By Brian Lyman | Editor
“Tuberville is working hard to get a grasp of the job already. I hear questions coming from many of them, asking and trying to get a grasp of what’s going on and what can happen. So, I think he will be as prepared as any person that comes into the governorship will be, at least academically.” — Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore
U.S. Sen. and Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville speaking at the Alabama Republican Party's Summer Dinner on July 31, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville is favored to win election on Tuesday, and has released an ambitious agenda for his time in office. But back-and-forth messaging during his campaign have left some uncertainty on how he would govern. Some plans, including expansion of the CHOOSE Act, the state’s effective voucher program, could run into looming fiscal challenges for state government.
The candidates for Alabama lieutenant governor -- Republican nominee John Wahl (left) and Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler (right) -- met for a debate in Huntsville Wednesday evening. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Andrea Tinker
The nominees for Alabama lieutenant governor met Wednesday for a debate in Huntsville, arguing over issues of affordability, healthcare, the prison system and other subjects. Republican nominee John Wahl and Democratic nominee Phillip Ensler also traded jabs over residency issues and President Donald Trump. The debate will likely be the only one between any candidates for statewide office before Election Day.
A prison cell in Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, as seen on Oct. 22, 2019. (File)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
The state of Alabama earlier this month sold over $190 million in bonds to Regions Capital Advantage, a division of Regions Bank, to finance the construction of a new men’s prison in Escambia County. The bonds were sold through a “direct placement” process, placing them with a lender instead of going through a public process. Construction costs for a prison in Elmore County have soared over the last five years, and the facility missed a completion deadline earlier this month.
ICYMI
Young Boozer, Rosilyn Houston face off in Alabama State Treasurer race | Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector
Judge denies attempt by Trump’s DOJ to exclude 20,000 ballots from vote count | Jonathan Shorman, DC Bureau
Time for change? Permanent daylight saving time bill awaiting US Senate action | David Lightman, DC Bureau
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