Public safety EMA director Smitherman keeps state ahead of emergencies The primary work of the agency is strengthening the resilience of the state to mitigate impacts from disasters. Jacob Holmes44 seconds ago
News 2024 in Review: APR’s Top 10 Most Viewed Stories These are the Top 10 stories that drew the most interest from readers in 2024. Jacob Holmes1 day ago
Courts Federal judge strikes down Arkansas law criminalizing librarians The law is similar to a bill in the Alabama Legislature that already has 50 Republican sponsors in the House. Jacob Holmes3 days ago
News 2024 in Review: Jacob Holmes’ Top 5 Stories The statewide challenges to libraries heated up, and Prattville got caught up in the news again. Jacob HolmesDecember 26, 2024
Legislature For Senate Secretary Pat Harris, being unknown is a sign of a job well done Harris has served as secretary of the Alabama Senate for nearly 15 years. Jacob HolmesDecember 25, 2024
State Looming TikTok ban could have consequences for Alabama businesses, content creators Some 78,000 businesses in Alabama actively use TikTok. Jacob HolmesDecember 24, 2024
Education Alabama exploring expanding Pre-K program to home-based settings Alabama is one of only four states to consider offering its First Class Pre-K program in Family Care Centers. Jacob HolmesDecember 23, 2024
Legislature New bill could allow campaign finances to cover dependent care Although the Alabama Ethics Commission previously ruled a candidate could use excess campaign expenses on childcare, it is not enshrined in Alabama law. Jacob HolmesDecember 20, 2024
Courts Federal judges hear arguments on whether to unblock Alabama panhandling law The state argued that begging should not be construed as protected free speech. Jacob HolmesDecember 19, 2024
Local news Prattville council makes controversial library board appointments The council reappointed Doug Darr, whose initial appointment set off a chain of consequential events at the library. Jacob HolmesDecember 18, 2024