Jul 11, 2024

Today's news items might be heavy with a "What's the world coming to?" flavor, depending on one's perspective.

Thanks for coming back.

Ike Morgan

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The State Board of Education has taken a step toward what could become a takeover of Bessemer City Schools, reports AL.com's Trisha Powell Crain.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey sent a letter to the local board members, citing failure to follow financial procedures, possible violations of the state bid law, and delays in hiring. The letter called out a "culture of indifference" and gave examples such as the cancellation of meetings because not enough board members showed up.

The letter said that unless changes are made, Mackey will recommend a state takeover in August. The state board would then vote on whether to proceed.

Cannabis drinks are making their play in Alabama. Going after Bud consumers, perhaps.

A Birmingham-produced THC seltzer is hitting the market on July 15, reports AL.com's William Thornton.

Sunbird, a product of Sunbev, expects to be available in the Birmingham area next week with a goal of going statewide.

The makers have roots in the craft-beer scene at places such as TrimTab and Avondale Brewing. Sunbird has low amounts of CBG and hemp-derived Delta 9. CBG is not intoxicating, but Delta 9 is.

Rural health care in Alabama has taken another couple of blows with two hospitals ending inpatient services, reports AL.com's Amy Yurkanin.

Grove Hill Memorial Hospital in Clarke County is ending labor and delivery services on Aug. 16. That facility and East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier in Chambers County are becoming rural emergency hospitals.

That means their ERs and outpatient services will remain open. The Rural Emergency Hospital program brings more than a quarter million dollars a month in federal funding to the facilities.

The Army's Criminal Investigation Division is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of some missing pistols or the conviction of anyone who may have stolen them, reports AL.com's Howard Koplowitz.

During a period when numerous law enforcement agencies have periodically warned people to make sure safely store their firearms and lock their trucks, a "significant number" of 1911A1 pistols were reported missing from the Civilian Marksmanship Program in Anniston from September 2019 to March 2022.

Anybody with information on the guns is asked to call the Division's Southern Field Office at 706-709-0738 or contact it through its website at https://www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/

“I’ve served with Rep. Lawrence for 10 years. I know the great things he has done for the people of his district. I know him to be a good man and he deserves our support. We should not pass judgement on him until all the facts are known.”

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, regarding Rep. Kelvin Lawrence's arrest on forgery-related charges.

In 1897 Bull Connor of Selma, longtime Public Safety Commissioner of Birmingham who infamously opposed racial integration and civil-rights activism.

In 1975, Auburn and NFL offensive lineman Willie Anderson of Mobile.

Amanda Khorramabadi tells us about a former insane asylum so notorious that it's still rumored to be haunted.

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