The primary purpose of "National CrossTalk" is to stimulate informed discussion and debate of higher education issues. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Florida's Unnatural Disaster: The State's Economic Bubble Has Burst, Leaving Higher Education in a Double Bind (Jon Marcus); (2) Saudi King's Modern University: Partnerships Are Sought in Attempt to Establish a World-Class Institution (Robert A. Jones); (3) Hard Times: Tuitions Rise, Services Cut, as University Officials Try to Ride Out a Severe Economic Downturn (Jon Marcus); and (4) Financial Challenges: Oregon's Opportunity Grant Program Must Overcome New Hurdles Due to the Recession (Kathy Witkowsky). Other Voices, a regular feature, contains the following articles: (1) Recessions Past and Present: Higher Education Struggles with State Cuts, Rising Tuitions and a Climate of Uncertainty (David W. Breneman); (2) Accountability Measures: States Rely on New "Data Systems" to Track Institutional Success and Student Outcomes (Kevin Carey); and (3) Great Expectations: Can Research Change the Character of the Affirmative Action Debate? (David L. Kirp).