By Brian Lyman | Editor
“The suggestion that courts are without authority, when properly invoked, to rule upon the constitutional eligibility of a nominee to hold office is lacking in merit." - Montgomery Circuit Court Judge Brooke Reid
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, speaks to reporters after voting in the GOP primary in Auburn, Alabama on May 19, 2026. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
A Montgomery Circuit Court judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s ability to meet residency requirements to run for governor, saying the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. But Montgomery Circuit Court Judge Brooke Reid said the seven-year residency requirements were “clearly set forth and unambiguous” and suggested a higher court could determine the issue. An appeal is likely.
Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaking to media after the Joint Legislative Contract Review Committee meeting on July 9, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Anna Barrett
An Alabama state representative Thursday accused Tennessee-based YesCare, the state’s former prison healthcare provider, of fraud. Speaking during a meeting of the Joint Legislative Contract Committee, Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, a longtime critic of the contract, said the company “defrauded” employees it had not paid and the state. Corrections abruptly canceled YesCare’s contract in April for what it said was a failure to live up to its obligations. Messages seeking comment were left with YesCare Thursday.
A police car behind crime scene tape. The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission said during a meeting Thursday it would "explore" paying for domestic violence exams. (Getty Images)
By Andrea Tinker
The executive director of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission said Thursday the commission was considering payments for domestic violence exams. The ACVCC already covers for sexual assault forensic exams, but domestic violence exams are currently considered evidence collection and not medical care.
ICYMI
What’s a professional graduate degree? Loan confusion reigns amid legal battle | Shauneen Miranda, DC Bureau
Gun homicides declined in 2024 as firearm suicides hit record high, data shows | Amanda Watford, Stateline
Republicans in Congress struggle with internal squabbles as time runs out on 2026 | Jennifer Shutt, DC Bureau
Thanks for reading First Look. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.