The Daily MuckNATO’s top commander in Afghanistan called for a joint investigation into a recent U.S. airstrike. The United States has maintained that only five civilians were killed in the attack, contradicting reports by Afghan officials, human rights groups, and the United Nations, which found “convincing evidence” that up to 90 civilians were killed. In Kabul, hundreds of protesters took to the streets to protest the killing of civilians. (Washington Post, Reuters)
Lawyers for Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick offered a plea deal, in which the indicted mayor would plead guilty to two felonies, make restitution, serve five years of probation, give up his law license, do 300 hours of community service and agree not to run for office for two years. In return, Kilpatrick would avoid serving time in prison. (AP)
The Republican judges handling Tom DeLay’s corruption trial inappropriately delayed the resolution of the trial and interfered with the administration of justice, according to a justice on the 3rd Court of Appeals. Despite designating the trial as an accelerated case, the lower court took years to resolve pretrial proceedings. (Austin American-Statesman)
Another SEIU official has stepped aside pending an investigation on possible misappropriation of funds. Executive Vice President Annelle Grajeda is under investigation for paying thousands of dollars in union funds to a former boyfriend. She is the third SEIU official to step aside over the past month. (AP)
Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) may still win re-election to the House of Representatives this year, despite currently facing trial in federal court for bribery, having three siblings on trial for criminal charges in New Orleans, and having his campaign in debt over $250,000. Jefferson faces six primary challengers this Saturday, in an election that may be delayed due to Hurricane Gustav. (AP)
Prosecutors revealed their evidence against Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ), who was indicted in February on 35 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, money laundering and insurance fraud. Renzi is accused of exploiting federally owned land for his own purposes, as well as stealing from clients of his own insurance company. The evidence included four binders, 115 exhibits, 84 compact discs of recorded conversations, 36 DVDs,15 mirrored computer drives and the grand jury statements of previous congressional staffers. (AP)
