The Alabama House of Representatives has approved a watered-down child care bill aimed at getting more oversight for hundreds of faith-based day cares that go uninspected by the state. House members voted 86-5 Thursday for the bill described as a compromise between child welfare advocates and church centers. The bill moves to the Alabama Senate. Alabama for years has exempted…
Adhering to state and federal laws, and desiring to keep the public informed about public schools, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) has released a single Prototype Report Card for the state, including all school systems and each school with Grades 3-12. The Alabama State Report Card is designed so parents, educators, stakeholders, and others can easily understand how…
With an approaching cold front, we expect a cloudy day today with periods of light rain through the afternoon and into tonight. Rain amounts should be under 1/2′ and there is no chance of severe storms and probably no thunder due to a stable air mass in place. We reach the lower and mid 60s this afternoon ahead of the…
A bill to get rid of concealed-carry pistol permits is gaining attention in the legislature. The Firearms Law commission discussed the issue Wednesday. The bill would allow for anyone to carry a pistol concealed without a permit. However, there would still be background checks at the time of purchase. Supporters say it’s their second amendment right to bear arms. Opponents…
Alabama likes to boast that it’s the site of America’s original Mardi Gras, and now it’s advertising that claim in the city that made the celebration epic: New Orleans. Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell says the state purchased 10 billboards around New Orleans and southern Mississippi to promote the Carnival season in Mobile. The billboards are subtle: Rather than mentioning…
The House Judiciary Committee has approved an extension of the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law to specify that church members can use deadly force to defend themselves and parishioners. The committee voted Wednesday to send the bill to the House floor. The bill says a person is presumed justified in the use of deadly force if they reasonably believe someone…
The Alabama House of Representatives has voted to make it illegal to smoke in a car carrying a child. Under the bill, violators would be fined $100. Representatives on Tuesday voted 41-30 for the bill by Rep. Rolanda Hollis, a Democrat from Birmingham. The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate. Hollis says her aim is to protect children from…
WARMER WEDNESDAY: After the cold start to the day with temperatures in the mid and upper 20s, today will feature a sunny sky with a highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. RAIN RETURNS: Clouds rapidly return Thursday ahead of a cold front, and we expect periods of light rain Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. Rain amounts should be…
The Montgomery County School board met Tuesday to discuss the next steps of the intervention process. The president from the company AdvancED presented its plan for the school system’s comprehensive accreditation review for the upcoming school year. “Part of my message today was this is not an adult problem. The problems we must solve are helping kids succeed. And if…
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing man. Joseph Anthony Carr IV was last seen on Thursday, January 25, at his residence near Wares Ferry Road and Old Atlanta Highway. Carr has medical conditions that require special equipment to survive, which authorities say he does not have in his possession. He was last seen in his silver,…
