Legislature progresses with bail-denying ‘Aniah’s Law’

By Tarah Yeager | March 11

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee has approved House Bill 81, which was sponsored by a group of 21 representatives.

Each day a new opportunity for Sen. Whatley

By Tarah Yeager | March 3

Sen. Tom Whatley begins each day bright and early at 4:30 a.m. For the next three hours, he focuses on personal business. At 7:30 a.m., he begins meeting with constituents from District 27, which includes Russell, Lee and Tallapoosa Counties.

Local law enforcement fights Alabama bill allowing loaded firearms in cars

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 2

The bill that would allow individuals to have loaded handguns in their vehicles has passed the Alabama Senate Committee on the Judiciary, despite major opposition from many in Alabama's law enforcement. Senate Bill 14, introduced by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, would allow anyone to carry an accessible, loaded handgun in his or her car without obtaining a license.

Five pieces of Alabama legislation to watch

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | February 26

The Alabama Republican Party is wasting no time in taking advantage of their super-majority in both houses of the Alabama Legislature.

Auburn Educators Talk About New Teacher Code of Ethics

By Sarah Craft/Associate Copy Editor | July 28

The Alabama Legislature is working to enforce a new code of ethics for educators and cracking down on the inappropriate behaviors found in schools.The new code of ethics contains provisions regarding conduct standards for teachers, unlawful acts and maintenance of student confidentiality.According to the new code of ethics, teachers can be disciplined if they engage in behaviors such as using inappropriate language on school grounds, failing to provide adequate supervision to students and exposing students to unnecessary embarrassment."The code protects the health, safety and general welfare of students and educators; outlines objective standards of conduct for professional educators; and clearly defines actions of an unethical nature for which disciplinary sanctions are justified," reads the code's introductory text."I support the Alabama Education Association (AEA), but (the new code) could be abused," said Jason Wright, principal of Auburn Junior High School.