MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has reignited criticism of Alabama’s civil asset forfeiture practices, describing them as racially biased and economically devastating. The report, Ending Business as Usual: The Need for Alabama Civil Asset Forfeiture Data Transparency, reveals that law enforcement disproportionately targets Black communities while profiting…

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Southern Company, the parent of Alabama Power, raked in $4.4 billion in profits last year, up from $4 billion in 2023. While shareholders are celebrating, many Alabamians are left wondering why a private company is profiting so heavily from an essential service like electricity. Alabama Power’s monopoly on electricity in the state…

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — A Cullman County grand jury has recommended the immediate dissolution of the Hanceville Police Department following a months-long investigation that uncovered what it described as a “rampant culture of corruption” within the department. The recommendation, issued on Feb. 20, follows an inquiry into the August 2024 overdose death of dispatcher Christopher Michael…

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Starting March 1, 2025, Huntsville will enforce a stricter vehicle noise ordinance aimed at curbing excessive noise on public roads and parking lots. The new rules introduce fines for offenders, ranging from $50 for a first violation to $500 and possible jail time for repeat offenses within a year. The ordinance sets…

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A controversial bill introduced in the Alabama Legislature aims to allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without requiring a prescription. House Bill 278, sponsored by Rep. Philip Rigsby, would permit pharmacists to provide the medication under a standing order from a licensed healthcare provider, bypassing the need for individual prescriptions. The bill is…

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new bill introduced in the Alabama Legislature seeks to crack down on aggressive driving by imposing severe penalties, including up to one year in jail for offenders. Senate Bill 172, sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, defines aggressive driving as operating a vehicle with the intent to harass, intimidate, or obstruct others…