Mary Claire Wooten

Mary Claire is a reporter. You can reach her at [email protected].

News

Alabama distributes full SNAP benefits after shutdown disruption

Alabama DHR restored full November SNAP benefits after shutdown-related cuts, assuring recipients' payments would arrive on regular schedules.

November 14, 2025

Lawmakers explore outcome-based funding to boost college performance

Alabama lawmakers are studying outcomes-based college funding, tying state dollars to graduation rates, job placement and workforce readiness.

November 13, 2025

Provision in spending bill could allow Sen. Tuberville to sue for $500K

A new spending bill provision could let Sen. Tommy Tuberville sue the government for $500,000 over seized phone records.

November 12, 2025

Contract Review Committee advances literacy, reading intervention contracts

Alabama lawmakers approved a contract to expand teacher training and reading interventions to continue supporting Literacy Act goals and addressing post-pandemic learning gaps.

November 11, 2025

Graduation cap university or college degree on US dollars banknotes pile. Education expense budget plan of money saving, student loan or debt, personal loan, scholarship for studying abroad concept

Alabama colleges seek significant funding in next education budget

Alabama's universities and colleges made their funding requests for 2027 at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education meeting on Thursday.

November 7, 2025

Alabama Public Television weighs future of its PBS partnership

Alabama Public Television may end its PBS partnership, risking funding loss and programming cuts.

November 6, 2025

Birmingham approves emergency SNAP aid during ongoing government shutdown

The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall Woodfin's proposal to offer food assistance to residents as the government shutdown halts benefits.

November 5, 2025

Trump endorses members of Alabama’s congressional delegation

Trump endorsed four members of Alabama's congressional delegation, but stayed out of endorsing a candidate in the open 1st Congressional District race.

November 4, 2025

Birmingham commits $1M toward emergency relief for SNAP families

Mayor Woodfin proposed $1 million in emergency aid and a citywide food drive to help the 23,000 Birmingham residents losing SNAP benefits.

October 31, 2025

Sidwell joins growing Republican field for 1st Congressional District

Former Air Force Major Austin Sidwell joins Jerry Carl and Rhett Marques in the 2026 Republican race for Alabama’s 1st District.

October 30, 2025