Judge Dismisses Alabama’s Suit Against U.S. Over Refugees
A federal judge has dismissed Alabama’s lawsuit against the U.S. government over potential Syrian refugee resettlement. The state had claimed the U.S. had not properly consulted with local leaders on a matter involving citizen security.
After the Paris terror attacks in November, Governor Robert Bentley and other state leaders declared that Alabama would not accept Syrian refugees. The lawsuit filed in January was based partly on the Refugee Act of 1980, which says the U.S. has to “consult regularly” with state and local governments about potential placement.
But Chief Magistrate Judge John E. Ott yesterday dismissed the suit, partly because claims the U.S. failed to adequately consult or provide sufficient information about refugees were “vague.”
Late last night in response to the ruling, Bentley released a statement saying, “My problem is not with individual refugees … The federal government has a total disregard for the states (sic) safety.” Critics say the suit was a political stunt that increased Islamophobia.
Alabama has 60 days to file an appeal.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat
Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
