Trayvon: Attorney General Eric Holder told the NAACP convention in Florida that the 30 states which have “Stand Your Ground” laws should reconsider. “Separate and apart from the case that has drawn the nation’s attention,” Holder said, “it’s time to question laws that senselessly expand the concept of self-defense and sow dangerous conflict in our neighborhoods.”  Meanwhile, reaction to the Anderson Cooper’s interview with anonymous juror “B-37” on CNN Monday night were so strong she cancelled her deal to write a book about the trial.

National: The cost of individual health insurance in New York will drop by as much as half, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday. The governor attributes the savings to competition between insurance companies created by Obamacare. A person paying $1,000 a month now could get insurance for as little as $308, according to the state. Some critics  say this rosy estimate is wishful thinking.

Hugger Mugger: San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is fighting to survive multiple accusations of sexual harassment coming from employees and constituents. Filner says he is a “hugger” but women say he is a groper. One woman claims Filner told her she would work better “if I worked without my panties one. Filner posted a video apology saying, “I need help.”

World: Panama seized a North Korean cargo ship that was carrying parts for an old Russian missile system. Missiles and radar were hidden in sugar the ship had picked up in Cuba. The Cuban government says the “defensive” system was being sent to North Korea for repair. Panamanian officials say the ship’s captain tried to commit suicide then had a heart attack. The 35 crew members were arrested after they violently resisted. Authorities say they are mystified because the missile system is so obsolete they can’t believe anyone would want it.

Too Much: “Glee” star Cory Monteith died of an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol, according to the coroner in British Columbia. Monteith was found dead Saturday in a Vancouver Hotel room.

Big Deal: Senate Democrats agreed to preserve the filibuster in exchange for Republicans to stop blocking a handful of President Obama’s nominations. Among the positions that will finally get filled is director of  the Consumer Financial Protection Board, which has never had one. The filibuster is a time-honored tactic for preventing a vote on a bill. So essentially yesterday’s deal does something to preserve the ability of the Senate to do nothing.

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