Long Road Back For The Big Easy

Just some general updates on New Orleans. First on the rebuilding-

AP: New Orleans Recovery Could Take 25 Years

A full recovery in New Orleans could take 25 years as homeowners, businesses and tourists are coaxed back to the city devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration's Gulf Coast recovery coordinator said Thursday...

Then on the preparation for the upcoming hurricane season-

Reuters: New Orleans to be emptied for next storm: officials

Everyone in New Orleans must evacuate the low-lying city the next time a hurricane threatens and no shelters will be offered for those who stay, officials said on Tuesday.

Hoping to avoid a repeat of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when thousands struggled to survive after ignoring evacuation orders, they said planes, trains and buses would be used to move people out and the Superdome football stadium would not be open for refuge...

Plus Harry Shearer continues to do great blogging on the story...