New sentencing dates set for 5 former Memphis, officers in Tyre Nichols case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A judge has scheduled sentencings in December for five former Memphis police officers convicted of federal charges in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. The sentencings were delayed when the previous judge in the case surprisingly recused himself. U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman said Thursday that the five officers would be sentenced the week of Dec. 15. However, she noted those dates could change or be canceled depending on how she rules on several sealed motions, including one for a new trial for three of the men. Nichols died in January 2023 after he fled a traffic stop in January and was beaten by officers trying to arrest him.

Man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump can represent himself at trial, judge says

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge says a man charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump last year in South Florida can represent himself during his trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday signed off on Ryan Routh’s request to represent himself during his trial. But she said court-appointed attorneys need to remain as standby counsel. The federal public defenders had asked to be taken off the case, saying Routh had refused repeated attempts to meet with them. Routh is scheduled to stand trial in September, a year after prosecutors say a U.S. Secret Service agent thwarted his attempt to shoot Trump as he played golf.

The US fertility rate reached a new low in 2024, CDC data shows

NEW YORK (AP) — The fertility rate in the U.S. dropped to an all-time low in 2024 with less than 1.6 kids per woman, new federal data released Thursday shows. The U.S. was once among only a few developed countries with a rate that ensured each generation had enough children to replace itself — about 2.1 kids per woman. But it has been sliding in America for close to two decades as more women are waiting longer to have children or never taking that step at all. The new statistic is on par with fertility rates in western European countries, according to World Bank data.

US cuts short its Gaza ceasefire talks and accuses Hamas of lacking ‘good faith’

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing its negotiating team home from Qatar to discuss next steps after Hamas’ latest response “shows a lack of desire” to reach a truce, President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a statement. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott would not offer details on what “alternative options” the U.S. is considering to free hostages held by the militant group.