Free Republic

<p>ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) – New York State environmental officials are trying to nip a huge, dangerous plant in the bud.</p> <p>The giant hogweed, a monster plant with flowers the size of umbrellas and sap that causes blisters and blindness, is spreading across New York. The Department of Environmental Conservation is asking for help locating outbreaks.</p>

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The April 10 deadline for all victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita requesting assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is rapidly approaching. In an initial news release March 10, David Paulison, FEMA acting director, announced that the deadline for registering for assistance as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas would be extended 30 days to April 10. Applicants may qualify for help under a wide range of federal and state programs, such as temporary disaster housing assistance; SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses; and assistance for...