Alabama top stories in brief
- In a recent vote, the Alabama GOP increased penalties for members that choose to run against nominees for political office. Alabama GOP bylaws now include a rule that removes anyone who runs against a nominee from any committees they occupy.
- The Alabama State Board of Education has authorized the takeover of Sumter County Schools due to financial and personal issues in the district. Alabama State Schools Superintendent Erick Mackey has said that he intends to go to Sumter and participate in town halls to make sure residents “don’t feel like they’re left in the dark.”
- The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission has now reissued licenses to businesses. The process was paused in June when issues with the evaluation process were discovered. While most of the companies selected during the original process back in June were selected again, there were a few exceptions. Alabama Secure Transport had been awarded a Secure Transporter License in June, but they were not awarded one this month. Likewise, Verano Alabama, which had been awarded an integrated facility license in June, was not awarded one at this time.
- Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, who suffered a cardiac event in late July while visiting South Korea, is currently still hospitalized in South Korea. While the Melson family announced on Aug. 2, that he would be transported back to Alabama soon, typhoon season in South Korea has caused delays in that plan. A recent update from his daughter on Aug. 9, said that they did expect to be able to transport him home soon.
- Trendco USA, a medical personal protective equipment manufacturer based in South Carolina, announced plans last week to construct a manufacturing facility in Tuskegee. Trendco has committed to creating 292 jobs at the facility over five years. “We are very excited about our move to Alabama and look forward to building our PPE manufacturing facility in Tuskegee,” said Darryl Hunter, USA CEO of Trendco. “We believe the people of Tuskegee and the surrounding communities will play a vital role in our success in the medical technology sector.”
Florida residence causes controversy for Sen. Tommy Tuberville
A recent article published in the Washington Post suggested that Sen. Tommy Tuberville spent more time at his home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida than in Alabama.
According to Tuberville’s office, the senator’s primary residence is located in Auburn. But the Post points to campaign finance records, which show that Tuberville has consistently had campaign travel expenses in Florida throughout his time as a U.S. senator.
Tuberville’s office has described the Florida property as a vacation home. The Post article, however, highlights the fact that his wife, Suzanne Tuberville, is a licensed real estate agent in Florida but not in Alabama.
This is not the first time that the nature of Tuberville’s residency in Alabama has drawn public attention.
When he ran for office in 2019, Tuberville acknowledged that he was “not an everyday resident of Alabama.” In fact, in 2018, Tuberville was still registered as a voter in Florida. He changed his voting location soon before announcing his candidacy for senator.
John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama State GOP described the Post’s story as a “twisted and manufactured liberal attack.”
Regardless of where Tuberville spends most of his time, the law makes it clear to hold his office he only needs to be resident for a day in Alabama. These are federal requirements, and federal courts have ruled that states have no right to change the requirements for members of the U.S. Congress elected from their individual states.
Our articles you might have missed
- Last week’s Roundup focused on a report published by the Alabama Reflector discussing the potentially dangerous conditions created by the summer heat in Alabama Department of Corrections non-air-conditioned facilities.
Check out the latest issue of The Alabama Ramble by Wesley Miller! This ramble featured a tour of downtown Wetumpka, Alabama, and included some great food, delicious coffee and amazing art.
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