state

Alabama’s native son: E Pluribus Unum

All of us are called upon to lend our name for a job referral, political appointment or the endorsement of a candidate. Over time, my engagement for this kind of request is limited and almost extinct. I can count on two or three fingers those I would fall on the sword for because of their … Continued

John W. Giles

December 14, 2018

Governor appoints two deputy chiefs of staff

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

Chip Brownlee

December 13, 2018

As lawmakers consider new gas tax, Alabama remains last in per capita state, local tax collection

As state lawmakers prepare to consider a gas tax increase during the next legislative session, a new report from the Public Affairs Research Council shows Alabama’s state and local governments collect less in taxes per capita than any other state in the country. Alabama has been behind in tax collection since the early 1990s, according … Continued

Chip Brownlee

December 12, 2018

Opinion

A real outsider

Donald Trump got a lot of votes in Alabama. Even today, after two years of implementing policies that have undeniably hurt this state, he still enjoys healthy support in Alabama. While it would be easy to tie that support to Alabama’s history of racism and Trump’s tendency to say racist things and support racist people … Continued

Josh Moon

December 6, 2018

A dozen things to know, expect during election day today

Polls are open across the state, and voters are headed out to cast their ballots. Here are a few questions, answers and things you can expect to happen today. 1. What time do polls close? Polls close at 7 p.m. in Alabama. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you can still vote. Stay in … Continued

Chip Brownlee

November 6, 2018

Election FAQ: Things you need to know before you vote

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to vote for a number of local, state and national elected offices. Before you go, take a look at this FAQ to make sure you’re updated on what you need to know before you vote. What’s on the ballot? More than a dozen statewide elected offices will be … Continued

Chip Brownlee

November 5, 2018

Opinion

Alabama GOP candidates literally have no plan to govern

Why are you voting for that candidate? That’s an important question as you prepare to go to the polls next Tuesday and cast votes for the people who will lead this state. The people who will control hundreds of millions of dollars. The people who will manage your tax dollars and be responsible for public … Continued

Josh Moon

October 31, 2018

Opinion

Maddox is right: The state shouldn’t pay for Bentley’s attorneys

Should the state be footing the bill for attorneys to defend former Gov. Robert Bentley in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency head Spencer Collier? Gov. Kay Ivey says it should, that the state has an obligation to do so under the law. Her challenger for the seat she currently … Continued

Josh Moon

September 19, 2018

State Senate District 2 candidate refuses to debate his opponent

State Senate candidate for District 2, Amy Wasyluka, D, and her campaign have made several attempts to contact her opposing candidate, Tom Butler, R, to organize a debate. Butler is currently refusing to debate Wasyluka. On Sept. 10, Wasyluka sent the following email to Butler’s campaign: “Dear Tom, It was good to see you the … Continued

September 18, 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