Government plans to help homeowners

The Obama administration announced its new initiative to help troubled homeowners on Friday.  This could lead to the refinancing of millions of homes with government-backed mortgages and lower payments.  This plan is meant to temporarily reduce housing payments for the people who are currently unemployed and looking for a job.

According to The New York Times, this aid is the result of pressure from Congress to solve the foreclosure problem, which is straining the economy and putting many Americans at risk of losing their homes.  It is likely that this plan will receive some protest from the people who are not in financial trouble.  Details of the plan are still unclear. 

Second number 1 seed sent home

The Syracuse Orange Men's basketball team left Salt Lake City earlier than most people expected after their loss to Butler last night in the Sweet Sixteen.  The Orange lost 61-59.  Butler prevented Syracuse from scoring in the last five minutes of the game.  Wes Johnson had 18 points for the Orange, Scoop Jardine had 14 and Andy Rautins scored 15.  The Orange committed 18 turnovers, their most since the Georgetown game in February. 

The Orange finished their season 6-4 in their last 10 games, while they began the season 24-1.  This loss leaves West Virginia as the only Big East team left in the tournament.  The Big East had received eight bids, which was the most of any conference. According to ESPN, this is the first time in Butler history that it has reached the regional finals.

Child prodigy sues UConn

A chid prodigy majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology is suing the University of Connecticut for age discrimination.  Colin Carlson, 13, is a sophomore at UConn and Carlson claims that is was unfair he was was rejected from a course since it goes to South Africa in the summer. 

According to the Post-Standard, university officials told Carlson that he is too young to take and overseas course.  Carlson's mother, Jessica Offir offered to release UConn from any liability and she planned on going with her son.  UConn denied her request and Michael Kirk, a UConn spokesman said they were concerned for his safety.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Carlson's case.