Mary Claire Wooten

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

Legislature / Education

ALSDE seeking expanded funding to sustain literacy gains

Eric Mackey cited rising literacy rates while requesting increased funding to support struggling readers past third grade

February 3, 2026

Hand of prisoner man wearing orange clothes holding opened handcuffs. Free from jail or freedom concept

Alabama Reentry Task Force highlights progress on housing, treatment and jobs

Alabama’s Reentry Task Force reported progress expanding treatment, housing, improved data coordination and employment initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism statewide.

January 30, 2026

Lawmakers clash over English-only driver’s license testing proposal

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee debated an English-only driver's test, but lawmakers questioned creating more barriers for residents.

January 29, 2026

Bill to mandate physician staffing in ERs considered at Senate Healthcare

The Senate Healthcare Policy Committee considered SB80 to require physicians in Alabama ERs, drawing physician support and rural healthcare concerns.

January 29, 2026

House passes bill authorizing optional digital driver’s licenses

The Alabama House passed a bill allowing an optional driver's license, adding a fee and a funding contingency.

January 28, 2026

AHSAA reclassification plan draws criticism from Lt. Gov. Ainsworth

AHSAA approved a new reclassification system for postseason playoff games, drawing criticism from Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth over competitive balance.

January 27, 2026

Alabama Senate unanimously advances measures on boards, licensing measures

Alabama senators moved through their agenda on Thursday while chamber floor debate remained limited.

January 23, 2026

House committee advances bill targetting false identification, refusal to comply

The new legislation advanced by the committee expanded the state's false-name statute and created a misdemeanor for knowingly withholding identifying information.

January 22, 2026

Bill creates veteran teaching pathway amid statewide teacher shortage

The Senate Education Policy Committee advanced a bill that would create a new temporary teacher certificate for military veterans

January 22, 2026

Senate unanimously advances bill aligning sickle cell commission with ADPH

The Senate unanimously passed bill extending sickle cell commission and placing it within the Department of Public Health to expand statewide access.

January 21, 2026