MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate on Tuesday considered SB 214, a comprehensive gaming proposal that would have made a historic investment in broadband expansion, rural health care, mental health care and education. A substitute version of the bill, as amended on the floor, failed to garner the necessary 21 votes needed for passage. As a constitutional […]

The Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a $2.4 billion General Fund budget, the state’s largest-ever. It includes a 2% pay raise for state employees. Other investments provided for in the legislation include an increase in support for the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and funds to build Alabama’s fourth mental health crisis diversion […]

The headlines screamed, “North Alabama councilman called to resign for saying Black protesters should be run over.” But that is not what the social media posts said. To imply otherwise is to lie, for clicks, so Bama Politics, The Decatur Daily and al.com jumped in with both feet. While sharing an al.com story entitled, “’We […]

MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) on Tuesday afternoon released a statement regarding SB 214, a comprehensive gaming bill sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) that would represent a historic investment in broadband expansion, rural health care, mental health care and education. The statement came minutes before the Senate convened at 2:00 p.m.; the legislature’s […]

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday held a public hearing on HB 445, however the committee ultimately did not vote on the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris), the legislation would create new crimes and penalties for individuals who incite or participate in riots. Additionally, the bill would ensure that any […]

A self-described “builder and believer in the Alabama market,” Ryan Robinett channeled his enthusiasm for putting people in positions for success when he founded Multiply, Inc. in 2018. Calling on his years of experience at a highly successful IT services firm, Robinett created Multiply around a set of core principles to which he has adhered […]

7. Cancel culture has a busy Monday Dr. Seuss was canceled last week; this week, there are some cartoons and a fast food chain on the chopping block. Warner Bros. announced that the handsy Joe Biden-esque Pepe Le Pew has been axed from “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” much to the chagrin of the actress […]

Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey announced she was extending elements of her emergency order to deal with the threat of COVID-19 through April 9. Shortly before that official announcement, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth called on Ivey to end the mandate, which has been underway nearly a year. During an appearance on Huntsville radio’s “WVNN Afternoons” […]

MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey is in favor of allowing the people of Alabama to vote on the issue of legalizing gaming, according to a spokesperson. The Alabama Senate on Tuesday will likely consider SB 214, a comprehensive gaming bill sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) that would represent a historic investment in broadband expansion, […]

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislature on Tuesday will convene for the 13th day of its 2021 regular session. The House will gavel in at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Senate at 2:00. Here’s what you should look out for on the day:

Last week, House Democrats pushed through H.R. 1 – For the People Act, which should have been named For the Politicians Act, because it aims to radically transform our elections by taking election decisions away from the people and giving more power to bureaucrats. This act utilizes taxpayer money to fund campaigns, legalizes ballot harvesting, […]

Internet giant Google announced Monday that it has given TruFund, a financial services company that works to advance underserved communities and operates in Alabama, over $1 million to help small businesses recover from COVID-19. The funding comes in the form of a $1 million loan from the Google Small Business Fund and a $150,000 grant […]

Alabama’s leading health organizations are joining together to strongly recommend Alabamians get the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting the vaccine can help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has affected the lives of almost every Alabamian. “Protection from COVID-19 through vaccination of the majority of people is critically important in reducing COVID-19 disease,” said Dr. […]

New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews on Monday released “Killing Dr. Seuss,” a poetic commentary on cancel culture’s continuing proliferation across American society. Andrews, an Alabama native and resident of Orange Beach, released the poem in written format — complete with Dr. Seuss-esque illustrations — and in video format with Andrews narrating the poem. […]

Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock Company on Monday announced that its board of directors has voted to approve Matthew Dent as the company’s chief executive officer. This marks Dent the first CEO in the company’s 120-year history that is not a member of the Lee family. According to a release, previous CEO Jimmy Lee III will continue […]

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s motion that sought to block a legally-questionable attempt by three states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The decision, which Marshall’s office called a “major victory,” is the latest development in a legal battle that has been ongoing since December 2019. […]

Few people understand the mechanics of rural economic development better than Valerie Gray, the executive director of the Chambers County Development Authority. After all, she and her team helped engineer a reversal of the county’s fortunes after its traditional industry imploded. Gray has led the CCDA for over 22 years. During her tenure, she has overseen […]

Businesses with fewer than 20 employees have until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to take advantage of a special window set aside for them to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. As part of the most recent changes to the COVID-19 relief program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) set aside an exclusive application period for small […]

7. Amazon’s would-be union says they aren’t behind call for boycott A pro-union blog is calling for a boycott of Amazon to grow support for the unionization effort at a facility in Bessemer. The image originated on a pro-union blog and called for a boycott “in solidarity with union employees” where they implore that users […]

Last month, on the heels of U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s (R-Tuscaloosa) announcement that he would not seek a seventh term in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) acknowledged she was considering a possible bid for that seat. In a follow-up appearance on MSNBC to commemorate the 56th anniversary of Selma’s “Bloody Sunday,” Sewell […]

An Alabama small business owner has been announced as one of only three “top entrepreneurs” chosen across the nation after Lowe’s first ever virtual pitch competition, “Making It…with Lowe’s.” The competition featured a diverse array of entrepreneurs from around the United States. Over 1,300 applications were received, and ultimately more than 400 unique products were […]

Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply for the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator 2021 class. In its second year, the innovative program, located in Birmingham, seeks early-stage startups focused on emerging energy technologies. Areas of interest include smart cities, electric grid resiliency and sustainability, industrial electrification, connectivity and electric transportation. The class will run for […]

Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and political consultant Mecca Musick take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories, including: — Did Governor Kay Ivey make the right decision when she extended the mask mandate? — Is the Alabama Legislature going to look to move forward with the lottery if they can’t get a more comprehensive […]

FLORENCE — With the third month of the 117th Congress now underway, House Democrats have pushed forward in their efforts to pass H.R. 1, which would impose so-called reforms to the country’s voting system. Also among the priorities for Democrats, who control the White House, House and Senate, are immigration measures that could include amnesty […]