On this day: October 2

NASA: Evidence of Mars environments that could have supported life found

NASA reports that data from Mars missions reveal past environments with water, energy sources and chemical ingredients that could have been habitable for microbial life, renewing interest in the Red Planet’s potential for biological activity.

Failures in Katrina Evacuation and Response Ignite Broad Criticism

After Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, widespread evacuation breakdowns and delayed federal, state, and local responses prompted national outrage over leadership failures, strained emergency plans, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities.

Supreme Court Restores Capital Punishment Nationwide

On Oct. 2, 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of new death-penalty statutes, effectively reinstating capital punishment after a four-year de facto moratorium following its 1972 rulings.

Community Reels After Deadly 2006 School Shooting in Pennsylvania

On October 2, 2006, a shooting at a Pennsylvania middle school killed a student and wounded others, shocking the small community and prompting renewed debate over school safety and juvenile mental health.