Embedded Files
Next Meeting - 08/11/25, 7 PM, Ozark-Dale Library
Focus On Alabama and Alabama State Officials (Post 2024 Election):
AL.com: Alabama Power coal ash pond leaks harmful metals into Coosa River, new lawsuit alleges
Comment: "One of Alabama Power’s coal ash ponds is leaking harmful metals into the groundwater, according to a new federal lawsuit filed today."
"Coosa Riverkeeper is suing Alabama Power, alleging that its unlined coal ash pond at the former Gadsden Steam Power Plant poses a health and environmental risk to those who live nearby and use the Coosa River and Neely Henry Lake."
Senator Tommy Tuberville believes national debt can be reduced through tariffs
Comment: Watch the included video. Does Tuberville understand that tariffs ARE taxes imposed upon the American consumer? They are one of the most regressive forms of taxes, proportionally impacting poor and middle class consumers much more than the wealthy. Yes, as with any massive tax increase, the funds collected may help reduce the national debt in the short run. However, at what cost to our consumer driven economy in the long term?
CBS News: How faulty drug tests are turning new moms' lives upside-down
https://www.cbsnews.com/falsepositives/
Comment: "A new mother from Alabama is warning pregnant patients after she says eating an 'everything bagel' for breakfast before giving birth to her second child upended her family last spring."
Comment: "The bagel Katie ate was seasoned with poppy seeds, which come from the same plant cultivated for the production of opiates like morphine and codeine and can trigger a false positive test result for opiates. The fact that poppy seeds can cause a false positive test result is well documented. In fact, the U.S. Department of Defense even issued a warning in 2023 to service members that 'consumption of poppy seed products could result in a codeine positive urinalysis result.' "
Comment: "Hours after giving birth at Crestwood Medical Center, Katie feared both of her children could be taken away, when a member of the Alabama Department of Human Resources showed up in her hospital room to discuss her positive drug screen. The state social worker asked Katie to sign a safety plan, a written agreement between a parent and CPS that outlines specific steps to be taken to ensure the safety and protection of a child amid an ongoing investigation."
Comment: "Katie said she was told both of her children would be removed from her custody if she didn't sign the safety plan. Overwhelmed by the terrifying thoughts racing in her head, Katie signed the plan."
"For nearly a month, Katie said she was only allowed monitored time with her children. And although she was breastfeeding her newborn, she still had to leave her home every night when everyone was asleep and only return in the morning when she could be supervised."
AL.com: Alabama schools to regain $68 million frozen while feds searched for ‘radical leftwing’ programs
Comment: "After a monthlong freeze, Alabama schools will regain access to nearly $70 million in federal funds that were under review by the Trump administration."
Comment: "In withholding the funds, the federal Office of Management and Budget, said some of the programs supported a 'radical leftwing agenda,' according to the Associated Press."
"Two dozen states sued the office in mid-July, alleging that the move violates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires any executive withholdings of budget authority to be reviewed by Congress."
Alabama foster kids forced to sleep in DHR offices | WKRG.com
https://www.wkrg.com/news/alabama-foster-kids-forced-to-sleep-in-dhr-offices/
NBC News: Seven charged in child sex ring run out of Alabama concrete bunker, sheriff says
Candidate for Alabama lieutenant governor: Tommy Tuberville’s ‘going to need my help’ - al.com
Comment: " 'I’m pretty good friends with Tuberville,' Pate told the River Region Republicans at a luncheon Tuesday at Farmers Market Café in Montgomery."
" 'Him and I probably talked six or so times and been together two or three times this spring.' ”
Comment: Although Pate's grasp of English grammar seems a little shaky, it's hard to argue with his basic premise that Tuberville is going to need somebody's help. Do you think if Tuberville is elected we're all going to need a lot of help?
AL.com: UAB cuts some spending, hiring amid federal grant losses, ‘uncertainty’
Video: Protesters gather in Homewood for Jabari Peoples - July 23, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uocXbPNPTEI
Comment: Protest against Alabama's refusal to release video of shooting of black student in Homewood.
Dr. Will Boyd, Democratic candidate for governor of Alabama, talks Tuberville, Medicaid expansion - Includes Video
https://share.google/3fx42Gwvqt62hIkY3
Video: Big, Beautiful Bill's Effect on Snap Benefits | July 21, 2025 | News 19 at 5 p.m. - July 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AzLRIM7QR4
AL.com: Trump’s approval ratings crashing in states that loved him, including Alabama
Comment: "Over 30,000 poll responses compiled by Civiqs shows Trump’s approval rating declining in states he won in November 2024, like Alabama and Texas."
Comment: "His current net approval rating in Alabama sits at 13%, a 9% drop from the net 22% recorded in April."
"This reflects a continuous decline in Trump’s approval rating among Alabama voters, according to several previous polls."
Comment: Unfortunately, I think a 13% net approval rating means that 13% more Alabamians approve of Trump than disapprove of him. How do we inform folks of his unpopular and dangerous actions?
AL.com: Arrests of Alabama immigrants soar as local deputies become ‘mini-immigration officers’
NBC News: Alabama governor backs withholding video of officer fatally shooting Black student
Comment: "Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is supporting a state agency’s refusal to release body camera footage in the fatal police shooting of an 18-year-old Black college freshman, saying the case must first be thoroughly investigated."
Comment: Do you think this refusal undermines the credibility of law enforcement, the justice system, and state government in general?
AP News: Lawyer says an Alabama teen who was killed by police was shot in the back
AL.com: Beeker announces run for full term on PSC: ‘Continue fighting for Alabama families’
Comment: "Chris Beeker announced today that he’s running to keep his seat on the Alabama Public Service Commission."
" 'I’m running to continue fighting for Alabama families, farmers, and energy freedom,' Beeker said in a news release. 'From my work with President Trump at the USDA to my current role on the Public Service Commission, I have stood strong for Alabama values and America First policies. Now more than ever, we need conservative leadership to protect our way of life.' "
Comment: What does Donald Trump and "America First policies" have to do with overseeing public utilities here in Alabama and keeping Alabama Power and other utilities from overcharging the public?
AL.com: Former Alabama Supreme Court justice picks up key endorsement in heated race
Comment: "Jay Mitchell, who resigned from the Alabama Supreme Court to run for attorney general, got a boost to his campaign on Monday."
"Progress PAC, the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama, endorsed Mitchell."
"Mitchell faces Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey and Ketherine Robertson, chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, in the Republican primary."
Comment: Please note that in the Republican primary, support from a political action committee (PAC), as opposed to a civic group or legal organization, constitutes a "key endorsement."
AL.com: Alabama police know they don’t have to show bodycam videos to families: ‘Why hide it?’
Comment: "Across the state — in Decatur, Bay Minette, Huntsville, Madison, and Montgomery — the pattern repeats: Someone dies in police custody, grieving families ask for body camera footage, and authorities often say no with the same refrain: 'Due to an ongoing investigation.' "
Comment: "While there’s no law or court ruling that says they can’t show the footage, in Alabama, that only tends to happen when the videos are convenient for police, or if a judge orders it released years after the fact."
Axios: New Medicaid work rules put states in a bind
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/medicaid-work-rules-states-requirements
Comment: "The new Medicaid work rules in President Trump's tax-and-spending law put states on a tight timetable for setting up systems to notify millions of recipients about the requirements — and to track if they're complying. "
"Why it matters: Previous efforts to set work rules in Georgia and Arkansas showed it could be a messy and expensive process that generally relies on outside vendors to set up the necessary infrastructure."
"Georgia spent nearly $100 million to implement its rules, $55 million of which went toward building a verification system, but in two years only enrolled a fraction of those eligible. It spent $13,000 per enrollee just to sign them up."
Comment: Unintended consequences and costs in Alabama, also?
AL.com: Judges to decide if Alabama’s congressional maps need preclearance after state diluted Black voting power
Comment: "Federal judges will weigh a request to bring Alabama back under the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act after ruling the state intentionally diluted the voting strength of Black residents when drawing congressional lines."
"Black voters and civil rights organizations, who successfully challenged Alabama’s congressional map, are asking a three-judge panel to require any new congressional maps drawn by state lawmakers to go through federal review before being implemented. The Alabama attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice oppose the request."
Medicaid cuts put 5 Alabama hospitals 'at-risk' of closing. These hospitals could be lost
https://share.google/e7XfCKZ5UqkwIbpCr
Alabama schools face funding crisis as federal funds frozen
https://share.google/VTc7nAkIWlIzjykrZ
Comment: "Alabama school districts are grappling with a significant financial setback as millions of dollars in federal funds have been frozen, just weeks before the start of the school year. $6.8 billion dollars nationally means $68 million dollars for Alabama on hold. The freeze has left districts like Tuscaloosa City Schools struggling to maintain essential programs."
PSC can decide behind closed doors whether Alabama Power can raise its rates, judge rules - al.com
Comment: "The Alabama Public Service Commission has rules that govern how Alabama Power can change electricity prices to offset increases in fuel costs, which tend to be volatile."
"Those rules say that the public is entitled to hear evidence and participate in proceedings that adjust fuel costs to ensure these changes are 'just and reasonable.' "
"The lawsuit said there have been only two public fuel cost hearings since the commission’s current rules were adopted in 1981."
"By contrast, the Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates a sister company of Alabama Power, has held at least 26 public formal fuel cost proceedings, according to the complaint."
AL.com: Tuberville calls for LA mayor to be ‘locked up’: DHS official says Karen Bass’ arrest is ‘on the table’
Comment: "Coach" Tuberville, what is the crime that Mayer Karen Bass would be charged with? Given the nature of this public statement, is this the man that Alabama should trust to be governor of our state?
Video: Former Alabama Representative Mo Brooks calls President Trump's key legislation a 'big, bad, bill' - July 06, 2025
https://share.newsbreak.com/dwsfbs9r
Comment: Like former GOP congressman Mo Brooks, many Democrats also dislike the fiscally irresponsibility of the bill. However, do you think Democrats might suggest higher taxes for billionaires and less cuts to Medicaid so as to address this fiscal irresponsibility?.
AL.com: Secrecy is not security: From Homewood, Alabama, to Homeland Security, government hides what it fears
Comment: "While these things might not seem like connected things, there’s something important that they share, something that should alarm everyone — a prevalent belief, shared by those in power, that information belongs to the government, not to the public."
AL.com: United Auto Workers move to unionize workers at another Alabama automotive plant
Alabama schools to lose $68 million in federal grants under Trump freeze
https://share.newsbreak.com/dwscnc4j
Video: Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed. What’s next for SNAP benefits in Alabama - July 03, 2025
https://share.newsbreak.com/dwsjz832
$68 million in for Alabama afterschool programs, jobs under review - al.com
Comment: "The money, which was meant for local after-school, English learner and professional development programs, is typically sent to schools on July 1 every year. But in an email to state officials Monday, the Education Department said it was pausing disbursements for several grants until it completes a review of those programs."
Comment: " 'These are programs already approved and funded by Congress,' State Superintendent Eric Mackey said in a statement Wednesday morning. 'They include programs integral to successful and supportive schools across Alabama, and districts have planned for the 2025-26 school year with an expectation that these formula-based funds would be flowing as normal. Since Congress had appropriated the money in the recent continuing resolution, we had no reason to believe otherwise.' "
AL.com: Alabama immigrants usually face deportation without a lawyer: ‘Huge problem’
Comment: " 'It’s a huge problem here that there aren’t enough attorneys,' said Allison Hamilton, who runs the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Hamilton said a lot of people are being put into expedited removal, don’t have access to due process and can’t adequately defend themselves."
"Taken together, she believes many Alabama immigrants without attorneys face an increased risk of unjust deportations."
Tommy Tuberville’s racism and ‘rat’ talk isn’t welcome here; he shouldn’t be, either
AL.com: Huntsville protesters are ‘communists,’ Marjorie Taylor Greene says during speech: ‘This is insanity’
Comment: " 'Think about this, the communists are outside,' Greene said, referring to protesters. 'The communists are out there, but they’re attacking us inside and calling us fascists. This is insanity. This is insanity.'"
Comment: How many of you think that Marjorie Taylor Greene was the source of the insanity, rather than the protesters outside?
AL.com: Alabama library battle: Should teens have access to sex education books?
Comment: "The issue flared up in Fairhope earlier this month and is expected to take center stage again at a July 18 meeting of the Alabama Public Library Services board. At stake is whether libraries will lose state funding for refusing to relocate books, including sex education titles, flagged by conservative groups like Moms for Liberty."
Hundreds march in protest of Marjorie Taylor Greene visit to Huntsville while supporters fill venue
Comment: "Marchers chanted slogans and displayed signs addressing Greene's position on library materials, Christian nationalism, and other subjects on which she has been outspoken. Some posters echoed broader themes, such as fascism."
Tuberville’s GOP opponent asks: ‘Is Tommy smarter than a 10-year-old?
Comment: " 'Sadly, Tuberville, our senator, was only able to name one of the three branches of government,' McFeeters says."
" 'So kids, the first question, what are the three branches of government?' "
"The girl and boy contestants nail the answer - 'Executive, judicial, legislative.' "
AL.com: Massive SNAP cuts could kill hundreds of Alabama grocery stores, ‘send hunger soaring’
Alabama Political Reporter: Alabama county commissioner tells followers to arm themselves against No Kings protests
Comment: Do you think this Alabama public official might have been trying to intimidate peaceful protesters?
Opinion | The Alabama Republican Party is heading down a familiar path
Comment: "As ALGOP officials ignore laws and rules, they’re pushing the party down a very familiar pathway. One we’ve seen before"
Senate Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts threaten to shutter Alabama hospitals
Despite progress, Alabama to miss court deadline on hiring enough correctional officers
AL.com: Alabama hands out $128 million for private school, homeschool support: Who’s getting money?
Comment: "Only 22% of students accepted into Alabama’s new school choice program currently attend public school, significantly fewer than initially expected."
Comment: " 'In effect, most vouchers become just a public subsidy for what tend to be very affluent, typically white families who are already attending private schools,' Brewer said."
Opinion | When did Tuberville start caring about SNAP?
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/18/opinion-when-did-tuberville-start-caring-about-snap/
Comment: "Now, having laid out Tuberville’s statements on SNAP over these past few years, I’m not so convinced he’s adequately concerned about the over 750,000 Alabamians who need SNAP to buy food every month."
"What I do believe is that Tuberville’s pretty sure he’s going to be elected governor next year and doesn’t want to be stuck with a $119 million bill he’ll have to figure out how to pay. So he decided he could try actually legislating for a week to make his life in Montgomery a tad easier."
Longtime chief counsel for Steve Marshall joins race to succeed him as Alabama attorney general
https://share.google/TS1ObtlwkbRpXiDOi
Comment: "Robertson has been chief counsel for Marshall since 2017. Before that, Robertson worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and for U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions as legislative counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee."
"Robertson is a former vice president of the Alabama Policy Institute."
The Alabama Democratic Party can't afford to write off 2026 | Alabama Reflector
https://alabamareflector.com/2025/06/16/the-alabama-democratic-party-cant-afford-to-write-off-2026/
Comment: "If Democrats can’t find a strong candidate to lead the ticket, they’ll find themselves fighting to hold what should be safe legislative seats."
WSFA: Alabama signs onto $7.4B nationwide opioid settlement with Purdue, Sackler family
In polluted Birmingham community, Trump terminates funding for air monitoring | Alabama Reflector
Comment: "Black residents had breathed heavily polluted air from a nearby coke plant for decades, and their neighborhoods had been declared a federal hazardous waste Superfund site after it was determined that waste soil laced with arsenic, lead and benzo(a)pyrene, a human carcinogen, from several nearby coke plants had been spread around their homes as yard fill."
"In light of this history and continued industrial pollution, GASP had obtained a $75,000 air monitoring grant from the Biden EPA in 2023."
"Milton received the letter earlier this month from officials in President Donald Trump’s EPA terminating the grant because it no longer aligned with the agency’s priorities."
18-year-old runs for mayor in Alabama, says he is 'ready to take on challenge' - ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/18-year-runs-mayor-alabama-ready-challenge/story?id=122690212
Alabama Lt. Governor candidate ‘staying in this race’ despite PhD controversy - al.com
Comment: The election is a year and a half away, and there is already a GOP scandal.
At least 14 "No Kings" protests planned across Alabama Saturday | Alabama Reflector
https://alabamareflector.com/briefs/at-least-14-no-kings-protests-planned-across-alabama-saturday/
Marshall talks senate priorities, China tariffs, L.A. protests
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/12/marshall-talks-senate-priorities-china-tariffs-l-a-protests/
Comment: Are these your priorities? Do Marshall's priorities significantly impact your life here in Alabama?
AL.com: More Alabama counties sign on to help ICE detain, jail immigrants
Comment: "Alabama counties participating include Colbert, Crenshaw, Elmore, Etowah, Franklin, Henry, Houston, Lawrence, Limestone and Pike."
"The Level Plains Police Department is the only municipal agency to join. Its status is pending, according to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement."
AL.com: Alabama sheriff threatens unruly protesters with broken hands and ‘deadly force’
Comment: "As Mobile prepares for what organizers say will be a peaceful 'No Kings' rally this weekend, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch is drawing sharp criticism after publicly warning of violent retaliation by law enforcement should unrest occur."
AL.com: Alabama doesn’t need a coach for governor. It needs a mayor.
https://www.al.com/news/2025/06/alabama-doesnt-need-a-coach-for-governor-it-needs-a-mayor.html
AL.com: Democrat pastor running for Alabama’s highest office: Why he thinks he’ll win this time
AL.com: Residents question ‘joke’ of a meeting over $350 million Alabama resort development
Huntsville braces for $10 million sales tax shortfall as spending falls ‘significantly’ - al.com
Comment: Is this a lesson for local municipalities which also rely heavily on sales tax to fund themselves?
AL.com: Longtime chief counsel for Steve Marshall joins race to succeed him as Alabama attorney general
'Worst case scenario.' Alabama’s PEEHIP faces $418M shortfall by FY27 - Alabama Daily News
https://aldailynews.com/worst-case-scenario-alabamas-peehip-faces-418m-shortfall-by-fy27/
Comment: "The board overseeing the state’s health insurance program for education employees previewed a 'worst case scenario' Wednesday, projecting a shortfall of between $360 million and $418 million in fiscal year 2027. Worse still, estimates show a nearly $490 million gap the following year."
Ivey taps Cynthia Almond to lead Public Service Commission
https://aldailynews.com/ivey-taps-cynthia-almond-to-lead-public-service-commission/
AL.com: 18-year-old Alabama student just graduated high school. Now, he’s running to be his city’s mayor
VIDEO: Leaders in Alabama React to President Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' - June 6, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka0lg5v0ZCs
Pell Grant changes in “Big Beautiful Bill” could affect thousands of Alabama college students - Alabama Daily News
Alabama officials demand stricter reporting on $400M broadband expansion progress | Alabama Reflector
AL.com: Pentagon scrubs Golden Dome event for small contractors in Huntsville
AL.com: Alabama Supreme Court candidate says ‘anti-family’ IVF ruling was ‘wildly out of touch’
AL.com: ‘No more woke nonsense,’ former Alabama Supreme Court justice vows as he enters AG’s race
Comment: With his obvious partisanship, should we be happy that he is no longer on the Alabama Supreme Court, yet sad that he is running for Attorney General?
AL.com: Tuberville says Democrats trying to prove he lives in Florida are ‘wasting their time’
Comment: "Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley last week said the party will challenge Sen. Tuberville’s eligibility to run for governor based on the residency requirement in the state constitution."
AL.com: Holy smoke: Who will be Alabama Power’s new public service commissioner?
Half of Alabama public schools will see teacher unit cuts from Foundation Program - Alabama Daily News
Trump threatens tariff on foreign steel, and Alabama imports a lot of it
https://share.newsbreak.com/dc8cbzi9
AL.com: World’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be dismantled in Alabama
Tommy Tuberville’s campaign raises $2 million in single day: Who were the biggest contributors?
Comment: Also, what do they want in return?
Tuberville on Capitol Journal: shrink government, increase manufacturing, bring Trump influence to Montgomery
Comment: More of the same? How does this differ from the typical MAGA talking points?
VIDEO: Alabama House forms Black Belt caucus
https://share.newsbreak.com/dc8kkg7w
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announces run for US Senate
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to run for U.S. Senate
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announces run for Tuberville’s Senate seat
After Court Loss, Alabama Lawmakers Won’t Draw New Map to Avoid Federal Preclearance - Democracy Docket
Comment: "Alabama Republican lawmakers said in a pleading Wednesday they will forgo drawing a new congressional map before 2030 to prevent the state from being put under federal supervision for its voting laws."
Who should be Alabama’s governor? James Spann, Charles Barkley, anyone who knows the branches of government
Comment: Unscientific AL.com reader response?
'Nothing but an embarrassment to this state': Tuberville's Alabama gubernatorial campaign getting backlash
Who could replace Tuberville in the Senate
https://share.newsbreak.com/da6jnq5q
Tommy Tuberville, ex-Auburn football coach, announces 2026 campaign for Alabama governor
NBC News: Sen. Tommy Tuberville launches run for governor of Alabama
It’s official: Tommy Tuberville is running for governor of Alabama
Twinkle Cavanaugh resigning from Alabama Public Service Commission for Trump Administration job
https://share.newsbreak.com/da6gykcw
Opinion | The real economic killer in Alabama? Moral politics, not the market
Comment: "With each passing legislative session, it becomes more apparent: we are one election away from a government that no longer views economic growth as a priority. One cycle away from power landing fully in the hands of those more interested in policing identity, banning innovation, and enforcing personal morality than solving real problems."
Medicaid, Medicare in Alabama would face cuts under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”
AL.com: Culture of secrecy: How Alabama’s public records law fails transparency with 10% compliance rate
AL.com: Alabama worker says ICE dragged him from job despite being US citizen: ‘Color of our skin has become a crime’
AL.com: Controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling ignites AG’s race: ‘Without IVF, I wouldn’t be a mother’
Comment: "The Alabama Supreme Court ruling that that temporarily stopped in vitro fertilization services in Alabama last year has emerged as an issue in the race for state attorney general."
"Former Associate Justice Jay Mitchell, who wrote the opinion, resigned from the court Monday and is expected to announce he will run for AG."
"Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey, who announced her candidacy for attorney general in January, has two children by IVF."
AL.com: With Will Ainsworth out, all eyes are on Tommy Tuberville in Alabama governor’s race
AL.com: Will Ainsworth announces his decision on whether to run for governor of Alabama in 2026
University of Alabama drops tuition for Early College high school student program - al.com
Comment: "High school students who want to earn college credit now will pay a lot less at the University of Alabama."
Decision 2026: Alabama primary election 1 year away
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/05/20/decision-2026-alabama-primary-election-1-year-away/
Comment: "Monday was the first day that candidates intending to participate in the primary election could start soliciting and accepting contributions for their campaigns."
AP News: Ivey appoints first Black Republican on Alabama Supreme Court
https://apnews.com/article/alabama-supreme-court-7b715cc0cff43ecca9b36f3a6c82113c
New justice appointed to Alabama Supreme Court
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/05/20/new-justice-appointed-alabama-supreme-court/
AL.com: High-priced Alabama lawyers apologize for AI snafu, throw colleague under the bus
AL.com: Did Alabama’s pricey prison lawyers just use AI to file motions? The judge wants answers
AL.com: Alabama Supreme Court justice resigning to run for another office in 2026
Alabama Political Reporter: Alabama Library Association slams APLS board’s “dismissive” tone
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/05/19/alabama-library-association-slams-apls-boards-dismissive-tone/
Alabama Political Reporter: Moms for Liberty calls for APLS board to help get librarians fired
AL.com: Alabama’s back the blue law makes it harder to prosecute police: Is it ‘a license to kill Black people’?
Birmingham loses "groundbreaking" $44M federal biotech grant; what you need to know | Bham Now
Alabama lawmakers approve additional legal protections for police officers
https://share.newsbreak.com/d3a73zqj
Comment: "The approval came after an emotional debate in which Black lawmakers read the names of Black people who have been killed by police and described their own encounters with law enforcement."
AL.com: Alabama’s ‘back the blue’ police bill passes in final hour of legislative session
Comment: "A bill to expand Alabama law on legal immunity for police officers passed in the final half-hour of the annual legislative session on Wednesday night."
Comment: "Democrats have opposed the bill saying it will make it harder to hold police accountable."
AL.com: Alabama workers slapped in the face with expiration of overtime pay tax cut: op-ed
AL.com: Why does Alabama’s GOP chairman have a Tennessee driver’s license under a different name?
Alabama technology office investigating ‘significant security breach’ of state systems
Alabama Dems hope to use Trump, ALGOP failures to build momentum in 2026
Alabama Political Reporter: Librarians, supporters rail against new regime at Alabama Public Library Service
Alabama faces school bus funding crisis, state superintendent warns
https://aldailynews.com/alabama-faces-school-bus-funding-crisis-state-superintendent-warns/
AL.com: 5 Alabama cities recently removed fluoride from water: ‘It’s not a pretty picture’
AL.com: Alireza Doroudi’s fiancée grieves as he agrees to leave Alabama for Iran: ‘A sad day for America’
Comment: " 'He turned and looked at me and said: ‘I love this country, but they don’t want me here so I will go home,’ ' attorney David Rozas told AL.com."
CNN: Alabama ‘purposely’ diluted Black votes with congressional plan, court finds
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/08/politics/alabama-congressional-plan-court-ruling
Comment: "With the finding, the court said it would consider whether to put Alabama under a Voting Rights Act provision that would require it to get federal approval of its congressional plans going forward."
Alabama intentionally discriminated against Black voters in Congressional redistricting, judges rule
Comment: "A three-judge court in Alabama’s Northern District has determined that the legislature's 2023 congressional map violates the Voting Rights Act and cannot be used in future elections."
Federal court criticizes Alabama for pushing a discriminatory U.S. House voter map | Alabama Public Radio
Federal court: Alabama Legislature intentionally discriminated against Black voters in redistricting | News From The States
AL.com: Alabama faces deadline on Gulf of America name change legislation
Alabama’s change in life expectancy since 1900 among the worst in the nation - al.com
Additional people may qualify for WIC under new Alabama guidelines
https://www.wdhn.com/news/additional-people-may-qualify-for-wic-under-new-alabama-guidelines/
Alabama lawmakers approve tax cuts for food, diapers and other items
AL.com: Alabama colleges lose $35 million for medical, science research after Trump NIH, NSF cuts
DOGE cuts $15 million in Alabama grants for climate research, violence prevention program - al.com
AL.com: Bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday headed to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk
Changes to Alabama Archives and History board spark filibuster that could derail bills - al.com
AL.com: If it turns out Tommy Tuberville is really a Florida man, blame the Alabama GOP
AL.com: Alabama library showdown: Book battles and power struggles set stage for explosive meeting
AP News: Alabama governor overhauls state’s largest water utility amid cries of racial discrimination
AL.com: Lawmakers pass bill to cut Alabama’s sales tax on food
https://www.al.com/politics/2025/05/bill-to-cut-alabamas-food-sales-tax-wins-senate-approval.html
AL.com: Where are Alabama’s federal workers? These 5 counties have the highest share
Comment: As a percentage of the overall county population, Coffee County is #1 and Dale County is #3, indicating the importance of Fort Novosel and other federal activities. According to the Washington Post, the Ozark metro area has the highest percentage in the state and is the the 8th highest percentage in the country
Where the Hell Does Tommy Tuberville Actually Live?
https://www.yahoo.com/news/where-hell-does-tommy-tuberville-202333754.html
AL.com: Why did Tommy Tuberville vote in Florida if he lived in Alabama?
https://www.al.com/news/2025/05/why-did-tommy-tuberville-vote-in-florida-if-he-lived-in-alabama.html
Alabama Daily News: ‘We will fight this;’ stage set for showdown in Alabama Senate over police immunity bill
NBC News: Trump shut down program to end human waste backing into Alabama homes, calling it 'illegal DEI'
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/trump-canceled-dei-program-raw-sewage-alabaman-homes-rcna201164
AL.com: Alabama could send inmates to foreign prisons under proposed bill: ‘Our prisons are too soft’
Comment: Should the sponsor of this bill be censored for introducing a frivolous bill which he knows is unconstitutional?
AL.com: ‘Worthless’ and ‘woke’: Emotional 3-hour meeting over city’s library that has divided this Alabama city
AL.com: Bill to recognize Gulf of America in maps, school materials fails in Alabama Senate
Alabama Daily News: Tax records show Tuberville’s Auburn homestead exemption since 2018
https://aldailynews.com/tax-records-show-tubervilles-auburn-homestead-exemption-since-2018/
AL.com: Will Ainsworth seeks public’s advice on his election plans as Tuberville eyes governor’s race
Alabama Political Reporter: Tuberville residence question doesn’t rest on income tax filings alone
Video: Watch "Who is Running for Governor of Alabama in 2026? | April 28, 2025 | News 19 at 6 p.m." on YouTube
https://youtu.be/ibqWCkf5HhQ?feature=shared
AL.com: University of Alabama scholarship for Black students challenged as discriminatory
AL.com: Show us where you pay taxes, Tommy Tuberville
https://www.al.com/news/2025/04/show-us-where-you-pay-taxes-tommy-tuberville.html
AL.com: As Tommy Tuberville eyes 2026 run, here’s what some Alabamians say they want in a governor
NBC News: Sen. Tommy Tuberville is telling senators he plans to run for governor of Alabama
Alabama Political Reporter: Tuberville campaign misfires on finance law, confusion risks felony violation
Alabama Political Reporter: Opinion | Tuberville fumbles his own governor play, then blames the ref
AL.com: Trump reverses revocation of 1,500 student visas: What will it mean for Alabama’s international students?
Alabama Political Reporter: Tuberville’s travel trail points to home in Florida, not Alabama
Comment: Important if Tuberville tries to run for governor in Alabama.
Alabama Senate committee hearing on police immunity bill draws critics
https://share.newsbreak.com/crezpcdi
AL.com: Alabama police immunity bill a ‘green light for Black folks to get killed,’ lawmaker says
Alabama Senate approves bill requiring school boards to adopt religious instruction policies
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf1agb8
Alabama NAACP condemns President Trump's visit to University of Alabama, says students should skip speech
Alabama court overturns medical cannabis licenses awarded in 2023
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/04/23/alabama-court-overturns-medical-cannabis-licenses-awarded-2023/
Did Donald Trump invite himself to speak at the University of Alabama graduation? - al.com
Alabama leaders, students react to President Trump giving University of Alabama commencement speech
Alabama House approves bill making Juneteenth state holiday
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf2h38l
First Amendment dispute intensifies as Alabama libraries resist book relocation demands - al.com
Alabama Political Reporter: UA student detained by ICE denied bond, faces threat of deportation
AL.com: ‘There’s a cancer in the system’: How Alabama could help its broken prisons
Visas affected for multiple international students studying in Alabama
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/04/19/visas-affected-multiple-international-students-studying-alabama/
Alabama House passes ‘Don’t Say Gay’ expansion, drag performance restrictions | Alabama Reflector
Alabama House passes bill allowing local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws | Alabama Reflector
Fight over Space Command HQ continues with new watchdog report
AL.com: Black residents sue Alabama county to redraw districts for fair representation: ‘vote is diluted’
Space Command HQ report reveals fears that civilians would not leave Colorado for Alabama - al.com
AL.com: The future of public education in Alabama; a call for equal treatment and accountability: op-ed
AL.com: Why did 432,000 Alabama voters get letters saying they might have moved?
Comment: Check your voter registration at the Alabama Secretary of State link on our website.
DOJ ends environmental justice agreement in Alabama county citing Trump - ABC News
5 Alabama counties to share $450K in grants to combat crime
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/04/12/5-alabama-counties-share-450k-grants-combat-crime/
AL.com: Alabama lawmakers advance bills requiring Ten Commandments displays: What to know
Alabama House, Senate bills mandating Ten Commandments school displays pass committees
https://share.newsbreak.com/cjcncqhi
WSFA: Appeals court upholds unconstitutionality of Alabama’s anti-panhandling laws
[Video] Governor Polis says it’s up to the president to move Space Command, not Alabama lawmakers
https://share.newsbreak.com/cjclmey6
Comment: Space Command perspective from Colorado.
US Space Command HQ is heading to Alabama according to US congressman
Video: Alabama voters urged to update registration amid concern over voter roll purge
Opinion | ALGOP lawmakers raise taxes on working class as ALGOP voters cheer
Democrat Dakarai Larriett launches U.S. Senate campaign
https://www.cullmantribune.com/2025/04/07/democrat-dakarai-larriett-launches-u-s-senate-campaign/
Even in conservative Alabama, there are quiet concerns and caveats amid Republican cheers for Trump
https://apnews.com/article/trump-alabama-republicans-doge-tariffs-e8d6561f1be73a557842c1342d5084b4
Alabama Senate committee approves bill restricting picketing, protests • Alabama Reflector
AL.com: IRS postpones April 15 federal tax deadline in Alabama, six other states: Here’s why
North Alabama gets share of $13.6B in spy satellite launch contracts - al.com
AL.com: Proposed Alabama law limiting protests near homes passes despite First Amendment concerns: ‘We might go too far'
AL.com: ‘Not going to happen’: Lawmaker vows to fight cuts to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Magic City Classic
Alabama House passes bill requiring computer science course for high school graduation • Alabama Reflector
CNN: Alabama can’t prosecute groups who help women travel to get an abortion, federal judge says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/01/us/alabama-abortion-groups-ruling/index.html
Judge rules Alabama cannot prosecute those who help with out-of-state abortions | Alabama | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/alabama-out-of-state-abortion-ruling
AL.com: Archibald: Alabama quadruples down on putting God in schools
https://www.al.com/news/2025/04/archibald-alabama-quadruples-down-on-putting-god-in-schools.html
Alabama senator shops gambling proposal to chamber • Alabama Reflector
https://alabamareflector.com/2025/04/01/alabama-senator-shops-gambling-proposal-to-chamber/
AL.com: Alabama has 67 counties. Some want it to have 68
https://www.al.com/news/2025/04/alabama-hasnt-added-a-county-since-1903-could-that-change.html
Alabama Political Reporter: HHS cuts $239 million in grants for Alabama public health, research programs
AL.com: Weaponization of antisemitism silencing dissent. As Jews in Alabama we say ‘Not in our name’: op-ed
WSFA: DOGE cancels $190M contract affecting Alabama health departments
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/03/28/doge-cancels-190m-contract-affecting-alabama-health-departments/
Video: From AL Democratic Congresswoman Terri Sewell: I just got some very troubling news.
https://x.com/RepTerriSewell/status/1905321508601241785
Comment: About $190M CDC grant for Alabama terminated without warning, impacting county health departments throughout AL.
AL.com: Return of the Ten Commandments
https://www.al.com/news/2025/03/return-of-the-ten-commandments.html
US immigration officials detain doctoral student at University of Alabama
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-immigration-officials-detain-doctoral-014114851.html
Alabama lawmakers fail to stop the bleeding as rural hospitals code - al.com
USDA program cuts emptying shelves of Alabama food shelters
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98ddz0t
ADP chair issues retraction, ends fundraising spat with former senator
AL.com: Closure of federal library service could have $3 million impact on Alabama libraries
Alabama board defunds local library for failing to protect teens from ‘inappropriate’ books
https://www.yahoo.com/news/alabama-board-defunds-local-library-103824752.html
Alabama Political Reporter: APLS cuts funding to Fairhope Library due to "sexually explicit" books
AL.com: Alabama school choice act attracting mostly private, homeschool students, 25,000 signed up
After APR exposed David Cole’s fraud, Tuberville’s residency next in the crosshairs
AL.com: Swearing at Alabama police could soon lead to year in jail: Opponents say it makes protest impossible
Comment: How about swearing at silly politicians?
AL.com: Can Tuberville run for governor? Alabama Republican questions whether he meets residency requirement
AL.com: Alabama state superintendent’s $90,000 raise could make him one of nation’s highest-paid
AL.com: Alabama lawmakers approve cut on sales tax on food
https://www.al.com/politics/2025/03/alabama-lawmakers-approve-cut-on-sales-tax-on-food.html
AL.com: Tax cut on income from retirement accounts wins approval in Alabama House
AL.com: Alabama AG Steve Marshall ready ‘to pivot quickly’ if Tuberville enters governor’s race
Alabama board of education to vote on $90,000 raise for state superintendent Mackey - Alabama Daily News
AL.com: Federal glitch delays $9 million in Alabama teacher salary reimbursements
Lawmaker files bill to make it harder to prosecute “stand your ground” cases
Comment: License to Kill?
AL.com: Archibald: Alabama wants you to pray or pay
https://www.al.com/news/2025/03/archibald-alabama-wants-you-to-pray-or-pay.html
AL.com: Alabama among states with products targeted by EU tariffs
https://www.al.com/news/2025/03/alabama-among-states-with-products-targeted-by-eu-tariffs.html
AL.com: Trump’s ‘sledgehammer’ approach threatens Alabama retirement funds, RSA’s David Bronner says: ‘It doesn’t work'
AL.com: Will Ainsworth reveals what Tommy Tuberville running for governor of Alabama would mean for his political future
WSFA: Montgomery Bus Station will not be sold by federal government
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/03/11/montgomery-bus-station-will-not-be-sold-by-federal-government/
Selma bridge crossing commemorates the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday
Tommy Tuberville for governor? What people think about senator running for Alabama’s highest office
AL.com: These 5 proposed tax cuts will save people $200 million each year, Alabama lawmakers say
AL.com: ‘Prepare for disruption’: Alabama leader warns of Department of Education closure
Alabamians weigh in on U.S. Department of Education shutdown
Southern Democratic legislators talk strategy in face of Republican supermajorities
https://share.newsbreak.com/bxld1c4p
Six Ala. federal buildings on list Trump admin wants to sell after back to office order
https://share.newsbreak.com/bxl1kwje
Alabama Political Reporter: Historic Montgomery Bus Station, Freedom Riders Museum part of DOGE-ordered sell-off
Alabama appears to get a temporary break on Trump tariffs
https://www.apr.org/news/2025-03-06/alabama-appears-to-get-a-temporary-break-on-trump-tariffs
Alabama Reflector: Alabama House passes bill expanding immunity for law enforcement
AL.com: Alabama lawmakers pass bill giving governor control of Veterans Affairs Department
AL.com: Alabama’s 2026 governor’s race will be ‘one for the history books’: Frontrunner teases run against Tuberville
Alabama House passes bill eliminating youthful offender status for intentional murder • Alabama Reflector
The Guardian US: Key court hearing as Alabama threatens prosecutions over abortion support
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/05/alabama-court-hearing-abortion
AL.com: Alabama war hero’s family ‘saddened’ Pete Hegseth removed his name from Georgia Army base
Alabama Senate approves bill allowing child support for pregnancy expenses • Alabama Reflector
China targets US soybeans, lumber in stepped-up response to Trump tariffs
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/china-suspends-soybean-imports-three-105704278.html
Comment: Listed Chinese targets targets include many important Alabama agricultural products.
AL.com: Comeback Town: UAB and Birmingham are in trouble; do something
https://www.al.com/opinion/2025/03/comeback-town-uab-and-birmingham-are-in-trouble-do-something.html
The University of Alabama at Birmingham in the top 30 recipients of NIH funding and at risk of losing millions in federal cuts - al.com
AL.com: Alabama lunchroom worker fired after accepting donations to feed students
AL.com: State auditor to run for Alabama secretary of state in 2026
https://www.al.com/news/2025/02/state-auditor-to-run-for-alabama-secretary-of-state-in-2026.html
AL.com: Alabama made police disclose how much they seize in asset forfeiture: ‘Strong need for reform’
Alabama Daily News: Alfa health plan debate brews again in State House
https://aldailynews.com/alfa-health-plan-debate-brews-again-in-state-house/
WSFA: Supreme Court clears the way for a lawsuit over COVID-19 pandemic-era unemployment claims in Alabama
Bill allowing state takeover of police departments moving through Alabama legislature
Small Alabama city's police force put on leave after grand jury finds 'rampant' corruption | AP News
Boeing slashes Alabama jobs due to NASA cutbacks
AL.com: Alabama AG’s lazy lawfare threatens kids with special needs
https://www.al.com/news/2025/02/alabama-ags-lazy-lawfare-threatens-kids-with-special-needs.html
Alabama Democratic county chairs form new organization
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/02/18/alabama-democratic-county-chairs-form-new-organization/
Alabama ranks near the bottom in the nation for overall child wellbeing - al.com
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announces he'll run for lieutenant governor
https://apnews.com/article/wes-allen-aace8f1bb57696dce916bc96a563c23f
Proposed Alabama state constitutional amendment met with opposition
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/02/18/proposed-alabama-state-constitutional-amendment-met-with-opposition/
AL.com: Time running out to get STAR ID: Alabama joins national campaign as deadline approaches
AL.com: Alabama hospital ends ER and inpatient services, partners with Huntsville Hospital amid rural healthcare crisis
House Democrats express concerns with police immunity legislation
Analysis | Alabama Legislature focuses on policy, culture wars, and symbolism in week two
The mask comes off Alabama’s immigration bills | BRIAN LYMAN
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mask-comes-off-alabama-immigration-094748441.html
Trump budget cuts threaten Alabama program for those with mental health challenges, advocates say
Yahoo: Huntsville-area legislator’s bill expanding access to prenatal care approved by Alabama House
https://www.yahoo.com/news/huntsville-area-legislator-bill-expanding-015916137.html
The Associated Press: Alabama House expedites Medicaid for pregnant women, joining other states with high mortality rates
AL.com: Alabama schools could lose millions for skipping daily pledge, prayer
Alabama Political Reporter: Cost for Alabama’s mega-prison plan swells again
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/02/13/cost-for-alabamas-mega-prison-plan-swells-again/
AL.com: Alabama Senate passes Laken Riley-inspired bill to detain people for 48 hours to check immigration status
Alabama Reflector: Alabama Senate passes immigration bills targeting licenses, transport, DNA collection
AL.com: Halting global agriculture programs puts U.S. national security at risk: op-ed from Alabama farmer
President Trump's tariff impact: Why Alabama auto industry could suffer
AL.com: Veterans speak out against bill giving Ivey control of Alabama veterans affairs agency
What would Alabama stand to lose in a trade war with Mexico and Canada? - al.com
AL.com: Birmingham mayor among those speaking out against governor, AG appointing interim police chiefs
Alabama Political Reporter: Alliance of Alabama Healthcare Consumers opposes SB93 and SB99
Alabama Congressional Maps Go on Trial - Democracy Docket
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/alabama-congressional-maps-go-on-trial/
Alabama not among 22 states suing Trump, NIH over cuts threatening UAB, UAH; judge blocks move - al.com
What would NIH funding cuts mean for Alabama? 5 things to know
AL.com: NIH cuts threaten UAB, Birmingham and beyond
https://www.al.com/news/2025/02/nih-cuts-threaten-uab-birmingham-and-beyond.html
AL.com: Katie Britt vows to work with RFK Jr. after NIH funding cuts cause concern in Alabama
Comment: Funding cuts are huge impact to UAB Hospital in Birmingham.
The Associated Press: Alabama jailers created deadly conditions to manipulate local officials for money, plea says
waaytv.com/news/alabama-lawmakers-push-to-have-ten-commandments-displayed-in-schools/article_c85957fc-e5b7-11ef-8723-ebd0ec0ad224.htm
AL.com: After Ivey fired Alabama Veterans Affairs commissioner, lawmakers may give her control of department
WSFA: Issues to watch in the 2025 Alabama Legislature
https://www.wsfa.com/2025/02/05/issues-watch-2025-alabama-legislature/
BBC.com: The Alabama museum grappling with the 'Gulf of America'
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250205-the-alabama-museum-grappling-with-the-gulf-of-america
Alabama's News Leader: Alabama residents voice frustrations over missing mail as complaints against USPS grow
Alabama Political Reporter: Alabama Senate’s anti-immigrant bills get public condemnation but committee approval
AL.com: Alabama immigration bills conflict with Biblical principles, opponents say: ‘Jesus was a refugee’
Alabama parents could be charged if their kids bring guns to school under proposed law - al.com
In wake of mass shootings, Alabama lawmakers eye ban on Glock switches and public safety bills
https://www.yahoo.com/news/wake-mass-shootings-alabama-lawmakers-211755600.html
Video: Welcome to the United States of Alabama
https://www.tiktok.com/@alabamafication/video/7467934597297311018
Alabama retired teachers struggle with rising costs, stagnant pensions: ‘Can’t plan' - al.com
Alabama teachers seek to halt law limiting lessons on Black history
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/30/alabama-civil-rights-education-dei-lessons-race
Video: Watch "Alabama Democratic Caucus announces 2025 Agenda" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/URazw2srEqA?feature=shared
With leaked footage from the inside, Sundance doc shows horrifying conditions in Alabama prisons
https://www.yahoo.com/news/leaked-footage-inside-sundance-doc-210314205.html
Alabama Political Reporter: Justice Department finds Alabama illegally segregates children with physical disabilities
AL.com: More Alabama toddlers going unvaccinated, especially for polio
AL.com: ‘Focus on your real job’: Some angry over Marshall supporting anti-DEI push at Costco
Alabama AG demands wholesale retailer giant drop ‘insidious’ DEI practices
AL.com: ‘Politicized’ Montgomery MAGA ‘Bloody Sunday’ Selma billboard removed after complaints
Health care groups join Alabama Medical Association push for prior authorization reform - Alabama Daily News
Alabama Political Reporter: Alabama prisoners dying at a rate four times the national average
AL.com: Alabama AG Steve Marshall accused of having conflicts of interest in Mabel Amos trust case
These Alabama offices will be decided during the midterm elections
https://share.newsbreak.com/9z21uwka
Prefiled bill would establish early voting in Alabama
This Alabama official drew the most write-in votes against her candidacy
AL.com: Alabama says they are safe enough for KFC, but too dangerous for parole
Opinion | Killing overtime tax exemption is class warfare
https://www.alreporter.com/2024/12/11/killing-overtime-tax-exemption-is-class-warfare/
These are the 12 Alabama counties where Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump
Want to fix government efficiency, Elon? Come to Alabama.
https://www.al.com/news/2024/12/want-to-fix-government-efficiency-elon-come-to-alabama.html
Inside the $85 million agency that powers Alabama’s economy - al.com
For News Articles links from before the 2024 election that were previously listed here, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/view/demoldnews/home/old-al-state-govt?authuser=0
There you will find a continuation of the news links & comments from the period prior to the November 2024 election
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