A witness to a failed Tennessee execution talks about what she saw and heard

WPLN | By Catherine Sweeney

Published October 1, 2026 at 5:17 PM EDT

A woman in Tennessee survived an execution Wednesday. We talk with a reporter who was there.

Catherine Sweeney

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

As of Oct. 1, refugees lose access to Medicaid across the country

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Starting Oct. 1, refugees and asylum seekers are losing access to Medicaid across the country because of H.R. 1, the Trump administration's major budget bill Republicans passed in summer 2025.
60 hours of improvisation: Michigan musicians set a record for the world's longest jam

Sophia Saliby

It was hours and hours of music — 60 hours in all — of "record breaking" music. Musicians in Michigan played and improvised in what they believe is now the world's longest jam.
The rising cost of borrowing piles more financial pressure onto consumers

Stephan Bisaha

Mortgage rates are at their highest level in almost three years. The rising cost of borrowing is driving life's major purchases further out of reach.
Failed execution attempts are not uncommon in the U.S.

Chiara Eisner

The failed execution attempt of a woman in Tennessee on Wednesday wasn't the first time this has happened. The state's execution protocols have been under scrutiny for years.
The White Sox say their fan in the Vatican may be the extra boost they needed

Jason Fuller, Justine Kenin

The Chicago White Sox won their first playoff series since 2005. The victory feels more sacred now that the team has revealed Pope Leo's letter invoking "Almighty abundant blessing" toward the team.