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Alabama

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Pistol, pistol, who has the pistol?

As a state, Alabama isn’t much of a problem solver. That’s why we rank near the bottom in practically every quality of life survey of the nation. It’s why we’re lousy at fixing education and prisons and mental health and child welfare. Somebody (usually the feds) has to tell us how to fix those problems. … Continued
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April 18, 2019
Opinion

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Alabama lottery: What’s at stake

Over the past few weeks, I have written a number of stories and columns detailing the specifics of potential lottery bills and what their effect on this state and its tax revenues might be. I’m sorry. Not for writing those pieces, because they contained important and accurate information, but because I didn’t first adequately explain … Continued
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April 17, 2019

Study shows slight decrease in statewide ACT scores

The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama recently published a study showing that Alabama public high school students’ ACT scores went down slightly in 2018, with a 19.1 average score on a 36-point scale. This decrease is minimal. In 2017, Alabama students average a 19.2 score on a 36-point scale. According to the study, Alabama … Continued
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April 17, 2019
Opinion

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Hosts of young and female lobbyists have taken over the State House

As I observe the Legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older. A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on. Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.” A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you. An increasing number … Continued
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April 17, 2019

Bill lets small local farm wineries compete for business

A Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, would allow small farmer-owned wineries the ability to sell and distribute their products more competitively. In a time when more consumers are clamoring for locally sourced produce, it might seem odd that Alabama’s homegrown wine industry is grossly prohibited from selling its products to Alabamians. For … Continued
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April 16, 2019
Opinion

Opinion

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From the puppy mill to the bill mill

As a state, Alabama traditionally ranks from pretty terrible to just plain awful in child welfare. If Alabama were a parent, it would be reported to DHR for child neglect. If we’re that bad in child welfare, you only get one guess where Alabama stands in animal welfare. Right. Below awful. That doesn’t mean we … Continued
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April 11, 2019

Auto supplier Toyota Boshoku set to open facility in Athens

Japanese auto supplier Toyota Boshoku America is set to open a new $50 million facility in Athens, Alabama. At full production, the manufacturing facility will support about 400 jobs in Limestone County. Gov. Kay Ivey joined representatives of Toyota Boshoku and local leaders in Limestone County today to announce that the global automotive supplier plans … Continued
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April 11, 2019