Top Stories

Top Alabama ag stories in 2016
The following article is provided by the Alabama Farmers Federation. Drought hurts Alabama farms Lack of rain in 2016 was the biggest story for Alabama farmers. From April to early December, many areas of the state received an inch of rain or less, leading farmers to sell cattle earlier than usual while searching for hay to feed their remaining herds through winter. To help farmers, the Alabama Department of Agriculture…
Little River State Park closes
The closing was quiet, without fanfare. Friday afternoon, December 30, when the gate closed at Little River State Park, it closed indefinitely. A short message on the Alabama Forestry Commission website apparently was the only notice issued: “Little River State Forest and Park near Atmore, Alabama will close at 5:00 pm December 30, 2016 until further notice. The Alabama Forestry Commission’s operating partner Iron Men Outdoor Ministries has decided they…
Five things to watch in 2017
By Congressman Bradley Byrne In 2017, Republicans will have control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. This is a rare situation that has happened only 16 times the past 100 years. Under a unified Republican government, there is great potential for important reforms. Here are five areas where I hope to see progress in 2017: 1. Health Care Relief – Far too many American families…
Inside the Statehouse
By Steve Flowers This past year in Alabama politics was surprisingly more interesting than was expected. The judicial inquiry commission removed Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore from the bench for telling the probate judges in the state to not perform marriage ceremonies for gay people. He said marriage should be between a man and a woman, as do most people in Alabama. This removal by this vague panel of…
The passing of a statesman
By Larry Lee How do you give due respect to someone like former Governor Albert Brewer?  I’m not sure you really can. He was definitely an anomaly in today’s “kill or be killed” world of politics. For one thing, he was a gentleman of the highest order. And his integrity, passion and intelligence were never questioned that I know of. It was as if he [was] an Eagle Scout when all around him…