Wednesday, 06 February 2013 11:38
Court refuses appeal of Missouri man on Texas death row
HOUSTON (AP) - A federal appeals court has refused an appeal from a Missouri man condemned for the slayings of a Texas Tech University dean and an 18-year-old Lubbock woman 12 years ago.
The ruling late Tuesday from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moves 41-year-old Vaughn Ross a step closer to execution for the fatal shootings of 53-year-old Douglas Birdsall and Viola McVade.
Birdsall was associate dean of libraries at the Lubbock school.
Ross, a former Tech student from St. Louis, had been dating McVade's sister.
The victims were found shot in the head Jan. 31, 2001, inside Birdsall's car. DNA evidence tied their deaths to Ross.
Ross' unsuccessful appeal contended deficient legal help early in his appeals prevented him from pursing appeals that his trial attorneys also were deficient.
The ruling late Tuesday from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moves 41-year-old Vaughn Ross a step closer to execution for the fatal shootings of 53-year-old Douglas Birdsall and Viola McVade.
Birdsall was associate dean of libraries at the Lubbock school.
Ross, a former Tech student from St. Louis, had been dating McVade's sister.
The victims were found shot in the head Jan. 31, 2001, inside Birdsall's car. DNA evidence tied their deaths to Ross.
Ross' unsuccessful appeal contended deficient legal help early in his appeals prevented him from pursing appeals that his trial attorneys also were deficient.
Published in
Local News
Tuesday, 05 February 2013 16:20
Missouri looking to restrict police use of drones
HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Lawmakers in at least 11 states are looking at plans to restrict the use of drones over their skies amid concerns the unmanned aerial vehicles could be exploited to spy on Americans.
The American Civil Liberties Union says state legislators are proposing various restrictions on the new technology.
The Montana Senate looked at two bills Tuesday that hinder the use of drones, most often associated with overseas wars.
The chamber is preparing to give initial approval to one bill that bans information collected by drones from being used in court. It also would bar local and state government ownership of drones equipped with weapons.
The 10 other states with active legislation are California, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Florida, Virginia, Maine and Oklahoma.
The American Civil Liberties Union says state legislators are proposing various restrictions on the new technology.
The Montana Senate looked at two bills Tuesday that hinder the use of drones, most often associated with overseas wars.
The chamber is preparing to give initial approval to one bill that bans information collected by drones from being used in court. It also would bar local and state government ownership of drones equipped with weapons.
The 10 other states with active legislation are California, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Florida, Virginia, Maine and Oklahoma.
Published in
Local News
Tuesday, 05 February 2013 13:16
Missouri House committee passes voter ID measure
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri House committee has adopted a measure requiring voters to show photo identification before casting ballots.
The House Elections Committee approved a state constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether to allow the photo ID requirement. The committee also approved a separate bill that would implement the photo identification requirement.
The vote was along party lines, with Republicans saying the photo ID requirement would increases transparency and reduce voter fraud. Democrats said there are no reports of voter impersonation and that the plan could disenfranchise voters.
Currently when Missourians vote, they can show a photo ID or other means of identification such as utility bills or bank statements.
Both measures head to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
The House Elections Committee approved a state constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether to allow the photo ID requirement. The committee also approved a separate bill that would implement the photo identification requirement.
The vote was along party lines, with Republicans saying the photo ID requirement would increases transparency and reduce voter fraud. Democrats said there are no reports of voter impersonation and that the plan could disenfranchise voters.
Currently when Missourians vote, they can show a photo ID or other means of identification such as utility bills or bank statements.
Both measures head to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
Published in
Local News
Latest News
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
SAMARDZIJA PITCHES CUBS PAST CARDINALS 4-2
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ransom hit back-to-back homers in a four-run first inning and that was plenty for Jeff Samardzija, who pitched the Chicago Cubs over the St....
ALTIDORE SCORES, US BEATS HONDURAS 1-0
SANDY, Utah (AP) -- Jozy Altidore scored a goal in his fourth consecutive international match, enough for the United States to edge Honduras 1-0 in a World Cup qualifying game Tues...
Mother and son accused of selling stolen gopher feet
PRESTON, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota mother and her 18-year-old son are accused of stealing nearly $5,000 in frozen gopher feet and selling them for a bounty. Thirty-seven-year...
18 mayors ban use of food stamps to buy sugary drinks
NEW YORK (AP) - The mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 15 other cities are reviving a push against letting government food vouchers be used to buy soda and other sugary d...
Teen charged in fatal hot-and-run accident
Charges are filed against 17-year-old Charles Guice in the hit-and-run that killed a 2-year-old boy. He faces one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. On Sunday night, offic...
Bomb threat called in to Afton business
A bomb threat has forced the evacuation of an Afton business this afternoon. Fox 2 reports that all employees at Kerry Ingredients were ordered out of the building around 1:30. Th...
Drivers will need to feed meters in downtown St. Louis …
Drivers will soon need to the feed the parking meters in Downtown St. Louis on Saturdays. The Parking Division announced that they will start enforcing expired meters on Saturday ...
Unique part-time jobs available at upcoming job fairs
A couple of job fairs coming up that offer unique part-time job opportunities. Peabody Opera House and the Scottrade Center are looking to hire for the upcoming seasons. Positions...
