logo
Court Quashes Sept. 11 Plea Bargains That Military Judge Had Approved

Court Quashes Sept. 11 Plea Bargains That Military Judge Had Approved

WASHINGTON—A federal appeals court on Friday quashed plea bargains that would spare three alleged Sept. 11, 2001, conspirators from the death penalty in exchange for confessing guilt, extending the troubled prosecution of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other Guantanamo detainees accused of engineering the deadliest terrorist attack in American history.
'The families of the victims and the American public have a strong interest in bringing the perpetrators to justice,' the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said in the 2-1 opinion. 'In particular, the judgment about whether respondents should face the death penalty is a grave one that requires political accountability.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Wolverine schools' operating millage up for renewal in Aug. 5 election
Wolverine schools' operating millage up for renewal in Aug. 5 election

Yahoo

time27 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Wolverine schools' operating millage up for renewal in Aug. 5 election

CHEBOYGAN — Voters who live within the boundaries of the Wolverine Community Schools district will be asked to vote on renewing an operating millage for the district in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 5 election. Registered voters in portions of Ellis, Mentor and Wilmot townships and all of Nunda Township will vote at the Nunda Township Hall, 12991 S. Straits Highway, according to Cheboygan County Clerk Karen Brewster. There is no early voting for this ballot measure. Wolverine Schools Superintendent Matthew Baughman said the district is asking voters to renew the standard 18-mill operating levy until 2030. "This is not a new tax for homeowners. This a renewal of the non-homestead operating millage that applies to local businesses, rental properties and second homes," Baughman said. "For Wolverine residents who live in their home full time, this tax does not apply to them and their taxes will not increase." Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you The millage is a standard part of the formula to fund public schools in the state, added Baughman. "Renewing it allows us to continue receiving the full foundation allowance from the state. Without this renewal, the district would lose approximately $1.1 million per year, which would significantly impact our ability to operate and serve students," he said. If it doesn't pass, the district is obligated to bring it back before the voters again, Baughman said. — Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@ This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Wolverine Community Schools operating millage up for renewal in Aug. 5, 2025 election Solve the daily Crossword

Monroe County Board of Commissioners election Q&A: Biniecki
Monroe County Board of Commissioners election Q&A: Biniecki

Yahoo

time27 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Monroe County Board of Commissioners election Q&A: Biniecki

Three people are on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot vying to fill the Monroe County Board of Commissioners' vacant District 2 seat. While Mark Brant tries to get the seat back, Republicans Dale Biniecki, Dwayne Dobbs, and Democrat Danielle Hoover are throwing their hats into the race. The Monroe News sent questions to each candidate. Answers have been edited for length and clarity. These are Biniecki's answers: What previous experience has best prepared you for this role? I am a lifelong resident of District 2 and a graduate of Monroe Community College with an associate's degree. I spent 47 years as a small business owner in the trucking industry and am a 31-year member of the Teamsters Union Locals 299 and 20. I have served as a precinct delegate for Raisinville Township for 10 years and as a member of the Monroe County Republican Party Executive Committee for a decade. I also serve on the Republican Executive Committees for Wayne, Washtenaw, and Lenawee counties and have represented Monroe County at the Farm Bureau Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C. What motivated you to run for county commissioner? I decided to run for County Commissioner because District 2 has been left without representation. Without a commissioner present, our residents had no voice in county government. I want to change that. I'm running to protect what matters most — our farmland, our schools, our public safety, and fiscal responsibility. I believe my experience and commitment uniquely equip me to serve my community. What do you see as the county's top three priorities over the next four years? My first priority is responsible economic development. Uncontrolled growth can create long-term challenges, but our port and highway system are valuable assets we can leverage to benefit our community. I will also prioritize public safety and mental health, as much of the funding for these critical programs flows through the county commission. Ultimately, education must be a focus — not just for our K-12 students but also for adults seeking training and opportunities to meet the demands of future employers. What's your stance on zoning reform and affordable housing development? I strongly oppose the state takeover of local zoning decisions. Unfortunately, our state representative voted against the will of her constituents, giving Lansing-appointed boards the power to approve wind and solar projects. I will use every avenue available to protect the rights of our community. Additionally, affordable housing for seniors is a growing concern. Too many of our senior citizens are being forced from their 'forever homes' because of rising property taxes. Living on a fixed income shouldn't mean losing your home. I will work to rein in county spending and seek ways to reduce the tax burden on our seniors. How will you keep residents informed about decisions that affect them? I live, shop, and work in District 2, and I stay in close contact with its residents. I regularly attend township meetings across all four townships in the district, and I am always accessible — my phone is always on, and I'm available to discuss issues anytime. What steps will you take to avoid conflicts of interest in office? Since I do not typically conduct business with the county, I do not foresee conflicts of interest. In the rare event one arises, I will respectfully recuse myself from the decision. More: Just one issue on Aug. 5 ballot in Monroe County Why should residents vote for you? I have spent my entire life here in Monroe County. It's where I met my wife, raised three incredible children, and now enjoy being 'Pa' to five amazing grandchildren. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and that same care and commitment is what I want to bring to the county commission. This community has given me so much — now I am stepping up to give back. — Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Q&A with Monroe County commissioner candidate Biniecki Solve the daily Crossword

Monroe County Commissioner election Q&A: Hoover
Monroe County Commissioner election Q&A: Hoover

Yahoo

time27 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Monroe County Commissioner election Q&A: Hoover

Three people are on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot vying to fill the Monroe County Board of Commissioners' vacant District 2 seat. While Mark Brant tries to get the seat back, Republicans Dale Biniecki, Dwayne Dobbs, and Democrat Danielle Hoover are throwing their hats into the race. The Monroe News spoke with each of them about what they would bring to the board of commissioners if they were elected. The Monroe News sent questions to each candidate. Answers have been edited for length and clarity. These are Hoover's answers: What previous experience has best prepared you for this role? I am writing as myself only. I am not representing Washtenaw County, the MI Board of Social Work, or any other person, group, or organization that I am affiliated with. All views here are my own. City of Milan, Monroe Co. resident, 13+ years. Washtenaw Co. CMH (county gov't), 12+ years. MI Board of Social Work member, 5 years, vice chair, since 2023. NASW MI member. Monroe Co. NAACP member. MI Democratic Party member. AFSCME 3052 member/steward, delegate to Huron Valley Area Labor Federation, also recording secretary there. Both kids go to Milan Area Schools K-present. Gold Star Family Member. Also, this is my fourth time running for this. What motivated you to run for county commissioner? As the late, great, rest in power Congressman John Lewis said, 'Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.' I'm here to do what Congressman Lewis said. I was assigned this mountain to show someone it can be moved, and I need to be in this elected capacity to do that. What do you see as the county's top three priorities over the next four years? Mental health, unions, veterans. I have been a licensed social worker since 2011, so mental health is something I'm very passionate about. I have been a dues paying AFSCME member since 2013; first in local 2733 as a supports coordinator, then moved to local 3052 when I became a supervisor in 2022. Veterans always have a special place in my heart because one of my brothers was one. My brother Spc. Levi Hoover was killed in action in Iraq April 7, 2007. After that, it kind of became, be all the things you love most about the person who is gone. That's why veterans are special to me, and I would be so honored to do work in this area in an elected capacity. What's your stance on zoning reform and affordable housing development? Per 'the number of hours the average minimum-wage worker in the U.S must work (2.4 full time jobs) to afford a one-bedroom rental home at the fair market rent,' is 95. That's not right. Housing costs are not congruent with what minimum-wage workers currently earn. Affordable housing should be accessible and available to those who need it. How will you keep residents informed about decisions that affect them? As a social worker, a large part of my job is to engage with people. I'd be able to carry those skills forward to talk with anybody, anytime, anywhere, at a mutually convenient time. For example, if elected, I'd like to go on ride alongs with public utilities such as trash removal services. Not just in District 2, I'd like to try that across the county. What steps will you take to avoid conflicts of interest in office? As a licensed social worker, I am required to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and other applicable laws and policies. I also serve as the vice chair of the MI Board of Social Work. Having a code of ethics that I am required to follow is something that separates me from other candidates, currently and most recently. More: Just one issue on Aug. 5 ballot in Monroe County Why should residents vote for you? I am appropriately qualified, I have relevant, applicable experience working in government and a state board, and am committed to appropriately filling that seat. District 2 could use some clean up, and I'm ready. You know what they say about Hoovers, they really clean up. — Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County Board of Commissioners candidate Danielle Hoover Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store