Judge declares mistrial after Lindsay Clancy jury deadlocks
A judge has declared a mistrial in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the mother accused of killing her three young children, after jurors announced for a third time that they could not reach a unanimous verdict. The judge initially delayed the declaration while the defense sought emergency intervention from a higher court; after the state's highest court denied that appeal, the mistrial was formally declared, returning the case to its pre-trial status and leaving prosecutors to decide whether to retry her.
The deadlock followed several days of deliberations during which the defense said a single holdout juror was refusing to follow the judge's instructions on reasonable doubt. Clancy's lawyer asked the judge to dismiss that juror, but the judge refused. The jury of nine women and three men had been deadlocked since at least Tuesday.
President Donald Trump called the case a "terrible situation" and a "horrible tragedy," adding that Clancy "did a horrible, horrible thing." The mistrial leaves unresolved whether she will be held criminally liable for the children's deaths.
The case has divided public opinion across the United States, with some saying it has highlighted the mental health struggles of mothers and others arguing that psychological distress is no excuse for murder.
Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte posts bail after arrest
Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte has posted bail after a court issued a warrant for her arrest on charges that she publicly threatened to arrange the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two of his relatives. The case is part of broader impeachment proceedings against her over the alleged threat and other accusations.
Trump envoys to take Ukraine peace plan to Moscow and Kyiv
President Donald Trump said U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with visits expected over the weekend. The two have led Trump's efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, though talks have stalled.
The announcement came as Russian strikes on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region killed four people overnight, according to local authorities.
Judge allows Pentagon to fire Stars and Stripes journalists
Federal District Judge Trevor McFadden has declined to block the Pentagon from firing journalists at the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, allowing the Defense Department to proceed for now with exerting greater editorial control over the outlet.
The Pentagon accused two of the journalists of insubordination after one said in a July interview that she worked for Stars and Stripes and not for the Pentagon, any administration, or any policymaker. The journalists argued they were being punished for coverage of worsening conditions aboard a Navy warship; the judge appeared skeptical of that claim.
UN votes to adopt new world map showing Africa's true size
The United Nations General Assembly has voted to adopt a Togo-sponsored resolution calling for the world to phase out the traditional 16th-century Mercator map in favor of one that more accurately displays Africa's size. The resolution was backed by 164 nations; the United States was the only country to vote against it.
Supreme Court backs Republicans in broadcast ad rate fight
The U.S. Supreme Court has left in place Federal Communications Commission guidance that allows political parties and committees to access cheaper broadcast advertising rates. Republican groups had asked the court to clear the way for parties to pay the same low-cost rates as candidates, a change they said could undercut a Democratic advantage in the midterms.
Trump names Adam Telle as acting Army secretary
President Donald Trump has named Adam Telle as acting secretary of the Army following the departure of Daniel Driscoll. Telle currently serves as assistant secretary of the Army for civil works and previously worked for Trump during his first term as a special assistant to the president for legislative affairs.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is retiring at the end of the year, concluding a tenure of more than seven years. She is the second-longest-tenured WNBA president or commissioner and helped oversee a period of growth for the league.
Cambridge to review actions surrounding the death of Jason Arday
The University of Cambridge will carry out an independent review of its decision‑making and actions surrounding the death of Professor Jason Arday, aiming to identify shortcomings in the support provided to him.
Russell Howard announces death of baby son Felix
Comedian Russell Howard has announced that his baby son, Felix, died shortly after birth earlier this year, describing it as the "most devastating time" for him and his wife, Cerys Morgan. The family has set up a charitable foundation in Felix's memory.