The Alabama Cottage Food Law recently underwent some changes. Going into effect Aug. 1, these changes will now allow producers to earn more than $20,000 with sales out of the home.

A new poll surveying Republican voters released by Alabama Daily News on the U.S. Senate Race and other statewide issues, including education, revealed that 80.7% of respondents support the Alabama Literacy Act – with almost 60% strongly supporting the act.

The Alabama Literacy Act, first passed in 2019, will go fully into effect at the start of the new school year. We’ve been getting questions about the act and what it means for parents and students, especially third-graders who might be at risk of being held back if they aren’t reading well.

The Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, is a comprehensive early literacy policy that contains all the necessary supports to improve reading achievement across the state:

• Teacher training and preparation programs that include scientifically proven methods in reading instruction;

• Early identification of students with reading difficulties;

• Comprehensive reading interventions for struggling K-3 readers; and

• Targeted retention as a last resort to provide struggling students with the additional time and specialized instruction they need to catch up and succeed in fourth grade and beyond.

Starting August 1, winemakers will be allowed to ship their wines directly to consumers in Alabama.

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed H.B. 437 into law. The act will allow wine manufacturers to apply for a direct shipper license from the Alabama ABC Board to ship their products directly to customers in Alabama who are at least 21-years-old.

The law applies to both Alabama winemakers and vintners outside of the state.

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, to allow direct shipment of wine to customers in Alabama. The bill, one of several in this year's session that loosened restrictions on alcohol delivery, should take effect this summer.

"I’m glad it is done and we can work toward having this accomplished by August," Collins said in a phone interview Thursday. "I think this is good news. It’s been a very popular bill."

The Alabama Legislature gave final approval this week to a bill creating a new state authority to oversee the expansion of high-speed broadband internet services throughout the state.

On Tuesday evening, the Alabama State Senate passed House Bill 314, the “Human Life Protection Act,” which bans all abortions except if the mother’s life is in danger.