Mary Claire Wooten

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

Prisons

Advocates say Alabama nitrogen executions cause “horror, trauma”

After botched lethal injections, Alabama turned to nitrogen executions. Critics argue the method is torturous and morally indefensible.

August 21, 2025

PARCA: Alabama high-poverty districts show gains in third-grade reading

Several Alabama districts with high poverty improved third-grade reading scores, though some urban areas declined.

August 20, 2025

Alabama sets date for sixth execution of 2025

Alabama plans to execute Anthony Todd Boyd using nitrogen hypoxia, while he challenges the method in federal court

August 19, 2025

Summer reading gains highlight the Literacy Act’s impact on students

Alabama is reporting improved reading scores after summer camps with targeted supports and grants from the Literacy Act.

August 15, 2025

Doctor, medical and insurance with a child in a clinic for his vaccination.

Bill reintroduced to ease religious exemptions in Alabama schools

The bill would allow written declarations for vaccine religious exemptions in Alabama schools and colleges.

August 14, 2025

Cindy Myrex secures GOP nomination in HD12 runoff

Cindy Myrex won the Republican runoff and will face Democrat Matt Glover on October 28.

August 13, 2025

Decatur City Council approves expansion to create North Alabama STEM Center

The Decatur council voted 4–1 to move forward with the Cook Museum expansion, sparking debate over costs and transparency.

August 12, 2025

Lawmakers hold contract for attorney sanctioned over AI-generated citations in prison case

Alabama lawmakers paused a $200,000 contract for a sanctioned attorney, citing drawn-out prison litigation and concerns over AI-generated filings.

August 8, 2025

DA rules Jabari Peoples shooting justified, family demands full video

District Attorney Danny Carr ruled the June shooting of Jabari Peoples justified, as family and attorneys demand the release of the full unedited video.

August 7, 2025

Jeff Sessions subpoenaed in House probe of Jeffrey Epstein case

A U.S. House committee subpoenaed Jeff Sessions, the former U.S. attorney general and Alabama senator, over the DOJ’s handling of Epstein’s case.

August 6, 2025