Clancy mistrial reveals how much America devalues life

From news to sports, we help you stay connected to the world around you. www.usatoday.com By Dace Potas , 2 hours ago The heartbreaking trial of Lindsay Clancy, which sparked debates about women's health and the judicial system, has ended in a mistrial, starting what will likely be a running conversation about what happens next. Before that, it's worth taking a look at how we got here. Clancy, a mother of three, strangled her three children while dealing with postpartum depression. She pleaded not guilty as her defense claimed that a postpartum psychosis event meant she was not criminally responsible. The entire story is heartbreaking, but unfortunately, not everyone seems to be sad for the right reasons. Social media has been flooded with posts from supporters of Clancy's, who either claim she needed help, that this is somehow her now ex-husband's fault or merely the crowds of supporters cheering for her as she arrives at the courthouse. This type of rhetoric wasn't unforeseeable. America has been succumbing to a culture devaluing life for quite some time, and the fact that the lives lost in this tragedy often amount to a footnote in discussions is just more evidence of that fact. Another view: Clancy mistrial distracts from moms who actually deserve empathy | Opinion There is merit in the idea that these horrific cases ought to trigger a review of how medical providers treat postpartum depression. If the dialogue surrounding this case were limited to that focus on how we prevent future cases, I think it would be a productive conversation. 'I could have been Lindsay. Anyone of us could have been," nurse Susan Davison wrote in a letter unsealed in court. Many more women have expressed that the system failed Clancy, or that they merely want to raise awareness of postpartum depression. These supporters are much less callous and should be heard. However, the reflexive outpouring of support and concern for Clancy, compared with that for her children, goes further and is alarming. Her children have become an afterthought for many. The case against Clancy is rather simple. Regardless of her state of mind, she concocted a plan to get her husband out of the house, ensured he would be gone long enough that she could carry out the killings and then end her own life, and then carried out that plan. She murdered her three young children as a precursor to attempting to take her own life. The reasons she did it don't really change the practical result to me. She should spend the rest of her life in jail or a psychiatric institution. Lindsay Clancy killed her kids. Why are women defending her? | Opinion America didn't suddenly lose its respect for life; it was eroded over time. Chiefly, the pro-abortion movement has increasingly pushed dehumanizing rhetoric about the unborn for decades, with a more aggressive push since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. Since that decision, a contingent of abortion supporters became increasingly callous in their rhetoric. Some demonstrators even went so far as to take abortion pills on the Supreme Court steps in protest of the then-likely ruling. The extremity of these positions has even corrupted the liberal mainstream on abortion. Bill Clinton's famous slogan that abortion should be 'safe, legal, and rare' is now conspicuously missing the 'rare.' Activists were trying to get that part of the slogan dropped long before the Dobbs decision came down because rare implies there is a reason why abortion ought not be a standard response to pregnancy, that being the competing interest of the life of the child. The ShoutYourAbortion movement has done something similar. Started in 2015, this movement has sought to flood popular debate with stories about abortion without 'sadness, shame or regret,' making the process more socially acceptable far beyond merely legal, and borderline something to celebrate. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. The pro-abortion movement has done immense harm to America's respect for human life, and I suspect it is the chief culprit that has influenced many of the most deranged Clancy supporters. However, there are other signifiers of this problem. Our problem with political violence is another symptom of the same erosion. Assassinations of political activists and health care CEOs are now met with ghoulish cheers from radicals who do not hold the value of life above their own disagreements with a person. Other movements include the rise of pro-euthanasia policies. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized euthanasia for terminal patients. Six in 10 Americans don't have a moral objection to medical assistance in dying. The deterioration of the value of life is a multifaceted problem, and a major reason the reactions to the Clancy tragedy are so saddening. Arguments about how we need to rethink how we treat maternal mental health are valuable, but can be made without ignoring the obvious loss of life in this case. Dace Potas, a law student, is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY. Follow him on X: @DacePotas You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clancy mistrial reveals how much America devalues life | Opinion partner publisher · 2.0M followers President Donald Trump said Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother charged with murdering her three children, will still pay "a price" after a mistrial was declared in her case. "It's a terrible situation," Trump said Sept. 4 during an Oval Office event. "Look, she did a horrible, horrible thing. Can't be worse. But you'll find out what the price to pay is, there'll be a price. It's going to be mental institution or jail or something." Clancy, 36, strangled her young children with workout bands in the family's home on Jan. 24, 2023, according to officials, before attempting to take her own life. Her lawyers did not dispute the facts surrounding her children's deaths, but said she suffered from postpartum depression and psychosis and shouldn't be held criminally responsible in a case that has gripped the nation. Jurors in Clancy's trial failed to return a unanimous verdict after 38 hours of deliberation, resulting in Judge William Sullivan declaring a mistrial Sept. 4. Prosecutors must now decide whether to retry Clancy. "I guess they're going to go through another trial," Trump said. "It's too bad." Asked if he had been following the trial, Trump said: "It's hard not to, it's on television partner publisher · 2.0M followers Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton is reacting to President Donald Trump's criticism of the way he dresses. Paxton brushed off Trump's wardrobe critique during a Sept. 3 appearance on Fox News, saying Texas is 'a relatively casual place' and pointing to the Lone Star State's summer heat. 'I've got my sports jacket on. I love it. Texas is a relatively casual place in the summer, and it's hot. We adjust. We wear cowboy boots, and we wear a blazer, and we're all good,' Paxton said. Ken Paxton responds to Trump trashing his clothes: I've got my sports jacket on, I love it. Texas is a rather casual place in the summer and it's hot. We adjust. Wear cowboy boots, a blazer, and we're good. pic.twitter.com/9uaVglIOGF — Acyn (@Acyn) September 3, 2026 Trump says Paxton's suit 'doesn't look so great' Trump criticized Paxton's appearance during a Rose Garden dinner at the White House on Sept. 2, while also praising his record as Texas attorney general. 'And I say this, it's so insulting to him, but I might as well say it. You might not like the way he looks, you might not love his look, you might partner publisher · 2.0M followers Three attacks involving an animal that "displayed unusually aggressive behavior toward people," which can be associated with rabies , have been reported in New Hampshire, according to authorities. However, officials have yet to determine exactly what type of animal is ambushing the unsuspecting humans. From Aug. 30 -31 , police received three reports of animal attacks in the same area of Lebanon, about 122 miles northwest of Boston, according to news releases from the Lebanon Police Department. The attacks seem to be unprovoked, and police believe the same animal is responsible. Video shows the moment one person was attacked by the unknown animal. The wild animal is shown running from what appears to be a wooded area as the victim walks around a moving truck. The animal then goes after the person's legs in an unprovoked attack. It attacks the victim multiple times. The victim is seen flinging the animal away from them after it attacks their legs again, and then the animal returns to the wooded area. See video of the animal attack Animal species still unknown The animal responsible for the attacks has not been identified, but witnesses say they believe the animal is either a gray fox partner publisher · 2.0M followers As the Trump administration continues to offer conflicting messages about vaccines, top medical groups are stepping in to ease confusion with a set of independent recommendations. The guidelines were released via a partnership between leading medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Some of these, like the ACOG and AAP, had already released their own recommendations about specific vaccines in the past year after the Trump administration limited COVID vaccine recommendations in 2025 and issued a memo in January 2026 removing universal recommendations for childhood vaccines that protect against flu and a handful of other diseases, including meningococcal disease, COVID-19 and hepatitis A and B. A federal judge blocked some of these changes in March, specifically those concerning COVID-19 and Hep B immunizations, a decision the Department of Health and Human Services vowed to appeal. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order "calling for more vaccine flexibility and research" and fewer childhood vaccinations, repeating unsupported claims about vaccines without evidence. Research done by the University of Minnesota's Vaccine Integrity Project, an independent group of vaccine partner publisher · 2.0M followers In "Beauty in Black," it's raining bullets. Season 3, which premiered on Netflix in August , continues to follow the Bellaire family as they battle one another for power, money and shares of their hair care empire. Throughout the series, secrets are revealed, guns are fired, bodies are recovered and ninjas are ready to attack. Following the season cliffhanger, fans are clamoring for new episodes. Here's what we know. When will new episodes of 'Beauty in Black' come out? In late July, Netflix announced that "Beauty in Black" has been greenlit for a fourth season. "'Beauty in Black' is back for Season 4 and the Bellarie family's story is far from finished. There was so much more I wanted to explore and I'm grateful I get to keep telling this story," creator Tyler Perry said in a statement at the time. "To the audience that has been on this ride with us from day one, thank you for watching and sharing it with the world. More episodes are on the way!" Netflix confirmed with USA TODAY that Season 3 will not have two parts like previous seasons, so expect a Season 4 next. All Season 3 episodes have been released partner publisher · 2.0M followers For many, the ketogenic diet conjures up images of 'keto bros' flexing their muscles and obsessively avoiding carbs. But keto is a serious therapeutic approach for brain disorders dating back more than a century. As we learn more about the connection between metabolic health and mental health , researchers are increasingly studying this nutritional approach as a treatment for severe mental illness. What is keto, how might it help the brain and should ordinary people consider it? Few are better equipped to answer these questions than Dr. Bret Scher. A board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist, he hosts the Metabolic Mind podcast and is medical director of the Baszucki Group – a nonprofit whose mission is to 'make metabolic health mainstream.' The group was founded by Jan and David Baszucki, whose son Matt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in college. Eight years, 29 medications and 40 doctors later, his illness was declared treatment-resistant. After just a few months of ketogenic therapy, his symptoms improved dramatically and over time he has been able to greatly reduce his medications. Ketogenic therapy works by changing the brain's fuel source, Scher explains. In modern society, our brains primarily burn glucose to generate energy, but in some partner publisher · 2.0M followers For the first time since late November — to the chagrin of Fighting Irish fans — Notre Dame football will take the after its College Football Playoff snub resulted in the team turning down a postseason bowl invit ation . The first test Marcus Freeman and the fifth-ranked Fighting Irish is Wisconsin , a game that will be played in neither South Bend, Indiana, or in Madison, Wisconsin. Instead, it will take place at one of football's most hallowed grounds and oldest stadiums: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL PROJECTIONS: CFP picks and postseason predictions Notre Dame and Wisconsin will meet at the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers as part of the 2026 Shamrock Series, the Fighting Irish's signature neutral-site game held every other year. Quarterback CJ Carr enters Year 2 at the controls of the Notre Dame offense as the betting favorite for college football's highest individual honor, the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns on 195-of-293 passing last season, adding three more rushing touchdowns. Here's what you need to know about why Notre Dame is playing Wisconsin at a neutral site: Notre Dame vs Wisconsin football location Stadium: Lambeau partner publisher · 2.0M followers Alcohol-related cancer deaths are rising − and it's not just the liver being impacted by alcohol consumption , according to new research. In the study, published Aug. 2 in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas , the authors found alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States doubled from about 11,400 in 1990 to more than 23,100 in 2023. And deaths were not limited to liver cancer. Researchers found there were also growing incidences of colorectal, breast, esophageal, pancreatic and other cancers. 'The most surprising finding was the breadth of alcohol's potential impact across cancer types,' Dr. Chinmay Jani, corresponding study author and chief fellow in hematology and oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in a news release . 'Although its relationship with liver cancer is widely recognized, its contribution to cancers such as colorectal, esophageal, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer is less well understood by the public.' Plus, it doesn't take much to increase risk. The authors pointed to research that shows alcohol has been linked to elevated cancer risk even at intake levels as low as 5-15 grams per day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a "standard drink" in the U.S. as 0.6 ounces, or partner publisher · 2.0M followers Minneapolis residents are waiting for answers after a gunman opened fire in a high-rise apartment building , leading to a gunfight with police the afternoon of Sept. 2. Three people, including the suspect, were killed. A total of six others were injured, including three police officers. Two officers and three other people were hit with gunfire and a third officer had unspecified injuries, authorities said. The shooting unfolded at about 4:36 p.m., according to Minneapolis Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson, who said officers began responding to an active shooting situation after multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the downtown building. The police officers who responded were hailed for putting themselves in harm's way to help people escape. "But for their heroic work the death toll would be far higher," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. Here's what we know about the Minneapolis shooting: What happened in Minneapolis apartment building shooting? The suspect in the shooting began firing outside the apartment building, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans told reporters Sept. 3. According to Evans, the suspect was outside the building doing a "custody exchange" of his child with a woman believed to be the mother. He shot the woman partner publisher · 2.0M followers The U.S. women are starting the road to the Los Angeles Olympics in a tough spot. The Americans drew the first subdivision in qualifying , where scores tend to be the lowest, at the upcoming world gymnastics championships. They also finish their Oct. 18 qualifying session on balance beam, the event where nerves are most likely to be a factor. This doesn't mean the U.S. women can't make the podium, where the top three teams automatically qualify for LA28. Scores start over after qualifying, and the Americans have won every team title going back to the 2011 world championships. They also could be bringing two Olympic gold medalists in Hezly Rivera and Jade Carey , with the worlds team to be named after a selection camp Sept. 30-Oct. 1. But with scores typically rising as qualifying goes on, being in the first subdivision could affect where the U.S. women start in the team final and how many U.S. women make event finals. Russia, expected to be the Americans' biggest competition for gold, is in the eighth of 10 subdivisions at its first worlds with a full team since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Olympic silver medalist Italy is in partner publisher · 2.0M followers Those who bought a digital copy of a game through the PlayStation Store may be eligible to receive payments from a class-action lawsuit settlement filed against Sony Interactive Entertainment. The lawsuit, Caccuri, et al. v. Sony Interactive Entertainment , accused Sony of engaging "in anticompetitive conduct designed to monopolize the PlayStation digital game market, thereby causing consumers to pay more than they otherwise would have paid for certain digital games on the PlayStation Store," according to the lawsuit's website. The settlement was preliminarily approved in April, but another hearing will take place on Oct. 15 before it is finalized. If it is, Sony will be ordered to pay $7.85 million to settle the claims. Sony denies violating any laws, but chose to settle to "avoid the further expense and distraction of continued litigation,' according to Reuters . USA TODAY has contacted Sony for comment but has not received a response. Here's what to know. More news: How did a 'Grand Theft Auto' video become Netflix's top movie last week? Who is eligible to get a part of the settlement? Those who purchased a game on the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2023, that was previously available Savory ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and simple pantry seasonings come together in the kind of old-fashioned goulash that feels familiar from the very first spoonful. The beef cooks down rich and hearty, the pasta soaks up the tomatoey sauce, and everything simmers together until the whole pot turns thick, saucy, and deeply comforting. A little garlic, onion, and seasoning bring that classic family-dinner flavor, while the soft macaroni keeps every bite satisfying without making the dish complicated. It is practical, budget-friendly, and exactly the kind of meal that feels like something Mama could stretch to feed everybody at the table and still have enough left for tomorrow. partner publisher · 2.0M followers The Creative Arts Emmy Awards, the two-night event celebrating TV talent on and offscreen, have begun turning nominees into winners. "John Candy: I Like Me" director Colin Hanks, " Dancing with the Stars " host Julianne Hough , "The Upshaws" star Wanda Sykes and "Big Brother" host Julie Chen Moonves hosted the first night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 5. The night proved to be a big one for "Law & Order: SUV" star Mariska Hargitay , who won two Emmys ahead of her hosting debut for the main ceremony . " The Traitors " continues to dominate the reality competition program space after winning every Night One Emmy category it was nominated in, including Alan Cumming 's third consecutive win as host. Night two on Sunday, Sept. 6 will be hosted by "The Pitt's" Noah Wyle , "The Goldbergs" star Wendi McLendon-Covey and "The Boys" actor Daveed Diggs, "I Love Lucy" will receive a special tribute and the Legacy award. The new prize honors TV shows with a generational impact. HBO's "Hacks" and Netflix's "Beef" received the most Creative Arts nominations, with 17 and 13 respectively. The 78th Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony will