SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The refusal did not mean the high court will not hear a case brought earlier by Michigan to close the locks, but it is not a good omen. The justices only grant such temporary injunctions when a petitioner has shown it has a chance it can win the case on the merits.

Tuesday's refusal came in three cases brought by Wisconsin, Michigan and New York, all vs. Illinois. Minnesota joined the plaintiffs. "The motion of Michigan for preliminary injunction is denied", the court said. There were no further comments or dissents.

The Obama administration had opposed closing the locks on waterways linking Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, saying it would hinder commerce. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, a Cook County agency, told the Supreme Court last week that a preliminary injunction could have "potentially disastrous effects of flooding and impacts on public safety and health in the Chicago area", Crain's Chicago Business reported.

Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota argued closing the locks would protect the Great Lakes' $7-billion-a-year fishing industry from the voracious carp that can grow to more than 100 pounds. Asian carp DNA has been detected and one invasive carp was found when a section of the waterway was poisoned.

The water district owns the locks. They were built to reverse the flow of the Chicago River and prevent pollution from reaching Lake Michigan and contaminating the source of much of the region's drinking water. The locks are also used to prevent flooding by diverting storm water following major storms.

 BREAKING STORIES

Millions of older ER patients got wrong Rx

Insulin-like growth factors studied

Ford says February sales rose in Europe

Detroit clamping down on employee scents

Ford shows off its new Taurus police car

Bone marrow may harbor HIV

Scientists chemically turn CO2 into CO

Former Detroit mayor free on bond

Supplements may hurt prostate treatment

GM CEO still flies on AT&T's dime

Middle-aged women living cheerleader life

GM says it's eager to restore dealer ties

GM expected to keep more dealerships open

Ex-NFL player Boyd facing sex charges

Niacin may help treat stroke

Study finds weakness in security system

Lutz at GM says it's time to retire

Coast Guard nixes Detroit-Canada bridge

Army sgt. says he was 'Locker' inspiration

Kilpatrick lawyer broke conduct rules