US & World News, Thursday 4/3

US & World Summary: Senate Could Get Glimpse At Housing Plan (Washington, DC) -- The Senate could get its first look today at bipartisan legislation designed to help struggling homeowners. Connecticut Democrat Chris Dodd calls it a good first step. He and Alabama Republican Senator Richard Shelby told reporters yesterday that the process of creating a workable solution will take a few months, but otherwise offered few details about the proposal. The legislation will work toward modernizing the Federal Housing Administration, offer assistance to veterans and create ways for local governments to help those in need. --- ATA Airline Going Out Of Business (Indianapolis, IN) -- Travelers flying on ATA Airlines will have to make other plans. The Indianapolis-based carrier is going out of business after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The airliner has grounded all flights around the country and isnt honoring any reservations. The airline issued a brief statement apologizing, quote, "for the disruption caused by the sudden shutdown of ATA." The statement also says that the company regrets the impact on passengers, employees, suppliers, and other parties. --- Some U.S. Soldiers Using Untested Body Armor Some American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq could be heading into battle wearing defective body armor. The "Washington Post" reports nearly half of the 28 contracts to manufacture body armor for Army soldiers were completed without the gear ever going through an initial test. The Army manager who oversees the body armor program told Defense Department officials that the Army has no reports of any deaths attributed to defective body armor. An Army spokesman says that some paperwork may have been missing, but none of the body armor had any problems. --- FAA Looks At Suspect Mechanics (Washington, DC) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is still trying to resolve 75 cases of students allegedly obtaining fraudulent aviation mechanic certificates. Those certificates helped the mechanics get potentially sensitive jobs in the aviation industry. According to documents obtained by "USA Today," the suspect certificates raised questions within the Department of Transportation and the Office of Special Counsel about the possible risk to aviation safety. FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown says all but a "handful" of the students have been located. --- Additional Charges In Alleged Super Bowl Threat Case (Phoenix, AZ) -- An Arizona man faces additional charges for allegedly planning a Super Bowl massacre. The new charges against 35-year-old Kurt Havelock include six counts of mailing threatening communications and receipt of a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit a felony. Havelock reportedly admitted buying an assault rifle because he was upset over being unable to sell liquor at a bar that he planned to open in a Phoenix suburb. He also allegedly mailed letters detailing the planning for the massacre. --- Poll: High Gas Prices Crimping Americans Lifestyles The American lifestyle is being impacted by high gasoline prices. A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds half of those questioned say rising prices at the pump are having, quote, "a big impact on their personal lifestyle." At the same time, half those surveyed say gas prices will negatively impact their summer vacation plans. The same number have already cancelled spring travel plans because of gas prices. --- Mariah Carey, Madonna Pass Elvis In Music History Mariah Carey and Madonna are making music history. With her latest single "Touch My Body," Carey has logged her 18th number one song on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing Elvis Presley as the artist with the second most number one songs of all time. Carey is now just two singles shy of tying the Beatles who hold the record with 20 number ones. Madonnas latest single "4 Minutes" is also making history as she passes Elvis with her 37th top ten hit. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-04-03-08 0841CDT