Navy divers were unsuccessful diving search for the missing inside the boat overnight and daybreak. The search resumed, say officials, is still unclear what caused the ferry to sink less than half the passengers who were onboard have been rescued. Local media reports say the ship might make an abrupt turn that caused the boast to lose the balance. But government officials say they do not want to speculate as what caused the deadly accident. For NPR News, I'm Jason Strother in Seoul. 

 

Ukrainian government efforts to reestablish control in the eastern part of the country is apparently running to a roadblock. According to officials there, pro-Russian insurgents who gained control of government buildings were able to command dear 6 Ukrainian armed vehicles along with their cruise and hoisted Russian flags over the vehicles. At eastern city of Slavyoungs, the insurgents are also taken control the police headquarters and its administration building. Group's demanding broader autonomy for eastern Ukraine and close tie with Russia. 

 

President Obama is announcing into an initiative to boost what he calls "job drive training". NPR's Craig Windham reports that plan will drive existing funds to offer 600 million dollars in grants to expand job training and apprentice programs. 

The president spoke at a community college in West Pennsylvania where he was joined by vice president Biden and Commerce Secretary, Penny Pritzker. Obama told the crowd that well knock-on good jobs require a four-year college degree. 

" There's not a job out there that's going to pay a lot if you don't have some sort of specialized training."

Obama says the new grants will encourage community colleges

"To figure out what skills local employers are looking for, then partner with them to help design the curriculums and to prepare the students for those jobs."

The president says grants money will also be used to expand a plant ship program which he says can help people get jobs in fields such as information technology and healthcare. Craig Windham, NPR News. 

 

Bank of America is the latest financial firm to weigh in with weaker fourth quarter numbers. Charlotten-based bank says with 3 month ending in March, it lost 514 million dollars. That's can compare with earnings of 1.1 billion dollars with the same period a year ago. Last month the @@ sensed a share according to the bank much of the fourth quarter weakness which reduced to 6 billion illegal expenses. That's result of the settlement over Savor mortgage-back securities with federal housing finance administration. 

 

On Wall Street today, stocks starts higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 162 points today, end the session at 16,424; the NASDAQ grow 52 points to close at 4,086; the S&P 500 is also higher today up 19 points, end the session at 1,862. 

 

You're listening to NPR News in Washington. 

 

According to the mother of 25-year-old man being held back by police after allegedly leaving a backpack carrying a rice cocker at Boston marathon finish line yesterday. Her son suffers from bipolar disorder. Authorities say Kevin “Kayvon” Edson has been sent to a state psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Officials say Edson has been charged with position of a hoax explosive device, threats to commit a crime, disturbing the peace. As he was stopped by police after a passer-by said he saw him yelling, walking barefoot and wearing a black veil. 

 

Syrian troops have intensified their assault on the last rebel-held area of city of Homs. NPR's Alice News reports rebels are fighting increasingly desperate battle to hold their grounds. 

 

Syrian warplanes are pounding the area. Activists say dozens of people have been killed and wounded in last 24 hours. The old city of Homs was once the heart of Syria's uprising against president Bashar al-Assad. Now, Abozaya, one of the few civilians live here say regime forces are trying to push into this last rebel bastion. He says about 200 fighters remain are using ammunition smuggled into now closed off by soldiers. Most civilians and even many fighters are active suffered the area under UN broker troops. One remaining brave fighter puts a video on YouTube, praying in the darkness. 

He says he will continue to fight with all strength and patience God gives us until be achieved the promised victories. Alice Muse, NPR News, Beirut. 

 

Federal judge is putting on hold this significant part what some seminaries are calling a mentalist change to Ohio gay marriage law. Judge today stands its rule, ordering the state bureaucrat recognize marriage of gay couples who wed in other states. Judge @@ make acception for 4 couples who filed a lawsuit in February led to current court case order the Ohio recognize both announces on the children birth certificates.