Topeka resident sues U.S. over war in Iraq

A Topeka man sued the U.S. government Thursday, saying President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq in 2003 was unconstitutional.

“Only Congress can make a declaration of war,” Byron Trackwell wrote in his suit, filed Thursday morning in the U.S. District Court in Topeka.

The U.S. Constitution designates the president the commander-in-chief of armed forces, but gives Congress the power to declare war. Congress made no declaration, but did pass a resolution authorizing President Bush to use military forces in Iraq.

In his filing, Trackwell said he wanted the court only to make a determination on the following question: “Were the U.S. government actions pursuant to the 2003 Iraq war contrary to the United States Constitution?”

No hearings have been scheduled in the case.

KU engineering plans expo this weekend

Kansas University’s annual Engineering Expo has expanded to two days this year, officials recently announced.

The annual event this year will run today and Saturday at the school of engineering, in Eaton and Learned halls.

The keynote address will be given at 9:30 a.m. today at the Lied Center. This year’s speaker is Scott Smith, a KU graduate who is president of the Central Division of HNTB Cos. in Kansas City, Mo.

Displays at the school of engineering, including wind tunnel demonstrations, rocket designs and chemistry shows, run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Engineering competitions will begin at 11 a.m. today. Students can make balsa wood airplanes, pasta bridges and chemical cars, among other items.

For more information, visit www.engr.ku.edu/kuesc.