The top local stories this morning from KERA News:
Texas is on track to execute the smallest number of people in 20 years. The state has given lethal injections to seven people this year. According to the Texas Tribune, that’s the lowest execution rate since 1996.
New death sentences are also on the decline with only four this year.
At its peak in 1999, Texas had 48 new death sentences. That number dropped significantly after 2005, when life without parole became the alternative for jurors in death penalty trials. Experts also say fewer murders have contributed to the decline.
The Death Penalty Information Center says Texas has executed 538 people since 1976. Nine executions have been scheduled for next year.
Other stories this morning:
- On election night, President-elect Donald Trump picked up 306 electoral votes, while Hillary Clinton won 232. Those numbers won’t be final until the Electoral College officially cast its votes Monday. Two Texas Republican members of the college have been in the spotlight recently after announcing they wouldn’t cast votes for Donald Trump. Christopher Suprun of Dallas will talk about his decision tomorrow for our Friday Conversation.
- Fort Worth-based American Airlines will have to pay a hefty fine for several plane delays that caused problems nationwide.
- Our Big Screen team discusses the upcoming film, “Jackie.” Natalie Portman plays First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as she processes her husband’s assassination.
- Google’s launched its annual “Year In Search.” It compiles the most popular terms, news and figures that dominated the search engine. Here are some of the most popular searches in North Texas.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
