A Texas court has intervened to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, a man convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter in a case centered on shaken baby syndrome. Roberson, who has consistently argued that his daughter’s death was caused by medical complications and a prescribed medication rather than abuse, was scheduled to face execution on October 16. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued an emergency stay on Thursday, invoking the state’s 2013 ‘junk science’ law, which permits courts to revisit convictions based on outdated or discredited scientific evidence. Shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis that describes severe brain injuries from forcefully shaking a child, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Roberson’s case has drawn bipartisan support for re-examination, with lawmakers and legal experts questioning the validity of the medical theories used to convict him. This is not the first time Roberson’s execution has been delayed; last October, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers intervened to pause the process. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, however, continues to support the execution, asserting that Roberson abused his daughter. Roberson maintains that his daughter died after falling out of bed and suffering complications from prescribed medications, which are no longer administered to children due to their risks. Brian Wharton, the lead detective in the case, has publicly expressed regret, stating that he believes Roberson is innocent. The case highlights ongoing debates about the reliability of shaken baby syndrome diagnoses and the broader implications for justice.
分类： society
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Man who appealed Pelicot rape conviction handed longer jail term
A court in Nîmes, southern France, has increased the prison sentence of Husamettin Dogan, the sole defendant who contested his conviction in a harrowing rape case involving Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old retired grandmother. Dogan, 44, saw his original nine-year sentence extended to 10 years after the court dismissed his appeal. The case, which has shocked the nation, involved Pelicot being drugged and raped by dozens of men recruited by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, over a decade. Despite video evidence presented in court showing Dogan assaulting an unconscious Pelicot, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was unaware she had been drugged. The court, however, rejected his defense, reinforcing the gravity of the crime. Last December, Dogan and 50 other men were convicted of aggravated rape, with 17 initially appealing before withdrawing their challenges. Dogan, a Turkish-born married father, was the only one to pursue his appeal, leading to a retrial judged by a jury of nine public members and three professional judges. Prosecutors had sought a 12-year sentence for Dogan, who argued he was a victim of Dominique Pelicot’s manipulation. The case highlights the extensive abuse Pelicot endured and the role of video evidence in securing convictions. This story is developing, with further updates expected.
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Half a million bees killed in Dutch arson attack
A Dutch beekeeper, Harold Stringer, has expressed profound shock and sorrow after 10 of his beehives were deliberately set ablaze in Beatrixpark, Almere, resulting in the loss of approximately half a million bees. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has left the local community and environmental advocates deeply concerned. Stringer, who has been tending to bees for nearly a decade, described the act as ‘horrific,’ emphasizing that each hive housed a colony of 40,000 to 60,000 bees. Police in Almere, a city located east of Amsterdam, have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses. They shared images of the fire on social media, highlighting the severity of the arson attack. Authorities revealed that an accelerant was used to ignite the hives, which were placed on pallets in a wooded area of the park. Sadly, almost none of the bees survived. Stringer expressed skepticism about the perpetrator being caught but vowed to rebuild his bee colony from scratch. Fellow beekeeper Heleen Nieman offered to donate one of her three bee colonies to support him. The incident underscores the broader crisis facing bees in the Netherlands, where over half of the country’s 360 bee species are at risk of extinction due to declining populations worldwide.
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South Africa’s Fort Hare university closed as buildings set on fire
The University of Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s most historically significant institutions, has temporarily halted its operations following violent student protests that resulted in several buildings being set ablaze. The unrest, which erupted on the university’s Alice Campus, saw petrol-bomb attacks targeting key administrative and student affairs offices. While no fatalities or serious injuries were reported by the university or local authorities, a student leader claimed that two students sustained injuries during clashes with security personnel. The protests were reportedly triggered by recent changes to student governance structures and demands for the removal of the university’s vice-chancellor. Established in 1916, the University of Fort Hare holds a storied legacy as a training ground for prominent anti-apartheid activists and regional leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, and Seretse Khama. Videos circulating online depicted thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfing campus buildings. Vice-chancellor Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu condemned the ‘large-scale destruction of property,’ attributing the violence to ‘sponsored criminality.’ The university has ordered students to vacate the premises by 1700 local time on Thursday, citing safety concerns and disruptions to academic activities. Police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that four buildings were set on fire, describing the situation as ‘tense.’ Despite the eviction, students have vowed to continue their protests, expressing frustration over what they perceive as the administration’s indifference to their grievances. Education officials are expected to meet with student leaders later on Thursday to address the escalating crisis.
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Parents of fugitive New Zealand dad apologise for ‘trouble’ caused
The parents of Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children into the New Zealand wilderness in 2021, have issued a public apology for the first time since Phillips was fatally shot by police on September 8. Neville and Julia Phillips expressed their remorse in a letter published in the King Country News, a local community newspaper, on Thursday. They stated, ‘We would like to send our sincere apology… for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy, and property caused by Tom. We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions over the past four years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure.’
Tom Phillips had evaded capture for nearly four years despite a nationwide manhunt and numerous reported sightings. His evasion ended tragically during a shoot-out with police in September, which also left an officer seriously injured. The officer has since been discharged from the hospital, according to local media reports. One of Phillips’ children, who was present during the confrontation, provided crucial information that led to the safe recovery of the other two children later that day.
Phillips and his children had been living in Marokopa, a small rural town in Waikato, surrounded by dense bush and forested terrain, before their disappearance. Detective Superintendent Ross McKay described the area as ‘difficult, steep terrain almost completely obscured from all angles by dense bush.’ The police’s primary objective during the operation was ‘locating and returning the children safely,’ McKay emphasized, noting that Phillips was known to possess firearms and was willing to use them.
Phillips’ family had previously made public appeals for his return. In a televised message, his sister Rozzi urged, ‘We’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.’ His mother Julia also penned a heartfelt letter, expressing her daily hope that ‘today will be the day that you all come home.’
Police have refrained from providing further details as investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
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California bans loud ads on streaming platforms
California has introduced a groundbreaking law targeting the volume of commercials on streaming services, ensuring they are no louder than the primary video content being viewed. This legislation extends the scope of the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which originally regulated ad volumes on broadcast TV and cable stations, to now include streaming platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Monday, marking a significant step in addressing consumer complaints about excessively loud streaming ads. The law, set to take effect from July 1, 2026, mandates that streaming services comply with the same volume standards as traditional broadcasters. Critics, including major players in the entertainment industry, argued that implementing such controls on streaming platforms would be challenging due to the diverse sources of ads and lack of direct control over device volume settings. However, the bill was amended to include a provision preventing private lawsuits against streaming services for violations, leading industry groups to adopt a neutral stance. The legislation was inspired by personal anecdotes, such as that of State Senator Thomas Umberg’s legislative director, whose infant daughter was awakened by a loud streaming ad. This law aims to protect consumers from disruptive advertising practices, reflecting California’s role as a hub for streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
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Escaped New Orleans inmate captured after 5 months on the run
After a five-month nationwide manhunt, the last of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana has been apprehended. Derrick Groves, 28, was captured in Atlanta, Georgia, following a tense standoff with law enforcement. Authorities deployed gas canisters into a residence where Groves was believed to be hiding, eventually discovering him concealed in a crawl space. The dramatic escape in May involved the inmates tearing a toilet from a wall, breaking metal bars, and fleeing across a highway. Messages left on the wall, including ‘To Easy LoL’ and a taunting smiley face, underscored the audacity of their breakout. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson attributed the escape to a combination of staffing shortages and structural vulnerabilities. While three inmates were captured within 24 hours, Groves remained at large until a tip led investigators to Atlanta. Groves, convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for a deadly Mardi Gras shooting, now faces additional charges for his role in the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill vowed to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. He will be extradited to Louisiana for processing.
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Suspected cocaine and heroin worth €8.2m seized after searches
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, has confiscated drugs worth over €8 million (£7 million) in a meticulously coordinated operation. The raids, conducted across 16 locations in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Laois, and Offaly over two days, targeted a sophisticated criminal network. Authorities recovered approximately 110 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin from two vans, with the combined street value estimated at €8.2 million. The seized substances have been sent for detailed forensic analysis. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and is currently under interrogation. The operation, involving around 60 Garda personnel, also resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of cash, totaling approximately £38,000 (€43,700) and €63,000 (£54,600). Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, underscoring their commitment to dismantling drug-related criminal activities in the Republic of Ireland.
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San Francisco’s Fleet Week goes on despite federal shutdown, with help from Canada and Colombia
San Francisco’s iconic Fleet Week, a beloved annual event celebrating military service, has faced an unexpected twist due to the ongoing government shutdown. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, known for their high-flying aerobatics, have been grounded, leaving a gap in the weekend’s airshow. However, international partners have stepped up to ensure the show’s success. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds will headline the airshow, showcasing their precision aerobatics, while the Colombian Navy’s majestic three-masted tall-ship, ARC Gloria, will dock at the Port of San Francisco, adding a maritime highlight to the festivities.
Fleet Week, initiated in 1981 by the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, has become a cherished tradition in San Francisco, drawing over a million visitors annually. The event not only honors military personnel but also boosts the local economy, with attendees filling hotels, dining at restaurants, and exploring the city’s natural beauty. This year’s program includes live music, ship tours, and exhibits focused on military readiness and disaster response.
At a press event held at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized the event’s significance, noting that the roar of jets has become a familiar October soundtrack for the city. Sonia Marina Pereira Portilla, Colombia’s Consul General, highlighted the cultural exchange fostered by the ARC Gloria’s visit, calling it an opportunity to strengthen international friendships. Despite the absence of the Blue Angels, officials assure that the airshow will remain a world-class spectacle, thanks to the Snowbirds’ participation.
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Arrivals of international students to the US dropped almost a fifth in August, data shows
The United States has witnessed a significant drop in international student arrivals, with a 19% decline in August compared to the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office. This marks the latest indication of the challenges faced by American universities in attracting foreign students, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s intensified scrutiny of student visas and travel restrictions. August, typically the peak month for international student arrivals, saw only 313,138 students this year, continuing a downward trend observed in June and July. The federal government’s crackdown on student visas has raised concerns among industry groups, warning of potential budget shortfalls and a diminished global standing for U.S. colleges. Last year, approximately 1.1 million international students contributed significantly to tuition-driven institutions, as they are ineligible for federal financial aid and often pay full tuition. Visa challenges and travel bans have further complicated matters, with the State Department pausing visa interviews in late May and imposing new social media vetting rules. The travel ban affecting 19 countries, predominantly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, has added to the uncertainty, leading to notable declines in student arrivals from these regions. For instance, India, the largest source of international students, saw a 45% drop. Some students already in the U.S. have avoided traveling abroad this summer, fearing reentry issues. The political climate and cost concerns have also deterred prospective students, with some opting for institutions in other countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. Higher education consultants emphasize the need for caution and backup plans in the current environment, as the presumption of continuity in U.S. admissions processes may no longer hold.