Latest news with #JustMercy
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Restarting executions in TN amounts to subjecting death row prisoners to torture
Thumbing its nose at my argument in The Tennessean, in 2019, that 'There are many facts that clearly show the death penalty should be obsolete,' Tennessee is set to execute folks again. As The Tennessean reported recently, the state 'has announced plans to resume capital punishment with a new, more vague protocol for lethal injection — [one even vaguer than the previous protocol the state had a track record for botching. Now it will use] one drug called pentobarbital.' This will satisfy only the animalistic desire for violently fatal retribution which civilized societies around the world long ago outlawed; they hoped the U.S. someday would follow suit, or, at least, that individual states like Tennessee would start to shutter their barbaric death penalty regimes; that's why in that 2019 essay I insisted: 'We must be honest about the death penalty's repugnance.' I advanced then — and resubmit — that 'In these times, we must embolden noble, courageous people who exist in America, people with integrity, to call lethal injection the vile torture it is.' Tennessee has plenty of prison space to incarcerate the 'worst of the worst,' saving Tennesseans a whole heap of money in lawyers' fees and other costs of maintaining Tennessee's barbaric machinery of death (think of the officials who get paid to be involved, the lethal drugs, etcetera). And as The Tennessean astutely reported, there is a real 'lack of transparency over how the state is securing' the pentobarbital it will use, and therefore questions about whether it could be of shoddy quality. This should be especially alarming as witnesses of pentobarbital executions have described condemned prisoners 'gasping for air before they died and autopsies showing their lungs were filled with fluid akin to drowning' (and the horrific torture known as 'waterboarding' ). The Tennessean rightly observed that despite Trump's Justice Department's gung-ho approach to the death penalty, 'former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland halted the use of pentobarbital for federal death row inmates after it was unable to determine whether the drug causes 'unnecessary pain and suffering.'' However, it's critical Tennesseans understand that legal experts who study executions have come to much starker conclusions about pentobarbital. In a new book called 'Secrets of the Killing State' — about 'the untold story of lethal injection' — Corinna Barrett Kain, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, minces no words in her scholarly work that anyone who wants to know the truth about lethal injection must read. She concludes that 'pentobarbital executions are torturous in their own right.' About Lain's book, Bryan Stevenson, author of 'Just Mercy' and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative wrote: 'A compelling, thoroughly researched, brilliantly written investigation of how governments kill prisoners whose very lives may depend on the moral outrage of a nation that dares to look more closely at lethal injection and the death penalty. Disturbing, devastating, an urgent must-read.' As I've argued before to Tennesseans in this newspaper: 'Abolishing the death penalty requires morality, but it also requires people of conscience to speak honestly — and ask tough questions — in support of an unshakeable belief that should be uncontroversial in a civilized, principled society: The death penalty is racist, barbaric, and immoral.' And too: 'There exists too much mental illness, and far too much death and suffering in America already' and so all Americans, including Tennesseans, need to insist the state stop throwing scarce resources away on the death penalty in an immoral pursuit of 'justice.' Pardon my reliance on my past publications in The Tennessean on this subject of great importance — to Tennesseans who care about human rights — but it needs repetition: 'The constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment bears no asterisk for crimes committed by society's most despised.' Scheduling a flurry of lethal injections using pentobarbital is the wrong decision for Tennessee. It has already led to a flurry of litigation — with much more expected — and the amount of taxpayer money that is being used by the state to defend this torture will only mount. It is important to let the politicians who represent you know that this is not what you want. And it is not what you will vote for going forward. Tell them you want a government that focuses on improving the quality of life for its citizens—not one focused on secretive protocols for torturous killings. Stephen Cooper is a former D.C. public defender who worked as an assistant federal public defender in Alabama between 2012 and 2015. He has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers in the United States and overseas. He writes full-time and lives in Woodland Hills, California. Follow him on "X"/Twitter @SteveCooperEsq This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Scholars call death penalty drug pentobarbital 'torturous' | Opinion
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michael B. Jordan's $50 million net worth: A look at his films, real estate, production house and more
, the Hollywood A-Lister who makes people blush with his mere presence, has always charted the lists of successful films. The critically acclaimed actor has come a long way after featuring in a 2001 film to selling tickets faster than a race car for 'Sinners,' ensuring a load of '$' in his bank account. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Michael B. Jordan's net worth With his exceptional acting, Jordan has made a directional and productional debut as well - which has made an indelible mark in the history of Hollywood. Jordan's net worth is deservingly whopping $50 million, with the films that make billions of dollars at the box office and the presence that no one can resist. Film roles Amongst his highest-paid roles, Michael received $2 million for ' Black Panther ' (2018) in addition to the profits, considering the film crossed $1.3 billion at the box office. For the 'Creed' franchise, the actor went from earning thousands to $5 million, even debuting as a director in 'Creed III.' Real-estate Jordan's real estate portfolio is not just astonishing, it's hands down impressive. The 'IT Guy' purchased a $1.7 million, 4,627 square foot home in Sherman Oaks in 2016. Well, the actor went on to buy another house for a $5.8 million residence in Hollywood Hills, then sold it for $7 million in 2022. Michael finally purchased a 12,300 square foot residence for $12.50 million in Encino, California - but he listed it out six months later, according to Cosmopolitan. Production house The 38-year-old has a production house called ' Outlier Society ,' where they worked on a film that made Michael win awards. They produced a film called 'Just Mercy' in 2019 about the defence attorney Bryan Stevenson. Furthermore, he produced and starred in 'Fahrenheit 451,' and produced the animated web series 'Gen: Lock' and 'Raising Dion.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In addition to the assets, Michael has been involved with the gaming industry, where he voiced a character. He is also a part-owner of an English football club, ensuring the dollar bills in his bank account, according to Marca. FAQs 1. What is the latest film released starring Michael B. Jordan? Michael B. Jordan has a double role in Ryan Coogler's 'The Sinners,' which that released on April 18, 2025. 2. What is the net worth of Michael B. Jordan? Michael B. Jordan's net worth is $50 million. 3. What is the name of Michael B. Jordan's production house? Michael B. Jordan's production house is 'Outlier Society', which has produced many critically acclaimed films.
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
It's Time To Embrace The Overlooked Talent Pool Of People With Records
People with criminal records can offer specific and durable skills to help companies remain ... More competitive. Committing to fair chance hiring isn't just about doing good—it's good for business. Last month, I stepped outside of my typical orbit of the office, conference circuit, and board meetings. Instead, I traveled two hours outside of Denver to visit a few dozen women serving sentences in La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, Colorado. These women were taking part in 'The Challenge,' a program offered through the Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado, which offers career readiness coaching, professional development, and re-entry planning so they can prepare for and find jobs after incarceration. Their stories inspired me. Ashley, a recent participant, shared how her three children were able to visit her for the program's graduation ceremony and see her in a cap and gown for the first time. A few of the women in the early stages of the program helped me understand how much resilience it takes just to begin this journey; another woman, whose release is approaching in a few months, shared her hopes and honest fears about how she'll find a job and reestablish herself in her community. Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of Just Mercy, has often said that the first step in making change is to 'get proximate'—to build genuine connections with people facing obstacles or barriers, and 'affirm their dignity and humanity.' My visit with the women of the Breakthrough Alliance reminded me how valuable and important this kind of proximity is. This April, which is Fair Chance Month, I hope other leaders will be inspired to take this first step toward engaging with the people experiencing incarceration in their communities. I came away from my visit reminded that when we put up barriers that prevent people with records from finding employment, we leave out a talent pool that is at least 70 million Americans strong. At my organization, Jobs for the Future, we know this first-hand: since 2023, we've committed to hiring employees who have records or are currently incarcerated and have benefited greatly from their skills, experience, and dedication. Many of the arguments for fair chance hiring focus on reduced recidivism. But in my opinion, there's a reason that's even more compelling. The women participating in The Challenge have committed to developing the specific and durable skills that companies need to remain competitive. Committing to fair chance hiring isn't just about doing something good—it's about doing something that's good for business. If you're a leader interested in taking the first step toward fair chance hiring, here are a few ways to get started. Many of us in the corporate world, especially those of us in the C-Suite, get exposure to prison settings through television and movies, which can perpetuate stereotypes and sidestep the actual experiences of people who are incarcerated. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who recently made a push for fair chance hiring in his State of the State address, shared how his understanding of people with records was shaped by years working in his family's seed business alongside Leonard 'Shorty' Steele, who had been incarcerated in Kentucky years earlier. Former Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield discovered this first-hand when, inspired by Stevenson's book, he visited a training program located in California's San Quentin State Prison and returned with more Slack employees. Since then, Slack has become a corporate leader in fair chance hiring through its Next Chapter partnership, which creates technology training and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated workers. The good news: employers who want to take this step don't have to do it alone. Organizations like the Second Chance Business Coalition, whose members are major U.S. employers, offers resources to support companies looking to reduce hiring barriers. They have a comprehensive list of partners around the country who can help employers connect with people in their regions. If distance puts an in-person connection out of reach for your company, my organization's Fair Chance Corporate Cohort offers specialized in-person and virtual trainings for companies interested in fair chance hiring. As skills-based hiring strategies gain momentum, there are millions of people with records developing in-demand skills through training programs around the country. The skills-first movement often focuses on reducing or eliminating degree requirements for open jobs; Fair Chance Month is an ideal opportunity to also update the policies and practices that screen people with records out of the hiring process. With this approach, employers can significantly open up their talent pool and focus more on what applicants can bring to the job, instead of what credentials they've earned or what experiences have prevented their advancement. A wide range of education and training opportunities exist within the nation's prisons: Organizations like Unlocked Labs, The Last Mile, and Persevere teach incarcerated learners digital skills, including coding and web development. Hope for Prisoners operates a 120,000-square-foot vocational complex inside the Nevada Department of Corrections that provides certifications in welding, truck driving, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, electrical, and warehouse logistics. Opportunities like The Challenge in Colorado also emphasize the uniquely human skills that are increasingly needed in the age of automation. Sonya, a program graduate who is now released from prison, described learning how to work as a team, build and pitch a business plan, and prepare to talk about her training and work experience. 'I really enjoyed learning more about the different cognitive thought processes and how to better communicate with people,' she said. 'No other program during my tenure at LVCF offered the skills training and support that Breakthrough offers.' Establishing fair chance hiring practices doesn't happen overnight—it involves relationship-building, outreach, and a lot of self-reflection about company values. At Jobs for the Future, I still remember all the questions and considerations that went into making our first incarcerated hire: were our systems set up to support them? Were there restrictions from the prison that would affect their ability to do the job? But if the women I met in The Challenge program can take that big first step on their journey to rebuild their lives, we leaders can take the first step toward building our businesses by being a part of that journey. This Fair Chance Month, I encourage leaders to reach out, 'get proximate,' and explore the benefits of fair chance hiring for your company.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
I Recently Visited A Women's Prison. Here's How To Embrace This Talent Pool
People with criminal records can offer specific and durable skills to help companies remain ... More competitive. Committing to fair chance hiring isn't just about doing good—it's good for business. Last month, I stepped outside of my typical orbit of the office, conference circuit, and board meetings. Instead, I traveled two hours outside of Denver to visit a few dozen women serving sentences in La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, Colorado. These women were taking part in 'The Challenge,' a program offered through the Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado, which offers career readiness coaching, professional development, and re-entry planning so they can prepare for and find jobs after incarceration. Their stories inspired me. Ashley, a recent participant, shared how her three children were able to visit her for the program's graduation ceremony and see her in a cap and gown for the first time. A few of the women in the early stages of the program helped me understand how much resilience it takes just to begin this journey; another woman, whose release is approaching in a few months, shared her hopes and honest fears about how she'll find a job and reestablish herself in her community. Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of Just Mercy, has often said that the first step in making change is to 'get proximate'—to build genuine connections with people facing obstacles or barriers, and 'affirm their dignity and humanity.' My visit with the women of the Breakthrough Alliance reminded me how valuable and important this kind of proximity is. This April, which is Fair Chance Month, I hope other leaders will be inspired to take this first step toward engaging with the people experiencing incarceration in their communities. I came away from my visit reminded that when we put up barriers that prevent people with records from finding employment, we leave out a talent pool that is at least 70 million Americans strong. At my organization, Jobs for the Future, we know this first-hand: since 2023, we've committed to hiring employees who have records or are currently incarcerated and have benefited greatly from their skills, experience, and dedication. Many of the arguments for fair chance hiring focus on reduced recidivism. But in my opinion, there's a reason that's even more compelling. The women participating in The Challenge have committed to developing the specific and durable skills that companies need to remain competitive. Committing to fair chance hiring isn't just about doing something good—it's about doing something that's good for business. If you're a leader interested in taking the first step toward fair chance hiring, here are a few ways to get started. Many of us in the corporate world, especially those of us in the C-Suite, get exposure to prison settings through television and movies, which can perpetuate stereotypes and sidestep the actual experiences of people who are incarcerated. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who recently made a push for fair chance hiring in his State of the State address, shared how his understanding of people with records was shaped by years working in his family's seed business alongside Leonard 'Shorty' Steele, who had been incarcerated in Kentucky years earlier. Former Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield discovered this first-hand when, inspired by Stevenson's book, he visited a training program located in California's San Quentin State Prison and returned with more Slack employees. Since then, Slack has become a corporate leader in fair chance hiring through its Next Chapter partnership, which creates technology training and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated workers. The good news: employers who want to take this step don't have to do it alone. Organizations like the Second Chance Business Coalition, whose members are major U.S. employers, offers resources to support companies looking to reduce hiring barriers. They have a comprehensive list of partners around the country who can help employers connect with people in their regions. If distance puts an in-person connection out of reach for your company, my organization's Fair Chance Corporate Cohort offers specialized in-person and virtual trainings for companies interested in fair chance hiring. As skills-based hiring strategies gain momentum, there are millions of people with records developing in-demand skills through training programs around the country. The skills-first movement often focuses on reducing or eliminating degree requirements for open jobs; Fair Chance Month is an ideal opportunity to also update the policies and practices that screen people with records out of the hiring process. With this approach, employers can significantly open up their talent pool and focus more on what applicants can bring to the job, instead of what credentials they've earned or what experiences have prevented their advancement. A wide range of education and training opportunities exist within the nation's prisons: Organizations like Unlocked Labs, The Last Mile, and Persevere teach incarcerated learners digital skills, including coding and web development. Hope for Prisoners operates a 120,000-square-foot vocational complex inside the Nevada Department of Corrections that provides certifications in welding, truck driving, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, electrical, and warehouse logistics. Opportunities like The Challenge in Colorado also emphasize the uniquely human skills that are increasingly needed in the age of automation. Sonya, a program graduate who is now released from prison, described learning how to work as a team, build and pitch a business plan, and prepare to talk about her training and work experience. 'I really enjoyed learning more about the different cognitive thought processes and how to better communicate with people,' she said. 'No other program during my tenure at LVCF offered the skills training and support that Breakthrough offers.' Establishing fair chance hiring practices doesn't happen overnight—it involves relationship-building, outreach, and a lot of self-reflection about company values. At Jobs for the Future, I still remember all the questions and considerations that went into making our first incarcerated hire: were our systems set up to support them? Were there restrictions from the prison that would affect their ability to do the job? But if the women I met in The Challenge program can take that big first step on their journey to rebuild their lives, we leaders can take the first step toward building our businesses by being a part of that journey. This Fair Chance Month, I encourage leaders to reach out, 'get proximate,' and explore the benefits of fair chance hiring for your company.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘A Minecraft Movie' Reviews: Are Critics Game For Jack Black's Film?
Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Sebastian Hansen in "A Minecraft Movie." A Minecraft Movie — Jack Black and Jason Momoa's action comedy based on the blockbuster video game series — is new in theaters. How do critics feel about it? Directed by Jared Hess, A Minecraft Movie marks the first time the best-selling video game of all time has been adapted for the big screen. A Minecraft Movie — which plays in Thursday previews before opening in theaters on Friday — also stars Emma Myers (Wednesday), Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Sebastian Hansen (Just Mercy) and Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus). The official summary for A Minecraft Movie reads, Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn't just help you craft, it's essential to one's survival! Four misfits — Garrett 'The Garbage Man' Garrison (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers) and Dawn (Brooks) — find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. 'To get back home, they'll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Black). Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative…the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world.' A Minecraft Movie has critics split in reviews posted on Rotten Tomatoes so far. To date, the film has received a 53% 'rotten' rating based on 53 reviews. The audience-voted Popcornmeter score has not yet been posted. Peter Howell is among the top critics on RT giving A Minecraft Movie a 'fresh' rating. In his review for the Toronto Star on RT, Howell writes, 'The movie takes a grown-up absurdist's approach to adapting a kid's video game for the big screen, with mostly entertaining results that should appeal to more than just squares.' Brandon Yu of the New York Times also gives A Minecraft Movie a 'fresh' review on RT, writing, 'There's something almost refreshingly bold in the full-tilt insanity here... In a world of such factory-line adaptations, there's more of an identity here, even if it's a mindless one.' Mark Kennedy of The Associated Press also gives A Minecraft Movie a 'fresh' review, specifically pointing out Jason Momoa's development as a comedic actor. In his review for The AP on RT, Kennedy writes, 'If it does anything, 'A Minecraft Movie' marks the comedic coming of age of Momoa, who has shown glimpses of his chops in the Aquaman and Fast X movies. But when he's not on screen in this one, it leaves the movie slack.' Nick Schager of The Daily Beast is among the top critics on RT giving A Minecraft Movie a "rotten' review, writing, 'Block-headed from start to finish, it's cinema in service of nothing more than IP exploitation.' Also disappointed in A Minecraft Movie is Johnny Oleksinski, who writes in his New York Post review on RT, 'It's the kind of formulaic brand-extension tale a writer could pitch while in a coma.' Michael Ordoña of The Wrap also gives the film a 'rotten' review, writing in his review on RT, 'The makers of the video game-based A Minecraft Movie know their built-in audience and ruthlessly target them with fan service and slapstick galore. For the rest of us, it's a by-the-numbers Hero's Journey amid colorful digital backgrounds.' Rated PG, A Minecraft Movie plays in Thursday previews before opening in theaters on Friday.
