Jr.

Rick Pate, Will Ainsworth, Jack Hawkins

We have two men who were elected to statewide constitutional offices last year, who seem to be doing a good job. They are both working quietly and diligently in their new posts. Rick Pate was sworn in as the state’s Agriculture Commissioner in January. He followed John McMillan, who served eight years as Agriculture … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 23, 2019

Hawkins celebrates 30 years as chancellor at Troy University

Troy University is celebrating its Chancellor’s 30th anniversary. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr, is one of the longest-serving heads of any public university in the country. “Chancellor Hawkins is a terrific example of one of our own who has made a major impact on the state of Alabama,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “He is providing students the … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

September 5, 2019

Opinion

Supreme Court screw-up sullies U.S. Constitution

Giving a speech at Georgetown University, late Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., said: “[T]he Constitution is a sublime oration on the dignity of man.” However, after the Supreme Court’s February 7 refusal to stay devout Muslim Domineque Ray’s execution – despite Ray’s unrebutted claim only Christian prisoners in Alabama are afforded a spiritual advisor during … Continued

Stephen Cooper

February 25, 2019

Opinion

We lost some great leaders in 2018

As is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie. This year we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 26, 2018

Opinion

Hoover police shooting exposes deep issues

“We’re sorry.” Those are the words you’re looking for, Hoover Police Department. Those are the words you’re looking for, City of Hoover. Those are the words you’re looking for, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. Those are the words that should have been said to the family of Emantic Bradford Jr. last Friday — the day after … Continued

Josh Moon

November 28, 2018

Opinion

Frank Johnson: the Legend and the Free State of Winston

Those of us who are Baby Boomers remember the tumultuous times of the 1960’s. We lived through the Civil Rights revolution. Those of us who grew up here in the Heart of Dixie witnessed the transpiring of racial integration first hand. Most of the crusades and struggles occurred here in Alabama, especially Montgomery. A good … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 24, 2018

Opinion

Our HBCUs are at risk – we need to step up to protect them

Since 1867, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or “HBCUs,” have played a vital role in Alabama’s higher education system. With 14 today, Alabama is home to the most of any state in the country. And as I said in a recent speech on the Senate floor, we don’t just have the most, we have the … Continued

Doug Jones

October 15, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: More analysis of GOP runoff

Currently, congressmen/women win reelection at a 98 percent rate. The communist politburo does not have that high of a reelection percentage. Maybe we have more in common with the Russians than Washington CNN reporters think. It is hard to get beat as an incumbent congressman. Martha Roby tried but even though she was the most vulnerable Republican incumbent … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 1, 2018

Veteran UA system trustee named interim chancellor

Finis E. St. John, IV, a veteran member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System, will become Interim Chancellor of the three-campus UA System effective August 1. He will succeed C. Ray Hayes, who announced his plans in June to transition his responsibilities to a Systemwide behavioral health initiative and other administrative … Continued

July 16, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Judicial races highlighted – June 5 primary

This is not just a gubernatorial year in the Heart of Dixie. We have every constitutional office up for election which includes Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor and Agriculture Commissioner. We also have a good many of the State Judicial races on the ballot. We have nine seats on our … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 19, 2018