Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle set the execution date after President Donald Trump approved the death sentence and authorized the firing-squad method.

The scheduled execution would be the first U.S. military execution in more than 60 years.

Army sets December execution date

Telle’s order sets the execution for Dec. 3, 2026, at the Army installation in Texas where Hasan carried out the 2009 shooting.

The Army has not executed a service member since Pvt. John A. Bennett was hanged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in April 1961. The last U.S. military execution by firing squad was Pvt. Eddie Slovik’s execution in 1945.

The rare method makes Hasan’s case an unusual moment in the history of U.S. military capital punishment.

Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013

Hasan was an Army psychiatrist when he opened fire at a Soldier Readiness Processing Center at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, 2009.

Thirteen people were killed and 32 others were wounded.

A general court-martial convicted Hasan in 2013 of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. The military court sentenced him to death.

The death sentence automatically triggered appellate review within the military justice system. Hasan’s case subsequently reached the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Execution remains a scheduled event

The Dec. 3 date does not mean the execution is certain to occur on that day.

Capital cases can remain subject to court proceedings and requests for stays. An Army legal review published earlier this year noted that military death sentences can proceed through post-trial review and habeas litigation even after presidential action.

Any successful legal challenge could therefore delay the execution.

For JournosNews, the distinction is important: Hasan has been sentenced to death and is scheduled for execution, but the execution itself has not occurred.

A rare return to military execution

The U.S. military has carried out very few executions in modern history.

Bennett’s 1961 execution was the last carried out by the military. Slovik’s 1945 execution remains the most recent U.S. military execution by firing squad.

If Hasan’s execution proceeds as scheduled, it would therefore mark the first military execution in more than six decades and the first U.S. military firing-squad execution in more than 80 years.

The case also highlights the distinct procedures governing capital punishment under the military justice system, which differs from state and federal civilian death-penalty cases.

The next step is legal review

Hasan remains in military custody while the case moves toward the scheduled execution date.

The Army’s announcement establishes the date and method, but further legal proceedings could affect the timetable.

For now, Dec. 3 is the Army’s scheduled date for the execution of the former major whose 2009 attack became one of the deadliest incidents in the history of a U.S. military installation.

Reporting Credit: U.S. Army; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Army court-martial records; U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. federal court records.

The post Nidal Hasan Execution Set for December 3 by Army Firing Squad appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The retrial centered on Mann’s accusation that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 after what she described as a complicated and coercive relationship. Weinstein’s legal team argued throughout the proceedings that the relationship and sexual encounters were consensual.

Jury Unable to Reach Unanimous Decision

Judge Curtis Farber declared the mistrial after jurors reported they were hopelessly deadlocked following several days of deliberations. According to reports, the panel remained divided over whether prosecutors had proven the rape charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Some jurors reportedly questioned inconsistencies in Mann’s testimony, while others supported the prosecution’s argument that Weinstein used his influence and power to manipulate aspiring women in the entertainment industry.

Mann testified during the trial that Weinstein “treated me like he owned me” and ignored her objections during the alleged assault. Defense attorneys highlighted continued communication between the two after the incident as evidence that the relationship was voluntary.

Third Trial Linked to Same Allegations

The case has now gone to trial three times. Weinstein was first convicted in New York in 2020 on sex crime charges involving Mann and another accuser. However, New York’s highest court overturned that conviction in 2024, ruling that prosecutors improperly introduced testimony unrelated to the formal charges.

A subsequent retrial resulted in a conviction on one criminal sex act charge connected to another accuser, but jurors remained divided over Mann’s rape allegation, leading to the latest proceedings.

Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said they would consult with Mann before deciding whether to seek another retrial. District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised her willingness to testify repeatedly despite years of public scrutiny and legal proceedings.

Weinstein Remains Behind Bars

Although the mistrial leaves the rape allegation unresolved, Weinstein remains imprisoned because of separate convictions. He is currently serving a 16-year sentence in California after being convicted in 2022 of rape and sexual assault charges there.

The former Hollywood producer continues to appeal both his California conviction and other remaining New York convictions. Legal observers say the repeated mistrials underscore the challenges prosecutors face in older sexual assault cases where juries must weigh conflicting testimony and complicated personal relationships.

The post Harvey Weinstein Retrial Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlock in New York appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

According to court filings and statements made during sentencing, Sangha admitted to maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution resulting in death. Prosecutors said the final transaction included approximately $6,000 in cash for multiple ketamine vials, one of which was later linked to Perry’s fatal overdose at his Los Angeles home in October 2023.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner previously ruled that acute ketamine effects were the primary cause of Perry’s death, with drowning listed as a secondary factor after he was found unresponsive in a hot tub. The sentencing marks one of the most significant legal milestones in the federal investigation that followed the actor’s death and led to charges against five defendants, including physicians and intermediaries who prosecutors said facilitated access to the drug.

During the hearing, victim impact statements were delivered by Perry’s family members, who described the continuing emotional consequences of the loss. Sangha, addressing the court before sentencing, acknowledged responsibility for what she called “horrible decisions,” while defense counsel argued addiction and Perry’s own efforts to obtain ketamine were central factors in the case. The court ultimately sided with prosecutors’ recommendation for a 15-year term.

Investigation Details

Federal prosecutors said Sangha operated a long-running narcotics distribution business from her North Hollywood residence, supplying ketamine and other drugs to affluent clients. The court also considered evidence that she continued dealing after learning a prior customer had died in 2019, which prosecutors cited as relevant to culpability and sentencing severity.

Charges & Legal Status

The sentence follows Sangha’s guilty plea entered in September, making her the third defendant sentenced in the case. Other co-defendants include a physician who admitted illegally supplying ketamine to Perry and received a 2½-year prison term, while additional defendants — including Perry’s former assistant — remain awaiting sentencing in federal court.

Background

Perry had publicly discussed long-term struggles with substance dependency and had been receiving legally prescribed ketamine treatment for depression before prosecutors said he sought additional supplies outside medical channels. Authorities allege that illegal sourcing through multiple intermediaries escalated in the days immediately before his death.

The post Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years in Matthew Perry Drug Death appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The records were published after Congress imposed a legal deadline requiring the department to disclose a broad archive of files related to Epstein’s criminal cases and associated investigations. Federal officials said the December 19 release represents only the first phase, with additional documents expected after further legal vetting and redaction reviews aimed at protecting victims’ identities and sealed evidence.

Investigation Details

Among the most significant materials in the initial release are FBI evidence photographs, handwritten notes, contact records, and interview summaries involving Epstein and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Some records had already circulated through prior court disclosures, while others appear to offer a more structured look at evidence gathered during federal investigations.

The Justice Department also republished video clips from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York showing the area near Epstein’s cell before he was found dead in 2019. Officials have previously said the footage does not show anyone entering the area immediately before his death.

Charges and Legal Status

The release does not itself create new charges, nor does it confirm wrongdoing by additional public figures whose names or images may appear in records. Multiple outlets reviewing the files reported that the documents so far offer limited evidence of previously unknown accomplices or fresh criminal exposure for prominent individuals long linked socially to Epstein.

Legal analysts note that inclusion in contact logs, photographs, or witness transcripts should not be interpreted as evidence of criminal conduct absent prosecutorial findings or court rulings.

Public Safety and Institutional Impact

The phased disclosure has renewed scrutiny of how the Justice Department handles historic sex trafficking investigations, victim privacy, and congressional transparency mandates. Lawmakers from both parties are expected to continue pressing for fuller releases in the coming weeks, especially after officials acknowledged that more than a million potentially related pages may still require review.

Background

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors and died in jail before trial. Maxwell was later convicted in federal court for recruiting underage girls for Epstein’s abuse network and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

The current release stems from new transparency legislation compelling the government to disclose most investigative materials, subject to court seals and victim protections.

The post DOJ Epstein File Release Reveals Photos, Logs, and Transcripts appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The post Epstein Files Highlight Early 1996 Complaint by Survivor appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The release includes more than 4,100 documents spanning approximately 9,675 pages, many of which are significantly redacted. Officials said additional materials are expected to be published in the coming weeks.

Investigation Details

According to the Justice Department, the documents contain photographs, witness testimony, and materials gathered during multiple federal investigations into Epstein and his associates. A substantial portion of the files consists of images and photo albums.

Some of the released materials include photographs depicting Epstein alongside high-profile individuals, including Bill Clinton, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Richard Branson, and Donald Trump.

There is no indication in the released documents that those pictured engaged in any criminal activity, and no charges related to these individuals were announced in connection with the disclosure.

Charges & Legal Status

Epstein was previously charged with federal sex-trafficking offenses and died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted and is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex-trafficking-related crimes.

The current document release does not constitute new charges but relates to evidence collected during earlier criminal and civil proceedings.

Congressional Oversight and Legal Dispute

The disclosure follows legislation passed by the US Congress requiring the Justice Department to release its Epstein-related files within a set timeframe. However, some lawmakers have criticized the scope and level of redaction in the initial release.

According to statements from lawmakers, the volume of withheld or obscured material may fall short of the law’s intent. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the release represented only a portion of the available evidence.

Justice Department officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, stated that further disclosures will be made on a rolling basis. In a letter to lawmakers, Blanche said the department is reviewing materials to protect sensitive information, including the identities of victims and individuals connected to the case.

Redactions and Privacy Considerations

The Justice Department said redactions were applied to safeguard victims and avoid compromising ongoing investigations. Officials indicated that more than 1,200 individuals—identified as victims or relatives—were considered in the redaction process.

White House representatives also defended the redactions, stating they were necessary to protect victims of sex-trafficking crimes.

Political and Public Response

The release has prompted reactions from both political parties, with ongoing scrutiny over the handling of Epstein-related evidence and transparency obligations.

A spokesperson for Clinton stated that he had no prior knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and had severed ties before the allegations became public. Trump has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but has denied any involvement in criminal activity.

Separately, the House Oversight Committee is conducting its own inquiry into Epstein-related matters and has released additional materials, including photographs and correspondence.

Background

Epstein’s case has drawn sustained international attention due to his connections with influential figures in business and politics. Investigations have spanned multiple jurisdictions and involved both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation.

Authorities have emphasized that inclusion in documents or images does not imply wrongdoing, and no new allegations have been formally filed against individuals named or depicted in the released materials.

The post US Justice Department Releases Redacted Epstein Files appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith ruled Friday that a recently passed federal law requiring disclosure of Epstein-related records overrides standard grand jury secrecy rules. The law, signed in November by former President Donald Trump, requires the Department of Justice, FBI, and federal prosecutors to make public documents collected during Epstein investigations spanning more than twenty years.

The Early Florida Investigation

The decision focuses on the earliest federal inquiry. In 2005, Palm Beach police interviewed teenage girls who said they had been hired to give sexualized massages to Epstein. The FBI later joined the investigation. Federal prosecutors drafted an indictment in 2007, but Epstein’s attorneys publicly questioned the credibility of his accusers while privately negotiating a plea deal.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from minors. He served most of an 18-month sentence under a work-release program, allowing him to spend his days at his office.

Controversy Over Prosecutorial Decisions

Alex Acosta, the U.S. Attorney in Miami at the time, approved the non-prosecution of federal charges. His decision drew heavy criticism from Epstein’s accusers and contributed to his resignation in 2019 as labor secretary, following renewed scrutiny from reporting by the Miami Herald. A Justice Department review in 2020 found Acosta exercised “poor judgment” but did not commit professional misconduct.

New York Charges and Maxwell Conviction

A federal prosecutor in New York later charged Epstein in 2019 with sex trafficking involving underage girls, echoing allegations from the Florida case. Epstein died by suicide in jail before his trial. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted on similar charges in 2022 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Importance of the Transcript Release

The newly cleared Florida transcripts could provide insight into why federal prosecutors did not move forward with the 2005 case. While state grand jury records are already public, the timeline for releasing federal grand jury documents has not been set. The Justice Department has requested unsealing under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which sets a disclosure deadline of Dec. 19. The law allows withholding records that could compromise ongoing investigations, contain classified material, or involve national defense or foreign policy issues.

Separate requests are pending for grand jury records related to the New York cases against Epstein and Maxwell. Judges in those cases have said they plan to issue rulings quickly.

The Florida transcripts are expected to provide historical context and greater clarity about prosecutorial decisions during the earliest federal Epstein investigation.

release the grand jury records citing standard secrecy protections, but Smith’s ruling affirmed that the new federal law permits public disclosure.

Separate requests remain pending for grand jury records connected to the New York cases against Epstein and Maxwell, with courts signaling plans to expedite rulings in those matters.

Source: AP News – Grand jury transcripts from abandoned Epstein investigation in Florida can be released, judge rules

The post Federal Judge Clears Path to Release Early Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in federal prison for illegally channeling millions of dollars from foreign sources into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Michel, 52, did not speak before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence in Washington, D.C.

The conviction followed a high-profile trial in April 2023. A federal jury found Michel guilty on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The trial featured testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which helped clarify the scope of Michel’s actions.

Federal Charges and Sentencing

The Department of Justice described Michel’s actions as a serious violation of U.S. law. Federal sentencing guidelines suggested a life sentence because prosecutors said Michel put personal gain above legal and national responsibilities. In court filings, they wrote that Michel “betrayed his country for money” and “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes.” They argued that the sentence should reflect both the scale of his crimes and the risks they posed to the nation.

Defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg called the 14-year sentence “completely disproportionate.” He noted it far exceeds typical penalties for non-violent, white-collar crimes. Zeidenberg had recommended three years in prison and said he plans to appeal both the conviction and sentence. In filings, his team argued that the federal sentencing guidelines can produce “absurd results,” and life imprisonment is usually reserved for violent criminals and leaders of terrorist or drug organizations.

Background on Michel and the Scheme

Pras Michel grew up in Brooklyn, New York, with parents who immigrated from Haiti. He rose to fame as a founding member of the Fugees, along with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The group sold tens of millions of albums and won two Grammy Awards.

According to prosecutors, Michel received over $120 million from Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low. Michel then directed part of this money through straw donors to Obama’s 2012 campaign. Prosecutors also said he tried to obstruct the Justice Department’s investigation into Low by tampering with witnesses and providing false testimony.

Low remains a fugitive, currently living in China, and maintains his innocence. He is best known for helping finance the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Michel’s defense argued that Low’s donations were driven by personal photo opportunities with Obama rather than attempts to influence policy.

Trial Controversies and AI Use

In August 2024, Judge Kollar-Kotelly rejected Michel’s request for a new trial. Part of the appeal involved the defense’s use of a generative AI program during closing arguments. The judge ruled that this did not create a significant miscarriage of justice, reaffirming the original verdict and underscoring the legal limits of campaign finance violations.

Legal and Political Implications

The Michel case highlights the federal government’s ongoing scrutiny of foreign influence in U.S. elections. Experts note that convictions involving high-profile figures in complex campaign finance schemes are rare. This case signals the seriousness with which authorities pursue violations.

The Department of Justice said the conviction serves as a warning to anyone attempting to use political campaigns for personal or foreign gain. Michel’s case also demonstrates the intersection of celebrity, international finance, and U.S. election law—a combination that carries substantial legal consequences.

Source: AP News – Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

The post Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years for Illegal Campaign Donations appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Muhammed Asif Hafeez was, to many, a man living a life of prestige and respectability. A global businessman, ambassador to a well-known London polo club, and a familiar face among Britain’s elite—including members of the Royal Family—he appeared to be the picture of success and influence.

But behind this polished facade, Hafeez was leading a dark double life. Described by US officials as “one of the world’s most prolific drug traffickers,” he masterminded a sprawling international drug empire from his UK base. Supplying tonnes of heroin, methamphetamine, and hashish sourced from Pakistan and India, Hafeez’s criminal network reached across the globe.

Dubbed “the Sultan” in the underworld, Hafeez used a clever tactic: he played informant, tipping off authorities about rival gangs while eliminating competition for himself. His carefully constructed image as a “morally obliged” whistleblower was, in truth, a cover for his ruthless drug dealings.

From Lahore to London’s High Society

Born in 1958 into a comfortable middle-class family in Lahore, Pakistan, Hafeez’s early life was far from the criminal world he would later dominate. With a father who owned a factory, and personal training as a commercial pilot, Hafeez seemed destined for legitimate success.

In the 1990s, he founded Sarwani International Corporation, a legitimate-sounding umbrella company with subsidiaries spanning Pakistan, the UAE, and the UK. The company sold technical equipment, including drug detection gear, to militaries and police forces worldwide.

Under Sarwani’s banner were various ventures—textiles businesses, an Italian restaurant in Lahore tied to a London brand, and Tipmoor, a UK-based firm specializing in polo and equestrian services. These enterprises funded his luxurious lifestyle and secured him invitations to elite circles, including the prestigious Ham Polo Club. Photographs even show him and his wife mingling with Prince William and Prince Harry in 2009.

But the club distanced itself later, stating Hafeez was never a member and had no current ties.

Cracks in the Facade: Suspicion and Secrets

Former employees and insiders began sensing something was amiss. One ex-staff member in the UAE told the BBC about the strange lack of financial transparency—major deals were paid entirely in cash, with no bank records or paper trails.

Meanwhile, Hafeez’s letters to UK and UAE authorities, in which he reported rival drug cartels, bolstered his guise as an informant. These communications even earned him appreciation letters from government offices.

Yet courts across the UK and Europe saw through this act. They ruled that his tips were a strategic ploy to undermine competitors, not an act of conscience.

The Sting That Brought Down “The Sultan”

The turning point came in 2014 during a covert operation in Mombasa, Kenya. Two associates of Hafeez met a supposed Colombian buyer to showcase “100% pure white crystal heroin,” claiming it came from “the Sultan” himself.

What they didn’t know: the buyer was an undercover DEA agent. The meeting was filmed, marking the start of a major sting operation.

Key figures in the operation included the notorious Akasha brothers—leaders of a violent Kenyan cartel—and their associate, Indian national Vijaygiri “Vicky” Goswami. The DEA intercepted 99kg of heroin and 2kg of methamphetamine delivered to the fake buyers.

Though the Akasha brothers and Goswami were arrested and fought extradition for years, their communications revealed Hafeez as the major supplier—the elusive “Sultan.”

The Final Crackdown

In 2015, Goswami and Hafeez planned a massive methamphetamine production scheme involving the shipment of ephedrine from India to Mozambique. But the plan was foiled when Indian police seized 18 tonnes of ephedrine in 2016.

Hafeez himself was arrested in London in 2017, detained at high-security Belmarsh Prison, and fought extradition to the US for six years. Despite claims that his role as an informant and health issues like diabetes and asthma would put him at risk, courts denied his appeals.

Extradited in May 2023, Hafeez pleaded guilty in November to conspiring to import heroin, methamphetamine, and hashish into the US.

Privilege, Power, and a Prison Sentence

At his sentencing in New York, prosecutors highlighted the stark contrast between Hafeez’s privileged background and the devastating impact of his crimes.

Unlike many traffickers driven by poverty or lack of opportunity, Hafeez chose a life of luxury and power while profiting from deadly drugs that ruin communities worldwide.

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with his release expected in 2033.

The Takeaway

Muhammed Asif Hafeez’s story is a cautionary tale of how appearances can deceive. A man who mingled with royalty and portrayed himself as a guardian against crime was, in reality, orchestrating one of the largest drug operations in the world.

His downfall came through international cooperation, undercover operations, and relentless investigation—a reminder that even the most carefully crafted double lives can unravel.

Source: BBC – Polo-loving drug lord’s double life catches up with him

The post The Polo-Loving Drug Lord: Muhammed Hafeez’s Double Life Exposed appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, a top figure in the notorious criminal group “Los Chapitos,” was killed during a law enforcement operation in Sinaloa, Mexico, authorities confirmed Saturday.

Known by his nickname “El Perris,” Figueroa Benítez was targeted in a raid in Navolato, a town just 32 kilometers (19 miles) from Culiacán, the state capital. The operation was part of an effort to capture him, said Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had placed a $1 million bounty on Figueroa Benítez’s head, listing him as wanted for serious federal crimes. These included conspiracy to import and traffic fentanyl, possession of machine guns and explosives, and money laundering conspiracy.

The region remains a hotspot for cartel violence. Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, made headlines in 2019 during the “Culiacanazo” incident. This dramatic event saw violent clashes after the temporary arrest of Ovidio Guzmán López, son of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Mexican authorities later released Ovidio, citing a need to avoid further bloodshed.

Ovidio Guzmán was extradited to the U.S. in 2023, where he initially pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges. However, court documents reviewed by CNN suggest he may soon change that plea.

In early May, sources told CNN that several of Ovidio’s relatives crossed into the United States via the San Ysidro border crossing. This movement was reportedly part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. CNN has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice for comment, but their current status and whether they are in any witness protection program remain unknown.

Source: CNN – Key cartel member with $1 million US bounty on his head is killed, says Mexican government

The post Top Mexican Cartel Leader with $1 Million Bounty Killed in Police Raid appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.