Jacob Holmes

Jacob Holmes is a reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]

Education

Moms for Liberty calls for APLS board to help get librarians fired

Moms for Liberty of Madison County is urging the Alabama Public Library Service to develop a policy to terminate noncompliant librarians.

May 19, 2025

Read Freely Alabama cites Colorado case in library lawsuit

Read Freely Alabama argues a Colorado court ruling supports its request for a preliminary injunction against the Autauga-Prattville Public Library.

May 16, 2025

Lawmakers pass bill to expand police immunity in waning minutes of session

A bill to increase criminal and civil immunity for Alabama police officers narrowly passed the Legislature after a contentious debate on the session's final day.

May 15, 2025

Bill to politicize Archives board fails on final day of session

Legislation seeking to grant political leaders control over appointments to the Alabama Department of Archives and History board died in the Senate.

May 15, 2025

Gov. Ivey signs major hemp, CBD restrictions into law despite calls for veto

The new law bans smokable and Delta strain products, limits THC content, and restricts where hemp and CBD can be sold.

May 15, 2025

APLS chair urges libraries to ensure no federal funds used to “promote gender ideology”

In an email to library directors, APLS Chair John Wahl ordered audits of collections and programs to ensure no federal funds support gender ideology.

May 13, 2025

Librarians, supporters rail against new regime at Alabama Public Library Service

Librarians and citizens condemned APLS board actions and leadership as it defined "sexually explicit" and a member proposed further restrictions.

May 9, 2025

Legislature approves bill banning cell phone use in classrooms

The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Kay Ivey, who has already signaled her approval and intent to sign the bill into law.

May 8, 2025

Senate Democrats block Archives restructuring bill at last minute

After three hours of holding up the legislative day, Sen. Chris Elliott relented and voted to non-concur, sending the bill to conference committee.

May 8, 2025

Rescheduled APLS meeting raises concerns about public participation, representation

Numerous people looking to sign up for public comment were surprised to have their requests denied.

May 7, 2025