A convicted murderer is set to be executed by firing squad, marking the first time this execution method has been used in the United States in 15 years. Brad Sigmon of South Carolina, now 67 years old, was convicted of violently killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents with a baseball bat while high on crack cocaine in 2001. He was given a death sentence, and has rejected both lethal injection and electric chair methods. Sigmon said he sees a firing squad as the best option. New: Brad Sigmon will face death by firing squad in South Carolina on Friday. He is a convicted double murderer. This will be the first execution using a firing squad in 15 years. pic.twitter.com/1Isk9vVMcB — The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) March 5, 2025   Only three inmates have been executed via firing squad since 1977 and all three were in Utah. On the date of his execution, Sigmon will be strapped to a chair with a hood over his head and a target over his heart. Then, volunteers will use special bullets to carry out the execution. Here are the details: NEW: South Carolina man Brag Sigmon to be executed on Friday by firing squad. Sigmon will be strapped to a firing squad chair with a hood over his head and a target over his heart, according to the AP. The 67-year-old was convicted of double m*rder in 2001 where he k*lled his… pic.twitter.com/GNHnDn3jeE — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 5, 2025 Some info from ABC about how the deed will be done: “It will be three people holding rifles about 15 feet (4.6 meters) away who will complete his punishment in what will be the United States’ first firing squad execution in 15 years. Some 46 prisoners have been executed by… — Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) March 5, 2025 The New York Post reported: A convicted double murderer is set to die by firing squad in South Carolina on Friday — the first execution of its kind in the US in 15 years. Brad Sigmon, 67, personally requested the unusual punishment after fearing the electric chair would “burn and cook him alive,” his attorney Gerald King wrote in a statement. He also rejected a lethal injection after three previous inmates took more than 20 minutes to die after receiving the fatal dose of pentobarbital, his lawyers said. Sigmon became the first South Carolina inmate to choose the state’s new firing squad method of killing, and he’ll become the first inmate to be executed by shooting since 2010. The killer will be strapped to a chair and have a hood placed over his head and a target placed over his heart in the death chamber. Three volunteers will fire at him through a small opening about 15 feet away… Sigmon claimed he was forced to choose a violent death by firing squad because, without more information, he thought his alternatives would be more torturous, according to a stay of execution motion filed by his attorneys with South Carolina’s Supreme Court. Only three inmates in the US have been executed by firing squad since 1976, with all of them taking place in Utah. AP added more details: When a South Carolina man who killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents with a baseball bat steps into the death row chamber Friday night, it won’t be lethal injection or electrocution that ends his life. It will be three people holding rifles about 15 feet (4.6 meters) away who will complete his punishment in what will be the United States’ first firing squad execution in 15 years. Some 46 prisoners have been executed by lethal injection and electrocution in South Carolina since 1985. Brad Sigmon’s execution will be the first by firing squad. Just three inmates — in Utah in 1977, 1996 and 2010 — have faced a firing squad in the U.S. since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Reporters, family members of Sigmon’s victims and his lawyer will view the execution inside the same building used for all executions over the past 35 years, although prison officials say the glass separating the witness room from the death chamber is now bulletproof. Sigmon can give a last statement if he wishes. Sigmon, 67, is being executed for the 2001 baseball bat killings of his ex-girlfriend’s parents at their home in Greenville County. They were in separate rooms, and Sigmon went back and forth as he beat them to death, investigators said. He then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she escaped from his car. He shot at her as she ran but missed, according to prosecutors. In a confession, Sigmon said, “I couldn’t have her. I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.”

Motley Crue will now launch their Las Vegas run in September as Vince Neil takes a step back on doctors' orders

During a Wednesday trip to Eagle Pass, Texas, Vice President JD Vance stated that President Donald Trump hopes to build the entirety of the wall on the southern border by the end of his term.

President Donald Trump slammed congressional Democrats on Wednesday evening for their disruptive behavior during his address this week to Congress. “The Democrats should lose the Midterms based on their behavior at last night’s Joint Address to Congress,” Trump posted on social media. Trump encouraged Republicans to use the behavior that Democrats exhibited as he spoke about key issues when they hit the campaign trail for the midterms. “All Republicans must use their behavior on men in women’s sports, their very dangerous Open Border policy, High Energy and Taxes, and much else,” Trump said. “Also, Republicans should utilize the footage provided on the total disrespect they showed to all of those that were honored that night, including young ladies who were killed by illegal migrants, people with terminal cancer, etc.” “They didn’t even have the common courtesy to stand, smile, or applaud,” he added. “This could be, on analyzing the full tape of this Historic Event, your full CAMPAIGN TO VICTORY! In other words, Republicans can take what happened last night, and win any Race in the Country. Good Luck!!!” Democrats were widely criticized following the event for their behavior during it. Top Democratic political strategist David Axelrod said on CNN following the address, “I will say, I thought Democrats, I thought that was – I think there were times when they should have risen. I think what Al Green did was despicable.” Axelrod said. David Axelrod: “I think there were times when [Democrats] should’ve risen. I think what Al Green did was despicable.” pic.twitter.com/TFKj81Kjfx — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) wrote in a post on X that “the way Democrats behaved was unserious and embarrassing.” “The contrast between our forward looking vision and their temper tantrums was on display for all of America to see,” he added. Related: MSNBC’s Maddow, Wallace Slammed For ‘Crazy, Deranged’ Remarks Politicizing Child Cancer Survivor

“Hamilton” Broadway musical producer Jeffrey Seller announced he’s canceled upcoming shows at The Kennedy Center because President Donald Trump terminated most members of the Board of Trustees — including Chairman David Rubenstein — and had taken over the role himself. In a lengthy rant on the X “Hamilton” account, the producer wrote that, “Political disagreement and debate are vital expressions of democracy. These basic concepts of freedom are at the very heart of ‘Hamilton.’ However, some institutions are sacred and should be protected from politics. The Kennedy Center is one such institution.” “The Kennedy Center was meant to be for all Americans, a place where we could all come together in celebration of the arts. Politics have never affected the presentation of thousands of shows and the display of extraordinary visual arts,” he added, claiming that in recent weeks “decades” of “neutrality” at the center had “been destroyed” by Trump. “’Given these recent actions, our show simply can not, in good conscience, participate and be part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,” Seller continued. “Therefore, we have canceled the third engagement of ‘Hamilton’ at the Kennedy Center, originally scheduled for March 3 through April 26, 2026.” The “Hamilton” producer claimed the cancellation was also a business decision, suggesting that under Trump’s leadership “hundreds of employees of ‘Hamilton’” could be “financially and personally” effected “if the new leadership suddenly cancelled or re-negotiated our engagement.” In response to the announcement, Ric Grenell, who is serving as the interim president of the Kennedy Center following the termination of Deborah Rutter, posted on X that this decision was a “publicity stunt that will backfire.” “Let’s be clear on the facts. Seller and @Lin_Manuel first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans,” Grenell wrote.  “The Arts are for everyone — not just for the people who Lin likes and agrees with,” he added. “The American people need to know that @Lin_Manuel is intolerant of people who don’t agree with him politically. It’s clear he and Sellers don’t want Republicans going to their shows. Americans see you, Lin.” Let’s be clear on the facts. Seller and @Lin_Manuel first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans. This is a publicity stunt that will backfire. The Arts are for everyone -… https://t.co/K56LjofULp — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) March 5, 2025 The move by the “Hamilton” producer is only the latest fallout from Trump’s changes at the Kennedy Center. Hollywood star Issa Rae previously backed out of performing her one night show at The Kennedy Center after Trump became the chairman of the board. Producer-writer Shonda Rhimes announced she had resigned as treasurer from the Kennedy Center board because of Trump’s involvement. Her resignation was followed by singer-songwriter and former frontman of Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds, who announced he also was out as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) following the move by Trump, The Hollywood Reporter noted. The Kennedy Center oversees the NSO, as well as the Washington National Opera, THR noted. Related: Actress Issa Rae Backs Out Of Performing At Kennedy Center After Trump Becomes Chair

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM John McFall, a former Paralympian from Great Britain, made history as the first astronaut with a physical disability to be cleared for long-duration space missions. The European Space Agency (ESA) granted him medical clearance, making him eligible for potential assignments to the International Space Station (ISS). For McFall, this achievement transcends personal success—it’s about shifting mindsets. “This isn’t about me, this is way bigger than that,” McFall said during a media briefing. “This is a cultural shift. This is something that has not been done before.” His words underscore the broader impact of his achievement: a step toward inclusivity in a domain that has long been perceived as exclusive. A journey of resilience and resolve McFall’s path to becoming an astronaut is nothing short of extraordinary. At 19, he lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident. Refusing to let this define him, McFall pursued a career in medicine, becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and went on to win a bronze medal in sprinting at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. His determination and resilience made him a natural fit for the ESA’s astronaut reserve, which he joined in 2022. The ESA’s feasibility study, aptly named “Fly!,” explored the potential for astronauts with physical disabilities to participate fully in missions. The study’s findings were promising: for individuals with disabilities similar to McFall’s, space travel is indeed possible without imposing significant financial or operational burdens. McFall’s recent clearance validates these findings, proving that “inclusion in space exploration is achievable,” as noted in a statement from the U.K. Space Agency. A shift in mindsets Jerome Reineix, the study manager for Fly!, acknowledged that the greatest challenges were not technical but cultural. “The main difficulty that we faced was not really technical … but was really about the mindsets,” he admitted. The success of the feasibility study is a testament to the power of challenging preconceived notions about disability and capability. McFall’s optimism is unwavering. “At this stage, it’s looking very positive,” he said, expressing hope for a future mission assignment. The ISS is scheduled for decommissioning around 2030, leaving a promising window of opportunity. A legacy of possibility For McFall, the impact of his achievement extends far beyond the bounds of Earth’s atmosphere. “I hope that through my time here and what we’ve achieved so far that I’ve been able to change that mindset a little bit,” he shared. His words reflect a deeper mission—to inspire others with disabilities to pursue paths previously thought impossible. While a seat on the next ISS mission is not guaranteed, McFall’s journey has already redefined what is possible. His story is a powerful reminder that the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning.The post From Paralympian to astronaut: John McFall’s historic ESA clearance first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With a surge in news headlines about plane crashes in early 2025, it is no surprise that more people are feeling uneasy about air travel. “Many people are experiencing heightened anxiety around air travel since hearing recent news,” says Rebecca Skolnick, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of MindWell NYC. Travel anxiety is not just about fear of flying; it is also about the feeling of having no control over the situation. The reality, however, is that air travel is still one of the safest modes of transportation. In January 2025, there were 62 total reported airplane accidents nationwide, compared to 80 in January 2024, according to CNN. In fact, there have been fewer fatalities on commercial airliners over the last fifteen years than in any other similar period. “We are certainly hearing about [plane crashes] more than we used to, and that still doesn’t mean it is likely to happen to you,” Dr. Skolnick reassures. How to manage fear of flying One effective way to cope with flight anxiety is to focus on the facts. Reviewing statistics that highlight the safety of air travel can help counteract the tendency to overestimate risk based on recent news. “Remember not to overgeneralize — just because it has been happening more recently doesn’t mean every plane is going to crash now,” says Dr. Skolnick. Another helpful strategy is to make a plan for the flight. Bringing a book, downloading favorite podcasts, or lining up movies can serve as healthy distractions to occupy the mind during takeoff and landing. Practicing relaxation techniques Deep diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are simple techniques that can help manage anxiety mid-flight. Dr. Skolnick suggests focusing on each breath to calm the nervous system. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then slowly releasing different muscle groups, which can help relieve the physical tension that often accompanies anxiety. Reframing the risk Thinking about previous positive flight experiences can also help. Each safe flight can serve as a reminder that fear, while real, is not necessarily an accurate predictor of outcomes. Dr. Skolnick encourages travelers to consider the risk of flying in context. “We all have to tolerate risk and uncertainty every day,” she says. “So it can be helpful to think about times you have been able to tolerate risk and uncertainty in the past, and use that when flying.” Recognizing that some level of uncertainty is part of life—whether it is driving a car, crossing the street, or even walking outside—can help shift the focus from fear to acceptance. When to seek professional support If anxiety about flying becomes overwhelming or interferes with the ability to travel at all, it might be time to consult a therapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing anxiety by challenging and reframing unhelpful thoughts. The bottom line: air travel is still a remarkably safe way to explore new places, connect with loved ones, and embrace the world. With the right strategies, it is possible to navigate travel anxiety and regain confidence in flying.The post Coping with the fear of flying: tips for staying calm when headlines are scary first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.