Bryant Whaley, the top economic developer for Randolph County, is riding the momentum. Despite the disruptions of a global pandemic, this rural county in eastern Alabama has seen three major corporate growth projects since August 2020, creating more than 300 jobs. Whaley is optimistic that even more economic activity is
Bonnie Plants, the nation’s largest grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens, unveiled a multimillion-dollar expansion and upgrade of the company’s greenhouse facilities in rural Bullock County. Opelika-based Bonnie Plants said the new growing and distribution facilities in Union Springs are designed to strengthen e-commerce operations and improve
Guns, riots and transgender bathroom rules for schools: Three headline-garnering bills that all topped the majority caucus’ agenda passed by the House early last week, and then both chambers moved on to work less likely to generate debate, including the Senate’s passage of the General Fund Budget for FY23. In other news,
@kiraincongress Feb 26 I planned to plant tulips and daffodils on my backyard today. Instead, I learn to fire arms and get ready for the next night of attacks on #Kyiv. We are not going anywhere. This is our #city, our #land, our soil. We will fight for it. So
Tuesday, 13th day of regular session: The House considered and passed three of the most fiercely debated bills of the session thus far: bills to repeal the state’s requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun; to create a new definition of a riot and provide tougher penalties, including mandatory jail time; and to
Governor Kay Ivey applauded the state’s schools and universities that have ended face mask requirements, in keeping with her commitment to getting back to “normal.” At the height of the pandemic, Ivey encouraged mask-wearing but allowed her statewide mask order to expire in April 2021. She said wearing masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices
A bill to require Alabama public school students to use restrooms and locker rooms designated for the sex shown on their birth certificates passed the House of Representatives. The bill’s sponsor said the purpose of the legislation was to protect the safety and privacy of girls. Opponents of the bill
The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill to repeal the state’s requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Sheriffs and police have urged lawmakers to keep the permit requirement, saying it is important tool for preventing and solving crimes. The House changed its normal rules for the
Governor Ivey recognized seven Alabama companies for success in selling their goods and services in markets across the globe, helping to sustain robust export activities that create jobs and spark economic growth across the state. She also recognized William Cummins, executive state director of the Alabama Small Business Development Center
The Alabama Senate passed a bill by Sen. Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham to delay the implementation of the Literacy Act by a 20-12 vote. The bill pushes a reading proficiency requirement for third graders to move to fourth grade from the current school year to the 2023-24 school year. A similar bill by
