Politics has never been my thing, but as a life-long conservative and someone who has served my country for over three decades, I care deeply about Alabama, and the mess we’re in right now. Discouraged by my choices for who we send to represent us and our values to Washington, I felt I had […]

Some think yet another tax increase is the only way to solve Alabama’s transportation woes. But along Alabama’s southern coast, there’s one example of how private sector investment can improve transportation infrastructure without putting taxpayers on the hook. Currently, two bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway connect Alabama’s coast to the rest of the state: publicly […]

Editor’s Note: In the following post, written October 24, 2017, David Huffstutler shares the extraordinary journey of his wife Ashley’s brain cancer and how their family has processed the pain and disruption of their grave battle, including a harrowing neurosurgery that didn’t go as anyone planned. David’s must-read perspective will challenge your assumptions, stretch your […]

by Mr. Corky Pugh Throughout modern history, Alabama, like many of its southern neighbors, has benefited from hunting. In addition to hunting pumping 2-billion dollars into the Alabama economy each year, the positive contributions of hunters on the culture and the conservation of natural resources are irreplaceable. Perhaps most of all, generations of Alabamians have […]

By John Finch During my twenties and thirties, Goodtime Johnny was my best friend on the road. In fact, he was my only friend. Whenever we were away on business, he’d usually take me out drinking. Sometimes he’d buy drinks for strangers. Everybody could tell he longed to be the life of the party, the […]

by Congressman Bradley Byrne A few weeks ago, I met a remarkable young boy named Micah. Micah is a five-year-old boy who seems like most any child. He is healthy, smart, and full of life. Most people are shocked when they learn that Micah was born at just 22 weeks. When Micah was born prematurely, […]

(Opinion Editorial) As I travel around our great state listening to thousands of Alabamians talk about the things near and dear to their hearts, I am filled with hope.  Alabama is a wonderful state with so much potential.  We have smart, hardworking, God-fearing people, and we can do anything when we put our minds to […]

Here are a few things I’ve learned: If I lived in… • Thailand–I would be in prison • China—I would lose all of my Snapchat streaks • Germany—I would have failed 8th grade • Namibia—I probably wouldn’t be alive. My parents are firm believers in experiential learning, which is why I spent five months during […]

By Michael Shindler The looming possibility of a nuclear conflict between the United States and North Korea is more than enough to remind Americans of the worth of an able and efficient defense. Most Americans don’t devote much time to considering the technical aspects of the U.S.’s missile defense strategy, but luckily, Senator Luther Strange […]

Ed Castile What began several years ago as a vision for developing a skilled workforce and ensuring continued industry success is now a reality. In November 2016, AlabamaWorks officially launched, bringing together all the components of Alabama’s workforce development system under one brand. AlabamaWorks unites Alabama businesses and industries with our education, workforce training and […]

By Jay Mitchell Today is Constitution Day.  Two hundred thirty years ago today, our Founding Fathers signed the Constitution in Philadelphia – which began to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence and put our nation on a path to greatness. When delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered at Independence Hall in the summer […]

By Congressman Gary Palmer Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Thus reads the First Amendment of the Constitution that our Founders intended to be, and should still be, the law of the land in every state, in every territory and even in the District of […]

by William J. Canary Congress returns to Washington facing enormous challenges. These include passing a domestic tax cut that is important for this and future generations. President Trump has suggested a tax cut to reduce the unbelievable domestic income tax rate for corporations, including manufacturers, of 39 percent, to a competitive 15 percent. In addition, […]

By Josh Jones—2018 gubernatorial candidate After the American Revolution had ended, King George III asked his American born painter Benjamin West what the newly victorious General George Washington was going to do following the end of the war.  West suggested that Washington would return to his farm.  George III then said, “if this is true, […]

Though the media is currently in a complete state of frenzy over the events in Charlottesville, pardoning of Joe Arpaio and major changes at the White House, the situation with North Korea remains as high stakes as ever. It’s no secret that President Trump has come out strongly against Kim Jong-un and his authoritarian regime. […]

by S. McEachin Otts This is a teaching moment in the South and in our nation—a time to make lemonade from lemons! How could inanimate statues provide the key to the elusive outcome that we all want—racial harmony? Well, for one thing, this will not involve racially manipulative politics, and that alone is a reason […]

by Senator Cam Ward In 2016, more Americans died from drug overdoses than were killed in the entire Vietnam War. Two-thirds of those overdoses were linked to opioids, a class of drugs that includes illegal substances like heroin, but which is primarily composed of legal painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone. Unfortunately, Alabama is center […]

By Tori Quinn The world at large is filled with all kinds of voices shouting every kind of opinion. In the midst of trying to understand what is happening around us, these varying perspectives can coincide with our own, boosting our morale and sense of belonging. Or they can clash against our beliefs like a […]

Opinion Editorial by Kaela Carpenter The Democratic Party was formed by the anti-federalists, who opposed the ratification of the 1787 constitution. Founded by Andrew Jackson, (who supported slavery and would play a large role in the Indian removal), the party advocated westward expansion, Manifest Destiny, and greater equality among white men. When the Civil War […]

by Rep. Will Ainsworth The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “statesman” as “a wise, skillful, and respected political leader.” Throughout its history, Alabama has produced scores of politicians, but our true statesmen have been few and far between. Jeff Sessions is a statesman. Throughout his public service career as a U.S. attorney, Alabama’s attorney general, […]

By Representative Jack Williams Every two years, candidates from both political parties run for Congress vowing to protect and defend the middle class. Sure enough, it was on that message that the middle class helped elect Donald Trump and maintained a Republican majority in the U.S. House and Senate. Now Republicans are trying to make […]

At the outset of the Korean War, President Truman remarked: “Korea is a small country, thousands of miles away, but what is happening there is important to every American.” This sentiment seems to ring truer today than ever before. After the surprise test launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on July 4, the threat […]

(Opinion by Senator Luther Strange) As June comes to a close, Alabama’s schools have let out, and summer is in full swing. Students have turned in final projects and taken final exams, earning a well-deserved chance to catch their breath. But in Congress, there are several projects left unfinished, and adjourning for the annual August […]

I often joke that people in the South feel justified in saying anything about anyone as long as they follow it with “bless your heart.” This includes saying something rude, negative, or inappropriate to someone’s face as well. Sadly, some people thrive on gossip and want to weigh in on the problems of others. I […]