Although several states currently have an open private boat recreational red snapper season, it appears red snapper seasons all along the Gulf Coast will come to an uneventful close for most anglers in 2021. For the most part, the states managed their private boat recreational seasons largely as predicted with months of free access to […]

I was once appointments secretary for a governor – not appointments as in scheduling, but appointments of public officials and members to state boards and commissions. I had to vet candidates and make recommendations to the governor for jobs and appointments. I was the first woman to hold that position in state history. I take […]

For centuries pharaohs, emperors, and kings ruled and made average folks do their bidding. The rise of political liberalism changed our conception of power, arguing that governments existed to serve the people. A new book argues we must bring liberal principles to our money. Government actions ultimately involve force, which liberalism argues is legitimate only […]

During the Great Depression and coming out of World War II, the Deep South had immense power in Washington. We were fortunate to have a cadre of southern senators, who were seniority laden and knew how to bring home the bacon. This group of Deep South Southern Democrats controlled most of the prominent and consequential […]

The nation’s economy is already seeing the effects of inflation. The increase in prices is detrimentally affecting consumers and the cost to manufacture goods. And Alabama is being hit tremendously hard on both counts due to the high inflation. The supply chain crisis is a major problem in the country and the port of Los […]

In the blood sport of electoral politics losers are forgotten and rarely rewarded; in British politics even winners experiencing their peak of success can be defeated. As a result, dealing with the humiliation of loss and muddling through toward future success is perhaps the hallmark of a successful leader. Winston Churchill’s come from behind win […]

I was supposed to be a farmer in Green Pond, South Carolina until my father gently suggested that my gifts would be better applied elsewhere. In a few months, I’ll retire from a career in higher education that has lasted more than four decades. I’m now transitioning from President of Alabama A&M to full-time grandparent. […]

Whether you grew up in Alabama like I did or just moved here, it’s no secret agriculture is a huge part of Alabama’s DNA. In fact, agriculture is the largest industry in the entire state. I’ve always been proud of Alabama’s immense contributions to clothing and feeding people all over America, as well as all […]

Every four years legislators come and go. Some bring joy when they come in, others when they go out, but they all bring joy. In the Legislature, we will lose approximately 19 members of the House of Representatives. Here are the ones I can confirm and the counties they represent: Mike Ball, Madison; Connie Rowe, […]

The national unemployment rate fell to 4.8% in September as recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown continues. Yet a lack of workers is slowing a return to economic normalcy. Everyone likely knows businesses either still closed or open reduced hours due to the worker shortage. Our economy was operating smoothly in February 2020. This July, however, […]

Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, will be remembered as Alabama’s most prominent senator when he retires next December. Folks, that’s saying a lot because we have had a host of prominent men serve Alabama in the United States Senate, such as giants like Lister Hill, John Sparkman and John Bankhead. However, history will record that […]

The road to post-pandemic economic recovery hasn’t been easy. For over a year, I’ve worked tirelessly to keep our economy moving and keep small businesses open. While our work is far from complete, I am confident we will get the job done. Whether we get any help from Washington, however, is another question. Right now, […]

Every week, the Biden administration makes another decision that raises questions about its commitment to protect the fundamental rights of American citizens. Now, another decision is raising red flags about how it will impact parents concerned with what is happening at their children’s local schools. Merrick Garland, the United States Attorney General, has asked the […]

When I was a teenager back in the 1980s, Alabama had a hit song called “40 Hour Week.” It was an anthem to the American work ethic. You still hear it played on country radio today. One of its great stanzas is: This is for the one who swings the hammer, Driving home the nail […]

It’s fall, which means it’s college football season throughout the South. It’s no secret that SEC allegiances stir up intense emotions here in Alabama. But whether they cheer on the Tigers or Crimson Tide, there is one thing Alabamians can agree on: Joe Biden is a failed president. It’s not only Alabamians. A recent Quinnipiac […]

Earlier this year, I made the decision to get my COVID vaccine after speaking with my doctor. The rest of my family followed suit, and I have repeatedly encouraged anyone who has questions about the vaccine or is unsure to speak with his or her doctor. I strongly believe the vaccine is the best tool […]

Last week a politician in our state implied some negative things about our state’s farmers. Imagine that, a politician throwing stones at another profession. Funny, isn’t it? And of all times, it happens to be National Farm to School Month – a time for educating our children about the importance of farming which in Alabama […]

The Biden administration is proposing tougher tax enforcement to help pay for the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package. Collecting legally owed taxes is a laudable goal, but politicians have historically discounted the compliance costs of taxes. History may be repeating itself. The most controversial enforcement proposal involves banks and other financial institutions reporting all accounts […]

Former State Treasurer Young Boozer has recently been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to fulfill the vacant seat created by John McMillan who is now managing the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. (Hope he stays out of the “gummies.” I know John, and I am sure he will.) Boozer is no stranger to the Treasurer’s Office. […]

The problem of overcrowded prisons is a dilemma that has been facing Alabama for close to a decade. It was not something that Kay Ivey created. She simply inherited the situation, and the chickens have come home to roost during her tenure. To her credit, she did not hide from the issue. She has tackled […]

With the death of Sergeant Nick Risner this weekend, our state has lost 10 law enforcement officers in 10 months and 24 officers in five years. Sergeant Nick Risner was killed by a man whose name isn’t worth mentioning. That man had killed before—in fact, he killed his own father. In 2013, the man was […]

The federal government is not known for being particularly productive or efficient at solving problems. The truth is, Washington often creates more problems and more chaos than it solves. The past few weeks – and especially last week – are a prime example of this. For the better part of this year, Democrats in the […]

The COVID-19 vaccines have now been given to millions of people ages 12 and older under the most intense vaccine safety monitoring in history. Any claims that the vaccines are unsafe or ineffective are not true. Any claims that corners were cut to produce the vaccines are not true. Masks and social distancing, while definitely […]

This past week there were three police officers shot in Alabama in less than 24 hours. Tragically, Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner passed away from his wounds. And as usual, one of the suspects is a repeat offender who should have been in jail completing his sentence for a prior homicide. Specifically, the accused who […]