NEWS OF THE DAY
1 Slavery apology: Gov. Jack Markell signed a resolution Wednesday apologizing for Delaware’s role in slavery and wrongs committed against blacks during the Jim Crow era. Calling slavery an “egregious sin.” Along with signing the resolution, which was passed by state lawmakers last month, Markell presented a proclamation recognizing African American History Month. He also joined Delaware State University Harry Williams in unveiling an exhibit at the state archives commemorating the 125th anniversary of historically black school.
2 Zoo tiger killed: A female Sumatran tiger was killed at the Sacramento Zoo by her mating partner Wednesday after the two felines were put in the same enclosure for breeding, zoo officials said. The male tiger became aggressive with the 15- year- old Baha minutes after a physical introduction, the zoo said in a statement. Staff monitoring from outside the enclosure used a water hose and fire extinguishers to separate the animals. Once the male tiger was secured, veterinarians rushed to help Baha, but she had already died. Baha had been at the Sacramento Zoo since 2002 and had successfully bred with three other partners, giving birth to five offspring. Mohan had also successfully bred before with other partners.
3 1960 murder case: A former priest has been arrested in Arizona in the 1960 slaying of a 25- year- old Texas schoolteacher and beauty queen. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department arrested 83- year- old John Feit on Tuesday. Feit faces a murder charge in the death of Irene Garza in McAllen, Texas, and is awaiting extradition to that state. Authorities say Garza visited Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen, where Feit was a priest, on April 16, 1960. Garza, who was Miss All South Texas Sweetheart 1958, had planned to go to confession that evening but never returned home. Her body was found days later in an irrigation canal.
4 Oregon standoff: The FBI surrounded the last four occupiers of a wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon as they yelled at officers in armored vehicles to back off, prayed with supporters over an open phone line, and said later they would turn themselves in Thursday morning. The four are the remnants of an armed group that seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 2 to oppose federal land- use policies.
5 Shopping center shootout: A gunman fatally shot a sheriff’s deputy inside a crowded restaurant at lunchtime Wednesday and killed another deputy in a shootout, authorities said. The gunman was killed in the exchange of gunfire not far from the shopping center where the restaurant was located, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said. Police haven’t released a motive for the shooting, but the sheriff said he believed the first deputy who approached the gunman was shot because he was wearing a uniform. The shooter was identified as 67- year- old David Brian Evans.