Idaho has become the latest state to turn to older methods of capital punishment due to a nationwide shortage of lethal-injection drugs, with Republican Governor Brad Little signing a bill allowing execution by firing squad. Pharmaceutical companies have largely barred executioners from using their drugs, prompting other states in recent years to revive older methods of execution. One Idaho death row inmate has already had his execution postponed multiple times due to the drug scarcity, and the new law is expected to take effect on July 1, 2020.
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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in all counties affected by the severe storms that hit the state on Friday night, resulting in 24 deaths, dozens of injuries, and four missing people. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has also tweeted that his department will provide support to the affected communities, and the state is now assessing the damage and providing assistance to those affected.
Two migrants were found dead and at least 10 hospitalized after police in South Texas received a call that they were “suffocating” in a freight train near the U.S.-Mexico border. The train was stopped by US Border Patrol near the town of Knippa, northeast of Uvalde, and Union Pacific is working with local law enforcement and the Border Patrol to investigate the incident. The identities of the deceased and the hospitalized individuals have not been released and the cause of death is still under investigation.
A powerful tornado swept through the Deep South on Friday night, leaving at least 23 dead and dozens of buildings destroyed in Mississippi. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down about 60 miles northeast of Jackson, causing catastrophic damage to communities across the state. In Rolling Fork, a rural town about 60 miles northwest from the state capital, Mayor Robert Smith declared, “My city is gone.” Search and rescue teams have been deployed to help victims impacted by the tornado, which was traveling northeast at 70 mph.
16-year-old Aiden Fucci was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the fatal stabbing of 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey in 2021. The judge took into account Fucci's young age, premeditation, and that he was the sole participant in the crime. Fucci's case may be reviewed in 25 years, and Bailey's family released a statement expressing their grief and thanking the court for their decision.
At least two people have died and nine are unaccounted for after an explosion at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Fire and smoke were seen at the scene and six to eight people were taken for medical attention. The cause of the explosion is unknown and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the West Reading Police Department.
At least two people were killed and several others injured in an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on Friday evening. The blast sent a plume of black smoke into the air, resulting in the destruction of a building at the facility and damage to a nearby building. Reading Hospital received a total of eight patients, with one transferred to another hospital and the other five expected to be treated and discharged. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
On March 3rd, a business jet flying over New England experienced a fatal accident after pilots responded to automated cockpit warnings by disabling a system that helps keep the aircraft stable. The NTSB is continuing to investigate the incident and is urging pilots to be aware of the potential risks associated with disabling stabilizer systems. The NTSB is also recommending that aircraft manufacturers review their procedures for responding to automated cockpit warnings and is expected to release its final report in the coming months.