South of 49: Senator Pell dead at 90

Some news from the United States tonight. On New Years Day, former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell died at age 90. Pell is best known for his sponsorship of the 1973 bill which created the "Basic Educational Opportunity Grants" which quickly became known as the Pell Grants.

The Pell Grants are non-repayable assistance provided by the U.S. federal government to low and low-middle income post secondary students.

Washington Post obit: Former R.I. Senator Claiborne Pell, 90; Sponsored Grant Program