A Matter of Life or Death

Behind Alabama's untested execution method. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] January 25, 2024 Good morning. We’re starting off by unpacking [the controversial execution in Alabama]( that’s set to take place today. Then, my interview with Vice President Harris continues with [the VP’s thoughts on the Israel-Hamas war](, Ukraine, and immigration. Over in entertainment, we’ve got the details on [the next host of The Daily Show]( and [why the Barbie snub hurts the Oscars](. All that, plus [Jake Cohen’s mouthwatering quinoa bowl](, coming right up!   In the News [Bed in a prison cell]( Getty Images A Matter of Life or Death Alabama is planning to execute inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith today using a completely untested approach. Here’s more on the method and [why the decision is stirring up controversy.]( What is nitrogen hypoxia? It’s a form of execution in which an inmate is forced to breathe pure nitrogen, causing them to suffocate and their body to shut down. Most of what we know about nitrogen gas’s lethal potential is due to exposure from industrial accidents and leaks. Has it ever been used before? While three states have authorized nitrogen hypoxia executions, Alabama is set to become the first state to carry it out on Smith, who was convicted in a gruesome murder-for-hire plot targeting a preacher’s wife in 1988. What are critics saying? The use of nitrogen hypoxia has prompted both legal pushback from Smith and a sharp rebuke from the United Nations. But the Supreme Court has rejected Smith’s request to stop it, while the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to issue a ruling on the matter. Here’s [why this method could constitute a form of torture]( and how it could pose a risk to prison staff. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fnitrogen-hypoxia-execution-in-alabama-kenneth-smith%2F   On the Record [Katie Couric and Kamala Harris]( KCM My wide-ranging interview with Vice President Kamala Harris continues! We covered a host of hot-button issues — yesterday we zoomed in on abortion rights, and today we focus our attention overseas. Here’s [what Vice President Harris had to say]( about the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine, and immigration. Stay tuned for her thoughts on the 2024 election (or if you can’t wait, check out the whole interview [on Next Question](, or watch it [on YouTube)](. [READ MORE](   More Stories [Palestinian children inspect their damaged homes next to the destroyed mosque in the aftermath of an Israeli air strike]( Children inspect their damaged homes in the aftermath of an Israeli air strike. (Getty Images) Israel-Hamas war: The International Court of Justice will issue a ruling tomorrow on whether to implement emergency measures that could pause Israel's offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, Qatar — which has been heavily involved in ceasefire negotiations — says it's appalled by leaked comments from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu calling the country "problematic." The United Nations says a shelter housing thousands of displaced citizens in southern Gaza has been hit by Israeli tank fire, killing 12 people. Israel has denied the claim. Horrifying statistic: More than 64,000 women and girls have become pregnant as a result of rape in states where abortion is no longer a legal option, new research reveals. A letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that these pregnancies resulted from about 520,000 rapes in 14 states after post-Roe bans came into effect. CNN notes that per other research, fewer than 10 abortions have been carried out each month in states with bans, so the overwhelming majority of victims were unable to receive treatment. Mystery in Kansas City: Police are probing the deaths of three men whose bodies were discovered outside a Kansas City home a couple of weeks ago. Ricky Johnson, 38, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and David Harrington, 37, had been watching a Kansas City Chiefs game together. Officers were called after a woman went to the address to look for her fiancé. They discovered a body on the porch, and two more in the backyard. Police said there were "no obvious signs of foul play," and no arrests have yet been made.   A Closer Look Over 80 million people across the Middle East have been impacted by regional crises — nearly half of whom are children. With help from the MacArthur Foundation, Sesame Street and the International Rescue Committee have been working to bring early learning and nurturing care to children affected by conflict. Check out [this powerful video]( to learn more about the impact of this important initiative and how you can support it.   Must-Reads [Margot Robbie and America Ferreira in Barbie, looking shocked as Barbie drives her car]( Not Kenough There's something deeply ironic, and sexist, about Barbie's Oscar snubs. Liz Plank has a sharp, brilliant take on the situation. [Read More »]( [The Daily Show empty desk]( The Search Is Over After months of uncertainty and speculation, we have a new host for The Daily Show — sort of. See who's manning the desk. [Read More »]( [Barbie doll holding hands in front of bladder]( On the Horizon About 25% of women get UTIs repeatedly. A new treatment could change the game — but it's not available in the U.S. yet. Here's more. [Read More »](   In Focus [Katie Couric hangs out with Kristin Chenoweth and her dog, Thunder]( KCM Ready for the most fun hangout you'll see all week? Join me for a fabulous day with Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth and her dog, Thunder. We'll stop by her favorite New York bookstore, get a peek at her moving children's book, and discuss [how her pup's helped her]( through some pretty challenging times. [WATCH HERE]( [Sponsored by Mars](   Good Taste [Close-up of yellow quinoa with cut-up carrots and spinach]( Jake Cohen Raise your hand if you're trying to cook more healthy — yet still hearty — dishes in the new year. Jake Cohen's got [a must-try quinoa bowl recipe]( that packs a ton of protein and zesty flavor. Want more where that came from? Grab a plate and step right up! We're just weeks away from launching our brand-new cooking newsletter, Good Taste. Make sure you [sign up right here]( so you can be the first to sample what we've been cooking up!   The Perfect Fit [Bombas Socks]( Eager for a sock that boosts performance but doesn't climb too far up your leg? The [brand-new half calf length]( from our partners at Bombas is a must-try — and you'll get 20% off your first purchase with code KATIECOURIC20. [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.