Alabama Politics in
Doc’s Political Parlor
& Home of Lawn Mower Repair

Birmingham News – Quality of life, attentiveness of recruiters may play a role in VW’s decision on location of U.S. facility.  

Birmingham News – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission orders Alabama Power Company to study minimum water levels at Smith Lake.  

Birmingham News – Rove continues to refuse to testify before House Judiciary Committee, Democratic members threaten contempt charge.  

Birmingham News – State Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging Governor’s decision to direct funds from ExxonMobil case to General Fund.  

Mobile Press-Register – Federal court dismisses action seeking federal recognition of  MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians.  

Mobile Press-Register – McIntosh residents file suit against Ciba Corporation alleging that chemical manufacturer contaminated their land.  

Huntsville Times – VW may be planning facilities in both Huntsville and Chattanooga.  

Huntsville Times – Supreme Court decision striking down “Millionaire’s Rule” impacts 5th congressional district candidate; GOP candidate Parker returns three $5,000 contributions.  

Daily Home - The Daily Home cautions that the government is ignoring constitutional rights of citizens under “the guise of fighting terrorism.”  

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily finds  Attorney General Troy King’s  response to United Nations report that questioned Alabama’s capital punishment processes as “predictably inappropriate.”  

Tuscaloosa News – Pharmaceutical companies say they will appeal decision in case alleging that they defrauded Medicaid Agency; state gives 69 other manufacturers 30 days to settle or face similar suits.  

Tuscaloosa News – The Tuscaloosa News calls for comprehensive tax reform to address shortfalls in education budget.  

Gadsden Times - Following alleged “thrill killing” of 15 year old Etowah County, Sen. Larry Means (D-Attalla) says he will seek to raise the age limit for capital murder charge.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Employers cut over sixty thousand jobs in June, six straight month of job losses.  

AL.com - State Senate Majority Leader Ken Guin (D-Carbon Hill) says that he expect Obama to make strong campaign effort in Alabama.  

Times Daily - Public interest watchdog group, BlackBoxVoting.org, seeks Alabama voting records.  

News link – The Montgomery Independent sees efforts to direct holdings of the Alabama Heritage Trust Fund to other needs as “breaking into the state’s piggy bank.”

Share This

Birmingham News – Bessemer woman’s crusade to enforce ADA requirements draws critics.  

Birmingham News – UA, AU see success in fundraising efforts, campaigns reach $1 billion.  

Birmingham News – New study ranks Birmingham as nation’s most generous city.

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News discusses recent report by U.N. envoy that points out weaknesses in state’s capital punishment processes, concluding that those weaknesses “work to the detriment of weaknesses in Alabama.”  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News applauds decision by prosecutors that restitution ordered in two-year college corruption cases will go to the Department of Postsecondary Education.  

Mobile Press-Register – ADEM proposes fine of $30,000 against Chevron for releasing too much air pollution at Creola natural gas field.  

Huntsville Times – Former Sen. Jeff Enfinger says he will seek State Senate District 7 seat if incumbent wins U.S. senate race.  

Huntsville Times – The Huntsville Times comments on declining revenue for state school budget, see primary culprit as surging fuel costs.  

Tuscaloosa News - U.S. Rep. Artur Davis (D) again says that he’s seriously considering 2010 run for governor.  

Tuscaloosa News - Governor did not give permission for use of video in Harri Anne Smith campaign ad.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Low-income seniors to pay more for Medicare Part B as federal funding for program ends.  

Anniston Star - Payday loan investor defends his industry in response to Star’s week-long series.    
(more…)

Share This

Birmingham News – Attorney General Troy King rejects United Nations’ report critical of state’s capital punishment policies, accuses UN of “pushing an ideological agenda.”  

Birmingham News – Montgomery-made Sonata shows strong sales as most of state’s SUVs show deep declines.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that efforts by politicians to steer air tanker contract to Boeing are “self-serving.”  

Senate Sketches – “Senate Sketches,” Sen. Hank Sanders’ weekly column for his constituents.  

Mobile Press-Register – PSC moves to require third-party billing companies to register with Commission.  

Mobile Press-Register – Press-Register calls decision by Department of Corrections to sell 5,000 acres of farmland near Atmore “sensible.”  

Huntsville Times – UAH informs 13 workers that jobs will be eliminated due to budget cuts.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Jury awards state $114 million in case alleging that pharmaceutical companies defrauded Medicaid.  

Montgomery Advertiser - State receives $1.7 million bonus for food stamp accuracy.  

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser says that revelations of Justice Department politics add credence to Siegelman’s claims of politically-motivated prosecution.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star echoes concerns that new revelations bolster Sieglman’s claim of politically-motivated prosecution.  

Tuscaloosa News – The Tuscaloosa News says that Arthur case reveals problems with state’s refusal to allow post-conviction DNA testing in capital cases.  

New York Times – Parole denied in 1964 murder case.  

News link - Michigan’s chance to land VW plant dim.  

News link – Tennessee governor says new incentives may held state land VW facility.  
(more…)

Share This

Birmingham News – State set to resume executions on July 31st.  

Birmingham News – Study shows UAB failing to adequately prepare education students to teach math.  

Birmingham News – Rural Alabama site loses out on bid for auto assembly facility, but effort among cities and counties to pool resources draws praise from industrial recruiters.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News likes new policy that increases frequency of formal evaluations for state’s postsecondary system staff.  

Mobile Press-Register – Department of Corrections’ farm land remains idle in spite of rising food costs while efforts at selling property to meet budget needs continue.  

Mobile Press-Register – Alabama Power Company gets approval to use $120 million in GO Zone bonds for pollution control work.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Moratorium on implementation of new federal Medicaid rules expected to save state millions.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by Tuscaloosa physician calls for state to end payday lending as a protection to consumers.  

Tuscaloosa News – Sentencing for former Rep. Bryant Melton in Fire College fraud scheme delayed for seventh time.  

Tuscaloosa News – Lawyer asks jury to award state $800 million in case alleging overcharging of Medicaid by pharmaceutical companies.  

Tuscaloosa News – The Tuscaloosa News finds irony in the allegations of vote selling in counties that were in the forefront of the battle for voters’ rights a generation ago.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News praises Postsecondary Chancellor Bradley Byrne.  

Times Daily - Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center to offer employee background checks to state’s businesses.  

Reuters - U.N. envoy finds Alabama executions “highly problematic.”  

Chattanooga Times Free Press – Huntsville site in the running for Volkswagen facility.  

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - House Judiciary Committee issues subpoena to Department of Justice for documents relating to Siegelman prosecution.

Share This

Birmingham News – Utilization of Birmingham transit up as gasoline prices surge.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News cites recent National Assessment of Educational Progress as evidence that Alabama’s investment in k-12 has been sound, and may need to be strengthened.  

Mobile Press-Register – “The Political Skinny,” the weekly roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington from the readers of the Press-Register.  

Mobile Press-Register – Press-Register is pleased with announcement that any restitution ordered in continuing corruption probe of two-year college system will go to the Department  of Postsecondary Education.  

Huntsville Times – Report says VW board will make announcement of location of new facility on July 8th.  

Huntsville Times – Columnist John Ehringer says that hopes for sales tax reform for this year may not be dead.  

Times Daily - County and municipal governments facing problems with road maintenance and construction due to declining gasoline sales.  

Tuscaloosa News – University of Alabama appears closer to buying Bryce property.  

Tuscaloosa News – Obama campaign has hopes for southern states.  

Tuscaloosa News – “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political column for readers of the NYTimes regional papers.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama Policy Institute’s Michael Ciamarra points out the necessity of keeping higher education affordable for average Alabama families.  

Atlanta Journal-Constitution - AJC Columnist Jay Brookman calls for congressional approval of proposed request for the National Research Council of river systems in effort to end stalemate between Alabama, Georgia and Florida over water rights.  

New York Times – Convict in 1964 Jackson County murder and rape case that inflamed racial passions up for parole.

Share This

Birmingham News – State may look to Alabama Trust Fund to finance incentives to lure Volkswagen to Alabama; State Treasurer warns against “continu[ing] to erode the savings account of the people of Alabama.”  

Birmingham News – Jefferson County’s sewer debt crisis:  Over 40% of residents lack income to pay bills necessary to repay borrowed funds.  

Birmingham News – High gasoline prices are impacting Alabama’s SUV-heavy automobile manufacturing sector.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that recent audit which shows that political ideology played a role in hiring practices at Department of Justice bolster Siegelman’s claims of politically-motivated prosecution.  

Birmingham News – Commentary by Gov. Bob Riley argues that Congress must allow development of U.S. Energy resources in order further nation’s efforts at energy independence.  

Mobile Press-Register – Higher gas prices mean lower revenue for road construction and maintenance.  

Mobile Press-Register – New Press-Register/USA poll shows Alabamians feel secure in their jobs, but falling behind financially.  

Mobile Press-Register – Political analysts tell Business Council of Alabama that presidency is “Obama’s to lose.”  

Huntsville Times – Source of campaign contributions likely to be center of race for State Supreme Court seat.  

Huntsville Times – PACs and law firms are the big contributors to judicial races.  

Huntsville Times – The Huntsville Times blasts legislators’ summer travel plans at taxpayer expense.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star winds up its week-long series on payday lending, making suggestions for community alternatives.

Anniston Star - Commentary by payday loan industry says that payday loans lead to financial freedom.  

Anniston Star -Commentary by advocate says that a cap on interest rates should be state’s response to burgeoning predatory lending industry.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Ads turn negative in GOP runoff for 2nd Congressional District.  

New York Times – Reopening black farmers’ discrimination suit against the Department of Agriculture may require billions more.  

Dothan Eagle - Wiregrass area poor struggling with cooling bills as temperature rise.  

News link – Obama win in Deep South states seen as unlikely.

Share This

Birmingham News – Auburn University joins other state colleges in approving double-digit tuition increases in face of budget cuts.  

Birmingham News – Alabama-based manufacturer of recreational vehicles plans to lay off almost 100 workers as sales drop with increasing fuel costs.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News accuses AG Troy King of playing politics in his attack on Supreme Court over decision banning death penalty in child rape cases.  The News says that this case points out the difficulty in administration of the death penalty, again calls for abandoning capital punishment.  

Mobile Press-Register – Congress strips $50 million for Alabama Katrina-related housing needs from supplemental budget, advocates hope for second funding chance following congressional break.  

Mobile Press-Register – Judge rejects state’s plan to build $100 million hotel at Gulf State Park, saying that plan to lease site to Auburn University and private developer violates state statutes.  

Mobile Press-Register – Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) blocks bill that would prohibit spending on Air Force tanker project unless rebid or awarded to Boeing.  

Mobile Press-Register – Press-Register calls for cooperation between federal and state officials in investigating claims of voter fraud.  

Huntsville Times – State Supreme Court rejects death row inmate’s appeals.  

Huntsville Times – Federal judge sets August trial date for charges against Rep. Sue Schmitz (D-Toney) in two-year college corruption probe.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News contends that recent disclosures of politicization of Department of Justice show that “Siegelman correct to question his prosecution.”  

Times Daily - Rising fuel prices one factor leading to increase in payday loan stores and title pawn shops in Shoals area.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama officials  at odds over whether to comply with Federal ID requirements.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star continues its week-long series on predatory lending.  Today’s editorial suggests that Alabama could look to North Carolina’s example in dealing with payday loan stores.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Legal Services of Alabama receives grant to help citizens avoid foreclosure.  

Burbank Leader - Religious leaders in Burbank, California comment on proposed “I believe” car tag.  
(more…)

Share This

Birmingham News – State Board of Education appears ready to adopt new policy to increase the frequency of performance evaluation of two-year college system.  

Birmingham News – Hank Aaron hosts Birmingham fundraiser for Senate hopeful Vivian Figures.  

Birmingham News - Attorney General Troy King, other law enforcement officials praise U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Washington, DC law that restricted individual ownership of guns.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News comments on recent court ruling rejecting AEA challenge of the t selection of Bradley Byrne as two-year college system chancellor.  

Mobile Press-Register – Bill introduced that would steer tanker contract to Boeing.  

Mobile Press-Register – Coin toss used to select Washington County commissioner candidate.  

Huntsville Times – GOP candidates for 5th congressional seat decline opportunity for debate.  

Huntsville Times – In spite of tight budgets, more than one-third of legislators plan to attend July conference in New Orleans and Oklahoma City.  

Huntsville Times – The Huntsville Times comments on this week’s Supreme Court ruling on individual gun ownership.  

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily criticizes Supreme Court decision striking down D.C. limits on gun ownership.  

Tuscaloosa News - Supreme Court strikes down campaign financing “millionaire’s amendment.”  

Tuscaloosa News - Auburn University to seek 12% hike in tuition at today’s trustees’ meeting.  

Tuscaloosa News - Prosecutors agree that any restitution ordered in two-year college corruption probe will go to Department of Postsecondary Education.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Secretary of State vows swift action against voter fraud.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star continues their week-long series on predatory lending, today focusing on the increase in the number of payday loan stores and title pawn shops in the area.  

Washington Post - Lawmakers call for Air Force to reopen bidding process for air tanker.

Share This

Birmingham News – GAO says that Air Force mistakes in evaluation of rival Boeing’s proposal may have led to Northrop Grumman receiving tanker bid.  

Birmingham News – Baseball great Hank Aaron to host fundraising events for Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Vivian Figures.  

Birmingham News – Attorney General Troy King blasts U.S. Supreme Court decision banning death penalty in cases involving rape.

Birmingham News  – ADO director Neal Wade looks at pending industrial prospects for state.  

Mobile Press-Register – Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he wants quick resolution to Air Force tanker contract.  

Mobile Press-Register – “Gulf Opportunity” Zone tax credits would be extended under proposed Housing bill.  

Mobile Press-Register – Commenting on Governor’s voluntary release of donors to his inauguration, the Press-Register says that Riley “continues to set a good example on government openness and accountability.”  

Huntsville Times – The Huntsville Times comments on court’s rejection of AEA’s suit challenging appointment process used in selecting current postsecondary chancellor.  

Tuscaloosa News - West Alabama catfish famers facing rough times.  

Tuscaloosa News – Siegelman says new audit that reflects that “Republican partisanship infected Justice Department hiring” will boost his appeal of conviction.  

Tuscaloosa News - HUD approves plan to 12,000 affordable housing units along Mississippi Gulf Coast.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star details the story of a low-income resident’s involvement with fringe financing.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star tells the story of a man with mental disabilities and his involvement with a local credit company.  The consumer prevailed in a lawsuit challenging a loan of $1157 that netted him only $66 after fees and add-on services.  

Times Daily - Programs providing lunch for low-income kids struggle with high food prices and flat funding.  

Times-Journal – Fort Payne hosiery industry hoping that Congress will pass bill to halt illegal importing of socks.  

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser says that new national study reflects that educational reforms in Alabama are working.

Share This

Birmingham News – UAB increasing recruitment of Hispanic students in effort to expand availability of Spanish-speaking health professionals.  

Birmingham News – Study shows state has made improvement in closing achievement gaps by race and income in elementary and middle school grades, but gap grows among high school students.  

Birmingham News – Judge rejects AEA’s lawsuit challenging appointment of Bradley Byrne as chancellor.  

Birmingham News – Economist predicts that Alabama will avoid economic downturn, predicts growth this year.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that the number of absentee ballots cast in some Black Belt counties in recent election is “unbelievably high.”  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News comments on DHR’s elimination of homemaker services, calls for legislature to restore funds for service.  

Senate Sketches - “Senate Sketches,” the weekly column to his constituents from Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma).  

Mobile Press-Register – Activists raise questions about location of proposed sewage treatment facility in Bayou la Batre.  

Mobile Press-Register – Press-Register says that creation of bus system to move riders between Mobile and Baldwin counties demonstrates that public transit systems can be successful.  

Huntsville Times – Michigan continuing efforts to land VW facility while industry analyst says that Limestone County site appears to be the frontrunner.  

Huntsville Times – The Huntsville Times looks at squabble between Attorney General Troy King and U.S. Justice Department over voting irregularities in Perry County.  

Tuscaloosa News – The Tuscaloosa News contends that decision by DHR to eliminate homemaker services due to budget shortfalls “yells for tax reform.”  

Times Daily - Times Daily praises Riley’s decision to release names of contributors to his inauguration, but calls  for enactment of state statute to require such disclosure.  

Birmingham News – Experts predict an expanding Alabama aerospace industry regardless of decision on tanker.  

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser urges AG and local prosecutors to vigorously investigate allegations of voter fraud, but caution against allowing partisanship to dictate where and who they investigate.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by Randy Brinson of the Alabama Christian Coalition calls for efforts to increase access to health care.

Share This

Birmingham News – Troy King says that U.S. Justice Department is refusing to help his office investigate possible election violations in Perry County.  

Birmingham News – Michelle Obama raises at least $250,000 during Birmingham campaign fundraising stop.  

Birmingham News – Cahaba River dam removal successful at restoring aquatic life.  

Birmingham News – Auburn University launches new program to train more engineers for state’s automotive industry.  

Birmingham News – Postsecondary Chancellor says state must increase investment in adult education programs.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News says that a few key reforms could change the state’s reputation for poor judicial ethics.  

Mobile Press-Register – Lawyers for state continue to argue that plaintiffs lack standing to challenge state’s property tax system.  

Mobile Press-Register – Air Force ponders whether to pursue tanker funding request for next budget year in light of GAO report.  

Mobile Press-Register – Press-Register contends that state need further tort reform to improve climate for business.  

Tuscaloosa News - State’s suicide rate highest since 2000, exceeds national average.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says that funding options are needed for transportation programs in rural Alabama.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News calls for state officials to take action to ensure that elections are free from fraud.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star looks at the history of small loans and the rise of payday lending in Alabama.  

Montgomery Advertiser - State Historical Commission faces money, identity struggles.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama Policy Institute’s Gary Palmer weighs in on efforts of AEA to influence State Board of Education primary elections.  

Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Facing budget shortfalls, states across nation poised to make cuts.  

Chicago Tribune – University of South Alabama professor warns nation against increasing offshore drilling.

Share This

Birmingham News – Large number of absentee ballots in small-population counties raise questions in Secretary of State’s office.  

Birmingham News – Alabama’s system of enforcing judicial ethics receives D+ in latest national scoring.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News urges the state to increase investment in programs that will improve high school graduate rate.  

Mobile Press-Register – The hiring of Conecuh county teacher under indictment for criminal charges in another county shows weaknesses in system of background checks for potential education employees.  

Mobile Press-Register – “The Political Skinny,” the weekly roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington for readers of the Press-Register.  

Tuscaloosa News - Almost four years after filing for municipal bankruptcy, small West Alabama town of Millport appears to be “on the path to solvency.”  

Tuscaloosa News - Riley discloses list of donors who paid for his second inauguration.  

Tuscaloosa News - 400 expected to attend today’s conference sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News say hopes dim for large industrial developments which were seen as keys to jumpstarting state’s faltering economy.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Black Belt Housing Initiative helps low-income families become home owners.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star begins a week-long review of the impact of payday loans on the lives of individuals and their communities.  

Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Increases in food and fuel costs are crippling nation’s catfish industry.  

News link - North Alabama legislators speculate on governor’s plans for special sessions.

Share This

Birmingham News – Officials say state has strong aerospace industry in spite of disappointment in GAO’ s ruling on tanker contract.  

Birmingham News – DHR to end homemaker services to at-risk adults due to funding shortages.  

Birmingham News – Alabama GOP on track to raise $4million for 2010 elections.  

Birmingham News – The Birmingham News finds it an affront that governmental entities are spending millions of dollars to lobby other branches of government.

Mobile Press-Register – GAO ruling garners attention at meeting of Southern Democrats in Mobile.  

Daily Home - St. Clair County officials look for alternatives to jailing juveniles.  

Tuscaloosa News - Washington GOP leaders throw their support to Love in runoff for 2nd congressional district seat.  

Tuscaloosa News - Record Alabama gasoline prices stir interest in hybrids.  

Tuscaloosa News - Rural Alabama commuters struggle with rising gasoline costs.  

Tuscaloosa News - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for readers of the NYTimes regional papers.  

Gadsden Times - Examiners of Public Accounts says that Department of Revenue has failed to get approval of Legislative Contract Review committee for millions of dollars in legal fees paid to politically connected law firm.  

Times Daily - Growing number of young adults can’t afford health care coverage.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Questions continue to linger in Siegelman case.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Article reviews salaries paid to Alabama’s top officials.  

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser says that in spite of high poverty rate, Alabama’s state officials are among the highest paid in nation.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by U. S. Rep. Artur Davis (D) calls for state to increase needs-based investment in postsecondary education for low-income students.  

Anniston Star - Columnist James Evans says that our failure to provide adequate revenues to educate all of Alabama’s children will result in their becoming the “poor of the next generation.”  

Washington Post - Sen. Richard Shelby (R) says American people are expecting congress to find solutions to housing mortgage crisis, urges President not to use veto of housing bill.  

Opelika-Auburn News - East Alabama facing growing physician shortage.

Share This

Birmingham News – State’s unemployment rate at highest point in four years.  

Birmingham News – UA System trustees approve double-digit tuition increases at all campuses, approve cutting jobs.  

Birmingham News – Only one Alabama National Guard unit serving in Iraq.  

Birmingham News – Ralph Nader supporters working get his name on state’s presidential ballot.  

Huntsville Times – ADO director denies that state efforts to attract Volkswagen are cooling due to concerns over union involvement.  

Daily Home - Honda says it has no plans to slow production at Lincoln facility.  

Tuscaloosa News - 2nd congressional district race heats up over 2003 tax reform plan.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by Larry Lee, director of the Center for Rural Alabama, on the recent death of EDPA director Jim Hayes.

Atlanta Journal Constitution - Florida says that it plans to sue the Corps of Engineers in continuing battle between that state, Alabama and Georgia over water rights.  

New York Times – Rise in renters wipes recent national gains in home ownership.  

Washington Post – Outgoing Air Force chief says he expects new round of bids in air tanker contract.  

CQ Politics – U.S. Rep. Artur Davis (D) “seriously considering” race for governor in 2010.  

Times Daily - Governor said to be looking at options for four-day work week for state employees.

Share This

Birmingham News – Alabama congressional delegation weigh in on GAO tanker decision.  

Birmingham News – AEA lead plaintiff – in name only – in case challenging rule that they must file extensive annual financial reports.  

Birmingham News – As prices rise, Alabama’s personal income growth slows to a crawl.  

Mobile Press-Register – Northrop Grumman cancels groundbreaking ceremonies for planned Mobile facility as fight looms over tanker contract.  

Mobile Press-Register – Alabama’s interest in VW may be cooling over persistent rumors that company has agreed with UAW to employ union workforce.  

Mobile Press-Register – House cuts appropriation of $50 million for Alabama Katrina-related housing needs from supplemental funding bill.  

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily says that his early efforts to organize and establish his campaign make Tim James a serious candidate for governor in 2010.  

Montgomery Advertiser - State looks at online voting systems.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Judge upholds verdict against AstraZenaca in Medicaid fraud trial, but reduces award to state.  

Montgomery Advertiser - Death of inmate after 18 years of waiting for retrial on capital murder charges reflects unfairness to both victim and the accused, according to The Montgomery Advertiser.  

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star says that the Alabama Christian Coalition is more focused “on the least of these” under new leadership.  

Gadsden Times - Gadsden finds about half of city’s rental units pass initial inspection.  

Atlanta Journal-Constitution - State governments struggle as revenues fall.  

The Tennessean – Chattanooga busily laying groundwork in bid for Volkswagen.  

Associated Press – Alabama unemployment rate increases to 4.7% in May.  

Birmingham News – Alabama-based foundations distribute $145 million in 2006.  

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News says that recent actions by the Christian Coalition of Alabama shows organization is becoming “more Christian.”        

(more…)

Share This