May 16 Illinois’ governor wants to bring back the death penalty. Does his proposal have a chance? By Ryan Connelly Holmes The proposal has reignited debate over the death penalty in a state that abolished it seven years ago, and at a time when President Donald Trump has repeatedly echoed his support for the death penalty, particularly for those who kill… Continue reading
Dec 15 WATCH: Trump calls for death penalty for anyone who kills a police officer By Joshua Barajas and Associated Press The president was warmly received by the crowd of local law enforcement officers who cheered his calls for a crackdown on gangs and an end to chain migration. Continue reading
Nov 06 Supreme Court says execution of Alabama inmate can move forward By Associated Press The court noted that federal courts' review of Madison's case is constrained because of a 1996 law that was intended to limit federal judges' second-guessing of state court decisions. State courts upheld Madison's death sentence, and the Supreme Court, applying… Continue reading
Sep 05 How death row inmates at San Quentin are using poetry to examine the prison system — and themselves By Elizabeth Flock Prison literature has a long and rich history, stretching back to Jack London, Nelson Algren and Malcolm X. The genre includes powerful work from prisoners incarcerated on death row, which is often surfaced with the help of activists or artists… Continue reading
Apr 25 Watch 6:48 News Wrap: Michael Flynn accused of breaking the law by House Oversight leaders By PBS News Hour In our news wrap Tuesday, House Oversight Committee leaders accused former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn of breaking the law in 2015 by taking money from Russian organizations. Also, a federal judge in San Francisco has blocked President Trump’s order… Continue watching
Apr 25 Does the death penalty bring closure to a victim’s family? By Laura Santhanam The last time anyone saw Julie Heath alive was Oct. 3, 1993, when the 18-year-old set out to visit her boyfriend in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A week later, a hunter discovered Heath’s body, less than eight miles from where her… Continue reading
Apr 20 Arkansas executes first person in 12 years By Laura Santhanam A week ago, Arkansas planned to execute seven men in 11 days. Ledell Lee was put to death late Thursday, and three more men are scheduled to be executed. Continue reading
Apr 18 What’s next in the fight over Arkansas executions By Laura Santhanam The fight for Davis’ life escalated through a series of appeals and counter arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court late Monday. Without knowing if the court would offer an opinion, prison personnel preemptively served him his last meal. Continue reading
Apr 17 Should states ban the death penalty for people with severe mental illness? By Rebecca Beitsch, Stateline Legislators in at least seven states have proposed bills this year to prohibit the death penalty for people who suffered from a serious mental illness at the time of their crime. Continue reading
Apr 17 Arkansas races against the clock to begin executions By Kelly P. Kissel, Associated Press Lawyers for the state of Arkansas fought on multiple legal fronts Monday to begin a series of double executions before a key sedative used in lethal injections expires at the end of the month. Continue reading