By Brian Lyman | Editor
There was a time when the Alabama lieutenant governor had powers on par with the Alabama Speaker of the House. But that time has long passed, and what remains is a relatively prominent position — whose occupant becomes governor if that office is vacated — with very little ability to influence government.
Voters will choose between Republican John Wahl and Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, for lieutenant governor on Nov. 3, 2026. (Photos and illustration by Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
The two nominees for Alabama’s lieutenant governor position both have ambitions for the office. Republican nominee John Wahl and Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler both want to cut the state grocery tax and have individual agendas for the office. The problem faced by both if they’re elected is that the lieutenant governor has no power to file legislation and very little power over it.
Vegetables and lettuces at a grocery store in Michigan. Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said Thursday that cyclosporiasis is "slowing down" in Alabama after a nationwide outbreak. (Jon King/Michigan Advance)
HEALTHCARE
By Anna Barrett
The Alabama Department of Public Health said Thursday that there were 117 confirmed cases of cyclospora in Alabama, a disease that cause severe stomach problems. The numbers in Alabama are smaller than in the Midwest, said Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer, and over 60% of the reported cases were in 12 counties north and northwest of Birmingham. An E. coli outbreak was also reported in blueberries sold at Publix last month.
A collection of books on display in Fairhope Public Library in Fairhope, Alabama on March 2, 2026. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ralph Chapoco
Staff of the Alabama Public Library Service board Thursday recommended not filling a new position designed to assist libraries with compliance with a controversial series of code changes over the past two years. Members of the APLS said the new position was unneeded, but board members who pushed for changes restricting library content said it would be a resource.
ICYMI
White House to press forward with FDA nominee despite US Senate chairman’s concerns | Jennifer Shutt, DC Bureau
Federal judge halts proposed HHS changes to teen pregnancy prevention program | Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline
Cities turn to AI to speed housing permitting | Robbie Sequeira, Stateline
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