Ralph Chapoco
@rchapoco.bsky.social
scientist turned journalist, currently @alreflector.bsky.social, reposts not endorsements, political and policy junkie, just trying to live my life
Pinned
Ralph Chapoco
@rchapoco.bsky.social
· Nov 16
LEAVE A LEGACY - Best Motivational Speech Video 2020
YouTube video by Motiversity
www.youtube.com
Inspiration for anyone who needs it. May it be a moment you can use for whatever life throws at you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW29...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW29...
Read all about it: Legislation that changes the process for selecting the board that regulates public utilities one step closer to becoming reality.
Watch it on the @thealachannel.bsky.social.
alabamachannel.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessio...
Watch it on the @thealachannel.bsky.social.
alabamachannel.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessio...
February 11, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Read all about it: Legislation that changes the process for selecting the board that regulates public utilities one step closer to becoming reality.
Watch it on the @thealachannel.bsky.social.
alabamachannel.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessio...
Watch it on the @thealachannel.bsky.social.
alabamachannel.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessio...
The @alabamareflector.com is 3 years old everyone! I have been here since it began and it has been both an honor and a pleasure. Please consider donating so that we can keep it going.
Alabama Reflector turns three years old on Saturday. We wouldn't be here without your support, which allows us to keep reporting on the stories that matter most to you. Will you join the celebration today? https://alabamareflector.com/donate
Donate | Alabama Reflector
The Alabama Reflector is committed to independent journalism for the people of our state. We do not accept ads; do not use a paywall and make our stories available for republication in outlets around Alabama.
alabamareflector.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:06 PM
The @alabamareflector.com is 3 years old everyone! I have been here since it began and it has been both an honor and a pleasure. Please consider donating so that we can keep it going.
Congrats to Elena Rybakina. I can't believe I stayed up to watch this, but what a match!
ausopen.com/match/2026-a...
ausopen.com/match/2026-a...
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina - WS701 | AO
ausopen.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Congrats to Elena Rybakina. I can't believe I stayed up to watch this, but what a match!
ausopen.com/match/2026-a...
ausopen.com/match/2026-a...
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
There are several education and library-related bills I'll be monitoring when the state legislature starts up next week. One is a re-filed bill with a few amendments from Sen. Elliott, which changes how library boards operate. Gift link for @al.com - www.al.com/news/2026/01...
Library boards could face easier dismissal, new reporting requirements under Alabama bill
The current version of the bill includes three amendments from the 2024 legislative session, including an annual report to the state government on book placement decisions.
www.al.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:41 AM
There are several education and library-related bills I'll be monitoring when the state legislature starts up next week. One is a re-filed bill with a few amendments from Sen. Elliott, which changes how library boards operate. Gift link for @al.com - www.al.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
I remember borrowing my Mom's electronic typewriter on a Friday night to apply for college. Thank God it's not that difficult any more.
Some tips and key dates for applying to Alabama public colleges in my latest for @al.com .
Some tips and key dates for applying to Alabama public colleges in my latest for @al.com .
December 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I remember borrowing my Mom's electronic typewriter on a Friday night to apply for college. Thank God it's not that difficult any more.
Some tips and key dates for applying to Alabama public colleges in my latest for @al.com .
Some tips and key dates for applying to Alabama public colleges in my latest for @al.com .
Just checked my grades for the term: Straight A's. Managed to maintain 4.0 average! Woot woot!!!
December 16, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Just checked my grades for the term: Straight A's. Managed to maintain 4.0 average! Woot woot!!!
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
NEW: Immigrants in Alabama Can Face Harsher Sentences Than Citizens for the Same Crimes, by @amyyurkanin.bsky.social
Immigrants in Alabama Can Face Harsher Sentences Than Citizens for the Same Crimes
A review of more than 100 court cases found some immigrants saw harsher punishments, even when they have fewer prior convictions. Defendants in these cases said they believe their citizenship status t...
www.propublica.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
NEW: Immigrants in Alabama Can Face Harsher Sentences Than Citizens for the Same Crimes, by @amyyurkanin.bsky.social
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Had a nice conversation with Troy's president and chancellor.
December 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Had a nice conversation with Troy's president and chancellor.
How subtle!
For absolutely no reason at all, I'm thinking about rewatching this Netflix #FIFA documentary series from 2022. youtu.be/V0UlWZNp6cI?...
FIFA Uncovered | Official Trailer | Netflix
YouTube video by Netflix
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM
How subtle!
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Thrilled to contribute to our 31 Days of Good News series. Meet Makitha, who makes it her job to brighten Auburn students' day. Her back story is incredible. My latest for @al.com. www.al.com/life/2025/12...
Auburn mom’s business helps homesick students: ‘Do what their mom would’
There’s at least one other Alabama-based concierge mom service, “Local Mommas,” for University of Alabama students.
www.al.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Thrilled to contribute to our 31 Days of Good News series. Meet Makitha, who makes it her job to brighten Auburn students' day. Her back story is incredible. My latest for @al.com. www.al.com/life/2025/12...
Hey everyone, it is time for my annual request to give to the @alabamareflector.com. Our end-of-the-year fundraiser helps raise awareness about our work and to secure donations to keep the newsroom going. Support is greatly appreciated.
alabamareflector.com/donate/
alabamareflector.com/donate/
Donate | Alabama Reflector
alabamareflector.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Hey everyone, it is time for my annual request to give to the @alabamareflector.com. Our end-of-the-year fundraiser helps raise awareness about our work and to secure donations to keep the newsroom going. Support is greatly appreciated.
alabamareflector.com/donate/
alabamareflector.com/donate/
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
The Education Department responded to backlash about reducing the number of professional degrees.
My latest for @al.com
www.al.com/education/20...
My latest for @al.com
www.al.com/education/20...
Student loan updates 2025: Is nursing still a professional degree?
About 80% of the nursing workforce does not have a graduate degree.
www.al.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Education Department responded to backlash about reducing the number of professional degrees.
My latest for @al.com
www.al.com/education/20...
My latest for @al.com
www.al.com/education/20...
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Big ol' news here: www.al.com/education/20...
Alabama college launches new school with support from Katie Britt
Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be available starting in 2027.
www.al.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Big ol' news here: www.al.com/education/20...
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Millions nationwide could be cut off from access to government food assistance Saturday due to the shutdown, including those who are pregnant or have babies and young children, reports @kelciemmorris.bsky.social.
Losing SNAP could mean more pregnancy complications as food insecurity grows • West Virginia Watch
Without action from Congress, millions will be cut off from access to government food assistance, including those who are pregnant.
westvirginiawatch.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Millions nationwide could be cut off from access to government food assistance Saturday due to the shutdown, including those who are pregnant or have babies and young children, reports @kelciemmorris.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Democratic AGs, governors sue Trump over SNAP benefits as shutdown hits day 28
by @fischler.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demo...
by @fischler.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demo...
Democratic AGs, governors sue Trump over SNAP benefits as shutdown hits day 28
A coalition of Democratic state officials sued the Trump administration Tuesday, asking a federal judge to force the release of food assistance funds for 42 million people that the U.S. Department of ...
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Democratic AGs, governors sue Trump over SNAP benefits as shutdown hits day 28
by @fischler.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demo...
by @fischler.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demo...
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Reposted by Ralph Chapoco
Love that @alabamareflector.com picked up my latest. Shout out to @rchapoco.bsky.social , who is covering broadband at the local level. And to former Reflector staffer @alander.bsky.social who treated me to an unforgettable lunch in Montgomery while I was reporting my Dead Zone series
Via Sarah Jane Tribble & KFF Health News : A 91-year-old learns to check health portals; a 7-year-old finally can do homework. They were among rural residents helped by a digital navigator, until President Trump abruptly canceled the Digital Equity Act’s dollars. https://ow.ly/TAp450X8KR7
October 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Love that @alabamareflector.com picked up my latest. Shout out to @rchapoco.bsky.social , who is covering broadband at the local level. And to former Reflector staffer @alander.bsky.social who treated me to an unforgettable lunch in Montgomery while I was reporting my Dead Zone series
This is an instant classic. Oh, what a match!
youtu.be/D8s9Kjb9d94?...
youtu.be/D8s9Kjb9d94?...
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner - FULL Final Highlights | Roland Garros 2025
YouTube video by House of Highlights
youtu.be
June 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM
This is an instant classic. Oh, what a match!
youtu.be/D8s9Kjb9d94?...
youtu.be/D8s9Kjb9d94?...
Read all about it: The final installment from @bshelburne.bsky.social. Enjoy!
Who’s paying millions for settlements with people who’ve been incarcerated in Alabama? The state’s taxpayers. Who’s getting the most money from this litigation? Attorneys defending corrections officers.
Part 4 of the @alabamareflector.com Blood Money series, from Beth Shelburne:
Part 4 of the @alabamareflector.com Blood Money series, from Beth Shelburne:
The costs of Alabama prison litigation are rising. Private attorneys are reaping the rewards. | Alabama Reflector
Legal payments to attorneys representing ADOC officers accused of excessive force are almost triple the money paid in settlements for incarcerated people and their families.
alabamareflector.com
May 23, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Read all about it: The final installment from @bshelburne.bsky.social. Enjoy!
Read all about it: Part 3 in @bshelburne.bsky.social series regarding complaints filed against the ADOC.
The anatomy of one inmate’s allegations against a corrections officer, and the aftermath.
Part 3 of Blood Money, our investigation into Alabama Department of Corrections settlements.
Part 3 of Blood Money, our investigation into Alabama Department of Corrections settlements.
The ordeal of Koty Williams | Alabama Reflector
The progress of one inmate's complaint alleging a brutal beating, and what it shows about Corrections' handling of complaints.
alabamareflector.com
May 22, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Read all about it: Part 3 in @bshelburne.bsky.social series regarding complaints filed against the ADOC.
Read all about it: Part two dropped today. Take a read please!
Even as the prison population has declined, use of force incidents in Alabama’s prisons soared, and corrections officers involved have not only held onto jobs, but been promoted.
Part 2 of Blood Money, from Beth Shelburne:
Part 2 of Blood Money, from Beth Shelburne:
In wake of excessive force allegations, some corrections officers got promoted | Alabama Reflector
Use of force incidents increased 47% in Alabama prisons over the last decade, even as the prison population declined.
alabamareflector.com
May 20, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Read all about it: Part two dropped today. Take a read please!
Read all about it: First in a series of four stories regarding how ADOC settles lawsuits related to use of excessive force.
Regarding the surge in excessive force lawsuits and settlements, an Alabama Corrections spokesperson replied:
“Most are piggybacking off the allegations contained in the DOJ findings letters, which ADOC adamantly denies."
From “Blood Money” Part 1.
“Most are piggybacking off the allegations contained in the DOJ findings letters, which ADOC adamantly denies."
From “Blood Money” Part 1.
Blood Money: Alabama Department of Corrections pays to settle lawsuits alleging excessive force | Alabama Reflector
The Alabama Department of Corrections has spent over $17 million to settle claims of excessive force by corrections officers against inmates.
alabamareflector.com
May 19, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Read all about it: First in a series of four stories regarding how ADOC settles lawsuits related to use of excessive force.
Read all about it: The first in a series of four that details how the Alabama Department of Corrections handles lawsuits concerning excessive force. @bshelburne.bsky.social #ALPolitics
alabamareflector.com/2025/05/19/b...
alabamareflector.com/2025/05/19/b...
Blood Money: Alabama Department of Corrections pays to settle lawsuits alleging excessive force | Alabama Reflector
The Alabama Department of Corrections has spent over $17 million to settle claims of excessive force by corrections officers against inmates.
alabamareflector.com
May 19, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Read all about it: The first in a series of four that details how the Alabama Department of Corrections handles lawsuits concerning excessive force. @bshelburne.bsky.social #ALPolitics
alabamareflector.com/2025/05/19/b...
alabamareflector.com/2025/05/19/b...
Woohoo, straight A's this semester. It is the first semester, but it still counts!
May 15, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Woohoo, straight A's this semester. It is the first semester, but it still counts!