In the news now: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt feuds with NGA, shaping state policy while navigating severe weather and national scrutiny. Bio: Republican governor since 2019, Oklahoma businessman.
Severe weather has been recurring across the US, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds reported in recent days. Forecasts indicate similar conditions will persist through Tuesday and Wednesday, especially in regions affected last week. Warm temperatures are also expected to increase risks of storms and flooding.
A tornado in Oklahoma killed a mother and daughter near Fairview, with severe storms causing multiple fatalities and damage across the US Midwest. Authorities are investigating the storm's tornado nature amid ongoing severe weather threats.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has commuted the death sentence of Charles 'Sonny' Burton to life in prison without parole, citing concerns over justice and fairness. Burton, 75, was convicted in 1992 for a robbery during which another man shot and killed Doug Battle. The decision follows debates over his guilt and the appropriateness of executing a participant who did not pull the trigger. Burton's supporters and some jurors have urged clemency, while prosecutors oppose it. Burton's scheduled execution by nitrogen gas on March 12 will no longer proceed, marking a rare clemency decision by Ivey.
Multiple tornadoes struck Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma from March 7-11, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage. Michigan and Oklahoma experienced the most severe impacts, with several deaths and extensive destruction. Emergency responses are ongoing as severe weather persists across the central US.
Recent school shootings in Oklahoma and Turkey have resulted in injuries and fatalities. In Oklahoma, a gunman targeted Pauls Valley High School, where Principal Kirk Moore disarmed him despite being shot in the leg. In Turkey, a 19-year-old used a shotgun in Siverek, killing himself after wounding multiple students and staff. Authorities are investigating motives and ongoing security measures.
NY Post and Guardian reports detail convictions of educators and a pastor in separate abuse cases, with sentences extending decades in prison and ongoing implications for survivors and communities.