Alabama executed Alan Eugene Miller using nitrogen hypoxia at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility on Thursday. This marked only the second time the state has used this method, in which the condemned inmate inhales pure nitrogen, leading to death by suffocation. Miller was pronounced dead at 6:38 p.m., following his conviction for a 1999 triple murder. The Alabama Reporter notes that nitrogen hypoxia has never been used on humans outside of Alabama’s two executions, raising questions about its impact and the unknown risks involved. Despite Alabama officials promoting it as a painless alternative, critics question the lack of research and data to support such claims.
A bill to ban devices that convert semi-automatic handguns to automatic fire now has support from Alabama lawmakers in both parties. After a mass shooting outside a bar in Birmingham, Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills told AL.com he had decided to support a ban on Glock switches. Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery prefiled the bill for the 2025 session. Ensler has introduced the measure twice before. Alabama House Democrats already have released a statement urging support of a similar measure in the next session.
The Morgan County Commission has approved funding for improvements to the Morgan County Courthouse. The funding was approved at the Morgan County Commission meeting on Tuesday morning. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act. WAFF TV reports the money will be used to upgrade the HVAC system inside the courthouse. They also plan to create two new waiting rooms for residents and some of the money will also be used to improve the jail.
The sample ballots for the November 5, 2024 General Election are now available on the Secretary of State’s website, AlabamaVotes.gov. Alabamians can register to vote on the website with a valid Alabama driver’s license. You can also verify your voter registration status, check your polling location, and track your absentee ballot.
Several roads are closed around John Hunt Park ahead of this weekend’s South Star Festival. Huntsville Police officers are asking the public to avoid the area unless you are attending the event. Jaycee Way and part of Steve Hettinger Drive will be closed through Tuesday, October 1, at 6 p.m. to accommodate festival traffic as well as post-event breakdown. WHNT TV reports Leeman Ferry Road will also be closed to provide a pedestrian walkway from Drake Avenue to Island Circle, but two-way traffic will be maintained through that intersection. HPD says that drivers should expect congestion on Memorial Parkway and the access roads, especially around Joe Davis Stadium, Airport Road, and Leeman Ferry Road.
Huntsville Parks and Recreation announced that all facilities within John Hunt Park will temporarily close to accommodate the South Star Music Festival. Officials tell WHNT TV the temporary closure includes the Kids Space, the Get-A-Way Skate Park, and all athletic facilities. Facilities on the south side of the park, including the cross-country course, and the Huntsville Tennis Center, should reopen to the public on Monday. Reopening of north side amenities will depend on the breakdown of the festival site, which may not be completed until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.