The special session of the Legislature ended with $772 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds going to expand high-speed internet, water and sewer projects and health care needs. But it could have just as easily ended with the Legislature holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.” The five-day session’s grand finale came when both chambers (almost) […]

No, this is not a column about “a few of my favorite things,” but about Alabama’s incredible tourism industry. Tourism is a key component to Alabama’s economy.

So, what can be read in five minutes in a column that was said in a 30-minute, seven-page speech – the State of the State address given by the governor?

This session is likely to be a sensitive one for most legislators. For at least 23 of them, it is their last session and for the rest, it is an election year. One must wonder what the legislators spending their last session will place their priorities on. The ones up for election must be careful […]

“If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.” That is a quote too often used and attributed to Otto von Bismarck: In other words, the legislative process, though messy and often times unappetizing to some, can produce palatable results for all. Regardless of which political flavor you prefer, the […]

New Year’s resolutions originated over 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. They had the first documented New Year’s celebrations. During Akitu, a vast 12-day religious festival, in mid-March, the Babylonians crowned a new king and/or re-committed their allegiance to the existing king. Their celebration included making promises to “the gods” to return anything they […]

The University of Montevallo (UM) celebrated its 125th anniversary this year. Its rich history, cobblestone streets and beautiful, historic campus date back to 1896 when it was known as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School.

Todd Stacy will become the new host of Alabama Public Television’s weekly political news show, "Capitol Journal."

The state’s largest farm organization, the Alabama Farmers Federation held its centennial celebration in Montgomery this week. Approximately 1,200 farmers from all 67 counties were on hand to celebrate. In addition to celebrating 100 years for the Federation, members also celebrated 75 years of Alfa Insurance Co. which was founded by members in 1946. Alfa’s […]

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is in the top 10% of education institutions in the world

What can be said of veterans – those who serve in any of its distinguished branches? The answer is simple – not enough! They protected and provided. They cared and conquered. They defended to the end and hoped they would live to tell about it. God bless our veterans.

The average Alabamian may not know or care that every 10 years their legislative and congressional district lines are redrawn, but it is vitally important to their well-being in many ways. It dictates who will represent them in the State House of Representatives, State Senate, State School Board and Congress over the next 10 years. […]

A governor will have over 3,500 appointments during his or her four-year term and Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed some fine people to public office, boards and commissions.

Every four years legislators come and go. Some bring joy when they come in, others when they go out, but they all bring joy.

They feed us, they clothe us, they shelter us – all our basic needs are met because of farmers.

Former State Treasurer Young Boozer has recently been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to fulfill the vacant seat created by John McMillan.