In a Nutshell

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By Rachael Lundy

Many of Louisiana’s children live in poverty 

Louisiana agencies and non-profits have combined efforts in order to reduce child poverty in Louisiana. Louisiana ranks second, just behind Mississippi, in childhood poverty rankings in the United States, as reported by the U. S. Census Bureau 2007 American Community Survey. Full 26.8 percent of children residing in Louisiana, 18 years and younger, were living below the poverty level in the year 2007, explains the aforementioned report. This is an alarming number.  As a result, Louisiana further progresses its efforts to “reduce child poverty in the state by 50 percent by 2019,” says the Advocate. It is the hope of all involved that both private and public combined efforts dramatically impact these children, addressing the root of the problem as well as preventing further increase of children living in poverty. 

LSU’s homecoming festivities 

Due to delays caused by Hurricane Gustav, LSU’s homecoming was rescheduled for the week of Nov. 9 – Nov. 15. LSU students need to get ready for all of the celebrations scheduled, which include the following: Homecoming on the Road; LSU Homecoming Classic, 5K; creating Homecoming banners; Homecoming Kickball Tournament; the Homecoming Morning Drive; voting for Homecoming King and Queen; “Battle of the Cans” Food; Champions in Their Fields, Career; BCS Championship Rewind; Lights Under the Oaks Program; Homecoming Block Party; the LSU Homecoming Parade; LSU Decorations on Display; LSU vs. Jackson State (Men’s Basketball) and LSU vs. Troy (Football). For more information visit LSU’s home page at www.lsu.edu. 

Michael Crichton dies at the age of 66 

The well-known, best-selling author, Michael Crichton, died at the relatively young age of 66, after battling cancer. This “Jurassic Park” writer inspired many, whether it was simply with his prose alone or encouraging others to become more analytical thinkers. The well-educated Harvard medical school graduate, used his education to write believable works of fiction in such an intelligent way, so that readers felt themselves questioning whether his works could actually, one day, be reality. Crichton, a world-famous storyteller, will be missed by many. 

Pentagon makes transitional plans 

This is the first time since the Vietnam War that the United States has had a transfer of political power in the midst of combat. Because of this, it is important that the Pentagon makes a smooth transition. “We’re in a struggle against violent extremists determined to attack us, and they would like nothing more than to exploit this period of change to harm the American people,” President Bush reported to CNN. All parties involved have promised to make the change as smoothly as possible.   

Alleged Baton Rouge drug ring busted 

The suspected drug boss of a major Baton Rouge cocaine ring was arrested and he is being held without bond. Willie “Gator” Jones, Jr., 36 of Baton Rouge, is the so-called ring leader of this major drug operation that spanned between Baton Rouge and Houston, as reported by the Advocate. He is being held based on his alleged participation in selling cocaine and crack “in quantities that require mandatory prison terms of at least 10 years,” as said by the aforementioned report.    

Catholic-Muslim relations improve 

Catholic and Muslim leaders have come together to improve their religious relations, “condemning terrorism, protecting religious freedom and fighting poverty,” according to CNN. Often, past prejudices can prevent religious sectors from moving forward and accomplishing the goals of both religions, and in response, the two have come together in a promise to respect one another’s beliefs, even though they may not agree with that way of thinking. 

Alleged mafia suspect was arrested during elective surgery 

Domenico Magnoli, 27, an alleged mobster, was greeted by police officers following his second liposuction surgery, as reported by CNN. Magnoli was arrested on a French warrant for suspected drug trafficking, operating a cocaine ring between South America and Western Europe, according to the aforementioned report. Magnoli did not have time to recuperate from his medical procedure prior to his arrest, as he was immediately taken into custody upon awakening from his surgery. 

Originally Published: Issue 712 - November 12, 2008

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