Archive - Tread by Lee Hedgepeth

LISTEN: The sound of solidarity

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

May 30 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

August 2023

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

Chaos, violence, and death.

Aug 13, 2023 •

A tree grows in Birmingham

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

Aug 9, 2023 •

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 •

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 •

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 •

In dissent, appeals court judge says James Barber will soon be state's 'guinea pig'

Barber is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Thursday at 6 p.m.

Jul 20, 2023 •

Despite oaths, EMTs, nurse to participate in Alabama executions

The state confirmed the medical professionals' positions in a court hearing ahead of Thursday's scheduled lethal injection of James Barber

Jul 17, 2023 •

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