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ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
A Montgomery County circuit judge said Monday she expects the Alabama Supreme Court to have the final word on a lawsuit challenging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency in Alabama and constitutional eligibility to run for governor. The comments came during a nearly-three hour hearing on a motion from Tuberville’s attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it could only be decided if Tuberville was elected governor. Attorneys for plaintiffs said the courts and not political parties interpret the state Constitution.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ralph Chapoco
A two-month suspension of the 2% state grocery tax will come to an end at the end of the day on Tuesday. The Alabama Legislature added the holiday, which coincided with primary and primary runoff elections in May and June, to another bill dealing with taxation on overtime pay earlier this year. The holiday did not affect local levies. Alabama is one of a handful of states that taxes groceries, though legislators have cut the tax in recent years.
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Claire Vollers, Stateline
At least nine states around the country have passed laws this year that will make it more difficult for some voters to cast ballots in November. Sponsors argued the new statutes would protect election integrity. But critics said the measures add extra burdens for older people, people with disabilities and married women whose last names don’t match those on their birth certificates due to name changes.
ICYMI
High court issues split decisions on Trump’s control of executive board members | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
Federal health agency cancels most of its teen pregnancy prevention grants | Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline
US Supreme Court deals blow to Trump, ruling states can accept ballots after Election Day | Jonathan Shorman, DC Bureau
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