Confederate monuments

Governor announces $170 million for health care, remote learning in public schools

The governor on Monday awarded $70 million to support the Alabama State Department of Education’s Education Health and Wellness Grant Program and $100 million to support the Educational Remote Learning Devices Grant Program.

July 20, 2020

Alabama lawmaker pre-files legislation to allow removal of Confederate monuments

If passed, the measure would permit counties and cities to relocate historic monuments currently located on public property.

Brandon Moseley

July 8, 2020

Lauderdale Republicans pass resolution defending Florence Confederate monument

Lauderdale County Republicans responded to calls to take down a local monument by passing a resolution urging elected leaders to oppose its removal.

Brandon Moseley

July 6, 2020

Alabama Democrats call for Rep. Will Dismukes to resign over support for Confederacy

Updated at 8 p.m. to include a response from Rep. Will Dismukes. The executive director of the Alabama Democratic Party on Friday called for the resignation of a Republican state representative over his support for the Confederacy, Confederate monuments and his membership in a local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter. The Alabama Democratic Party — … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 19, 2020

Opinion

A tunnel too far?

My colleague Josh Moon last week wrote a truthful (if scathing) column about the legacy of former governor George C. Wallace. After laying out his case about how Wallace used racism as a political prop, Moon ended the column this way: “And that is why George Wallace’s name shouldn’t be on any public building.” I agree. … Continued

Joey Kennedy

June 18, 2020

Opinion

Now is the time to stay smart, do better, be better and for Alabama to lead locally

Stay safe and stay smart. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is how I’ve ended most of my email correspondence. However, it now strikes me that “stay smart” might also be good advice for my beloved Alabama. It is unwise and unproductive to expend our energy wishing for a return to normal. Rather, … Continued

Jim Byard Jr.

June 15, 2020

Governor says there will be no special session before August

Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) told legislators that there will be no special session prior to August because the state’s budget numbers will not be in before July 15. The Governor told the legislators in a video conference that all options are on the table on whether or not there will be a special … Continued

Brandon Moseley and Nicole Jones

June 11, 2020

AG asks for clarification about removal of Mobile Confederate statue

Attorney General Steve Marshall last week sent a letter to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson asking for clarification about why the city removed a statue dedicated to Confederate admiral, and a spokesperson said the state is still waiting for a response before moving forward with legal action against the city. In the letter, Marshall asked Stimpson … Continued

Chip Brownlee

June 9, 2020

SPLC applauds removal of Mobile Confederate monument

The removal of a confederate monument in Mobile is encouraging, but the state law that protects such monuments should be repealed, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Admiral Raphael Semmes statue was removed during the early morning hours Friday at the request of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson after being damaged during protests this week. … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 5, 2020

Alabama Supreme Court rules against Birmingham, upholds Memorial Preservation Act

Wednesday, the Alabama Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the State of Alabama and upheld the state’s Memorial Preservation Act. The state had sued the City of Birmingham after the City had erected a plywood barrier around the monument honoring the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Confederate States of American during the … Continued

Brandon Moseley

November 28, 2019