Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge

NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s New York sex crimes retrial has come to a disjointed end. The jury foreperson declined to deliberate Thursday, and the judge declared a mistrial on a remaining rape charge. The case has been seen as a bellwether of the #MeToo era. On Wednesday Weinstein was convicted of one of the top charges but acquitted of another. Both concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand. The ex-studio boss faces a third New York trial on the rape count and a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction. Weinstein denies all the charges.

Hegseth says the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland if necessary

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appearing to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary. His comments came Thursday during a hotly combative congressional hearing, where he refused to answer repeated questions about his use of a Signal chat to discuss military operations. Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, demanding yes or no answers as he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief. Asked whether the Pentagon has plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary, Hegseth responded that “our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency.”

Abbott deploys over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned ‘No Kings’ protests

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state, along with more than 2,000 state police. Abbott said Thursday the troops and state police will help local law enforcement manage protests against President Donald Trump and ongoing federal immigration raids. Abbott’s statement does not detail where the Guard troops have been sent. Some were seen at a protest Wednesday night in downtown San Antonio. More protests are planned for Saturday in cities such as Houston, Austin and Dallas as part of the national “No Kings” movement.

At least 4 dead and 2 missing in San Antonio after heavy rains flood parts of Texas

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — At least four people are dead in San Antonio after heavy rains flooded highways and stranded motorists. Fire officials said they are still searching Thursday for two people who are missing. Crews made dozens of water rescues after heavy rains flooded roads and stranded motorists. San Antonio police say calls for water rescues began shortly before sunrise. Fire officials say they made 65 water rescues from midnight to 8 a.m. throughout the San Antonio area. A National Weather Service meteorologist says the flooding occurred after a round of slow-moving showers and thunderstorms during the early morning hours Thursday.