Miller says VP Cheney's Chief of Staff is anonymous source

Judith Miller testified in a grand jury hearing that Lewis Libby the Vice-President's Chief of Staff was the anonymous source. However she did testify that there was no classified information leaked which is the focus of the investigation.

Frist inquiry upgraded to investigation by SEC

Pentagon Analyst pleads guilty to spying

Lawrence A. Franklin of Kearneysville, W.V. was indicted on leaking classified material--including information about potential attacks on US forces in Iraq--to two members of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee and an Israeli official.

Also the two AIPAC officials have also been charged. Steve Rosen and Keith Weissman have been charged with conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US defense information.

NY Times Judith Miller released from federal prison

New York Times journalist Judith Miller was released from prison after agreeing to testify in the grand jury investigating the leak of the CIA operative Valerie Plame. She was originally sent to prison for refusing to testify about her source in the investigation.

Political observers expect a bitter battle for next nominee

Political observers say that the Senate Judiciary Committee will have a bitter political battle on its hands as Pres. Bush is expected to announce his next nominee for Associate Justice next week to the Supreme Court. The nominee will replace Sandra Day O'Connor who was considered a swing vote on the court.

Federal judge orders release of additional photos from Abu Ghraib

A federal judge has ordered the release of additional photos from the infamous Abu Ghraib prison scandal after the ACLU sued to get them released. The Pentagon was concerned that the release of the photos would give terrorist organizations more propoganda material. The judge stated that the people have a right to know the extent of the abuse.

MN Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz to step down in Jan.

Its official: Senate confirms Judge Roberts 78-22 as Chief Justice of the United States

US House Majority Leader Tom Delay indicted by TX grand jury

A Texas grand jury has indicted Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-TX) and fellow associates are accused of violating state election code by using corporate donations for illegal purposes. Delay has been alleged to have conspired to used a PAC to influence the Texas state legislature to determine the congressional demoographics in Texas to influence the majority in congress. Delay will be required to temporarily step down his leadership post in accordance to House rules. Congressman Rory Blount (R-MO) is expected to fill in as Majority Leader until the situation is resolved.

LA Gov. Kathleen Blanco to testify on Capitol Hill about states roll in natural disaster

Governor Blanco is expected to testify to congress and defend the actions of the state and local officials leading up to the landfall of Hurricane Katrina. She is expected to accuse the former Director of FEMA for not providing adequate support to the state and city.

Senate Cmte postpones hearing on Operation: Able Danger

A Senate committee announced that it is postponing a hearing on Operation Able Danger after the Pentagon has refused to allow a key official to testify about their knowledge of the former military intelligence unit.

Lyndie England gets 3 years for infamous Abu Ghraib prison scandal

Army Reservist Lynndie England was sentenced after she was found guilty of 11 counts of maltreatment of prisoners.

Gov. Pawlenty sets ground rules for possible fall special session

Governor Pawlenty has sent a letter to legislative leaders setting the ground rules for a possible special session. The items include stadiums for Gophers, Twins, and Vikings. Also authorization to build a hospital for Maple Grove. Legislative leaders did not react positively to the letter. While the governor has the authority to convene special session the legislative leaders decide when it ends.

Some accuse big oil of profiting at the expense of consumers

Some have accused the major oil companies of price gouging. They say that the price of gas has spiked at the pump even though the demand has not increased significantly. Some have even suggested that the oil companies are violating federal anti-trust laws because the government wont issue additional permits for competitors to drill or refine oil. One of the concerns that I have is that oil effects everyone. Driving to work is not a choice. Most driving activity is done because it usually is the only to an activity. Some have argued that you have to let the free market determine the price. Tell that to the people who were victimized by Enron. Some government is important because it protects us from some of the greedy capitalists who would swindle everyone if the government let them. I believe most business people are good and ethical. Unfortunately there are business people who will do anything for a dollar.

N.O. Police Chief resigns

The New Orleans Police Chief resigns as the department announces an investigation into 200 officers who left their posts during Katrina. The department wants to determine if the officers had a legitimate reason for leaving their official duties.

Congressional panel grills former FEMA Director over emergency preparedness

Michael Brown, the former Director of FEMA, was grilled by Congress over the lack of emergency preparedness. Brown said that while he had resources that this was contingent on New Orleans timely evacuation. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center warned the elected officials that a Cat. 4 or 5 was on its way. FEMA had prepositioned assets so that they wouldnt also become a victim of the hurricane. The National Hurricane Center advised the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana to issue a mandatory evacuation 56 hours before Katrina made landfall. They did issue a mandatory evacuation but not until just 24 hours before landfall. The president had also made a call to the governor. Only the mayor and the governor legally had the authority to issue a mandatory evacuation order not the FEMA director. The White House regrets not over-riding the authority of the governor. There was a hurricane drill in New Orleans conducted by FEMA called Hurricane Pam in July 2004 which did anticpate many of things that happened during Katrina unfortunately FEMA was unable to fullfill its obligations for the federal government because the city and state did not order a timely evacuation which would have made the job of FEMA much more effective. FEMA assits the state and local governments but cannot be the lead agency because it does not have the legal authority.

Pawlenty campaign treasurer resigns, sanctioned by state

Governor Pawlenty's campaign treasurer resigned after being sanctioned by the state Commerce Department. Ron Esau was sanctioned for a company, HJE Financial, that he helped run was involved in a equity-stripping scheme in which those who were on the verge of foreclosure were offered to buy their houses and then sell them back for what they owed plus interest. HJE Financial is now barred from issuing mortgages.

Company accused of selling faulty vests to Secret Service

The FBI is investigating a Michigan company for allegedly selling faulty bullet proof vests to the Secret Service some of which the president and First Lady wore. The faulty vests weakened in capability if exposed to sunlight or moisture. An internal memo indicates that while the problem was acknowledged the company did not take steps to correct the problem or notify the Secret Service of this problem.

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule

Attorney General Mike Hatch announced a plan to make sure that people do not lose their heat during this winter. Hatch had accused Centerpointe Energy of willfully violating the law that companies cannot disconnect customers as long as they agree to a payment plan. A $5million dollar fine recommended by the AG against Centerpointe is pending with the Public Utilities Commission. The Cold Weather Rule states between October 15 and March 15 companies cannot disconnect their customers as long as the customers agree to a payment plan.

Senate begins debate and will vote on Roberts nomination Thurs.

Machinists reach tentative agreement with Boeing

Bush to tap oil reserve again

Pres. Bush has announced that he will be tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ease the short term shortage as a result of Hurricane Rita.

Attorney challenges validity of "intelligent design" in PA classroom

An attorney has challenged the validity of "intelligent design" in federal court in Pennsylvania. The attorney argues that there is religious intent in introducing this concept in a biology class. The school board in Dover, PA voted 6-3 to incorporate it in its curriculum. Proponents of "intelligent design" argue that there is another legitimate point of view that should be allowed in the classroom.

The issue of Posse Comitatus

There has been some suggestion that posse comitatus be reinstated in some political circles. Posse Comitatus basically means that the military would have police authority in the United States. This provision has not been in use since the Civil War. Historically this has been resisted because of the incidences of British troops during the Revolutionary War. Typically the only military that have police authority are the National Guard MP's because they are under the authority of the Governors. President Kennedy federalized the Arkansas National Guard in order to execute a Supreme Court decision.

Congressional republicans divided over how to pay for hurricane aftermath

Congressional republicans are divided over how to pay for hurricane aftermath. With an already bloated budget deficit this year conservative republicans are not liking the additional expenditures the Congress is taking on. Some have called for reversing some of the tax cuts. While others are calling for reducing pork in the transportation bill that was recently passed. Both are not likely to happen. Congressional republicans are nervous about their constituents reaction in the 2006 mid-term elections. Since republicans control both the House and Senate it will be hard to blame the democrats for the spending.

Rita misses major oil refining facilities in TX, LA

Hurricane Rita missed some oil refinerys which could avoid a major spike in gas prices feared as Rita made landfall early Saturday morning. Texas and Louisiana make up 25% of the nations oil refining capacity.

Wealthiest countries to forgive $40B of debt from poorest countries

The G-8 has plans to erase $40B dollars of debt from the 10 most poorest countries in the world. This would spur economic development for those countries that have struggled under the weight of their own debt. Industrialized countries pledged to replenish the IMF and World Bank so that they are not hindered with ongoing projects. Most of the countries benefiting from this decision will be from Africa.

Hurricanes stir debate over flood insurance on Capitol Hill

Congress is debating whether it is worth insuring those in flood prone areas. Some however argue that there are many areas of the country that are proned to natural disasters. Earthquakes in California. Tornadoes in the Midwest and hurricanes on the East and Gulf Coasts. Some argue that individuals should incur the costs by buying insurance through private entitites and not the federal government. Hurricane Katrina is expected to cost taxpayers in the multi-billions of dollars. Congress has already allocated over $60B so far.

US Attorneys Office and SEC investigating Sen. Frist over stock sale

The US Attorney's Office and the SEC have opened an investigation into whether insider trading was committed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. A subpoena was issued for documents to determine whether Frist sold stock in HCA before the stock fell 16% in value which is a hospital chain owned by his family. Frist's office says he is cooperating with investigators. Frist's office also stated that his earnings are held in a blind trust. This means that he does not have direct control over the stock. His wife and children also sold stock at that time per his request. The sale came two weeks before the company reported dissappointed earnings for that quarter. The stock has not recovered since then. Frist stated he sold his shares because he did not want to have an appearance of conflict of interest.

Senate Cmte holds hearings on Operation: Able Danger

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a second hearing regarding a dispute between the 9/11 Commission and the Pentagon. The Pentagon claims that the 9/11 Commission did not adequately investigate a former military intelligence unit Operation: Able Danger. The 9/11 Commission claims that the information they received about the unit did not warrant further investigation.

Bush to monitor Rita from Northern Command in CO

Pres. Bush will be flying to Colorado Springs to Northern Command to monitor Hurricane Rita as it makes landfall. The president will be there to make sure that the federal response is there and that state and local officials are communicating and getting the necessary resources.

Federal and State agencies to fund local cities in disaster areas

Federal and State agencies will be provding funding for the payroll of city workers in the disaster areas so that they can continue rescue efforts, maintain law and order, and provide basic services to the community . These effected cities are unable to collect tax revenue because the businesses cannot open and do not have a customers to serve at this time.

Some levees not holding in N.O.

Army Corpse of Engineers says that nighmare scenario with levee is coming true. Water is leaking through the levees as well as overflow is ocurring that were designed to alleviate the flooding. Hurricane Rita is wreaking havoc on New Orleans again. The city is under a Tropical Storm Warning.

ACLU to challenge red light camera in Minneapolis

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis for its use of red light cameras because it violates the US Constitution. The ACLU said that the driver of the vehicle may not be the owner. The issuance of the ticket is based on the license plate. The city attorney had stated earlier that they did anticipate defending the policy in court.

Massive evacuation proving to be slow and difficult despite preparation

Many citizens heeded the call of public officials to evacuate coastal and low-lying areas of the Gulf Coast. But that has created a massive traffic jam on many of the interstate highways. The interstate highways were originally designed during the Cold War so that if we faced a nuclear attack that we could evacuate as many people as possible out of metropolitan areas. What would normally take 2hours is taking 20 hours. Traffic has been at a crawl despite officials authorizing flow of all traffic in one direction.

Senate Judiciary Committee approves Judge Roberts 13-5

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Judge John Roberts. There is a floor vote for the Senate expected early next week.

AG to defend state in lawsuit by tobacco companies

Three major tobacco companies have filed a lawsuit against the state contending that the health impact fee violates its multi-billion dollar settlement that it reached with the state. Hatch says that the fee does not violate the agreement because it only applies to future claims made against the companies not any fees or taxes that the legislature may impose. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 in Ramsey County District Court.

Ranking Democrat to support Roberts for Chief Justice

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) ranking member democrat on the Senate Juidiciary Committee announced that he will support Judge Roberts for Chief Justice despite reservations. He says that while his constituents would have him vote nay his judgement tells him to vote yeah for Roberts. Sen. Kennedy (D-MA) said he plans to oppose the Roberts nomination. This is obviously no surprise to many insiders. Senator Leahy's support of Roberts could give political cover for some democrats who were inclined to vote for Roberts. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is planning to oppose the nomination of Roberts.

Kelly Doran to quit Senate race to run for Governor

Sources say wealthy real estate developer Kelly Doran is expected to announce today that will drop out of the race for Senate to pursue a race for Governor at a press conference. Doran has been campagining throughout the state including billboards on freeways. Since Doran is self funded it may be cheaper to run for Governor than for Senate. The Senate seat will probably cost an estimated $15-20million for the endorsed candidate and only $2-3million for the governership. This is in part due to campaign finance laws that differ between state and federal which limit how much a candidate can raise and spend. As you can probably tell there is much more money available for candidates running for federal offices.

Are broadcasters hindering the ability of first responders?

I think I know why this story has not been widely reported. There have been many stories about how first responders have been unable to get a unified communications tool so that they can communicate especially after 9/11. The culprit could be the media. The broadcasters apparently are unwilling to give up a part of the spectrum that the first responders say they need to provide a unified communications network. The broadcasters want this particular part of the spectrum for digital TV.

Former White House senior procurement official arrested

A former White House senior official who was responsible for procurement resigned and was subsequently arrested in a corruption probe by the FBI involving a republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. David H Safavian is accused of repeatedly making false statements to investigators and is being investigated for a golf trip in 2002. Safavian is also accused of helping the lobbyist get control of two federally managed properties in the DC area.

Vikings and Anoka County announce proposal for stadium

The Vikings and Anoka County announced today a partnership to buld a new stadium for the Vikings. Taxpayers would be required to pay $400million of the $675million. The Vikings would also ask the public to pay for road improvements for the development at a cost of $115million which would also get priority over current road constructions in the proposal. The Vikings are currently third line as far as the state legislature is concerned for a special session to provide public funding for stadiums. Hennepin County would like the legislature to approve a local option sales tax so that they can build a stadium for the Twins.

Hurricane Rita's path targets Texas

Hurricane Rita after battering the southern part of Florida is expected to gain strength in the warm waters in the Gulf of New Mexico. Rita is expected to make landfall on Galveston, TX sometime Friday evening or Saturday morning. Rita will be upgraded from a category 2 to category 4.

Famous Holocaust Survivor Simon Wiesenthaler dies

Famous Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthaler died today. He was a Holocaust survivor who personally dedicated his life to hunting down Nazis who committed war crimes during World War II. He reportedly had contributed to the arrests of 1100 Nazis. The amazing part is that he did this not with the help of government officials but through friends and contacts throughout the world.

European Union to recommend sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program

The European Union announced that it will be submitting a proposal to the UN for sanctions against Iran because Iran refuses to back down on its ambitions for a nuclear program. The EU and the United States are concerned that Iran will use the nuclear program for purposes other than what Iran has claimed. Iran's newly elected president says that Iran will run low on oil and says it has the right to self government. Iran also blasted the United States at the World Summit Week at the UN because while the US maintains its stockpile of nuclear weapons that it is prohibiting other countries from doing so.

North Korea agrees to abandon nuclear ambitions

North Korea today agreed to end its ambition to pursue a nuclear weapons program. They also agreed to bring inspectors to verify the committment North Korea has made. In return the North Koreans get electricty from South Korea and that the two Koears will be allowed to peacefully co-exist. It will be interesting to see if North Korea follows through because they didnt when the Clinton administration offered a similar solution.

N.O. Mayor suspends re-entry due to Tropical Storm Rita

As if Katrina didnt do enough damage to the Gulf Coast, the mayor is now forced to evacuate residents for a second time. Louisiana may get hit again by another hurricane from the east. Tropical Storm Rita's path is projected to the Gulf Coast. Rita may pick up strength in the Gulf of Mexico after it gets past Florida.

Former CEO and CFO of Tyco sentenced 8-25 years

Former CEO and CFO Koslowski and Schwartz were sentenced to 8-25 years to New York state prison for bilking Tyco Corporation out of hundreds of millions of dollars in unauthorized bonuses and loans. They also have to pay back some of that money in the form of restitution. Both plan to appeal their convictions.

Florida Governor declares State of Emergency for Tropical Storm

German political parties battle for majority coalition in election for Chancellor

German Chancellor Schroeder campaigned on an anti-American platform while his opponent campaigned on a pro-American platform. Angela Merkel is the conservative challenger. Merkel says she wants to mend the tattered relations between Germany and the United States. Germany's economy is in shambles as they have to deal with sluggish economic growth and double digit unemployment. Germany opposed the United States going into Iraq.

Afghanistan holds elections for parliament