Supreme Court rules in military tribunals

The Supreme Court ruled that Pres. Bush over reached his authority with the secret military tribunals. The ruling was 5-3 and was sharply criticised by the conservative wing of the court. The ruling however allows the government to keep the detainees at Gitmo indefinitely. It also allows the congress to authorize the president to use military tribunals. The court also ruled that the Geneva Convention applies to enemy combatants even though they are not fighting on behalf of a nation.

Supreme Court rules on redistricting

The Supreme Court today all but upheld the plaintiffs decision in the Texas redistricting case. The issue was whether or not a state could redistrict more than once in a decade. The court ruled that states could redistrict more than once in a decade. The court also ruled that one particular congressional district violates the Civil Rights Act. The case is expected to be returned to the lower courts where it will be sent back to the Texas state legislature. Republicans gained 6 seats in the US House of Representatives as a result of the change.

Congressman and Bush blast publication of classfied material

Congressman Peter King (R-NY) Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and Pres. Bush blasted the New York Times as well as other press who revealed that the Treasury Department was monitoring bank transition for possible terrorism connections. Bush said that the media is undermining the governments ability to wage the War on Terror when it reveals classified information. Congressman King has even suggested that the government investigate the New York Times for possible charges of treason by the Justice Department. Revealing classfied information is a federal felony under the National Security Act.

Feds arrest 7 in Miami in plot to target Sears Tower

The FBI arrested 7 individuals suspected of conspiring to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago and other federal buildings in the United States. The FBI stated that the suspects were in the preliminary stages and no weapons were found so far. US Attorney General Gonzalez is expected to make an announcement and discusss in more detail at a press conference in Washington on Friday. Sears Tower manangement released a statement stating that they are in contact with federal officials on a daily basis and that this was no different.

MN a finalist to host national political conventions

Since becoming a battle ground state in the 2000 presidential election Minnesota has become a target of democrats and republicans alike. The Twin Cities is a finalist to host the DNC and the RNC. The DNC is visiting this week and will annouce its selection next month. The RNC will be visiting in August and making an announcement then. With no incumbent in '08 it make the race for the White House anybodies guess and make the race that much more competitive for both parties.

North Korea threatens to test missile

LA Gov. to send National Guard and State Police to assist NO Police

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco has ordered additonal National Guard and State Police to assist the New Orleans police as they attempt to get crime under control as the city attempts to get back on its feet.

Deputy Secretary of State to resign

Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) forced off Ways and Means Cmte

Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA) was removed from the powerful Ways and Means Committee by his caucus. The move comes as the FBI investigates federal bribery charges. Two former aides have pleaded guilty. His home in Louisiana as well as his Capitol Hill office were searched as part of an ongoing investigation.

Rep. Cynthia McKinney(D-GA) will not be charged

A federal grand jury has decided not to bring charges against Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney after Capitol Hill police alleged that she hit a police officer after failing to follow a direct order. McKinney does not were her lapel pin that members wear so that they can bypass security when entering congressional office buildings.

Karl Rove not likely to be charged

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove is not likely to be charged in the CIA leak case. Rove has testified multiple times to the federal grand jury. He is likely to testify about what he knew in the case against former VP Chief of Staff Lewis Libby.

Bush makes surprise visit to Baghdad

Pres. Bush made a surprise visit to Baghdad to show support for the troops and the newly formed Iraqi government. Bush said he wanted to let the Iraqis know that the United States full supported their efforts to become a viable nation again. Bush flew in under extremely tight security and Baghdad International Airport was shutdown for the presidents arrival.

Klobuchar, Hatch endorsed at state DFL convention

Amy Klobuchar was endorsed as the candidate for US Senate and Attorney General Mike Hatch was endorsed as the candidate for Governor at the DFL state convention in Rochester this weekend. Klobuchar's primary oppenent will be republican endorsed candidate Mark Kennedy who is currently a US Congressman. Klobuchar is also facing a contested primary with Ford Bell in September. Hatch will face the republican endorsed candidate Governor Tim Pawlenty but will need to face with Becky Lourey who vows to continue the campaign into the primary after dropping out of the endorsement process. Steve Kelly stated that he will abide by the DFL endorsement for governor. State Representative Matt Entenza was endorsed for Attorney General, Mark Ritchie for Secretary of State, and former State Representative Rebecca Otto for State Auditor.

US airstrike kills Iraqi Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi

Bush urges Senate to pass constitutional ban on gay marriage

The US Senate is scheduled to take up a debate on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. While the amendment is not likely to pass there will still likely be vigorous debate. While the motives for bringing this bill forward may be political there are real policy implications. Whether you agree with the bill or not there are some practical implications. It will only be a matter of time before the issue is decided. The question is who will decide Congress or the courts. Since there are not likely enough votes in the Congress to pass it at this point most likely the Supreme Court will issue a ruling. But at least the peoples voice will be heard through the congress. One of the reasons why this becomes a federal issue because it crosses state lines. The court will have to determine which part of the constitution applies in this situation the full faith and credit clause or equal protection clause. So why would the federal government get involved in marriage which is primarily a state issue? Because the states have soverignty over one another.

Canadian authorities thwart terror attack

Canadian police arrested more than a dozen suspects who were allegedly about to commit a terrorist attack in Canada. Police found materials consistent with that of Al-Qaeda. US officials are following up on the leads as well because the Canadians caught have ties to the United States.

NYSE to merge with Paris stock exchange Euronext