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During a recent campaign event in Phoenix, Arizona, Donald Trump mused about capital punishment. Weve never had [such] massive amounts of drugs pouring into our country, he said. And by the way, youll never solve the problem without the death penalty. Trump also said he had made a deal with Xi Jinping prior to the end of his term that would have seen China executing anyone found to be manufacturing fentanyl for sale in America, though the only verifiable fact related to this claim is that China cracked down on fentanyl sales to America under pressure from the Trump administration.

He then riffed on the same theme at a rally in Las Vegas, where he again announced that the United States would have no drug problem if this country, like China, captured, tried, and executed drug dealers all within a very short span of time. Trump declared that Xi told him that these almost instantaneous capital proceedings are known in his country as quick trials, and that theyve essentially resolved Chinas struggle against illegal narcotics. (According to fact-checkers at Politifact, Trumps description of Chinas liberal use of capital punishment is essentially correct, but evidence refutes his assessment that the method is as effective as he claims, or would be effective here.)

Trumps strange pontification on sharks and batteries attracts more attention than his criminal-justice designs, but these more substantive policy ideas are at least as disturbing. Theres something satisfying in the presumption that one simple fix could erase all American addiction. But its nonsense, and destroying the death-penalty appeals process would be both naive and intentionally cruel. Trump may be dreaming aloud when he offers up the possibility of sudden death for drug-related crimes, but enacting such a policy would significantly degrade American law and justice.

Trumps fixation is odd, in part because capital punishment has never eliminated any category of crime. Use of the death penalty in a particular jurisdiction does not even deter crime: Decades of research have consistently found that murder rates are lower in states that do not execute criminals. But for Trump, its the punishment frequently offered up in place of a credible plan to actually treat opioid addiction and other forms of drug abuse. He suggested its use in a 2023 Fox News interview, saying, I dont know that this country is ready for it. I just dont know, reflecting on how shocking it would be to introduce capital punishment for selling drugs. Its not easy to say the death penalty. (Drug trafficking is already a capital offense federally and in two states, a fact Trump appears to be unaware of.)

Trump is right that the death-penalty process is not quick, and the long period of time between a death-row prisoners sentencing and execution has expanded dramatically in the past several decades. Prisoners who once could have expected to spend only a few years awaiting death can now expect about 20, though some have waited nearly 40 years. The length of the capital-punishment processmainly the appeals that ensue after a capital sentence is handed downaccounts for most of this delay, though several other factors (including the length of capital trials) contribute. But the long timeline of the capital-appeals process is commensurate with the enormity of the punishment. Executions cannot be reversed. If supporters of capital punishment, frustrated with the length of prisoners appeals, want something approaching a fair and just death penalty, then careful, meticulous review of each sentence is a prerequisite.

Ronald Brownstein: Trumps stop-and-frisk agenda

Lets pause briefly for a primer on capital appeals. People sentenced to death in a given state may make a direct appeal (either automatically or at their discretion) up to their jurisdictions court of last resort, usually the states supreme court. Only issues related to the criminal trial and its accompanying death sentence can be litigated in this venue. Judges may reverse the death sentence and the conviction, just the sentence, or neither at all. Prisoners may then appeal the decision to the United States Supreme Court. During this stage of the appeals process, prisoners have the opportunity to litigate matters in state court that could be adjudicated only posttrialineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, or newly discovered evidence, for example. The resulting decisions can then also be appealed to the Supreme Court. If the Court rules against the defendant at this stage, then their state appeals are exhausted, and they may file a habeas corpus petition in federal court, seeking review of federal issues introduced in the state appeals process. Prisoners may again appeal lower courts rulings all the way to the Supreme Court, though the justices rarely agree to hear such cases.

In order to be fair, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun explained in a 1994 dissent, a capital sentencing scheme must treat each person convicted of a capital offense with that degree of respect due the uniqueness of the individual That means affording the sentencer the power and discretion to grant mercy in a particular case, and providing avenues for the consideration of any and all relevant mitigating evidence that would justify a sentence less than death. Reasonable consistency, on the other hand, requires that the death penalty be inflicted evenhandedly, in accordance with reason and objective standards, rather than by whim, caprice, or prejudice. In other words, there is no way to justly administer the death penalty without thorough review.

Ample opportunity for appeals also helps prevent the killing of innocents. Since 1973, 197 people have been exonerated and released from death row. Many others have been exonerated posthumously. The Equal Justice Initiatives founder, Bryan Stevenson, told me over email last week that the error rate in capital cases is extremely high The appeals process doesnt ensure no one innocent will be executed but its clear that without it we would have certainly executed scores of innocent people.

Even if Trump wins in the fall, hes unlikely to persuade enough lawmakers to enact his quick trial plan. But it isnt impossible. Laws governing the use of capital punishment in America have changed dramatically over time. If Trump succeeds, every flaw in the American death-penalty regime will be intensified and expanded. Of course, the simplest way to curtail appeals, save innocent lives, and eliminate the gap between sentencing and punishment is to do away with capital punishment altogether.

*Lead-image sources: James Devaney / GC Images / Getty; Tingshu Wang / Getty; georgeclerk / Getty; Bettmann / Getty.

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NHL free agency tracker: Details on new deals for Stamkos,Skinner, Montour, more

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NHL free agency tracker: Details on new deals for Stamkos,Skinner, Montour, more

The 2024 NHL offseason is off to a wild start. Just four days after the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup, an epic 2024 NHL draft took place at Sphere in Las Vegas, including several big trades along with 225 prospects finding new homes.

Now it’s time for the league’s 32 front offices to add to their rosters via free agency.

Here is our continuously updated tracker, featuring a list of every player signed, along with analysis of the biggest deals and buzz on what could happen next.

Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.

More: Grades
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July 2

The Sabres have added to their goaltending depth, signing veteran James Reimer to a one-year, $1 million contract.

July 1

The goalie carousel continues to spin in Vegas. After trading Logan Thompson to the Caps and adding Akira Schmid in a deal with the Devils, they are adding Ilya Samsonov via a one-year, $1.8 million contract.


After finishing out the 2023-24 season with the Maple Leafs, 34-year-old defenseman T.J. Brodie joined the parade of veterans signing with the Blackhawks, via a two-year, $7.5 million deal.


The Oilers added a proven scorer by inking Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million deal following his buyout by the Sabres. They also re-signed playoff hero Mattias Janmark to a three-year, $4.35 million deal, and trade deadline acquisition Adam Henrique to a two-year, $6 million contract.

Grade


Lots of turnover in the Carolina back end this offseason, but it added a good one in 29-year-old Sean Walker, agreeing to a five-year, $18 million deal.


The Sharks continue to make wise veteran additions to their young roster, inking a two-year, $10 million deal with center Alex Wennberg.


Dallas continues its spending spree on veteran defenseman, re-signing Nils Lundkvist for one year, $1.25 million.


The NHL playing career will continue for Corey Perry, as the veteran is re-signing with the Oilers for one year, $1.4 million.


The Kings have added some size and snarl to their defense corps, inking veteran Joel Edmundson to a four-year, $15.4 million deal.


The Avalanche add to their depth on the blue line, agreeing to terms with veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan on a one-year, $800,000 deal.


Forward Anthony Beauvillier has been well-traveled the past few seasons, and he’s off to a new team again for 2024-25, inking a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the Penguins.


Goaltender Jack Campbell‘s massive deal with the Oilers didn’t work out so well, and he has moved on to the Red Wings, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract.


The Capitals continue adding to their roster, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1 million deal with forward Taylor Raddysh.


Another veteran defenseman has landed in Dallas: Ilya Lyubushkin is signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Stars.


The Islanders have finally entered the chat! Defenseman Mike Reilly is coming back on a one-year contract, while forward Anthony Duclair is heading back to the Metropolitan Division by way of a four-year, $14 million deal.

Deal details


The Red Wings add to their blue-line group with former Rangers defenseman Erik Gustafsson, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million deal.


After finishing the 2023-24 season with the Lightning, veteran defenseman Matt Dumba is headed to the Stars by way of a two-year, $7.5 million deal. And after skating for the Devils this past season, fellow blueliner Brendan Smith is also headed to Dallas, by way of a one-year, $1 million deal.


Sam Steel is returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Dallas.


Veteran agitator Garnet Hathaway will stick with the Flyers by way of a two-year, $4.8 million extension.


Another Stanley Cup champ is leaving the Panthers, as Ryan Lomberg is signing a two-year, $4 million deal with the Flames.


Former Golden Knight forward Chandler Stephenson is heading up to Seattle, inking a seven-year, $43.75 million contract with the Kraken.

Grade


It’s a move that won’t get as much attention as signing Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei, but the Predators made an addition to their goaltending group, signing Scott Wedgewood to a two-year, $3 million deal.


The Stars have found their backup for Jake Oettinger, agreeing to terms with Casey DeSmith on a one-year, $3 million contract.


After a run to the Stanley Cup Final with the Oilers, forward Warren Foegele is heading to L.A., inking a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Kings.


Veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk will not be patrolling the blue line for the Bruins; instead, he’s signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Penguins.


After plying his trade for the Hurricanes in recent seasons, Stefan Noesen is headed back to the Devils, agreeing to a three-year, $8.25 million deal.


The Stars are staying in the Matt Duchene business, inking a one-year, $3 million extension with the veteran forward.


A key depth forward for the Golden Knights the past two seasons, Michael Amadio is joining the Senators by way of a three-year, $7.8 million contract.


Jonathan Drouin experienced a renaissance with the Avalanche in 2023-24, and he’ll keep it going for at least one more season, inking a one-year, $2.5 million deal.


Yet another former Bruin heading to Vancouver, as Danton Heinen is joining the Canucks via a two-year, $4.5 million contract.


Veteran goaltender Matt Murray will be back with the Maple Leafs for 2024-25, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $875,000 pact.


It was a tale of two seasons for Cam Talbot in 2023-24, as a great start gave way to a rough finish. He’ll hope for a consistently strong campaign with the Red Wings, after agreeing to a two-year, $5 million deal.


Former Bruin Jake DeBrusk has landed in Vancouver, inking a seven-year, $38.5 million deal with the Canucks.

Deal details | Grade

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Jake Debrusk to Canucks after free agency ‘whirlwind’

Jake Debrusk discusses his decision to sign a 7-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.


In need of some veteran help down the middle, the Blue Jackets are signing Sean Monahan to a five-year, $27.5 million deal.

Grade


The Capitals continue to build around the edges, inking Brandon Duhaime to a two-year, $3.7 million contract.


After winning the Stanley Cup with the Panthers, forward Kevin Stenlund is headed to the Hockey Club via a two-year, $4 million deal.


Defenseman William Carrier is signing with the Hurricanes, agreeing to terms on a six-year, $12 million contract.


Veteran forward Kiefer Sherwood is headed to Vancouver, coming to terms on a two-year, $3 million deal with the Canucks.


The Hurricanes lost some defensemen in free agency, but they’re keeping a pretty important one for the foreseeable future, agreeing to an eight-year, $51.69 million extension for Jaccob Slavin.


After re-signing Joseph Woll this offseason, the Maple Leafs added a veteran option in Anthony Stolarz via a two-year, $5 million pact.


The Minnesota Wild are on the board, inking forward Yakov Trenin to a four-year, $14 million contract.


Veteran defenseman Nikita Zadorov has landed in Boston by way of a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins.

Deal details | Grade


The Oilers have boosted their forward depth for the next two seasons, inking Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $8 million deal.

Deal details


The Sabres add a veteran scoring winger in Jason Zucker, agreeing to a one-year, $5 million pact.


Another veteran defenseman is joining the Devils, as Brenden Dillon has agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with New Jersey.


The Flames have brought back one of their own — Yegor Sharangovich for five years, $28.75 million — and an external free agent as well, in Anthony Mantha (one year, $3.5 million).


Former Stanley Cup champion David Perron will continue his NHL career with the Senators, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million contract.


Yet another veteran defenseman is headed to Utah, as Ian Cole is signing a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Hockey Club.


The Bruins added a major boost to the center position, inking Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract.

Deal details | Grade


The Predators have entered the chat, inking deals with three of the top free agents on the market:

Deal details | Grades


Veteran scoring winger Tyler Toffoli is headed back to California, signing a four-year, $24 million deal with the Sharks.

Deal details | Grade


Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Maple Leafs.


Veteran netminder Eric Comrie is back with the Jets, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $825,000 contract.


The Blackhawks are focused on surrounding Connor Bedard with some veteran help, adding Tyler Bertuzzi (four years, $22 million), Teuvo Teravainen (three-years, $16.2 million), Pat Maroon (one-year, $1.3 million), Alec Martinez (one year, $4 million) and Craig Smith (one-year, $1 million).

Deal details | Grade


After trading for Jakob Chychrun, the Capitals continued adding to their blue line, signing Matt Roy to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract.

Deal details | Grade


The Kraken have landed one of the top free agents on the market, inking a seven-year, $50 million deal with defenseman Brandon Montour.

Deal details | Grade


Forward Sam Lafferty, 29, is headed to Buffalo, inking a two-year, $4 million contract with the Sabres.


Rugged forward Jordan Martinook will not be leaving Carolina, signing a three-year, $9.15 million deal with the Hurricanes.


The Devils have added a critical player to their blue-line group, signing former Hurricanes blueliner Brett Pesce to a six-year, $33 million contract.

Deal details | Grade


Veteran forward Kasperi Kapanen is re-signing with the Blues, inking a one-year, $1 million deal to stay in St. Louis.


Restricted free agent forward Connor McMichael has extended his business relationship with the Capitals, inking a two-year, $4.20 million pact.


Erik Johnson played 67 games for the Flyers in 2023-24, and he’ll play some more in 2024-25, given his new one-year, $1 million deal with the club.


The Maple Leafs traded for an exclusive negotiating window with veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, and consummated that relationship on Monday via a six-year, $27 million contract. The team also finally confirmed the new deal for RFA netminder Joseph Woll (three years, $10.98 million).

Deal details | Grade


The Panthers agreed to terms on an eight-year, $69 million deal with forward Sam Reinhart.

Deal details | Grade


After trading a 2025 third-round draft pick for Jake Guentzel‘s negotiating rights, the Lightning have sealed the deal with the forward on a seven-year, $63 million contract.

Deal details | Grade

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Jake Guentzel says ‘winning pedigree’ drew him to Lightning

Jake Guentzel shares his excitement to sign a 7-year, $63M contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

June 30

Veteran forward Patrick Kane is back with the Red Wings, inking a one-year, $4 million contract.

Deal details


Restricted free agent center Isac Lundestrom has re-signed with the Ducks, inking a one-year, $1.5 million deal.


The Utah Hockey Club continues to work on its blue line, re-signing RFA Sean Durzi to a four-year, $24 million contract.


In need of a boost on the blue line this summer, the Maple Leafs will start with one of their own, re-signing RFA Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6 million contract.

Deal details


Veteran forward Max Domi will not be exploring the market, as he returns to the Maple Leafs via a four-year, $15 million deal.

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NHL free agency 2024: Grades for Reinhart, Guentzel, Lindholm

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NHL free agency 2024: Grades for Reinhart, Guentzel, Lindholm

The 2024 NHL free agency signing period is officially underway.

As the deals continue to roll in, ESPN NHL reporters Kristen Shilton, Greg Wyshynski and Ryan Clark will be grading the big-name signings, including the player’s fit with his new team, terms of the deal and more.

We’ll continue to grade the most notable moves through the offseason, so check back for fresh grades as deals are consummated; the newest grades will be listed first. Contract terms are per year.

More: Player rankings
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Trainee nurse guilty of plot to launch suicide bomb attack on hospital

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Trainee nurse guilty of plot to launch suicide bomb attack on hospital

A trainee nurse has been found guilty of attempting to launch an ISIS-inspired suicide attack using a homemade bomb on the hospital where he worked.

Mohammad Sohail Farooq, 28, was arrested outside St James’s Hospital in Leeds with a viable bomb, manufactured from a pressure cooker containing 9.9kg of low explosive, in January 2023.

Other items, including two knives, black tape and an imitation firearm with blank ammunition, were also found on him or in his car.

Sheffield Crown Court heard he immersed himself in “extremist Islamic ideology” and went to the site to “seek his own martyrdom” through a “murderous terrorist attack”.

But his plan was thwarted by a “simple act of kindness” from a patient at the hospital who engaged him in conversation outside the building and managed to persuade him to abandon the plan.

A jury convicted him on Tuesday after deliberating for less than two hours.

It can be disclosed that police discovered Farooq had watched antisemitic videos on TikTok and had taken a photograph on his phone of a plaque which commemorated Jewish links to the hospital.

Investigations also revealed he had been carrying out a secret poison pen campaign against several colleagues after he was made to repeat a year of his course because he was regularly ringing in sick and did not pass the required exams.

Farooq had originally planned to attack RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire, but switched targets after conducting a series of reconnaissance trips and finding it was too well guarded.

Mohammad Sohail Farooq's device outside St James's Hospital in Leeds. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing North East
Image:
Farooq’s device outside St James’s Hospital in Leeds. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing North East

Prosecutors said Farooq had followed guidance in a terrorist manual titled “safety and security guidelines for lone wolf mujahedeen and small cells” to have two plans for his terrorist attack – a “Plan A”, and a “Plan B” in case the first was not possible.

However, the plot was prevented by Nathan Newby, a patient at the hospital. After returning from a walk to get some air, he saw Farooq outside the entrance to the Gledhow Wing of the hospital.

Jonathan Sandiford KC, for the prosecution, earlier told the court: “Mr Newby realised something was amiss and instead of walking away, he began talking to the defendant.

“That simple act of kindness almost certainly saved many lives that night.”

It came after Farooq had earlier sent a bomb threat in a text to an off-duty nurse in order to lure people to the car park where he was waiting to detonate his device.

However, the text was not seen for almost an hour, and the full-scale evacuation he had hoped for did not happen.

Prosecutors said Farooq left but returned shortly afterwards with a new plan to wait for a staff shift change before exploding his bomb – until he got chatting with Mr Newby.

Farooq claimed his bomb was meant to be twice as powerful as the one used in the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. Pic: PA
Image:
Farooq claimed his bomb was meant to be twice as powerful as the one used in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Pic: PA

Mr Newby told police: “I’m quite good at reading people’s body language, I don’t know why, I thought I would go over and see if he’s alright, to try and cheer him up and see why he looks like the way he did – down, depressed and upset, like he had been given some bad news, swaying backwards and forwards.”

They got chatting and for a while they had a “totally normal chat” but then Farooq unzipped the bag to show Newby the pressure cooker and wires. “He said: ‘Do you like that?’ That’s what he said. I thought wow, as if I was looking at what he said was a bomb.”

Newby moved Farooq to a bench away from the hospital entrance and, three hours later, persuaded him to let him call the police.

Items found in Mohammad Sohail Farooq's car outside St James's Hospital in Leeds. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing North East
Image:
Items, including a knife, were found in Farooq’s car. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing North East

Afterwards Mr Newby told police: “I was shocked I had managed to talk him out of it. I reached out my hand, I gave him a hug and said mate you’ve done the right thing, to try and keep him calm.

“I thought what would have happened if I had wrestled him to the floor and he got agitated – a lot of what ifs.”

Read more from Sky News:
Lucy Letby found guilty in retrial

Andy Murray pulls out of Wimbledon singles
Three officers investigated over triple killer

Farooq did not give evidence during his trial but admitted to police that he had made the bomb while in his car at night, parked outside Roundhay Park in Leeds.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to firearms offences, possessing an explosive substance with intent and having a document likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

On Tuesday he was found guilty of preparing terrorist acts.

Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service‘s counter terrorism division, said: “Farooq is an extremely dangerous individual who amassed a significant amount of practical and theoretical information that enabled him to produce a viable explosive device.

“He then took that homemade explosive device to a hospital where he worked with the intention to cause serious harm.”

She added: “The extremist views Farooq holds are a threat to our society, and I am pleased the jury found him guilty of his crimes.”

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