Free Republic

Oddsmakers favor Colts, not Steelers next season ESPN.com news services Despite winning Super Bowl XL, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the favorite next season. The MGM Mirage has already installed the Indianapolis Colts, who lost to the Steelers in the playoffs this year after being viewed as the favorite much of the season, as 4-1 favorites. The Seattle Seahawks, who lost Sunday to the Steelers, are the favorite in the NFC at 5-1. The oddsmakers also have the New England Patriots, winners of three of the past five Super Bowls, at 5-1. As for the champion Steelers, they and the Carolina...

ATLANTA, Dec. 3 -- Standing in a borrowed auditorium 425 miles from home, the mayor of New Orleans implored displaced constituents Saturday to keep faith, put pressure on Washington policymakers and come home soon. "I miss y'all," Mayor C. Ray Nagin told more than 2,200 people temporarily living in the Atlanta area. "I want y'all back in the city of New Orleans. Red beans and rice just ain't the same without you. I want you back." But in a three-hour session marked by tears and outbursts, the response was not encouraging. "Come home?" many yelled back. "To what?" With New...