The unemployment rate measures the number of Alabamians who are actively seeking work and the April rate represents 61,621 people, a new record low, compared to 63,184 in April and 80,191 in May 2021, the governor’s office said.
Author: Mary Sell (Mary Sell)
Inflation hitting state agencies as budget leaders brace for possible recession
In May, consumer prices rocketed up 8.6% from a year earlier, the biggest jump since 1981, the Associated Press reported. In response, the Federal Reserve this week raised its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of point this week as it tries to avoid a recession.
Orr working on bill to put cameras in special education classrooms
Several states, including Texas, Georgia, West Virginia and most recently Louisiana, have laws requiring or allowing for cameras in special education spaces.
Racing for the Speaker’s gavel
While another candidate could emerge, Clouse and Ledbetter have been openly campaigning for the House’s top spot since last year. The House Republican Caucus will likely make its speaker selection soon after the November elections. A new speaker won’t be formally selected until the full chamber meets for an organizational session.
GOP runoff to choose next State Auditor
Rep. Andrew Sorrell of Muscle Shoals and pastor Stan Cooke of Kimberly are trying to convince new voters why the State Auditor is a critical role in Alabama government and why they're the best person for the job.
As meal waivers end, schools grapple with increased costs, supply chain issues
Several school systems around the state have advocated for an extension of the U.S. Department of Agriculture waivers that first went into effect in March 2020, but Congressional action seems unlikely now. School leaders are reminding low-income families they need to apply for reduced priced or free meals for the upcoming school year — something they haven’t had to do the past two school years.
Republicans Zeigler, Allen face off in June 21 secretary of state runoff
By MADDISON BOOTH, Alabama Daily News AUBURN, Ala. – The June 21 GOP runoff election for secretary of state presents a contrast in styles and experience, if not policy. Current State Auditor Jim Zeigler and State Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, were the top vote earners in May primary’s four-man race. Zeigler earned 42.69% of the...
Commission moves circuit judge spot from Jefferson Co. to Madison Co.
Judgeship may only be reallocated when a vacancy occurs due to the death, retirement, removal or resignation of a judge. Only one judgeship can be reallocated from any judicial circuit in a two-year period.
Fentanyl testing strips now legal in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Mental Health said fentanyl can be found in many street drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and counterfeit prescription pills.
Poll: Strong leading, many undecided in AL-5 runoff
Likely Republican runoff voters in north Alabama favor Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, 46% over Huntsville School Superintendent Casey Wardynski, 31%, to replace outgoing Congressman Mo Brooks of Huntsville, according to a new poll. Nearly 24% of voters were still undecided. Strong led on Election Day with nearly 47% of the vote. Wardynski came in...
Coleman readying ‘red flag’ bill for Alabama Legislature
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have red flag laws. Republican-led Florida passed a red flag law in 2018, following a shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school that killed 17 people. A recent CBS News analysis of state court records, Florida has issued 8,969 emergency risk protection orders since 2018.
Alabama officials: Schools have become safer, but gaps remain
State Superintendent Eric Mackey said new schools are constructed with more security in mind and many existing buildings have had their entrances upgraded to “harden” them and cameras installed.
State’s General Fund, ETF revenues up; officials look at inflation impact
Budget leaders say that growth won’t last, but they’re comfortable about where revenues are for the fiscal year that ends in September. For the 2022 fiscal year, the General Fund and ETF budgets are $2.69 billion and $7.67 billion.
ALGOP to hear challenges in four legislative races
Pettus said he was notified by the party Sunday that it was dismissed. Pettus held off challenger Maurice McCaney by 360 votes in the May 24 primary.
After ballot mix-ups in Etowah County, House candidates file challenges to primary results
Two GOP candidates for Alabama House on Thursday filed contests with the state party, asking for re-dos in their primaries after human errors related to the 2021 redrawing of district lines meant some voters got incorrect ballots last week.