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Federal crop insurance was created in the dust bowl days of the 1930s to help farmers survive the ravages of nature. But changes in the program have created a new type of farmer: one who farms only for the insurance money.

The hedge fund industry is one of the fastest growing corners of the investment world. Now Wall Street insider — and hedge fund manager — Barton Biggs has exposed the industry's cast of characters to scrutiny in the book HedgeHogging.

President Bush toured the Gulf Coast Thursday, noting improvements since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In New Orleans, the president did not tour any of the city's still-deserted neighborhoods, and protesters called for a stronger federal commitment to fortify the city's levees.

Sami Abdelshafi, co-founder and senior partner of Emerge Consulting Group, is cautiously optimistic about the new Gaza border-crossing agreement between the Palestinian people and Israel. Abdelshafi's company provides economic analysis to businesses, government groups and non-profits operating in Gaza.

The Iraqi government announces an investigation into the abuse and torture of more than 170 prisoners held at a Ministry of Interior detention center in Baghdad. Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said one of his top deputies has been appointed to conduct the probe.

Robert Siegel talks with Stephen Cohen, national scholar for the Israel Policy Forum, about the Gaza deal.

Hurricane Wilma's impact Monday left Miami struggling to keep order. The city's airport is closed and the mayor says out of 2,600 traffic lights there, just 18 are working.

Thomas P.M. Barnett has a new book out. Blueprint for Action follows Barnett's best-selling book The Pentagon's New Map. Both books offer Barnett's view on global security issues and strategies.

Sentencing is expected Tuesday for Chai Soua Vang in the murder of six deer hunters last year. The shooting in northern Wisconsin followed a racially charged trespassing confrontation between Vang, who is Hmong, and the men. The tension lingers as hunters prepare for this year's hunting season. Gil Halsted of Wisconsin Public Radio reports.

France has authorized emergency measures after a dozen nights of rioting. Local officials can now impose curfews if they choose, and police have authority to conduct raids without warning. Severe punishment for rioters was promised, and the first sentences were handed down Monday.