Your Second Cup

• The 'Boy Genius' is jumping ship (AP) - Karl Rove plans to leave the White House at the end of August. Will he be joining another presidential team in time for next year's primaries? If so, which one?
• Romney wins 'empty' Iowa straw poll, Thompson withdraws (AP) - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said Sunday that low turnout and the absence of some notable opponents (McCain, Giuliani) shouldn't diminish his win in Iowa's Republican Party Straw Poll. Following a sixth place finish, former Wisconsin Governor, Tommy Thompson, announced Sunday he was withdrawing from the race.
• Democrats take part in 'gay' debate (AP) - Democrat presidential contenders faced pointed questions on gay marriage and the basis for sexual orientation in a forum sponsored by a gay-rights group and a gay-oriented cable TV channel. All of the Democratic candidates support a federal ban on anti-gay job discrimination, want to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring gays from serving openly in the military and support civil unions that would extend marriage-like rights to same-sex couples.
• New Orleans councilman to enter plea on bribery charges (WWL) - City Council Vice-President Oliver Thomas was expected in federal court Monday to enter a plea on charges that he demanded payments from a parking lot vendor. Sources tell Eyewitness News that Thomas is expected to plead guilty and resign his council seat.
• Nursing home trial set to begin today (The Advocate) - The trial of Mabel and Salvador Mangano, owners of St. Rita’s nursing home, is expected to start today in St. Francisville with jury selection. The Manganos face 35 counts of negligent homicide and 24 counts of cruelty to the infirm.