Alabama

From Deceit to Justice: Alabama Immigrants Find Hope After Disbarred Lawyer’s Fraud

by

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A Mexican grandmother, who first entered the United States as a small child, stands among a group of Alabamians who have fallen victim to the actions of a former attorney now disbarred and criminally convicted. This issue has led to a significant number of immigrants finding hope for legal status thanks to the efforts of a dedicated lawyer willing to help them navigate a complex legal system. Attorney Danny Upton has taken on the challenge of securing U visas for approximately 100 immigrants victimized by Douglas Cooner, the discredited lawyer. Cooner was … Read more

Federal Court Mandates Redistricting in Alabama: A Win for Black Voter Representation in Montgomery

by

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A federal court has directed state lawmakers to redraw Alabama’s Senate district lines, citing violations of the Voting Rights Act that undermined the representation of Black voters near the state capital. U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco issued an order prohibiting the use of the current district map in the upcoming 2026 elections, mandating the creation of a new district in Montgomery where Black voters either hold a voting-age majority or come close to achieving that status. In her comprehensive 261-page ruling, Manasco emphasized that the redistricting plan must provide either an additional … Read more

West Alabama Legislators Gear Up for 2026 Session with 13 Newly Prefiled Bills, Addressing Key Issues from Student Safety to Cannabis Regulation

by

Three state legislators from West Alabama have prefiled a total of 13 bills for the upcoming January 2026 legislative session. Among them, Representative Ron Bolton has introduced five bills, while Senator Gerald Allen has submitted six, and Senator April Weaver has proposed two. Rep. Bolton’s bills address a variety of issues. One significant proposal, HB 29, seeks to include sexual extortion that results in the death of a minor under 18 within manslaughter charges. Another measure, HB 32, aims to revise weight and age limits for child passenger restraints and increase penalties for violations. Additionally, … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Controversial Alabama Law, Students and Faculty Decry Potential Erosion of Academic Freedom

by

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A federal judge has dismissed attempts by Alabama college faculty and students to block a state law prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, ruling that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed in their challenge. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 129, has drawn criticism for allegedly censoring academic freedom. It prohibits the teaching of what proponents call divisive concepts, prompting concerns among educators and students at institutions such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The plaintiffs argued that the law infringes upon their First … Read more