Independent Senate candidate Craig Jelks toured a Homewood Islamic school to counter conservative misinformation after safety concerns derailed the academy's relocation.
Both the Republican incumbent and a challenger vying for District 5's Democratic nomination decried the shutdown, while splitting on the crisis's cause.
The legislation allows capital punishment for sexual crimes against children under 12, directly challenging a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision on non-murder offenses.
Lawmakers approved four contracts totalling $800,000 to hire legal representation for Department of Corrections employees in lawsuits alleging brutality.
The Alabama Retail PAC announced its support for dozens of candidates, including high-profile constitutional offices, who they said recognize retail's vital economic role.