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News / State

Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford dies

Larry Langford, the charismatic and popular former mayor of Birmingham, has died following a lengthy illness. He was 72. Most widely known for his push for a $500 million domed stadium … or maybe for trying to lure the Summer Olympics to Birmingham .. or, more likely, for both of those and his oversized personality, … Continued

Josh Moon

January 9, 2019

Want to know why Mike Hubbard still isn’t in prison?

Mike Hubbard probably isn’t going to jail anytime soon. The former Alabama House Speaker who was convicted on 12 counts of misusing his office for personal gain, and who recently had the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals uphold 11 of those convictions, remains free on an appeals bond. While most other convicted felons find themselves … Continued

Josh Moon

September 20, 2018

Opinion

State schools chief backtracks, Montgomery schools mess grows

Never mind. That’s essentially what state schools superintendent Eric Mackey told parents, business leaders, school system employees and everyone else on Tuesday, telling the Montgomery Advertiser that he — the top executive in all of Alabama public education — might have been mistaken when he talked about the effects of Montgomery’s public schools potentially losing … Continued

Josh Moon

June 14, 2018

Opinion

How has Trump deceived you? Let’s count the ways

Over the weekend, the same Facebook post kept popping up on my feed. It was, essentially, a long whine about how poorly Donald Trump has been treated by pretty much everyone since becoming president. And at the end, before sharing it to show support for dear leader, each person signed his or her name and … Continued

Josh Moon

April 17, 2018

Opinion

Gov. Ivey playing politics with Sentance

By Larry Lee Education Matters Unfortunately, Governor Kay Ivey is now playing politics with our children. Three weeks ago she said she did not know enough about the performance of State School Chief Mike Sentance to join State Board members in evaluating him (By virtue of her office, she is President of the State Board). … Continued

Larry Lee

August 13, 2017

Opinion

Thanksgiving Day brings little to be thankful for in State government

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter For those who honestly care about the future of our State, there are few bright spots this Thanksgiving. Even as we engage in polite conversation over turkey and dressing or pecan pie, the subject will naturally turn to the state of the State. While, “Who will replace Senator Jeff … Continued

Bill Britt

November 24, 2016

Opinion

Senator Dial Takes Action

By Larry Lee Education Matters Unbelievable as it may seem, according to Alabama law, the requirements for someone to be the superintendent of a local school system are much tougher than those to be state superintendent, which is about like saying an operating room nurse needs more training than the surgeon she is assisting. Alabama … Continued

Larry Lee

October 11, 2016

Opinion

Who Will Be McCutcheon’s Wise Counsel?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Last week, intense debate over the lottery bill roiled the Senate Chamber. The State House, especially on the fifth floor, seemed to exude a new confidence; a possibility of change. Speaker Mac McCutcheon set the tone when he said, “the days of the Imperial Speakership are over” and pledged … Continued

Bill Britt

August 22, 2016

Judge Walker Files Hubbard Sentencing With Alacourt

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter OPELIKA—Judge Jacob Walker, III, officially filed Michael G. Hubbard’s sentence with Alacourt on Wednesday. Hubbard was found guilty on 12 charges of using his office for personal gain on June 10. Judge Walker handed down his sentence on Hubbard for a total of 96 years, 21.5 month split sentence … Continued

Susan Britt

August 11, 2016