A tragic mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left twelve others injured, four of whom are in critical condition. The incident occurred around midnight on the town’s main street, approximately 120 miles northeast of the state capital, Jackson. Leland Mayor John Lee confirmed the details in an interview with CBS, a BBC US partner. Four of the wounded were urgently airlifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, leaving the community in shock and seeking answers. The town was unusually bustling on Friday due to a local high school football game, part of the annual homecoming tradition in the United States. This event typically draws former students back to celebrate school spirit and community ties, making the timing of the shooting even more devastating. The incident adds to the ongoing national conversation about gun violence in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to prevent such tragedies.
分类： society
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Greece’s famed Parthenon free of scaffolding for first time in decades
ATHENS, Greece — For the first time in decades, visitors to Athens’ iconic Acropolis Hill can now marvel at the Parthenon temple without the obstruction of scaffolding. The western façade of the 5th century B.C. monument, which had been encased in scaffolding for nearly 20 years due to conservation efforts, has been fully unveiled, offering an unobstructed view of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in approximately 200 years that the Parthenon’s exterior is entirely free of scaffolding on any side. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described the experience for visitors as akin to ‘seeing a completely different monument.’ The removal of the scaffolding, completed in late September, has been particularly impactful, as the western side provides the best street-level view of the ancient temple. However, this respite is temporary. New scaffolding, described as ‘lighter and aesthetically aligned with the monument’s logic,’ will be installed along the western side in about a month. The renewed conservation work is expected to continue until early summer 2026, after which the Parthenon will once again be entirely free of scaffolding. The Acropolis remains Greece’s most popular tourist destination, attracting 4.5 million visitors in 2024. The Parthenon, a marble temple built in the mid-5th century B.C. to honor the city’s patron goddess, Athena, continues to stand as a testament to ancient Greek architecture and culture.
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An old tradition finds new life as Germans flock to forests to collect mushrooms
POTSDAM, Germany — In the heart of an oak and beech forest on the outskirts of Potsdam, Wolfgang Bivour, a renowned fungi expert, carefully laid out a basket of freshly collected mushrooms. Among the assortment were brown-capped porcini, bay boletes, slimy purple brittlegills, honey-colored armillaria, and the deadly green death caps. Bivour, a 75-year-old retired meteorologist, led a group of 20 eager participants, including university students, retirees, and a Chinese couple with their young daughter, through the intricacies of mushroom identification. This scene is emblematic of a broader trend across Germany, where mushroom hunting is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by the pandemic and the rising popularity of vegan lifestyles. Historically, mushroom foraging was a necessity in post-World War II Germany, but as the economy improved, the practice waned. However, recent years have seen a revival, with social media playing a pivotal role in transforming this once-unfashionable hobby into a chic pastime. Bivour’s guided tours, which emphasize the ecological importance of mushrooms and biodiversity, have become immensely popular. He is often consulted by hospitals in cases of suspected mushroom poisoning and has been leading tours in the Potsdam region for over five decades. His sessions, organized by the local institution Urania, are in high demand, reflecting a growing public interest in fungi. Despite the enthusiasm, many newcomers approach mushroom hunting with caution, wary of the dangers posed by toxic varieties like the green death cap, which can be mistaken for common button mushrooms. Tragically, several deaths occur annually, often involving immigrants unfamiliar with local species. Participants like Tim Köster, a 25-year-old university student, express a desire to learn but remain hesitant to forage independently. Instead, they prefer to consult experts to verify the safety of their finds. Margit Reimann, a 42-year-old participant, acknowledged the vast array of edible mushrooms but plans to stick to familiar varieties when foraging with her children. The revival of mushroom hunting in Germany is a testament to the enduring allure of nature, the importance of education, and the need for caution in the face of potential dangers.
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MIT rejects federal funding deal with Trump administration
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has firmly declined a proposal from the Trump administration that sought to impose specific policies in exchange for preferential access to federal funding. In a letter addressed to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated that the proposal would ‘restrict freedom of expression’ on campus and conflict with the university’s foundational principles. The proposal, titled ‘Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,’ was also presented to other prominent institutions, including Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Texas. The compact outlined a series of demands, such as capping foreign student admissions, limiting university leaders’ comments on political events, and adopting a binary definition of gender. Additionally, it required universities to use standardized tests for admissions, commit to using lawful force to manage campus protests, and ensure an environment conducive to conservative ideas. MIT, which already employs standardized tests and maintains an international enrollment of around 10%, rejected the proposal, emphasizing its commitment to independent thinking and scientific merit. Kornbluth argued that the compact’s principles were inconsistent with MIT’s core values and its mission to foster open competition for excellence. This decision follows MIT’s previous legal actions against the Trump administration, including a lawsuit over cuts to health research funding and support for Harvard University in similar disputes. Other universities approached by the government, such as the University of Arizona and Dartmouth College, have yet to publicly respond. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that any state university accepting the deal would face immediate cuts to state funding, including Cal Grants, as California refuses to support institutions that compromise academic freedom.
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I was ready to die for the Taliban. Now I hope I can prevent others becoming radicalised
Maiwand Banayee, a 45-year-old NHS diabetes remission coach and postgraduate student in Coventry, leads a life far removed from his turbulent past as a Taliban fighter. Born in Afghanistan in 1980, Banayee’s early years were marked by vulnerability and bullying, which led him to seek validation through radical ideologies. At 14, he was radicalized in the Shamshato refugee camp in Pakistan, where he was exposed to intense religious propaganda and the glorification of martyrdom. The camp, dominated by the Hezb-e-Islami group, became a breeding ground for extremism, with mullahs promising heavenly rewards for those who sacrificed their lives. Banayee’s journey into the Taliban’s fold began in 1996, when he returned to Kabul and joined the group, enforcing their austere version of Sharia law. However, his faith in the Taliban began to waver after witnessing their cruelty and hypocrisy. A turning point came when he was forced to pray again by Taliban fighters, an act that deeply wounded his ego and sparked doubts about their true nature. Over time, Banayee distanced himself from extremism, eventually fleeing to the UK in 2001. After years of struggle, including failed asylum applications and homelessness, he found stability in Ireland, where he married and became a citizen. Today, Banayee is an advocate against radicalization, sharing his story in his book, *Delusions of Paradise: Escaping the Life of a Taliban Fighter*. He warns of the dangers of religious schools in Afghanistan, which he believes are radicalizing a new generation of children. Banayee’s message to young people is clear: question everything and seek truth beyond the myths of extremism.
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‘They treated us like animals’ – Inside the epicentre of deportations in New York City
Monica Moreta Galarza experienced a harrowing ordeal outside New York City’s 26 Federal Plaza immigration court when her husband, Rubén Abelardo Ortiz López, was abruptly detained by immigration officers. What began as a routine hearing ended in chaos as officers forcibly separated the couple, throwing Ms. Moreta Galarza to the ground. ‘They treated us like animals,’ she recounted in an interview with BBC News Mundo. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, led to the temporary suspension of one officer but highlighted a broader pattern of aggressive enforcement at the courthouse.
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19 missing after explosion at Tennessee munitions factory
A catastrophic explosion at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has left 19 individuals missing and multiple casualties, according to Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis. The incident occurred on Friday, completely leveling the factory and causing widespread destruction. Aerial footage revealed charred debris, smoldering vehicles, and little remaining of the facility, which is owned by Accurate Energetic Systems. Sheriff Davis, visibly emotional during a media briefing, confirmed that four or five people were hospitalized, with several fatalities reported. He described the scene as “gone,” emphasizing the devastating impact of the blast. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with local and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, collaborating on a “slow and methodical” inquiry. Accurate Energetic Systems has ceased operations, affecting approximately 75 employees. The company is now focusing on supporting affected families and staff. This is not the first incident at the site; a similar explosion in 2014, involving Rio Ammunition, resulted in one death and three injuries. The community remains in shock as authorities work to determine the cause and ensure safety.
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Massive blast at Tennessee explosives plant leaves several dead and others missing
Newly released images from the site of a recent explosion reveal a scene of utter devastation. Towering plumes of dense grey smoke dominate the skyline, while the ground is littered with charred vehicles and scattered debris. The aftermath of the blast paints a grim picture of destruction, with the extent of the damage clearly visible in the photographs. The images, sourced from WTVF, provide a harrowing glimpse into the chaos and destruction left in the wake of the incident. Authorities have yet to release details on the cause of the explosion or the number of casualties, but the visuals underscore the severity of the event. Emergency responders are reportedly on the scene, working to assess the situation and provide aid to those affected.
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Man given life sentence for murder of Dublin woman
A 56-year-old man, George Turner, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Emma Costello McCrory, a 45-year-old mother-of-two, in north Dublin. Turner, from Fairview Avenue, pleaded guilty to the crime earlier this week. The tragic incident occurred on December 15, 2022, when McCrory was found dead in her home on Howth Road, Clontarf, following a house fire.
Detective Gardaí revealed that Turner had been in a relationship with McCrory for approximately three months prior to the murder. On the day of the incident, Turner had been asked by McCrory to go to the shops to buy alcohol and withdraw money using her cash card. After visiting a bookmaker’s, Turner returned to the house. He later claimed to have seen smoke emanating from the building and knocked on neighbors’ doors for assistance. However, prosecutors argued that Turner had set the fire after his return and only drew attention to it when smoke became visible. Notably, Turner did not use his phone to call emergency services.
McCrory’s body was discovered in an upstairs bedroom, and efforts to resuscitate her at the scene were unsuccessful. A post-mortem examination confirmed her death was caused by inhaling carbon monoxide and other toxic gases released during the fire. Traces of alcohol and prescription drugs were found in her blood, which would have rendered her vulnerable and sleepy when the fire started. Fire services found no evidence of an accelerant and determined the fire originated at the foot of her bed.
Initially, Turner speculated that a cigarette might have caused the fire. However, in March 2023, he confessed to an acquaintance that he had ‘burnt Emma’ and set a blanket on fire ‘to take her out of her pain.’ He later admitted to Gardaí that he had ignited McCrory’s bedclothes and left as they began to smolder. Turner claimed McCrory had no quality of life and did not want to live, though he insisted he had not intended to kill her. Shockingly, Turner continued to use McCrory’s cash card for personal expenses for up to 10 days after her death.
Turner, who has 42 prior convictions, mostly for public order and road traffic offenses, had previously been jailed for four years in 2016 for possessing firearms and ammunition under suspicious circumstances, as well as drug-related offenses. McCrory’s mother, Pauline Costello, expressed her heartbreak in court, describing her daughter as a ‘wonderful woman’ and ‘a very caring individual.’ She revealed that McCrory had battled cancer while studying for her degree in England at the age of 19 but had recovered and built a life for herself. Costello emphasized her daughter’s vulnerability when she met Turner.
Turner’s defense lawyer highlighted his client’s remorse and unprompted confessions in March 2023, leading to his guilty plea. Ms. Justice Eileen Creedon extended her sympathies to McCrory’s family, stating that her death occurred in ‘needless and tragic circumstances.’
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Beloved college basketball nun Sister Jean dies aged 106
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished chaplain of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team who captured the nation’s heart with her unwavering support, has passed away at the age of 106. Her remarkable journey began in 1963 when she witnessed the Ramblers clinch their first national championship. Decades later, she became a global sensation during the 2018 NCAA March Madness tournament, where her spirited presence on the sidelines at 98 years old inspired the team and fans alike. Her influence extended beyond the court, earning her a social media shoutout from former President Barack Obama and widespread admiration. Loyola University President Mark C. Reed described her as ‘an invaluable source of wisdom and grace,’ emphasizing the profound impact she had on the university community. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hailed her as a role model who inspired unity and compassion. Sister Jean’s legacy includes her viral moments during the 2018 tournament, where she offered spiritual guidance and coaching from her wheelchair, and her participation in the 2021 NCAA tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her resilience. Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, she became a nun at 18 and dedicated her life to education and service. Her contributions to Loyola extended beyond basketball, as she initiated programs to connect students with the elderly and led weekly prayer groups. Honored with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis and an award from President Joe Biden, Sister Jean’s life was a testament to faith, service, and inspiration.