By Brian Lyman | Editor
The campaign spending was high in the spring. And it’s likely to climb still higher before we come to the general elections in November.
ELECTIONS 2026
By Andrea Tinker
Spending for Alabama’s May 19 primary and June 16 primary runoff elections topped $40 million amid contests for several open positions and a larger slate of Democratic candidates. Spending was heaviest in the contested Republican primary for attorney general. But larger expenditures did not always translate to victory in statewide contests.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Kevin Hardy and Jonathan Shorman
The debate over the balance between state and federal power is as old as the nation itself. But Democrats have been increasingly demanding more autonomy for states amid President Donald Trump’s attempt to reset the federal government’s relationship with them. With the historic association between states’ rights, slavery and segregation, it is not a natural role for the party, but some say Trump’s vindictive use of his power requires a response.
COMMENTARY
By Brian Lyman
You may not have noticed, but there was a two-month suspension of the state grocery tax in May and June. It didn’t affect local levies and didn’t keep pace with inflation, and it expired after the final primary runoff election. The grocery tax is deeply unpopular, but many Alabama politicians feel safe ignoring it and the broader problem of food prices. In my column this week, I write that the issue reflects the profound disconnect between Alabama politics and Alabama realities.
ICYMI
US labor market weakened in June | Tim Henderson, Stateline
America’s 250th birthday is on sale. Where’s all that merch money going? | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
Cities, towns nationwide revive teen curfews amid summer crowds | Amanda Watford, Stateline
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