August 17 Morning Newscast
August 17, 2012, Morning Newscast
Carol Garrison, President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham will step down.
In a statement, Garrison (photo above) thanked faculty, staff and students and says it has been an honor and privilege to serve as president of UAB. She writes that she will quote: “begin a new chapter in my life”. Garrison, was named president in July 2002, and came to UAB from the University of Louisville where she was acting president.
Garrison will continue serving until an interim president is named. The Birmingham News reports that according to UA System trustees, Ray Watts, vice president for medicine and dean of the UAB School of Medicine, is likely to be named interim UAB president, but no final decision has been made. The News also reports that trustee Paul Bryant Jr., has asked fellow trustee John McMahon to chair the search committee that will identify candidates to succeed Garrison.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a public hearing about crackdowns on illegal immigration in Alabama and other states. The panel will meet in Birmingham on Friday to hear from both supporters and opponents of the laws. Speakers include Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who’s pushed for such measures nationwide, and Republican state Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale, a sponsor of Alabama’s law. Critics of the measures are on the agenda, but they’re complaining that members of what they call hate groups are being allowed to participate. Alabama is among the states that have passed laws clamping down on illegal immigrants. The U.S. Supreme Court gutted parts of Arizona’s law, which is a national model, but other sections were allowed to stand.
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Federal railway officials are providing $100,000 to study the possibility of passenger train service linking Mobile, Montgomery and Birmingham.
The Federal Railroad Administration said Thursday it is earmarking the money in response to an application from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Amtrak used to run passenger trains linking the three cities, and the study will look at restoring the service. Amtrak’s Crescent route runs through Birmingham as it connects New Orleans and New York..
After Texas ruling, Trump and Republicans head to 2026 with a redistricting edge
Trump has prompted a redistricting race as he tries to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections. Democrats have fewer options to counter, as the battle heads into next year.
How China, not the U.S., became the main climate solution story in 2025
The U.S. has become a "side character" in the global story of renewable energy, experts say. China dominates the sector, with positive implications for the climate and their economy.
Republicans push high deductible plans and health savings accounts
A Republican call to give Americans cash instead of health insurance subsidies revives an old idea that has left millions with medical debt.
Supreme Court to hear case that could vastly expand presidential powers
The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case about President Trump's firing of a Federal Trade Commissioner. At stake is a 90-year precedent limiting the president's power over independent agencies.
Zelenskyy heads to London for more Ukraine peace talks. Here’s what to know
The talks signal fresh support from European allies. But they follow stalled U.S. negotiations in Miami and comments from President Trump's son suggesting Washington is ready to pull back.
Tributes, not politics, play center stage as Trump hosts the Kennedy Center Honors
President Trump said he was closely involved with picking the honorees, and on Sunday he became the first president to host the Kennedy Center awards ceremony.
