Wesley Walter

Wesley Walter is a reporter. You can reach him at [email protected].

Health / Legislature

Health committee votes against ER doctor staffing transparency effort

Committee members cited projected financial burdens when voting against legislation to require that hospitals publicize their ER physician availability.

February 26, 2026

Committee OKs bill to allow ALEA takeover of understaffed police agencies

An Alabama Senate committee debated a bill Tuesday allowing the state to oversee major police departments if they fail to meet staffing requirements.

February 25, 2026

Alabama AG urges AMA to disavow hormonal treatments for trans minors

Alabama is among states threatening consumer protection investigations if the medical group doesn't oppose hormonal treatments for minors.

February 24, 2026

League of Women Voters panel critique Southern prison and parole policies

Panelists discussed human costs of mass incarceration, low parole rates and prison conditions during a virtual event organized by the voting rights group.

February 20, 2026

House committee advances expansion to seafood labeling regulations

Alabama lawmakers advance legislation mandating genetic testing and menu labels to ensure seafood is properly labeled as foreign or domestic.

February 19, 2026

Alabama leaders remember civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

State Democratic leaders on Tuesday mourned the civil rights giant who paved the way for generations of Black political leadership.

February 18, 2026

Alabama House passes bills for no-cost cancer screenings

Alabama lawmakers advanced bipartisan legislation aimed at removing financial barriers to early prostate and breast cancer detection.

February 18, 2026

Alabama governor signs law allowing death penalty for child predators

The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, a major priority for conservative leaders, has the potential to shift broader legal precedents regarding executions.

February 13, 2026

Senate committee approves abstinence-based sex ed bill

An Alabama Senate committee advanced legislation Thursday requiring public schools to exclusively teach sexual risk avoidance, effectively rebranding abstinence-only sex education.

February 12, 2026

Senate committee hears public input on bill to regulate police pursuits

Law enforcement officers and family of youths killed as a result of vehicular pursuits shared opposing stances on proposed police chase regulations.

February 12, 2026