Ay dios mio! Spain plans to close its New Orleans consulate at the end of October, a move that will cut a historic tie with the city it once governed as a colonial power. According to the city’s international relations director, Lisa Ponce de Leon, Mayor Ray Nagin and others have sent letters of protest to the Spanish government. The head of the World Trade Center, Eugene Schreiber, says consulates all over the world are closing. New Orleans was once home to dozens of consulates that have closed their doors during the past 25 years, the most recent being Japan in 2007. Consulate offices generally provide a base for foreign residents living or traveling abroad, processing passports and birth certificates.
Status of Eagles’ QB is up in the air: Donovan McNabb’s status is uncertain for the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against New Orleans Sunday because of a cracked rib. “He’s pretty sore,” says coach Andy Reid. “He’s going to try and battle through it. He’ll struggle to practice.” Third-year pro Kevin Kolb filled in for McNabb during Philadelphia’s 38-10 victory over Carolina in the season opener. He would start against the Saints if McNabb can’t play. Michael Vick is not eligible because he was suspended for the first two regular-season games to complete penalties for bankrolling a dogfighting ring. The Eagles don’t have a fourth QB on their roster.
