The Alabama Legislature passed a bill that could rescue Birmingham-Southern College and other financially strained colleges in the state. The Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program Fund to provide temporary aid awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature after approval from the Senate and House. Proposed by Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills), the idea received […]

Alabama continues to climb lists as one of the most popular places to move. In a time when the cost of living soars, the Yellowhammer Sate is offering a refreshing change with low property tax rates, historic levels of employment, and ever-increasing affordability. On top of that, the 21 state parks and serene coastal and […]

The Legislature is on track to finalize four major budget bills today.  The $3 billion General Fund, $8.8 billion Education Trust Fund (ETF), and two supplemental spending plans, totaling roughly $4 billion, make for a $15 billion day in decisions for both chambers. All four bills were passed out of committees with amendments Wednesday.  A […]

The House version of a long-awaited grocery tax reduction, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett was approved in committee Wednesday. 

In a Senate meeting Tuesday that overcame a bipartisan filibuster, lawmakers gave the green light to modify and reinvest in the Alabama Accountability Act. The legislation was initially passed in 2013.  Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) ultimately led the chamber to passage in a 26-7 vote. His bill proposes enlarging the educational tax credit program that […]

State Rep. Fred L. Plump Jr. has been charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice and agreed to step down from the Alabama House of Representatives, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A filing today in U.S. District Court alleges Plump (D-Fairfield), 76, conspired to commit wire fraud and obstructed justice. The charges stem […]

Today begins the Legislature’s 11th week of business. There are seven legislative days remaining in the 2023 general session. Here are some things to keep an eye on this week: Clock Ticking This week marks a definitive last call for legislation. Given the minimum five-day threshold required for a bill to be passed, if it […]

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has reached an important milestone in broadband expansion by hosting community broadband meetings in each of Alabama’s 67 counties. The meetings, implemented through the Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program, are designed to bring community leaders to the table and provide state-level assistance to support local […]

In the American quest to find an ideal retirement haven, seniors often find themselves moving south. A finance podcast from the Wall Street Journal says, increasingly, not as far south as Florida – but Alabama. The rising cost of living and booming house prices in the Sunshine State have led many seniors to consider Alabama’s […]

Alabama’s online sales tax, known as the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), is beginning to pay off in ways unimagined at its inception in 2016. Since that time, the program has generated $1.8 billion. Alabama channels 50% of the SSUT collection into state budgets. Of that, 75% is directed to the General Fund while the […]

The Alabama Senate passed an amended form of the Alabama Property Protection Act In the ongoing effort to safeguard Alabama's resources.

Local, county and state law enforcement officers were honored Thursday during a joint ceremony of the Alabama Legislature. Among them was Deputy Chris Poole, partner of the late Deputy Brad Johnson – who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.  Five other recipients of the Medal of Honor were State Trooper Charles May, Cpl. Derrick […]

The director of the Alabama Department of Transportation has been accused of acting in bad faith related to a bridge project in Baldwin County. In a ruling Wednesday, State Judge Jimmy Pool released an 80-page order accusing ALDOT Director John Cooper of acting in bad faith and intentionally attempting to put a private company out […]

The Alabama Legislature is cracking down on those who loiter on public roadways, causing a public safety hazard to themselves and drivers. Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery) said the issue is difficult to ignore because hundreds of Alabamians are struck by cars each year. Last year, Alabama authorities investigated nearly 800 crashes involving pedestrians, 125 of […]

As states nationwide deal with the consequences of a shortage of qualified paramedics and EMTs, the Alabama Legislature is considering ways to make the job more attainable.  A bill passed Tuesday by the House would eliminate the college degree requirement to become a licensed paramedic.  Currently, those wanting to become a paramedic in Alabama must […]

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama’s only Democratic vote in Washington, spoke out against the Biden administration’s reported effort to reverse the U.S. Space Command’s basing decision that would make Redstone Arsenal its permanent home.  On Monday, it was reported the White House was unilaterally influencing that decision in favor of Colorado Springs – despite exhaustive […]

In Alabama, National Police Week is a time of reflection and gratitude. It’s a time to pay tribute to fallen officers, express appreciation for those who serve, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and the celebrate remarkable achievements of our everyday law enforcement officers. On Monday, National Peace Officers Memorial Day took place, and […]

Today the Legislature kicks off its 10th week of business. Only seven days will remain in the 2023 general session upon conclusion Thursday, the 23rd legislative day.  Here are some things to keep an eye on this week: Senate tempo With the General Fund budget resting upstairs in the Senate, expect action as their floor […]

According to a new report from NBC News, unnamed officials close to the process say the White House is actively seeking to “reverse” the decision to locate U.S. Space Command’s headquarters to Alabama, despite overwhelming government vetting that solidified Redstone Arsenal as the best location. “Biden administration officials have signaled privately to Pentagon officials and […]

What a year it’s been for Jalen Hurts. In February, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl. In April, he secured one of the most lucrative contract extensions in NFL history. Now, in May, Hurts received his master’s degree — fulfilling a lifelong promise. In interviews, he’s shared an inspiring story about his […]

The situation may be hundreds of miles away, but it was the topic of discussion Friday when U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville met with local and state leaders in Montgomery. As they spoke, the expiration of Title 42 continued to take effect with an impact on the southern border, the state, and communities across the country. The […]

This was a big week in the Legislature for education and, in particular, school choice. With only 10 days of the regular session remaining and state budgets still to be authorized by their corresponding chambers – lawmakers are becoming increasingly focused on what’s attainable.  Advocates and lawmakers identified school choice as a priority going into […]

In a move to tackle Alabama’s pressing teacher shortage, Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) walked fellow lawmakers through a bill that promises to revolutionize the state’s alternative teacher certification programs. The legislation, which passed the House 83-20, would create a pathway for college degree holders to repurpose their education toward certification. The bill now goes to […]

A bill that would fund and formalize the 988 crisis lifeline into Alabama law received attention from groups making strong arguments about the next phase of its implementation.  In a hearing Wednesday, lawmakers and state mental health officials advocated for the expansion of in-person mental health services connected to the system, while others raised concern […]