The decades-long legal saga surrounding Pedro Hernandez, the man convicted of the 1979 murder of six-year-old Etan Patz, has reached a critical juncture. Following a July ruling by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals that overturned Hernandez’s 2017 conviction, Manhattan prosecutors and defense attorneys are now locked in a heated debate over the next steps. The appeals court cited concerns about Hernandez’s police interrogation, his mental health history, and jury instructions as grounds for reconsideration. On Thursday, prosecutors requested 90 days to decide whether to retry Hernandez, while his defense team pushed for a 30-day deadline. U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon is expected to rule on the matter within days. Etan Patz’s disappearance in 1979, while he was walking to school in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, became a national symbol of missing children cases. Despite extensive investigations, Patz was never found. Hernandez, who worked as a shop clerk near the bus stop where Patz vanished, confessed in 2012 to luring the boy into a basement and strangling him. His first trial in 2015 ended in a mistrial, but he was convicted in 2017 of felony murder and kidnapping, though acquitted of intentional murder. Hernandez’s lawyers have argued that the jury instructions during his second trial were prejudicial and inconsistent with legal precedent. Prosecutors, however, maintain that the conviction was just and plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Hernandez’s legal team is pushing for his immediate release, claiming an innocent man is being wrongfully imprisoned.
标签： North America
北美洲
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China economy to stay growing, IMF forecasts
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its growth forecast for China’s economy, projecting a 4.8% expansion in 2025, up 0.3 percentage points from its earlier estimate. This optimistic outlook comes despite global economic headwinds, including escalating trade tariffs and potential downturns in the technology sector. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook, released during the annual IMF/World Bank autumn meetings, also highlighted a slowdown in global growth, with projections of 3.2% for 2025 and 3.1% for 2026, marking a cumulative downgrade of 0.2 percentage points from previous forecasts. China’s resilience is attributed to robust domestic consumption, fiscal expansion, and strategic trade redirection to Asia and Europe. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of counter-cyclical adjustments, policy support, and reforms to sustain economic momentum. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a slower pace of 2% in 2025, down from 2.2% in 2024, due to policy uncertainty and higher trade barriers. IMF Economic Counselor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas warned that while the immediate impact of tariffs has been limited, their long-term effects could lead to efficiency losses and supply chain disruptions. He also cautioned against the risks of a technology sector downturn, reminiscent of the dot.com bubble, which could trigger a global slowdown. Despite these challenges, resolving policy uncertainty and fostering stable trade agreements could provide a significant boost to global output.
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US strikes another vessel off Venezuela coast, killing six
The United States has carried out its fifth maritime strike targeting a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in six fatalities. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, labeling the vessel as belonging to ‘narcoterrorists’ and involved in illicit narcotics trade. This marks the latest in a series of similar strikes since September, which have collectively claimed 27 lives. However, the US has yet to provide concrete evidence or details regarding the identities of the vessels or individuals involved. The strikes have drawn criticism from legal experts and neighboring countries, including Colombia and Venezuela, who argue that the actions may violate international law. Trump defended the operation, stating that intelligence confirmed the vessel’s association with narcoterrorist networks and its use of a known smuggling route. He also shared an aerial surveillance video depicting the strike. The US has framed these actions as self-defense, despite ongoing debates over their legality. The strikes coincide with a leaked memo to Congress, which suggests the US considers itself in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels. The deployment of warships to the Caribbean further underscores the administration’s aggressive stance. Critics argue that the strikes are part of a broader political strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces a $50 million US bounty for alleged drug trafficking. Maduro has vehemently denied the accusations, while Venezuelan officials have questioned the authenticity of the footage shared by Trump.
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Top US news outlets push back against Pentagon’s reporting restrictions
Several prominent US news organizations have publicly rejected a controversial new Pentagon policy that restricts journalists’ access to the Department of Defense unless they agree to report only officially authorized information. Major outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN have refused to comply, arguing that the policy undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know. Reporters who fail to sign the agreement by 17:00 EST on Tuesday will be required to surrender their media credentials and vacate Pentagon facilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the backlash on social media with a dismissive hand-waving emoji, signaling a stark departure from traditional press relations. The Trump administration defends the policy as necessary for national security, with Hegseth stating that ‘Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right.’ A memo outlining the changes, sent to reporters last month, mandates that all information, even unclassified, must be approved for public release by an authorized official. The Pentagon Press Association has criticized the policy as an unprecedented act of intimidation, warning that it stifles free speech and discourages unapproved interactions with the press. Other major media organizations, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and The Guardian, have also refused to sign the agreement. In a joint statement, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media, and NBC News emphasized their commitment to covering national security issues without compromising journalistic independence. The new 21-page policy document imposes strict requirements, including pre-approval for military personnel to share information with the media. While journalists are not explicitly barred from reporting on unclassified information, they risk being labeled a ‘security or safety risk’ if they disclose such information without Pentagon clearance. The policy has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an escalation of restrictions on press access under Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny for his handling of sensitive information in the past.
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Job-destroying potential: Nobel economist warns of AI dangers
In a stark warning issued on Monday, Canadian economist Peter Howitt, a recent Nobel laureate, highlighted the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence (AI). While acknowledging its ‘amazing possibilities,’ Howitt emphasized the urgent need for regulation to mitigate its potential to disrupt the labor market. His remarks come at a time of escalating global concerns about AI’s societal and economic impacts. Howitt, a professor emeritus at Brown University in the United States, was among three economists honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for their groundbreaking work on how technology influences growth. His research, conducted in collaboration with French economist Philippe Aghion, delves into the theory of ‘creative destruction,’ where new innovations render older products obsolete, often displacing established companies. Speaking at a press conference, Howitt expressed uncertainty about AI’s future leadership and its broader implications. ‘It’s a fantastic technology with immense potential, but it also poses significant risks to highly skilled labor. This conflict necessitates regulation,’ he stated. He drew parallels to historical technological advancements, such as the telecoms boom of the 1990s and the advent of electricity and steam power, noting that while these innovations enhanced labor, their modern-day counterparts could lead to job displacement. Howitt admitted to lacking specific solutions but stressed that unregulated markets would fail to address these challenges effectively. Meanwhile, fellow Nobel laureate Joel Mokyr offered a more optimistic perspective, asserting that AI would not replace human labor but rather shift it toward more complex and engaging tasks. Mokyr, recognized for his research on the prerequisites for sustained technological growth, expressed greater concern about future labor shortages due to aging populations rather than technological unemployment. Howitt also reflected on his journey with Aghion, recalling their early confidence in the significance of their work. ‘Philippe always believed we’d win a Nobel Prize. Now, our time has come,’ he remarked, underscoring the profound impact of their research. As California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pioneering law regulating AI interactions, the debate over AI’s role in society continues to intensify.
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SpaceX launches Starship megarocket on successful test flight
SpaceX has marked a significant milestone with the successful test flight of its Starship megarocket, a critical component in NASA’s Artemis program aimed at returning astronauts to the Moon. The launch, conducted on Monday evening from SpaceX’s south Texas facilities, saw the massive rocket ascend into the golden-hour skies before its booster, Super Heavy, landed as planned in the Gulf of Mexico. The upper stage, Starship, continued its journey through space, completing a series of tests before splashing down in the Indian Ocean over an hour after liftoff. This mission, the 11th test flight for Starship, follows a series of earlier setbacks, including explosive failures, which had cast doubt on the project’s timeline and feasibility. However, the recent success signals a turning point for SpaceX, which is under pressure to deliver on its multibillion-dollar contract with NASA to develop a lunar lander. Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, emphasized the visceral experience of witnessing the launch firsthand, describing it as a pivotal moment in the company’s ambitious vision to eventually transport humans to Mars. The next iteration of Starship, Version 3, is already in development, with Monday’s flight expected to be the last for the current prototype. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including the development of a fully reusable orbital heat shield and the untested process of refueling in orbit. These hurdles are critical for deep-space missions and have been flagged by NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel as potential threats to the timeline. As the U.S. races against China’s lunar ambitions, the success of Starship is seen as a key factor in maintaining America’s leadership in space exploration.
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D’Angelo, R&B Grammy-award winning singer, dead at 51
Michael Eugene Archer, the Grammy-winning R&B artist widely known by his stage name D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51 following a courageous battle with cancer. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released on Tuesday, celebrating his profound musical legacy and urging fans to honor his enduring contributions to the world of music. D’Angelo was a trailblazer in the neo-soul genre, seamlessly fusing R&B with elements of hip-hop and jazz, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Over the course of his career, he released three critically acclaimed albums, earning four Grammy Awards and widespread recognition. His iconic music video for the hit song *Untitled (How Does It Feel)*, featuring a raw and powerful one-shot performance, became a cultural phenomenon. D’Angelo’s family described him as “the shining star of our family,” whose light has now dimmed in this life. Beginning his career as a songwriter, he collaborated with music legends such as Lauryn Hill and The Roots. His debut album, *Brown Sugar*, catapulted him to fame in the 1990s, with the track *Lady* peaking at No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1996. The song garnered multiple Grammy nominations, cementing his status as a musical icon. As this story continues to develop, further updates will be provided. For the latest breaking news, follow @BBCBreaking on X or download the BBC News App.
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Man who set fire to Pennsylvania governor’s mansion sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison
In a significant legal development, Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old arsonist, has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison for setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in April. The sentencing was part of a plea deal, with Balmer pleading guilty to charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary, and other offenses during a court hearing on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred during Passover, severely damaged the official residence in Harrisburg, though all occupants, including Governor Shapiro, his family, and staff, escaped unharmed. Governor Shapiro expressed his family’s support for the plea agreement, emphasizing their reliance on faith during the recovery process. The attack is part of a broader trend of political violence in the U.S., including high-profile cases involving Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former President Donald Trump, and others. Balmer admitted to using Molotov cocktails in the attack and harboring intense animosity toward Shapiro, even stating he would have assaulted the governor with a hammer if given the chance. Shapiro, a Democrat and former state attorney general, has been a prominent political figure, often mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate.
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Trump administration looks for ways to pay federal officers during shutdown
As the US government shutdown enters its third week, federal law enforcement officers, deemed ‘essential,’ are required to continue working despite not receiving their salaries. The Trump administration is actively seeking alternative funding mechanisms to ensure these officers are compensated, even as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over the budget impasse. President Donald Trump has already authorized the use of previously allocated Pentagon funds to pay military personnel, but the financial resources needed to cover law enforcement officers remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that alternative payment solutions are being explored. Affected agencies include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), US Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance has warned of further ‘painful’ cuts if the shutdown persists. Approximately 750,000 federal employees, or 40% of the workforce, have been furloughed or sent home without pay, with layoffs already affecting at least seven agencies. In a separate development, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an ‘innovative’ method to ensure Coast Guard members are paid, though details were not disclosed. Additionally, tariff revenue is being redirected to fund the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which supports over 6.5 million beneficiaries. However, the National WIC Association cautioned that this is not a permanent solution, and prolonged shutdown could jeopardize millions of recipients. Congressional Democrats are reportedly drafting legislation to safeguard WIC funding, emphasizing its importance beyond the annual budget process. The Senate is set to vote again on government funding, though passage remains unlikely.
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US Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones appeal in Sandy Hook shooting case
The US Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from controversial right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who sought to overturn a nearly $1.5 billion defamation judgment against him. The ruling stems from Jones’ false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six educators, was a hoax. The judgment, issued in 2022, has forced Jones to sell his media company, Infowars, to satirical news outlet The Onion, a move he argued would cause irreparable harm to him and his 30 million followers. Despite the court’s decision, Jones has yet to pay any of the damages owed to the victims’ families. The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its refusal to hear the case. Jones’ legal team argued that his statements were protected under the First Amendment, akin to journalistic freedoms, and that the financial penalties were excessively punitive. In his appeal, Jones described the judgment as a ‘financial death penalty.’ While a bankruptcy judge previously blocked The Onion’s attempt to acquire Infowars, the media company may soon be back on the market, offering The Onion another opportunity. Legal challenges against Jones have intensified since two juries found him liable for defamation and emotional distress related to his false claims about the Sandy Hook tragedy. Following the initial verdict in Connecticut, Jones filed for bankruptcy in Texas, prompting the auction of Infowars to satisfy the judgment. During Texas court proceedings, Jones admitted the Sandy Hook attack was ‘100% real,’ a stark reversal from his earlier assertions that the event was staged as part of a government conspiracy to disarm Americans.