Alex Jobin

Alex Jobin is a reporter. You can reach him at [email protected].

Legislature

House bill would exempt eyeglasses and contact lenses from Alabama sales tax

The Alabama House unanimously passed HB176 to exempt prescribed eyeglasses and contact lenses from state sales tax, sending the bill to the Senate.

April 30, 2025

Firearm guns second amendment target shooting

Data reveals Alabama to have fifth highest rate of gun violence in the U.S.

With a rate of 213.6 shooting incidents per 100,000 residents, Alabama ranks fifth in gun violence per capita.

April 29, 2025

Court challenges Alabama statute barring sex offenders from living with their children

The Eleventh Circuit effectively ruled a section of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act unconstitutional.

April 28, 2025

SPLC releases fourth edition of “Whose Heritage?” Confederate memorials report

The report tracks both the protection and removal of Confederate memorials located in public spaces, schools, street names and military bases across the U.S.

April 25, 2025

House Judiciary Committee passes bill to criminalize theft of employee retirement benefits

Aggravated theft of employee retirement benefits would constitute a Class C felony, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

April 24, 2025

Secretary of State trades barbs with predecessor in public feud

The feud came after Secretary Wes Allen said Alabama's voter file was "a bloated mess" when he took office.

April 23, 2025

Disillusioned by the Republican Party, Kyle Sweetser is challenging Tuberville in 2026

Mobile native Kyle Sweetser first gained national attention when he spoke at the 2024 DNC, declaring himself to be a "Republican Voter Against Trump."

April 22, 2025

UA student detained by ICE denied bond, faces threat of deportation

In March, Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian national and doctoral candidate studying mechanical engineering, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

April 21, 2025

Committees OK bills for grocery, convenience stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails

Alabama already permits licensed grocery and convenience stores to sell beer, wine and malt-based cocktails.

April 18, 2025

Senate Judiciary Committee passes bill to restructure Board of Pardons and Paroles

The Judiciary Committee passed the bill with bipartisan support, with eight members voting in favor and three against.

April 17, 2025