Former State Lawmaker Discouraged Pollution Cleanup Efforts
Residents on the north side of Birmingham have been trying for years to get authorities to clean up pollution left behind by nearby industry. Former Alabama State Rep. Oliver Robison appears to be an impediment to their efforts. An investigation by al.com found Robinson discouraged the Environmental Protection Agency from declaring the area a Superfund site and discouraged residents from testing their soil for pollutants. At that same time he solicited money for his non-profit from powerful businesses — one in particular that didn’t want to pay for any clean up costs. Federal and state investigators are looking into the matter. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses the reporting.
Hear about Robinson’s response to WBHM here.
Gambling, ethics bills fall short as legislative session ends
Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.
A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.
Q&A: Bobby Carter on leading Tiny Desk, his time at Jackson State, early career advice
Carter, a Jackson State alumnus, took over as the new series host and producer for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” series in April.
Alabama to begin working with a consulting company that’s under criminal investigation
McKinsey & Company, an international consulting business, will help the state of Alabama develop a new strategic economic growth plan. The company is undertaking that project, while also dealing with a probe into whether it engaged in a criminal conspiracy.
‘Stupidity of politics’: Medicaid expansion effort dies in Mississippi
Mississippi lawmakers couldn’t come together to pass a bill that could have expanded Medicaid for thousands of residents.
This spiky-stemmed invasive grass is taking over Alabama
Classified as one of the worst weeds in the world, cogongrass aggressively crowds out native species and costs Alabama landowners tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue.
