When politics becomes performance and reality fades
A former lawmaker reflects on illusion, power, and the growing divide between justice, truth and spectacle in modern politics.
legislative session
Alabama 2026 Legislative Report: Week Two
More than 500 bills are now filed as committees accelerate work and budget proposals begin moving through both chambers.
State Rep. Hill files bill to split session in two
Hill’s bill would shorten the spring session, then lawmakers would then reconvene in Montgomery in September.
Several controversial bills “sine die” on the vine
The running clock also took out several other controversial bills that needed only one vote to reach the desk of Gov. Kay Ivey.
ACLU releases “State House to Prison Pipeline” evaluation of legislative session
A significant portion of bills introduced in the Alabama Legislature aim to intensify the criminal legal system's punitive measures.
House speaker congratulates members on a “historic” legislative session
Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said he ranks the session among the most important held in state history.
June 7, 2023
Yellowhammer Fund, West Alabama Women’s Center release priorities for legislative session
Medicaid expansion, free menstrual products in school and greater expansion of voting rights are among the legislative agenda items.
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See recent postsThe unintended consequences of pandering
"A Republican lawmaker's bill would result in jail for Trump, Brooks and others had the Capitol riot occurred in Alabama."
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See recent postsThe legislative session has restarted. So have the shenanigans
Let the shenanigans begin! You had to know that when Republicans — not exactly known for their courageous governance in the best of times — kept pressing for a shortened legislative session in the middle of a pandemic that something … shady was afoot. It has taken less than two days for that shadiness to … Continued
Orr wants more Sanders/Warren-style regulations
Once again, Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, will join forces with left-leaning organizations to impose more regulations on payday lending in the upcoming legislative session. While the Trump Administration over the last three years has taken giant steps toward rolling back Obama-era regulations, Orr is taking a page from Democrat senators and presidential hopefuls, Bernie Sanders … Continued