Pawlenty threatens to derail steel plant deal

Governor Pawlenty announced in a surprise statement that he may halt the billion dollar steel plant after learning that the same company may build an oil plant in Iran. India based SR Global denied that it had plans to build a plant in Iran. The steel plant could have hundreds of jobs. The announcement came on the heels of a recent trip to India to increase Minnesota's trade presence in India and China. Pawlenty said that he would not allow a company that does business with Iran which is a known state sponsor of terror to do business in MN.

MuKasey likely next AG

Former federal judge Mukasey is likey to be the next US Attorney General. The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings asking the nominee questions on various issues such as civil liberties and the legal definition of torture also on the issue of civil rights. Mukasey is likely to succeed Alberto Gonzalez.

Turkey threatens to deny air rights to US

The government of Turkey has already recalled its Ambassador to the US and is threatening to revoke air rights to the US if a genocide resolution in the US House passes. Currently the US uses Turkey as a launching pad into Iraq. It is also a major supply route for the US. The war effort in Iraq would be jeopardized because the US has no viable options for supply routes to Iraq.

Judge blocks software for accessing concert tickets

A judge recently today blocked companies from using software that would allow them first access to concert tickets. The programs would allow companies to get first access to high demand concerts and inflate ticket prices. The judge stated that the companies did not add value and that consumers were being prevented from purchasing tickets at fair market value.

Feds blocked from enforcing immigration law

A federal judge blocked the federal governments ability to enforce immigration law. The judge cited the fact that it put an undue harm to illegal immigrants who are in the United States. The feds have been trying to crack down on illegal immigrants who obtain stolen social security numbers or fake numbers. The Department of Homeland Security is planning to appeal the decision and work with the judge.

Funding for 35W Bridge lagging behind commitment

The MN Legislature is debating funding for the rebuild of the 35W bridge 2 months after the collapse. Pres. Bush promised to expedite the funding process but the funds have been held up in committee in Washington under threat of vetoe. This has tested some lawmakers because they want to get the bridge started but the project may be delayed. The federal transportation department did allocate immediate funds for clean up but that money has already been spent. The totol cost of the bridge effort is expected to total $400million.

Blackwater grilled by congressional committee

Blackwater USA Security was grilled by a congressional committee last week accused of shooting civillians. An investigation is underway by the State Deparmtment. Secretary of State Rice has ordered Blackwater vehicles come under more scrutiny and cameras installed and record activity of the private security firm. The security firm came under fire after reports surfaced that several civillians were killed. Blackwater defended its actions stating that they felt threatened and fired to protect themselves. There is debate as to what jurisdiction private security firms come under when things go wrong. Blackwater is one of many security firms hired by the State Department to protect and guard personnel while in Iraq. They are one of many security firms contracted to provide protection to government personnel in Iraq.

Bush vetoes portion of SCHIP

Pres. Bush defended his decision to vetoe a part of the provision of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program. He said the program would lead to socialized medicine and cost too much. There was bipartisan support of the bill. The program however continues in its current form but the extension was vetoed for those ineligible for medicare or private health insurance.

Judge rejects withdraw of guilty plea

A Minnesota judge rejected Senator Larry Craig's request to withdraw his guilty plea in a sex sting operation at the Minnepolis airport. Craig's lawyers had argued that their clients plea should be withdrawn because he did not actually commit a crime. In an unusual twist the ACLU joined Craig a republican senator from Idaho claiming that Craig did not actually commit a crime and that his constitutional rights were violated. Craig is expected to appeal the plea. He will serve out the remainder of his term but is not expected to seek re-election.

Korean presidents meet to end Korean War

The presidents of the two Koreas met at a summit in North Korea to formally end the Korean War. Korea has been formally divided into North and South for more than five decades. This first step is said to help North and South eventually become one Korea. Roh, the South Korean president and Kim Jung Ill the North Korean president discussed issues surrounding the War.