Latest news: October 14, 2011

Ellen DeGeneres coming home to help Brad Pitt ‘Make It Right’

By Jerry McLeod, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). October 13, 2011.

“Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is coming home on March 10 to help Brad Pitt “Make It Right” in the Lower 9th Ward…”

BP allowed to buy more oil and gas leases in Gulf of Mexico

By George Altman, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). October 13, 2011.

“WASHINGTON — BP PLC can purchase oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico during the first such sale since the company’s Macondo well blew out and spawned a massive oil spill last summer, a top official with the U.S. Interior Department said Thursday…”

New Bill To Restore Gulf Fish Habitats

By WorldFishingNetwork.com. October 13, 2011.

“A bipartisan bill was recently introduced in the House that will ensure that 80 percent of penalties paid by BP and others responsible for last year’s Gulf oil spill are used to help restore the damaged fish and wildlife habitats of the region, not for unrelated federal spending. The RESTORE Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 was introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) as lead sponsor, along with more than 20 other bipartisan leaders as joint co-sponsors…”

Audubon of Florida to honor Florida senator

By Virginia Chamlee, The Florida Independent (Tallahassee, Fl.). October 13, 2011.

“Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., will accept an award for his conservation efforts at an assembly this Friday in Lake Mary…”