Alabama was the first state to perform an execution with nitrogen hypoxia, in which nitrogen gas is administered through a mask to cause unconsciousness and death. It has now executed five people using the method. Louisiana has also used nitrogen hypoxia once, with a second prisoner who was set to be executed in March dying of natural causes three weeks before the scheduled execution date.
"This program is bringing about life-changing improvements for Alabamians, particularly those who live in remote areas," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said in a press release about the Alabama middle-mile grants.
Accusing the state of 'deeply troubling' defiance, the three-judge panel ruled a special master will draw a map in time for the 2024 election with two Black districts instead of just one.
The Trump administration's push to fast-track coal mine expansion in Alabama will potentially increase transparency and efficiency in permitting but raises questions about coal's export focus.