Newsom commutes all 548 California death row sentences

Meghan Markle's father arrested in Florida on abuse material charges

Thomas Markle Sr., the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested by federal agents near Tampa, Florida, on Friday on charges related to child sexual abuse material. U.S. prosecutors said he was taken into custody early Friday; he has denied the accusations.

The arrest follows an investigation launched after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly discovered boxes containing hundreds or potentially thousands of images at his father’s former home in the Philippines. Markle Sr. had been under investigation by Philippine authorities in October for alleged possession of such material, and he moved to Florida after many years in the Philippines.

Kenyan doomsday sect leader sentenced to 200 years for mass deaths

A Kenyan court has sentenced Paul Mackenzie, leader of an apocalyptic religious cult, to 200 years in prison for the murders of 190 children and one adult. Between January 2021 and September 2023, Mackenzie ordered followers in the Shakahola Forest on the Kenyan coast to starve themselves and their families to death so they could “meet Jesus.”

The sentence comprises 100 years for murder by starvation and 100 years for direct homicide. The case, with around 500 suspected victims, is regarded as one of the worst cult disasters in recent history.

Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault in London

A London jury has found comedian and actor Russell Brand, 51, guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women between 2005 and 2009. Brand denied the charges, testifying that although he had once led a promiscuous life, he had never forced anyone to act against their will.

Prosecutors described him as a ruthless, calculating and manipulative sexual predator. The judge told Brand to expect a “significant custodial term” and a prison sentence “of some length.” Additional rape allegations against him can now be reported.

Harmeet Dhillon resigns as Justice Department civil rights chief

Harmeet Dhillon has resigned as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division after 18 tumultuous months in the role. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that he had accepted her resignation.

Dhillon, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, had dramatically changed the direction of a division created during the Civil Rights Movement to protect minority rights. Her departure follows reported conflicts with Justice Department leaders over legal strategy in the 2026 midterm elections, and she is the first high-level department official to leave after the Republican defeat in those elections.

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has announced his retirement from international football, ending a Portugal career that spanned six World Cups, included a European title and produced the men’s all-time international scoring record. In a video message, he said the day had come to “hand back the No. 7 shirt” of the national team. The announcement comes weeks after a public dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.

Democratic socialist Nithya Raman defeats Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

City Council member Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race, marking a major shake-up in city politics. Raman, a 45-year-old India-born progressive urban planner and democratic socialist, won a narrow victory over Bass, 73, in an upstart campaign that signals a generational shift at City Hall. With the result, the two most populous U.S. cities, New York and Los Angeles, will be led by democratic socialists.

Federal judge blocks construction of Trump's triumphal arch

A federal judge has issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking construction of Donald Trump’s planned 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., just hours after a federal planning panel led by the president’s allies approved the project. The Trump administration had hoped to begin work immediately after the late-Thursday approval. Trump has said the structure would become a “top grade military complex” housing drones, snipers and ammunition.

Trump signs proclamation declaring Oval Office national monument

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring the Oval Office and Cabinet Room national monuments, saying the move would prevent future administrations from changing his gold-accented design of the Oval Office. The action does not actually prevent a successor from restyling the office or from rolling back the proclamation itself. It was the third event of the week focused on signature renovation projects since his party’s defeats in the 2026 midterm elections.

Paraguay's president impeached after resigning during bank collapse crisis

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña resigned amid a banking collapse, and minutes later lawmakers voted to impeach him. The crisis centers on the collapse of digital lender Ueno, tied to his government, which froze millions of customers’ savings and ensnared public pension and health care funds. The lower house of congress had already voted to pursue an impeachment trial before his resignation, and Peña, an ally of Donald Trump, had faced protests over the bank’s failure.

Hoax bomb threats disrupt dozens of flights across Europe

Dozens of flights across Europe have been disrupted over the past week by a wave of bomb threats sent to airports and called in mid‑flight. Security inspections found no explosives, and fighter jets escorted several aircraft, while travelers at airports including Rome, Madrid and Warsaw faced delays and frustration.

Former West Virginia Governor and Senator Jay Rockefeller dies at 89

John D. Rockefeller IV, known as Jay Rockefeller, has died at 89. A rare Democrat in one of America’s wealthiest families, he served 30 years as a U.S. senator and as governor of West Virginia, helping expand health insurance to millions of low-income children. He was the last member of his family’s political dynasty to hold elected office.