Trio of German companies to invest $20 million in state

Jennifer Granholm announced that three German companies -- FACTON Inc., Kostal of America and Mbtech Autodie -- will invest about $20 million to expand their operations in Michigan and contribute to the retaining and creation of 700 jobs.

Granholm, who traveled to Germany and Austria to woo potential investment for Michigan, said each of the companies chose Michigan over other states and countries.

Europe's greatest endeavor

The European Union celebrated its 50th anniversary Sunday. On March 25, 1957, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg signed the Treaties of Rome, creating the European Atomic Energy Community and the European Economic Community. The six countries' aspiration to form a common market through the removal of trade barriers was based on their determination to prevent future wars through economic cooperation and integration.

The fact that European leaders celebrated the EU's 50th birthday in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel serving as the EU's rotating president was a positive symbol. Germany started World War II and had fought many other wars, with France especially. It is remarkable that such ominous rivalry has disappeared from the face of Europe.

Merkel may ease diplomatic tension between Germany, U.S

It's Saturday morning and one of the world's most powerful women is lugging heavy six-packs of bottled water from a neighborhood grocery store to her official limousine.

A bemused visitor approaches a smirking bodyguard, one of three young, muscular men standing nearby and exclaims, "Why don't you help her? Would you stand by and watch your mother struggle like this?"