A mistrial was declared in the case of Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, after a jury failed to agree on a verdict. Read, 44, maintained that she did not kill her boyfriend, but that he was killed by fellow Boston police officers who then framed her. A jury couldn’t come to a conclusion one way or the other after five days of deliberation, the Associated Press reported, so Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial. Prosecutors have said they intend to retry the case. John O’Keefe was a Boston police officer who lived in Canton, MA, since 2014 to raise his niece and nephew, who had been orphaned after O’Keefe’s sister died of a brain tumor and her husband died of a heart attack shortly after. Read, an adjunct professor at Bentley University, lived in Mansfield, MA, but had been dating O’Keefe since 2020 and regularly staying in Canton to help O’Keefe with the children, Boston Magazine reported. On January 28, 2022, Read and O’Keefe traveled to the Waterfall Bar & Grille in Canton after drinking at another pub. At the Waterfall, O’Keefe saw some of his friends and joined them with Read in tow. Chris Albert, O’Keefe’s neighbor and the town selectman, along with Chris’ brother Brian, another Boston Police Department officer, and Jennifer McCabe, Brian’s sister-in-law. The five chatted and drank until midnight, when the bar was about to close and Brian suggested they all go to his house. O’Keefe wanted to go, but Read was tired and tipsy and unsure about continuing the party. She agreed to at least drive O’Keefe to Brian’s house. After dropping him off, she decided to go home, but said that she woke up alone at 4:30 a.m. and worried about where her boyfriend was. She didn’t have McCabe’s number, so she woke up O’Keefe’s then 14-year-old niece to ask her to call McCabe’s daughter, with whom she was friends. McCabe said she didn’t know where O’Keefe was, and called Chris Albert’s wife to see if O’Keefe had passed out at their house, but she said he hadn’t. At the same time, Read called O’Keefe’s friend Kerry Roberts, who also had not seen O’Keefe. Read, McCabe, and Roberts met up to look for O’Keefe, with Read in the backseat of Roberts’ car screaming about how O’Keefe was missing, Boston Magazine reported. A blizzard had rolled through town the night before, and it was still snowing as the women drove in the darkness. They drove to Brian Albert’s home, and Read immediately said she saw O’Keefe and jumped out of the car to rush to his side, even though it was completely dark outside. O’Keefe was lying in the snow, ice-cold, and Read began performing CPR. He had blood on his face and two black eyes, while his hat and shoes were missing. McCabe brought blankets to warm him up and called 911. It was 6:04 a.m. Read cried and repeatedly asked if she had hit O’Keefe. An ambulance took O’Keefe to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:50 a.m. Read was soon arrested and taken to jail, charged with manslaughter for allegedly hitting O’Keefe with her Lexus when she dropped him off at Brian’s house. The original charges stemmed from the belief that Read accidentally hit O’Keefe with her car. But four months later, the charges were increased to second-degree murder. Part of the change came from the allegation that Read admitted to hitting O’Keefe on the morning she found him, which was overheard by first responders and police. Read told ABC News last year, however, that she was questioning whether she could have hit him by accident. “I said, ‘I hit him’? It was preceded by a ‘Did,’ and preceded by a question mark,” she said. “What I thought could have happened was that, did I incapacitate him unwittingly, somehow, and then in his drunkenness [he] passed out?” Read’s attorney, David Yannetti, reviewed the charging documents with her and questioned whether Read really could have caused all the injuries to O’Keefe just by backing into him with her car. A medical examiner found that O’Keefe had abrasions on his right arm, two black eyes, along with cuts on his face, and a laceration to the back of his head, CNN reported. He also had several skull fractures. Police found red and clear bits of plastic near O’Keefe’s body, consistent with Read’s broken taillight. When police seized the vehicle, they found damage to the right rear tailgate. This information led police to believe Read was intoxicated and backed into O’Keefe before driving away. Soon, a tipster called Read’s attorney, Yannetti, and claimed that O’Keefe was “beaten up by Brian Albert and his nephew.” “They broke his nose, and when O’Keefe didn’t come to, Brian and a federal agent dumped his body on the front lawn,” the tipster added, Yannetti told Boston Magazine. An attorney for that tipster, however, denied Yannetti’s version of the tip to the outlet. After this call, Yannetti and Read began looking into whether O’Keefe could have been killed at the party and left out in the cold to die. Read then learned that the lead detective on the case, State Trooper Michael Proctor, was friends with the Albert family. Read already believed O’Keefe was actually beaten up at the party, but now she believed Proctor was helping to frame her, including an alleged period where Proctor had access to Read’s vehicle and may have planted evidence. Read hired another attorney – famous criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson, who had once represented Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. With Jackson’s help, the defense’s theory was able to sway enough jurors to question whether she was actually guilty.

Heart singer Ann Wilson on Tuesday told fans she has cancer, and the band is postponing the remaining concerts on its Royal Flush Tour. The 74-year-old singer shared the update on social media. “I recently underwent an operation to remove something that, as it turns out, was cancerous,” Wilson shared with her Instagram followers.  “The operation was successful and I’m feeling great, but my doctors are now advising me to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I’ve decided to do it,” the post continued. The Heart singer also noted that her doctors told her to “take the rest of the year away from the stage in order to fully recover.” “To the ticket buyers, I really do wish we could do these gigs. Please know that I absolutely do plan to be back on stage in 2025,” Wilson wrote. She continued by thanking her fans for their continuing support, then concluded by writing, “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing.” Wilson noted that she wouldn’t be commenting more publicly on the matter. The rock band Heart formed in 1973 in British Columbia and is best known for commercial hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” and “Alone.” Heart has been nominated for four Grammy Awards and has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, with about half of those sales coming from the United States. Wilson was also named one of the “Greatest Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time” by a rock industry publication in 2006. A statement shared on Heart’s official Instagram page said of the tour postponement, “More information to be announced in the coming weeks.” This announcement came several weeks after Wilson and her sister, Nancy, who is also a member of the band, announced that several of the June and July concerts in Europe were being canceled due to health reasons. The two bandmates said at the time that Wilson would use the time to “undergo a time-sensitive but routine medical procedure” and would have at least six weeks of recovery, according to a report from People magazine. 

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been floated as a potential backup Democratic presidential candidate, will campaign with President Joe Biden in Michigan and Pennsylvania this week, Team Biden announced on Wednesday. Newsom will first travel to Van Buren County, Michigan, for an Independence Day event on Thursday, according to Bridge Michigan reporter Simon D. Schuster. The California governor will stay on the campaign trail with the president, traveling to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday for a rally focused on “slamming Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy and embrace of political violence,” the Biden campaign said. Both Michigan and Pennsylvania are major battleground states that currently lean toward former President Donald Trump in most polls. Trump won both states over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 before Biden beat Trump in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 2020. While Newsom has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the 81-year-old Biden atop the 2024 ticket following the president’s disastrous debate performance, the California governor has publicly remained an ardent supporter of Biden during his re-election campaign. Both Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro have also been suggested as possible presidential candidates if Biden were to drop out. Earlier this week, Whitmer pushed back on a report claiming she told Biden campaign chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon that Michigan was unwinnable for Biden following the debate. Whitmer denied the POLITICO report, saying, “I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100% in the fight to defeat Donald Trump.” Shapiro also emphasized his continued support for Biden’s re-election campaign, saying earlier this week, “Joe Biden is up to the job.” “He had a bad debate,” Shapiro said. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Donald Trump was a bad president who drove our economy into the ditch and who exasperated false claims about climate change and who lied about his past and the kinds of things he’s proposing for the future. There is still a clear contrast between the two candidates and the debate did not change that.” Newsom is also traveling to the White House on Wednesday to “stand with” Biden, along with multiple other Democratic governors who requested to meet with the president. Newsom was in the CNN debate spin room in Atlanta for Biden’s debate to help the president and his campaign with messaging. “I will never turn my back on President Biden, and I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so,” Newsom told reporters after the debate. “And especially after tonight, we have his back.”

North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, one of the rumored candidates on former President Donald Trump’s shortlist of possible running mates, has won the support of some significant Jewish donors because of his strong support of the state of Israel. Burgum, a former Microsoft executive, said three weeks after the barbaric Hamas massacre of more than 1200 people in Israel on October 7, “We shouldn’t be surprised that Iran would greenlight a massacre after getting billions of dollars from the Biden administration. Biden has turned maximum pressure into maximum concessions. He literally was begging Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of state terrorism, to reenter the failed Obama-Biden Iran nuclear deal that almost guarantees Iran pathways to nuclear weapons. Joe Biden naively believes that these financial bribes would somehow stop Iran from wanting to cross the nuclear threshold.” “To the university officials, the talking heads, and the far-left politicians on television that try to draw some kind of moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas, your words are abhorrent. … No Hamas or Hezbollah agent anywhere in the world should be able to find safe harbor. And let me go further: Countries like Qatar cannot be allowed to support terrorists. … Hamas leaders in Doha should be considered legitimate military targets. … We know that as Hamas and Hezbollah use human shields, we must stand up and tell the world, it’s Iran with blood on its hands, not the Jewish state that is fighting for its right to exist.” “We will put an end to Biden’s attempts to undermine Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem; the same goes for the Golan Heights,” he stated. Burgum also told the Hudson Institute that “Iran’s war on Israel” was “a war on America.” In April 2023, Burgum signed into law a bill barring anyone contracting with the state from participating in a boycott of Israel; the bill also prevented North Dakota from investing in companies that “would have the effect of requiring or inducing any person to boycott Israel.” “The thing that always stands out to me is his support of Israel — not only what he had to say about it in his speech, but also back in private conversation,” Fred Zeidman, a top GOP donor, told Jewish Insider.  “He understands it, and for that reason I don’t question his support under any circumstance.”

In the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has taken a steadfast position, insisting that any truce must include a permanent ceasefire. The discussions, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aim to address both the release of hostages and a ceasefire agreement. Sinwar, who has been a key figure in Hamas's Gaza leadership, reiterated his stance that Hamas would not agree to any temporary truce or partial measures. He demands a complete end to Israel's military operations in Gaza as a condition for the release of hostages​. This is Gaza Where militants come out of tunnels they built with tens of billions of dollars of your aid money Dressed as civilians to fire RPGs So that when they get killed, Hamas can report them as “civilian” deaths To be parroted by Western media pic.twitter.com/Iwc81L7HRm — Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) June 10, 2024 The backdrop to these negotiations includes a series of recent escalations. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure and combatants. Over the past weekend, IDF airstrikes and ground raids resulted in the deaths of 40 Hamas operatives and the capture of 85 terror suspects​. Despite these military actions, Hamas has rejected the latest Israeli proposal, which involved a phased approach to ceasefire and hostage release. This proposal, backed by the Biden administration, aimed to first exchange hostages for a temporary ceasefire, followed by discussions on a permanent truce and Gaza's reconstruction​. Extraordinary brave GAZAN DOCTOR, injured in yesterday’s rescue mission and he lost family members in the fight, but he is mad at…HAMAS, not at Israel ! Watch and share his bravery . mahamid_y pic.twitter.com/s63HRy8LeZ — miha schwartzenberg (@mihaschw) June 10, 2024 Sinwar's rigid stance has caused friction not only with Israeli negotiators but also within Hamas's leadership. Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau, indicated a more flexible approach, willing to engage seriously with any proposal that promises a permanent ceasefire​ ​. The international community remains deeply involved, with Qatar recently warning Hamas of possible expulsion of its leaders if they fail to agree to a ceasefire deal. However, Hamas leaders have dismissed this threat, stating that such actions would only solidify their resolve​. As negotiations continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. The conflict has displaced nearly 1.9 million Palestinians, with many risking their lives to return to their homes despite Israeli warnings​. The diplomatic efforts show no signs of abating, with Egypt reporting 'positive signals' from Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire. However, the real challenge lies in reconciling the divergent demands of both parties to achieve a lasting peace​. The post Hamas Leader Sinwar Holds Firm on Permanent Ceasefire Amid Hostage Talks appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a significant breakthrough, the U.S. Marshals Service has successfully located and rescued 200 missing children across the country during a recent operation. This monumental effort, conducted in July 2024, is part of an extensive initiative to combat child exploitation and human trafficking, showcasing the relentless dedication of federal and local law enforcement agencies. The operation, dubbed "Operation Cross Country," was spearheaded by the FBI in collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and various state and local law enforcement partners. This initiative focused on identifying and recovering victims of sex trafficking and arresting those responsible for these heinous crimes. Shout out to the US Marshalls! Operation "We Will Find You" has had some success recently. We still have a long way to go because a lot more children go missing than they get shot in schools. Both are a problem, but the numbers are ridiculously high for missing children. pic.twitter.com/XRQYuvWeM0 — BRIX (@brix_rosa) May 30, 2023 Over the two-week period, 59 minor victims of sex trafficking were identified, alongside 59 actively missing children. In addition to these recoveries, authorities arrested 194 suspects involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The operation's success underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable children from predators. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the operation's success, emphasizing the importance of rescuing vulnerable children from the grips of traffickers and bringing perpetrators to justice. Garland highlighted the FBI's ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety and welfare of minors across the United States. US Marshalls save childrenWebsite https://t.co/xTgAglAB4NRumble https://t.co/4ICmaX0QBCtelegram https://t.co/s6CXbcvjXQ#childtrafficking #usmarshalls pic.twitter.com/Pq5W5VwnjF — Charlie Ward (@charliewardshow) July 3, 2024 FBI Director Christopher Wray also commended the collaborative efforts of all involved agencies, reiterating the FBI's unwavering dedication to fighting human trafficking. Wray stressed the importance of protecting society's most vulnerable members and vowed to continue pursuing those who exploit and harm children. The operation's achievements have been met with widespread approval from the public and advocacy groups. However, some mainstream media outlets have downplayed the significance of these efforts, dismissing them as part of a broader conspiracy narrative. This dismissal has been met with backlash from conservative circles, who emphasize the real and pressing nature of child trafficking issues. This operation follows a series of successful child recovery initiatives by the U.S. Marshals Service in recent years. Previous operations, such as "Operation Not Forgotten," have resulted in the recovery of numerous missing and endangered children, further solidifying the agency's role in combating child exploitation and trafficking. As the nation grapples with the ongoing challenge of human trafficking, the efforts of the U.S. Marshals, FBI, and their partners serve as a beacon of hope. The continued focus on these operations highlights the necessity for robust support systems and resources to aid in the recovery and protection of trafficked and exploited children. The success of "Operation Cross Country" is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice for the nation's most vulnerable, ensuring that those responsible for these egregious crimes are held accountable while providing a lifeline to those in dire need of rescue. The post U.S. Marshals Rescue 200 Missing Children in Nationwide Operation appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a recent controversy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate for the 2024 presidential election, vehemently denied allegations that he ate barbecued dog at a campaign event. This bizarre claim has surfaced amid intense scrutiny and ongoing challenges to his unconventional campaign. The controversy began when a photo emerged showing RFK Jr. at a barbecue event in Southeast Asia. Critics quickly seized upon the image, suggesting that the meat in question was dog. Kennedy has flatly denied these accusations, asserting that the photo was misinterpreted and that he would never engage in such a practice. He emphasized that the meat he was pictured with was, in fact, goat, a common and culturally appropriate dish in the region. Hey @VanityFair, you know when your veterinary experts call a goat a dog, and your forensic experts say a photo taken in Patagonia was taken in Korea, that you’ve joined the ranks of supermarket tabloids. Keep telling America that up is down if you want. I’ll keep talking about… pic.twitter.com/SGX3QpoaRZ — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 2, 2024 This incident is just the latest in a series of challenges RFK Jr. has faced. Throughout his campaign, he has been a polarizing figure, often described as a conspiracy theorist by mainstream media. His positions on various issues, particularly his skepticism about vaccines, have garnered significant attention and criticism. Despite this, Kennedy remains steadfast in his beliefs, defending his views and insisting that he is not anti-vaccine but rather pro-choice regarding medical decisions. Kennedy’s campaign has also been marked by familial discord. Several members of the Kennedy family have publicly supported President Joe Biden, creating a rift that has been widely publicized. RFK Jr. has addressed this tension by expressing love and respect for his family, despite their political differences. He maintains that his campaign is driven by a desire to challenge the status quo and advocate for the American people. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sets the record straight. “The picture they said of me eating dog, is actually me eating a goat in Patagonia on a white water trip many years ago.” “@VanityFair is recycling 30 year old stories & I’m not gonna comment on any of them” – @RobertKennedyJr… pic.twitter.com/2yMCnjV08G — Bryce Lipscomb (@BryceMLipscomb) July 2, 2024 Furthermore, Kennedy has faced accusations of making antisemitic remarks, which he has strongly denied. During a House hearing, he refuted claims that he suggested COVID-19 was ethnically targeted, describing such interpretations as smears and misrepresentations. This ongoing scrutiny highlights the contentious nature of his campaign and the broader political landscape as the 2024 election approaches. As RFK Jr. continues his campaign, these controversies underscore the challenges faced by candidates who diverge from mainstream political positions. His efforts to clear his name and promote his platform will be crucial as he seeks to gain traction among voters who are disillusioned with the current political establishment. In summary, RFK Jr. remains a divisive figure in American politics. His denial of the barbecued dog incident and defense against various accusations reflect his commitment to his campaign's principles, despite the obstacles he faces. The coming months will be critical in determining his impact on the 2024 presidential race. The post RFK Jr. Denies Eating Barbecued Dog Amid Campaign Controversy appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

On June 12, Angela Woodson and her grandson, Roman, became victims of a fatal car crash. Sadly, Angela was pronounced dead at the scene. The 3-month-old, on the other hand, was rushed to the hospital. At that time, nobody knew if this Texas baby would survive. Finally, doctors gave the family the kind of news that everyone fears: The chances of survival were slim to none — as low as 5% even. “They were concerned that he’d been low on oxygen for too long,” Roman’s grandfather, Ashley Woodson, said. “Which caused 90 percent of his brain to die and was probably not going to make it. The only thing positive I could get out of it was for him to be an organ donor. He could live on through other children.” TikTok There was just one issue with Roman being a donor — more time needed to pass to make him eligible. Finally, on day 12 at the hospital, the ventilation tubed was taken out of him. Roman’s family felt so much anxiety around making the decision, unsure if it was the right one. But then, as the hours and days passed, what seemed like a miracle happened: Roman was getting better. Despite the Odds, This Texas Baby Survives a Fatal Car Crash Since being taken off the ventilation tube, Roman’s other grandfather, Wayne Bertrand, has been sharing social media updates. In return, the family has seen well wishes and promises of prayers from strangers all over. @waynethetrain God is good. I do see the negative comments, but will not entertain them. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and thats ok you will never win an argument with someone that thinks they’re right. #fyp #texas #Romanstrong #miricalbaby #prayers #dallas #godisgood #foryourpage @Laurah ♬ original sound – Wayne Bertrand Roman has been fighting for his life since June 12. And although his healing journey is ongoing, as of Monday, this sweet little one is finally back home! That means he spent a total of 18 days in the ICU. Thankfully, though, he had family, friends, and loved ones by his side the entire time — and he still will moving forward. “Baby Roman is home with his parents, where he belongs,” Wayne shares in a post. “Thank you all for the prayers.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Baby In Fatal Car Accident Returns Home After Doctors Gave Him 5% Chance Of Survival appeared first on InspireMore.

There are many artists to thank when it comes to the evolution of rock music — and the band Heart is one of them. With Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy Wilson, leading the group, they’ve created some of the most iconic hits, including Alone, Barracuda, and These Dreams. Best of all, these two rockstars are still doing what they love! In fact, they had planned a massive tour this year with stops in the United States and the UK. Those plans have since changed, however, after Ann Wilson shared her cancer diagnosis. Ann shared this heartbreaking news herself in a social media post. In this message, we learn that the singer underwent an operation to remove something that turned out to be cancerous. As a result, her doctors are advising her to undergo preventive chemotherapy. This will leave her unable to perform in shows for the remainder of the year, unfortunately. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ann Wilson (@annwilson) Although it’s disappointing for Heart, and their fans, that these shows will be postponed, or canceled in some cases, it’s clear what matters most to everyone is Ann’s health. Plus, Ann promises that she will be back at it again as soon as she can, noting that, “I’ve much more to sing.” Heart Changes Tour Plans After Ann Wilson’s Cancer Diagnosis If you take the time to check out the comment section of Ann’s announcement, you’ll be met by some of the most kind, caring words. That’s because Heart’s fans are making sure the singer feels loved and supported during this difficult time. It’s so heartwarming to see! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heart (@heartofficial) “The only thing that matters is your health,” one fan writes. “You’ve given so much to the fans. Let us all send our love and prayers for complete and total healing back to you. We love you.” “Our sweet Queen ….recover quickly fully, and come back even stronger because that’s who you are!!!!!!” someone else shares, with another adding, “Wishing you a speedy recovery, greatest singer on Earth!” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Fans Send Outpouring of Love For Heart’s Ann Wilson As She Announces Cancer Diagnosis appeared first on InspireMore.

'Nothing that's been happening is encouraging'