Ana Faguy

Forensic psychiatrist Phillip Resnick testified that Lindsay Clancy was experiencing command hallucinations and delusions of influence when she killed her three children in Massachusetts in January 2023. He said postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her conduct or distinguish right from wrong, and that she believed taking the children to heaven would help them. The defence does not dispute that Clancy carried out the killings but argues she is not guilty of murder because of her mental illness, while prosecutors allege the deaths were intentional and calculated. Clancy faces three first-degree murder charges, and the case is expected to go to the jury after nearly a month of testimony.

Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial has brought renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, a rare medical emergency involving hallucinations, delusions and severe mood symptoms that can develop rapidly after childbirth. Her defence argues that she was experiencing the disorder when she killed her three children in Massachusetts, while prosecutors allege the killings were intentional. Experts and survivors say the condition remains insufficiently recognized because it lacks a distinct entry in the DSM-5, limiting research, clinician education, insurance coverage and coordinated care. They emphasize that postpartum psychosis is treatable through interventions including lithium, antipsychotic medication, electroconvulsive therapy and psychiatric hospitalization, and urge proactive support for mothers and families.

Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial has drawn attention to postpartum psychosis, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition involving hallucinations, delusions and rapidly changing mood states after childbirth. Her defence argues that psychosis impaired her ability to understand or control her actions, while prosecutors allege that she deliberately killed her three children. Experts say the condition remains poorly recognized because it is not formally classified in the DSM-5, limiting education, research funding, insurance coverage and coordinated care. They emphasize that postpartum psychosis is treatable through interventions including lithium, antipsychotic medication and electroconvulsive therapy, and that most affected women do not harm their children. Clinicians and survivors are urging the healthcare system to provide earlier recognition, proactive support and clearer treatment pathways for mothers and families.

Reports of food and hygiene shortages, broken plumbing, poor habitability, exhaustion and worsening mental-health concerns have emerged among roughly 5,000 personnel aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after more than 250 days at sea. Families and military publications say some sailors considered or attempted to go overboard, while lawmakers are demanding Pentagon answers and access for congressional oversight. The Navy disputes an increase in suicidal behavior and says the ship has clean water, air conditioning and healthy meals, attributing supply disruptions to combat conditions. The carrier’s deployment has been repeatedly extended, with the USS George Washington reportedly preparing to relieve it.

Phoenix and Maricopa County, Arizona, have developed programs to reduce deaths from extreme heat, including publicly accessible cooling centers, expanded operating hours, and free air-conditioner repairs or replacements for eligible residents. Heat-related deaths in the county fell from 645 in 2023 to 405 in 2025, although the decline may not continue because hundreds of recent deaths remain under investigation. Experts say other cities should appoint dedicated extreme-heat officials, coordinate government agencies, expand cooling infrastructure, and prioritize vulnerable groups such as low-income residents, unhoused people, older adults, children, and those with chronic illnesses. As climate change makes heatwaves more frequent, intense, and prolonged, governments must treat extreme heat as a public-health, infrastructure, and economic challenge and plan for future temperatures rather than past conditions.

Abdul El-Sayed, a 41-year-old physician and son of an Egyptian immigrant, won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan by narrowly defeating moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens. Supported by Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives, El-Sayed campaigned on universal public healthcare, lower drug prices, higher taxes on the wealthy, campaign-finance reform, abolishing ICE and ending unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. His stance on Israel has drawn both support and opposition from Michigan’s Jewish community, while he denies allegations of antisemitism. El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in November, in a contest that could test whether a progressive Democrat can win statewide and potentially become the first Muslim U.S. senator. His victory could also influence the Democratic Party’s direction and its 2028 presidential primary.

Cyber-attacks have affected water systems in at least seven US states, with some incidents degrading operations, but investigators have not confirmed who was responsible. US media report that CISA is examining a possible Iranian connection, while experts say the attacks are consistent with activity previously attributed to Iran or Iran-aligned groups such as Handala. Iran has not commented on the incidents and has historically denied similar allegations. Experts say the immediate danger is damage to public trust, although future attacks could disrupt water supplies or manipulate treatment systems. They recommend removing vulnerable systems from the internet, resetting passwords and modernizing outdated infrastructure.

Mitch McConnell has left the hospital after a fall and mild pneumonia but remains in a rehabilitation facility and has not been medically cleared to return to the Senate. His doctors say he is undergoing multiple daily physical-therapy sessions to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of further falls, with childhood polio contributing to his mobility problems. McConnell said he is working toward resuming his full schedule, but his office gave no timeline and said he will miss an upcoming Kentucky event. The limited information about his condition has fueled speculation, while his recent health issues and planned retirement at the end of his Senate term remain notable factors.

Preliminary results from an independent autopsy leave the cause and manner of death for Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells unresolved. The findings note red discoloration on the back of his head but no visible wounds or fractures, and decomposition prevented determining potential bruising. The examiner could not rule out neck injury or confirm whether Wells drowned or was conscious when entering the water. His family's attorney says foul play cannot be ruled out and highlights unanswered questions surrounding conflicting reports and the circumstances of Wells being left alone on Horn Island. Toxicology results and the county coroner’s autopsy report remain pending.

Preliminary findings from an independent autopsy could not determine how Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells died after going missing during a 4 July boating trip. The examination found red discoloration on the back of his head but no external wounds or fractures, and decomposition limited the ability to assess bruising. Injury to the neck could not be ruled out, and toxicology results are still pending. The family and their attorney, Ben Crump, continue to question conflicting accounts of the incident and the lack of information from local authorities.

Jury selection has begun in the Massachusetts trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is charged with killing her three children. Prosecutors say the acts were premeditated, while her defence argues she suffered from postpartum psychosis and was not responsible for her actions. Court documents describe her worsening psychiatric symptoms in the weeks before the deaths, and her husband has publicly described her as loving and deeply unwell. The trial is expected to include extensive testimony, including from her husband, as Clancy continues receiving treatment in a state hospital.

Wildfires across Canada have forced thousands of evacuations, destroyed communities and sent heavy smoke into US cities, prompting President Donald Trump to warn Prime Minister Mark Carney and threaten tariffs over the smoke’s impact. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged cooperation instead of threats and highlighted Canada’s past assistance during US disasters. Fire damage in Ontario, including at Whitewater Lake First Nation, has been extensive, while British Columbia’s city of Kimberley remains under evacuation alert. Canada has deployed thousands of firefighters and aircraft to contain the blazes.

More than 900 wildfires continue to burn across Canada, prompting mass evacuations and severe destruction, while smoke drifting into the US has intensified tension between the two countries. President Donald Trump has accused Canada of allowing smoke to 'poison' US air and threatened tariffs, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged cooperation instead of confrontation. Canadian officials report large-scale firefighting efforts across multiple provinces as communities face extensive damage and uncertain recovery prospects.

Five members of a Utah family, including firefighter Spencer Long, his wife and three sons, were killed in a flash flood while hiking near Bicknell. Authorities linked the deaths to heavy rains, and search teams recovered all victims by Saturday. A daughter who did not join the outing survived. Provo Fire & Rescue confirmed the family's identities, and a GoFundMe campaign was created to support the surviving child.

Phoenix and Maricopa County have reduced heat-related deaths by expanding access to cooling centres, providing air‑conditioning repair programmes and appointing a dedicated heat officer. Experts say the city’s strategies offer a model for regions facing rising temperatures driven by climate change, though current trends indicate risks may rise again. Researchers stress that heat must be treated as a persistent infrastructure, economic and health challenge, and cities must plan for significantly hotter conditions in the coming decade.

Rising global temperatures have led to increasing heat‑related deaths across the US and Europe, but Phoenix’s long‑standing efforts to manage extreme heat offer a potential model. Maricopa County has expanded cooling centres, improved access to air conditioning and appointed a dedicated heat officer, contributing to a decline in heat‑related deaths. Experts stress that heat must be treated as a persistent infrastructure, health and economic challenge worsened by climate change. They argue that cities must plan for hotter future conditions, improve coordination and recognise that extreme heat events will intensify in the coming years.

Martha Lillard, the last US polio patient to rely on an iron lung, has died at 78 after a lifetime of adapting to severe disability with determination. Her family credited her resilience and detailed how she maintained independence through modified equipment and strong personal drive. Lillard’s death has renewed concerns for her sister about rising vaccine hesitancy in the US, particularly amid comments from federal health officials suggesting polio vaccination could become optional. The article highlights historical polio devastation, the role of vaccination in eliminating the disease in the US, and current fears that weakened vaccine uptake could revive preventable illness.

Martha Lillard, one of the last Americans reliant on an iron lung due to childhood polio, lived a full and independent life despite her condition, driving a modified vehicle, painting and maintaining close relationships. She died on 26 June at 78, with her sister attributing her decline partly to long Covid‑19. The article highlights her resilience while underscoring renewed concerns about polio amid growing US vaccine hesitancy, spurred by officials suggesting polio vaccines become optional. Health experts and family members warn that fading public memory of polio’s severity could undermine vaccination efforts that once eliminated the disease in the US.

Mitch McConnell said he will remain absent from the Senate while recovering from a fall and a mild case of pneumonia that led to hospitalisation in mid‑June and a subsequent stay in a rehabilitation centre. His statement addressed ongoing mobility challenges linked to childhood polio and confirmed that doctors advised him not to return to voting duties yet. His prolonged absence had prompted growing inquiries, as his staff released limited updates during his nearly month‑long hospital stay.

Federal agents issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists as part of a Justice Department investigation into leaked classified information related to security concerns over President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One. The Times reported that the Secret Service advised Trump to avoid the newer Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 due to insufficient defensive capabilities, prompting him to switch planes after a Nato summit in Turkey. The Justice Department said it is targeting leakers, not reporters, while the Times condemned the subpoenas as intimidation. Other outlets published similar accounts amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing US military activity.

The US Justice Department issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists seeking testimony before a federal grand jury investigating leaks related to security concerns about President Donald Trump’s new Air Force One aircraft. The Times reported that the Secret Service advised Trump to avoid the newer Qatari‑gifted Boeing 747‑8 due to inadequate security features, prompting stories that relied on unnamed sources. Justice officials said the investigation targets individuals leaking classified information, not reporters. Media outlets including CBS News published similar accounts. Trump downplayed safety concerns while highlighting upgrades to the aircraft and its value, amid heightened tensions with Iran and ongoing US military activity.

The United States is seeking a public commitment from Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and stop firing on commercial vessels ahead of planned negotiations in Oman. US officials say Iran privately admitted the recent attacks were a mistake and blamed them on a rogue faction, while Washington demands Iran publicly acknowledge this and issue a statement guaranteeing safe passage. Tensions follow a June ceasefire agreement that included protections for commercial shipping, with renewed clashes marking the most serious escalation since the deal. Iran asserts it has upheld the ceasefire and accuses the US of violating the agreement through new sanctions. Regional actors, including Qatar, are engaging to ease tensions, while both sides prepare for further talks amid reports of an Iranian plot against Donald Trump and continued disputes over control and management of the strait.

The US is pressing Iran to publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and commit to halting attacks on commercial ships as negotiations resume following recent clashes. US officials say Iran privately admitted the strikes were a mistake and blamed rogue hardliners. Washington seeks a public acknowledgment from Tehran, warning of negative consequences if it does not comply. Negotiations involving senior US officials are expected in Oman, while Qatar engages separately with Iran. The tensions follow renewed violence in the Gulf and continued disputes over safe shipping routes despite a June ceasefire agreement and a broader 14‑point memorandum aimed at reducing conflict and managing the strait jointly with Oman.

Rumors of a possible wedding celebration for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce intensified after New York authorities received a permit request for a large event near Madison Square Garden over the July 4 weekend. Media reports and on‑site observations suggest preparations resembling a major celebration, including staging, catering supplies, and hotel bookings connected to Kelce’s teammates. Security measures are in place, though officials have avoided confirming details. Speculation continues about possible schedules, alternative locations such as Rhode Island or Kansas City, and potential celebrity guests. Neither Swift nor Kelce has issued any statement, leaving the public waiting for confirmation.

A prolonged and dangerous heatwave is gripping the US East Coast ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with temperatures expected to reach 38C and heat index values as high as 115F. Major cities including Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York face extreme heat warnings, prompting officials to restrict public events and urge residents to stay indoors. The conditions coincide with outdoor celebrations featuring President Donald Trump and several World Cup matches. Canada is also experiencing severe heat, with Ontario and Quebec under warnings. The heatwave is intensified by a high‑pressure heat dome, dry soils and long‑term climate change, though temperatures are expected to ease slightly after the holiday weekend.

Speculation intensified around the possible wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York after permits were filed to close streets near Madison Square Garden during the Independence Day weekend and reports emerged of extensive event preparations at the arena. Authorities confirmed the existence of street‑closure requests, while media outlets reported planned celebrations, deliveries of equipment, and large‑scale setups inside the venue. Additional rumors described a rehearsal dinner and a major event with up to a thousand guests. Despite growing indications, neither Swift nor Kelce have commented, and no confirmation exists that the wedding will occur during the holiday period or at the arena. Other potential locations across the United States continue to fuel fan speculation.