Jury consultant David Barnard explains the "attractive-defendant effect" which is a well-established phenomenon that he said could impact the Luigi Mangione's case. ​"For example, jurors who believe Mangione committed the crime might still be inclined to find him guilty of a lesser charge if such an option exists, particularly if factors, such as mental illness, are introduced," Barnard said.
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Incoming Trump administration officials have been questioning career civil servants at the White House National Security Council about their political affiliations and social media activity, prompting some employees to pack up their belongings. Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, aims to replace nonpolitical appointees with Trump loyalists by Inauguration Day, potentially impacting US expertise on key global issues.
Bashar al-Assad, maintaining strict secrecy, misled aides and officials about his plans to flee Syria as his regime crumbled. He falsely assured military leaders of Russian support while orchestrating a covert departure for Moscow with his family. Left behind were his brother and cousins, who faced uncertain fates. Assad's pleas for military aid from both Russia and Iran were ultimately rejected.
Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, plan to visit Greenland, drawing criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The visit is linked to President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns, and aims to assess the region's strategic importance.
Mauritius faces political unrest with a financial scandal involving a former minister. Ex-finance minister Renganaden Padayachy is accused of defrauding the Mauritius Investment Corporation. Harvesh Seegolam, ex-central bank head, is also under investigation. The Militant Socialist Movement claims political vendetta. Two dynasties have dominated Mauritian politics. President Emmanuel Macron's visit adds to the tension. Accusations could impact Mauritius's economy.
Israel's military pressed ground operations across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, encircling part of Rafah city near Egypt almost a week into a renewed assault on the Palestinian territory. According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 637 Palestinians have been killed in the renewed Israeli assault since Tuesday.
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Tehran's Evin prison, returned home to Rome after diplomatic efforts from the Italian government. Sala was held in harsh conditions for three days before her release. Her detention occurred shortly after Italy arrested Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, leading to suspicions of political motivations.
Bangladesh is awaiting India's response regarding the appointment of a new high commissioner to India, with a typical timeframe of three to four months. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry has no information on former PM Sheikh Hasina's citizenship status in India. Reports on bilateral agreements have been made public.
Former Ohio Senator Nina Turner criticized Elon Musk's involvement in the impending government shutdown debate, calling him an oligarch. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, co-chiefs of the Department of Government Efficiency, opposed spending bills, leading to a Congressional stalemate. Turner's comments sparked backlash from MAGA supporters and a debate about Musk's political influence.
A Wisconsin judge has ordered the release of Morgan Geyser, who at 12 attempted to kill a classmate in allegiance to the fictional Slender Man, from a psychiatric hospital. After spending nearly seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, Geyser is deemed no longer a safety risk.