-
3 days ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
The U.S. House recently passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping measure championed by President Donald Trump and House Republicans to reduce federal spending and rein in what they call “entitlement excess.” But behind the rhetoric lies a set of deep cuts that would significantly reshape Medicaid, particularly in states like Alabama, where rural communities rely heavily on federal health care funding.
-
4 days ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
Alabama’s recent campaign finance reports for lieutenant governor filed with the Secretary of State’s office provide a clear picture of how candidates fund their efforts before the upcoming election. Each report follows the same disclosure requirements under the Fair Campaign Practices Act, and the numbers reflect differing sources of funding thus far, though it’s extremely early in the race. Four candidates have filed campaign finance reports.
-
5 days ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
The Alabama Commission on Reentry was established through Act 2024-404 by the Alabama Legislature to review and improve the state’s systems for supporting individuals returning to society after incarceration. The Commission, known as Reentry Alabama, was made up of a wide range of members, including state legislators, agency heads and community leaders.
-
1 week ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
Rep. Dale Strong, R-Alabama, said Wednesday he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat, which will be vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who has announced plans to run for governor. Strong said he will instead seek re-election to the U.S. House in 2026, where he is currently serving his second term representing Alabama’s 5th Congressional District.
-
1 week ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
The Alabama Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee held one of its quarterly meetings on Wednesday to provide updates on some ongoing projects within the criminal justice space in the state. Chairman Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, spoke about the progress the Alabama Department of Corrections made with its constituent service process. Constituent services within ADOC resulted from a public testimony meeting of the committee in December 2023.
-
1 week ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced Tuesday that instead of seeking a second term in the Senate, he is running for governor of Alabama in 2026. Gov. Kay Ivey, who is term-limited, will have served in the position for nearly a decade when her term ends in January 2027. Tuberville announced his campaign on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show, ending weeks of speculation about his political plans. “Today, I will announce that I will be the future governor of the great state of Alabama,” said Tuberville.
-
1 week ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles has proposed changes to its parole guidelines in response to growing legislative pressure and public scrutiny. Lawmakers sent a clear message this session: adopt formal guidelines or risk losing funding. The revised rules, detailed in a new proposal to repeal and replace Rule 640-X-2, follow criticism of Alabama’s low parole grant rates and inconsistent adherence to current standards.
-
2 weeks ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
On Thursday morning, President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a slim margin: 215 votes in favor and 214 against. Alabama’s delegation voted along party lines. Alabama’s Democratic members of Congress — Reps. Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures — voted in opposition. Sewell debated the bill on the House floor in the wee hours of the morning before the bill passed. “We could be working to help Americans deal with the high cost of living.
-
2 weeks ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
The Institute for Justice has filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Alabamians challenging the constitutionality of warrantless searches by state game wardens. The case, filed under the Alabama Constitution, asserts that game wardens routinely violate property owners’ rights by entering and surveilling private land, often marked with “no trespassing” signs, without a warrant or probable cause.
-
2 weeks ago | 
alreporter.com | Mary Claire Wooten
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin presented the Birmingham City Council with a proposed $591 million budget for fiscal year 2025, the largest in the city’s history and a $9 million increase from last year’s budget. The proposal specifically emphasized long-term development and community-based investments, with targeted funding for neighborhood revitalization, youth programs and continued public safety. Described as “people-focused,” the budget is designed to address resident priorities.
