Otto Warmbier's family wanted him home, but not this way

USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Father: Warmbier 'brutalized' in North Korea The father of Otto Warmbier says his family has been "brutalized with misinformation" as they worked to secure their son's release from North Korea. He says his son was living in a "pariah regime" in North Korea. (June 15)

In the blink of an eye

Doctors say American 22-year-old college student Otto Warmbier, who was reunited with his family in Ohio Tuesday after more than a year as a prisoner in North Korea, is in a state of “unresponsive wakefulness,” also known as a vegetative state. Otto’s dad, Fred Warmbier, spoke at an emotional news conference Thursday, saying he’s proud of his son who he said was “brutalized and terrorized” by the North Korean "pariah regime." Warmbier confessed to stealing a poster during a 2016 trip to the country and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor.

Another tragedy followed by a round of the blame game

Was anti-Republican rhetoric to blame for the shooting that injured several people at a Republican congressional baseball practice on Wednesday.Or are gun law loopholes the culprit? The answer depends on who you ask, and which side of the aisle they fall on. Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., told a TV station his gun would be in his “pocket from this day forward.” While Gov. Terry McAuliffe, D-Va., called for more background checks. James Hodgkinson, the gunman who was shot and killed by police, ranted against President Trump on Facebook and was a supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt. But while far-right voices are blaming the attack on political rhetoric, experts say psychological issues, not politics are at the root of why a person would commit a violent act.

Congressman urges lawmakers to arm themselves after baseball shooting Following the shocking attack on lawmakers at a DC area baseball field, now one congressman is calling for his peers to arm themselves. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains.

Why can't jurors decide already about Bill Cosby?

Get back in there and try again. That's what the judge told jurors in the Bill Cosby sexual assault criminal trial Thursday. They said they were deadlocked. They deliberated for 30 hours. But their motion for a mistrial was denied. “Each of you has a duty to consult with one another … if it can be done without violence. But each of you must decide by yourself,” Judge Steven O'Neill told them. The jurors walked out, appearing sullen, as sounds of crying could be heard among spectators in the courtroom. So, what's the problem? It could be discord among the jury, experts say. Or maybe they take their civic duty very seriously. But there's also confusion, holdout and peer pressure. The longer it takes, the more likely it is to be a hung jury.

Break out the ‘Best Dad Ever’ mugs

Phil Mickelson may not win the U.S. Open this year, but he’s definitely a contender for best dad ever. Mickelson skipped the annual tournament to attend his daughter Amanda’s high school graduation. He’s placed second in the U.S. Open a record six times and only needs one win to complete a career grand slam. But he wasn’t going to pass up the chance to watch class president Amanda, who was almost born during the Open playoffs in 1999 — give the commencement address. Father’s Day is coming up Sunday, so now is the perfect time to celebrate dedicated dads like Mickelson. Need a little inspiration for the perfect gift for the pro papa in your life? You could go the tech route, or maybe opt for a "mancation."

Senate to Putin: Election meddling won’t be tolerated

The Senate, in a show of might to Russian President Vladimir Putin, voted overwhelmingly Thursday to sanction Moscow for its meddling in the 2016 election. The 98-2 vote strengthens current sanctions against key parts of the Russian economy and places new restrictions on those engaged in cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government. But the bill's fate is still uncertain. Even if it passes the House, which is no guarantee, it's an open question if President Trump would veto it because the legislation prohibits him from unilaterally halting the sanctions. The bill also slapped sanctions on Iran for its human rights abuses and recent ballistic missile testing.