Category: News

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Steve Marshall holds annual law enforcement summit, honors fallen officers

On Tuesday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall hosted nearly 900 law enforcement officials from across the state at the 19th annual Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit held at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery.

Attorney General Marshall kicked off the summit by thanking the attendees and discussed challenges facing police officers, sheriff’s offices and state law enforcement officials.

“It is a great honor to serve as your Attorney General for the past 21 months and there is no job I would rather do than stand in support of you, the men and women who uphold the law and protect our communities,” Marshall said. “I am thankful for the invaluable assistance and cooperation we have received from law enforcement throughout Alabama. The teamwork exhibited on all levels of law enforcement is making a positive difference for Alabamians.”
Continue reading “Steve Marshall holds annual law enforcement summit, honors fallen officers”

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Bradley Byrne strikes optimistic tone in Montgomery Chamber of Commerce speech

MONTGOMERY – Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) addressed a packed crowd at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast on Tuesday morning, striking a notably optimistic tone about his outlook for the state of Alabama and the nation as a whole.

Byrne began the substantive part of his speech by noting that the mainstream media largely ignores the real issues on both the federal and state levels, instead opting to cover divisive “wedge” issues and pour gas on partisan flames.

“The national news media makes its money off of doing things to get more eyeballs on the screen,” Byrne said. “In order to get more eyeballs on the screen, they like to generate controversy.”

He then gave an example of a roughly ten-minute segment CNN filmed this past spring at the annual reenactment of the Selma-to-Montgomery march of bipartisanship between himself and Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7). The two talked about working together for the betterment of Alabamians, despite their different political leanings and demographic backgrounds. CNN never ran the footage. Continue reading “Bradley Byrne strikes optimistic tone in Montgomery Chamber of Commerce speech”

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Merrill urges prosecution of voter fraud: ‘If you want to straighten it up, you’ve got to straighten it up’

OZARK – Voter fraud is still a real thing in the state of Alabama according to Secretary of State John Merrill.

At a gathering of the Dale County GOP on Monday, Merrill cited the four convictions during his tenure as Alabama Secretary of State as proof but called for more to be done on the local and state levels.

“We’ve had four convictions on voter fraud,” Merrill said to attendees. “We’ve had three elections that have been overturned since I’ve been the secretary. We want some more of that to happen because we have identified people that have broken the law. We just got to have some prosecutors that are willing to step up and help us take it and make it happen at the district attorney level, as well as those that would be assigned by [Alabama Attorney General] Steve Marshall. So, we got to work together to get that done.”

Continue reading “Merrill urges prosecution of voter fraud: ‘If you want to straighten it up, you’ve got to straighten it up’”

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Ivey reaffirms her support for pro-life amendment opposed by Maddox

Governor Kay Ivey on Monday reaffirmed her support for Alabama’s Constitutional Amendment Two, which recognizes and supports the rights of the unborn.

“Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time for Alabama to affirm the sanctity of unborn life,” Ivey said in a press release.

Her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, opposes the pro-life amendment, as does Planned Parenthood, the Feminist Majority Foundation, the ACLU and other out-of-state liberal groups.

“It’s unconscionable to me that Walt Maddox would join abortion rights activists from across the country in opposing this measure that simply recognizes the rights of our precious unborn babies,” Ivey emphasized. Continue reading “Ivey reaffirms her support for pro-life amendment opposed by Maddox”

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US Steel announces 4-year pact covering workers in Alabama and other states

Negotiators for US Steel Corp. and the United Steelworkers have announced an agreement on four-year contracts covering thousands of employees around the country.

Details weren’t announced Monday pending ratification meetings, which the union said would take place in coming weeks. Continue reading “US Steel announces 4-year pact covering workers in Alabama and other states”

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Ivey breaks ground on multi-million dollar project in rural west Alabama

For much of rural Alabama, one of the main hindrances to economic development is a pure lack of people stopping in to eat, shop and work.

This has been the case in the Greene County seat of Eutaw for far too long, with the county having an unemployment rate nearly double the state as a whole and the poverty issues to match.

However, after Governor Kay Ivey broke ground on the construction of a $12 million Love’s Travel Stop on Monday, Eutaw has hope.

“They’re going to hire 40, at least 43, more people in this area and that’s great for our families and it’s good for Alabama. I’m proud to be a part of growing jobs and putting our people to work,” Ivey said, according to WTOK. Continue reading “Ivey breaks ground on multi-million dollar project in rural west Alabama”

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‘We aren’t taking anything for granted’: Roby makes Dale County push with three weeks until election

OZARK – By most indicators, Rep. Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) should easily defeat her Democratic Party opponent Tabitha Isner in next month’s general election.

She’s battle-tested given she faced a crowded primary field and then handily won her party’s nod in the primary runoff against her congressional predecessor Bobby Bright.

Roby is also running in a congressional district that has been very good to Republicans in midterm elections. With the exception of Roby’s 2010 midterm win against then-incumbent Bright, the GOP candidates, Roby and former Rep. Terry Everett, have won their midterm races by double-digit outcomes going back to 1994.

Despite these favorable metrics, Roby has hit the ground campaigning in her district. She told Yellowhammer News her campaign was taking her re-election efforts very seriously.

Continue reading “‘We aren’t taking anything for granted’: Roby makes Dale County push with three weeks until election”

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Twinkle Cavanaugh hosts campaign event for Will Ainsworth at her house

MONTGOMERY – In today’s supercharged political environment, it is inspiring to see elected officials put past differences aside for the betterment of the state.

It is also especially rare to see true unity come from extremely competitive primaries, but Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and state Rep. Will Ainsworth have proven to be a glowing exception.

After a hard-fought race to be Alabama’s next lieutenant governor, Cavanaugh and her husband welcomed Ainsworth to their home on Monday evening for a meet and greet for Ainsworth’s campaign. And this was no mere symbolic gesture. The place was packed, with the crowd pushing 200 and spilling into both the front and back yards at times.

These two conservatives are truly in lockstep, and their respective speeches reflected high-character and leadership from both. Continue reading “Twinkle Cavanaugh hosts campaign event for Will Ainsworth at her house”

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Trump ‘thinking about our GREAT Alabama farmers,’ praises ‘terrific’ Kay Ivey after Hurricane Michael

While traveling to Georgia on Monday, President Donald Trump tweeted his support of farmers who have been devastated by Hurricane Michael in southeast Alabama.

“[T]hinking about our GREAT Alabama farmers…We are with you!” Trump said.

This came while the president was en-route to tour affected areas in Florida and Georgia that day.

While in Georgia, Trump also heaped praise on Governor Kay Ivey, whom he spoke to on the phone in the immediate aftermath of the category-four hurricane.

“She’s in there fighting,” Trump said of Ivey, per the Daily Mail. “We have terrific people running these states.” Continue reading “Trump ‘thinking about our GREAT Alabama farmers,’ praises ‘terrific’ Kay Ivey after Hurricane Michael”

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Jones accuses ALGOP of putting ‘party over’ state, country on Kavanaugh; ALGOP responds: ‘A grave error as it highlights his arrogance’

In an appearance on Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal” that aired on Friday, Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) defended his vote opposing the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jones, who had pledged to keep an open mind throughout the process, voted along party lines against President Donald Trump’s pick to replace the retired associate justice, Anthony Kennedy. In the end, Jones’ vote was not consequential, as Kavanaugh was confirmed by a 50-48 margin.

The junior Alabama Democratic U.S. Senator was criticized for voting against Kavanaugh by the Alabama Republican Party, which accused him of putting the party over the state and the country.

Continue reading “Jones accuses ALGOP of putting ‘party over’ state, country on Kavanaugh; ALGOP responds: ‘A grave error as it highlights his arrogance’”

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Ivey freezes all early paroles, appoints former Tuscaloosa DA as Board of Pardons and Paroles chair

Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall met with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday regarding recent reporting that the board had been releasing violent inmates early at an alarmingly high rate.

Following the closed-door meeting, Ivey and Marshall held a press conference at the state capitol, in which Ivey expressed her disappointment and announced an executive order shaking up the board.

The governor’s executive order freezes all early paroles for 75 days, or until the board implements a plan of corrective action that is approved by Ivey and Marshall. This plan must be submitted in the next 30 days.

According to WSFA’s original investigation on the board’s actions, approximately 100 more violent inmates were set for possible early release between Monday and the end of October. Continue reading “Ivey freezes all early paroles, appoints former Tuscaloosa DA as Board of Pardons and Paroles chair”

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Huntsville man arrested for terroristic threats against police officers

The Huntsville Police Department arrested a local man Friday after he allegedly threatened to kill officers on two occasions.

Micah Duane Chisom, 39, faces federal charges as a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as making terroristic threats to 911 call takers, dispatchers and police officers both over the phone and in person. Continue reading “Huntsville man arrested for terroristic threats against police officers”

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Alabama veteran’s military mementos stolen – ‘God forgive me, but I would give my soul to get those things back’

One veteran in Mobile served our nation abroad over a decade ago, and now the mementos he brought home to remember his service, his sacrifices and those he fought alongside have been stolen.

Carl Sanders, Jr. served in the U.S. Army for four years and experienced one tour in Iraq, according to a report by Fox 10.

Most of his keepsakes were packed up in a duffel bag that was recently stolen, including his uniform.

“I don’t regret one second of anything I’ve done serving my country and the people I served with,” he said. Continue reading “Alabama veteran’s military mementos stolen – ‘God forgive me, but I would give my soul to get those things back’”

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Selma mayor files lawsuit against city council

The mayor of Selma has filed a lawsuit against the city council over an effort to take away his appointment powers.

The Selma Times-Journal reports that Selma City Council Attorney Jimmy Nunn and Council President Corey Bowie said the lawsuit stems from a dispute over appointment powers.

The newspaper said council members on Sept. 25 voted to remove Mayor Darrio Melton’s ability to appoint the city’s police chief, fire chief and tax collector.

The newspaper reports that the lawsuit contends the council’s actions violated state law.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

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Shelby praises passage of water infrastructure bill vital to Alabama

In a press release last week, Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) praised the passage of S. 3021, entitled America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

This bill, which answers President Donald Trump’s call to address the nation’s aging water infrastructure, is the most sweeping infrastructure package to be considered this Congress. Shelby’s office noted that it will help grow the economy, keep communities safe and cut red tape.

“The state of Alabama and the entire nation will benefit across the board from this water infrastructure bill,” Shelby said. “The bipartisan measure provides resources to keep our communities safe by improving drinking water and wastewater systems. It also authorizes important water projects that will create jobs and spur economic growth and development, increasing the impact of federal dollars. I look forward to witnessing the effects of this legislation and will continue to work diligently with my colleagues to prioritize our nation’s immediate and long-term infrastructure needs.” Continue reading “Shelby praises passage of water infrastructure bill vital to Alabama”

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Alabama’s Democratic U.S. House challengers ignoring Kavanaugh impeachment questions

All of the Democratic candidates running against incumbent Republican members of the United States House of Representatives in Alabama have yet to state their positions on calls for the impeachment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Each Democratic candidate has failed to respond to Yellowhammer News’ requests for comment regarding whether they, if elected, would support the impeachment of Kavanaugh.

The questions were publicly posed on Twitter once on October 9 and twice on October 10, with no responses yet having been returned as of Monday morning. The Democratic candidates and their respective congressional districts are: Robert Kennedy, Jr. (AL-1), Tabitha Isner (AL-2), Mallory Hagan (AL-3), Lee Auman (AL-4), Peter Joffrion (AL-5) and Danner Kline (AL-6).
Continue reading “Alabama’s Democratic U.S. House challengers ignoring Kavanaugh impeachment questions”

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Trump approves Ivey’s Emergency Disaster Declaration request for Alabama

In response to Governor Kay Ivey’s Thursday request, President Donald Trump on Saturday approved an Emergency Disaster Declaration for the state of Alabama as a result of Hurricane Michael.

This declaration means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program will provide assistance under category B to affected Alabama counties.

“I greatly appreciate President Trump approving our request for federal assistance. Alabama has suffered damage, but we have also stepped in to help our neighbors,” Ivey said in a press release. “This assistance will help us recover some of the cost of response and recovery efforts conducted by the state and local governments. This will be a huge benefit to the smaller communities in Alabama that have been affected.” Continue reading “Trump approves Ivey’s Emergency Disaster Declaration request for Alabama”

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Alabama Farmers Federation establishes relief fund for farmers affected by Hurricane Michael

To help the state’s farmers recover from Hurricane Michael’s devastation, the Alabama Farmers Federation has established a relief fund to directly benefit producers.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell, in a press release, thanked the many Alabamians who have expressed support for the hardworking producers affected by the historic hurricane.

“Farmers in south Alabama have received an outpouring of support from neighbors and people across the country,” Parnell said. “Many have asked where they can donate to help farmers who’ve lost their crops and barns, so we have created a special fund within the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation to accept these gifts.” Continue reading “Alabama Farmers Federation establishes relief fund for farmers affected by Hurricane Michael”

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Southern Research is advancing green chemistry in the heart of Alabama

Birmingham’s Southern Research has developed a reputation in cancer treatment and other medical advancement, but an area where it is showing much promise today could end up having its greatest worldwide impact.

Environmental research has emerged as an exciting field for Southern Research, so much so that it has become one of three pillars the institution is focusing on in its Change Campaign fundraising efforts.
Continue reading “Southern Research is advancing green chemistry in the heart of Alabama”