Latest news with #Córdoba
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Argentine ‘Lucy Letby' jailed for murder of five babies
A nurse has been sentenced to life in prison for killing five babies and attempting to murder eight others at a hospital in Argentina. Brenda Cecilia Aguero injected potassium and insulin into newborns between March and June 2022, taking doses from emergency medical carts without inventory control, prosecutors said. The court clerk in Córdoba read out the sentencing in footage broadcast on local media on Wednesday. Under Argentine law, Aguero will serve at least 35 years in prison, at which point she will be eligible for parole, local media reported. The case in Argentina bears similarities to that of Lucy Letby in the UK. The British nurse is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. She was accused of injecting air and insulin into the babies, and overfeeding milk. But Letby has always maintained her innocence. The babies, all born healthy, died under initially unexplained circumstances at the neonatal ward of the maternal and child hospital in Cordoba province, 370 miles north-west of Buenos Aires. Eight others survived owing to swift medical intervention. Aguero's mother, Cristina Nobile, told reporters after the sentencing hearing that she would fight to have her daughter's conviction overturned. 'My daughter is innocent, and I will continue fighting,' she said. The trial also brought charges against 10 other defendants including former provincial officials and health professionals for cover-up and dereliction of duty. Those charged included a former health minister and secretary of health of Cordoba province, as well as the former hospital director. Aguero, who was arrested in 2022, denied the charges, earlier telling the court 'they have no evidence' and accusing the media of portraying her as a 'serial killer.' Of the other defendants, five were found guilty but received lesser sentences while five others were acquitted, including the former provincial officials, according to local outlet Infobae. It comes almost two years after Lucy Letby was first found guilty in the UK in August 2023. Letby, from Hereford, lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal, in May for seven murders and seven attempted murders, and in October for the attempted murder of a baby girl, which she was convicted of by a different jury at a retrial. However, there are growing fears that her case could be a miscarriage of justice amid questions over how evidence was presented in her trials. In February this year, in an unprecedented intervention into the conviction, 14 world-leading experts in neonatology and child health reviewed the 17 deaths and collapses of infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital and found that all had medical explanations. Cheshire Constabulary is continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women's Hospital during Letby's time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. A separate probe by the force into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital also remains ongoing. Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from her public inquiry in early 2026.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Spanish ‘beach' in lesser-visited city is one of Europe's warmest with average highs of 31C
THE hottest and sunniest European beaches have been revealed - and an honourable mention goes to one that isn't even on the coast. Saga Holidays has put together a list of Europe's sunniest beaches, and has revealed that Valdearenas Beach in Córdoba is one of them - despite being nowhere near the sea. 5 5 Valdearenas Beach is in the landlocked city of Córdoba - which was one of the top trending European destinations in 2025. The beach is completely man-made, sits on the banks of the Iznájar Reservoir and has sandy shores. But the best part is that in the high season, average temperatures reach up to 31C. According to Saga Holidays, Valdearenas Beach outperforms two coastal competitors in Badajoz, Playa de Cheles and Playa de Orellana, by 1C. One visitor on Tripadvisor described it as being a "great lakeside beach with lovely lake for swimming or kayaking or pedaloing! Not crowded or touristy." Another said: "The views are incredible. Some mornings it is just so quiet, you feel like the only person on earth." Anyone wanting a dip will be happy to know that you can enjoy swimming, rent kayaks and pedal boats, or try paddleboarding. During the summer months, the water turns a vibrant blue and the golden sands become a sunbathers paradise. Some visitors remarked it can appear even hotter as there is no shade apart from some provided by the sun umbrellas that pop up during the summer. The beach is about an hour inland from the southern coast of Spain. The Spanish beach resort named the best in the country 5 5 As for the city of Córdoba, it is known for having the most UNESCO sites in the world. These include the Mosque-Cathedral, the historic city centre, the Festival of the Patios (Courtyards), and Medina Azahara. The culture capital is popular for anyone wanting to take a close look at history with the Mosque-Cathedral being built in the 8th century. For anyone who wants to see something particularly spectacular, schedule a visit to Córdoba during the Festival of the Patios. The event is held during the first two weeks in May - and has been since 1921. This annual event showcases the city's most beautiful and historic courtyards, which are decorated with flowers and are opened to the public. Córdoba is an hour's drive away from Seville where Sun Travel found cheap wine and beautiful royal palaces. Down towards the coast is also this underrated Spanish beach destination that's popular for winter sun.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Temperatures in Spain set to soar past 40C this week. Is climate change to blame?
Spain is preparing for an unusually warm summer, hot on the heels of a record-breaking May. In an update on Friday, national weather agency AEMET said there is a 60 per cent chance the country will be hotter than average from June through to August. It follows searing temperatures at the end of last month, when the mercury climbed to 40.7C at the airports of Córdoba and Seville, and 37.5C in Zaragoza. Temperatures on 30 May averaged 24.08C - the highest reading for May since records began in 1950. There is no doubt, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned before, that 'human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have led to an increased frequency and intensity of temperature extremes'. The last three summers have been Spain's hottest on record - and summer 2025 looks set to continue that trend. Related 'Old statistics do not apply': Record-breaking Arctic heatwave made 3C hotter by climate change World sees second-hottest May on record as Europe faces rising drought concerns The likelihood of a warmer than usual summer rises to 70 per cent along Spain's Mediterranean coast and the Balearic and Canary Islands. The eastern coast - including Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearics - is expected to experience frequent 'tropical nights', with temperatures failing to drop below 20C, and many consecutive days above has issued several orange‑level warnings for heat today (17 June), including in Córdoba and Seville countryside - where temperatures could hit 41C - and Vegas del Guadiana in Extremadura. The average June high for Seville and Córdoba is around 33C, Lars Lowkinski, a meteorologist at WetterOnline and Weather and Radar, points out. 'While these parts of Spain are used to summer heatwaves, it is part of an increasing trend of hot spells developing earlier during the season while also becoming more intense/longer-lasting, something that can clearly be attributed to climate change,' he tells Euronews Green. To help people prepare for its increasingly hot summers, last year Spain's Ministry of Health released a new map with more detailed heat alerts. It breaks the country down from 52 provincial areas into 182 meteosalud (or metro health) zones, providing a colour-based warning system for each. The hyper-local heat alerts range from Green or no risk through to Red or high risk to health and life. Alongside a colour, these alerts come with information about sun exposure, hydration and symptoms of heat-related illness. There is even an English language version of the official heat alert website, to help alert tourists, students and newly arrived residents to the risk. This year, Spain's annual heat plan supplements the new meteosalud areas with a guide advising different administrations, health professionals and citizens when intense heat strikes. It follows a study from the Carlos III Health Institute, which determined the threshold for heatwaves in these different areas, taking into account variables like heat-related deaths. Related Italy, Spain, Germany: The European countries where the most people died from heat last summer Every heatwave in the world is now made stronger and more likely to happen because of human-caused climate change, World Weather Attribution (WWA) states. This is borne out by numerous previous analyses - including one that found extreme heat felt in Spain and Portugal in April 2023 would have been almost impossible without human-caused climate change. 2024 was the warmest year on record and the first calendar year where the global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Carbon dioxide is the biggest contributor to global warming; its concentration in the atmosphere exceeded 430 parts per million (ppm) last month. As average temperatures rise, the amount of weather at the 'extremely hot' end of the spectrum increases, making extreme heat events more frequent, longer, and more intense. The heatwave impacting Spain this week is also likely to build into France, the southern UK, parts of Germany and Switzerland, particularly from Saturday, Lowinski says. Paris could see up to 37C early next week, while 33 or 34C are possible in London. Related Global temperatures likely to exceed 1.5C limit over the next five years, WMO warns 'Extreme heat is a silent killer, affecting people's health, social, environmental, and economic well-being, particularly women and vulnerable communities,' says Kathy Baughman Mcleod, CEO at Climate Resilience for All (CRA). The women-led climate adaptation NGO shares five points to help people in Spain, Europe and beyond prepare for upcoming brutal heatwaves. Recognise early symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch closely for these in vulnerable groups: Pregnant women may experience worsened dehydration and risk to the baby. Low-income workers, especially outdoors, may ignore symptoms for fear of losing pay. Older adults and children may not feel thirst or express discomfort clearly. Co-workers can look fine in one moment, then collapse in the next. Learn to act fast. Download and follow AEMET for real-time, science-based heat alerts via app, SMS, or website. AEMET issues heatwave warnings by region, severity, and duration - use it to plan your day and check in on others. With rising temperatures, even healthy adults are suffering from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially during physical activity or prolonged exposure. Don't assume you're immune. Hydrate constantly, rest in the shade or air conditioning and schedule demanding tasks for early morning. Close blinds and shutters during the day. Use fans or create cross-ventilation in the evenings. Check on neighbours, especially those living alone. Advocate for cooling shelters, shaded workspaces, and water access points in your area. When nighttime temperatures stay above 25C, the body can't recover from the day's stress. Poor sleep increases heart risk, reduces productivity, and worsens mental health. Use cool showers, damp sheets, or ice packs before bed. Create a communal "cool room" with fans or AC if electricity is limited. Let employers and schools know that heat affects performance and health - even when the sun goes down.
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Photographer and This European Destination Is One of My Favorite Scenic Spots for Its Stunning Architecture
As a travel photographer, I'm most often drawn to places steeped in culture and history. I find these things give depth, meaning, and context to my images, and a view of the world beyond surface-level aesthetics. I'm especially fascinated by the rich legacy of Al-Andalus, the nearly 800-year period of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula. In what is now Spain, this began around the year 700 and lasted until 1492, when King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I unified the nation as a Catholic monarchy. From left: Palacio de las Dueñas; Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. In what is today known as Andalusia, particularly Seville and Córdoba, these Muslim and Christian influences intertwine, often within the same four walls. I wanted to document how architecture can serve as a dialogue between civilizations. My goal was not just to capture beautiful images but also to explore the layers of cultural exchange that define this region. Córdoba was once the capital of the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. At Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, which was built in the late 700s, I was attracted to the distinctive red and white stripes, an important element of Umayyad design. The building was converted into a Catholic church in 1236. I wanted to document how architecture can serve as a dialogue between civilizations. My goal was not just to capture beautiful images but also to explore the layers of cultural exchange that define this region. I also found a particular moment quite moving, watching a woman climb the stairs, as it made me wonder about all the people, over many, many years, who had climbed these same steps to pray, whether as followers of Islam or Christianity. I also thought about how so many landmarks here have survived for centuries, even as the immediate surroundings have evolved over time. The layers of history in Palacio de las Dueñas, in Seville, also intrigued me. Owned by the aristocratic Alba family since 1612, it was turned into an apartment building in the late 1800s; one of Spain's most beloved poets, Antonio Machado, was born there in 1875. In the 20th century, the Albas turned it back into a home, where celebrities like Jacqueline Kennedy and Grace Kelly visited. From left: Royal Alcázar of Seville; Iglesia de Santa Catalina. Originally developed in the early 10th century as a Moorish fortress, the Royal Alcázar of Seville was transformed over the years into a sprawling palace by both Muslim dynasties and Christian monarchs. Today, it is still a residence for the Spanish royal family when they visit the city. Iglesia de Santa Catalina, a Sevillian church, was mainly constructed in the 14th century, on the site of a former mosque. I admired the Islamic influences that can still be seen, like the brickwork, the horseshoe arches at the entrance, and the roof lantern that echoes the shape of a minaret. A version of this story first appeared in the July 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Stories in Stone ."
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Argentine cardinal hopes Pope Francis' vision lives on
BUENOS AIRES, May 8 (Reuters) - Argentine cardinal Angel Rossi, one of the 133 now gathered at the Vatican to elect a new pope, told Reuters before the conclave that he hoped the next leader of the global Catholic Church - whoever he is - will maintain intact the vision of Pope Francis, a fellow Jesuit and his former teacher. Rossi, 66, archbishop of the central Argentine province of Córdoba, is one of four cardinals from the South American country in the conclave that began on Wednesday at the Vatican to elect the pope who will succeed Francis. Francis, a reformer who sought to open up the Church despite criticism from more conservative groups, died on April 21 at the age of 88. He pushed interfaith dialogue and focused on defending the poorest in society. "He left clearly defined lines of belief: service, not being a court church, looking out for the poorest, sharing among the wealthy, calling for the charity of nations," Rossi said in an interview last week. Rossi, who was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, said that the 23 Latin American cardinals at the conclave would not necessarily be pushing for another pope from the region, but would want one who would continue the reforms made by Francis. "I think the solution isn't for him to be Latin American, but rather for the person to have the sentiments of Pope Francis," said Rossi, who had a close relationship with the former pope, who was previously Jorge Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. "It seems to me there is a shared view we should borrow Pope Francis' vision so we can look at the world from our own land and not from outside, but with our feet in Latin America." A column of black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Wednesday and again on Thursday morning, signaling that the cardinals gathered in the secret conclave have so far been unable to elect a new pope.
