EU anticipates half of normal flights could resume Monday
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Major airlines that sent test flights into European air space found no damage Sunday from the volcanic ash that has paralyzed aviation over the continent, raising pressure on governments to ease restrictions that have thrown global travel and commerce into chaos.
Poland president, first lady interred in Krakow amid new hope
KRAKOW, Poland (AP) — Tens of thousands of Poles bade farewell to President Lech Kaczynski on Sunday at a state funeral filled with pomp, pride and an outpouring of patriotism that his divisive and unpopular leadership had never generated.
“Poles finally appreciate him,” said Ryszard Stolarski, 56, one of many weeping mourners. “I never imagined that Poland would honor Kaczynski in this way.”
Treasury secretary: economy growing faster than expected
WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the economy is growing faster than the Obama administration expected.He told NBC’s “Meet the Press” the country is on the way to sustained job creation. But he acknowledged that unemployment may remain high, as close to 10 percent.
Geithner said there’s more confidence in the business world, and he said the private sector is growing.
5 major U.S. airlines won’t charge for carry-ons but other fees apply
ATLANTA (AP) — Five major carriers agreed on Sunday not to follow the lead of a small Florida airline planning to charge for carryon bags. Their commitment comes in time to keep travelers from running for exits during the summer flying season, but it is doubtful that it marks a change in strategy.
Airlines are going to tack on every fee they can get away with because it bolsters their revenue stream while allowing them to keep base fares lower. They just don’t feel like passengers will tolerate losing their free carry-ons — at least not right now.
SEC case damages Goldman’s reputation, could ruin dominance
NEW YORK (AP) — While Goldman Sachs contends with the government’s civil fraud charges, an equally serious problem looms — a damaged reputation that may cost its clients.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil fraud charge against Goldman has tarnished the Wall Street bank’s already bruised image, analysts say. It could also hurt its ability to do business in an industry based largely on trust. Damage from the case could hit other big banks as well.
Louisiana jobless rate falls to 6.9 percent from 7.3 percent in Feb.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.9 percent in March, putting the state in company with 16 other states and the District of Columbia, which saw the figure fall from February, the federal Labor Department reported Friday.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the state saw its jobless rate fall from 7.3 percent in February. In March 2009, the rate was 6.2 percent. The unemployment rate for March was 9.7 percent. The Labor Department said that in the South, the jobless rate was 9.8 percent for the second month. In March 2009, the regional rate was 8.4 percent.
Louisiana’s latest rate was the second lowest in the South and tied for eighth lowest in the United States. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the number of people employed in Louisiana grew by 10,450.
4th officer charged in Katrina deadly police shootings cover-up
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A fourth New Orleans police officer was charged Friday with helping cover up deadly police shootings of unarmed civilians in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath. He later resigned from the department, a police spokesman said. The officer, Robert Barrios, is charged with conspiring to obstruct justice.
88-year-old Miss Peggy still attending University of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — You won’t find many 88-year-olds attending college classes and living in a dorm but, to Peggy Saavedra, her tiny apartment at the University of New Orleans feels just right.
For as long as she can remember, “Miss Peggy” has loved going to school. When she was a little girl, she wanted to start elementary school so badly, her mother figured out a way to send her a year early.
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