By State Rep. Steve Clouse In 1995, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission voted to close Fort McClellan in Anniston. The 82-year-old base’s closure, effective in 1999, is a reminder that we are stewards of the Department of Defense installations assigned here. They are not a given. Since McClellan closed, a consensus of public and private sector...
Category: <span>Commentary</span>
Mo Brooks: My case for the U.S. Senate
By Mo Brooks I got into this U.S. Senate race for one reason: I have never before feared for the future of my country like I do today. I think many of you feel the same way. I’ve heard it from thousands of Alabamians while traveling our state. Jim in Muscle Shoals was worried about...
Will Sellers: A history of Mexican independence
The anniversary of this battle is recognized as Cinco de Mayo; an important consequence of the Mexican experience now embraced internationally. With a history of more lows than highs, May 5th serves as a great excuse to reflect upon Mexican independence.
Nabers: Why Is Toforest Johnson Still on Alabama’s Death Row?
Mr. Johnson was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1998, twenty-four years ago, for the killing of Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy in Birmingham. But over time, the State’s case has fallen apart, and there’s now substantial evidence that Mr. Johnson is innocent.
Collins: Legislature takes decisive action on education
Often lost among the more provocative and controversial bills that generate headlines and hullabaloo during legislative sessions are the solid policy measures designed to address long-standing problems endemic to state government.
England: Legislature resists common sense parole board reform
At a time when the Legislature needs to be addressing this crisis with meaningful solutions, HB57 is a good first step. However, session is set to end this week, before the House or Senate have had a chance to take a vote on this important legislation.
Op-Ed: Alabama is Last in Math. The Numeracy Act Will Change That.
Only 22% of Alabama students were proficient in math on the 2021 ACAP state assessment, including only 11% of low-income students and 7% of Black students. This puts us dead last nationally. In addition, there are currently 28 K-5 schools that have 0% of students proficient in math.
BCA: Another bite at the Amazon apple
Workers have the right to join a union. But when they decline to do so, government’s job shouldn’t be to disregard that decision. If workers at Bessemer say “no” again, let’s hope the NLRB will listen this time.
Will Sellers: The Terrors of Justice
Eighty years ago this month, with the stroke of a pen, President Franklin Roosevelt in Executive Order 9066 effectively relegated 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps.
Op-Ed: Southern Research building castle for 21st century, investing in future of Birmingham
As we emerge from one of our nation’s most challenging periods, Alabama has received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a better future. By investing in Southern Research, our leaders can drive innovation and economic development in our state -- and benefit Alabamians for generations to come.
Daily News Digest – December 7, 2021
Legislation would address school food supply chain shortages; ADN Insiders: Dunn to step down; 3. SPLC puts $100 million toward voter turnout efforts; US plans diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics; Heisman finalists announced, Young is the favorite
Parnell: Reflecting on 100 years of the Alabama Farmers Federation
In 1921, Alabama farmers united to provide a voice in public policy for the rural families often ignored by politicians. These men and women joined forces to improve profitability in an economic system where they felt powerless. They came together to improve the quality of life for their children and neighbors.
NFIB: Support small businesses this holiday season
The worst of the pandemic hopefully is behind us, but small businesses aren’t really in the clear. A year ago, a lot of shops and restaurants were reducing their hours and limiting their offerings to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Today, they’re scaling back because they can’t find enough people to work or get the supplies they need.
Daily News Digest – November 15, 2021
In teacher shortage, advocates stress better benefits; Ground broken for west Alabama corridor; Alabama man arrested in DC for guns, explosives admits guilt; Congress returns with eye on Biden's big budget bill; Bo Nix to have season-ending ankle surgery
AARP: Close the digital divide to make sure we’ve all got a way to connect
For our residents to enjoy the benefits of expansion, they need access to a computer, smart phone or other device capable of supporting an internet connection; they need affordable internet service; and just as importantly, they need to know how to use it.