First Slice 7/24/14: Execution of Arizona inmate takes nearly two hours

An Arizona inmate took almost two hours to die yesterday in yet another prolonged execution that used lethal injection drugs. The drugs have been under increased scrutiny after several similar incidents across the country in recent months. In a procedure that typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes, inmate Joseph R. Wood III repeatedly appeared to gasp for an extended period of time, according to witnesses.

The CDC confirms that Michael Farrell has resigned. Farrell was in charge of the lab where more than 80 workers were potentially exposed to anthrax last month.

At a recent meeting of the Henry County Board of Commissioners, several citizens raised the issue of creating a multi-use trail simulate to the Beltline. Bikers, runners, and pedestrians are currently forced to use roads and sidewalks when outdoors. Increasing the risks for Henry County citizens, many of the sidewalks in the area are in a serious state of disrepair and have the been the source of several recent injuries.

The unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent in June in Metro Atlanta. It was 7.2 percent in May. The slight increase is largely credited to summer layoffs of school employees as well as students and recent graduates entering the workforce.

A Clayton County home was visited by the local bomb squad this morning after area residents reported multiple blasts that shook their homes. Police say a 17-year-old young man was responsible for the incident after he set off several homemade explosives at his own home. Police have not decided if the teen will be charged.