100 days of oil: Gulf life will never be the same

GRAND ISLE, La. – It has been 100 days since an oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and setting off the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

For the people along the Gulf Coast, life has changed forever.

In Louisiana, shop owner Cherie Pete spends her days worrying that fishermen who lined up for po-boys and ice cream may never come back.

Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser has put his wedding on hold to argue with federal officials about the spill response.

In Florida, environmental activist Enid Sisskin has a new story to illustrate the dangers of offshore drilling.

The 100 days since the April 20 explosion have been a gut-wrenching time for folks who work, play and live along the Gulf Coast. It's a sanctuary for some, an employer for others, and now, a tragedy.

BP's Gulf damage payments up to $256 million

NEW ORLEANS -- BP PLC said it has paid $256 million, including $30 million over the past week, for lost income or business profit resulting from the Gulf oil spill.

The company will start sending at least another $60 million in advance money to cover August by the end of the week.

The company said fishermen have received $39 million, shrimpers have received $23 million and oyster harvesters have been paid $8 million. Charter boat owners have received $6 million.

Another $117 million has gone to workers and businesses in a variety of fields, including deck hands and seafood processing workers.

BP said it has received 133,000 claims and has issued about 83,000 checks.

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