Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Digest

Federal Judge rules against lethal injection

By Times Wires
Published September 20, 2007

NASHVILLE

U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger ruled Wednesday that Tennessee's new lethal injection procedures are cruel and unusual punishment. The new protocol, released in April, does not ensure that inmates are properly anesthetized before the lethal injection is administered, Trauger said. In Florida, a challenge to lethal injection procedures is heading to the state Supreme Court next month. Two death row inmates, one facing execution in November, argue that Florida's lethal injection process is cruel and unusual punishment. The Florida Department of Corrections revamped its procedures, but defense attorneys will argue the process is still not humane.

OMAHA, Neb.

Agriculture chief may run for Senate

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is expected to resign today to clear the way for a Senate campaign in 2008, giving Republicans a welcome dose of good political news. Johanns, 57, has not confirmed his intention to run for Senate, but anonymous Republican officials said Wednesday he will seek the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel. The GOP must defend 22 of 34 Senate seats on the ballot next year.

Elsewhere

Parole for Great White manager: Daniel Biechele, the former tour manager for the 1980s band Great White whose pyrotechnics ignited a nightclub blaze that killed 100 people, was granted parole Wednesday in Rhode Island. He is scheduled for release in March after serving less than half of his four-year sentence.

Kidnapper sentenced: Vinson Filyaw, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and holding her for more than a week in an underground bunker in South Carolina, raping her daily, was sentenced Wednesday to 421 years in prison.

Vets' data at risk: Veterans' personal data and health information remain at risk of identity theft because the Veterans Affairs Department has yet to implement several safety measures, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Wednesday.

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 01:27:31]