A Texas judge has granted a last-minute reprieve for Robert Roberson, who was scheduled for execution today for the 2002 death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. Roberson, believed to be the first person sentenced to death in a shaken baby case, has consistently claimed his innocence, with a group of Republican lawmakers and the lead detective in the case asserting that he was wrongfully convicted based on flawed scientific evidence. The Texas attorney general's office is anticipated to appeal the judge's decision.

In Georgia, a grand jury has indicted a father and son in connection with a mass shooting at Apalachee High School last month that resulted in four fatalities. Colin Gray faces 29 charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, while his 14-year-old son, the alleged shooter, faces 55 charges, including felony murder. This case highlights a growing trend of holding parents accountable for their children's alleged criminal actions.

On the financial front, the Biden administration has reached a significant milestone by canceling student loans for one million public service workers, with a recent $4.5 billion debt relief installment benefiting 60,000 individuals, including teachers and firefighters. Overall, the administration has forgiven over $175 billion for approximately five million borrowers, despite facing legal challenges regarding broader student loan forgiveness plans.

Consumer confidence appears to be on the rise as retail sales increased by 0.4% in September, marking the third consecutive monthly gain. This uptick comes amid low unemployment rates and steady wage growth, suggesting a positive outlook as the holiday season approaches. Additionally, the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped by 19,000 last week, following a spike attributed to recent hurricanes in the southeast.

In entertainment news, the music world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, who died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. An autopsy revealed multiple traumas, and the incident was linked to substance abuse. Fans, known as Directioners, gathered to honor his memory, reflecting on the impact of his music.

Lastly, Hollywood has lost a legend with the passing of Mitzi Gaynor at the age of 93. The actress, known for her role in the 1958 film \"South Pacific,\" died of natural causes in Los Angeles. Gaynor's illustrious career spanned eight decades, during which she starred alongside icons like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, leaving a lasting legacy in film, television, and stage.