US & World News, Thursday 4/17

US & World Summary --- Thousands To Celebrate DC Mass With Pope (Washington, DC) -- Thousands of fans have gathered at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium this morning but they wont be rooting for a home run. Instead, theyll be celebrating a Catholic Mass with Pope Benedict the 16th, in the first non-baseball event at the new stadium. The Pontiff was formally welcomed to the U.S. yesterday during a lavish ceremony at the White House. Celebrating his 81st birthday, the Pope smiled as spectators broke into an impromptu singing of "Happy Birthday." After the ceremony, the Pontiff left the White House in the custom-made "Popemobile," waving to thousands of spectators along Pennsylvania Avenue. --- Bumped Fliers Could Get 800-Dollars Compensation (Washington, DC) -- The next time you get bumped from your airline flight, it could mean more money in your pocket. Airlines have been ordered to double what they pay passengers who get bumped from oversold flights. CNN.com reports the change goes into effect next month and means fliers could get as much as 800-dollars under certain conditions. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced the new rules yesterday as one of several new measures aimed at strengthening passenger protections, improving consumer choice and reducing congestion. --- Texas Compound Children Hearing Set For Today (San Angelo, TX) -- The battle over the fate of 400 children moves to a Texas courtroom today in the largest case of its kind ever identified in the state or nationwide. The children were removed from a religious compound in Texas and are currently in state custody. Texas Child Protective Services says theyll push to keep the children under state control and present evident of alleged abuse inside the compound. Texas authorities raided the compound after a 16-year-old girl pregnant with her second child reported physical and sexual abuse. --- Democrats Want Probe Of Gas Prices (Philadelphia, PA) -- Senator Hillary Clinton is calling for a federal investigation of high gasoline prices. During last nights Democratic debate with rival Barack Obama, Clinton said she thinks there is some market manipulation going on which is driving prices higher. Clinton also charged the Bush administration with not using tools at its disposal to bring prices down. Clinton and Obama both called for a windfall profit tax on the oil companies. --- U.S. Expanding DNA Collection Efforts (Washington, DC) -- Law enforcement officials may soon be taking more than a set of fingerprints from those busted on federal charges. The "Washington Post" reports the government plans to collect genetic samples from every citizen arrested on a federal crime and from many detained immigrants. The initiative will add genetic information on over one-million people a year to a DNA database run by the FBI. Itll be the first time the information bank includes data from noncitizens, including legal permanent residents who have been detained by authorities. --- Mariah, Yamin Perform During "Idol" Elimination Episode Its down to the final six on "American Idol." Last night, Kristy Lee Cook was eliminated from the Fox reality show. Cook is a 24-year-old self-professed cowgirl from Selma, Oregon. Last night marked her fourth time in the bottom three since the show was whittled down to the final 12. The show featured performances from Mariah Carey and former "Idol" finalist Elliott Yamin. Next week, the final six contestants will be mentored by legendary theatrical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. --- NY Giant To Have Small Wedding In Mexico Its been quite a year for Eli Manning. The NFL quarterback led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl win last February and this weekend Manning is reportedly marrying his longtime girlfriend. The New Yorks "Daily News" reports that the football star and his college sweetheart Ally McGrew are flying to Mexico today for their small wedding Saturday in Cabo San Lucas. Mannings older brother Peyton, and his parents, Olivia and Archie, will also be participating in the ceremony. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-04-17-08 0847CDT