CNN 2008-04-30

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From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Nicole Lapin. Thanks so much for checking in with us today. Here is a look at what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

President Bush is accusing Congress of dragging its feet over his plans for helping¹ the sluggish² economy. Mr. Bush called a news conference earlier today. He said that Congress is blocking proposals like drilling for oil in protected areas of Alaska and allowing new refineries³ to be built. He says those ideas could lower gas prices.

And street battles raged in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood today. The US military says that Shiite militants⁴ have fired on an American patrol. Iraqi hospital officials state that more than a dozen civilians⁵ were killed. A US military spokesman says that 28 militants were killed, else six American soldiers were also wounded.

Southeastern Virginia is really picking itself up today from that tornado⁶ outbreak yesterday. There were no deaths reported after three tornados⁷ ripped through the southeast part of the state. More than two hundred people, however, were injured. A few residents have had their very first-hand look at what has been left at their homes for the first time. But a lot of homeowners aren't even allowed to(没有) back yet. The governor who is by the way touring the area has already declared "a state of emergency".

High gas prices and the sluggish economy have led to sales slumping⁸ for GM. Now the world's largest automaker is making some massive cuts at four of its truck and SUV factories. Thirty-five hundred jobs will be cut beginning this summer. That represents four percent of GM's workforce⁹. Laid-off workers will, however, be eligible¹⁰ for unemployment benefits and supplemental pay that totals 80% of their forty-hour pay before taxes.

Major League Baseball is going pink for the day. Three hundred and fifty players including Derek Jeter, Ken¹¹ Griffery Junior will be signing and swaying these pink Louisville Sluggers Mother's Day. All proceeds from this auction¹² after pink baseball battle will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. If you are interested in buying one, let's say, one of these bats, just head to www.slugger.com.

Those are the headlines at this hour. For more on these stories and other news of the day, CNN is always your source online or on TV.