iStockphoto/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- It's almost as if Washington has seen this movie before: a bridge collapses, groups decry the nation's crumbling infrastructure and Congress does nothing.

Like the tragic Minneapolis, Minn. bridge collapse in 2007 that came before it, Thursday's Mount Vernon, Washington collapse is unlikely to spur Congress to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into fixing roads and bridges.

The political inertia in Washington around transportation funding and projects hasn't eased despite President Obama's nearly constant push for additional funding.

In February, Obama renewed his nearly annual call for $50 billion in additional transportation and infrastructure spending as part of his 2014 budget request. But Republicans said the proposal amounted to an unfunded wish list.

To be sure, Congress did pass a highway transportation funding bill last year, but infrastructure spending advocates say it's simply not enough. The bill allocated just enough money to keep transportation spending at status quo levels and it only funded projects for two years, as opposed to the usual five or six.

So how much is enough?

For roads and bridges alone, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that every year $190 billion would need to be infused into the system compared to the $103 billion currently being spent.

When you take into consideration all of the country's infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers says that about $3.6 trillion is needed by 2020 to fix the country's mounting problems.

And Obama keeps pushing for more infrastructure spending, arguing that the jobs construction projects create are good for the economy and good for business.

"When you ask companies who brought jobs back to America in the last few years, they'll say, if we upgrade our infrastructure, we'll bring even more," Obama said earlier this year at a port in Miami, Florida. "So what are we waiting for?"

As the White House is eager to point out, infrastructure spending is one of the few things that the pro-business U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the labor union AFL-CIO can agree on.

What is Congress waiting for?

"Infrastructure has always been non-partisan," said Rob Puentes, Director of the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program. "The reason that it's contentious in Washington is because the morning prayers are contentious in Washington."

And Republicans, who are deeply enmeshed in a battle with Democrats over where to cut spending, aren't eager to authorize new projects, or worse yet, raise the 18 cents per gallon gasoline tax that is used to currently fund transportation projects.

States, Puentes said, have already taken matters into their own hands since Congress has proven that it won't do more. Puentes calls it a "silver lining."

"As everyone was looking for the federal government to respond, the states kind of did it themselves," Puentes said. "They are making progress. They are doing what they can with limited resources."

Perhaps in a nod to that shift from the federal government to state and local governments, Obama found a new Transportation Secretary for his second term in Charlotte, N.C. Mayor Anthony Foxx.

"The Federal Government has got to be responsive and has to understand what it's like when you're a mayor or a Governor or a county executive trying to get these projects up and running," Obama said when announcing Foxx's nomination. "Which also means that we have the potential of continuing to streamline our approvals and get rid of some difficulties in permitting that slow projects down, because we want to get people back to work and we want to get this country moving,"

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The Gang of Eight immigration bill does not yet have a 60-vote majority in the Senate, according to one of its authors, Sen. Bob Menendez.

During an interview with Univision's Jorge Ramos, Menendez, D-N.J., appeared confident that Congress will pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. But he said the Senate bill's backers haven't yet cobbled together a large enough majority to avoid a potential filibuster.

"We don't currently have 60 votes identified in the Senate," he said during the interview with Ramos, which was conducted in Spanish for Al Punto, Univision's Sunday public affairs show. "We need to add more votes on the floor."

Menendez's comments are surprising, considering the positive outlook of the bill's supporters this week. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the legislation on a bipartisan 13-5 vote, encouraging the bill's backers that they could attract a majority on the Senate floor.

"This is a significant first step, and there will be more tests to come, but this accomplishment makes me guardedly optimistic for the success of the legislation," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the bill's authors, said in a statement after the committee vote.

Menendez's assessment might not carry such a dire warning in the short term. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said that he will not block the immigration bill from coming to the floor, despite opposition from some conservative members and activists. But the bill could face a filibuster if and when leaders move it to a final vote.

Plus, leading members of the Gang of Eight have set a high target for the level of support they hope to lure; 70 votes, pulling from majorities of both Democrats and Republicans in the upper chamber.

A strong majority of 70 votes, they believe, is not only possible but necessary to cajole the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to act. Despite his evaluation of the current level of support, Menendez believes that is possible.

"We want to push this bill forward with the most positive votes we can find … so we can put pressure on the House," he said. "I want to have a good vote in the Senate so we send the message that the Republicans and the Democrats are together in favor of immigration reform."

Menendez framed his projection about the votes as a call to action for Latino supporters of the bill. He urged them to call their members of Congress to build the support necessary for the legislation to pass.

"The community in your state, in every state, should be contacting your state's two U.S. senators saying that they want comprehensive immigration reform, that they are going to judge their political future based on this vote," he said. "And if we do this, both in the Senate and, later, with the members of the House of Representatives, we can achieve the victory that we want."

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John Moore/Getty Images(ANNAPOLIS, Md.) -- President Obama gave a nod to his newly articulated drone policy as he addressed the graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday.

“We still face threats from al Qaeda affiliates and individuals caught up in its ideology,” Obama said, addressing the academy’s graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Md. “Will still need to conduct targeted strikes against terrorists before they kill our citizens.”

Obama laid out his drone policies in another speech Thursday seeking to explain why, how, and when the U.S. will decide to kill Americans living abroad.

Obama raised the issue on Friday as he addressed the graduates on new security challenges.

He also made what could be construed as a mention of the IRS scandal that has dogged his administration over the past two weeks. A major theme in his speech was failing public trust in government institutions, and the president mentioned “civil servants” and “misconduct.” It’s unclear whether that’s what Obama meant.

“Every day our civil servants do their jobs with professionalism, protecting our national security and delivering the services that so many Americans expect. But as we’ve seen again in recent days, it only takes the misconduct of a few to further erode the people’s trust in their government. And that’s unacceptable to me, and I know it’s unacceptable to you,” Obama said.

“And against this backdrop, what I said here four years ago remains true today. Our military remains the most trusted institution in America. When others have shirked their responsibilities, our armed forces have met every mission we’ve given them. When others have been distracted by petty arguments, our men and women in uniform come together as one American team,” Obama continued.

The president condemned sexual assaults in the military, a major topic of discussion on Capitol Hill after a Pentagon study earlier this month found reported incidents on the rise.

“Those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong,” Obama said. “That’s why we have to be determined to stop these crimes because they’ve got no place in the greatest military on earth.”

He blasted the “foolish across-the-board budgets cuts known as the sequester, which is threatening our readiness” and pledged to fight for military funding.

The president shook hands and congratulated each of the 1,047 graduates -- 764 Navy ensigns, 264 Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants, and three Air Force 2nd lieutenants; 841 men and 206 women. He then donned an overcoat after his speech as rain drizzled over the crowd.

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Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star via Getty Images(TORONTO) -- After a week in virtual hiding and refusing to speak to reporters, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford went on the attack vehemently denying he is a drug user.

"I do not use crack-cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack-cocaine.  As for a video, I cannot comment on a video that I've never seen or does not exist," Ford told reporters Friday.

Ford's been in the storm of controversy fueling Canadian and international headlines ever since the website Gawker and two Toronto Star newspaper reporters say they saw the video allegedly showing the mayor using drugs.

Two men who claim they sold crack cocaine to the mayor have said they shot the video, according to the Gawker and Toronto Star reports.

According to BBC News, Toronto Catholic District School Board Wednesday dismissed Ford from his role as volunteer head coach of a high school football team, but gave no reason for his removal.
 
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Jason Reed/Thinkstock(MOSCOW) -- A powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The quake’s epicenter was in the Sea of Okhotsk, at a depth of nearly 374 miles.

No casualties or significant damage was reported.

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Comstock/Thinkstock(LONDON) -- Two passengers aboard a U.K.-bound flight from Pakistan were arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft following an apparent incident over British airspace Friday.

The British Ministry of Defense launched two RAF Typhoon jets to escort the Pakistani International Airways flight to Stansted Airport outside London -- an airport designated for emergencies in the U.K.

Flight PK709, a Boeing 777 carrying 297 passengers, originated in Lahore and was bound for Manchester.

The plane landed at Stansted without incident. Upon its arrival, police boarded the aircraft and arrested two men “on suspicion of endangerment of an aircraft.”

The nature of the incident was not immediately clear.

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Stephen Brashear/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- An increase in durable goods orders suggests economic growth may be holding steady this spring. U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods were up in April, led by demand for non-defense aircraft and parts, which increased by  $1.9 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Following a 5.9 percent decrease in March, new orders were up two of the last three months. In April, orders increased 3.3 percent to $222.6 billion, a $7.2 billion jump.

Excluding transportation, new orders increased 1.3 percent. Overall shipments decreased 0.6 percent and capital goods shipments fell 3.3 percent. Unfilled orders increased 0.3 percent, and inventories rose 0.4 percent in April, according to the report.
 
Factories had been seeing fewer orders at the start of the year, in part because slower global growth had reduced demand for U.S. exports. Many economists believe U.S. growth is slowing to around two percent and could stay near that level for the rest of the year.

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Mike Simons/Getty Images(CINCINNATI) -- Procter & Gamble says its former chief executive A.G. Lafley is returning to his old job, replacing CEO Bob McDonald, effective immediately.

The change comes after investor complaints about P&G, and calls for an overhaul on how it markets new products in the U.S. and overseas.

"A.G.’s track record and his depth of experience at P&G make him uniquely qualified to lead the Company forward at this important time,” said Jim McNerney, director of P&G’s board. “The Board expects A.G. to further improve results, implement the current productivity plan, and facilitate an ongoing succession process. The Board is confident that he will continue improving P&G’s performance.”

McDonald is leaving the company after 33 years.

“We thank Bob for his service and note the Company’s improving business performance,” McNerney said.

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Jemal Countess/Getty Images(CANNES, Paris) -- At a Cannes Film Festival charity auction as star-studded as one of the Great Gatsby’s parties, a pitch rang out that sounded like a sci-fi sequel to Catch Me If You Can.

“How would you like to go to space with Leonardo DiCaprio?” said an auctioneer, the actress Nicole Kidman. “I can’t believe he offered this, by the way,” she added.

The lot? A ticket on the maiden voyage of Virgin Galactic sitting right next to Gatsby, himself, Leonardo DiCaprio.

After three days of astronaut training, the winner would join a flight set to take off from the California desert this fall, detach from the mothership and launch all the way into orbit.

Virgin Galactic is a commercial successor to the space shuttle and one of several new ventures offering tourism in space.

“We have one million euro,” said another auctioneer, actress Sharon Stone. “We’re looking for one million two to go with Leonardo DiCaprio for three days’ training and into outer space!”

“Million-two here going once. … Million-two going twice. … We’re selling!” Stone said.

$1.5 million. The winner was a Russian billionaire, who’ll soon be getting a close-up look at the stars in more ways than one.

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Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Actor Tim Curry is recovering at his Hollywood Hills home after suffering a major stroke.

The British actor, beloved by millions of Rocky Horror Picture Show fans for his role as transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furtur, has been recovering since having the stroke last July, his agent Marcia Hurwitz tells ABC News.

"He has been going to physical therapy doing very well and still has his great sense of humor," Hurwitz said in an emailed statement Friday. "He thanks everyone for sending good wishes."

Curry, 67, has appeared in numerous other films including Annie and Clue, as well as Broadway shows, perhaps most notably while playing King Arthur in the 2005 production of Spamalot.
 
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ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- While having Kelly Clarkson sitting on the judges' panel of American Idol sounds like a pretty awesome idea, it's not happening.  That's according to a rep for the singer, who tells The Hollywood Reporter that despite claims by both E! and New York magazine, Kelly has not inked a deal to be a judge on season 13 of the Fox show.

E! had said that a three-judge panel made up of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and one other Idol alum -- possibly Adam Lambert -- was "95 percent there."

However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Adam's reps haven't been contacted about a slot on the panel.  Furthermore, an insider tells the publication that the producers' first choice is actually to bring Jennifer Lopez back.  In addition, the insider claims they're eyeing Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, but a source says it's "doubtful" the rapper could fit it into his schedule.

Looks like it's going to be a long summer of non-stop Idol rumors...buckle up.

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Jason Kempin/Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- For the second year in a row, readers of Entertainment Weekly's website EW.com have voted to determine who the best Saturday Night Live host was this past season.  The winner, perhaps to no one's surprise, is Justin Timberlake.

Voting went on throughout the season until finally it came down to six names: Seth MacFarlane, Martin Short, Justin Timberlake, Melissa McCarthy, Kristin Wiig and Ben Affleck.  Justin won handily, capturing just over 48 percent of the vote.  The runner-up was Melissa McCarthy, with just under 22 percent of the vote.

Justin's episode, which aired in March, marked his fifth time as host, and as such, he was inducted into the exclusive Five-Timers Club, with help from guest stars like Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.  Over 90 minutes, Justin appeared as Elton John, reprised his classic "D**k in a Box" character with Andy Samberg, gave us another installment of the ongoing sidewalk hawker "Bring it on down to..." sketch and much more.   And if that wasn't enough to prove his talent, Justin was also the musical guest that night.

It's notable that three other chart-topping musicians who hosted this year did not make the final five: Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and Adam Levine.

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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- A new report shows it really does pay to give careful attention to your health. A detailed analysis by the American Heart Association (AHA) shows the total annual costs of stroke in the U.S. are projected to increase to $240.67 billion by 2030 -- that’s 129 percent higher than today.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or a bleeding vessel, leading brain cells lacking in oxygen-rich blood to die.

Even though stroke, as the fourth leading cause of death and top cause of disability, already accounts for 1.7 percent of national health expenditures, it is predicted to increase dramatically due to the aging of the U.S. population, according to data published in the AHA journal Stroke. More people suffer stroke after the age of 55.

And the deck is further stacked: improved treatment for stroke will lead to higher stroke survivor rates, and our increase in obesity, hypertension, and diabetes will lead to more strokes overall.

With increased survivor rates, medical professionals agree the cost of caring for stroke survivors will eventually take its toll on the healthcare system.

Policy changes in the health system that focus on preventative interventions are necessary now, given the reports findings, or we will certainly pay later.

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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- It turns out the mystery Alabama illness was a coincidental cluster of varying viruses, but that doesn't mean public health officials were wrong to raise the alarm, experts say.

Testing confirmed that the seven respiratory illnesses in the southeastern part of the state were the result of a mix of the common cold and a strain of flu, rather than the feared new H7N9 bird flu and the new SARS-like virus currently making headlines in other parts of the world, Alabama Department of Public Health announced Thursday.

"This is a great example of science sorting through the mystery of a 'pseudo-outbreak,'" said Dr. Richard Besser, chief health and medical editor for ABC News. "As expected, these were a variety of infections that just happened to occur close in time."

Health officials became aware of a possible mystery illness on May 16 when seven patients came down with a cough, a fever and shortness of breath, but there wasn't a known cause for these symptoms. Two patients eventually died after coming down with pneumonia, Dr. Mary McIntyre, who is leading the investigation, told ABC News in an email.

Since the patients had little in common – their ages ranged from mid-20s to late 80s, and their test results varied -- the health department couldn't find a link among them.

"You never want to assume that there isn't a connection, because as soon as you do that, you will be proved wrong," Besser said. "The first cases of the next SARS or the next flu pandemic could look very much like this. You treat every one of these clusters the same: You attack it with rapid public health science."

The five patients still alive seem to be getting better, McIntyre said Wednesday. One of them was released from the hospital Tuesday.

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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(DENVER) -- Some patients' fears about being admitted to the hospital overnight might just be valid. A recent study of heart patients linked higher death rates with overnight admissions.

Researchers at the University of Colorado recently analyzed heart failure admissions in the state of New York from 1994 to 2007 -- a total of 949,907 admissions.   

They found that death rates and length of stay were lowest when the patient was admitted between 6 a.m. and noon. But death rates for patients admitted between midnight and 6 a.m. were at their highest.

The researchers also compared days of the week and different months. It turns out the highest death rate and length of time in the hospital was for patients admitted on Fridays and during the month of January.  

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