MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama voters should be the ones who decide whether to expand casino offerings or create a state lottery, Gov. Kay Ivey said Wednesday as she vowed to not negotiate a compact with a federal Native American tribe unless voters approve expanded gambling. “I just strongly believe the people have the final say in that issue,” Ivey…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says new leased prisons are the foundation of remaking the state’s troubled corrections system. The Republican governor delivered her annual State of the State address on Tuesday – the opening day of the legislative session. The Republican governor recently signed new leases for two of three planned new prisons, an idea that…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Gov. Kay Ivey has committed the state of Alabama to lease two major prisons from one of the nation’s biggest private prison operators. The signed agreements with CoreCivic are for two prisons that haven’t been built yet. President Joe Biden has ordered the federal system to eliminate private prisons, but these terms are different: CoreCivic will…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama lawmakers will return to Montgomery for the 2021 regular session, which will be conducted differently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers convene at noon Tuesday. Republican lawmakers have said a top priority will be legislation to shield companies and others from civil lawsuit liability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alabama lawmakers will also have to draw…
FILE – (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Kay Ivey said she plans to sign agreements Monday for two privately built prisons, despite lawmakers’ complaints about the price tag and lack of public transparency and warnings from advocacy groups that such prisons won’t address chronic violence and severe staffing woes. Ivey spokeswoman Gina Maiola said the governor…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery on Tuesday for the 2021 regular session that will be conducted differently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to certain areas of the statehouse is limited and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will give a televised State of the State address instead of appearing before lawmakers. Legislators plan to meet for two…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Some lawmakers are questioning Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan to lease three new mega-prisons, saying they want to see more financial details on the plan. Two lawmakers raised concerns about the proposal during Wednesday budget hearings. Republican Rep. Rich Wingo of Tuscaloosa said lawmakers need to know more details since they will be responsible for any shortfall….
James Scott, 19, pauses while picking through the remains of his home(AP Photo/Jay Reeves) FULTONDALE, Ala. (AP) – Gov. Kay Ivey is promising help to families and businesses impacted by the tornado that tore up some of Birmingham’s suburbs. She said the people of Alabama are praying for them and will help them rebuild. The terrifying tornado trapped entire families…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Health officials want Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to extend a state mask order that is set to expire Friday. Ivey is expected to announce whether she will extend the order during a Thursday press conference. Dr. Don Williamson heads the Alabama Hospital Association. He says the group is among those recommending an extension due to the…
Sen. Cam Ward (R) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Longtime state legislator Cam Ward has been sworn in as director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Ward and administered the oath of office Monday. He replaces Charlie Graddick, who resigned amid criticism over the slowing pace of paroles during his tenure. Republican Ward resigned…
