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General

Severe thunderstorm watch in place for Alabama until Thursday night

On Thursday at 3:37 p.m. the National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 11 p.m. for Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, St. Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston counties.

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Could Auburn add another wide receiver during spring transfer portal window?

On the outside looking in, Auburn football’s wide receiver room seems to already be set for a big season in 2025.

The Tigers added Eric Singleton Jr. and Horatio Fields out of the transfer portal, signed freshmen Derick Smith, Erick Smith and Sam Turner and brought back young receivers such as Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons and Perry Thompson.

Despite the talent Auburn already has, head coach Hugh Freeze still isn’t satisfied with the numbers he has in the room.

“We’re really not as deep as we’d like to be,” Freeze said. “We’re talented and deep. We just wish we had more legs in that room right now, maybe to save some wear and tear on those guys.”

The receiver room still isn’t complete yet — the Smith brothers won’t arrive until the summer — but Freeze isn’t ruling out the idea of adding another wide receiver out of the transfer portal.

He said Auburn has two more sports remaining on offense should the staff choose to utilize the portal during the spring window.

Even if Auburn does add another receiver, Freeze has been satisfied with how the current group has played during spring practice. Singleton and Fields have both earned praise, but Turner has arguably been the standout.

He was rated as a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports, but has more than held his own this spring. He had an especially productive practice on Thursday, highlighted by a circus catch he made along the sidelines.

“He’s going to be dynamic,” Freeze said. “He’s added great depth to us on the outside. Able to give some breaks to Cam and Perry and Horatio, for sure. For a freshman, he’s sharp.”

He hasn’t run with the first team much yet, but his play helps with depth at a position Freeze wants to add more bodies to.

Auburn will wrap up spring practice on Saturday with its A-Day open practice. Jordan-Hare Stadium will open its doors to fans at 11 a.m. Saturday and the hour-long practice is scheduled to begin at noon.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

General

Arrest warrant issued for Alabama magistrate who pulled gun at city hall after dispute

An arrest warrant was issued today for a town magistrate who was caught on video brandishing a gun outside city hall after a clash with a resident in traffic court.

Now, both women involved in the March 28 altercation have changes against them.

Tarrant City Magistrate Tanilya Jackson, 43, is charged with possession of a firearm in a building in violation of a state code that prohibits weapons inside certain public buildings.

Jackson’s case is a Class C misdemeanor, among the lesser of all misdemeanor charges, according to Alabama Code 13A-11-61.2.

If found guilty, the maximum penalty for a Class C misdemeanor is a fine of up to $500 and up to three months in jail.

Jackson’s bond was set at $1,000 by a Jefferson County magistrate.

Jackson’s arrest stems from an altercation in traffic court in Tarrant between Jackson and Raven Shearer, a local resident, which escalated in the lobby before the proceeding. Shearer was in court for a traffic citation originally but was later arrested for disorderly conduct.

The conflict continued outside when Shearer returned to get her car and words were exchanged with Jackson, who brandished a gun before sending her minor son inside the building.

“You think you got it going on with that gun, b****,” Shearer shouted on the video.

Jackson, who was walking to her car with her son, instructed him to go back into the building after taking a gun from her handbag. The other woman is not visible on camera.

“Let’s go,” Jackson said standing alone while holding the weapon in one hand and a cell phone in the other.

The problem for Jackson, according to Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major, is the city’s policy and state law that prohibit firearms at certain public buildings that include city halls, police departments and courthouses.

Major said the charges came soon after Tarrant Police were made aware of the video. Major said their report and video was then presented to the Jefferson County District Court Magistrate, who decided on the warrant.

Jackson has declined to comment on the issue and Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has said he could not discuss personnel matters.

Surveillance cameras mounted in offices throughout the Tarrant City Hall continue to chronicle a series of political arguments, personnel disputes and even a punch delivered by a longtime councilman against the mayor in 2022.

General

A 24 hour a day, 7 day a week work club is coming soon to Birmingham

A national co-working space chain is opening a Birmingham location next month.

Switchyards describes itself as a neighborhood work club.

Its newest location will be at 3606 6th Ave. S. near Avondale Park.

The workspace is open 24/7, with free locally sourced coffee and organic tea.

Founder and CEO Michael Tavani started Switchyards in 2019 with the stated goal of creating “a place in your neighborhood purpose-built to sit with your laptop, grab a coffee, and get some good work done.”

Memberships are $100, but members may visit any of franchise’s locations in seven states. Team memberships are also available.

Memberships will be available May 15, beginning at 10 a.m.

For one day before memberships drop, the club will be open for a sneak peek tour with coffee during the day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A party – with stronger drinks – will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Anyone interested can link here for early access. According to Switchyards, its last eight clubs have sold out memberships on drop morning.

Members can also reserve rooms for meetings, as well as book phone booths.

In 2024, Switchyards announced plans to open 200 new clubs within the next five years, fueled by a $5 million investment by Bullpen Capital, Cercano, Overline and others.

General

Our kids are afraid of each other. It doesn’t have to be this way: op-ed

This is a guest opinion column

Our kids are afraid of each other. As a result, they’re growing more violent and less trusting as time passes.

My own son, CJ, was fatally shot at a gas station just down the road from where we lived. I was changing out of church clothes when I got the call. I’ll never forget the shock and grief of walking into the room where they’d been trying to save his life, only to discover that they’d failed.

But through that terrible loss, God equipped me to begin helping families in our community recover from the loss of loved ones.

It’s how I began my work with the Woodson Center project Voices of Black Mothers United, which will soon be hosting a youth summit for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

It’s also how I met the other members of the Mothers Consortium here in Birmingham: Sheree Kennon, who leads “What About Us,” and Carolyn Johnson, who leads “Parents Against Violence,” have both changed my life and the community alike.

Together, we are able to cover all the aspects of crime victims’ assistance: their immediate post-tragedy needs and stresses, applications for assistance with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, and good long-term outcomes for family survivors of violent crime. Lots of people are losing children and grandchildren repeatedly to violence, and it takes every single one of these mothers to help these families.

The loss of my son made me sensitive to the fear and hurt our children and their families suffer through every day. It made me realize just how much we need each other, and how much we need to work together to help break the cycle of violence, anger, fear and retaliation.

That’s why we’re bringing together members of local law enforcement, neighborhood officials and a therapist at our Alive in 25 Youth Summit this week to help elevate the voices and needs of the youth among us. Our children desperately need our help, attention and support — from every part of the community.

And if we’re going to give them the support they need, we need to start trusting and talking to each other.

We also need to empower and educate parents. They’re the first line of defense against community violence, and they’re the ones who really have the attention of their child.

Parents have the ability to help teach children healthy emotional coping skills, conflict resolution skills and a sense of self-respect that are indispensable when navigating a potentially violent situation.

Parents also have the chance to invest in their kids when others won’t, or don’t want to. I remember one high school student in particular, the attendee of an anti-violence event I had hosted, had been written off by his teachers and counselors.

“Oh, he’s just a clown,” they told me.

But I saw a lot in him. I saw poise, intelligence. I knew he was paying attention. And when I asked about him a year later, they told me he’d joined the Army. He graduated. He even made a difference for the better in his own neighborhood.

He wasn’t a clown at all. He was a tremendous force for good.

All of our kids need us to help them realize their potential as forces for good in our own neighborhoods. All of our kids have the ability to escape the vicious cycle of fear, anger and violence in which so many of them are trapped — but they need our help.

They need us to listen, to take them seriously. Most importantly, they need us to work tirelessly together to help make their present and future safer.

Jessica Barnes is the Alabama State Lead for Voices of Black Mothers United, a project of The Woodson Center.

General

Donald Trump says Elon Musk ‘hasn’t been treated properly’ but he doesn’t need Tesla CEO ‘for anything’

Donald Trump is not reliant on the billionaire who spent the most to elect him in November and has a high-profile presence at the White House, the president said Thursday.

Trump’s comments on Tesla CEO Elon Musk came as he spoke to reporters while gathering with members of his cabinet.

“Elon’s done a fantastic job,” the president said. “And I don’t care. I don’t need him for anything other than I happen to like him. This guy, this guy did a fantastic job.”

While Musk was given sweeping access to government operations and data through his goal of gutting waste, fraud and abuse under the Department of Government Efficiency, the Tesla billionaire has kept a lower profile in the wake of last week’s Wisconsin Supreme Court race lost by Republicans.

Trump has been accused of using his presidency to benefit Musk, including turning the White House into a Tesla showroom during a press event last month. The president said he would be buying a Tesla during the event.

On Thursday, Trump said he didn’t get a special deal on the Tesla.

“I don’t need his car. I actually bought one because they said, ‘oh, did you get a bargain?’ I said, ‘no, give me the top price.’ I paid a lot of money for that car,” Trump said.

“But, honestly, he makes a great car … But I did that just as a sign of support.”

The president claimed Musk “hasn’t been treated properly,” alluding to protests aimed at the billionaire and violent attacks at Tesla dealerships.

General

Search underway for missing boater in Mobile river

Emergency responders are searching for a boater who went missing on Dog River Thursday morning.

According to Fox10 News, the Mobile Fire-Rescue department was notified just before 11 a.m. regarding a capsized boat and a man in the water.

Officials from the fire department and Mobile police were subsequently dispatched to the river.

The capsized boat has already been located, according to authorities.

According to the news station, an eyewitness said they saw the boater lose control of his boat before it capsized.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has taken over the investigation into the incident as crews continue to search for the boater.

General

Update: Damaging winds anticipated with thunderstorms to hit Cullman County Thursday – gusts may reach 60 mph

An updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 7:18 p.m. in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Cullman County.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 7:17 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Bangor, or 7 miles west of Cleveland, moving southeast at 60 mph,” says the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Phelan, Walter, Wilburn, Good Hope, Baileyton, Cullman, Black Bottom, Baldwin, Crane Hill and Garden City.

The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Update: Prepare for nickel-sized hail with thunderstorms in North Alabama Thursday

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 7:03 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 7:45 p.m. for Morgan, Marshall and Cullman counties.

Expect nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 7:03 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Strawberry to near Dodge City to Corinth Rec Area. Movement was south at 55 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Phelan, Wilburn, Good Hope, Cullman, Black Bottom, Crane Hill, Smith Lake, Hulaco, Holly Pond and Bremen.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for north central and northeastern Alabama.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

2nd chances, stronger communities; Parole board’s commitment to strengthen Alabama: op-ed

This is a guest opinion

As Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, I’ve seen firsthand how offering second chances can transform lives.

Each person who enters our system carries a story, often marked by past mistakes but also by the potential for change. Second Chance Month is a reminder that with the right support, individuals leaving incarceration can thrive and make lasting contributions to their communities.

Alabama’s recidivism rate stands at approximately 30%, underscoring the urgent need for programs that reduce repeat offenses and provide a pathway to success. This is why the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles remains committed to rehabilitation efforts like the Perry County PREP Center, which equips individuals with personal development, education, vocational training, and life skills.

Since its opening in 2022, well over 300 graduates have completed the program, and not one has returned to prison. This success demonstrates that when we invest in second chances, we are not just changing individual lives but strengthening entire communities.

Every day, I witness people who once made poor choices now holding steady jobs, supporting their families, and contributing positively to society.

Their transformation is not just a testament to personal responsibility but also proof that rehabilitation works when paired with opportunity, supervision, and support. The Bureau is proud to be an active participant in Reentry 2030, a statewide initiative that aligns perfectly with the values of second chances. Reentry 2030 seeks to create a system that not only reduces recidivism but also ensures that individuals leaving incarceration have the support, resources, and opportunities needed for successful reintegration into society.

Our involvement in this initiative reflects our commitment to providing individuals impacted by the justice system with more than just a second chance, but also the tools necessary for long-term success. Through partnerships with other state agencies, community organizations, and employers, we are able to offer a comprehensive approach that addresses education, employment, housing, and personal development.

Reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry is not a task for one organization alone; it requires a collective commitment from employers, mentors, and communities. Employers must be willing to hire individuals with criminal records, mentors must step forward to offer guidance, and communities must extend a hand of support. It is through this unified effort that we can create a safer, stronger Alabama.

We commend our partners in the private sector, like Alabama Power and the GEO Group, as well as our champions in the legislature, like Senator Rodger Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore, who have helped us cut bureaucratic red tape to streamline the process of connecting formerly incarcerated Alabamians with good-paying, in-demand job opportunities. Of course, our progress would not be possible without the support of Governor Kay Ivey and the work of the Alabama Community College System and Ingram State Technical College, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama Department of Workforce, ADOC and many others. During Second Chance Month, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles reaffirms its commitment to providing Alabamians with the resources and support necessary for successful reintegration. Being tough on crime means being smart on crime. Through comprehensive rehabilitation programs and collaborative partnerships, we are working tirelessly to break the cycle of crime, promote lasting change, and lessen the burden of incarceration on taxpayers. By continuing to invest in second chances, we can help build a brighter future for all Alabamians.

Cam Ward is the director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.