In April, the state signed a $623 million contract with Cadell Construction to build the first of the new prisons, a specialized men’s facility in Elmore County that will house 4,000 inmates. According to the Department of Corrections, the facility will be equipped with modern mental health facilities and include job training capabilities.
Author: Todd Stacy (Todd Stacy)
Boswell: state is ‘excited’ to have two more mental health crisis centers coming online
Next year’s state General Fund budget allocates a record $193.1 million to the Alabama Department of Mental Health, about $65 million more than in fiscal 2020 when lawmakers said the state had “failed” in recent years to address mental health care needs.
Sheriff: Car linked to Alabama escapee, jail worker found
A nationwide manhunt has been ongoing since the pair disappeared April 29. Casey White was awaiting trial in a capital murder case and Vicky White was assistant director of corrections for Lauderdale County. She appears to have helped him plan and execute the escape, Singleton said.
Daily News Digest – May 3, 2022
Leaked SCOTUS opinion indicates Roe reversal; Arrest warrant issued in Alabama for missing jail official; Biden speaks in Troy today; Brooks to Jan. 6 panel: 'send me a subpoena'; Trump's bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races
Daily News Digest – May 2, 2022
Authorities: escaped inmate, officer still missing; Amendment would mean $80M for state parks improvements; Red Bay woman charged after dogs kill public health worker; Researchers returning for assessment of last US slave ship; WATCH: Capitol Journal Week in Review
Watch: Capitol Journal Week in Review, April 29, 2022
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – We had a topical show on the latest Capitol Journal Week in Review on Alabama Public Television. State Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, reviewed the highs and lows of the recently concluded Regular Session and previewed the expected special session later this year. State Sen. Chris Elliott,...
Marshals: Reward for info on escaped inmate, missing officer
The U.S. Marshals Service said Sunday that it is offering up to $10,000 for information about an escaped inmate and a "missing and endangered" correctional officer who disappeared Friday after the two left a jail in north Alabama.
Trucking industry backs Ivey with TV spot
The state trucking industry, namely the Alabama Trucking Association, is taking a different approach this year. In its support of Gov. Kay Ivey's reelection efforts, the truckers are foregoing the typical campaign contribution, and instead running an ad of their own.
Daily News Digest – April 27, 2022
Alabama Medicaid enrollment increases as pandemic requirement continues; Blanchard loans campaign $1.6M; Ivey, James get major contributions; Arby's worker arrested after grease thrown on customer; Jan. 6 panel wants to hear from McCarthy after new audio; Russia releases U.S. Marine in prisoner exchange
Daily News Digest – April 25, 2022
More than 50% of teachers leave classroom within 3 years; AlaDems' 'Free Weed' site launches; Oak Mountain State Park expanding; Hunter Biden is a target if Republicans take back Congress
Watch: Capitol Journal, April 23
Alabama Public Television's Randy Scott took over the anchor chair to host Capitol Journal this past week. Guests included Cam Ward, Director of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole; Joe Borg, Commissioner of Alabama Securities Commission; and Dr. Don Williams, President/CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association.
Internal poll shows Ivey with commanding lead in reelection bid
Ivey is buoyed by general popularity and high job approval among Republican voters. The survey showed that 68% of primary voters believe that things in Alabama are going in the right direction and 77% approve of the job Ivey is doing as governor.
Inside Alabama Politics – April 20, 2022
Session superlatives; Last minute deal on Forever Wild, counties; Special session, summer work; Distribution of judges lingering issue; PAC finance update; House District 23 race; Governor’s race update; Senate race update; Medicaid’s pandemic enrollment requirement remains; Potpourri
First prison construction contract signed
Caddell and Birmingham-based BL Harbert were both part of teams expected to build prisons under Ivey’s earlier plan to lease from private developers three new facilities. That plan fell apart earlier last year, but Caddell and Harbert had been vetted and put in the groundwork to quickly move on prison construction, lawmakers said last fall.
Daily News Digest – April 18, 2022
After 'draconian' cuts a decade ago, more support for mental health; Tax Day: an extension may be better than rushing a return; Space & Rocket Center marking 50th anniversary of Apollo 16; Congress seeks compromise to boost computer chip industry; University of Alabama honors first Black football players