Today, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will address the first Postsecondary Education Review Commission meeting at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. The Governor, leaders of the Louisiana Senate and House and the heads of higher education will meet today to discuss cuts of higher education while not hurting graduation rates.One proposal is to reduce the amount of colleges in Louisiana.
HUDSON SEARCH
Divers resumed their search in the Hudson River Monday for bodies and wreckage, two days after a midair collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a small private plane.The incident reportedly killed nine people.
IRAQ STRIFE
Bombs have ripped through Shi'ite areas of Baghdad and northern Iraq on Monday.So far, there are 33 people killed.There is a fear of a resurgence in sectarian violence as US troops have pulled out of the region.
HEALTH CARE DEBATE
In an oped in USA Today titled "'Un-American' attacks can't derail health care debate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., criticiae those who have been very vocal in protesting healthcare in town hall meetings.
The oped piece said, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views -- but of the facts themselves".The writers say that "Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."
Pelosi and Hoyer say "an ugly campaign is underway not merely to misrepresent the health insurance reform legislation, but to disrupt public meetings and prevent members of Congress and constituents from conducting a civil dialogue.”
However, On Fox News Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, "I don't think either side ought to be trying to engage in disrupting meetings, either the Democratic side or the Republican side. We ought to focus on the issue. And to demonize citizens who are -- you know, who are energetic about this strikes me as demonstrating a kind of weakness in your position -- in other words, you want to -- you want to change the subject. And rather than talk about the half a trillion dollars in Medicare cuts, let's talk about somebody at some town meeting who misbehaved. It strikes me that's missing the point.”
MORNING NEWS
By Sherry Patterson
MOSE JEFFERSON HEADS TO TRIAL ON CHARGES OF BRIBING FORMER ORLEANS SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT
Defense seeks delay in wake of brother William Jefferson's convictions last week.
N.O. Times Picayune
FUNNEL CLOUD SPOTTED IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH
A funnel cloudwas spotted this morning in west La. 23 at mile marker 55 in plaquemines parish, according to a national weather service spokeman.
N.O. Times Picayune
CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM BRINGS BIG SURGE IN BUSINESS FOR AUTO DEALERS
It hasn't been an easy year for auto dealers. Vehicle sales slumped as the nation waded into recession, and automakers have announced plans to shutdown some dealerships.
N.O.Times Picayune
NEW ORLEANS MAYOR'S RACE NOTABLY SHORT OF CANDIDATES
Only three candidates are in the race so far, others are holding off on decision for now.
N.O. Times Picayune
WILLIAM JEFFERSON JURORS WHISTLED WHILE THEY WORKED
The Jurors who found former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson D-New Orleans, guilty of 11 of 16 corruption counts last week apparently enjoyed one another's company. When not engaged in their duties, the Jurors who convicted William Jefferson showed a sense of humor, of sorts.
N.O. Times Picayune
JEFFERSON AND THE NIGERIAN VP
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the verdict shows he never discussed the bribes. Prosecutors weren't the only ones proclaiming victory after the jury convicted former Rep. William Jefferson last week. So did former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who, according to the Justice Department, was the intended recipient of $100,000 in cash ultimately found in the freezer of Jefferson's Washington home.
N.O. Times Picayune
CALL FOR MARY LANDRIEU
Sen. Mary Landrieu's New Orleans office received some telephone calls last week from folks wanting to complain about fellow democratic Sen. Ben Nelson's failure to embrace far- reaching health care reform...
N.O. Times Picayune
INSIDE POLITICS FOR AUG.9, 2009
Two special elections to fill vacant legislative seats are ending costing taxpayers on an extra $500,000, and the expense is irking secretary of state Jay Dardenne.
