Opinion & Policy
AG Marshall files petition to end delay in decades-old capital murder cases
Marshall: “I will not allow the state’s criminal cases, especially those involving the worst of the worst criminals, to remain neglected.” Special to the News Recently, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall petitioned the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals to force a ruling from federal district courts in four capital-punishment cases, arguing that those…
Read MoreGov. Ivey commutes Burton’s death sentence
Special to the News Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced that she has commuted the death sentence of Charles L. Burton to life in prison with no chance of parole. Burton was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1991 capital murder of Doug Battle in Talladega. As required by law, the governor first reached out to a…
Read MoreAlabama leaders delivering good results for public education students
For decades, Southern states have chronically ranked at the bottom of the nation when it comes to academic achievement. State leaders across the South have made education their top priority, yet test scores remained abysmal, and students have suffered because of the education they were receiving. But now three states; Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana;…
Read MoreADPH asks for input to improve health in your local community
Special to the News The Alabama Department of Public Health’s (ADPH) mission is to promote, protect and improve Alabama’s health and provide the people of Alabama with the highest quality service possible. To reach this goal, ADPH would like to hear from its residents! The 2026 Community Health Opinion Survey is part of the State…
Read MoreFebruary monthly column: Taking back the American dream
By Sen. Tommy Tuberville Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax forms to learning a new language because of how stressful and confusing it can be. However, this year, I’m proud to say that Alabamians will be bringing…
Read MoreGov. Ivey signs law opening classroom doors to Alabama veterans
Special to the News On Tuesday Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 149, one of her legislative priorities, into law, creating a new pathway for military veterans to serve Alabama students in the classroom. “Service is woven into the fabric of who we are as a state and as a nation, and by…
Read MoreGov. Ivey signs screen time limits for early childhood education programs into law
Special to the News On Wednesday Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, limiting electronic screen access in early childhood education and licensed childcare facilities. The Act is one of the governor’s 2026 legislative priorities. “Video screen access in classrooms can boost learning skills among our young children,…
Read MoreMy swan song
Dear Editor, It has been my honor to write a column in “The Coosa County News” for over 10 years. I have shared approximately 4,800 of “My Humble Opinions” over the course of this time. But I have now decided it is time for me to step away from this commitment to make time…
Read MoreGov. Ivey encourages Alabamians to prepare for severe weather tax-free
Special to the News With Alabama’s spring tornado season fast approaching, last Friday Gov. Kay Ivey encouraged families and businesses across the state to take advantage of a tax-free opportunity to prepare. Alabama’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday will take place today, February 20, through Sunday, February 22. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. February…
Read MoreKen McFeeters appeals ALGOP decision to not look into Tuberville’s residency
Special to the News Submitted by Ken McFeeters Please let this letter/email serve as my formal appeal of the decision by the Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee to refuse to review my candidate challenge regarding Tommy Tuberville and whether he meets the clear requirements laid out in Article V, Section 117 of the Alabama…
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