Tuesday's Afternoon Pulse

Gov. Crist Will Call Special Session on Oil Drilling

Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday that a special legislative session will be called in the next couple of weeks focusing on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban offshore oil exploration, as well as some new and as-yet-unspecified tax incentives to encourage utilities to promote renewable energy. "I think it's important that we go ahead and have a special session," Crist said. A special session focusing on an antidrilling amendment is not only politically popular, but it assures that Crist will be in the media spotlight as he seeks to strengthen his independent U.S. Senate candidacy. It's also a potential publicity bonanza for Senate President Jeff Atwater, a Republican candidate for chief financial officer.
[Source: St. Petersburg Times/ Miami Herald]

Home Depot Ordered to Pay $3 Million for Stealing Invention

When a Home Depot executive was told inventor Michael Powell might have a claim against the hardware giant for stealing an invention that keeps store employees safe, his reaction was swift and vulgar. "(Expletive) Michael Powell," the executive said. "Let him sue us." U.S. District Judge Daniel Hurley called Home Depot callous and arrogant, then ordered it to pay the former Boca Raton man $3 million in punitive damages. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

Florida Democrats say Bill McCollum Out of Touch on Subprime Mortgage Crisis

Politifact examines the statement from democrats that "McCollum admitted he didn't think that the subprime mortgage crisis was a big deal" and rules it a "pants on fire."
[Source: Politifact]

BP, Subcontractors: Spill is the Other Guy's Fault

Executives from BP, Halliburton and Transocean appear at two Senate hearings today on the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil leak to the local economies, tourism, as well as wildlife and natural resources. So far, the executives have blamed each other. The Senate Energy Committee is reviewing offshore oil and gas development and later the Senate Environment Committee will investigate the environmental impact.
[Source: AP]
» Live coverage resumes at 2:30 p.m., watch it on C-Span or MSNBC.

As Hurricane Season Nears, FEMA Funds Drying Up

This year's numerous disasters have tapped the Federal Emergency Management Agency dry, even as hurricane season fast approaches. The House agreed March 24 to give the agency an extra $5.1 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. But the Senate hasn't acted, despite recent flooding in Tennessee. Hurricane season begins June 1. "We've got projects that are starting to be held up," said Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. "The jar is empty." [Source: Fort Myers News-Press]