R. Neal

July 25, 2006 - According to this article, the State of Louisiana recently gave teachers in the state a $1500 pay raise, but the Southern Regional Education Board says the state still lags behind other Southern states in teacher salaries:

July 20, 2006 - Real estate investors looking to cash in on foreclosures note rising foreclosure rates around the South:

July 20, 2006 - Read the amusing account here. Feel free to make up your own jokes.

July 20, 2006 - At the request of Gov. Kathleen Blanco, the Louisiana Civil Service Commission has raised the minimum wage for all state workers to $6.15 per hour, one dollar more than the federal minimum wage. The new minimum wage will go into effect in August.

July 20, 2006 - On its way to being passed in the House, the Voting Rights Act renewal was almost gutted by a coalition of Southern legislators. It survived intact and is now on its way to the Senate for approval. Bush indicates he will sign it.

July 20, 2006 - In addition to the Fall of Ralph Reed, by way of Andy Axel we learn that Alabama has elected its first openly gay legislator: Patricia Todd is the new state representative for par

July 20, 2006 - President Bush addressed the NAACP convention for the first time in his presidency, declaring that racism still exists and urging the Senate to renew the voting rights act: