I was the first to endorse President Trump, even when many thought I was nuts to do so. I helped Trump win and traveled the country with him, embedded in his campaign. I am one of the architects of his agenda, and I was pushing his agenda even before he ran for office. I have […]

Solutions are a key component of land-grant institutions’ identity, and that’s why Auburn quickly shifted focus when the COVID-19 pandemic began its rapid spread across the United States. We never changed or turned away from our mission of instruction, research and outreach, but as Winston Churchill said, “It’s not enough that we do our best; […]

As parts of Alabama’s safer-at-home measures relax on Monday, May 11, health experts — including public health officials and world-renowned UAB infectious disease doctors and researchers — urge extreme caution. According to the data, COVID-19 is still very much present and spreading across Alabama, as our state continues to experience an increase in cases. Make […]

President Trump recently announced “Operation Warp Speed,” a plan for a novel coronavirus vaccine by the end of 2020. I welcome the announcement because the greatest impediment to a vaccine now is the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process. Speedy development of a vaccine is not without precedent. The president’s comparison to the Manhattan […]

These uncertain times have brought many challenges and changes in the lives of individuals and families around the world. I believe that with every obstacle comes an opportunity to grow. Although the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, it has brought with it the unique chance to pause and truly be present, which is rare in today’s […]

The impact of COVID-19 and social distancing has moved much of our lives online – our education, our work, our social lives, and even some of our health care. Broadband-connected technology was already a big and growing part of our lives and our economy. COVID-19 crisis has only made it more so. This is why […]

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that our state is moving into an initial phase of economic recovery, known as “Safer at Home.” It relaxes restrictions on many businesses while keeping others, like restaurants, heavily limited for now. The hope is that all businesses will be allowed to resume a modified type of operation shortly. […]

It has been 75 years since the end of World War II. Today, May 8, we celebrate V.E. or Victory in Europe Day, the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Later this summer, we will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of V.J. or Victory in Japan Day, the formal surrender of Imperial Japan on the deck […]

Closing down the American economy has a real and enormous effect on the lives of countless Americans. Layoffs and job losses are devastating for individuals, families, and communities. In good times, it generally takes three to six months for someone to find a job after a layoff. Of course, these are not good times. Moreover, […]

This is National Drinking Water Week, a week in which we highlight the essential role of drinking water in our society and economy. Given the current environment, the dependability of our public water supply is probably more appreciated than in years past. But how did we get here? Municipal water systems are a more recent […]

I think almost every American has dreamed of what it could mean to become a small business owner. For me, opening a small business was an act of freedom, and an exercise of control over my life. I had a good job as a lawyer and was on the path to a successful career when […]

Here they come … again — the Democrats rallying cry for a nationally imposed all mail-in ballot system. While their push to force every possible voter to receive a ballot in any election is not new, they have been reinvigorated for trying to implement this very dangerous scheme due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This viral […]

Would you try an unproven drug to treat COVID-19? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has understandably not approved any drug for this brand-new illness. A willingness to try suggests seriously rethinking FDA regulation of drug effectiveness. The FDA authority to regulate new drug safety dates to the 1930s, with effectiveness regulation added in 1962. […]

For the past several weeks, the people of Alabama participated in following a statewide public health order implemented by the governor and public health officials as an effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This unprecedented order required individuals and families to make drastic lifestyle changes in order to adapt to these guidelines. The stay-at-home […]

On March 27, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law, which includes more than $16 billion in stabilization funds for K-12 education. On April 23, the U.S. Department of Education provided guidance to states on applying for the funds, as well as final state allocation amounts. ­­ Alabama is eligible to receive more than […]

Alabama led the space race. We led in bringing jobs like Mercedes and Hyundai to our state. Now, it’s time for Alabama to lead the nation again by reopening our economy and getting Alabama and America back to work. During the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, Alabamians learned the importance of staying home and […]

John Merrill: "Sierra Club and GASP are still fighting to see that south Alabama lose its largest source of electricity and the more than the 300 jobs provided by Plant Barry."

Last week, I discussed Alabama’s outstanding leaders in the political arena. This week, allow me to share with you some of the state’s leaders under 45 who are shaping and molding our state from outside the actual pit of the political arena. The most prominent political power in the under 45 category, who is not […]

When Georgia’s governor announced that the state would allow some non-essential businesses to reopen, everyone had an opinion. What I heard and read most often, however, was how his lifting of restrictions was, “reckless” and “irresponsible.” I see a glimmer of hope in Governor Ivey’s recently issued “Safer at Home Order” as it lessens some […]

Alabama reached and passed the peak of COVID-19 new cases during the week of April 12. As I have written previously, this doesn’t mean we haven’t seen new cases since then because we have. Nor does it mean we won’t see new cases in the future because we will. It does mean that the number […]

We have experienced unprecedented economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing policies. Twenty-two million Americans lost jobs in four weeks. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis projects potentially 30% unemployment and a 50% decline in GDP by June. This looks like a depression, but is it really? A recession or depression is […]

As we approach the end of the month, the current directives and public health orders established to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will begin to change in some form. We must continue to follow all the regulations that are put in place. These orders prioritize the health and safety of all Alabamians and are an […]

Many of you have lamented to me that it appears that all or most of our state political leaders are older folks. On first glance, that appears to be true. However, on a deeper observation, we have some extremely talented younger stars on the horizon. In fact, they are already in the ring and making […]

While I and my family have been blessed during the COVID-19 pandemic with basically no ill effects, the virus robbed me of the chance to say farewell to one of the people most influential in my career covering the outdoors in Alabama. Robert Lee Rivenbark of Fairhope did not succumb to the coronavirus. He lost […]