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Our state needs a think tank devoted to Alabama solutions for Alabama problems

Public policy is a complex issue, and scholars disagree on how to express it best. Still, in general, it is a system of laws and regulations that translates political visions into government actions. For over a century—especially in the United States—think tanks have contributed to government policymaking. Alabama needs a think tank that is truly … Continued

Bill Britt

September 7, 2020

Report: Percentage of Alabamians with a bachelors degree is falling behind other states

The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama released a report on Thursday showing that Alabama is continuing to gain on other states in the percentage of adults with a high school diploma, but the state is falling further behind the national average when it comes to the percentage of the adult population with a bachelor’s … Continued

Brandon Moseley

September 7, 2020

Trump campaign to hold boat parade on Lake Martin

The Alabama members of the Trump National Finance Committee are hosting a boat parade on Lake Martin Sept. 19. “Come join us in a celebration of our Great President Donald J. Trump and his nomination for four more years making America the greatest country on earth,” the group said in an announcement. The parade will … Continued

Brandon Moseley

September 7, 2020

Spanish Fort police thwart possible mass shooter

The Spanish Fort Police arrested 38-year-old Robert Smith of Grove Hill Saturday after he attacked the Bass Pro Shop there. “It certainly appears that his intent yesterday was to commit a mass shooting,” Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber told reporters. According to early reports, Bass Pro Shop employees spotted the heavily armed man wearing … Continued

Brandon Moseley

September 7, 2020

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upholds Mike Hubbard convictions

The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday affirmed the convictions of former House Speaker Mike Hubbard on six felony charges for misusing his office for personal gain. Hubbard is to report to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office by Sept. 12 to be processed into the Alabama Department of Corrections system. The Alabama Supreme Court … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

September 4, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey awards grants to address impaired driving

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced the award of more than $743,000 to help Alabama state troopers address impaired and dangerous drivers. Ivey awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to pay for overtime for troopers to patrol areas known for higher rates of impaired drivers … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

September 4, 2020

Update: Former County Commission Association president-elect apologizes for racial slur

UPDATE: Association of County Commissions of Alabama executive director Sonny Brasfield said Dean Calvert has resigned as president-elect. Brasfield said Calvert’s resignation came late Thursday following a conversation about the Blount County commissioner’s racial slur. Original story: The president-elect of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama issued a video apology Thursday for using a … Continued

Josh Moon

September 4, 2020

Police Chiefs Association “wholeheartedly” supports Ivey’s prison plan

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the two developer teams that are to build the state’s three new mega prisons. Ivey said those prisons are to be located in Bibb, Elmore County and Escambia counties. The president of the Alabama Association of Police Chiefs Chief Patrick W. Mardis released a statement in support of … Continued

Brandon Moseley

September 4, 2020

Former state senator arrested on charges of violating campaign finance laws

David Burkette has been officially arrested. The former state senator from Montgomery, who resigned on Tuesday as part of a plea deal with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, was formally charged on Thursday with a single misdemeanor count of violating the Fair Campaign Practices Act. According to a press release from the AG’s office, Burkette’s charge … Continued

Josh Moon

September 3, 2020

UAB doctor urges public to wear masks, social distance during Labor Day weekend

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, infectious disease experts continue to stress the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing, or else Alabama could see another spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of UAB’s Division of Infectious Diseases, told reporters on Thursday that there’s serious concern the state could see … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

September 3, 2020