first amendment

When journalism forgets its purpose

A reflection on truth, advocacy and why responsible journalism remains essential to preserving public trust and the health of democracy.

March 2, 2026

HB161 advances amid debate over child online safety enforcement

Alabama lawmakers advanced legislation requiring age verification for app downloads, drawing support from tech giants despite concerns over practical enforcement and constitutional challenges.

February 13, 2026

Jones vows to remove APLS members if elected governor

John Wahl, APLS chair and Republic candidate for lieutenant governor, said Jones' comments were "unhinged."

February 9, 2026

Fairhope Library won’t move books after state aid loss

The library will soon be able to participate in the county courier service again after changes made Tuesday.

February 4, 2026

House passes bill that would criminalize protesting in a mask without a doctor’s note

Anti-masking laws have never been taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court and have had mixed results in lower courts.

January 28, 2026

Portland, OR, USA - Dec 28, 2023: App Store icon is seen on an iPhone. App Store is an app marketplace developed and maintained by Apple Inc., for mobile apps on its iOS and iPadOS operating systems

House passes bill requiring App Store age verification

Alabamians may soon have to verify their age to download apps under a bill passed unanimously by House lawmakers Thursday.

January 23, 2026

Tuberville, Sharia law and the Constitution

Tuberville leads GOP polling for governor while renewing calls to ban Sharia law, raising constitutional questions and concerns about targeting Muslim citizens.

January 6, 2026

Free speech, media rights groups decry University of Alabama magazine closures

Advocates demanded reinstatement after the university cited a nonbinding memo to shut down publications focused on Black culture and women’s lifestyle.

December 5, 2025

When hatred becomes policy, the Constitution is the casualty

Religious fear, power and constitutional restraint collide in Alabama after rhetoric turns a zoning dispute into a test of democracy.

December 4, 2025

University of Alabama suspends two student magazines over DEI

The editors of the publications, which focus on women’s wellness and the Black student experience respectively, expressed shock at the decision.

December 3, 2025