Political Poll Shocks France
In a recent survey by the French Le Parisien newspaper, far-right leader Marine Le Pen emerged as the frontrunner in next year's presidential election. The results are a shock, as no one expected Le Pen to top current President Nicolas Sarkozy.
In the survey, Le Pen earned 23 percent of the vote, two points higher than Sarkozy. She also received more votes than the popular Socialist leader Martine Aubry. Some analysts say an online poll like this cannot be entirely reliable but that results shouldn't be disregarded.
If this trend stays the same for next year's election, Le Pen would automatically qualify for the second round of voting with the other mainstream party leaders.
Le Pen was named leader of the National Front party in January, succeeding her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. He was never able to receive as high of poll ratings as his daughter currently has, which demonstrates her devotion and appeal to the French people.
Louisiana Town Hit by Tornado
The small Louisiana town of Rayne was devastated by a tornado on Saturday. The tornado was part of the string of violent storms that have been hitting the southeast states of Mississippi, Alabama and now Louisiana.
The tornado ripped through the town, leaving one woman dead and at least 11 more injured. Hundreds of houses were damaged and many were completely destroyed. The town remains on alert and has evacuated many citizens because of possible gas leaks. Many of Rayne's 8,500 residents were moved to safety shelters set up in fire stations around the area.
Local meteorologists have issued tornado warnings for the southeast region of the state. The city of New Orleans may also face serious weather conditions.
The tornado and other storms have led to the postponement or cancellation of several Mardi Gras events taking place this week.
Candidates Narrowed Down for CAS Dean
After reviewing applications, the final two candidates in the search for the next Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences have been found. Later this month, Charles Mitchell and Bruce Pitman will be interviewed, and the dean will be announced by July 1.
Mitchell is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Geology. After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1983, Mitchell became a member of UB's department of geology, where he has since held various positions, including department chair, from 2002-2008.
Pitman is currently the associate dean of research and sponsored programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a professor in the department of mathematics and adjunct professor in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. He earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Duke University in 1985 and has worked in mathematics departments at several universities.
The search committee is headed by Dr. Harvey G. Stenger and consists of members from various departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.
