In Alabama, a Volunteer to Die

James Osgood has been executed by the State of Alabama. Read an eyewitness account.

Apr 25 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

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September 2024

'Show Compassion': How the family of Kenneth Smith viewed the nitrogen execution of Alan Miller

Smith was the first person ever put to death by nitrogen suffocation. Miller was the second.

Sep 27, 2024 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

12

May 2024

LISTEN: The sound of solidarity

When Jamie Mills walks Holman's hallways toward Alabama's execution chamber, he won't be alone.

May 30, 2024 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

11

January 2024

‘Never Alone’: The suffocation of Kenneth Eugene Smith

On Thursday, Smith became the first human ever subjected to a nitrogen suffocation execution. Read one reporter’s eyewitness account.

Jan 26, 2024 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

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The humanity of Kenneth Eugene Smith

Alabama will attempt to kill Smith for the second time on Thursday in the nation's first execution by nitrogen suffocation.

Jan 24, 2024 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

17

The future of Tread

Tread began as a platform to publish and promote unflinching journalism from the heart of the U.S South. That mission will not change.

Jan 24, 2024 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

22

September 2023

In the shadow of Brother Bryan

Birmingham city councilors recently discussed individuals facing homelessness in Brother Bryan Park. Here's what those in the park think about the…

Sep 1, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

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August 2023

Wearing prison guard's uniform, incarcerated Alabama man describes conditions that led to 'security incident'

Chaos, violence, and death.

Aug 13, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

17

A tree grows in Birmingham

How one Southern community aims to plant its way into the Alabama shade.

Aug 9, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

7

She forgave her grandmother's murderer. She watched as Alabama killed him anyway.

Sarah Gregory spent days with Jimi Barber before witnessing his execution

Aug 3, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

17

July 2023

When they sang 'Amazing Grace': The Alabama Execution of James Barber

Alabama condemned him to death. He said he was headed for Higher Ground.

Jul 21, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

18

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LIVE UPDATES: Alabama set to execute James Barber

The state abandoned its last two attempts at lethal injection after issues accessing veins.

Jul 20, 2023 • 

Lee Hedgepeth

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