Government
Some Prisoners Invited To Vote By Absentee Ballot For The First Time This Year
Valentine’s Day took on new meaning Friday as members of five organizations continued their tour to get persons in jail and prison registered to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming primary and beyond.
Study: Diversion Programs Work – When They Don’t Sabotage Participants
There are many alternatives to prison including drug courts, veterans courts and community corrections. But a new report says in many cases these alternatives hinder rather than help those they are supposed to serve.
Payday Lending, Transgender Athlete Bills Go Nowhere in Alabama Legislature
A number of bills had difficulty moving forward in the second week of this year's Alabama legislative session.
As Sessions Falls out of Favor, More Voters Look to Byrne, Tuberville
Alabama voters heard from two of the three leading GOP candidates for U.S. Senate over the weekend. Three weeks away from the March 3 Alabama primary, a clear favorite in that race hasn’t yet emerged.
‘Star-Spangled Banner’, Car-Smoking Bills Pass Committee in First Week of Legislative Session
Here's a wrap-up of the first week of the 2020 legislative session with Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey.
Iowa’s Election Problems Can’t Happen in Alabama, Merrill Says
Problems like the ones in the Iowa Democratic caucus cannot happen in Alabama because the state holds elections, not closed meetings of political parties to select candidates, the state’s top elections official said Thursday.
Special Coverage: A Live Statement from President Trump
President Trump is addressing the nation a day after the Senate acquitted him of both articles of impeachment. Trump said he was “totally vindicated” after a months-long impeachment inquiry and trial. Watch his remarks live.
Shelby, Jones Side With Their Parties as Senate Acquits President Trump of Impeachment Charges
Both United States Senators from Alabama cast their votes along party lines as President Donald Trump was acquitted Wednesday of both articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives.
Jones Sides With Senate Democrats, Will Vote to Convict Trump in Impeachment Trial
Sen. Doug Jones will vote to convict President Donald Trump of two charges in his impeachment trial.
Ongoing: Watch Senate Impeachment Trial Live
The Senate is holding a trial on the impeachment of President Trump, who is accused by the U.S. House of abusing his power and obstructing Congress. At the conclusion of the trial, senators are expected to vote on whether Trump should be removed from office.
Ivey Proposes Education Investments, Cautious on Lottery in State of the State Address
Pay raises, new prisons, and a shift from and elected state school board to an appointed one were among the highlights of Gov. Kay Ivey's State of the State address.
Live Coverage: President Trump’s 2020 State Of The Union Address
President Trump is delivering the 2020 State of the Union address, which comes under the shadow of his impeachment trial. Watch his remarks live and follow a live annotation of his remarks, including fact checks and analysis from NPR reporters.
Leading U.S. Senate Candidates Began the Year With Millions to Fuel Campaigns
Former Sen. Jeff Sessions, U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne and retired football coach Tommy Tuberville entered 2020 with millions of dollars in the bank as they campaign for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.
Possible Focus on Inmate Education, DOC Oversight in 2020 Session
The 2020 legislative session begins Tuesday and prisons are at the top of the agenda. Lawmakers are likely to consider proposals presented last week by Governor Kay Ivey's Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy.
Gov. Ivey to Touch on the Census, Prisons and Education in State of the State Address
Ivey offered the preview during a speech Friday at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting in Birmingham. She says this year’s federal census is “make or break” for Alabama, in part because the state is at risk of losing a congressional seat.
Medical Marijuana Bill Expected in Upcoming Alabama Legislative Session
Alabama lawmakers start this year’s legislative session Tuesday and one item expected to come up is legalizing medical marijuana.
Birmingham Council Approves Sending Up to 297 Neighborhood Reps to Conference
The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to send up to 297 neighborhood representatives to this May’s Neighborhoods USA Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Alabama to Close Most of Holman Prison
The Alabama Department of Corrections is accelerating plans to close most of Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. Officials made the announcement Wednesday, citing growing maintenance costs and safety concerns at the 51-year-old prison.
Prisons Officials Request $42 Million Increase to Hire Staff, Improve Healthcare
Prisons will be a top issue in the upcoming legislative session. The state Department of Corrections presented its budget request Thursday, along with the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.
JeffCo Commission Approves Fees for Credit, Debit Card Payments to Revenue Department
The Jefferson County Revenue's Office will now apply a 1% convenience fee on debit and card payments after passing with unanimous consent on Thursday.
Birmingham Council Reallocates Unused CrossPlex Funds to Repave Roads, Under Protest
The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to reallocate money from a completed capital project at the Birmingham CrossPlex to citywide road repaving, rebuffing the protests of District 8 Councilor Steven Hoyt, who called the proposal “unfair.”
Ongoing: Watch Senate Impeachment Trial Live
The Senate is holding a trial on the impeachment of President Trump, who is accused by the U.S. House of abusing his power and obstructing Congress. At the conclusion of the trial, senators are expected to vote on whether Trump should be removed from office.
Trump’s Impeachment Trial Could Affect Doug Jones’ Reelection Bid
We examine how a vulnerable Democrat from Alabama is approaching President Trump's impeachment trial. Senator Doug Jones is up for reelection in a state where Trump has a 59% approval rating.
Ivey’s Study Group Proposes Prison Reforms Ahead of Legislative Session
Gov. Kay Ivey’s prisons study group made suggestions Tuesday after months of reviewing the state's troubled prison system.
Alabama Representatives Flip Votes on Two Measures Involving Cleanup of PFAS Pollution
Alabama’s representatives in the U.S. House flipped votes on two issues last week concerning regulation of PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer. These chemicals have been found in drinking water and land in northern Alabama.
Jefferson County Commission Delays Vote on Fee for Card Payments
The Jefferson County chief financial officer says discussion about a 1% debit and credit card convenience fee should be tabled for another two weeks.
Jefferson County Commission Moves to Preserve Downtown Jail Where Martin Luther King Jr. Was Held
The Jefferson County Commission Thursday took the first steps toward acknowledging and preserving remnants of the jail where Martin Luther King Jr. was held.
Jefferson County Gets New Human Resources Director, Raising Hopes for Lifting Consent Decree on Personnel Practices
Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight offered a predictable straight line after Caroline Brown was introduced as Jefferson County’s new human resource director at Tuesday’s commission committee meeting.
Trump Addresses Iran’s Attacks On Bases With U.S. Troops
President Trump is speaking to the nation following attacks on military bases in Iraq where U.S. troops are stationed. Trump tweeted on Tuesday night that "All is well!" and that an assessment of the casualties was underway. Iran said the missiles were launched as an act of self-defense after the U.S. killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Holds State of the City Address
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced new fundraising partners for the Birmingham Promise Initiative at Tuesday's State of the City address.
Birmingham City Council Delays Vote on Five Points West/CrossPlex Grant
The Birmingham City Council on Monday delayed voting on an item granting funding to the Five Points West/CrossPlex Business Alliance under the city’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) initiative.
Doug Jones Weighs in on Trump Impeachment
When the U.S. Senate returns from the holiday break, there will be one overriding issue: impeachment. Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones shares his thoughts on this and other actions on Capitol Hill.
