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By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief

Good morning, Lookout readers:

Since the botched execution of death row inmate Christa Pike just over three weeks ago — the second attempted execution by lethal injection gone bad since May — state lawmakers have been abuzz about how to keep such errors from happening again.

Senior Reporter Sam Stockard interviewed a handful of Republican lawmakers who say they plan to bring bills in the coming legislative session to address the deficiencies in process by adding alternative methods, including the firing squad and electric chair.

Should legislators approve use of firing squads, Tennessee would become one of only five other states that allow for the form of execution. Only Idaho uses firing squad as its primary method for killing those on death row.

In other news:

  • Federal court allows suit against Space xAI to proceed. A federal judge blocked an attempt by the U.S. Department of Justice to shut down a case filed by the NAACP against a xAI data center in Southaven, Mississippi, just outside Memphis. The Memphis Flyer reports.

  • Ad watch: With less than two weeks before the election, candidates are rolling out final messages. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, has one airing that shows him bringing coffee to his neighbors and carrying groceries, with the message, “Chaz always shows up.”

  • Former state agriculture commissioner and dairy farmer Charlie Hatcher, the Republican nominee in the 5th, has an ad up that builds off his “hire the farmer” theme and referring to Molder as “a liberal lawyer.”

THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY

After two executions by lethal injection were botched in a matter of months, Tennessee lawmakers are considering alternative methods of execution, including the electric chair. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tennessee Republicans want electrocution or firing squads to replace lethal injection

by Sam Stockard

Republican Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson confirmed this week he is considering sponsoring legislation in 2027 to make firing squads a method for putting people to death, while others are taking a renewed look at the electric chair for executions.

READ MORE
NEWS AND NOTES
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT

A Nashville judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked Tennessee health officials from imposing immigration and citizenship checks on people receiving services through the federally-funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Pictured: Historic Metro Nashville Courthouse (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Nashville judge temporarily blocks immigration status checks in HIV/AIDS program

by Anita Wadhani

Nashville Chancellor I’Ashea L. Myles temporarily blocked Tennessee health officials from requiring immigration status checks of HIV-positive individuals enrolled in a healthcare safety-net program. 

READ MORE

FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT

Members of the Tennessee National Guard on Nov. 21, 2025, patrol Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

by Anita Wadhwani

The Memphis City Council on Tuesday voted in favor of a nonbinding resolution calling for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Tennessee National Guard from the city. 

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COMMENTARY

John Cole’s Tennessee: No candy for you!

John Cole’s Tennessee: No candy for you! In two different instances this year, the Tennessee Department of Health has said it will refuse health care services without immigration verification. Can trick or treat be far behind?

ICYMI
COMMENTARY

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