political

Ivey moves to revamp failing education system with “Strong Start, Strong Finish”

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

Bill Britt

July 29, 2019

Opinion

On abortion, we cannot remain silent

For most of the history of our country, it was widely accepted, as I firmly believe now, that life begins at conception — that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. The thought of prematurely ending a pregnancy was considered in stark, unreconcilable contrast to the principles of our founding of life, … Continued

Bradley Byrne

June 11, 2019

Opinion

Infrastructure: Alabama needs a road program. Wallace and Big Jim knew this.

One of the obvious political changes in Alabama government over the last decades with the Republican takeover of the Legislature has been the reluctance to raise new revenue to fund state government. Many of the current Republican legislators came to Montgomery in 2010 with a no new tax pledge. Voting for any kind of tax … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 27, 2019

Opinion

Alabama Supreme Court to hear Hubbard’s appeal; there is cause for concern

Warning sirens sounded throughout the political and legal communities when, on Monday, the Alabama Supreme Court granted former Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard a hearing on his 11 counts of felony public corruption conviction. It may be just that in such a high profile case with great public interest that the court felt it … Continued

Bill Britt

March 13, 2019

Supreme Court gives former Speaker Mike Hubbard one more shot to avoid jail

The Alabama Supreme Court on Monday granted a review of former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s conviction on 11 felony counts — yet again surprising the legal community with its willingness to bend to political influence. Since the ALSC took up the case seven months ago, many in the legal community felt that Hubbard’s appeal was … Continued

Josh Moon

March 11, 2019

Opinion

An ethics-less day at the Alabama “ethics” commission

Alabama does not have an ethics commission. Oh, sure, there’s a group of people who meet once per month in a room in Montgomery, and the sign out front reads “Alabama Ethics Commission,” but trust me, they’re not. Because an ethics commission — a real one — has one primary goal: To uphold the ethics … Continued

Josh Moon

December 20, 2018

Opinion

A real “enemy of the people”

I’m pretty fortunate, in that I’ve got two great careers. I write for this great news organization each week, continuing the mostly political columns about Alabama I wrote for a more than a quarter of a century for The Birmingham News, back when The News was a newspaper. I also write the monthly back-page column … Continued

Joey Kennedy

December 20, 2018

Opinion

Get Hart

Years of political pressure from shady defense attorneys and crooked lawmakers culminated last week in the firing of Special Prosecution Division Chief Matt Hart. Gov. Robert Bentley’s appointed attorney general, Steve Marshall, delivered the blow just 13 days after being elected attorney general, but the move against Hart was orchestrated by some of the state’s … Continued

Bill Britt

November 26, 2018

Attorney General’s alleged illegal acts make national news

Alabama’s Republican Attorney General has drawn national attention over controversial campaign contributions he received from the Republican Attorneys General Association. “Alabama’s Attorney General Steve Marshall may coast to victory on Nov. 6, but not without the help of some powerful friends from up north,” reads a report published over the weekend in USA Today. The … Continued

Bill Britt

November 5, 2018

Opinion

Alabamians need an Ethics Commission that will enforce the laws

I am disappointed to find myself, once again, in a position to ask what purpose the Alabama Ethics Commission serves to the people of this state. To whom are the elected officials or those seeking public office to look to for ethical political leadership? The people of Alabama need an Ethics Commission that will enforce … Continued

John Merrill

September 11, 2018