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Alabama lawmakers considering closed primary change

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Alabama lawmakers considering closed primary change


MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Members of the House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee heard from more than a dozen people in their Wednesday morning meeting about whether the state should close its primary elections or keep them open.

Closed primaries would mean only registered republicans can vote in republican primaries, and only registered democrats can vote in democratic primaries.

“Closed primaries protect the voice of the people who are truly invested in the party’s vision,” said Carol Johns, secretary of Alabama’s Republican Party, who spoke in favor of HB541.

Alabama voters currently do not have to declare a political party affiliation when registering to vote.

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Other public speakers disagreed with the idea.

Some said that they feel the open primaries give them the flexibility to choose the candidates that most align with their views rather than selecting a single political party.

“I’m not Democrat, not Republican, I am an unaffiliated voter who defended everything that you stand for,” said Andrew Newby, a former Marine who spoke in opposition to HB541. “I’m not allowed to vote in this state. That defies reasoning.”

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity), said he wants to discourage anyone from voting in primaries with the intention of bringing unqualified candidates to the general election.

“My bigger concern here is that we have closed primaries so that everyone gets to choose the party that they want to vote for, and the candidate, the nominee that they vote for, reflects the party’s values,” he said.

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However, the committee’s democratic members, including Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), pushed back on the idea.

“If this bill passes, in order to participate, I got to pick a party before I pick a candidate,” he said.

While there are states that already have closed primaries, Rep. England said he is against the idea for any state.

“It’s the antithesis of what democracy is supposed to be about,” he said.

The committee did hold a vote on House Bill 541 after the public comment. Chairman Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) said that the committee will hold a final vote on the bill during a special meeting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. central.

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Alabama grocery bills will change as tax returns July 1

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Alabama grocery bills will change as tax returns July 1


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Alabama grocery shoppers can expect a change on their bills starting July 1 when the state grocery tax returns.

After two months of lower grocery bills, a two-month tax holiday is ending.

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A temporary suspension of the state’s 2% sales and use tax on groceries expired at the end of June. Beginning July 1, shoppers will once again pay the 2% state tax on eligible grocery purchases.

The tax holiday, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, applied during May and June.

Grocery store news in Montgomery

In recent Montgomery news, two Piggly Wiggly locations celebrated ribbon cuttings in March 2026.

Also, beginning May 1, Sam’s Club increased the cost of its annual memberships by $10, affecting both standard and premium tiers. There are 13 Sam’s Club warehouses in Alabama, including one in Montgomery.

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Alabama laws taking effect July 1

Alabamians will see several new laws and policy changes take effect on or around July 1, bringing updates that will affect everything not only grocery shopping but also school safety, food truck business and student athletics.

Other new laws taking effect in Alabama on July 1:

  • food truck operators will soon be able to use a single statewide inspection certification.
  • making credible threats against schools, hospitals and nursing homes will carry tougher criminal penalties.
  • Alabama physician assistants can approve sports physical forms.

Some other laws approved during the 2025 Alabama legislative session won’t become effective until Oct. 1, the state’s standard effective date for most legislation.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.



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Former Alabama wide receiver on pace to go from good to ‘truly elite’ in the upcoming NFL season

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Former Alabama wide receiver on pace to go from good to ‘truly elite’ in the upcoming NFL season




Jameson Williams has an opportunity to have the best year of his young NFL career during the upcoming NFL season, according to the Detroit Lions’ wide receiver coach Scottie Montgomery. Williams is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

The former Alabama wideout is now looking to become a premier receiving threat in 2026, and Montgomery can see the step to becoming elite happening for Williams.

“We’ve worked very hard this preseason, even talking on the phone about the details needed to go from being a good player to being truly elite in our sport,” Montgomery said, according to MLive’s Kory Woods. “And then, from a mental standpoint, the way we work, not just at the beginning of a drill, but also at the end. Everything we do, his details, his vision, his catch points, his control points, everything we’re doing now, we did it in March and April, and it showed. We’re very excited about his current level. Without a doubt, this has been his best preseason, his best opportunity to grow as a player since we’ve been here for several reasons, but he’s done a good job.”

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Williams is set to enter his fifth season in the NFL with the Lions.

The Lions have benefitted from back-to-back impressive seasons for Williams. He finished last season with 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 65 receptions.







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Former Alabama Inmate Arrested After Allegedly Flying Drone with Contraband Toward Prison

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Former Alabama Inmate Arrested After Allegedly Flying Drone with Contraband Toward Prison


A former Alabama inmate is facing multiple charges after authorities say he was caught flying a drone carrying contraband toward Holman Correctional Facility.

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, the agency’s Southern K-9 unit received information around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27, that someone was operating a drone from Interstate 65 toward the prison.

With assistance from the Atmore Police Department, officers located and arrested Edward Knight, a former inmate, without incident.

Investigators said the drone had a package attached, which was safely brought down and confiscated.

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Knight was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and two counts of illegal drone operation.

During the investigation, ADOC agents said they learned Knight had additional contraband at his residence in Birmingham. Investigators with the department’s Law Enforcement Services Division, K-9 unit and narcotics team later executed a search warrant at the home and seized additional evidence related to the case.

The investigation remains ongoing, and ADOC said additional charges could be filed.



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