Governor Announces Special Session on Lottery
Governor Robert Bentley says he will call a special session in order for lawmakers to pass a measure that would allow residents to vote on setting up a state lottery. In a video released by the governor’s office Wednesday, Bentley says money from a lottery would fund “essential state services” for children, the elderly, the mentally ill and law enforcement.
Bentley says he’ll offer more details later but does say his proposal will only include a lottery and not other forms of gambling. Discussion among lawmakers has included allowing video gambling at greyhound racetracks in Jefferson, Greene, Macon and Mobile counties.
Bentley also does not say when he’ll call the special session. Lawmakers would have to pass the proposed constitutional amendment on a lottery by August 24th in order for it to appear on the November ballot.
The governor and legislators have fought over Medicaid funding. Bentley and Alabama’s Medicaid commissioner say the program does not have enough money to maintain current services or to transition to a new organizational model. Lawmakers appropriated $85 million less than what the governor wanted during this year’s regular legislative session.
Alabama is one of six states that does not have a lottery. Voters turned down a proposed lottery to support education programs in 1999 backed by then-Governor Don Siegelman.
Review by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence Thomas
A report by Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure, including trips on private jets and a yacht trip.
Where did Barry Jenkins feel safe as a kid? Atop a tree
Director Barry Jenkins is best known for films like "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk." On Wild Card, he opens up about where he felt the safest as a kid.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
