Criminal probe launched

The government has launched a criminal and civil investigation into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday after meeting with state and federal prosecutors in New Orleans. (Source: Reuters via Washington Post, 06/01/10) Meanwhile, Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi said oil has nearly reached Petit Bois Island, south of Jackson County, Miss. His comment came during a conference call to update the media on the ongoing effort to fend off the oil. (Source: Sun Herald, 06/01/10). Oil is expected to hit Alabama shores Wednesday afternoon. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/01/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil and gas have leaked from the well ever since, and efforts to stem the flow have failed.