Tacoma SDS

By ROBERT H. REID, Associated Press Writer Wed Apr 16, 4:25 PM ET

BAGHDAD - Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein was reunited with family and colleagues Wednesday, ending more than two years in U.S. military custody after Iraqi judges dropped all legal proceedings against him.

Tearful relatives rushed to embrace Hussein, who had been given just a few hours' notice of his release. He thanked co-workers and supporters around the world who had worked on his behalf.

The News Tribune published an article yesterday saying the bill for the Port of Tacoma police presence totaled $621,489 for the 24/12 -- 12 days 24-hours -- of militarization at the port. The city manager and the mayor are debating who should pay the bill and officials went to D.C. to ask the Department of Defense for assistance.