Northeast
What's next for Karen Read?
Karen Read turned and hugged her father and embraced her family after Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial.
The 44-year-old financial analyst accused of killing her Boston cop boyfriend, John O’Keefe, walked out of the Dedham, Massachusetts, courthouse a free woman after two years.
The jubilation on Read’s side of the courtroom was a stark contrast to O’Keefe’s mom’s tears, as family and friends rubbed her shoulders and tried to console her.
But the saga isn’t over. “The Commonwealth intends to re-try the case,” prosecutors said before a smiling Read and her lawyers were done speaking to her supporters and news outlets.
KAREN READ MURDER CASE ENDS WITH ‘DEEPLY DIVIDED’ JURY’S DECISION
Karen Read gets a long hug from her dad William before the jury breaks for lunch at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
The Massachusetts jury deliberated for nearly 26 hours and had been deadlocked for days.
They were “deeply divided” because of “deeply held convictions” and a “consensus is unattainable,” according to the first of two notes to the presiding judge on Monday.
Cannone issued a controversial dynamite charge (or Allen charge), which is a last-resort option to force jurors to go continue deliberations and try to reach a unanimous verdict.
KAREN READ TRIAL COULD SINK OTHER HIGH-PROFILE MURDERS, EXPERT WARNS: ‘HARD TO SEE HOW IT DOESN’T’
Karen Read smiles during a news conference in front of Norfolk Superior Court, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. A judge declared a mistrial Monday after jurors deadlocked in the case of Read, who was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The dynamite charge’s “effectiveness in breaking deadlocks and securing verdicts is well-documented,” according to a blog post by Texas-based law firm Varghese and Summersett.
But it’s not used in about two dozen states, as opponents argue “it can lead to verdicts that are not truly unanimous, as jurors may change their votes due to peer pressure rather than genuine conviction,” the firm said.
The result was the same. “Despite our commitment to the duty entrusted in us, we find ourselves deeply divided by fundamental differences in our opinions and state of mind,” the jury wrote in its final note to the judge.
Karen Read smiles as defense attorney David Yannetti speaks to reporters in front of Norfolk Superior Court, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. A judge declared a mistrial Monday after jurors deadlocked in the case of Read, who was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Karen Read talks with her legal team at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. This is their fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial for Read. Read is accused of backing her SUV into her Boston Police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, and leaving him to die in a blizzard in Canton, in 2022. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)
Judge Beverly Cannone looks over the verdict slip the jurors have to fill out when they reach a verdict in Karen Read’s murder trial, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass. The defense has asked for some modifications. Read is charged with second-degree murder in the January 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
The jury sat for weeks during a trial that included 74 witnesses and nearly 700 pieces of evidence.
Prosecutors argued a shouting match turned deadly during a booze-infused fight in January 2022, when Read allegedly backed into O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die during a nor’easter.
WATCH: DASHCAM FROM THE NIGHT JOHN O’KEEFE WAS FOUND DEAD
His body was found on the front lawn of an influential family with deep ties to law enforcement and prosecutors. Read claimed that the family framed her for O’Keefe’s death in an elaborate cover-up.
The deadlocked jury was as torn as the otherwise quiet Boston suburb of Canton. And the opposing jurors weren’t backing down.
“Despite our commitment to the duty entrusted in us, we find ourselves deeply divided by fundamental differences in our opinions and state of mind,” the jury said before Cannone declared a mistrial.
Since Read wasn’t found guilty or not guilty, here’s what could happen next, according to experts.
Flags, flowers and remembrances flank the headstone of John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, at Blue Hill Cemetery, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Braintree, Mass. A judge declared a mistrial Monday, July 1, 2024, after jurors deadlocked in the case of O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Read, who was accused of killing him by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm. Prosecutors said in a statement that they intend to retry the case. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Before the jury enters, Judge Beverly J. Cannone, right, speaks to the defense and prosecution during the Karen Read trial at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)
Option 1: The case is over, no more charges
Read beat the charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury and death because the jury couldn’t come to a unanimous decision, not because they thought they believed she was innocent.
That puts the ball in the prosecutors’ hands.
They can choose to end the two-year saga now.
Karen Read, center, listens as Judge Beverly J. Cannone greets the jury at the start of the third day of deliberations in her murder trial, in Norfolk Superior Court on Thursday, June 27, 2024 in Dedham, Massachusetts. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)
Prosecutor Adam Lally speaks in court during jury selection of the Karen Read trial at Norfolk County Superior Court on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Dedham, Massachusetts. Read, 44, was accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor’easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)
Karen Read speaks with lawyers in court during jury selection at Norfolk County Superior Court on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Dedham, Massachusetts. Read, 44, was accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor’easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)
Option 2: New trial, new jury with same charges
The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office quickly fired off a statement that said it intends to retry the case.
And Read’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, said, “We will not stop fighting.”
That puts the two sides on another collision course, although experts pointed out pitfalls that could doom the DA’s office again.
WATCH: EXPERT REACTS TO PROCTOR’S TESTIMONY AND EXPLAINS ITS FAR-REACHING IMPACT
Daniel Medwed, Northeastern University professor of law and criminal justice, believes the prosecution needs to bring more evidence, if this is the route they choose.
“I think they might talk a big game in the immediate aftermath about retrying her,” Medwed told Northeastern Global News.
“But ultimately, unless new evidence emerges, I think it might be a tough hill to climb, and they might not pursue it.”
Supporters of Karen Read gather outside the courthouse in Dedham, MA on Friday, June 28, 2024. (Patriot Pics/Backgrid for Fox News Digital)
Supporters of Karen Read gather outside the courthouse in Dedham, MA on Friday, June 28, 2024. Read faced three charges in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe in January 2022. (Patriot Pics/Backgrid for Fox News Digital)
There’s also added layers of complication, with investigations into Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, whose sexist and vulgar texts may have destroyed the prosecution’s case, as well as an ongoing audit of potential misconduct in the Canton Police Department.
“You know that trooper’s testimony really blew up in the commonwealth’s face,” Suffolk Law professor Rosanna Cavallaro told NBC 10 Boston.
“If in fact he is suspended or any kind of consequence for his misconduct, then that’s going to make it really hard for the commonwealth to decide how to present their case.”
GO HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL
Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor testifies during Karen Read’s trial on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
Option 3: New trial, new jury, new charges
A possible way around some of the potential pitfalls of retrying Read for murder is to file different charges, law expert Shira Diner told Fox News Digital.
Diner is a lecturer and clinical instructor at Boston University School of Law and the president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
7M AND THE DANCING TIKTOK CULT: EXPERT DISCUSSES POPULAR NETFLIX SERIES AND ITS LARGER THREAT
Karen Read speaks with her lawyer as the jury deliberates in her murder trail, Wednesday June 26, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
“(The prosecution) is entirely in control of the charges, so I think they could recharge in a different way,” she said.
What those charges could be remains to be seen, if this is the route the prosecution takes.
WATCH: DINER EXPLAINS HOW PROCTOR’S TESTIMONY COULD BLOW UP ANOTHER MURDER CASE
For now, the case is over. Read is free.
The two sides – along with their warring supporters – will retreat into their respective corners of the ring. The families will have to regroup.
The next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 for a conference.
Read the full article from Here
Northeast
1980 USA hockey team members ‘Run Back the Miracle’ in Lake Placid reunion
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The final day of next month’s Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina will mark 46 years since arguably the greatest sporting upset of all time.
On Feb. 22, 1980, amateur hockey players from the United States shocked the world when they defeated the Soviet Union, 4-3, in what has been known as the “Miracle on Ice.”
Nearly 46 years later, captain Mike Eruzione, goalie Jim Craig, leading goalscorer Mark Johnson and play-by-play announcer Al Michaels were back at what is now called Herb Brooks Arena to “Run Back the Miracle.”
(L-R) Mark Johnson, Jim Craig and Mike Eruzione visit their locker room from the “Miracle on Ice.” (Michelob Ultra)
Powered by Michelob Ultra, the event reimagined pivotal moments from the legendary U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team victory using high-definition holograms, full-surface ice projection and historic footage, allowing fans to relive the magic of one of the most celebrated moments in sports history.
“What we’re able to do here is we’re able to relive the moment that we never had a chance to do. When the Olympics ended, you know, I think in five days, I was playing in the National Hockey League. So was Mark Johnson,” Craig said in an interview with Fox News Digital hours before Thursday’s event. “We just, all of a sudden, we were on a team, and we were just gone. And so, this is going to be great. We’re going to relive years of experience. It’s going to bring back this memory to different generations.”
For Michaels, whose famous call has carried on for generations, it was just his third time back in Lake Placid since those Olympic Games.
Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig, and Mark Johnson take part in the “Run Back the Miracle” celebration in Lake Placid, New York on Jan. 15, 2026. (Michelob Ultra)
TRUMP FLASHES CHAMPIONSHIP RING AS PANTHERS CELEBRATE STANLEY CUP REPEAT AT WHITE HOUSE
“I mean, I can feel it. I can just feel it in my bones, my fiber to walk back into this building, even though when obviously it’s been remodeled and refurbished, but I can still remember that night and 1980,” Michaels said.
The “Miracle on Ice”, where today’s famous “U-S-A” chant was born, was much more than a hockey game, as global tensions were sky-high amid the Cold War. For Craig, that made it that much more important to represent the Stars and Stripes.
“Some of us were lucky enough to play in the World Championships in 1979 in height of the Cold War, and the games were in Moscow. So we really saw how the USSR back then utilized sport as propaganda. To me, it’s not about politics, but you can’t help but get some of those in there. It’s really about pride of being and representing your country, right? And understand that brand is more important than you,” Craig added.
Michaels has been on the mic for probably thousands of games since then. But his final words while sitting next to the late Ken Dryden are saved only for when necessary.
Miek Eruzione walks onto the ice at Herb Brooks Arena. (Michael Ultra)
“If I do [say ‘miracle’], then people think, ‘Hey, there he is, you know, patting himself on the back.’ No. I’m very careful when I use that word,” Michaels joked.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Read the full article from Here
Boston, MA
Australian punter Boston Everitt commits to Iowa football
Video: Kirk Ferentz reacts to Iowa’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Vanderbilt
Kirk Ferentz meets with media after Iowa football’s 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
IOWA CITY — Australian punter Boston Everitt has committed to Iowa football, he announced Jan. 21.
Everitt, who is 19 years old and listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, will come to the Hawkeyes with four seasons of eligibility remaining.
“I am extremely honoured and grateful to announce that I will be continuing my premedical studies and playing football on scholarship at the University of Iowa,” Everitt posted on social media.
“I want to give a huge thank you to Tyler Barnes, Coach Ferentz, Coach Sherman, and Coach Polizzi for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
“Also want to thank Mum and Dad for all their support, sacrifice, and love throughout this time.”
Iowa’s special teams unit has changed drastically after the departures of coordinator LeVar Woods, punter Rhys Dakin, returner Kaden Wetjen and kicker Drew Stevens.
Woods left the Hawkeyes to become the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator at Michigan State. Dakin, who spent the last two seasons as Iowa’s punter, followed Woods to Michigan State. Wetjen and Stevens, two all-time special teams greats for the Hawkeyes, exhausted their college eligibility.
Iowa has made progress in rebuilding that room.
Chris Polizzi was promoted to special teams coordinator. North Dakota State transfer Eli Ozick, who was 16-of-18 on field goal attempts and 62-of-63 on extra points last season, committed to the Hawkeyes and could be Iowa’s replacement for Stevens at kicker. The Hawkeyes also return kicker Caden Buhr, who will be a redshirt freshman in 2026.
Everitt is actually the second punter that Iowa is bringing in ahead of the 2026 season. The previously landed a commitment from Simpson College transfer Tanner Philpott, who averaged 43.9 yards per punt as a sophomore and was named an AFCA Division III Coaches’ second-team All-American last season.
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com
Pittsburg, PA
2 Ohio eateries named among the Top 100 restaurants in the United States by Yelp
Two eateries in Ohio were included on Yelp’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the United States for 2026.
Yelp released its “Top 100 US Restaurants 2026” list on Wednesday, highlighting the best restaurants in the nation for the new year. The only eateries in the Buckeye State to make the list were Pepp & Dolores and Kitchen Social.
Pepp & Dolores in Ohio
The self-described “casual” Italian restaurant in Cincinnati came in at No. 10 on Yelp’s list. The online review platform says Pepp & Dolores is “always-hoppin” and known for its “comforting, nonna-inspired Italian food and hospitality.”
Yelp said the eatery on Vine Street was founded by brothers Joe and John Lanni to pay homage to their Italian-Canadian grandparents: Pepp and Dolores.
The restaurant’s menu features favorites like the spicy vodka pasta or the limone pasta, plus a diverse cocktail and wine list.
“Reservations are a must” at Pepp & Dolores, Yelp said. The restaurant has a 4.6-star rating on Yelp with more than 1,200 reviews.
Last year, the eatery was included on OpenTable’s list of the top 100 restaurants in America for 2025.
Kitchen Social in Ohio
The restaurant on Lyra Drive in Columbus came in at No. 92 on Yelp’s list. The restaurant describes itself as a “lively, chef-driven eatery” that serves “scratch-made American fare with a modern twist.”
Its menu features staples like the cheddar and scallion biscuits, whipped feta, double stack burger and numerous pizza options.
The restaurant has a 4.7-star rating on Yelp with more than 1,000 reviews. Kitchen Social has five other locations in Ohio and has plans for a Florida location.
Yelp’s methodology explained
The online review platform said it looked at the restaurant category and ranked the eateries using multiple factors, including total volume and ratings of reviews. The restaurants also had to have passing health scores as of Nov. 6, 2025.
-
Sports4 days agoMiami’s Carson Beck turns heads with stunning admission about attending classes as college athlete
-
Detroit, MI1 week agoSchool Closings: List of closures across metro Detroit
-
Culture1 week agoTry This Quiz on Myths and Stories That Inspired Recent Books
-
Lifestyle1 week agoJulio Iglesias accused of sexual assault as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Lego Unveils New Smart Brick
-
Pittsburg, PA3 days agoSean McDermott Should Be Steelers Next Head Coach
-
Education1 week ago
How a Syrian Hiking Club Is Rediscovering the Country
-
Sports2 days agoMiami star throws punch at Indiana player after national championship loss