Stories From The States
Latest Episode
America’s complicated relationship with the death penalty
Executions in the United States have been on the decline over the past few decades, yet 27 states still enforce the death penalty – and many are imposing it more often.
One very recent case in Alabama illustrates the complicated and emotional debates unfolding around the death penalty.
In 2025, Alabama executed five people, and the state was set for its first execution of 2026 this month. Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, had been convicted of felony capital murder in 1992, even though he didn’t pull the trigger, and was scheduled to die March 12.
However, Burton’s fate quickly changed this week when Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey commuted Burton’s death sentence to life in prison. Alabama Reflector senior reporter Ralph Chapoco will have the latest.
This episode also examines a death penalty abolition movement in Indiana as well as developments in Arizona and Utah.
Arkansas’ open records law turns 60 next year. Let’s give FOIA the birthday it deserves.
ICE just added Leavenworth to its chain of detention islands. Blame a failure of moral leadership.
Missouri should reward work, not tax it
Montana’s parole system is based on no second chances