Political Grapevine: 5/28

" And now some fresh pickings from the political grapevine. States hit hardest by the recession have received far less federal funding per person. Then the national average even though the stimulus package was intended to help areas where the economic downturn was the most severe. An analysis by USA today shows that stimulus contracts have amounted to just seven dollars 42 cents per person. In the eight states were unemployment rates were higher than 10% last month. But the national average is nearly five bucks more at thirteen dollars per person. The report says federal agencies have spent just 21 cents per person in Michigan and two dollars twelve cents per person and -- Two of the hardest hit states North Dakota which has one of the lowest unemployment rates has been awarded about 26 dollars worth of federal contracts. Per person. A San Diego pastor and his wife say their First Amendment right to freely exercise religion. Is being violated by the government a local TV station reports the couple says they were subjected to interrogation. And threatened with fines if they continue. To -- Bible studies in their own home officials told the couple the meetings of about fifteen people require a permit. Their lawyer says quote if the county thinks they can shut down groups of ten or fifteen Christians meeting and a home. What about people who meet regularly for poker night what about people who meet for Tupperware parties. The lawyers says the couple will consider a federal lawsuit if the -- presses forward with its -- that. Then and British and French officials are pointing fingers fingers at each other after Queen Elizabeth the Second was left off the invitation list for next week's commemorations. Of the 65 anniversary of the landings in Normandy France British media reports say the snub has left the queen quite angry. A French government spokesman says quote the celebration on June 6 was -- Julio Franco American ceremony it is not up to France to decide who will represent Britain. A British official shot back saying that invitations are a matter for the French government. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been invited and will join President Obama and French leader Nicholas Sarkozy. The queen is actually the only living head of state to have served in World War II she trained as a mechanic and drove British military trucks."