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Alabama executes Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas

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Alabama executes Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas


Authorities in Alabama put Kenneth Eugene Smith to death Thursday using nitrogen hypoxia, marking the first time the method has been used for execution in U.S. history.

Officials in Alabama said Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. after breathing from a mask that delivered pure nitrogen gas.

Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by Smith to block the execution. Also Wednesday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cleared the way for Alabama to proceed with the execution.

In execution by nitrogen hypoxia, a person is deprived of oxygen and forced to breathe pure nitrogen. Death results when oxygen levels in the blood drop too low.

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Alabama, along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, are the first states to authorize execution by the method.

SEE MORE: Alabama inmate to be first prisoner executed with nitrogen gas

Attorneys for Smith argued that the method of his execution “would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.” They warned that the untested method could cause stroke or a vegetative state.

Alabama said Smith had previously requested the execution method as an alternative to lethal injection.

The state first attempted to execute Smith in 2022 via lethal injection, but the procedure was canceled after those administering it could not connect the required intravenous lines to Smith’s veins. Smith’s lawyers said he spent nearly four hours strapped to a gurney during that attempt. 

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Smith was convicted in the murder of Elizabeth Sennett in 1988.


Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com





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Alabama

Potential winter storm could impact Alabama this weekend; forecast still evolving

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Potential winter storm could impact Alabama this weekend; forecast still evolving


ALABAMA — Forecasters are closely watching a developing weather pattern that could bring impactful winter weather to parts of Alabama this weekend, particularly across the northern half of the state. While confidence is growing that a significant system will affect the Deep South, meteorologists stress it is still too early to pin down the exact impacts.

According to ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann, Alabama will remain dry through Tuesday with sunny skies and cold temperatures. Highs on Monday will range from the 40s in North Alabama to the 50s farther south, with some colder spots in North Alabama dropping into the upper teens early Tuesday morning.

Clouds will begin increasing on Wednesday, with a chance for light rain in northwest Alabama by the afternoon. Showers are possible Thursday and Friday as well, with highs generally in the 50s.

Attention then turns to the weekend.

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Global forecast models are indicating a potentially high-impact winter weather setup for Saturday. Cold air is expected to drop south from Canada while a developing low-pressure system forms in the Gulf of Mexico, a combination that often leads to wintry precipitation across the Deep South.

Spann says the highest chance for impactful winter weather Saturday will be across the northern half of Alabama. The main window for possible wintry precipitation in North Alabama currently appears to be from midnight Friday night through midnight Saturday night. Some snow could mix in over the Tennessee Valley, where colder air would be deeper, but freezing rain is a major concern if the system develops as currently projected.

A long duration of freezing rain can lead to an ice storm, which is typically the most disruptive type of winter weather in Alabama due to ice accumulation on roads, trees, and power lines. However, Spann cautions that while model agreement is fairly good this far out, the forecast could still change, and the system could end up producing only cold rain.

The National Weather Service echoes that uncertainty but notes the overall setup is becoming more concerning. Forecasters describe a “textbook winter overrunning pattern,” with cold air at the surface and moisture riding over the top from the Gulf. While there is good agreement on the large-scale pattern, there is still poor consensus on exact timing, temperatures, and precipitation types.

Because the system is still several days away, meteorologists say it is far too early to forecast specific impacts such as road conditions or power outages. More detailed information is expected by Thursday as confidence in the forecast improves.

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Regardless of how the weekend system evolves, Sunday is expected to be dry and cold, with highs in the 30s and 40s. Looking ahead, long-range models suggest another surge of very cold air could arrive by the middle of next week, potentially bringing lows in the teens to parts of North Alabama.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor forecast updates throughout the week as meteorologists continue to track the potential winter weather threat.



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Alabama lands commitment from SEC transfer defensive lineman

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Alabama lands commitment from SEC transfer defensive lineman



The transfer will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Former South Carolina edge Desmond Umeozulu has officially committed to Alabama, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

Umeozulu was nothing short of impactful on the Gamecocks’ defensive line in 2025. The playmaker recorded 30 total tackles and 1.5 sacks throughout his time at South Carolina, as Umeozulu will instantly add a major boost to the Tide’s defensive unit next season. Umeozulu will have one year of eligibility remaining following three seasons with the Gamecocks, as the talented edge is officially the second defensive lineman to sign with the Tide this weekend.

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Umeozulu was ranked as the No. 22 edge and the No. 156 overall player from the class of 2023, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. A former four-star recruit, Umeozulu was a highly coveted prospect prior to signing with the Gamecocks, as the big man will almost certainly prove to be an excellent pick up for the Tide in the near future.

Alabama has signed a multitude of both offensive and defensive linemen this week, as the Tide continue adding key depth pieces at crucial positions.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.





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Alabama transfer running back announces commitment decision

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Alabama transfer running back announces commitment decision


Alabama transfer running back Richard Young has officially committed to Colorado, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

At 5’11”, 212 pounds, Young struggled to make a true impact on the Alabama offense throughout the 2025 campaign. The redshirt sophomore running back totaled 64 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries last season, as Young could quickly begin to thrive at Colorado with an increase in touches.

A Florida native, Young is a talented playmaker that found himself buried on the depth chart during his time with the Tide, and was ultimately unable to showcase his true potential in Tuscaloosa.

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Young was ranked as the No. 4 running back and the No. 55 overall player from the class of 2023, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. A former four-star recruit, Young will almost certainly see a major increase in playing time at Colorado next season, and the running back could quickly shine as a result.

Alabama has lost a number of playmakers on both sides of the football in recent weeks, as Young has officially seen his time in Tuscaloosa come to an end.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.





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