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Jim Bakker, the televangelist who built and lost the PTL empire, dies at 86
3 days ago•Source: BBC
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Pike remains unconscious as Tennessee prison chief resigns over failed execution
Christa Pike remains unconscious on a ventilator four days after surviving two lethal injections in Tennessee. Her lawyer states her prognosis is unclear, while prison chief Frank Strada has resigned and Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review of the botched procedure.
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Tennessee Governor Denies Clemency for Christa Pike, Clearing Path for Execution
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has denied clemency for Christa Pike, the state's only woman on death row, clearing the way for her execution by lethal injection on September 30, 2026. Pike, 50, was convicted in 1996 for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer when Pike was 18. Her attorneys have filed an emergency petition with the US Supreme Court, arguing that her severe childhood trauma and mental illness warrant a stay. If the execution proceeds, Pike will be the first woman executed in Tennessee in over 200 years and the 19th woman executed in the US since the 1970s. The victim's mother supports the execution, while advocates highlight Pike's history of abuse and the disparity in sentencing compared to her juvenile co-conspirator.
Judge halts deportation of DoorDash driver shot by ICE in Austin
A US judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan man shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas. Garces Perez, who was delivering food for DoorDash when shot, remains in federal custody with a bullet lodged in his back and a fractured clavicle. His attorney secured a temporary restraining order, forcing him to appear in person at a hearing on September 30, which prevents his removal until then. While DHS claims he had a final removal order, his lawyer argues he entered legally via a parole program. The incident has sparked nationwide protests and calls for an independent investigation, as local officials dispute the federal government's account of the shooting.
Vance’s Antichrist musings reflect a common Christian belief, friend says
US Vice-President JD Vance said on a Christian podcast that he wouldn’t be shocked if the Antichrist was walking among us, while stressing such thoughts don’t preoccupy him. His friend Rod Dreher told the BBC this belief is very common among Christians and may reflect concerns about a chaotic world and AI; Vance, who converted to Catholicism, said he’s focused on his duties and doing God’s work rather than end-times speculation.
Massive LA warehouse fire leaves 85 million pounds of rotting food and a lingering stench
A June 17 fire at a large cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights destroyed vast amounts of food, leaving about 85 million pounds of rotting meat and seafood that residents say has created an unbearable odor and pest problems. Lineage says roughly 80% of the waste has been removed, but city officials say the cleanup has fallen short and have issued health and safety citations. In response, LA has mobilized mobile health clinics and air purifiers, while Lineage estimates $80–$100 million in cleanup costs and is aiming to finish bulk waste removal with an August 13 deadline. Mayor Karen Bass has pledged transparency and halted rebuilding plans until health and safety protections are in place.
The Yellowstone Effect: How a TV Show Reshaped Bozeman’s Boom and Housing Fight
Bozeman, Montana, has transformed from a quiet western town into a booming, expensive hub as pandemic-era migration and out-of-state money push up home prices and rents; locals struggle to afford housing while developers, private clubs, and tourism reshape downtown; a grassroots rent strike in mobile-home parks and a new generation of local leaders highlight a widening divide between residents and wealthier outsiders.
Cold Trail Under Tucson’s Dark Sky: Guthrie Case Remains Unresolved
84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson on Jan. 31, with investigators contending with rugged terrain, arroyos, and near-total darkness that complicate evidence collection. Nearly five months on, there are no confirmed suspects or solid leads, though ransom notes alleging bitcoin payment and Guthrie’s death have emerged, their authenticity debated. The case has been hampered by tensions between the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, and experts say the “cold” trail is hard to rekindle; Savannah Guthrie has publicly begged for tips as authorities maintain the investigation remains active.
Coast Guard pulls stranded snowmobiler from icy edge off Mackinac Island
The U.S. Coast Guard and local responders rescued a snowmobile operator stranded on ice near Mackinac Island, Michigan, after blizzard conditions prevented an aerial rescue; the rider had mild hypothermia but is in stable condition, and officials warned the weather was worse than a whiteout.
Chemical-Laden SUV Explodes in Queens, Damaging Homes
A car explosion on a quiet street in Queens, New York, caused damage to five homes and five cars but resulted in no injuries. The New York Fire Department's Deputy Chief George Healy stated that a pressurized cylinder in the car failed, leading to the explosion, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Authorities believe foul play is unlikely.
Massive Fire Engulfs Richmond, B.C., Impacting Air Quality
A massive fire near the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond, British Columbia, sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, significantly impacting traffic as emergency crews worked to control the situation. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no injuries have been reported.
"Biden's State of the Union: A Fighting Speech and Revealing Moments"
US President Joe Biden delivered a feisty State of the Union address, defending his record and attacking his Republican rival Donald Trump as he sought to convince Americans to give him another term in the White House. Facing low approval ratings and concerns about his age, Biden made a case for his re-election, while also facing interruptions from Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and a rebuttal from Alabama Senator Katie Britt.