9:30 a.m.

We will continue to follow the tiger story today. Jean Ortiz (jortiz@VenturaCountyStar.com) is scheduled to be the lead writer. We'll look for developments in the identification of the tiger's owner and possible charges being filed, plus your continued outrage over the incident. Comments continue on the website ... and you're welcome to join the conversation. Just click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the story.

Today we plan to run the story held from yesterday regarding the inevitable next phase of Southern California diasters: rain, mudslides, cleanup, mounting bills and then ... lawsuits. Zeke Barlow (zbarlow@VenturaCountyStar.com) and Tamara Koehler (tkoehler@VenturaCountyStar.com) tackle the story about the expected legal action for placing blame on storm damage.

Jean Moore (jcmoore@VenturaCountyStar.com)follows an interesting study that shows 22.7 percent of college freshmen don't see racism as a problem, nearly double what it was 12 years ago. She finds racism at our local schools and talks to those who have faced it.

Several stories we're following off the wire today as possible Page One candidates. Obviously a major story is the pope's health. He was hospitalized again this morning. Also, President Bush and Russian President Putin held a press conference this morning. And the latest bombing in Iraq may come out to the front page tomorrow.