The Daily MuckThe first hearing on the government’s reasons behind holding six enemy combatants in Guantanamo began yesterday, only to be closed to the public — and the detainees themselves — after a judge ruled that the evidence was classified. The case is the first to come to trial after the Supreme Court’s June decision that gave detainees habeas corpus rights. In 2005, the judge overseeing the trial, Bush-appointee Richard Leon, said enemy combatants had no habeas corpus rights. (New York Times)
The U.S. will open a probe into two airstrikes in Afghanistan that may have left 60 civilians dead, amid growing pressure from local leaders who say the U.S. military’s attacks frequently disregard the dangers posed to innocent people. (CNN)
Former NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) may have broken local laws by soliciting sex from a call girl the night before Valentine’s Day, but the Justice Department says he paid for it with his own money (never mind his career) and they will not bring charges against him. (AP)
A judge canceled a status hearing in the corruption trial of New Orleans Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) because they are still waiting for a ruling from the appeals court. Jefferson, whose court date had been set for Dec. 2, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering, money laundering, bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. (Times Picayune)
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) adds his voice to the chorus of legislators seeking to expel Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) from the Senate for his conviction on federal corruption charges Back in Alaska, though, Gov. Sarah Palin hedged on her call for his resignation, saying that it was between Stevens and the voters. (Politico/ThinkProgress)
We may see a scramble to deregulate in Bush’s final days, particularly with regards to the environment. New rules for uranium mining, endangered species and air pollution could be finalized as soon as Thanksgiving. (McClatchy)
