Bowe Bergdahl left his post in Afghanistan in 2009, was captured by the Taliban-aligned Haqqani network, held until 2014, and later faced a court-martial. News today centers on his conviction appeal ruling and related legal scrutiny; his case remains a high-profile example of desertion and its consequences.
A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ordered the dismissal of Bergdahl’s claims in district court, effectively leaving the conviction intact and signaling limited avenues for overturning a court-martial in civilian courts. The decision stems from questions over jurisdiction and who can vacate a military judgment. Bergdahl’s legal team is evaluating options as the case continues to echo through legal and political circles.
The U.S. Mint has launched a commemorative $1 coin bearing President Trumps portrait to mark the countrys 250th anniversary. The coins went on sale and into circulation this week, sold in rolls and bags at a steep premium to face value, and have drawn legal and political challenges because federal rules generally bar living people from appearing on currency.