US & World News, Thursday 4/26

US/World Summary The Latest Heres the latest on stories making news this hour: --- Senate Takes Up War Funding Bill (Washington, DC) -- The Senate is expected to vote soon on a bill to provide funding for the Iraq war. The House passed the 124-billion-dollar measure yesterday that contains timelines for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. President Bush has promised to veto the legislation. During this mornings debate, South Dakota Republican Senator John Thune blasted Democrats for using the war as a political maneuver against Republicans. Thune also slammed Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid for saying the war is "lost." --- Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Debate Tonight In South Carolina (Washington, DC) -- All eight Democratic presidential hopefuls will square off tonight during the first formal debate of the 2008 Presidential campaign. The debate will be broadcast live from South Carolina State University and will be moderated by "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams. With eight candidates and nearly 500 media outlets expected to attend the event, officials say security will be tight. The chief of the citys department of public security said free speech is welcome, but warned that any troublemakers would be dealt with swiftly. --- Presidential Hopeful McCain Calls For Gonzales Resignation (Greenville, SC) -- Embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales can better serve President Bush by resigning. Thats according to Republican Senator and Presidential hopeful John McCain. Speaking on ABCs "Good Morning America" this morning, McCain called Gonzales an "honorable man" but said the Presidency is being damaged by his continuation as Attorney General. President Bush has maintained his support for Gonzales, saying he broke no laws with the firings of eight U.S. prosecutors. --- Former Atlanta Police Officers Indicted (Atlanta, GA) -- Three former Atlanta Police narcotics officers have been indicted in connection with last Novembers botched drug raid that resulted in the death of a 92-year-old woman. Officers Gregg Junnier and Jason Smith were charged with felony murder, violation of oath by a public officer, criminal solicitation, burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and making false statements. Officer Arthur Tesler was charged with violation of oath, making false statements and false imprisonment. Junnier and Smith are expected to plead guilty to lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy. --- U.S. Jobless Claims Fell Last Week (Washington, DC) -- There were less people filing for unemployment last week. According to the latest figures from the Labor Department, the number of U.S. workers filing new jobless benefit claims fell 20-thousand to 321-thousand in the week ending April 21st. A Labor Department analyst said there were no special factors behind the drop in new claims. A four-week moving average of claims rose to 332-thousand from a revised 329-thousand-250 a week earlier. --- Hugh Grant Arrested Over "Baked Beans Attack" (London) -- British actor Hugh Grant is in trouble with the law over a bizarre attack involving a tub of baked beans. Photographer Ian Whittaker told the "Daily Star" that he and Grant scuffled near the actors home, where Whittaker alleges Grant abused and kicked him before lobbing the baked beans at him. A police spokeswoman said Grant was arrested last night and questioned before being released. He is scheduled to appear in court over the incident in May. --- "People" Magazine Names 2007 "100 Most Beautiful People" List Actress Drew Barrymore has been made the cover girl for "People" magazines 18th annual "100 Most Beautiful People" issue. Its the fourth time the 32-year-old has been named to the list, but the first time shes been featured on the cover. Other celebs making the "Most Beautiful" list include actresses Halle Berry and Julia Roberts, actors Patrick Dempsey and Wentworth Miller, and singers Carrie Underwood and Peter Wentz. (Copyright 2007 by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service) RNS-04-26-07 1144CDT