Alabama News Roundup: Runoff Election, First Execution of 2026, ACAP Scores & More

Published Aug 15, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Alabama news: voters head back to the polls Tuesday for the statewide runoff, the state carried out its first execution of 2026, new ACAP test scores were released, and more.

Voters head back to the polls for Aug. 18 runoff

Alabama’s Aug. 18 second primary (statewide runoff) has voters heading back to the polls amid confusion and concerns about low turnout. Congressional primary turnout was near a historic low (NPR, Aug. 11; AL.com; Democracy Docket, Aug. 11, 2026).

Alabama carries out first execution of 2026

Alabama carried out its first execution of 2026 — Jeremy Williams (also reported as Jerry Williams), who was convicted of the 2021 rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl. It was one of three U.S. executions on the same day, in Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma (Alabama Reflector; Equal Justice Initiative; ABC News; Alabama Daily News).

New Alabama ACAP scores released

New Alabama ACAP (state assessment) scores were released, with searchable school and district results available (Alabama Daily News, Aug. 14, 2026).

Health officials warn about flesh-eating bacteria along Gulf Coast

Alabama public health officials issued a warning about flesh-eating bacteria (Vibrio) along the Gulf Coast (WSFA).

John Rich backs Alabama man in land fight

Country star John Rich is supporting an Alabama man in a fight over his land — “That is egregious behavior” (cbs42.com, Aug. 12, 2026).

Deputies wrangle runaway 1,500-pound bull

Alabama deputies wrangled a runaway 1,500-pound bull dubbed an “oversized escape artist” (CBS News; AL.com).

For more on the Yellowhammer State, see the Alabama guide.