Alabama death row inmates are seeking alternative methods for execution. APR student reporter Parker Branton reports on their latest arguments.
Death row inmate Tommy Arthur says he’d rather face a firing squad rather than undergo lethal injection in Alabama.
He and Anthony Boyd are pleading their case to change their method of execution. They join five other death row inmates who have filed lawsuits claiming the state’s current three-drug lethal injection protocol for executions as cruel and unusual punishment under the United States constitution.
U.S. District Court Judge Keith Watkins denied Boyd's request of a firing squad or hanging because those methods are not permitted by Alabama statute. Tommy Arthur had his scheduled execution postponed for the sixth time earlier this year due to his current lawsuit. Alabama’s only current alternative to the three-drug lethal injection is the electric chair, which has not been used since 2002.
It’s full speed ahead for #10 Alabama they travel to #9 Texas A&M for an SEC contest on Saturday.
Part of the success this season has fallen on the shoulders of senior defensive back Cyrus Jones. He played a major role in limiting Arkansas to just 220 yards of total offense in Saturday’s 27-14 win.
Coach Nick Saban says Jones continues to be the anchor his defensive unit needs to be successful.
“I think his leadership has been a positive for us in the back end with some of the younger guys that we have in the secondary. He’s done a really good job on special teams as a punt returner. Getting the ball fielded, not having issues with that and making some positive returns. So I think he’s been very productive.”
Now it’s on to the A&M Aggies, who average more than 480 yards a game on offense. Kickoff for Saturday’s game in College Station is set for 2:30 p.m. on CBS.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has concluded a nationwide search for a vice president to oversee diversity initiatives.
University officials announced yesterday that Paulette Patterson Dilworth has been named vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
UAB says Dilworth has nearly 38 years of experience in higher education diversity, recruitment, retention, teaching and more. Officials say Dilworth previously served as assistant vice president for access and community initiatives at Auburn University.
Diversity is among the university's top strategic priorities, officials say, because the school's students and staff represent more than 100 countries
The search to fill the position involved a 19-person search committee and Dilworth is expected to begin on Jan. 15.
A new foundry expected to bring about 200 jobs to northeast Alabama is opening today.
Officials with Gnutti Carlo USA will cut the ribbon on their new Shelco Foundries factory in Jacksonville later today. Gov. Robert Bentley and other elected officials will be on hand for the event.
The company spent more than $18 million on the foundry, which employs 181 people making small castings for the automotive industry. Customers including Ford Motor Co. and General Motors purchase its engine components.
The manufacturer plans to add as many as 25 additional employees by next year in Alabama. The facility is owned by Italian parts maker Gnutti Carlo Group.