Pres. Bush nominates Sam Alito for the Supreme Court

Rosa Parks to lie in repose at US Capitol Rotunda

Government investigating sales of MRE's on eBay

The Government is investigating the sale of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) for the hurricane victims in the Gulf states. Apparently some have sold MRE's on eBay. MRE's are considered property of the federal government for the purpose of assisting disaster victims in this case. It is a violation of federal law to sell them for a profit.

Grand jury in CIA leak probe expires; investigation continues

The grand jury in the CIA leak investigation has expired but the inestigation continues as the special prosecutor determines the fate of the White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove.

CO to consider repealing tax reform

After hailing a tax referendum that would limit the growth of state spending to population growth as a milestone for taxpayers. There is now a movement underway to repeal it. Including the original proponent Governor Bill Owens (R-CO) who says that the government cannot afford deeper spending cuts. Colorado was one of the few states that did not have budget issues like many other states in the country. Welfare advocates however say that the poor and children suffered under this tax reform.

US House of Representatives debate a bill over lawyers role in frivolous lawsuits

The US House of Representatives debated a bill that would have revoked the law license of lawyers who habitually file frivolous lawsuits. Proponents of the bill say that frivolous lawsuits have amounted to legal extortion and have been the contributing factor to driving up costs in many areas for consumers. They also argued that its often times more about the lawyers desire to profit rather than to pursue justice for plaintiffs. Opponents argue however that this is the only way that the poor and disenfranchised can get justice through the courts. That wealthy individuals and corporations must be held accountable when there is wrongdoing.

AK Supreme Court allows public employees same-sex partner benefits

The Alaska State Supreme Court ruled that barring state employees from same sex partner violates the states equal protection clause. The state earlier passed a referendum barring same-sex marriage.

Lewis "Scooter" Libby, VP's Chief of Staff indicted; resigns

Lewis Libby, the VP's Chief of Staff, resigned today as he was charged on 5 counts including perjury and obstruction of justice. There is still a possibility that Rove may be indicted but that is unclear at this point if that will happen.

VP's Chief of Staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby expected to be indicted by special prosecutor

A report says that the VP's Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor Scooter Libby is expected to be indicted on perjury charges. He reportedly testified that he got the name of the CIA operative from a reporter when in fact he got it from the Vice-President. Libby reportedly told this to the grand jury to steer the investigation away from the Vice-President. It would not have been unusual for Libby to speak with Cheney involving national security since Libby was the NSA advisor to Cheney and that Cheney is a member of the National Security Council which advises the president.

UN's Final Report says mismanagement led to rapant corruption in Oil for Food program

A final report on the UN's Oil for Food scandal said that over 2200 companies and senior government officials benefited at the expense of Iraqi citizens. Russia and France were the main benefactors because they opposed the war but US companies profited as well. Sometimes they used Russian companies as middlemen. According to the report $1.8B was looted from the $64B program.

Bush reluctantly accepts withdrawal of Harriet Miers for Associate Justice

After weeks of uncertainty and getting hammered by fellow republicans about their concern of Miers judicial qualifications Pres. Bush reluctantly accepted her withdrawal. The confirmation was expected to wrap up by Thanksgiving but now with this news the hearings for a new prospective nominee is not slated to be confirmed till January of 06.

Chicago White Sox are the 2005 World Series Champions

Former researcher sues MPCA

A former research scientist is suing the MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) as she testified at a Senate hearing Tuesday. The scientist says that when some of her findings did not mesh with her bosses she was intimidated and then fired from her job. She specifically eluded to the PFC that 3M used to use to make a variety of products and then the toxins were dumped directly into the Mississippi River. The Commissioner is a former executive of 3M and did not attend the hearing. The Deputy Commissioner testified that she could not comment on pending litigation and due to data practices. 3M had no comment pending further litigation.

Saddams lawyers asking for more protection

Saddams lawyers asked for addititional security as one of their colleagues on the case was kidnapped and killed by masked gunmen.

Chief Justice Roberts denys motion for stay for maker of Blackberry

Chief Justice Roberts denied without comment a motion to stay by the maker of Blackberry on a patent lawsuit. Blackberry wanted an infringment verdict by a lower court to be temporarily delayed. The plaintiff RIM (Research in Motion) argued that there would have caused irreparable damage if the court had issued a temporary injuction. The temporary stay was also denied by the federal appeals court.

Former AL Governor Siegelman idicted on federal charges

Former Governor Siegelman was indicted on federal charges of racketeering and conspiracy. He is allegeld to have taken a bribe from former health executive Richard Scrushy to to get on a state hospital board. Scrushy is the former head of Healthsouth medical services. He was aquitted of federal charges of defrauding the company of millions of dollars. The former governor is currently running for governor again.

Matt Entenza announces run for AG

Matt Entenza, the democratic House minority leader, has announced that he will be running for Attorney General in the next election. Jeff Johnson, a republican House member, is the only republican seeking the partys endorsement at this point.

Privacy group challenges online wiretap in court

A privacy group has sued the FCC over a new rule intended to listen in on potential criminal activity via the internet typically known as Voice over Internet Protocol. Right now the FBI has the ability to capture conversations already recorded by asking the ISP for it. The FBI would like to listen in while the call is in progress. The FBI would also like phone internet companies to make it adapt their systems to allow for a wiretap.

Retired judge appointed in Delay case

A retired judge in Texas has been asked to decide whether the presiding judge in the case should recuse themself. Delay's lawyers have also asked for a change of venue out of Traverse County where the case is currently being tried.

DOT Commissioner says budget problems and bad communcation led to confusion on contract for state plane

Counties propose annual vehicle tax to pay for road improvements

Iraqi Constitution adopted

Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks dead at 92

Rumsfeld orders investigation of allegations of desecration of Taliban fighters by US soldiers

OR State Supreme Court allows live sex acts

Philbrook drops out; Hatch enters race for Governor

Attorney General Mike Hatch announced today that he will be runnning for governor for a third time. He said the center piece of his campaign will be health care. Hatch joins a number of others vying for the DFL nomination for Governor. State Senator Becky Lourey is considering a run and State Senator Steve Kelly has already announced that he will be running for Governor. Philbrooks cited lack of financial support for dropping out of the race.

Bush nominates Bernanke to replace Greenspan as new Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Pres. Bush announced today that he has nominated Bernanke his Chief for Council of Economic Advisors to replace Greenspan to be the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve. This position is considered the second most powerful position in Washington to the president himself. Although he has no Wall Street experience like Greenspan he has support from the financial community and is considered one of the brightest minds on economics of his generation. The Senate will have to confirm his nomination.

Rumsfeld says US to begin drawing down forces in S.Korea

Secretary Rumsfeld stated at a press conference that the US is beginning to draw down forces in South Korea. He said that while South Korea was a third world country back in the 1950's that they are now one of the richest economies in the world and are ready to take over some of the defense responsibilities in the region.

Vikings recent incident puts them further back as far as legislature is concerned

The Minnesota Vikings off the field antics have been much fodor for late night. But more importantly has left a sour taste in the mouths of some legislators. Some legislators are concerned that the team has not issued a new code of conduct yet. The Vikings were already third in line for a stadium but now a distant third for some people. The Vikings have hired a former FBI agent as a Director of Security. Currently the Hennepin County Sherriff's department is investigating the situation. The FBI has also made an inquiry into possible violations of federal law. Legal experts doubt however that federal charges would be filed in the case.

Northwest hires additional replacement mechanics

Northwest hires additional replacement mechanics after the union did not allow the membership to vote on the latest contract offer. The union sayed that the current offer would have severely limited the unions ability to have control over the unions internal operations.

UN report says Syria involved in the assassination of late Lebanese P.M.

A report issued by the UN says that Syria was involved in the assassination of the late Prime Minister of Lebanon. The report says that the assassination would not have been possible without the knowledge and help of Syrian leaders. Pres. Bush has asked the UN to call a session to hold Syria to account.

Delay's lawyers ask judge to recuse himself from case

Delay's lawyers have asked the presiding judge in the case to recuse himself. Lawyers say the judge has a potential conflict of interest in deciding issues in the case. The judge has been a financial supporter to some of Delay's political opponents.

Rising diesel fuel prices could hit consumers hard

As consumers get relief from the pump they will need to get ready for price increases at the store. The price of diesel fuel has increased to $3.26/gallon. This has forced some truckers to pass this cost on to the wholesalers which will be forced to raise the price at the retail level. Some truckers say they will absorb the cost but dont know how long they will be able to do so.

Last minute changes in offer by Northwest prompts union leaders to reject offer

The mechanics union leaders say they will not let the membership vote on the current offer by Northwest because a recent provision added to the contract essentially strips away the unions ability to have control over its internal operations. Northwest stated that as of noon Friday that if the offer is not accepted by the union that they will begin to hire additional replacements.

Ford to announce major layoffs in a few months

Ford announced today that it will be making major layoffs in the coming months. Refused to say whether the Ford plant in St. Paul would be on the list. The plant has avoided being on the list despite sagging sales for the small pickup truck.

Federal judge dismisses race discrimination lawsuit against St. Paul over city contracts

Texas court issues an arrest warrant for Congressman Tom Delay

A Texas court has issued an arrest warrant for Congressman Tom Delay. He is scheduled to appear Friday for finger printing and booking on charges of conspiracy and money laundering. His lawyers had hoped that he would be able to skip this part of the process.

House passes bill exempting fast food restauraunts from being sued over obesity

Senate Energy Committee passes bill for drilling oil in Alaska's ANWR

Hurricane Wilma reaches Cat 5; expected to target Florida Keys

Lawyers get more time to prepare case for Saddam trial, set to resume on Nov. 28

The trial of Saddam Hussein has been delayed as lawyers for the prosecution and defense ask for more time to prepare the case. The trial has been adjourned until Nov. 28. The UN is not involved in this process because of its objections over the death penalty. Hussein is subject to the death penalty in this case if he is convicted.

Federal judge blocks new GA law requiring ID to vote

Supreme Court orders MO to provide transportion for woman to get abortion

After Justice Thomas issued a temporary stay the Supreme Court ruled that the state of MO must provide transportation for a woman prisoner to get an abortion. The state of MO sued because under state law it is illegal to provide state funding for an abortion. The woman is paying for the abortion but a federal judge ruled that the state must provide transportation for the prisoner and the Supreme Court agreed.

Delay was originally offered plea deal by prosecutor

Tom Delay was reportedly originally offered a plea deal from prosecutors before the indictments. This would have meant pleading guilty to a lesser charge and keeping his post as House Majority Leader. Delay however probably rejected the deal because he didnt believe the prosecutor and that the proscutor does not have adequate evidence to convict.

Senate committee investigating biding process in purchase of state plane

The Senate Transportation Committee has announced hearings on an investigation into the bidding process of a purchase of a state plane. Cirrus based in Duluth says that it was cheated out of a competitive bid for the plane. They accuse the state of changing the specifications for the plane at the last minute. The committee wants to know whether the state changed the specification requirements so that Beachcraft would get awarded the contract.

Supreme Court refuses to hear case on big tobacco settlement for now

The Supreme Court refused to hear a case by the Bush Administration involving a case regarding big tobacco. Big tobacco is trying to reduce a $280B settlement with the federal government. This case was started in the Clinton Administration. The government fears without a ruling from the high court litigation could drag on for a few more years. Currently a federal judge has yet issue a ruling on this case. The Bush administration may appeal the decision if they are unsatisfied with the outcome. The government contends that the settlement is fair because the tobacco companies knew how harmful tobacco was long before the public knew. The government is arguing under the federal RICO statutues which basically means that an organization is created specifically to carry out illegal activity.

Miers confirmation hearing may begin Nov. 7th

Referendum on Iraqi Constitution likely to pass

Initial reports indicate that the referendum on Iraqs constitution is likely to pass. This is an important step to bringing Iraqs political structure forward to provide some stability and to spure economic development. Raising up Iraqs security forces will also be a critical element as the country moves forward.

State health officials ask Amish to get immunized

MN Health Department officials are asking the Amish community to get immunized as a possible case of polio was reported in that community. Authorities fear that this could be aggravated by the avian flu that if jumps from birds to humans could have catastrophic consequences. The federal department of Health and Human Services is attempting to come up with a plan to deal with this potential epidemic which is currently in Asia and Eastern Europe. The president has asked drug makers to increase production on the vaccines for possible a outbreak. The drugmakers have been concerned about liability concerning the sideffects. They want immunity from legal liability from the side effects from the government.

Thousands flock courthouses to beat new bankruptcy laws

Thousands are heading to federal courthouses in the United States to seek protection from creditors as new bankruptcy laws take effect on Monday Oct. 17th. On that date it will be much harder to file for bankruptcy and people will not be allowed to walk away from their debt in most cases. Opponents of the new law say that it unfairly targets those who need this the most. Surveys reveal that most bankruptcies were due to the result of unforeseen medical emergencies. Banks and credit card companies pushed this through congress to hold consumers accountability for their debt while companies have increased their profits by 3x.