What this federal court ruling means for Alabama prisons

By Brian Lyman | Editor

By Ralph Chapoco

A federal appeals court last week largely upheld a lower court finding that Alabama’s mental health services in state prisons violated Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishments. But the court ordered reconsideration of some provisions, including staffing levels. Experts said that part of the order could reduce the number of staff the state has to hire but will not affect the overall push of the mental health ruling.

By Anna Barrett

Retired pastor David Perry and former educator Ammie Akin will seek the GOP nomination in the 7th congressional district in west central Alabama, under a 2023 congressional map originally ruled discriminatory but authorized by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year. Both candidates say they want to improve economic opportunity and public safety in the district, which has not been represented by a member of the GOP since the 1960s.

By Sam Gauntt

The National Weather Service Wednesday issued an extreme heat warning for 20 different states, saying temperatures are expected to hit the 90s and could reach 115 degrees in some places. The high temperatures will put many people at risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly those with pre-existing conditions or without air conditioning. Temperatures are expected to fall early next week.

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