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Evan Mealins

Evan Mealins

Evan Mealins is a reporting intern at the Alabama Political Reporter and student at Auburn University working toward a B.A. in media studies. You can follow him on Twitter @EvanMealins or email him at [email protected].

Economy / News / State

Ivey announces new Ben E. Keith distribution center

Food and beverage distribution company Ben E. Keith is investing $100 million to open a new distribution center in the town of New Brockton, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday. New Brockton is a small town of 1,100 in Coffee County, the southeast corner of Alabama. The project is expected to create 80 jobs in … Continued
June 27, 2019

Climate change is top debate topic for Democratic voters

A new Morning Consult/Politico poll found that climate change, gun policy and recent state abortion legislation are the top issues that Democratic voters want to see discussed at the first Democratic presidential debates in Miami. Sixty percent of registered Democratic voters that were surveyed said recent state abortion bills were “very important” for candidates to … Continued
June 26, 2019

Ivey announces grant to expand broadband to Coosa County

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced a $200,000 grant to the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative to provide high-speed internet services to a section of Coosa County. Nearly 70 households and at least one business in the Richville community will gain broadband access, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. “Today, high-speed internet … Continued
June 24, 2019
Eric Swalwell stands by a window before a crowd

Swalwell won’t write off the chances of a Democratic candidate winning Alabama

You may not have heard of him, but he’s hopeful for his chances in the 2020 presidential election. Congressman Eric Swalwell was recently announced as one of many candidates to reach the Democratic presidential debate stage. Thursday afternoon, the California representative made a stop at Birmingham District Brewing Co. to meet with the Alabama Young … Continued
June 21, 2019

UAB named best college for LGBTQ+ students in Alabama

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the best college for LGBTQ students in Alabama, according to BestColleges and Campus Pride. Universities on the list were “hand-vetted” by a panel of experts to show the most positive option for LGBTQ youth in each state. LGBTQ students at UAB have access to five different support and … Continued
June 20, 2019

Ivey leads delegation to Europe for business mission

Gov. Kay Ivey is leading a delegation to next week’s 2019 Paris Air Show to meet with high-ranking aerospace industry executives. Ivey will also travel to Germany to meet with executives from Mercedes-Benz. “At the Paris Air Show, I want decision-makers in the aerospace industry to know one thing: The ideal location for new investment … Continued
June 17, 2019

Ivey signs civil asset forfeiture law

On Monday afternoon, Gov. Ivey signed into law the Alabama Forfeiture Information Reporting Act, which will shine a light on law enforcement’s often secretive use of civil forfeiture. Senate Bill 191, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, passed both the House and Senate unanimously during this year’s legislative session. Civil forfeiture is a practice that … Continued
June 13, 2019

Ivey makes staff changes in her “communications shop”

On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced staff changes in her Communications Office. Ivey announced Leah Garner as the Communications Director, as well as a new press secretary and director of digital media relations. Garner is filling the position last held by Josh Pendergrass. Garner has previously served as the director of governmental affairs and advocacy … Continued
June 12, 2019

National Park Service gives grants to protect Civil War battlefields in Alabama

On Tuesday, the National Park Service announced $499,705.96 in grants to protect 131 acres of battlefields in Alabama, Mississippi and Virginia. The grants from the American Battlefield Protection Program will be used to acquire significant Civil War battlefields at risk of damage or destruction by urban and suburban development. “Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants allow for … Continued
June 12, 2019