WASHINGTON — In separate meetings with Middle East leaders yesterday, President Bush applauded Lebanon’s efforts to forge a national reconciliation and told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that the administration has not given up hope on an agreement to create a Palestinian state. “I appreciate your determination and your desire to have a Palestinian state,” Mr. Bush told Abbas in front of reporters before an Oval Office meeting. “I share that desire with you. It’s not easy.” Mr. Bush said the administration will continue to work with Palestinian authorities on security matters and on helping to coordinate international economic assistance. (AP)
Medicare drug costs may jump
WASHINGTON — Federal health officials encouraged Medicare participants yesterday to shop around for their prescription drug coverage next year because it could include significant price increases or changes regarding which drugs the plans will cover. Overall, the landscape for prescription drug coverage won’t look dramatically different. The typical beneficiary will still have dozens upon dozens of plans to choose from, but most people will see an increase in their monthly premiums if they stay with the same insurer. For those enrolled in the 10 most popular drug plans, the cost increases will range from 8 percent to as much as 64 percent, according to an analysis by Avalere Health, a consulting firm. The monthly premium for the most popular Medicare Part D plan, the AARP Medicare Rx Preferred Plan, will increase 15 percent, from $32 to $37. Still, the vast majority of participants will have access to prescription drug coverage for the same amount or for less than they’re paying now. (AP)
Evangelist is arrested
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — FBI agents arrested evangelist and convicted tax evader Tony Alamo at an Arizona motel yesterday, alleging days after raiding the Arkansas headquarters of his ministry that he took minors across state lines for sexual purposes. Alamo is suspected of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits taking children across state lines for illegal purposes. Federal agents and Arkansas State Police had raided the headquarters of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries in tiny Fouke on Saturday and removed six girls ages 10 to 17. (AP)
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