From NPR NEWS in Washington,I'm Louise Schiavone.

Attorney General Eric Holder says the Justice Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida.NPR's CraigWindham reports no charges have been filed so far against George Zimmerman,that neighborhood watch volunteer who says he shot Martin in self-defence.Holder called Martin a young man whose future has been lost to the ages and he said that the Department is intent on preventing such killings.We will examine the facts and the law.If we find evidence of a potential federal criminal civil rights crime we will take appropriate action.one of Zimmerman's former lawyers tells NBC that Zimmerman is suffering from high level of stress because he's under intense public scrutiny .He's not a bad guy,he may just be an emtionally beat down guy by this process.The special prosecutor looking into Martin's death is expected to have an announcement about the case shortly.Craig Windham NPR NEWS Washington.

A news conference is scheduled for 6.pm today in Jacksonville,Florida.A new study finds the number of people living with dementia worldwide will triple by 2050 from nearly 36 million to more than 115 million.Lisa Schlein reports the World Health Organization says most of these cases would be in low and middle-income countries.Dementia's increasing because people are living longer.Alzheimer accounts for 70 percent of the cases.Expert Mark calls the statistics frightening.There is a new case now in every 4 seconds,a new case of dementia in the world.Only 10 years ago it was calculated 1 in 7 seconds,so it's speeding up.says action must be taken to stop this epidemic and yet WHO reports only 8 nations have programs to address dementia.The United States is currently developing a plan.WHO reports more than 600 billion dollars a year is spent in treating and caring for people with dementia.For NPR NEWS,I'm Lisa Schlein in Geneva.

There are some encouraging news about US business conditions from the Federal Reserve.A survey indicates that each of the Feds'12 bank districts grew at a modest to moderate pace from mid February through the beginning of this month noting that hiring was steady or increased in most of the country.While businesses express concerns about rising gas prices,retail sales were up almost uniformly and job gains occur in manufacturing,shipping,information technology and professional business services.

Bargain hunters lift European stock prices today with Italian banks leading gainers across the region.On Wall Street traders are making up for gound loss in previous days sending stocks to major gains and a good earning's report from_boosted optimism.
At this hour the Dow was up 107 at 12821.

This is NPR NEWS.

North Korea has fueled its long-range rocket in preparation for what appears to be an imminent launch.The US,Japan,Britain and others warned the launch would violate UN Resolutions.NPR's Louise Lim reports this comes as the country's young leader has been named to a top Communist Party post.North Korea's new young leader Kim jong un has been named the first secretary of the ruling Workers Party.This formalizes his ascent to the top post.It comes as the country prepares for a long-range rocket launch despite international condemnation.Foreign journalists were today taken to the satellite command centre outside Pyongyang.There an official told them that fuel is already being injected into the 3-stage rocket which is due to be launched sometime between Thursday and Monday.North Korea insists it's carrying a satellite and is for peaceful purposes only.The US believes the launch violates UN Security Council Resolutions and is about to take appropriate action at the UN if North Korea goes ahead.Louise Lim,NPR NEWS,Seoul.

There's been no recall but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expanding in an investigation into fires in jeep wrangler models from the years 2007 to 2012.There've been some injuries and some property damage in 23 documented wrangler fires.

Around the Indian Ocean earlier today,nations were on alert after an 8.6 magnitude earthquake about 270 miles from Indonesia's Aceh Province.No deadly waves or serious damage were reported.All alerts have expired.

I'm Louise Schiavone,NPR NEWS Washington.