Today - 8 Sept 2005

The official death toll from Hurricane Katrina stood at 294 today, but that number is expected to rise dramatically.

FEMA set up a temporary morgue in the town of St. Gabriel, about 70 miles west of New Orleans.

Another temporary morgue is set up at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 610 inside the city, FEMA spokesman Bill Lehman said.

Other developments

With oil and gasoline hovering near record highs, many economists are concerned about a potential soft patch for the economy. Calls have increased for the Federal Reserve to pause when it meets on September 20 rather than raise interest rates for the 11th consecutive time. But even if the Fed doesn't boost rates, it may resume later in the year in a bid to ensure that inflation remains in check.