By Brian Lyman | Editor
“Probably, you’re better off buying fresh products from small local producers, at least until we get a better idea of the source. We’re continuing to monitor it so that we can keep Alabama safe.” - Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, on cyclosporiasis outbreak
Vegetables and lettuces at a grocery store in Michigan. (Jon King/Michigan Advance)
HEALTHCARE
By Anna Barrett
The Alabama Department of Public Health said Thursday it had confirmed 11 state cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that causes intestinal illness. The cases have mostly been found in north Alabama, with no hospitalizations or deaths as of Thursday morning. Over 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis had been reported in 34 states as of Monday. State officials recommended purchasing produce from smaller retailers and thoroughly washing heads of lettuce, which may be spreading the disease.
Alabama Power’s coal ash storage lagoon at its Greene County plant sits next to the Black Warrior River. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Dennis Pillion, Inside Climate News
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced a proposal to let the state monitor the closure of coal ash ponds, containing toxic substances like arsenic, lead, mercury and heavy metals. The Biden administration rejected the proposal in 2024, saying it was “significantly less protective of people and waterways” than federal law requires. Critics are concerned Alabama officials will allow the toxic material to stay in place, where it could leach into the environment.
Iowa Democrats flipped two state Senate seats in special elections last year to break the GOP supermajority there. (Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Kevin Hardy, Stateline
High prices and voter dissatisfaction with Washington have put Congress in play this year, and the mood could be filtering down into statehouse races. Democrats have a path to flip several Republican-held legislative chambers and break GOP supermajorities in a number of states in the fall. While Republicans currently hold 55% of the country’s state legislative seats, they have not flipped a Democratic seat in this election cycle.
ICYMI
Alabama state health officer receives 7% raise | Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
Tick season is getting longer. So is the list of states trying to keep up. | Amanda Watford, Stateline
US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint | Jennifer Shutt, DC Bureau
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