This is The Loop, your quick catch-up for this morning's news.
Key events
Live updates
By Tom Williams
Stay in The Loop
That's all for The Loop this morning — thanks for being with us!
We'll be back next week, but in the meantime, you can stay up to date on the ABC News website and by subscribing to our mobile alerts.
If you're just joining us, here's what you need to know:
- A judge has delayed Twitter's trial against Elon Musk, giving the billionaire more time to close his renewed bid to buy the company
- The US says it has killed an Islamic State official in Syria
- American actor Kevin Spacey's sexual abuse trial has begun
- Prince Harry, Elton John and other celebs are suing London's Daily Mail
- Justin Bieber has postponed the Australian leg of his Justice tour, due to health issues
- US President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of marijuana convictions
- And the world's oldest dog, Pebbles, has died aged 22
By Tom Williams
Jury begins deliberations in Alex Jones's Sandy Hook trial
A jury in the US state of Connecticut has started deliberating to decide how much conspiracy theorist Alex Jones should pay for pushing the lie that the 2012 Sandy Hook School massacre was a hoax.
Jones has faced multiple lawsuits over how he and his company, Free Speech Systems, acted following the mass shooting.
A lawyer for the families of eight people killed and an FBI agent who responded to the incident told jurors in closing arguments that the Infowars host started lying about the shooting the day it happened and provided the machinery that allowed that lie to spread.
Jones's attorney countered by telling the jury his client didn't “invent the internet” and argued jurors should not award excessive damages just because they are angry about the harassment the families went through at the hands of others who also believed the lie that the shooting was a hoax.
The six-person jury have been asked to complete forms which will detail a dollar amount each of the 15 plaintiffs should receive.
By Tom Williams
The world's oldest dog, Pebbles, has died aged 22
Pebbles, a Toy Fox Terrier who held the record for the oldest living dog, has died.
She was five months away from her 23rd birthday.
Guinness World Records says Pebbles passed away from natural causes at her home in the US state of South Carolina, with her owners Bobby and Julie Gregory by her side.
“She was a once in a lifetime companion and it was our honor to have had the blessing to have had her as a pet and a family member,” the owners said on Instagram.
Pebbles reportedly birthed 32 puppies across three different litters during her life.
RIP Pebbles.
By Tom Williams
Two Russians who fled military service have landed on a remote Alaskan island
Here's a strange one.
Authorities have revealed that two Russians who said they fled the country to avoid compulsory military service have landed on a remote Alaskan island in the Bering Sea, and have requested asylum in the US.
The US Department of Homeland Security public affairs office said the individuals arrived on Tuesday in a small boat.
Alaska's senators said the Russians landed at a beach near the town of Gambell, an isolated community of about 600 people on St. Lawrence Island, which is about 320 kilometres south-west of the western Alaska hub community of Nome.
Senator Dan Sullivan said:
“This incident makes two things clear: First, the Russian people don’t want to fight Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
"Second, given Alaska’s proximity to Russia, our state has a vital role to play in securing America’s national security.”
The US Department of Homeland Security said the Russians “were transported to Anchorage for inspection, which includes a screening and vetting process, and then subsequently processed in accordance with applicable US immigration laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act".
By Jessica Riga
Prince Harry, Elton John and others sue London's Daily Mail
A high-profile group of public figures and celebrities — including Prince Harry and Elton John — have launched legal action against London's Daily Mail tabloid.
They're accusing the media outlet of "abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy".
Lawyers representing the group allege the Daily Mail placed listening devices inside people's cars and homes.
They also say the company oversaw the bugging of phone calls.
Actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost are part of the joint legal action.
Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and the Mail Online, one of the most widely read news websites in the world, said it "utterly and unambiguously" denied the allegations.
"These unsubstantiated and highly defamatory claims — based on no credible evidence — appear to be simply a fishing expedition by claimants and their lawyers, some of whom have already pursued cases elsewhere," a spokesman for the publisher said.
By Tom Williams
BREAKING: Judge puts Twitter vs Elon Musk trial on hold
A judge has ordered a delay to the trial between Twitter and Elon Musk, giving the billionaire more time to close his renewed $US44 billion ($69 billion) bid to purchase the social media company.
The two sides had been scheduled for an October 17 trial in Delaware over Musk’s attempts to terminate his original offer, but he now has until October 28 to close the deal.
If he doesn't, the judge said the trial scheduled for October 17 would happen in November.
Earlier, Musk's lawyers said Twitter was refusing to accept the Tesla and SpaceX CEO's latest bid, and had asked the court to halt the trial against their client.
By Jessica Riga
Indonesia's police say six people are facing criminal charges over soccer stampede
As many as six people including police and match organisers are facing criminal charges in Indonesia over a stampede at a soccer game that killed at least 131 people.
The stampede at in the Malang region of East Java, earlier in this week, was among the world's worst sporting disasters.
The suspects include three police officers who used tear gas, the head of the organising committee and the chief security officer of the home club Arema FC.
They would be charged with criminal negligence causing death, which carries a maximum five-year prison sentence if found guilty.
By Tom Williams
Justin Bieber postpones Australian tour amid health issues
After cancelling his North American tour last month, singer Justin Bieber has now postponed the Australian leg of his Justice tour, which was set to take place between November and December.
Bieber was scheduled to perform in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but the dates have been postponed as the musician deals with health issues stemming from his Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome.
Frontier Touring says potential new dates for Bieber's Australian tour will be "subject to venue and date availability", but all tickets will be valid for any new shows.
Ticketholders can also request refunds.
By Tom Williams
Here's the latest on that daycare centre massacre in Thailand
You may have heard last night that dozens of people, including children, have died in a mass shooting at a daycare centre in Thailand.
Here's the latest:
(And a warning — some readers may find details in this story distressing)
- The incident took place in Uthai Sawan, a town in Nongbua Lamphu province about 500 kilometres north-east of Bangkok
- Authorities say a former policeman entered the daycare centre and killed 38 people in a knife and gun rampage, before shooting dead his wife and child at their home and turning his weapon on himself
- Most of the children who died were stabbed to death, police said
- The dead include at least 24 children, some as young as two, as well as two teachers and a police officer
- At least 12 people were also injured
- Police said the former officer was dismissed from his post last year over drug allegations, and was facing trial on a drugs charge
- The man had been in court earlier in the day and had then gone to the centre to collect his child, and began the killings when he didn't find the child there
By Tom Williams
New South Wales SES says it's had 800 calls for help since Monday
Amid heavy rain and flooding in parts of New South Wales, the SES is again warning people not to drive through floodwaters.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey told ABC News Breakfast the organisation had received almost 800 requests for assistance since Monday, and volunteers had carried out 24 flood rescues in that time.
"Time and again we see the results of people attempting to drive through flood waters and making poor decisions and putting themselves and their families at unnecessary risk," he said.
"… We are urging the community to help us. The best way to do that is to stay informed and make smart safety decisions and heeding advice from the SES and other authorities."
You can access the NSW SES website here.
By Jessica Riga
Kevin Spacey's sexual abuse trial has started
American actor Kevin Spacey has arrived at a Manhattan court ahead of a civil sex abuse trial.
The lawsuit was brought by fellow actor Anthony Rapp, who's accused Spacey of making unwanted sexual advances when Rapp was 14 years old.
It's one of a slew of allegations levelled against Spacey, who's facing sexual misconduct accusations from more than 20 men.
The 63-year-old actor has denied all suggestions of inappropriate conduct.
The trial is expected to last less than two weeks.
By Tom Williams
Elon Musk's lawyers say Twitter is refusing the billionaire's latest bid
Elon Musk’s lawyers say Twitter is refusing to accept the billionaire’s renewed $US44 billion ($69 billion) bid for the social media company, and are asking a court to halt an upcoming trial.
Musk made a renewed offer to take over to company earlier this week, hoping to end a protracted legal dispute that began when he tried to back out of the earlier April deal and Twitter sued.
Twitter said earlier this week that it intended to close the deal at the agreed-upon price, but the two sides are still booked for an October 17 trial in Delaware over Musk’s earlier attempts to terminate the deal.
On Wednesday, the judge presiding over the case said she would continue to press on toward the trial because, at the time, neither side had formally moved to stop it.
Musk’s attorneys said the trial should be adjourned to leave more time for Musk to secure financing.
“Twitter will not take yes for an answer,” said the court filing signed by Musk attorney Edward Micheletti.
“Astonishingly, they have insisted on proceeding with this litigation, recklessly putting the deal at risk and gambling with their stockholders’ interests.”
Since Twitter sued Musk to force him to complete the purchase after he tried to back out four months ago, it is unlikely the San Francisco-based company — whose shareholders have voted to approve the deal — will walk away from the agreement.
Rather, it’s likely Twitter is seeking assurances from Musk’s side that this time he's serious and won't walk away again, but the company is yet to comment.
By Tom Williams
One thing from overnight: The US says it has killed an Islamic State official in Syria
The US military says a helicopter raid on a government-held village in Syria's north-east targeted and killed Wahid al-Shammri, an Islamic State official who the US said facilitated the smuggling of weapons and fighters.
Authorities said one of Shammri's associates was wounded and two others were detained by US forces.
"No US forces were injured or killed during the operation, no civilians were killed or wounded, and there was no loss or damage to US equipment," the US military's Central Command said in a statement.
The leader of Islamic State in Syria, Maher Al-Agal, was killed in a US air strike earlier this year.
The US continues to have about 900 forces in Syria to advise and assist Syrian Democratic Forces in the fight against the Islamic State group.
By Tom Williams
News while you snoozed
- The 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to 82-year-old French writer Annie Ernaux, for "the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory". Her work is mostly autobiographical
- In an address to the Lowy Institute last night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was grateful for the Bushmaster vehicles which Australia sent to Ukraine after he addressed the Australian parliament in March. He also asked for Australia to do what it could to convince as many other countries as possible not to remain neutral when the UN General Assembly meets next week to discuss a resolution condemning Russia's annexation of four regions of Ukraine
By Tom Williams
Here's what Australia is searching for online
- Weather. Heavy falls over the last few days are set to continue as two more systems bring rain to Australia's south-east. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to extend across much of southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania today, with more rain and possible flooding expected in some areas over the weekend, before clearing on Monday. You can keep up with the latest rainfall numbers, flood levels and flood watches and weather warnings at the BOM website
- India vs South Africa. In cricket, South Africa survived Sanju Samson's late onslaught to beat a depleted India by nine runs in the rain-affected opening one-day international in the Indian city of Lucknow. Samson, who made 86 not out off 63 balls, went on to smash three fours and a six but India could only muster 20 runs and South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series
By Tom Williams
One more thing: Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of marijuana convictions
US President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of "simple possession" of marijuana.
It's seen as step toward decriminalising the drug and addressing a law enforcement system which disproportionately impacts people of colour.
Biden is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offences, which are the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.
In a statement, he said the move reflects his position that "no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana".
"There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result," he said.
"My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions."
Biden is also directing the US secretary of health and human services and the US attorney-general to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
By Tom Williams
Let's set you up for the day
It's Friday.
I'm Tom Williams.
This is The Loop.
From the US military's latest raid in Syria, to flood warnings in Australia's south-east and Joe Biden's big push for marijuana decriminalisation, here's what you need to know this morning.
