Grayson Everett, Author at Yellowhammer News

Friday, September 1, 2023, will be a memorable day in the state of Alabama. No longer will Alabama be one of three states that does not have a partial or full reduction of the grocery tax.

Alabama will now join the 47 other states, including our border states of Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, that do not fully tax groceries.

Alabama was one of only three states taxing groceries at the same rate as other goods. Last year, food prices increased 13.5% – the largest 12-month percentage increase since 1979.

“The Alabama Grocers Association commends Governor Kay Ivey, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth and the Alabama Legislature for passing this important legislation,” said Ellie Taylor, President/CEO, Alabama Grocers Association.

“The 1% reduction of the state’s 4% grocery tax on September 1 will enable the state to calculate the actual cost for removal of the full grocery tax and help Alabama move forward with its elimination. The AGA has advocated for the removal of our state’s grocery tax for over a decade.”

Daily, grocers witness hardworking Alabamians unable to purchase the food that they need. Despite wages increasing significantly over the last several years, the rising cost of food has outpaced all other household expenses except transportation.

“We fought hard to raise the issue and convince the Legislature to give Alabama families a dinner table tax cut, but our job is not over,” said Will Ainsworth, Lieutenant Governor, State of Alabama.

“When another percentage is automatically removed, perhaps as soon as next year, the sales tax on groceries will be cut in half, but I remain committed to removing it altogether and providing Alabamians with permanent tax relief.”

As part of this legislation, the state’s food definition is tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which covers all edible foods except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.

With over 4,850 retailers across the state including grocers, convenience stores, pharmacies, and dollar stores accepting SNAP, the transition at the retail level should be seamless at the point of sale.

“I am very pleased that working Alabamians will begin to see relief at grocery store checkouts around the state on Friday,” said Andrew Jones, Alabama Senator, District 10.

“A grocery tax cut has been talked about for decades, but the Alabama Legislature stepped up this year and made it happen through a bipartisan effort resulting in the largest tax cut in state history.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey unveiled plans for three major interstate projects at a press event at Hoover City Hall, collectively amounting to nearly half a billion dollars.

She announced the widening of Interstate 65 from Alabaster to Calera, a widening of four-mile stretch of Interstate 59, and a new interchange to connect Interstate 459 to Highway 150.

“It was exciting to think about this announcement as I drove up 65 this morning, seeing the progress we are making around Clanton and the progress we have already made around Alabaster. And folks, let me tell you, this is just one of many Alabama roads benefiting from our Rebuild Alabama effort,” Governor Ivey said.

A four-mile stretch of Interstate 59 is also slated for widening from I-459 to Chalkville Mountain Road. This $80 million project, financed through ALDOT funds, aims to alleviate congestion and cater to the anticipated traffic surge from the Birmingham Northern Beltline.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who has driven the idea for months, said “it’s a start.”

Thanks to the Alabamians who have helped me promote the importance of widening I-65 from the Tennessee line to the Gulf of Mexico, ALDOT announced it is expanding a portion in Jefferson and Shelby counties to three lanes. It’s a start, so let’s keep up the pressure and #gowide65. pic.twitter.com/It2nEocTA1

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) August 31, 2023

Ainsworth has stepped up as a vocal critic of the Alabama Department of Transportation, advocating for a leadership change and pointing out what he thinks are misplaced priorities.

Ainsworth has said I-65’s traffic conditions “frustrates drivers, hurts tourism, and slows commerce.”

The topic even garnered national political treatment with Former President Trump mentioning that he would prioritize the interstate if he were to win in 2024.

“One of the first things that I will do to help the great people of Alabama is to approve a six-lane I65 from Huntsville to Mobile.” #alpolitics

— Grayson Everett (@Grayson270) August 5, 2023

Governor Ivey has made transportation infrastructure a priority since taking office.

In 2019, she enacted the Rebuild Alabama Act, dedicating over $170 million to state transportation. The has since funded 400 miles of roads and 234 road and bridge projects across all 67 counties. Alabama has undertaken over 1,500 projects worth $5 billion.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The South Perry Street bridge in Montgomery remains shut down following a devastating collision involving an 18-wheeler and three other vehicles on a portion of Interstate 85 southbound on Tuesday.

The semi-truck, loaded with lumber, struck the support columns of the South Perry Street bridge, leading to an intense fire that consumed the 18-wheeler and significantly damaged the bridge and its foundation.

Montgomery officials said there were no major injuries in the wreck, which happened about 7:25 a.m. Tuesday.

#NEW An I-85 crash has significantly damaged a Montgomery overpass.

The bridge’s support column is leaning over. All southbound lanes near the South Union Street exit and the South Perry Street bridge are closed for repairs. @wsfa12news https://t.co/7uritmacjm pic.twitter.com/rtnQB10KhQ

— Brady Talbert (@BradyTalbert) August 29, 2023

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) said emergency repairs to the South Perry Street were completed before 10 a.m. Wednesday, allowing for the reopening of two lanes of I-85 underneath.

ALDOT officials have confirmed that reinforcements have been put in place to ensure the bridge remains stable and safe for vehicles passing below.

However, the bridge will remain off-limits to pedestrians and vehicular traffic until permanent fixes can be carried out. While a specific timeline for these comprehensive repairs hasn’t been disclosed, ALDOT assured that they will provide updates as plans become finalized.

Amazingly everyone walked away from this 4 car accident. Happened around 7:30 am. Truck filled with wood slammed into cement pillar of Perry St. and caught fire. Right now all I-85 south lanes closed at Eastern Blvd. Some smaller cars could be able to go past that point soon. pic.twitter.com/hhpafpqmtR

— Judd Davis (@BamaJD) August 29, 2023

Montgomery Police Chief Daryl Albert said at a press conference that “the city of Montgomery is open,” however, it’s unclear how long it will take to repair the bridge infrastructure.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama Power is sending crews to help Georgia Power in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.

The utility said its Power Delivery Storm Center is monitoring the hurricane’s path and intensity.

The “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm made landfall just before 8 a.m. ET at Florida’s Big Bend near Keaton Beach.

The system had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph with higher gusts around the time it made landfall.

Alabama Power is sending 325 company employees (line crew and support) in addition to 360 contract resources to the Georgia Power Company.

“Here at 12th Street, we do a lot of prepare work for mutual assistance,” said Dwight Russell, Alabama Power crew foreman in Birmingham.

“When another company calls, we send out word to tell our crews to pack bags and come to work and set a destination for us to show up, and we go to work.”

Russell and the crews are prepped to make their way to Macon, Ga.

Post-hurricane conditions could leave areas uninhabitable for several weeks, if not months, owing to the catastrophic storm surge and wind damage.

While Alabama expects 1-2 inches of rain from the storm system, areas south of I-85 and east of I-65 will see sustained winds of 10-20 mph from through 7 p.m. today. Along the Alabama coast, warnings of dangerous rip currents have been issued from through Thursday night, with high surf alerts active through tonight.

For storm preparedness tips, customers can visit the Storm Center at AlabamaPower.com/Storm.

Alabama Power offers Outage Alerts, a service that provides real-time updates on restoration efforts and expected power restoration timings.

Customers can sign up by texting “Enroll” to APCOUT (272688) or by visiting AlabamaPower.com/Alerts.

Once registered, reporting outages or checking repair status is just a text away.

In case of an outage, Alabama Power customers can also inform the company through the Alabama Power mobile app, the website, or calling 800-888-2726.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

State Representative David Cole was booked into the Madison County Jail on Tuesday.

Sources informed Yellowhammer News last week that Cole was expected to be indicted on charges in connection to legal residency issues that plagued his time in office.

Cole was reported to be negotiating a plea deal.

Sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity say the state’s case against Cole centers on the charge of voter fraud – for which he was incarcerated on Tuesday. Despite a possible plea agreement, Cole could still face jail time even after resigning.

According to sources, Cole became the target of an investigation by Attorney General Steve Marshall soon after a May deposition in related litigation unraveled testimony and primary source evidence that confounded his claims to residency.

In 2022, Cole, a physician, was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives for District 10, which covers portions of South and West Huntsville, Madison, Triana and Redstone Arsenal.

In the weeks leading up to the 2022 general election, a challenge was filed by one of Cole’s opponents claiming he does not have a legal residence in this district, but rather, is a resident of House District 4.

Since that time, Cole has been the subject of exhaustive legal proceedings that elevated to the Alabama Supreme Court and the Legislature itself.

Cole attorney, Albert Agricola Jr., has argued it is the House of Representative’s duty to decide if Cole is a rightful member of its ranks, saying “once the official that is – whose election is being challenged is sworn into office, no court has jurisdiction over the matter thereafter.”

A spokesperson for Attorney General Marshall told Yellowhammer News the office is unable to comment on ongoing investigations.

In May, Cole was deposed to answer questions about his residency, in which he claimed he signed a lease with a family friend only a day before the one-year residency deadline.

Tax records pinpoint Cole’s primary residence in District 4. In the deposition, Cole admitted to never spending a night in the District 10 home and still keeps his belongings in the District 4 residence.

Although the lease indicates Cole moved into the home in District 10 two days before the filing deadline, the homeowners claimed it as their homestead for tax purposes for the last four years, implying both families – including Cole’s family of five – would be sharing a 3,300-square foot home while his 3,000-square foot District 4 residence remains vacant.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Cole’s attorney told Yellowhammer News neither he nor Cole had a comment at this time.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

It sounds like Republican presidential candidates are indeed slated to converge in Alabama for an official debate this fall.

Christie seemed to confirm what fellow 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley said last month – that Alabama will be the location for the third GOP debate scheduled for October.

Tuesday morning during an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Christie was suggesting former President Donald Trump might even be there.

“I don’t think he’ll show up at the Reagan Library debate. He’s had a conflict for the last eight years with the Reagan Library. He’s insulted he hasn’t been invited to speak there. He doesn’t like the chairman of the Reagan Foundation.”

“But I’d keep my eye on the debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in October,” Christie said. “Because at that point, he will have lost even more ground in the polls, in my view.”

At a campaign stop in NH, Nikki Haley appeared to reveal the third GOP debate location: “First debate’s August in Wisconsin. Second debate’s September at the Reagan Library. Third debate’s October in Alabama – by October, you’re going to see a totally different ball game.”

— Kit Maher (@KitMaherCNN) July 7, 2023

Official word on an Alabama debate is being kept close.

Last week, on the day of the first debate, Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl told WHNT last week he had “no comment” about confirmation. The national GOP committee has also yet to make an announcement.

Last month, Wahl told Yellowhammer News that Alabama makes perfect sense for a debate site.

“We’re a Super Tuesday state. We’re a deep red state,” Wahl said. “And we’re a state that really showcases the citizenship that Republican candidates should be going after. A lot of issues that we’re seeing have the biggest impact on the national stage are also the ones that are most important to the people of Alabama.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) will join Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington D.C. later this week “to recognize the impact of Black women shaping democracy in their communities and across the country.”

According to The Birmingham Times, Rep. Givan will “lead a group of leaders” at the Vice President’s residence.

Earlier this year, Givan was widely rebuked for tormenting a Black state legislator from the floor of the House of Representatives, using lyrics from a song by rapper Jay-Z to make allusions about her colleague’s racial loyalty.

Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) was on the receiving end. He is the singular Black Republican official in the Alabama Legislature.

While Givan did not use the N-word toward Paschal explicitly, it is said 63 times during the song, and became the focus of her attack.

“You want me to sing it?”, Givan asked Pascal from the microphone.

“Don’t matter how you come in here, no matter how you leave, you still one. When you sit down, you still one … That’s the story of OJ,” Givan said.

“Still one. Still one. Still one.”

Official calls for her apology were made immediately after. However, Givan has not publicly apologized to Rep. Pascal or the House chamber.

Givan’s episode during this year’s legislative session was not the first occasion the Birmingham lawmaker courted controversy along racial and religious lines.

In 2021, Givan provoked a heated debate surrounding a resolution supporting Israel. Givan vocally questioned the legislature’s solidarity.

“What in the slam-chiggity is this?” she said at that time, suggesting only the Republican Party would support the idea.

She lashed out at colleagues over, “the foolishness and foolery that goes on in this chamber,” saying “the sensitive things that you people — and yes, I am saying you people — do in the name of whatever agenda that you are trying to push.”

Givan later said she was not “anti-Semitic in any way.”

Also during the 2021 session, Givan lobbed charges of racism against all lawmakers who opposed her bill to allow local entities to remove confederate monuments.

It was comments she made to the media following the vote that brought the most trouble for Givan.

“I was surprised at some of the actions that they took,” Givan said in 2021, “But of course, here again, we are in the state of Alabama. And there is still much to be done with regards to the issues of the Confederacy.”

She called Republican lawmakers who voted against her bill out by name, saying they were “the most racist people in the United States of America.”

In 2019, Givan unleashed on then-Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, repeatedly shouting obscenities.

About her upcoming trip to Washington with Vice President Kamala Harris, Givan said, “We are honored to host this reception alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Higher Heights for America, to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Black women elected executives, legislators, and those serving in judicial capacities.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Polling conducted in August shows support from Alabama voters for Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s procedural holds on nominations over the Biden Administration’s military abortion travel policy.

The poll also reveals only half of voters have heard about the issue, counter to exhaustive media coverage.

Tuberville (R-Auburn) is holding confirmations in response to a Biden administration policy directing Department of Defense funds toward out-of-state abortions for troops and their families stationed in states where the procedure is prohibited.

45% of respondents backed Tuberville’s position.

In his view, the Pentagon using taxpayer dollars to pay for women in the military to cross state lines to get abortions violates federal law. Tuberville said the promotions would go through if the Biden Administration would just obey the laws.

He also said he will release the holds if Congress votes on a change to the law to make the Defense Department policy legal. But he won’t let the Biden Administration get away with ignoring the current law.

Of those polled, 33% supported Biden’s directive to release the hold on nominations, citing an impact on “military readiness.”

Admittedly incapable of moving forward without Tuberville’s approval, the official position held by Biden and Democratic leadership has been to pressure fellow Republicans against the senator from Alabama.

When asked for reasoning behind support for Tuberville’s stand, 42% of respondents said they don’t support any taxpayer funds going toward abortion; 30% say they don’t trust Biden.

The poll, conducted in late August by WPA Intelligence among 500 registered voters in Alabama, also assessed fundamental opinions over abortion. The poll has a margin of error plus-4.4%.

40% of respondents said they support limiting abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy with limited exceptions while 19% agreed with a total ban with no exceptions.

As Congress returns from August recess next week, the stalemate will intensify, with both sides fully expected to dig further into their positions.

“The bottom line is, it’s up to the Republican leadership,” Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said last month.

“This is a problem that they have in their caucus, that they have with the country. They are risking our security and it’s up to them to fix it.”

Tuberville’s GOP colleagues in the Senate haven’t seemed interested. Last week, Sen. Katie Britt said it’s Biden who is politicizing the military.

“I will stay here till hell freezes over,” Tuberville said from the floor of the U.S. Senate in March.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Sometimes the worlds of politics and sports intersect. Like the recent effort to keep college athletics fair by regulating name, image, likeness (NIL), Congress is getting in the game with a new caucus to preserve and improve stadiums across the country.

Four SEC universities are on the list of 18 historic stadiums: Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, LSU’s Tiger Stadium, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Ole Miss, and Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State.

The Historic Stadium Caucus will bring together a bipartisan team of officials to work on preserving the legacy of these venues while enhancing their capabilities so they’re able to continue to host world-class sporting events and concerts for generations to come.

“When Tiger fans walk into Death Valley on Saturday nights, they do more than watch a football game – they walk into a 99-year-old local icon that supports our regional economy. Every bowl of jambalaya scooped and Tiger Dog served injects jobs and resources into our community,” said Rep. Garret Graves, whose congressional district includes LSU.

The caucus will bring much-needed attention to historic stadiums that were among the first major athletic venues in the United States and continue to host some of sport and entertainment’s most marquee events each year.

Stadiums are economic catalysts for local economies as well as emergency preparedness centers for local, county and state agencies.

Built in 1939, along with five major expansion projects throughout the 20th century, the stadium on the Plains now seats over 87,000 – making it the 10th-largest on-campus stadium in the NCAA.

LSU’s Tiger Stadium has seen multiple NFL superstars jumpstart their careers, from quarterbacks Y.A. Tittle in the 1940s to Joe Burrow in the 2010s.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said, “Historic stadiums, such as Tiger Stadium at LSU, play an important role in the environment that makes college athletics special. The game day traditions in iconic venues around the country are unique and are worthy of discussion.”

The 18 stadiums are:

Beaver Stadium (Penn State University)
Camp Randall Stadium (University of Wisconsin)
Cotton Bowl
Davis Wade Stadium (Mississippi State University)
Franklin Field (University of Pennsylvania)
Husky Stadium (University of Washington)
Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (University of Southern California)
Memorial Stadium (University of California)
Memorial Stadium (University of Illinois)
Memorial Stadium (Clemson University)
Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati)
Rose Bowl Stadium
SJSU Spartan Stadium (San Jose State University)
Tiger Stadium (Louisiana State University)
Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field (University of Mississippi)
Wallace Wade Stadium (Duke University)
Yale Bowl (Yale University)

The co-chairs of the Historic Stadium Caucus, Reps. Graves and Pocan (D-Wisconsin), are gearing up to rally more members of Congress to back the initiative.

Forthcoming enhancements to the stadiums will include security and safety measures, technology upgrades and infrastructural improvements.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Saturday, friends and supporters across the Wiregrass were overjoyed to see U.S. Sen. Katie Britt make her first public stop following a health scare that kept her home with family throughout most of August.

“We appreciate everyone’s prayers and really could feel those,” Britt told the crowd. “They make all of the difference and we are happy to be back out here and moving around.”

What a great turnout—I enjoyed providing an update on my first 8 months in office and a preview of what’s to come. We covered a lot of ground, from border security and countering the threat posed by the CCP to fighting for our defense community, educational freedom and much more. pic.twitter.com/eaETSQOA6K

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) August 26, 2023

Alabama’s junior senator fellowshipped with the Wiregrass Republican Women in her hometown of Enterprise, saying she has “recovered well and am back at it.”

She previewed a busy month ahead of her on Capitol Hill after Congress returns next week from August recess.

Britt touched on topics from border security, national defense, educational freedom, countering China, and legislation she’s working on to address the mental health crisis impacting America’s youth.

“We need to talk about it more, and we need to do more,” Britt said reverently. “When we look across the country, particularly as in our youth, the depression rate in our youth between 2011-2019 more than doubled. It is not a coincidence that was the exact same time social media took off and we started using front-facing cameras.

“We, as parents, we as adults, have to do more and be more vigilant. As we all know, God calls us to do hard things – and this is a hard thing.”

She promoted her effort with Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) on the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act, which would set the minimum age for social media users to 13 and require parental consent for users under the age of 18. It would also reign in the algorithms responsible for negative influences.

Britt was also joined by her 98-year-old grandmother and celebrated on Twitter after the event.

It was a special moment seeing so many friends and family members in Enterprise today— including my MaMa, who at 98 years young was able to hear me speak in-person for the first time as a U.S. Senator. pic.twitter.com/EsmH4M6Y1Q

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) August 26, 2023

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he knows the look on former President Donald Trump’s face in Thursday’s mugshot.

In fact, he’s been on the receiving end of something similar, he said.

“I’ve seen President Trump with that look a couple times, playing golf with him, when he’s missed a putt, or I’ve beat him in a round of golf,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said.

Tuberville told Newsmax host Greg Kelly that Trump’s indictment isn’t quite as fun as a day at the links, however.

“But this is serious here,” Tuberville said Thursday night. “If you care anything about this country, you should have the same look on your face that President Trump just had on his face during his mugshot.”

Trump appeared before Fulton County, Ga., officials Thursday following an indictment by District Attorney Fani Willis, along with 18 co-defendants related to the 2020 election.

“This is a disgrace to him, the next President of the United States – which will be him – a disgrace to the taxpayers of this country, and a disgrace to a country that’s made it 247 years without these kind of shenanigans happening,” Tuberville said.

“It just shows you what the Democrats are doing. They’re weaponizing everything they possibly can to bring this president down, to keep the Republicans from gaining control again – because they know when we gain control, their shenanigans, and their circus is over with – and they’re gonna do everything they possibly can.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Alabama Supreme Court has given the green light for the continuation of the intracoastal bridge construction in Baldwin County. The ruling, handed down today, permits the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to carry on with the project.

In May, a Montgomery Circuit Judge imposed a halt on the construction. Today, the state’s highest court determined that the lower court did not possess the authority to stop the two-lane bridge project in Gulf Shores.

The 31-page judgment leaned on the “doctrine of State immunity” from the Alabama Constitution – asserting that the state and its entities have “absolute immunity” against lawsuits. This principle protects both the Alabama Department of Transportation and its Director, John Cooper.

“This is an important victory for Alabama’s coastal residents and millions of visitors to our state. The need for a new, free bridge is obvious,” said Tony Harris, a spokesman for ALDOT. “The Supreme Court’s decision means construction can restart on this project that will help relieve traffic congestion and provide an additional evacuation route.

“Construction can move forward in the coming weeks.”

The Baldwin County Bridge Company previously accused Cooper of handling past negotiations dishonestly.

In May, Judge Jimmy Pool ordered an 80-page directive stating that ALDOT Director John Cooper had concealed intentions to bankrupt the company and kept these endeavors hidden from the public.

Pool halted the construction of the bridge, maintaining that “evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that Director Cooper has acted in bad faith towards BCBC in connection with his decision to build a new bridge.”

On Friday, Neal Belitsky, president of Baldwin County Bridge Company said, “Today’s decision sends an unfortunate message to businesses across this nation — come to Alabama on notice that anything an unelected government official chooses to do to you, he can do and you are powerless to stop him even if he is acting in bad faith.

“Chief Justice Parker’s concurrence delivers a terrifying reality ‘…you shall hear the small and the great alike’, unless the Alabama government is the defendant.”

While “disappointed” by today’s ruling, Belitsky said the company is pleased the higher court “rejected Cooper’s effort to avoid any accountability for his actions.”

The ambitious bridge project, inclusive of related roadways, is estimated to cost upward of $120 million.

In its ruling, the Alabama Supreme Court said, “we now conclude that BCBC’s claim on which the preliminary injunction is based is barred by State immunity. Accordingly, the trial court has no subject-matter jurisdiction over that claim and the preliminary injunction must be reversed.”

However, the court denied Cooper’s request to raise the preliminary injunction bond above $100,000. It also ruled against the Scott Bridge Co., the contractor, which sought to claim damages on the bond.

Local officials across the Coastal region are likely celebrating today’s decision.

In May, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said the need for the bridge was urgent, citing Baldwin County’s growth and Highway 59 bridge’s inefficiencies.

“The Highway 59 bridge is F-rated and woefully over capacity nine months out of the year,” Craft said. “This is a problem not just for tourist traffic flow, but for residents, emergency vehicles, and for hurricane evacuations.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Forbes released its annual “Best Employers By State” list, ranking its 44 best places to work in Alabama for 2023.

The magazine partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 70,000 workers at companies (minimum of 500 employees) in all 50 states, evaluating their employer based on working conditions, compensation packages, potential for development, company image and so forth.

The list, which includes public and private institutions, showcases employers with deep roots in Alabama:

Southern Co.
Books-A-Million
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Northrop Grumman
Evonik Industries
Wind Creek Hospitality
Home Instead Senior Care
Clayton Homes
Edward Jones
Honda Motor
Polaris
Publix Super Markets
Boeing
Hoover City School District
Airbus
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Etowah County School District
U.S. Department of Defense
PNC Financial Services
Auburn University
Leidos
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Alabama Department of Public Health
Infirmary Health
Marriott International
NASA
The Home Depot
U.S. Social Security Administration
Mercedes-Benz USA
Siemens
3M
Jefferson County School District
General Electric
Children’s of Alabama
WestRock
Southeast Health
United Parcel Service
Georgia-Pacific
Raytheon Technologies
East Alabama Health
JCPenney
North American Lighting
State of Alabama
Alfa Insurance

Forbes says, as with all their lists, companies don’t pay to participate. The full list of Forbes‘ best employers in Alabama is available here with profiles for each company.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Alabama Wildlife Federation confirmed the arrival Wednesday of limestone at Cedar Point Beach in Heron Bay to craft an oyster cultch for a major restoration project for the Gulf Coast.

The limestone was donated by Vulcan Materials Co. and was transported from from Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama to the Gulf Coast via the Tennessee, Tombigbee, and Mobile rivers by Cooper Marine.

“This project, funded in its entirety by private dollars, will help restore Alabama’s oyster populations for generations to come,” AWF Executive Director Tim Gothard said. “It was amazing to see material from the very far north corner of our state travel through our state’s beautiful waterways to provide a major boost to the saltwater resources so many Alabamians love and enjoy.

“Conservation of Alabama’s world-class outdoors and wildlife takes a team.”

The goal of the environmental restoration project is to reinvigorate oyster reefs at Cedar Point Beach. The Cedar Point Beach Oyster Restoration Project is 77 acres of water bottom just west of Dauphin Island Parkway in Heron Bay. The site is a historic oyster reef area next to some of the most productive oyster reefs in Alabama waters.

Vulcan Materials donated 6,500 tons of limestone cultch material; Cooper Marine provided more than $150,000 of in-kind transportation; AWF donated $100,000 for the deployment of the oyster cultch; and the Coastal Land Trust, the Jernigan Foundation, J.L. Bedsole Foundation and PowerSouth all donated equal amounts to match AWF dollar for dollar on cultch deployment.

“The state of Alabama is blessed with tremendous natural resources,” said Scott Bannon, Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD).

“DCNR is responsible for maintaining and developing those resources for current and future generations, but we do not do this alone. We are fortunate to have many partners who use their resources to help fill the gaps. This project would have cost our division nearly a half-million dollars,” Bannon said.

The oyster cultch material provides points of attachment for recently settled oysters, or “spat,” for the restoration project.

“With limited resources at our disposal, we are thankful for AWF’s leadership in providing funding, securing additional investors, and managing the contracts to make the project happen,” Bannon said.

“Environmental stewardship is one of our top priorities, and we are proud to support this important environmental restoration effort for the Alabama Gulf Coast,” said Mitesh Shah, president of Vulcan Materials Southern and Gulf Coast Division.

“Through our partnership with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Cooper Marine, and others, the limestone from our Pride Quarry in north Alabama has now made its way down our state’s river systems and into this historic oyster reef area. We look forward to seeing the impact that this oyster clutch will have on our state’s native oyster populations.”

“It was a privilege to use our resources to support an important project for environmental upkeep on Alabama’s coast,” said Angus Cooper III, president of the Cooper Group.

“We thank the various partners who came together to make this possible and are looking forward to seeing the impact it will have on Alabama’s native oyster populations.”

The AWF kept enthusiasts updated on the limestone’s journey from North Alabama to the Gulf Coast via its Facebook page.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

President Biden’s request for $24 billion in additional funding to Ukraine and $12 billion in FEMA disaster relief funding would traffic weaker immigration policies into existence, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said.

Biden’s $40 billion request to Congress includes $4 billion in funding for “humanitarian” and migration management needs – with more than $600 million of that to fund shelter and other services for migrants released from DHS custody.

The proposal also includes authorizing language that would allow the administration to take existing funds meant for ICE to enforce immigration laws and instead spend that money on additional aid for migrants.

Britt (R-Montgomery) isn’t having any of it.

“When you look at this money, when you drill down into what he is proposing, he is proposing more money for NGOs, more money to make it enticing for migrants to come here illegally,” she said.

Britt called the ruse a “red line” for her and said she would vote against the supplemental spending measure in an interview Tuesday with Phil Williams on “Rightside Radio.”

“I’m disgusted by the $4 billion for border ‘security.’ That is a farce.” Britt said. “I do not believe that we need to give President Biden more money to ‘manage the border;’ we need to give him money to secure it.”

The Department of Homeland Security is “scrambling to fill billions of dollars in shortfalls across its various agencies,” Axios recently reported – with “the vast majority driven by its efforts to maintain order at the U.S.-Mexico border.”

“We have a crisis on our hands,” Britt said. “I know you’ve seen the numbers. We’ve hit all-time highs. The numbers for August on average — now we’re 7,300 (encounters) a day.”

As of yesterday, the average daily encounters this month was the highest of 2023 — with numbers still rising.

President Biden’s attempts to manage this crisis have failed. It’s past time to enforce existing laws and secure the border.https://t.co/gDh19DUIxq

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) August 22, 2023

Britt pointed out Biden’s hesitance to bolster physical border security is ironic, given his support for the 2006 Secure Fence Act.

“Joe Biden knows walls work,” Britt said. “He knows we need them, and it is disgusting to see him play to the liberal left.”

Britt reminded the radio audience that she had voted against the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security funding bill for Fiscal Year 2024 because it does not do enough to secure the border and end the border crisis.

“The border, this is a red line,” she said. “And we have to stand up, as I stood up earlier and will continue to be a voice, to say this is the direction that we need to go in, this is the direction the American people want us to go in — and it’s also the direction that they deserve (for us) to go in.”

Britt also blasted Biden for tying in the supplemental border proposal with needed disaster relief funding, as well as the Ukraine piece of the package.

“Biden is trying to intertwine these things together. And we have to say enough is enough,” she said.

Britt continued her longstanding position that it’s in the United States’ own interest to defeat Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, while reaffirming that every dime that American spends on the effort must be strategic and accounted for.

“I believe that we have to support Ukraine,” Britt stressed. “However, it has to be done in a meaningful and a judicious way. We have to make sure there is a proper oversight over any money that is spent in Ukraine.”

Britt previously voted to create a new inspector general who would oversee American funding of Ukraine’s war efforts. She also voted in favor of an amendment that would have mandated NATO countryies pay their fair share toward winning the conflict.

In Tuesday’s interview, she also underscored that continued American support of Ukraine ensures that the U.S. does not break its word on the global stage again – something that the Biden Administration failed to accomplish in its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“I am a big believer that you have to keep your word,” Britt said.

She pointed to the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, in which the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Russia guaranteed Ukrainian territorial sovereignty and protection in exchange for Ukraine giving up its stockpile of nuclear weapons.

She proceeded by outlining that any U.S. aid to Ukraine’s efforts must be done in the correct manner.

“Now, I think you have to do it though in a way that protects our nation and protects our men and women in uniform,” Britt said. “We do not want any boots on the ground there.

“We have to remember that an emboldened Russia is an emboldened China is an emboldened Iran. And in this environment, we’re trying to make it very clear that they are out for blood when it comes to the United States of America. We have to make sure that we are being vigilant and we do not allow Russia to win.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Alabama Forestry Association has endorsed Christy Edwards in her reelection bid for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. The primary election is March 5, 2024.

Edwards is the youngest female state-wide elected official and the youngest woman elected to an Alabama appellate court.

“We are fortunate to have members of our appellate courts that have the background and experience that Judge Edwards brings to the bench,” AFA CEO and President Chris Isaacson said. “It’s vital that we have judges that understand the issues faced in rural Alabama.”

A native of Selma, Edwards grew up on a small family farm, where she gained an appreciation for hard work and private property rights, her campaign says. She began her career as an attorney for the Court of Civil Appeals and later was an assistant attorney general and served as the legal and policy advisor to the commissioners of the Alabama Department of Revenue.

In 2016, Edwards was appointed by the governor to be an associate judge of the Alabama Tax Tribunal. She was elected to her first term on the Court of Civil Appeals in 2018.

“I am incredibly honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association in my campaign for re-election to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” said Edwards. “AFA has a long history of supporting judicial candidates who abide by conservative judicial principles, and I am very proud to have the support of its members.”

Edwards is a 2004 graduate of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business where she studied Finance and Economics, a 2008 graduate of Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and also graduated cum laude in 2014 from the University of Alabama School of Law with an LL.M. in Taxation.

The Alabama Forestry Association represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry.

AFA’s political arm, ForestPAC, is a mainstay in Alabama politics, promoting a slate of endorsements in the 2024 cycle.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Blount County and Macon County Sheriff’s Departments have been awarded the Larry Amerson School Safety Scholarship, Global K9 Protection Group announced. The scholarship is named for late Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson, who died in 2020 after a battle with cancer.

The Paws on Patrol School Safety Program was created to boost public and school safety initiatives. It comes with elite canines as well as training and certifications for two School Resource Officers.

State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) addressed the group to express his thanks for Paws on Patrol helping school systems in Alabama become safer.

“A lot of times you don’t get to see the impact of having a deterrent, such as a firearms detection dog,” he said. “We hope these dogs can stop a possible attack before it happens.”

Lisa Amerson, widow of the long-time sheriff and member of the Calhoun County School Board said, “I think it’s an honor to have Larry’s name associated with this scholarship. He created the SRO program for the Calhoun County School District.”

At the awards luncheon in Anniston, Michael Larkin, vice president of Commercial Services for GK9PG, discussed the initiative.

“GK9PG’s Paws on Patrol School Safety Program is the first in the country to bring together both public and private sector agencies to address gun violence in our schools,” Larkin said.

“Our mission is all about training world-class detection dogs that offer a level of safety and security for every community, which we accomplish by advancing the art and science of detection dog capabilities with our specialized, elite dog training methodology.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is pressing for a thorough examination of the U.S. Space Command headquarters basing decision.

Getting Marshall’s attention are revelations that commanding Gen. James Dickinson made a significant personal property purchase near the location ultimately selected by President Joe Biden under his counsel.

The $1.5 million acquisition of a 20-acre ranch in April 2023, Marshall said, was kept from key stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. He submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Inspector General, demanding an investigation into the sudden reversal.

“Since taking office, this president has targeted red states for daring to resist his radical progressive agenda. But when it comes to national security, politics must take a backseat,” Marshall said today.

He urged the Inspector General to delve into the “oddly timed investment” by Dickinson, saying, “I will continue to use the unique power of my office to hold President Biden accountable and demand transparency into this politically motivated charade.”

Marshall referenced a conversation between Dickinson and Alabama’s congressional delegation in June, in which he reassured the members that Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville was earmarked for the headquarters site.

“As the Government Accountability Office found, the Huntsville location was the highest scoring location at every stage of the decision-making process. It is unknown how General Dickinson’s ‘fundamental changes’ affected the scoring process or how much taxpayer money was spent to implement these changes during the decision-making process,” Marshall wrote in the letter.

“Other improper factors may have influenced the decision as well. Multiple government officials reported that the White House would not move Space Command’s headquarters to Alabama because of partisan concerns about the state’s abortion law. The White House denied that claim but did not provide any evidence to substantiate the denial.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama’s housing market experienced a boost in July with median and average sales prices seeing upward trends, according to the July Alabama Economic & Real Estate Report published by the Alabama Association of Realtors.

The monthly report offers a deep dive into the state’s real estate metrics. In July, they saw a promising direction.

Alabama’s median sales price rose to $228,030 in July, marking it as the highest median sales price of the year. This surge represents a significant month-over-month jump of 0.8%.

Simultaneously, the state’s average sales price, which had been on a downtrend, saw a revival. The average sales price in July reached $228,112, reflecting a month-over-month increase of 1.3%.

“First-time buyers are facing multiple challenges, including elevated home prices, higher interest rates, renewed student loan obligations, and reduced purchasing capacity,” said Jeremy Walker, Alabama Realtors CEO.

The total number of home sales in July decreased 7.5% month over month to 6,084, which is the lowest July total home sales in five years, according to the report.

That trend is expected to continue in August as interest rates have increased and continue to exert downward pressure on overall sales, especially among younger and first-time buyers.

“The rise in the median and average sales prices are encouraging and show the continued strength of Alabama home values,” said Realtors President RaJane Johnson.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

President Pro Tem of the Alabama Senate Greg Reed (R-Jasper) shared a video recapping the accomplishments of lawmakers during the legislative session which ran from March to June.

“I’m excited about the opportunity we had in the legislative session in 2023,” he said. “We had a great session with many priorities for the Alabama senators. And I’m proud to say that we made good progress.”

Between $1 billion in appropriation of federal funds for Alabama projects, paying off millions in debt through the annual budget process and enabling a future Alabama economy to thrive with The Game Plan – Reed thanked Senate colleagues for their work.

“Number one was the ARPA funding resource coming from the federal government to be able to offer to the people of Alabama through the legislative process,” Reed said. “About a billion dollars allocated by the Alabama Legislature.”

The priority set and delivered was investing in sewer and water infrastructure, broadband internet expansion, and supporting hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers across the state.

Reed said that priority will benefit rural and urban Alabamians for decades to come.

In April, lawmakers renewed and expanded the state’s portfolio of economic incentives to attract businesses, developments and growth.

“The governor gave it a name, the opportunity to promote Alabama in the growth of our economy for industry and manufacturing,” Reed said.

“We’ve had great success. But this new legislation was important to equip our Department of Commerce and the Innovate Alabama program, and being able to move forward to support what we need in drawing new industry and manufacturers to the state of Alabama.”

The initial Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama Credit was estimated to create a 173% return on taxpayer investment within two decades. Reed said the Legislature doubled down on that success.

Lastly, Reed said a roughly $3 billion surplus across the state’s General Fund and Education Trust Fund were invested wisely.

“I felt like we made great progress and have been able to support small businesses, support our defense industry in North Alabama, automobile and aircraft manufacturing throughout our state – all kinds of innovative opportunities that we touched on in the Game Plan,” Reed said. “As well as being able to move forward the knowledge-based economy for the future.”

He also thanked the people of the state for allowing their senators the opportunity to represent them in Montgomery and said he’s proud to serve as Pro Tem.

“Alabama had a great session in the Alabama Senate,” Reed said.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. Follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

A natural resource and an economic powerhouse, catfish are a fixture of Alabama’s landscape.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt is moving for August to be recognized as “National Catfish Month” to spotlight Alabama’s contribution to an industry that goes far beyond the dinner plate.

Britt recently joined Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and nine colleagues in introducing a resolution to praise catfish farmers and industry workers for their contributions.

“Nearly 33% of all catfish produced in the United States comes from right here in sweet home Alabama. Catfish is a vital part of our state’s economy, and I will always support our hardworking farmers and processors,” Britt said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in bringing forward this resolution to recognize the catfish industry’s contributions to our state and country.”

Wallace Drury, Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year 2023, said he’s proud of the national recognition for the work being done in Alabama.

“On behalf of the 85 Alabama catfish farmers, I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to Sen. Katie Britt for this recognition and her support of this industry,” said Drury, who farms in Hale County.

“Alabama ranks second in the nation for catfish production. It’s an honor to raise healthy, clean U.S. farm-raised catfish that’s enjoyed across the country by families just like mine.”

FULL TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION:

Whereas the Catfish Institute recognizes August to be National Catfish Month;

Whereas the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas recognize August to be National Catfish Month;

Whereas the States of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Tennessee embody the Channel Catfish as their State Fish;

Whereas the farm-raised catfish industry in the United States employs over 9,000 people and contributes almost $2,000,000,000 to the economy of the United States;

Whereas the United States has 55,855 surface water acres used for catfish production in 2023, and catfish growers in the United States had $447,039,000 in sales during 2022;

Whereas the average catfish farmer produces 6,800 pounds of catfish per acre;

Whereas 99 percent of all United States farm-raised catfish are grown in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas;

Whereas catfish is the largest farm-raised seafood product, by weight, in the United States, representing more than 50 percent of the food fish produced by the United States aquaculture industry;

Whereas United States farm-raised catfish are consistently high quality and, unlike ocean-caught fish, are available all year long;

Whereas United States farm-raised catfish are a sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood product;

Whereas catfish is a lean fish and an excellent source of protein; and

Whereas catfish is a versatile fish in cuisine of the United States, with a myriad of regional and national recipes to be enjoyed by all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates August 2023 as ‘‘National Catfish Month’’;

(2) recognizes the contributions of all workers, past and present, that produce, process, and provide catfish for the people of the United States; and

(3) recognizes that purchasing United States farm-raised catfish supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States.

Britt, Tuberville and Wicker were joined on the resolution by a coalition of lawmakers across political parties in recognition of the industry’s impact.

“The catfish industry is vital to Alabama’s economy, and we are proud to be the #2 state, producing one-third of the world’s catfish,” Sen. Tuberville said.

“I’ve cooked and eaten a lot of catfish in my day, and even owned a catfish restaurant named Tubby’s Catfish in the 1980s. I join my fellow Alabamians in honoring our hardworking catfish producers and processors to ensure the security of our food supply.”

Alabama catfish farms are known for producing high-quality catfish.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has formally invited military officials involved in the U.S. Space Command basing decision to testify before the committee.

President Biden announced the decision to locate the headquarters in Colorado Springs one day before Congress left for August recess, despite all government reports indicating Redstone Arsenal as the definitive choice.

Last week, speaking alongside fellow members of the Alabama congressional delegation, Rogers (R-Saks) said the legislative branch will “correct” Biden’s “politically motivated” choice.

Today, Rogers announced he’s invited Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, U.S. Space Command Commander Gen. James Dickinson, and Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman to testify before a public hearing.

“In May, I opened a congressional investigation into the Biden administration’s shameful delay to finalize the permanent basing decision for U.S. Space Command,” Rogers said today. “When the Secretary of the Air Force finally made a decision, he upheld his predecessors’ decision to base U.S. Space Command in Huntsville, Alabama.

“President Biden then usurped the Air Force Secretary’s authority and named Colorado Springs the permanent basing site for U.S. Space Command in order to improve his political standing for next year’s re-election.”

Rogers has warned he’s capable and willing to exercise subpoena power through the Department of Defense oversight authority vested in HASC.

The Associated Press reported last month that Gen. James Dickinson was instrumental in convincing Biden to locate the base in his home state of Colorado.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt has since raised concerns that Gen. James Dickinson has profound conflicts of interest.

“General Dickinson is a Colorado native,” Britt said in an interview last week. “He graduated from Colorado State (bachelor’s) and the Colorado School of Mines (master’s). And now we’ve uncovered that he bought a 20-acre farm and 4,000 square-foot dream house in – you guessed it – Colorado.

“This $1.5 million property is just miles down the road from the interim Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs – and he purchased it just a couple of months before recommending that Colorado be awarded the permanent headquarters.”

Since Biden’s strategically timed announcement one working day after Congress returned home for a month-long recess, Alabama’s congressional delegation has begun to express a vicious interest in recourse.

Rep. Jerry Carl, member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he won’t fund project and operational costs for SPACECOM in Colorado Springs.

“From the appropriations standpoint, every dollar that they need, that I can cut off, will be cut off. If it’s my choice, they’re going to be walking,” Carl (R-Mobile) said.

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), Alabama’s singular Democratic official in Congress, said Biden’s decision “bows to the whims of politics over merit.”

Rogers is following up on a request made first last month, seeking documents and recorded testimony from Dickinson and Kendall. At that time, before an official call from Biden, he accused decision-makers of “deliberate, taxpayer-funded manipulation of a competitive selection process.”

His deadline was Aug. 18.

“We will get answers on President Biden’s political manipulation of the selection process,” Rogers said today.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has enlisted the support of rappers Dirty, Deuce Komradz, Rubberband OG, JR Boss, D’Aye, Hefe, Super Nard, Self Made, Rle Ant and Skagletti for a “Rock the ~~Boat~~ Vote” rally ahead of today’s municipal election.

Reed is seeking re-election to his second term as mayor.

While officially billed as a “Turn Up the Vote” concert Monday night, Reed supporters are leaning into the recent riverfront brawl to promote support.

Reed himself said the brawl was implicitly racial.

“My perspective as a Black man in Montgomery differs from my perspective as mayor,” Reed said. “From what we’ve seen from the history of our city, a place tied to both the pain and the progress of this nation, it seems to meet the moral definition of a crime fueled by hate, and this kind of violence cannot go unchecked.”

Reed addressed the neighborhood crowd from a makeshift stage Monday night:

“It’s about to go down,” Reed said. “It’s about to go down on tomorrow.”

He spoke about the “urgency” of being re-elected and “not allowing folks to take us back.”

He’s referencing his main opponent in the election, businessman and philanthropist Barrett Gilbreath, who has made his candidacy about the issues stacking up in Montgomery, which he says is a permanent threat to the city.

“When Montgomery is thrust into national headlines by an armed eight-year-old who leads police officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen car, it offers solid evidence the city we call home is headed in the wrong direction,” Gilbreath said.

“Crime does not care if its victims are black or white or rich or poor. It does not care which neighborhood you live in, where you worship, or where you were born. It does not care that it hurts your property values and prevents jobs and businesses from locating here.”

Gilbreath also chastised Reed’s leadership over what he calls a “trash crisis” stacking up across city neighborhoods. He recently encouraged voters who want “real change.”

The polls are open today in Montgomery from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Cade Noah Act, passed during the 2023 legislative session, will help law enforcement aid those with neurological disorders.

That’s a mission close to home for KultureCity.

As the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, KultureCity developed the Sensory Inclusive Training for First Responders. Those disabilities include autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, Down Syndrome and other conditions.

Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena) was recognized for her role in getting the legislation passed and her connection to the namesake of the bill — her son Cade.

“21 years ago, my husband and I welcomed our second son, Cade, who is on the autism spectrum,” Hulsey told the crowd at Saturday’s annual KultureBall in Birmingham. “Cade made me a more compassionate and tolerant person. He changed me. Our role as parents is to advocate.

“His life catalyzed change in our community.”

She said her tenure on the Helena City Council and time volunteering with Kulture City intersected for an important purpose.

“Dr. (Julian) Maha approached me about getting the City of Helena Police Department certified,” Hulsey said. “I connected him with Chief Brad Flynn, who went all in and worked to see that all Helena Officers were KultureCity sensory-inclusive trained.

“While Chief Flynn worked tirelessly to get other local agencies on board, the Lord moved me into my current role as state representative, where I had the privilege and honor of drafting and passing the Cade Noah Act.”

Hulsey thanked Speaker of the Alabama House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).

Kulture City! Recognizing Alabama and the work of Representative Leigh Hulsey for the Sensory Training Bill! #AlabamaLegislature Speaker Ledbetter! pic.twitter.com/EVz3ISQxpU

— Reynolds For Dist 21 (@RexReynolds01) August 20, 2023

“We have recognized the importance of mental health and those struggling with their own issues that others may not see on the surface,” Ledbetter said at the event. “We have increased funding for these programs and required law enforcement officers to be trained on how to handle these unique cases.

“Rep. Hulsey did an outstanding job identifying a specific issue that needed to be addressed in our state. She took her own personal experience and combined it with the experiences of others to cultivate a crucial training system for law enforcement.”

Hulsey also extended gratitude to KultureCity’s Dr. Julian Maha and House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), and Reps. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) and Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn).

“It takes passion, dedication, and a great team to accomplish positive and meaningful change.,” Hulsey said. “And I had all three.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270