U.S.
Army Policies Re-Examined After Ft. Hood Shooting
[4 min 12 sec]
Law
Feds To Drop Charges Against Blackwater Guard
()The Justice Department intends to drop manslaughter and weapons charges against one of the Blackwater Worldwide security guards involved in a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting, prosecutors said in court documents Friday.
National Security
Leader Of Sears Tower Plot Sentenced To 13 Years()
November 20, 2009 Narseal Batiste, who faced a maximum of 70 years in prison, was convicted in May of conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaida, plotting to blow up buildings and conspiracy to wage war against the U.S. Officials acknowledged the plot never got past the discussion stage and the group never acquired the means to carry it out.
The Two-Way
Smoker Wins $300M Judgment Against Philip Morris()
November 20, 2009 The bookkeeper in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., won a $300 million jury verdict against the tobacco giant. Philip Morris' parent, Altria Group, called the judgment "fundamentally unfair" and said it will seek a court review.
Around the Nation
Do Long Island Police Ignore Hate Crimes?()
November 19, 2009 With the Latino population booming in Suffolk County, N.Y., so is anti-immigrant sentiment. Illegal immigrants see a rise in the kind of violence that took Rosario Lucero's son, but often won't report it for fear of the police and deportation. Now the Justice Department is probing whether local police are turning a blind eye.
Politics
Trying Sept. 11 Suspects In U.S. A Political Gamble()
November 19, 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to try the alleged Sept. 11 conspirators in federal courts has elicited sharply divided responses from Capitol Hill, the American public and victims' families. Holder says his decision is driven by evidence, not politics.
Ruling May Spur More Katrina Flood Lawsuits()
November 19, 2009 For the first time, the government has been found at fault for damage caused during Hurricane Katrina four years ago. A judge has awarded more than $700,000 to five plaintiffs. Attorneys say the ruling opens the door for some 100,000 people and thousands of businesses to sue the government.
Katrina & Recovery
Judge: Corps' Negligence Caused Katrina Flooding()
November 18, 2009 Flood victims argued that the widening of a navigation channel maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and subsequent loss of protective wetlands turned the channel into a speedway for the hurricane's storm surge. A federal judge in New Orleans agreed and awarded damages of about $720,000 to four people and a business.
Politics
S.C. Panel Finds Governor Should Face Ethics Charges()
November 18, 2009 The State Ethics Commission said probable cause exists on several allegations tied to a three-month investigation into Mark Sanford's travel and campaign finances. Details of the charges — which should include whether the accusations involve civil or criminal allegations — were expected to be released next week.
Holder: 'We Need Not Cower' From Terrorism Trial()
November 18, 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday to defend his decision to put alleged Sept. 11 terrorists on trial in New York. He says the public and the nation's intelligence secrets can be protected during a public trial in civilian court.
The Shootings At Fort Hood
Sen. Lieberman: Panel Will Probe Fort Hood Lapses()
November 18, 2009 The Connecticut senator says the homeland security committee will try to determine whether the deadly shooting at the U.S. Army post in Fort Hood, Texas, could have been prevented. Lieberman acknowledges it will be difficult to proceed without the Obama administration's cooperation but says he is confident the issue can be resolved.
Politics
Senate Defeats GOP Filibuster Of Court Nominee()
November 17, 2009 The 70-29 vote limited debate over the qualifications of U.S. District Judge David Hamilton of Indiana, and assured his elevation to the Chicago-based appeals court. Sixty votes were needed to end the filibuster, but confirmation requires only a simple majority of the 100-member Senate.
