Texas prepares first U.S. execution tied to 'shaken baby syndrome' death

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American Fact of the Day!

On this date, October 17, in 1989, a major earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area. The Loma Prieta earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale and caused widespread destruction, resulting in the collapse of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and significant damage in San Francisco and surrounding areas. The earthquake also occurred during the third game of the World Series, leading to a dramatic interruption in the broadcast and a notable moment in sports history. It caused 63 deaths and thousands of injuries, highlighting the need for improved earthquake preparedness and infrastructure in California.

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Texas prepares first U.S. execution tied to 'shaken baby syndrome' death

Texas is set to execute Robert Roberson on Thursday, marking the first U.S. execution linked to a case of "shaken baby syndrome," a diagnosis that has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Roberson has maintained his innocence since the death of his 2-year-old daughter in 2002, and efforts to appeal his conviction have repeatedly failed. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently declined to recommend clemency, and while Roberson's legal team has requested a 30-day reprieve from Governor Greg Abbott, the governor has yet to publicly indicate his decision.

Support for Roberson has grown among a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, who held a hearing with expert testimony and advocated for his release. Former lead detective Brian Wharton, who has since become an advocate for Roberson, emphasized his belief in Roberson's innocence. In a recent prison interview, Roberson called on the governor to reconsider his case, expressing hope for a reprieve or pardon amid a backdrop of heightened scrutiny around the validity of "shaken baby syndrome" convictions. The situation remains fluid, as Roberson's team awaits further developments, including the potential impact of a subpoena for him to testify at an upcoming hearing.

Man rescued after 67 days adrift at sea describes how he survived after brother and nephew died: "I simply had no choice"

Mikhail Pichugin, a Russian man, was rescued after spending 67 days adrift in the Sea of Okhotsk, where he faced extreme cold and limited resources following the death of his brother and nephew. The trio had set out to watch whales when their boat's engine failed on August 9, leaving them stranded. Despite initial rescue efforts, they went unnoticed for weeks, during which Pichugin tied his deceased family members to the boat to prevent their bodies from being lost at sea. He survived by collecting rainwater and trying to catch fish, all while battling hypothermia and starvation. Pichugin credited his survival to divine intervention, emphasizing his determination to return to his mother and daughter back home.

Rescued by a fishing vessel about 11 nautical miles off Kamchatka, Pichugin was found in poor health but in stable condition, suffering from dehydration and hypothermia. Russian authorities have arranged for his transportation back home, and his wife described his survival as a miracle, noting that they had only packed enough supplies for two weeks. As he recovers in the hospital, Pichugin's harrowing experience underscores the challenges of survival in harsh conditions and the profound impact of familial bonds in dire situations.

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