From the early detection of skin cancer to next-generation energy solutions to financial technology and robotics, Alabama Launchpad has announced finalists for Cycle 2 2023, setting the stage for an entrepreneurial showdown. In August, those 11 handpicked finalists will take the stage in Auburn to compete for a share of $75,000 in startup funding.  Alabama […]

The smoke emanating from the raging wildfires in Canada enveloped a large portion of the eastern U.S. this week, casting an unsettling haze that degraded air quality, affecting millions.  Cityscapes took on an eerie orange hue and local authorities urged residents to remain indoors for safety. For those closely impacted, the National Weather Service anticipates […]

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall promised Friday to “deliver real results” in rolling out a newly passed anti-gang law. The law introduces penalty enhancements for felonies committed to benefit any criminal enterprise or gang and attaches mandatory minimum sentences for firearm-related offenses. “In the coming weeks, I will be announcing a coalition of investigators, prosecutors, […]

An expanded Alabama Accountability Act, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, served as the final waypoint for a high-visibility discussion this legislative session surrounding the topic of school choice. The AAA, enacted in 2013, was a landmark piece of legislation for Alabama that worked to improve educational standards and increase school choice by providing tax credits […]

The latest development in the case to confirm Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal as permanent home to U.S. Space Command came from Colorado.  The Colorado Republican Party issued a call to President Biden, urging him not to consider abortion access as a factor when deciding where to base the U.S. Space Command headquarters. In a letter to […]

Though medical marijuana is legal in Alabama, marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. This classification makes traditional banking services unavailable to cannabis-related businesses. To help educate would-be business owners, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association hosted an inaugural Medical Cannabis Banking and Regulatory Symposium. The meeting Tuesday brought together regulators involved in […]

Alabama has once again received a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development, the go-to business publication for economic development.  The award recognizes state economic development agencies that have driven job creation through innovative policies. It takes into account the ability of these agencies to attract new employers and investments in new and expanded facilities. Alabama […]

It was the session for Alabama taxpayers. And the Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey made it a great one – especially if you buy food, work overtime or filed a tax return in 2021. Among the 883 bills introduced over the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers delivered a historic combination of tax cuts and relief thanks […]

Alabama has been greatly shaped by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Both in terms of the Department of Defense’s investment in the state over its history, as well as in the everyday lives of those who call Alabama home: Those here on mission temporarily and those who put down roots here for […]

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong has fired off a letter to the Tennessee Valley Authority today voicing his apprehension about its power grid in light of looming summer strains expected to impact grids nationwide. In his letter, Strong referenced last December’s unprecedented energy load reductions or “rolling blackouts,” TVA implemented due to Winter Storm Elliott. These […]

From legendary coaches to some of the all-time greatest players, Alabama has reliably contributed to the College Football Hall of Fame year by year. Joe Namath, Bo Jackson, Pat Dye, Gene Stallings, Pat Sullivan, and Bear Bryant are among just a few. The 2024 College Football Hall of Fame ballot is out and, unsurprisingly, the […]

Some of Alabama’s fastest growing counties are experiencing court dockets growing just as fast. The Legislature passed a law adding judgeships to areas needed most, marking a successful compromise in a multi-year effort. That law was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey — adding eight circuit court judgeships and five district court judgeships between now and […]

Gov. Kay Ivey put her signature on a bill today that delays the state from suspending driver’s licenses for unpaid, non-moving traffic violations. Each year, Alabama residents lose their driving privileges due to missed court appearances or the inability to pay fines and fees imposed by the state. Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) wanted to […]

A law going into effect Aug. 1 will shield the personal information of certain officials, including judges, law enforcement officers, and legislators from being released in public records.  The bill, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey and introduced by Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle), extends protective cover on data such as home addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s […]

The Alabama House Republican Caucus unanimously approved a resolution Monday demanding the federal government classify Antifa-affiliated groups as a terrorist organization. Antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” is a collection of far-left-leaning militant groups that oppose what they believe are fascist, racist, or otherwise right-wing extremists, according to the Center for Strategic International Studies. The resolution, introduced […]

Gov. Kay Ivey made it official: The Yellowhammer Cookie is Alabama’s official state cookie. In a signing ceremony, Montgomery fourth-grader and recipe creator Mary Claire Cook brought a batch of the cookies to Ivey in her office. The blend of mainstay Alabama ingredients – peanuts and pecans, two crops that have historical and agricultural significance […]

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed the state’s largest-ever Education Trust Fund and General Fund budgets, as well as two supplemental spending bills Thursday. The budgets are set to govern spending for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. The education budget will channel $8.8 billion from the Education Trust Fund, marking an increase of 6.5% or $537 […]

State lawmakers reached a final agreement on how to cut the grocery tax.  As prices have risen across the board, Alabama’s 4% sales tax on food has remained the same, leaving families with the compounded expense – until now. Thanks to the state’s historic $3 billion budgetary surplus, legislators passed a historic measure to cut […]

As tax cuts continue to carry the thunder of the legislative session’s final days, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle made a timely push to become the first state in the nation to un-tax income-earned overtime.  “From a productivity standpoint, it gives the workers an opportunity to make more money without the employer having […]

The scenes play out in cities across the country: Brazen criminals walking into stores and stealing everything within reach. These acts constitute a $100 billion problem in the United States — especially when organized. A law headed to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk would add teeth to help Alabama enforce retail crimes and punish the criminals. […]

The governor had time Tuesday night to settle a score with ESPN on Twitter. Earlier in the day, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a ban on transgender participation in college sports for those whose biological sex does not match with the team’s gender. ESPN had a strange choice of words in covering the move, but Ivey […]

Today, the Legislature will gavel into its 12th week of business. It’s possible this week will mark the conclusion of the 2023 general legislative session. Here are some things to keep an eye on this week: Budgets The budget process culminated early Friday morning after an all-day undertaking by both chambers to refine and authorize […]

The Alabama Senate passed a sweeping anti-gang bill that will crack down on activities related to criminal enterprises. Championed by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), the bill won strong bipartisan support in a 32-0 vote. The bill imposes aggressive mandatory consecutive penalties for any individual who knowingly possesses, uses, or carries a firearm during an […]

Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law Tuesday a ban on transgender student-athletes competing in collegiate sports inconsistent with their biological sex. “Look, if you are a biological male, you are not going to be competing in women’s and girls’ sports in Alabama,” Ivey said. “It’s about fairness, plain and simple.” In 2021, the governor signed […]