In a tragic and rare incident, a 60-year-old Missouri man camping in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas was fatally attacked by a bear, according to local authorities. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was reported missing by his children after they lost contact with him during his trip to Sam’s Throne campground. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that the man’s body was discovered several yards outside the campsite, bearing injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The suspected bear was captured and killed after being identified through camera footage at the campground. Local hunters, aided by hounds, tracked and treed the bear, which was later euthanized. The bear’s remains will undergo necropsy and DNA testing to confirm its involvement in the attack. Sheriff Wheeler expressed relief at the resolution, stating, ‘This was a dangerous bear.’ The campground remains closed indefinitely. The victim had previously sent his family photos of a bear near his campsite, which helped authorities identify the animal—a young male black bear matching the size and coloration of the photographed bear. Arkansas is home to over 5,000 black bears, the state’s only bear species. Fatal bear attacks are exceedingly rare in North America, with only 63 recorded deaths from black bear attacks between 1900 and 2009, according to the Journal of Wildlife Management.
分类： society
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Skydiving instructor killed after falling without parachute in Nashville
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a skydiving instructor during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. Justin Fuller, an experienced instructor, is believed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute after becoming separated from his student and the tandem rig, which connects the pair and includes the parachute. The incident occurred on Saturday near John C. Tune Airport. A police helicopter later discovered Fuller’s body in a wooded area. Meanwhile, the student, who survived the fall, was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department after being trapped in a tree for hours. Authorities confirmed that three other dives from the same plane were completed successfully, and the aircraft landed safely. The cause of the separation remains unclear. A witness involved in the rescue effort told local station WSMV that the student, a first-time skydiver, vowed never to jump again. Fuller, who had recently expressed his passion for teaching skydiving on Instagram, described the job as ‘the most rewarding’ and shared the joy of seeing students master the skill. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of guiding beginners in high-pressure situations.
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US Supreme Court rejects Ghislaine Maxwell appeal in Epstein case
The US Supreme Court has decisively rejected an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite convicted for her involvement in the sex-trafficking scheme orchestrated by her former boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein. The court’s ruling, issued on Monday, ensures that Maxwell’s 20-year prison sentence remains intact, barring an unlikely presidential pardon. Maxwell, who was found guilty of luring underage girls for Epstein to exploit, has been a central figure in the high-profile case that has captivated public attention for years. Recently, she was interviewed by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into the broader network of individuals potentially involved in the trafficking scheme. Epstein, who faced similar charges, died in prison in 2019 under controversial circumstances. The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of this harrowing case.
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Man pleads guilty to murdering woman found dead after house fire
A 55-year-old man, George Turner, has admitted to the murder of Emma McCrory, a mother-of-two in her 40s, who was found dead at her home in Clontarf, Dublin, following a house fire in December 2022. Turner, from Fairview Avenue, Dublin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday, where he entered a guilty plea. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, facing a mandatory life sentence. Turner was initially charged with murder in March 2023, and his solicitor had previously requested a psychiatric assessment, citing a history of mental illness. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as they await the final sentencing in this harrowing case.
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Body found in burning vehicle in Dublin
A tragic incident unfolded in north County Dublin on Monday morning when a body was discovered in a burning vehicle on Killeek Bridge. The Dublin Fire Brigade swiftly responded to reports of the vehicle engulfed in flames. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters uncovered human remains inside the vehicle. Gardaí, the Irish police force, confirmed that the body remains at the scene as investigations continue. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted, which will provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide the subsequent investigation. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising questions about the events leading up to the fire. Authorities have yet to release further details, but the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness as they work to uncover the truth behind this distressing event.
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US doctor’s legacy remembered after 80 yrs
The enduring legacy of Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway, a pioneering US missionary doctor who dedicated her life to serving the Chinese people during one of the nation’s most tumultuous periods, has been commemorated on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Dr. Hemenway, who arrived in China in 1924, played a pivotal role in addressing the dire lack of medical resources and facilities during Japan’s brutal wartime occupation. Her unwavering commitment to saving lives amidst widespread atrocities, including bombings, looting, and violence, has left an indelible mark on Chinese history. Born in 1894 in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Dr. Hemenway pursued her medical education at Tufts Medical School, graduating in 1921. Inspired by her missionary calling, she embarked on a journey to China, where she spent 17 years, primarily in Minqing, Fujian province. There, she directed a hospital that later became Minqing Liudu Hospital, expanding its services, establishing branch clinics, and improving healthcare access for rural communities. Dr. Hemenway’s contributions extended beyond medical care; she promoted vaccinations, disseminated health knowledge, and trained local medical personnel. Her dedication to serving the most vulnerable, even in the face of immense danger, has been hailed as a testament to her courage and compassion. Today, her descendants and admirers continue to honor her remarkable life and the profound impact she had on the lives of countless Chinese people.
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Australian prosecutors appeal mushroom murderer’s ‘inadequate’ sentence
In a high-profile legal battle, Australian prosecutors have launched an appeal against the sentence handed to Erin Patterson, the woman convicted of orchestrating a deadly mushroom meal that claimed three lives and left another critically ill. Patterson, 51, was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years, marking one of the longest sentences ever imposed on a female offender in Australia. The Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) argued that the sentence was ‘manifestly inadequate’ given the gravity of her crimes. The appeal was filed on the final day of the deadline, with the DPP emphasizing the severity of Patterson’s actions. The case has drawn global attention, with media outlets and the public flocking to the small courthouse in Morwell, Victoria, during the nine-week trial. Patterson was found guilty of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, by serving them beef Wellington laced with toxic death cap mushrooms in 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived but continues to suffer from health complications. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, narrowly escaped the fatal meal after canceling at the last minute. It was later revealed that Simon had previously fallen critically ill after consuming meals prepared by Erin, leading to a coma and the surgical removal of a significant portion of his bowel. During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale acknowledged the heinous nature of Patterson’s crimes but cited the ‘harsh prison conditions’ she faces as a factor in allowing parole eligibility. Patterson has spent 15 months in solitary confinement and is likely to remain isolated for her safety due to her ‘major offender status’ and the notoriety of her case. She is currently held at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a maximum-security prison in Melbourne, where she spends 22 hours a day in her cell with no contact with other inmates. Patterson’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal her conviction, though no formal application has been submitted yet. Her defense must demonstrate legal errors to secure a hearing. The case continues to captivate public interest, with Patterson expected to remain a notorious figure in the Australian penal system for years to come.
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Selfies and singing as Ethiopians celebrate thanksgiving
This weekend, the streets of Addis Ababa came alive with the vibrant colors and joyous energy of Ethiopia’s annual Irreecha festival. Tens of thousands of Ethiopians, predominantly from the Oromo ethnic group, gathered to celebrate this traditional thanksgiving event, marking the end of the country’s main rainy season. The festival, deeply rooted in indigenous faith systems, has evolved into a unifying cultural phenomenon that transcends religious and geographical boundaries. Attendees, adorned in elaborate traditional attire and jewelry, gathered around sacred rivers and lakes to express gratitude for the life-giving rains that have transformed the landscape. The air was filled with singing, dancing, and the sharing of stories, while freshly cut grass and flowers were placed in water as symbols of renewal and hope. This year’s celebration was particularly notable for its peaceful and inclusive atmosphere, a stark contrast to past years when the festival was marred by political tensions. The Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, have historically faced political and economic marginalization, but this year’s Irreecha emphasized unity and cultural pride. The festival’s growing popularity has been fueled in part by social media, with young people documenting their experiences and showcasing the event’s vibrant traditions to a global audience. Among the attendees was Claire from Belfast, Northern Ireland, who returned with her children after being captivated by the festival’s beauty and warmth last year. ‘It is amazing,’ she remarked. ‘Everybody wants to say hello, everyone wants to give you a kiss and say welcome.’ The first day of the festival took place in Addis Ababa, followed by celebrations in Bishoftu, a small town just outside the capital. Irreecha continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.
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Death toll from Indonesia school collapse rises to 54
A devastating collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia, has resulted in the death of 54 people, with rescuers still searching for over a dozen missing individuals. The incident occurred last Monday while the two-storey building was undergoing construction. Hundreds of students, predominantly teenage boys, were gathered for prayers when the structure gave way. This tragedy marks the deadliest disaster in Indonesia this year, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency. Rescuers are expected to conclude their search for the remaining 13 victims trapped under the rubble by the end of the day. Investigators are probing the cause of the collapse, with some officials attributing it to an unstable foundation. Budi Irawan, a deputy at the disaster mitigation agency, stated that the death toll surpasses that of any other disaster in 2025, whether natural or man-made. The victims include at least two individuals who were rescued from the debris but later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Al Khoziny, a traditional Islamic boarding school known as a pesantren, operates in a largely informal sector with minimal regulation. It remains unclear whether the school had the necessary permits for the additional construction. The search and rescue operations have been particularly challenging due to the manner in which the building collapsed, leaving only narrow voids for rescuers to navigate. Survivors have recounted their terrifying escapes to local media, with 13-year-old Muhammad Rijalul Qoib describing the escalating sound of falling rocks before he managed to flee, albeit injured by debris from the roof.
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As Gisèle Pelicot faces one of her rapists in court, what has changed in France?
Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who endured years of horrific abuse orchestrated by her husband, is set to return to court in Nîmes to face one of her attackers. This man is the sole individual appealing the verdict from last year’s trial, which saw 51 men convicted of raping Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious in her own home. Her decision to waive her right to anonymity and publicly confront her attackers was initially hailed as a turning point in France’s fight against sexual violence. However, the optimism surrounding her case appears to be fading. In Mazan, the picturesque town where Pelicot and her husband once lived, locals express frustration over the town’s association with the infamous trial. One man even threatened a journalist, demanding they leave and stop discussing the case. Mayor Louis Bonnet has described Pelicot’s ordeal as a “private matter” unrelated to the town, a stance that has drawn criticism. While some, like 68-year-old Aurore Baralier, believe Pelicot’s case has empowered women to speak out, others, such as a 33-year-old civil servant named Aurélie, argue that little has changed. Aurélie revealed that domestic violence remains hidden, with women too afraid to come forward. Across France, the Pelicot case has undeniably amplified conversations about sexual violence, particularly in the wake of the MeToo movement. Complaints of rape have tripled, signaling a shift in victims’ willingness to seek justice. Yet, activists and experts argue that systemic issues persist. Conviction rates remain stagnant, and rape culture continues to thrive, exacerbated by the rise of masculinist movements and deep-fake pornography. The French government has defended its efforts, citing increased funding for combating sexual violence. However, a Senate report criticized the lack of a strategic approach, and the Council of Europe has condemned France’s failure to adequately protect women. While occasional stories, like the arrest of a man in Dijon for drugging his wife, offer glimmers of hope, the broader picture remains bleak. Lawyer Elodie Tuaillon-Hibon, who has been involved in high-profile cases, including that of actor Gérard Depardieu, remains skeptical. She likens sexual violence in France to a “war waged against women and children every day” and emphasizes that meaningful change requires a serious commitment to public policy. As Pelicot prepares to face her attacker once more, her case serves as a stark reminder of the long road ahead in the fight against sexual violence in France.