NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Poindexter Jurors Told to Meet Today

Jurors in John M. Poindexter’s Iran-Contra trial deliberated for a fifth day without reaching a verdict and were directed to try again today. The eight women and four men on the jury were told by U.S. marshals that it is customary for a sequestered jury to meet on Saturday. U.S. District Judge Harold Greene decided they would work a full day. The panel was sequestered Tuesday after news organizations contacted two of them. Poindexter, who served as national security adviser under President Reagan, is charged with conspiracy, two counts of obstructing Congress and two counts of making false statements. Each count carries a maximum five-year prison term and $250,000 fine.