focus

Unencumbered by the political temerity that immobilizes many leaders in Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey is rapidly moving forward on a few big agenda items, including rebuilding the state’s aging infrastructure and reforming its barbaric prison system. But nowhere has Ivey shown more laser-like focus than on Alabama’s underperforming education system. Over the last two years, … Continued

Alabama legislators are at it again – putting their energy toward passing needless bills that demonize communities versus fixing the real, urgent issues in our state. Last Thursday, a bill passed out of the Alabama Senate that would provide Alabamians with the option to contribute their state refund to the “We Build the Wall” organization. … Continued

Gov. Kay Ivey has called a special session intended to force lawmakers to focus on her proposed gas tax hike. Her decision comes after she said she would do so “if necessary” during her second State of the State address just an hour earlier on Tuesday. The governor’s call during the beginning of the regular … Continued

Gov. Kay Ivey appointed two deputy chiefs of staff Wednesday as she prepares to begin her first full term as governor. In addition to naming two chiefs of staff, which is relatively uncommon, Ivey also made other changes to her top staff. “As the governor moves forward in implementing her vision for the state, she … Continued

Two years after the behavioral health care and psychiatric hospital system in South Alabama, AltaPointe Health, merged with the former Cheaha Regional Mental Health Center in Sylacauga, Alabama, the leaders of both organizations say the merger has been “highly successful.” Cindy Atkinson, the former director of Cheaha Regional Mental Health Center, said the merger has been … Continued

Since its inception nearly eight years ago, the Alabama Political Reporter has worked to inform, educate, alert and, on occasion, call to action its readers on a wide variety of political issues facing our state. APR’s focus is state politics and those things that make our state better. Along with in-depth reporting on policy, the politicos that … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley is fond of saying, “ I love the people of Alabama and they love me.” But, this Bentley oft-repeated declaration rings hollow, given new polling that shows the people who he claims love him, has dwindled to a paltry 35 percent. Morning Consult surveyed 71,900 registered … Continued