Society

Cities are only as strong as their local schools

In the military we have a saying: A platoon is only as strong as its weakest soldier. That concept applies to a lot of things in life, and especially to how we as a society treat our public schools. Public schools are the backbone of any city or town. They train our future workers. They … Continued

Craig Ford

September 13, 2019

Opinion

Lawmakers failed children in their darkest hours

During the last legislative session, lawmakers could have shown the young girls and youths of our state that they cared about them in their darkest hours, but they didn’t. Two bills that could have sent that message to our young people failed to pass because lawmakers said they ran out of time. The truth is … Continued

Bill Britt

July 5, 2019

Opinion

Punishing violence, recognizing the dignity of work and the possibility of redemption

Police officers, sheriffs and district attorneys do heroic work every day to lock up criminals and keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Yet many parts of our criminal justice system are broken, and layers of bureaucracy and a thicket of self-serving fees and outdated rules create barriers for people who have already paid their debt … Continued

Cam Ward

April 9, 2019

Opinion

Crossroads: Immigration

Growing up, my parents taught me the basic values of fairness and following the rules. I think these values were common in households all across our state and country. In today’s society, those two basic values need to be applied to the ongoing debate about illegal immigration. In terms of fairness, we have people who … Continued

Bradley Byrne

February 25, 2019

The rise of the oppressed straight white male is no laughing matter

According to Randy Blazak, former professor of sociology at Portland State University and an expert on hate crimes, a particular segment of white men feel under siege. “All these men are motivated by the desire to defend the myth of a country ‘created by and for’ white men like them, which they believe is fading … Continued

Bill Britt

September 4, 2018

Opinion

Let’s unlock second chances in Alabama

No one makes it through life without regrets. The split-second decision we wish we could take back, the risk we never should have taken, the people we failed to prioritize—these are the moments that open our eyes to our need for a fresh start. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a second chance. Right now, there are … Continued

Cam Ward

May 2, 2018

Opinion

Bemoaning our post-truth society

By Joey Kennedy Alabama Political Reporter Many readers know that, along with my journalism career, I’m also an English instructor at UAB. During most semesters, I teach two or three classes in the English Department, usually freshman composition courses and/or sophomore literature. I enjoy teaching, and I’ve been doing that at UAB since 2001. This … Continued

Joey Kennedy

August 31, 2017

Opinion

SPLC, HRC, and HB 440: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Cosmic Struggle Between Good and Evil

By Sam McLure Alabama Political Reporter Every good story has character development and plot. So, let’s start with character development. First, Human Rights Campaign: HRC’s stated mission “envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every … Continued

Samuel McLure

April 24, 2017

Opinion

Prison bill could be defining moment

By House Minority Leader Craig Ford Prisons could be the issue that defines the Alabama Legislature in 2017. Gov. Bentley has said he may call a special session to address the issue, and has indicated that he will revive the prison construction bill he first proposed in his 2016 State of the State address. In … Continued

Craig Ford

December 7, 2016

Opinion

Hubbard: Defiant and Unrepentant

By Bill Britt Alabama Politcal Reporter Michael G. Hubbard received a sentence of 96 years for his crimes. However, because he was convicted under State ethics laws, Judge Jacob Walker, III, with advice from the State’s prosecution, gave him a split sentence of 4 years behind bars, with no “good time” or chance of parole, … Continued

Bill Britt

July 11, 2016