We have indications of the use of toxic industrial chemical probably chlorine in Syria this month in the opposition dominated village of Kfar Zeita. We are examining allegations that the government was responsible. 

 

On Sunday, French President Francois Hollande at the European radio interview said there are several elements suggesting recent use of chemical weapons in Syria but no definitive proof. US is working with the UN and other agents to get more details.

 

More than 32,000 runners took part in this year’s Boston Marathon about 5,000 more than last year. NPR’s Jeff Brady reports for the first time since 1983 an American won first place in the men’s division.

 

The third try at the Boston Marathon was a success for runner Meb Keflezighi.

 

I am almost 39, and just ran a personal best, and just won the Boston Marathon, I mean it could not happen at a better, a better time, and I am blessed.

 

Keflezighi finished the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours 8 minutes 37 seconds. Rita Jeptoo from Kenya won the women’s division. She also won last year and said she chose to return after the tragic bombing that left three people died.

 

To support people in here in Boston and to show people in here in Boston we are together.

 

This year’s field also included 5,000 runners who are not able to finish last year because of the attacks. Jeff Brady, NPR News, Boston.

 

The Obama administration is signing with US steel company in dispute over imports of steel reinforcing bar or rebar, products widely used to strengthen concrete structures. NPR’s John Ydstie reports Commerce Department has decided the cheap rebar from Mexico and Turkey unfairly harm US producers.

 

The decision by Commerce Department means steel rebar imported from Turkey and Mexico will be subject to immediate duties, the duty’s range from 10% to 66% on rebar from Mexico and roughly 2% product imported from Turkey. Manufactures from those two countries denied they are violating trade laws but US steel producers say the two countries are unfairly undercutting US prices. For example, they say the Turkish government is subsidizing steel from that country. The issue prompted 31 members of congress both Democrats and Republicans to sign a letter to the Commerce Department calling for a full enforcement of US trade laws. A final ruling on the case will come this summer. John Ydstie, NPR News, Washington.

 

Public reports say automaker Ford will name its current Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields to succeed Alan Mulally to Chief Executive of the company. Bloomberg News citing people familiar with the company says the 60-year-old Mulally will step down at the end of the year. 

 

On Wall Street, the DOW was up 40 points.

 

This is NPR.

 

Suicide bombings in Iraq have claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left nearly 70 others injured Monday. The deadest attack at town south of Baghdad, a suicide bomber warped explosive laden vehicle in a police checkpoint, killing five policemen and seven civilians. According to one police officer, 19 people were hurt. Bombings in NNNN become near deadly occurrence as the country counts down the parliamentary reelections to be held April 30th.

 

Saudi Arabia is reporting a jump in cases of MERS, a potentially fatal respiratory illness that recently emerge in the Middle East. NPR’s Jason Beaubien reports Saudi officials have announced roughly 50 new cases of the disease in the last week.

 

The MERS was first detected in Saudi Arabia two years ago, and country has only reported 244 cases since then so a spike of nearly four dozens of cases in a week is significant. Health officials are concerned because the disease appears to be similar to the SARS virus that killed hundreds of people in Asia in late 2002 and 2003. There is no cure or vaccine for MERS and it tends to kill about a third of people who come down with it. Late last week, health official in United Arab Emirates said four healthcare workers have been infected with MERS and now Malaysia and Greece are both reporting their first MERS cases among men who recently travel to Saudi Arabia. Jason Beaubien, NPR News, Washington. 

 

Device-maker Apple in their further effort to go green says our plans begin offering free recycling for all its used products. Company vows to move toward power its Apple store offices and data centers, using renewable energy to reduce pollution. Company releases details of its new program on environmental section on its website. Another thing is company’s plans to increase its line on solar and wind power.