Alex Jobin

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

Local news

City of Birmingham announces 2026 Small Business Week events

The May 3-9 initiative will pair Birmingham entrepreneurs with lenders, nonprofit leaders and corporate partners amid rising costs and tighter access to capital.

April 17, 2026

Alabama Cannabis Coalition reflects on mixed results from legislative session

Advocates said lawmakers blocked tougher hemp limits but again failed to ease marijuana penalties, leaving reform stalled as primary elections approached.

April 16, 2026

Consumer Reports urges Ivey to veto Alabama Personal Data Protection Act

The advocacy group said the measure left major loopholes, weak enforcement and broad exemptions that could let companies keep exploiting personal data.

April 15, 2026

Gov. Ivey signs the Alabama Post-Election Audit Act into law

The measure took effect immediately, requiring random post-election audits statewide and public reporting of discrepancies, costs and recommendations.

April 14, 2026

Sen. Britt touts increased funding for Mobile Bay dredging projects

The boost for Mobile Bay dredging also raised hopes for cleaner sediment disposal, balancing port growth with pressure to protect the ecosystem.

April 13, 2026

House passes bill to prohibit vaping in public spaces, rename Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act

The measure won unanimous House approval after lawmakers added Representative Barbara Drummond to the act’s new name honoring longtime clean-air advocates.

April 10, 2026

House OKs bill to exclude credit card transaction fees from sales tax

Despite concerns over lost municipal revenue, the legislation easily passed the House on Wednesday and now heads to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk.

April 9, 2026

Senate committee advances bill to create Second Amendment sales tax holiday

The Republican-backed legislation to exempt firearms and hunting supplies from state taxes cleared the committee Tuesday despite Democratic pushback.

April 8, 2026

Birmingham begins implementation of Home For All micro-shelter initiative

The $2.4 million pilot program offers unhoused men temporary units and wraparound services to assist their transition to permanent housing.

April 7, 2026

The Shoulder launches Operation VETS to aid Alabama veterans struggling with substance abuse

The Gulf Coast treatment center utilized new grant funding to expand specialized counseling and peer support programs for former military personnel.

April 6, 2026