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.
Posts tagged as “Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church”
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.
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.
The Smith County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi is now investigating the death of Rasheem Carter, a 25-year-old Black man, as a potential homicide. Carter had warned his mother that he was being chased by white men hurling racial slurs shortly before his death, and Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston has defended his initial determination that no evidence pointed to homicide. Carter's family and friends are still mourning the loss of their loved one, and are asking anyone with information about Carter's death to come forward.
Norfolk Southern train derailed Thursday morning in Calhoun County, Alabama, hours before company CEO Alan Shaw was due to testify to lawmakers about a February 3rd derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Approximately 30 cars derailed, but there were no reports of injuries or hazardous material leaks. Norfolk Southern is currently working with local officials to investigate the cause of the incident.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a state of emergency on Friday evening as a large storm system moved through the South and Midwest, causing significant damage, leaving thousands without power, and resulting in at least 10 deaths. In Kentucky, four weather-related deaths were reported in four different counties, and Mayor Greg Fischer urged residents to stay off the roads and to be prepared for power outages. The storm system is expected to move out of the region by Saturday evening, but the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Northeast, with up to a foot of snow expected in some areas.
Residents of Jackson, Mississippi, gathered at New Jerusalem Church last week to receive free cases of bottled water and to stand in solidarity against the proposed Republican state lawmakers' "takeover of the city and disenfranchising local voters". The Mississippi Capitol Police has been at the center of the controversy, with an unusual level of authority and no body cameras, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old father of two and the injury of a 49-year-old woman. The event was a call to action for the community to stand up against the proposed takeover and to support the victims and their families.
Stella Stevens, an iconic actress of the 1960s and 70s, has passed away at the age of 82. She began her career in 1959 with a minor role in a Bing Crosby musical and achieved her big break in 1960 with the film "Li'l Abner". Her most memorable role was in the classic comedy "The Nutty Professor" in 1963, and she went on to become a prominent leading lady. She was married at 17 and had an only child, actor/producer Andrew Stevens, before divorcing two years later. She will be remembered for her many memorable roles and her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.