The Alabama Senate approved a measure to establish charter schools in the state in a 22 to 12 vote last night. That bill will now head to the House of Representatives.
The proposal allows the establishment of up to 10 brand new charter schools in the state each year, and allows school districts to convert an unlimited number of existing schools to charter status.
Republicans say charter schools provide education choices to families and encourage innovation. Opponents say they will drain resources from existing public schools.
Charter schools are public schools that have freedom from the regulations placed on other public schools. Schools could, for example, choose to hire non-certified teachers or not offer tenure.
Under the bill, local school officials or nonprofit groups would open the charter schools. However, operations could be contracted out to for-profit companies.
Alabama is one of eight states that do not currently allow charter schools.
Alabama state prosecutors say indicted House Speaker Mike Hubbard shouldn't complain about emails and other evidence being made public in his ongoing ethics case.
Prosecutors released a sharply worded court filing earlier this week saying the emails were released after defense lawyers asked them to "put some meat on the bones of the indictment."
Prosecutors say Hubbard's complaints that the request resulted in "exposure of his wrongdoing" should fall on deaf ears.
Prosecutors released a large number of Hubbard's personal emails recently. Those emails, among other things, depict Hubbard asking for work and investments in his companies from various lobbyists and company executives.
Hubbard's lawyer has said prosecutors released the information to damage Hubbard's reputation, but he failed to provide requested details about the case.
Hubbard is expected to stand trial on nearly two dozen ethics charges in October.
If you're patriotic and like to sing about it, the Birmingham Barons want to talk with you.
The minor league ball club is holding auditions today for anyone who’s like the chance to sing the national anthem at a home game. Auditions are open to singers of all ages, but only the first 100 people at the gate this afternoon get to try out.
Tyler Brown is the Director of Media Relations for the Barons. He says giving people the opportunity to sing the National Anthem gives the Barons’ organization a chance to connect with fans.
“We want to make sure that the fans that come out and the people that are involved always have a good time. We want people to feel like they are involved; we want to involve as many people as we can. We want to have singing the National Anthem a memory-making experience at here at Regions Field.”
Auditions will be held at Regions Field in Birmingham starting at 4 PM. Each selected candidate is guaranteed to sing at least one game.