Ariz. goes overseas for execution drug

Ariz. goes overseas for execution drug

FLORENCE, Ariz.

Facing a nationwide shortage of a lethal-injection drug, Arizona has taken an unusual step that other death- penalty states may soon follow: get their supplies from another country.

Such a move, experts say, raises questions about the effectiveness of the drug. But it also may further complicate executions in the 35 states that allow them, as inmates challenge the use of drugs not approved by federal inspectors for use in the U.S.

Arizona said Tuesday that it got its sodium thiopental from Great Britain, the first time a state has acknowledged obtaining the drug from outside the United States since the shortage began slowing executions in the spring.

Animal lovers mourn giant stag

LONDON

It’s a photo of animal majesty that has turned into a murder mystery: Who shot the Emperor?

Nature lovers on Tuesday were mourning a red stag dubbed the Emperor of Exmoor — a 9-foot giant reported to be the biggest wild animal in the British Isles. He was found dead days after his picture appeared in the national press.

The Emperor’s size set him apart from the herd but also may have made him prize prey for hunters willing to pay handsomely for such a majestic trophy.

Jury chosen for DeLay’s trial

AUSTIN, Texas

A jury has been chosen in Texas for the trial of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who is accused of illegally financing Texas GOP legislative races in 2002.

After more than eight hours of jury selection in Austin, a panel of six men and six women as well as two alternates was picked Tuesday to hear the case. Testimony is expected to start Monday.

Potential jurors were quizzed on whether their political beliefs could interfere in their ability to make an impartial decision about DeLay, a highly polarizing ex-politician. Most said it wouldn’t affect them.

The 63-year-old former Houston-area congressman is charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. DeLay says he committed no crime.

Doctor gives OK for Demjanjuk trial

MUNICH

A court doctor says the trial of John Demjanjuk can go ahead after tests showed that the 90-year-old showed no signs of a heart attack.

Demjanjuk’s defense team said his health has been deteriorating and asked whether he had a heart attack this week.

Court doctor Albrecht Stein said Tuesday that tests showed no signs of a heart attack.

The trial on Tuesday opened three hours late as Stein traveled to the prison hospital where Demjanjuk is being held to look at the test results and personally examine him.

Record number of openly gay officials

WASHINGTON

Less than halfway through his first term, President Barack Obama has appointed more openly gay officials than any other president in history.

Gay activists say the estimate of more than 150 appointments so far — from agency heads and commission members to policy officials and senior staffers — surpasses the previous high of about 140 reached during two full terms under President Bill Clinton.

Associated Press