2018 Governor’s Race: Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is best known for rebuilding that city after a devastating tornado hit in 2011. Now, in his bid to become the Democratic nominee for governor in the June 5 primary, one thing he’s pushing for is an education lottery. He isn’t the first. When former Gov. Robert Bentley proposed one two years ago, lawmakers overwhelmingly opposed it. Maddox tells WBHM’s Gigi Douban why he thinks this time might be different.
To hear Maddox’s views on specific issues, skip to the sections below.
Maddox on school safety and whether teachers ought to carry guns.
Learn what Maddox took away from the campaign of Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones.
Why Maddox wants to establish an education lottery and how it could help level the playing field for poorer areas.
How he feels about his odds running as a Democrat in a red state. And why he decided to take the giant step forward from mayor to governor.
Maddox says this race is very different than past races where Democrats don’t typically stand a chance against the Republicans.
Hear the full interview here:
Cuba will release 51 people from prison in an unexpected move
The announcement was made just hours before Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel is scheduled to speak early Friday "to address national and international issues."
A record number of political parties register for Haiti’s first election in a decade
A record 280 political parties had registered by Thursday's deadline to participate in Haiti's first general election in a decade, hopeful for a chance to help ease their country's multiple crises.
NYC’s Mamdani condemns Tuberville’s anti-Muslim posts as “bigotry”
Speaking at a public iftar dinner, held to break the daily Ramadan fast, New York City Mayor Mamdani described Sen. Tuberville's anti-Muslim rhetoric as "bigotry" and "hatred."
China slams Trump’s trade investigation, as it approves a 5-year economic plan
China's Foreign Ministry criticized the Trump administration's trade investigation as a "pretext" for tariffs. Meanwhile, China is moving ahead with a five-year plan that may rankle trade partners.
NASA targets Artemis II crewed moon mission for April 1 launch
A six-day launch window opens on April 1 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lunar orbital mission would be the first time humans have returned to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
