State News-Friday

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A Northeast Pennsylvania city's plans to crack down on illegal immigrants may run into a brick wall. Congressional researchers question whether Hazleton's new law would survive a court challenge. The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service says the federal government has sole jurisdiction over immigration matters. Hazleton last week approved one of the toughest measures of its kind in the United States. The law imposes one-thousand-dollar fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denies business permits to companies that give them jobs.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senator Rick Santorum blames Islamic fascism rooted in Iran for much of the world's conflict but says he opposes military action against the country. Instead, the Pennsylvania Republican is pushing legislation to punish countries that aid Iran's nuclear program, and to encourage pro-democracy groups in Iran. The senator, speaking in Washington yesterday, said Iran is at the center of the problem because it created Hezbollah and is the driving force behind Hamas. Santorum is in the midst of a tough re-election fight against state Treasurer Bob Casey.