Columbus
Alabama Reflector
Alabama Department of Corrections: Staff recruitment flat, incarcerated population up
The commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections said Tuesday the department continues to struggle to hire and retain staff as the state’s prison population is rising. The prison population increased about 18% between 2021 and 2024, according to figures ADOC Commissioner John Hamm presented to members of the Joint Prison Oversight Commission. “We don’t […] The post Alabama Department of Corrections: Staff recruitment flat, incarcerated population up appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Freedom Caucuses push for conservative state laws, but getting attention is their big success
This story originally appeared on Stateline. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — When a Republican colleague threatened to read aloud from a 2-foot stack of books — including a biblical guide to leadership and a tome by anti-tax activist Grover Norquist — to protest inaction on his bills last week, Missouri state Sen. Rick Brattin quickly took up the […] The post Freedom Caucuses push for conservative state laws, but getting attention is their big success appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Alabama House bill would make Juneteenth a state holiday — but there’s a catch
An Alabama House bill would allow state employees to commemorate Juneteenth. With one condition. HB 367, sponsored by Chris Sells, R-Greenville, would add the June 19 holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery, to the current list of 13 days Alabama officially celebrates and offers the day off for state employees. But Juneteenth would not […] The post Alabama House bill would make Juneteenth a state holiday — but there’s a catch appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
A voter’s guide to the House District 27 special election
Voters in Marshall County will go to the polls Tuesday to effectively select a new state representative. Six Republicans will compete for the party nomination in House District 27. With no Democratic opponent, the Republican candidate who wins — either with 50% in the primary or in the run-off — will become the presumptive representative. […] The post A voter’s guide to the House District 27 special election appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Forever chemicals from a forever fire
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. It is republished with permission. Sign up for their newsletter here. MOODY — When Danielle Cusimano brought her newborn baby, Saylor, home from the hospital in December 2022, it was hard to keep the smoke out. The […] The post Forever chemicals from a forever fire appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Church v. state: Oklahoma’s high court to hear precedent-setting charter case on Tuesday
This story originally appeared on Oklahoma Voice. Craig and Joy Stevens raise goats and chickens on a 60-acre homestead about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City — a 35-minute drive from the church where they attend mass every Sunday and more than an hour away from the closest Catholic school. That’s why they’ve applied to […] The post Church v. state: Oklahoma’s high court to hear precedent-setting charter case on Tuesday appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
As drag shows go ‘mainstream,’ some red states look to restrict them
This story originally appeared on Stateline. Drag performances used to be found mostly in the confines of nightlife venues such as clubs and bars. But drag has stepped into the daylight, with elaborately costumed and made-up performers appearing at library readings and kid-friendly brunches, and a newfound visibility for gender-bending entertainment and self-expression. “Drag now […] The post As drag shows go ‘mainstream,’ some red states look to restrict them appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Alabama Senate bill would make it easier to get religious exemptions for school vaccinations
A bill introduced in the Alabama Senate would make it easier to receive a religious exemption from school vaccination requirements. SB 246, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, states that a “parent or guardian may not be required to explain the reason for the exemption, certify the exemption with any third party, or otherwise receive […] The post Alabama Senate bill would make it easier to get religious exemptions for school vaccinations appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Alabama House bill would criminalize some assistance to minors seeking an abortion
A bill introduced in the Alabama House would make it a crime for those helping individuals under the age of 18 get an abortion without informing a parent or guardian. HB 378, sponsored Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Hokes Bluff, would make it as Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, “for any […] The post Alabama House bill would criminalize some assistance to minors seeking an abortion appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
U.S. House Speaker Johnson sets date to deliver Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Thursday that two articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will be sent to the U.S. Senate in early April when senators return from recess. “We call upon you to fulfill your constitutional obligation to hold this trial,” Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, wrote […] The post U.S. House Speaker Johnson sets date to deliver Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
The Baltimore bridge collapse is an immigration story
This story originally appeared on Maryland Matters. In “A Day Without a Mexican,” a mock 2004 documentary from filmmaker Sergio Arau, Californians wake up and discover that all of the state’s Mexican immigrants have vanished into thin air. Panic sets in, and the economy teeters, when there are no more produce pickers or gardeners, no […] The post The Baltimore bridge collapse is an immigration story appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
Alabama Reflector
2K+
Posts
21M+
Views
The Alabama Reflector is an independent nonprofit website covering politics and policy in our state. We look at the problems affecting Alabamians, and search for solutions. We connect readers with the decisions made in the hallways of the State House and try to give a voice to those outside it. We write stories about people in power and men and women on the margins. We hope to reflect what our home is, and what it could be. Alabama Reflector is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The Reflector retains full editorial independence.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.