Opinion & Policy
Gov. Ivey announces Commissioner Chris Blankenship to retire from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Special to the News Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced her Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship will retire from state service at the end of the month. The governor has selected Ben Stimpson Jr. to lead the agency through the remainder of her tenure. Shortly after taking office in 2017,…
Read MoreAlabama needs a Data Center Accountability Summit – now
Op-ed by Sheila McNeil Alabama’s data center boom is not something on the horizon. It is here. That is why I am calling for an urgent, bipartisan Alabama Data Center Accountability Summit bringing together state and local officials and representatives from energy, water, technology, labor, agriculture, business, economic development, consumer advocacy, and communities already…
Read MoreAmerica needs food security, not foreign mystery meat
Op-ed by Commissioner Ron Sparks When 300,000 tons of foreign beef has gotten the green light to flood American grocery stores, it’s not just a trade decision – it’s a direct hit on the safety of our food supply and the survival of our rural communities. Let me be clear. This isn’t about “choice”…
Read MoreCHOOSING the best education for Alabama’s students
Across Alabama, our students have been returning to school this [past] month. Heading back to school is an exciting time of year where students are able to reconnect with their peers, start practice for fall sports and, most importantly, get a good education. I’m a firm believer that our schools should be focused…
Read MoreAlabama leaders working on improving public education achievements as students head back to classrooms
If your commute just got a little longer in the past couple of weeks don’t be surprised, as buses and carpools are back on the road to carry students back for another year of school. As students return to the classroom, this is a good time to look at where Alabama ranks nationally in…
Read MoreAG Marshall announces Eleventh Circuit upholds capital murder convictions for the 2001 claw hammer double homicide in Sylacauga
Special to the News Last Thursday Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the Northern District of Alabama’s denial of habeas corpus relief for double murderer Wakilii Brown on August 21. Brown was convicted in the Talladega County Circuit Court and sentenced to death on May 5, 2008.…
Read MoreGov. Ivey honors life, legacy of Dolly Parton, provides update on Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Alabama
Special to the News Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday joined Alabamians and people across the country in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary life and legacy touched generations through her music, generosity and unwavering commitment to children and families. “Dolly Parton was a true American treasure. While the world knew and loved…
Read MoreAG Marshall announces Court of Criminal Appeals upholds conviction, death sentence in murder of Huntsville Police Officer Billy Clardy III
Special to the News On Monday Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and death sentence of LaJeromeny Brown on August 21, 2026. Brown was convicted of the capital murder of Huntsville Police Department Agent Billy Clardy III in the Madison County Circuit Court and sentenced…
Read MoreAG Marshall announces historic settlement with Meta Platforms Inc.
Special to the News On Wednesday Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a landmark $117,345,409 settlement with Meta Platforms Inc. In addition to the payment, Meta must implement a sweeping set of safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement resolves claims by 47 states and D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and…
Read MoreGov. Ivey flag-lowering directive honoring Dolly Parton
Special to the News On Tuesday evening, in accordance with the Presidential Order, Gov. Kay Ivey directed flags be lowered across the state to half-staff effective at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, through sunset on Tuesday, September 1, in memory of legendary American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and humanitarian Dolly Parton who passed away on…
Read More