site, when fire fighters responded to the leak. SlightJimsx, the mayor of Kansas City, says it's still not clear why the place wasnt' fully evacuated by the time went up.

 

　　Everybody wants to blame some body, everybody wants to know these details.

 

　　Others forcing to list to a major winter storm, burying down on Kansas City this evening, or likely cut the investigation short. For NPR News, I'm FrankMurssxx, in Kansas City.

 

　　Ryode Island is marking the tenth anniversary of night club fire that killed 100 people in west Warwick. The blaze was caused by pyro technics that ignited flammable phone during the show featuring the 18s hot rock band, Great White.

 

　　At last check on Wall Street, Dow was down 94 points at 13,942. This is NPR.