News

Auburn Among Fastest-Growing US Cities

The Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:37:00 +0000

A new estimate shows Auburn is among the fastest growing in the country.

   The estimate released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows Auburn was among the top 15 fastest-growing cities with populations of at least 50,000 people.

   AL.com reports (http://bit.ly/11cP9j0 ) the city had an estimated population growth rate of 3.71 percent during the one-year period starting July 1, 2011.

   Eight Texas cities made the ranking of 15 with San Marcos, located between San Antonio and Austin, topping the list with a 4.91 percent increase.

Alabama Governor Signs Bill on Carrying Guns

The Associated Press — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:16:44 +0000

Alabama's governor has signed legislation that expands where people can carry guns in Alabama.
   The bill by Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale passed the Legislature Monday, and Bentley's office announced he signed it into law Wednesday.

   House Speaker Mike Hubbard said the governor's signature makes Second Amendment rights more secure.

   The new law says employees can have firearms in their cars at work, and businesses can't be sued for any harm resulting from the use of those weapons.

What does Donald Trump, golf, and a 600 pound Moon Pie have in common?

Pat Duggins — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:05:31 +0000

This Sunday marks the season finale of “Alabama, Inc.,” the television program about business that airs on WVUA-TV. Alabama Public radio has been collaborating on the show, with News Director Pat Duggins conducting entrepreneur profile segments. This Sunday, Pat sits down with Dr. David Bronner, the head of Retirement Systems of Alabama, or RSA. “I’ve had governors, a few of them, like me,” says Bronner. “I’ve had most governors hate the sight of me.” That might not be something you want on your resume. But, David Bronner doesn’t seem to mind.

Civil Rights Tourism: Birmingham

Stan Ingold — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:11:31 +0000

All year long on Alabama Public Radio we’re looking back on pivotal moments in the fight for civil rights. Many of the landmarks in the battle against segregation can voter discrimination are now tourist attractions. We have already looked at sites in Selma and Montgomery on Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail and now we head to Birmingham.

Animal Protection Groups Praise Alabama Bill

The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:36:32 +0000

Animal protection groups are urging Alabama's governor to sign legislation toughening the penalties for animal cruelty.

The Legislature passed a bill on the last night of its session to increase the penalty for animal cruelty from a maximum of six months in jail to a maximum of one year. The bill also adds a definition for torture that can cause the punishment to increase to a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison.

Judge Sets Hearing Date in Pool Party Shootings

The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:29:15 +0000

A Lee County judge has scheduled a hearing for a man accused of killing three people at a pool party at an Auburn apartment complex last year.

Circuit Judge Jacob A. Walker set the date for the hearing for 23-year-old Desmonte Leonard for Oct. 15 in Lee County Court.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports (http://bit.ly/119hRkJ ) that one aspect of the hearing would be Walker saying that both sides have indicated that the case is not yet ready for trial.

Alabama State To host Voting Rights Center

The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:22:08 +0000

The board of the Alabama Public Historical Sites and Parks Improvement Corporation has authorized $1.2 million in bond money for a landmark voting rights center in the capitol city.

A new facility at Alabama State University will be home to the last stop on the route memorialized as the Voting Rights Trail, officials said Tuesday.

Finance Director Marquita Davis told Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and House Speaker Mike Hubbard the center had been funded in 2001, but the project didn't get off the ground.

Ala. Courts Facing Layoffs Without Extra Money

The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:07:17 +0000

Alabama's chief justice expects to lay off 150 employees after the state's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1 unless the court system gets more money than the Legislature appropriated.

Chief Justice Roy Moore says he's grateful that the General Fund signed by the governor on Monday increases the court system's appropriation by $5.6 million to $108 million for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.

But he says that is $8.5 million short of what's needed to maintain the current staff.

Ballot Question Could Add Foreign Law Protections

The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:54 +0000

In a swift-moving late-night session, the Alabama Legislature approved a bill that will put a Constitutional amendment in the hands of the voters.

If passed, the amendment would prohibit the state from recognizing laws of other states in making legal decisions if they violate the public policy of Alabama. Further, it would prohibit applying foreign law in violation of the rights of citizens.

"Civil Rights Radio" -- Alabama Public Radio

Pat Duggins — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:41:24 +0000

“For me, it was just a day of resolve and resolution, and I said ‘sign me up,” says James Stewart “Well, the first thing I tell them is that I went to jail, and they go ‘Oooh, Grandmama,” and I say well, let me explain…” recalled Eloise Gaffney. “It was just…you knew God was on your side,” says Washington Booker. “And we knew that it didn’t matter what we were facing. You knew if God was on your side, you’d overcome it.” Stewart, Gaffney, and Booker are all in their early sixties. They’re all from Birmingham. They’re all African American. And fifty years ago, they made national news.

Alabama Governor Signs Both State Budgets

The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:43 +0000

Gov. Robert Bentley has signed the state General Fund budget and state education budget into law.

Alabama Legislature Targets Elder Abuse

The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:39:01 +0000

The Alabama Legislature is making it easier to prosecute people who abuse, neglect or financially exploit senior citizens.

The House and Senate passed different versions of the bill earlier in the Senate and then agreed on the same version on Monday night shortly before the 2013 legislative session ended.

Ala. Legislature Rejects Bentley's 2-Year-Delay

The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:30:58 +0000

The Republican majority in the Alabama Legislature has handed the Republican governor a major defeat by rejecting his proposal to delay the start of private school tax credits for two years.

The House voted against the governor's proposal 57-10 Monday. Then the Senate agreed 19-15 at the urging of the architect of the tax credits, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. Republicans provided the decisive votes.

Alabama Schools Get Authority To Hire Security

The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:24:56 +0000

The Alabama Legislature has authorized city and county school systems to hire armed security guards to protect students.

The Senate voted 21-0 Monday to go along with changes the House made to a school security bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery. The bill now goes to the governor for review.

Bond Issue Approved For Alabama Schools

The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:19:13 +0000

The Alabama Legislature has approved selling bonds to borrow $30 million to repair tornado-damaged schools.

The Senate voted 26-6 Monday afternoon to give final passage to the bond legislation. The bill now goes to the governor for his review.