Alabama plans to carry out first nitrogen gas execution. How will it work and what are the risks?

Kenneth Eugene Smith, who survived the state’s previous attempt to put him to death by lethal injection in 2022, is scheduled to be put to death Thursday by nitrogen hypoxia. If carried out, it would the first new method of execution since lethal injection was introduced in 1982.


New opera delves into less familiar part of Helen Keller’s story

The opera TOUCH, commissioned by Opera Birmingham, depicts Keller's later life as an activist and feminist and conflict with her interpreter Anne Sullivan.

Hale Freezes Over

In Hale County, Alabama, many residents have gone without running water for days. Many more are still boiling water.

More News

Spiritual adviser at first nitrogen gas execution asks Alabama for safeguards to protect witnesses

The Rev. Jeff Hood, who will stand near Kenneth Smith during his execution, sent a letter Monday to the Alabama prison system requesting safeguards in case of a nitrogen leak in the execution chamber.

How an Alabama utility wields influence by financing news

A Floodlight investigation found Alabama Power runs a news service and its foundation bought a Black newspaper. Neither publishes critical stories about the utility.

DeBoer embraces chance to replace Saban at Alabama

The former Washington coach, hired two days after Saban’s retirement, said he’s giving the 72-year-old ex-coach “100 percent access” to his program


Kalen DeBoer hired to replace Nick Saban at Alabama

The powerhouse program tapped DeBoer on Friday to replace Saban, just two days after the 72-year-old coach announced his retirement.

MLK Day is Monday. In Alabama and Mississippi, it’s also Robert E. Lee Day.

Here’s a quick history lesson on why the unlikely joint celebration of a civil rights icon and a Confederate general is still happening.

Deadline approaches for USDA loan discrimination funds for underserved farmers

Gulf South farmers are racing to meet the deadline for DFAP. Some say the aid is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.

Alabama can enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, appeals court rules

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled that the injunction should be vacated, but the decision had been effectively on hold for more than 18 months while families with transgender children asked the full appellate court to reconsider the decision.

Prisoners’ bodies returned to families without heart, other organs, lawsuit alleges

The family of Brandon Clay Dotson, who died in a state prison in November, filed a federal lawsuit last month against the Alabama Department of Corrections and others saying his body was decomposing and his heart was missing when his remains were returned to his family.

Nick Saban’s retirement is a blow to Alabama football’s fans — and a boon to its haters

Sports fans in Birmingham were more than happy to weigh in on the Alabama football icon’s storied career.

54% of support comes from members