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.

Paulose still under fire

US Attorney Rachel Paulose is still under fire and under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel. This division is from the Justice Department but answers directly to the White House. Paulose has been accused of creating a hostile work environment within the US Attorney Office in MN. Several of the attorneys within the office have resigned from the management role in the office. It was thought that she was hired strictly because of her alliance with the Bush administration. A former Justice Department testified in congress that that was not the case. This case raised questions as to the real reason former US Attorney Tom Heffelfinger. Heffelfinger however insists that he left on his accord and not because the White House pressured him to resign to make room for Paulose. Was he forced to resign in favor of Paulose? Congressman Keith Ellison is demanding answers.

Iranian Leader to address UN and Columbia University

The Leader of Iran spoke at the UN on Sunday. His visited has brought much protest. The NYPD and the State Department denied his request to lay a wreath at ground zero citing security reasons. The Secret Service is providing protection while he is in the United States. Iran is on the list of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism by the State Department. He is also expected to address Columbia University to the ire of some.

Flatiron Corp. to rebuild 35W bridge

MNDOT awarded the contract to rebuild the 35W bridge to Flatiron Corp. and which has several corporate entities. They were responsible for building a bridge in Florida in record time and a project in CA. The cost is estimated at $234 million. The contractor has said it will have the project done in 437 days. Several contractors have filed complaints that their projects were less expensive. MNDOT spokesman stated that price was not the only factor used to consider the contractor. They also were required to meet certain technical requirements as well as how fast the project could be done without comprising the integrity of the project. The contractor will be rewarded up to $25million for completing the project early.

Ramstad to retire from Congress

Congressman Jim Ramstad announced his resignation from Congress. His career began in the MN State Senate. Ramstad was known as a moderate who could work with both sides in Washington in a town full of political division. Republicans have held Minnesota's 3rd District for nearly 60 years. The district has trended more liberal in recent years. Ramstad also sat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

US remembers 9/11

Gen. Patraeus grilled on Capitol Hill on Iraq

General Patraeaus report to Congress on the Progress of the Iraq War gained plenty of attention. The House Foreign Affairs Committee grilled the general as well as the ambassador on the succcesses and failures in Iraq. Today they testified in the Senate.

Pawlenty calls Special Session for flood relief

Gov. Tim Pawlenty ordered the Legislature into special session to provide relief to victims of the flood in Southeastern MN. FEMA has kicked in several million after the president declared it a federal disaster area. The state legislature is expected to provide an estimated $160million in state aid primarily in bonding. The legislature is not expected to address the issue of the bridge collapse because the governor and legislative leaders could not come to consensus on how to fund the projects.

APEC meets in Australia

Congress holds hearing on safety of bridges

The House Transportation Committee chaired by Jim Oberstar (D-MN) held a hearing today on the safety of bridges of America. Minneapolis Mayor RT Ryback testified on that comittee. Ryback supported the idea of raising the gas tax in order to pay for bridge repairs. Mary Peters, Transportation Secretary spoke on behalf of the Bush Administration and told the committee that there were other ways to pay for bridge repairs besides raising the gas tax such as rerouting current funds.

Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) to resign

After being caught in a sex sting at a Minneapolis airport and pleading guilty to a misdemeanor Senator Craig is expected to resign from his office on Sept. 30th. Senator Craig is expected to attempt to repeal his guilty plea but many legal experts say that is highly unlikely.

Nifong disbarred

An ethics hearing was held this week as to the fitness of Mike Nifong the DA for Durham, NC. The Ethics panel revoked his law license and determined that the DA put his personal ambitions above public service, lied about evidence and embarassed the legal profession. The North Carolina Attorney Generals office determined that not only was there not evidence for trial but that the Duke Lacrosse players did not commit the offenses that the DA had alleged in the indictment. Nifongs legal troubles are not over and he faces criminal and civil lawsuits. Some legal experts believe that there could be more cases like this and the only difference is that the defendants were able to hire defense attorneys to defend them. This was truly a a case of miscarriage of justice.