Author and poet Maya Angelou, who rose from poverty, segregation and violence to become a force on stage, screen and the printed page, has died. Wake Forest University announced Angelou's death in a news release today. She gained acclaim for her first book, her autobiography " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," making her one of the first African-American women to write a best-seller. She was 86.
Grand Opening
All roads lead to Pine Hill, Alabama today as the Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tubing Group of China will officially mark the opening of its new plant in Wilcox, County. The $100 million dollar facility is expected to employ more than 300 people at full production. Governor Robert Bentley and other state officials will join GD Copper officials from China for today's opening activities.
Armed Robby Suspects
Elmore County Sheriff's officials say two male teenagers from Wetumpka are being held in the county jail. Both are charged in connection with the April 14th armed robbery at a Marathon Gas station in Wallsboro. 18-year-old Jaques Vinson and 16-year-old Jeremiah Pogue were each charged as adults for their alleged roles in the robbery. Elmore County Chief Deputy Ricky Lowery said investigators are looking for two other suspects.
Legionella Disease
University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital officials say two of eight patients who recently tested positive for legionella, an infectious bacterial disease, have died. According to the CDC, legionella is a form of pneumonia and bacteria that cause the illness typically travel by water. UAB officials say the hospital flushed the water system and installed special filters on shower and faucet heads. Hospital officials in Birmingham said there have been no reports of new infections.
Intelligence Test
A divided U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states, including Alabama, cannot rely on intelligence test scores to determine whether death row inmates are eligible to be executed. The high court barred the execution of the mentally disabled 12 years ago. The 5-4 decision came in the case of a convicted killer in who has been on Florida's death row for more than 35 years.