NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh.

 

　　The Democratic-controlled Senate is on the verge of approving the biggest overhaul of immigration policy in a generation. NPR's David Welna reports while the bill is expected to win strong bipartisan support today, its prospects look dim in the GOP-led House.

 

　　Supporters of this more than thousand-page bill that tightens border control while offering a path to citizenship for millions in the country unlawfully are confident the measure will get a big vote today. Robert Menendez is a New Jersey Democrat.

 

　　"We are on the verge of historic change, and I’m proud to have been part of the Gang of Eight that hammered out a strong bipartisan effort. "

 

　　The bill's opponents are all Republicans. John Cornyn of Texas is one of them.

 

　　“We're about to pass deeply flawed legislation that will not be taken up by the House representatives.”

 

　　Indeed, House Speaker John Boehner declared today the House won't take up the Senate immigration bill, but will instead be doing its own bill. David Welna, NPR News, the Capitol.

 

　　Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been indicted on a string of charges, including the deaths of four people and the use of a weapon of mass destruction in April. Today a federal grand jury handed up the 30-count indictment against Tsarnaev. NPR's Tovia Smith reports the 19-year-old faces the death penalty on 17 of the charges.

 

　　Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is charged with carrying out an attack prosecutors say was designed to shred skin, shatter bone and cause extreme pain, suffering and death. More than 260 were injured and three killed. He's also charged with killing an MIT police officer and with conspiracy. US Attorney Carmen Ortiz:

 

　　“The defendant's alleged conduct forever changed lives. And it is with the victims in this case in mind that we proceed to seek and make sure that justice is served.”

 

　　The indictment quotes a note allegedly from Tsarnaev. “I don't like killing innocent people and it’s forbidden Islam,” he allegedly wrote, but added it was justified because the US government was “killing our innocent civilians.” Tovia Smith, NPR News, Boston.

 

　　New developments are emerging from another high-profile case out of the region. Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez will remain behind bars. His bail appeal’s been denied. Hernandez is charged with murdering semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. The investigation into Lloyd's death has widened to include a second arrest in Connecticut.

 

　　The Obama administration is now working to bring federal statues in line with (the) Supreme Court ruling that has cleared the way for married gay and lesbian couples to receive federal benefits. During a trip to Senegal, Obama hailed the historic development for gay rights in the US, saying equality should be universal. Obama heads next to South Africa, where people are holding vigil for Nelson Mandela. The revered 94-year-old leader is hospitalized in critical condition.

 

　　Before the close, Dow was up 115. This is NPR.

 

　　It has been an especially somber day for James Gandolfini's loyal fans. A funeral service for the actor was held today in New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine. NPR's Margot Adler reports that the public filled many of the 1,500 seats.

 

　　David Chase, the creator of the Sopranos, said at Gandolfini (at James Gandolfini’s funeral) that he brought the traits of a sad boy, “amazed and confused,” to the role of Tony Soprano. “You could see it in your eyes,” he said in an open letter to the late actor. Written in the present tense, “That’s why you are a great actor.” Celebrities and theater people were in the audience, and many members of the Sopranos cast, but also members of the public and fans, many coming in from New Jersey. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie came to the funeral. James Gandolfini died of a heart attack last week while in Italy. Besides his defining role in (the) Sopranos and his working films, he was nominated for a Tony for his role in “God of Carnage.” On Wednesday night Broadway theaters dimmed their lights in his honor. Margot Adler, NPR News, New York.

 

　　The mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina is the latest addition of President Obama's second-term Cabinet. Today the Senate unanimously confirmed Anthony Foxx as transportation secretary.

 

　　Texas Governor Rick Perry is accusing abortion rights advocates of hijacking the democratic process when the state Senate was blocked for a filibuster and protest earlier this week from passing tighter abortion restrictions. In remarks of the National Right to Life Convention, Perry pledged to move forward with the ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

 

　　Mortgage rates still climbing in the US. For the first time in at least two years the average rate on a fixed 30-year loan hit 4.46%, doing it in half on a 15-year loan.

 

　　I'm Lakshmi Singh, NPR News in Washington.