Friday, June 14 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:33:04 GMT
Efforts by the news media to let the public know the details of Alabama State University's spending on legal fees have produced some interesting results, including the disclosure that an attorney was beingMore >>
Efforts by the news media to let the public know the details of Alabama State University's spending on legal fees have produced some interesting results, including the disclosure that an attorney was beingMore >>
Friday, June 7 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-07 20:13:52 GMT
Opponents of expanding the Medicaid program in Alabama to take advantage of the federal dollars available under Obamacare have pointed out that it would be difficult to find the state dollars needed to matchMore >>
Opponents of expanding the Medicaid program in Alabama to take advantage of the federal dollars available under Obamacare have pointed out that it would be difficult to find the state dollars needed to match the program in future years.More >>
Friday, May 31 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-31 19:59:48 GMT
When Alabama State University hired a retired federal judge at $375 an hour to represent university officials in an ongoing probe, the public university may have violated the terms of an executive orderMore >>
When Alabama State University hired a retired federal judge at $375 an hour to represent university officials in an ongoing probe, the public university may have violated the terms of an executive order by the governor's office that limits...More >>
Friday, May 24 2013 5:14 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:14:58 GMT
It was the best of legislative sessions, it was the worst of legislative sessions, it was the session of wisdom, it was the session of foolishness -- in short, it was a session in which "some of its noisiestMore >>
It was the best of legislative sessions, it was the worst of legislative sessions, it was the session of wisdom, it was the session of foolishness -- in short, it was a session in which "some of its noisiestMore >>
Friday, May 17 2013 2:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:54:44 GMT
Alabama State University has called on one of the ultimate big legal guns to provide advice in the ongoing probe of the university -- retired federal judge U.W. Clemon of Birmingham.Or should that previousMore >>
Alabama State University has called on one of the ultimate big legal guns to provide advice in the ongoing probe of the university -- retired federal judge U.W. Clemon of Birmingham. Or should that previous paragraph have read "ongoing probes"? More >>
Monday, May 13 2013 6:57 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:57:39 GMT
The Alabama Legislature delayed until the penultimate day of its regular session to finally pass the state budgets for the coming fiscal year, but to lawmakers' credit they did not allow the educationMore >>
The Alabama Legislature delayed until the penultimate day of its regular session to finally pass the state budgets for the coming fiscal year, but to lawmakers' credit they did not allow the educationMore >>
Monday, May 6 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-05-06 20:49:52 GMT
According to Democrats in the Alabama Legislature, the Republican majority is at it again, targeting poor people who get public assistance. But unlike other times in the past, bills pending in the LegislatureMore >>
According to Democrats in the Alabama Legislature, the Republican majority is at it again, targeting poor people who get public assistance. But unlike other times in the past, bills pending in the LegislatureMore >>
Friday, May 3 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-03 19:43:16 GMT
With an investigation still in progress into a grade-changing scandal by teachers and administrators in the Montgomery Public School System, Alabamians should realize that educator cheating is not as uncommonMore >>
With an investigation still in progress into a grade-changing scandal by teachers and administrators in the Montgomery Public School System, Alabamians should realize that educator cheating is not as uncommon as they might believe.More >>
Friday, April 26 2013 1:37 PM EDT2013-04-26 17:37:48 GMT
Two situations involving questionable actions by public officials have been in the news, and both raise this question: Why should this matter to the average Alabamian? One of the issues involves the indictmentMore >>
Two situations involving questionable actions by public officials have been in the news, and both raise this question: Why should this matter to the average Alabamian? One of the issues involves the indictmentMore >>
As governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley promised to make an improved economy that would create jobs the watchword of his time in office. As a physician, Bentley has an obligation to work for improved healthMore >>
As governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley promised to make an improved economy that would create jobs the watchword of his time in office. As a physician, Bentley has an obligation to work for improved health for those in his community. But Bentley steadfastly has refused to allow Alabama to take part in a federal program to expand Medicaid to some 300,000 Alabamians.More >>
Friday, April 12 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-04-12 22:21:42 GMT
The public's right to know how its government operates took two major hits in recent weeks, with one blow delivered by the Alabama Supreme Court and the other by Millbrook city officials.The Supreme CourtMore >>
The public's right to know how its government operates took two major hits in recent weeks, with one blow delivered by the Alabama Supreme Court and the other by Millbrook city officials.The Supreme CourtMore >>
Wednesday, April 10 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-04-10 17:44:45 GMT
Congress can't seem to make progress on reducing the federal deficit. President Obama can't seem to do it either. But one group of Alabamians -- recent college graduates who leave college owing for student loansMore >>
Congress can't seem to make progress on reducing the federal deficit. President Obama can't seem to do it either. But one group of Alabamians...More >>
Friday, April 5 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-04-05 20:14:18 GMT
It's been more than a month since the misnamed Alabama Accountability Act was rammed through the Alabama Legislature and three weeks since Gov. Robert Bentley signed it into law, and still no one can sayMore >>
It's been more than a month since the misnamed Alabama Accountability Act was rammed through the Alabama Legislature and three weeks since Gov. Robert Bentley signed it into law, and still no one can sayMore >>
Thursday, March 28 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-03-28 23:11:11 GMT
With the Alabama Legislature on "spring break," let me touch on a little of this and a little of that, starting with the possibility -- however slim -- that Alabama's Republican leadership will decideMore >>
With the Alabama Legislature on "spring break," let me touch on a little of this and a little of that, starting with the possibility -- however slim -- that Alabama's Republican leadership will decide to expand Medicaid.More >>
Friday, March 22 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-03-22 17:52:28 GMT
Gov. Robert Bentley has been touting his administration's record on job creation, pointing out that more than 38,000 new jobs have been announced for Alabama since he took office in January 2011. "JobMore >>
While new job announcements may bode well for the future, the reality is that job growth in Alabama remains weak.More >>
Friday, March 15 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-03-15 21:56:55 GMT
To say it hasn't been a good year so far for the Alabama Education Association would be an understatement. In fact, it has been a horrible year for the AEA. First it lost a showdown with Retirement SystemMore >>
To say it hasn't been a good year so far for the Alabama Education Association would be an understatement. In fact, it has been a horrible year for the AEA.More >>
Wednesday, March 6 2013 1:47 PM EST2013-03-06 18:47:02 GMT
So much for the party of transparency. When the chance came to flex its political muscle in the Legislature it now controls, the Grand Old Party proved that it places expediency first, and the need forMore >>
So much for the party of transparency. When the chance came to flex its political muscle in the Legislature it now controls, the Grand Old Party proved that it places expediency first, and the need forMore >>
Friday, March 1 2013 1:00 PM EST2013-03-01 18:00:20 GMT
Gov. Robert Bentley held a press conference on Tuesday at which he praised the impact on Alabama's economy of the new Airbus aircraft plant in Mobile, and for good reason. It is impressive. The AirbusMore >>
Gov. Robert Bentley held a press conference on Tuesday at which he praised the impact on Alabama's economy of the new Airbus aircraft plant in Mobile, and for good reason. It is impressive. The AirbusMore >>
Friday, February 22 2013 1:40 PM EST2013-02-22 18:40:04 GMT
The adage that "the devil is in the details" applies to most legislation, but never more appropriately than when it is used to describe possible legislation to expand casino-style gambling in Alabama.More >>
The adage that "the devil is in the details" applies to most legislation, but never more appropriately than when it is used to describe possible legislation to expand casino-style gambling in Alabama.More >>
Tuesday, February 19 2013 8:28 PM EST2013-02-20 01:28:33 GMT
Alabama taxpayers should know that a large chunk of the tax dollars they send to Montgomery for state government goes for leases from private individuals and companies for buildings and other facilities.More >>
Alabama taxpayers should know that a large chunk of the tax dollars they send to Montgomery for state government goes for leases from private individuals and companies for buildings and other facilities.More >>
Thursday, February 14 2013 1:26 PM EST2013-02-14 18:26:34 GMT
A state senator has made a proposal that at first glance might send most Alabamians screaming from the room. He wants two regular sessions of the Legislature each year. But in my opinion, the proposalMore >>
A state senator has made a proposal that at first glance might send most Alabamians screaming from the room. He wants two regular sessions of the Legislature each year. But in my opinion...More >>
Saturday, February 2 2013 9:00 AM EST2013-02-02 14:00:10 GMT
After a federal report on conditions at Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka found appalling problems, the state's commissioner of corrections promised aggressive changes to address those issues. AsMore >>
After a federal report on conditions at Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka found appalling problems, the state's commissioner of corrections promised aggressive changes to address those issues. AsMore >>
Saturday, January 26 2013 11:00 AM EST2013-01-26 16:00:12 GMT
If Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and members of the Legislature do not take advantage of billions of federal dollars to expand health care to Alabamians, they could end up having to explain why they areMore >>
If Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and members of the Legislature do not take advantage of billions of federal dollars to expand health care to Alabamians, they could end up having to explain why they are denying the health services to U.S citizens living in Alabama but not to legal immigrants living in the state.More >>
Thursday, January 24 2013 1:39 PM EST2013-01-24 18:39:48 GMT
In November, Alabama Democrats lost their last statewide political office when Public Service Commissioner Lucy Baxley failed to win re-election. Ironically, it could be a PSC-related issue that providesMore >>
In November, Alabama Democrats lost their last statewide political office when Public Service Commissioner Lucy Baxley failed to win re-election. Ironically, it could be a PSC-related issue that provides a political wedge that allows a Democrat to get his or her foot back in the door of statewide politics.More >>
Wednesday, January 16 2013 4:01 PM EST2013-01-16 21:01:43 GMT
When a new formula for computing high school graduation rates went into effect last year, there was a huge outcry when the public learned that just 72 percent of Alabama high school students graduatedMore >>
When a new formula for computing high school graduation rates went into effect last year, there was a huge outcry when the public learned that just 72 percent of Alabama high school students graduatedMore >>
Wednesday, January 9 2013 3:18 PM EST2013-01-09 20:18:43 GMT
When some members of a constitutional reform commission tried to include a limit on the number of consecutive terms Alabama legislators can serve as part of a revision proposal, their effort fell short.More >>
When some members of a constitutional reform commission tried to include a limit on the number of consecutive terms Alabama legislators can serve as part of a revision proposal, their effort fell short.More >>
Tuesday, December 18 2012 7:35 PM EST2012-12-19 00:35:49 GMT
Although no one is saying how much effect the grade-changing scandal in the Montgomery Public Schools had on the system's graduation rates, this much is sure -- the rates are embarrassingly low, changesMore >>
Although no one is saying how much effect the grade-changing scandal in the Montgomery Public Schools had on the system's graduation rates, this much is sure -- the rates are embarrassingly low, changesMore >>
Alabama has one of the more bare-bones Medicaid programs in the nation, so it would seem natural for the state to take advantage of the billions in federal funds in a year to dramatically expand Medicaid.More >>
Alabama has one of the more bare-bones Medicaid programs in the nation, so it would seem natural for the state to take advantage of the billions in federal funds that will become available in a year to dramatically expand Medicaid.More >>
Wednesday, December 12 2012 2:38 PM EST2012-12-12 19:38:15 GMT
Often when journalists deal with issues that involve numbers, they struggle to quantify the impact of those issues in ways that are simple but not misleading. A headline that shouts, "Murders in CommunityMore >>
Often when journalists deal with issues that involve numbers, they struggle to quantify the impact of those issues in ways that are simple but not misleading.More >>
Friday, December 7 2012 3:00 PM EST2012-12-07 20:00:07 GMT
For the first time in recent general elections, a slim majority of Alabamians cast straight party votes in the general election in November. The use of the straight party ticket vote was more popularMore >>
For the first time in recent general elections, a slim majority of Alabamians cast straight party votes in the general election in November. The use of the straight party ticket vote was more popularMore >>
Friday, November 30 2012 5:55 PM EST2012-11-30 22:55:59 GMT
Alabama taxpayers, who sink a lot of money each year into Alabama State University, have reason to watch carefully as new episodes of the "As ASU Turns" soap opera air over the coming weeks. And they shouldMore >>
Alabama taxpayers, who sink a lot of money each year into Alabama State University, have reason to watch carefully as new episodes of the "As ASU Turns" soap opera air over the coming weeks.More >>
Thursday, November 22 2012 3:00 PM EST2012-11-22 20:00:12 GMT
If Congress allows the nation to fall off the looming "fiscal cliff," Alabama almost certainly would be among the states that suffer the hardest landing. The so-called fiscal cliff is a mixture ofMore >>
If Congress allows the nation to fall off the looming "fiscal cliff," Alabama almost certainly would be among the states that suffer the hardest landing.More >>
Friday, November 16 2012 4:28 PM EST2012-11-16 21:28:55 GMT
Veteran Alabama journalists don't have to read very deeply into news releases about Alabama's up-and-down monthly unemployment numbers to know whether the news is good or bad. They know that if the newMore >>
Veteran Alabama journalists don't have to read very deeply into news releases about Alabama's up-and-down monthly unemployment numbers to know whether the news is good or bad. They know that if the new rate is...More >>
Friday, November 9 2012 5:20 PM EST2012-11-09 22:20:49 GMT
After Republicans swept statewide races in the 2010 and 2012 general elections, the question must be asked: Is the Alabama Democratic Party dead? The answer, I believe, is "no" -- at least for now. ButMore >>
After Republicans swept statewide races in the 2010 and 2012 general elections, the question must be asked: Is the Alabama Democratic Party dead? The answer, I believe, is "no" -- at least for now. ButMore >>
Tuesday, November 6 2012 10:38 AM EST2012-11-06 15:38:58 GMT
On Nov. 6, Alabama voters -- or at least those who take their voting responsibilities seriously -- will make several important decisions on constitutional amendments. There are 11 amendments to be votedMore >>
On Nov. 6, Alabama voters -- or at least those who take their voting responsibilities seriously -- will make several important decisions on constitutional amendments. There are 11 amendments to be votedMore >>
Friday, October 26 2012 5:46 PM EDT2012-10-26 21:46:05 GMT
Back in 2007, Alabama legislators found a new way to anger the voters of Alabama -- they gave themselves a whopping 61 percent pay increase. Now Alabama voters finally have a chance in the coming electionMore >>
Back in 2007, Alabama legislators found a new way to anger the voters of Alabama -- they gave themselves a whopping 61 percent pay increase. Now Alabama voters finally have...More >>
It's hard to imagine an issue that would bring together such disparate groups as dedicated gun enthusiasts and tree-hugging environmentalists, conservative business executives and mountain bikers, kayakersMore >>
It's hard to imagine an issue that would bring together such disparate groups as dedicated gun enthusiasts and tree-hugging environmentalists, conservative business executives and mountain bikers, kayakers and the League of Women Voters. But there is such an issue, and Alabama voters will have a chance to support or oppose it when they go to the polls on Nov. 6.More >>
Friday, October 12 2012 5:49 PM EDT2012-10-12 21:49:39 GMT
The recent referendum on state government funding made voting easy for those few Alabamians who went to the polls. Since turnout was light and only one issue was on the ballot, there were almost no lines.More >>
The recent referendum on state government funding made voting easy for those few Alabamians who went to the polls. Since turnout was light and only one issue was on the ballot, there were almost no lines.More >>
Friday, October 5 2012 5:26 PM EDT2012-10-05 21:26:46 GMT
The members of Alabama's Legislature tend to be more educated than their counterparts in other states, and a comparatively high percentage of them graduated from a public university within their home state. I'llMore >>
The members of Alabama's Legislature tend to be more educated than their counterparts in other states, and a comparatively high percentage of them graduated from a public university within their home state.More >>
Friday, September 28 2012 7:35 PM EDT2012-09-28 23:35:16 GMT
Historically the presidents of Alabama's largest public universities have been well paid in comparison to most of their peers at other public universities around the nation. And when the dust settles afterMore >>
Historically the presidents of Alabama's largest public universities have been well paid in comparison to most of their peers at other public universities around the nation. And when the dust settles afterMore >>
Friday, September 21 2012 4:16 PM EDT2012-09-21 20:16:01 GMT
Now the real work begins. A strong majority of voters have agreed to allow the state to shift $146 million a year for three years from the Alabama Trust Fund to shore up the state's GeneralMore >>
A strong majority of voters have agreed to allow the state to shift $146 million a year for three years from the Alabama Trust Fund to shore up the state's General Fund budget, which covers most of the non-education functions of state government.More >>
Friday, September 14 2012 2:17 PM EDT2012-09-14 18:17:03 GMT
A hugely important issue will be decided by the state's voters Tuesday. The outcome of that decision could impact everything from nursing home care to health care to whether state prisoners are releasedMore >>
A hugely important issue will be decided by the state's voters Tuesday. The outcome of that decision could impact everything from nursing home care to health care to whether state prisoners are released early. But sadly, it's possible that only one of every five registered voters in the state -- and perhaps even fewer -- will make that decision.More >>
Monday, September 10 2012 6:16 PM EDT2012-09-10 22:16:50 GMT
When Guy Bailey held his first official press conference as president of the University of Alabama recently, he spoke of a concern about the rising costs of tuition and promised, "We will do everythingMore >>
When Guy Bailey held his first official press conference as president of the University of Alabama recently, he spoke of a concern about the rising costs of tuition and promised, "We will do everythingMore >>
Wednesday, August 29 2012 10:09 AM EDT2012-08-29 14:09:23 GMT
When the Alabama Democratic Party disqualified Harry Lyon as its candidate for Alabama's chief justice recently, it opened itself to charges that the party was repeating its "handpicking" political debacleMore >>
When the Alabama Democratic Party disqualified Harry Lyon as its candidate for Alabama's chief justice recently, it opened itself to charges that the party was repeating its "handpicking" political debacle of 1986. And it didn't take long for Republican chief justice candidate Roy Moore to take that opening.More >>
Thursday, August 23 2012 1:34 PM EDT2012-08-23 17:34:42 GMT
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman is all over the news lately, clearly trying to build public sympathy for his attempt to gain a presidential commutation of his sentence for bribery. But SiegelmanMore >>
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman is all over the news lately, clearly trying to build public sympathy for his attempt to gain a presidential commutation of his sentence for bribery. But Siegelman also feels that eventually, the Supreme Court will clarify the law on bribery involving campaign contributions. If that happens, he said it could provide "grounds for relief" in his case.More >>
Thursday, August 16 2012 7:15 PM EDT2012-08-16 23:15:55 GMT
Each year for almost a decade, public school educators across Alabama have braced themselves for the release of Adequate Yearly Progress reports for their schools and school systems. But AYP may be goingMore >>
Each year for almost a decade, public school educators across Alabama have braced themselves for the release of Adequate Yearly Progress reports for their schools and school systems. But AYP may be going away for good in Alabama, to be replaced by a new assessment program currently dubbed Plan 2020.More >>
Wednesday, August 15 2012 12:40 PM EDT2012-08-15 16:40:33 GMT
By Ken Hare Alabama's Medicaid program, which funds services for two of every three residents of nursing homes in the state as well as many other health care programs, is at a "tipping point" and if aMore >>
By Ken Hare Alabama's Medicaid program, which funds services for two of every three residents of nursing homes in the state as well as many other health care programs, is at a "tipping point" and...More >>
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