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Public is public

A little disclosure on the first story. If you’ve listened long you know we don’t take policy positions, but when it comes to access to public records, well, count us in.

Although specific laws and their language can have their own strengths and weaknesses, of course.

In Alabama, the government has to allow access to most public records. The problem is, agencies aren’t bound by deadlines on producing records that you and I might request. Which means they’ll get to it … when they get to it.

Alabama ranked dead last in the U.S. for responsiveness to records requests, according to a 2019 study by a researcher at the University of Arizona. Highways can be widened faster than some records are produced — if they’re produced at all.

AL.com’s Mike Cason reports that a bill is going before a state Senate committee today that would add timelines to the state’s public-records law. And if an agency doesn’t make its deadlines or tries to deny your request, you could file a lawsuit.

The bill comes from state Sen. Arthur Orr, a Decatur Republican. It is being supported by the Alabama Press Association. The state Senate passed a similar bill last year, but it didn’t come up in the House.

Police chief sidelined

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced that the city has placed Police Chief Darryl Albert on administrative leave, reports AL.com’s Carol Robinson.

A statement from the city said we’ll find out the reason “when the matter is concluded.”

Also, a former police officer filed a complaint against Chief Albert last year, claiming she had been discriminated against on the job because she would not have an affair with Albert.

Reportedly, the complaint included screenshots of flirty and suggestive text messages.

At this point there is no confirmation that the discrimination allegations have anything to do with the chief’s being placed on leave.

Oats at home

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats indicated that he is not interested in moving to Kentucky, reports AL.com’s Matt Stahl.

And even if he were, there’s the issue of an $18 million buyout that was written into his most recent contract extension after his name was being mentioned as a possible candidate for the Michigan job.

After news broke that John Calipari was leaving the University of Kentucky for Arkansas, Oats’ name again was being mentioned as a possible candidate. So he issued a release:

“Bama Nation, I am fully committed to this team and to this university. We have already accomplished some great things here, and there is nothing I want more than for The University of Alabama to win its first national championship in men’s basketball. Despite any rumors to the contrary, rest assured that I will continue that pursuit as your head coach.”

Remembering Hammerin’ Hank

Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Hank Aaron’s 715th home run. That’s the one that passed Babe Ruth’s career total and made Aaron the all-time home run leader. (Many years later, during the controversial era when players suddenly looked like Lou Ferrigno, Barry Bonds reportedly passed Aaron, if you recognize that sort of thing.)

That aside, Aaron’s No. 715 has to be a scene nearly as familiar to Americans by now as the moon landing or the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Al Downing’s pitch that he left out over the plate … Atlanta Braves reliever Tom House catching the ball in the bullpen in left field … Steve Garvey shaking Aaron’s hand as the rounded first … those two crazy guys who jumped out of the stands and rounded the bases who in 2024 would’ve probably been tased by security.

The Braves took time before Monday’s game to celebrate Aaron, a Mobile native who passed away just over three years ago. Also, an exhibit called “More than a Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron” was opened at the Atlanta History Center.

Plus, also on Monday, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that it will unveil a statue of Hammerin’ Hank on May 23, reports AL.com’s Mark Inabinett.

More Alabama news

Born on this date

In 1942, former Congressman Earl Hilliard of Birmingham. He represented Alabama 7 just before Artur Davis.

In 1965, former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Hal Morris. He’s originally from Fort Rucker, now Fort Novosel, but played high school ball in Indiana.

In 1971, former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Anthony Redmon of Brewton.

Quiz results

I said it was going to be easy this weak. Wow, was I right. Here’s hoping your kid did this well on the Pre-ACT.

This summer is expected to be a particularly big one for what insect?

• Cicada (CORRECT) 94.0%
• Mosquito 4.8%
• Carpenter bee 0.6%
• Lady bug 0.6%

A workers union has indicated that Alabama workers for this company may be nearing a vote on whether to unionize.

• Mercedez-Benz (correct) 90.5%
• Toyota 7.1%
• Walmart 1.2%
• Billy Beer 1.2%

A Major League Baseball spokesperson recently said organizers are trying to make arrangements for what former baseball great, who once played home games at the stadium, to attend the June 20 “MLB at Rickwood” game?

• Willie Mays (CORRECT) 79.2%
• Ozzie Smith 12.5%
• Dale Murphy 4.8%
• Jake Peavy 3.6%

A petition has made the rounds to sound off support for the former Brookwood Village mall to be turned into what?

• An aquarium (CORRECT) 72.6%
• Pickleball courts 22.0%
• A dog park 5.4%
• 17 Dollar General stores 0.0%

It was revealed last week that hackers had:

• taken down City of Birmingham computer systems. (CORRECT) 87.5%
• funneled ransomware gains through an Alabama little league’s budget to state lawmakers. 5.4%
• taken over the scoreboard of the Rocket City Trash Pandas and for an entire half-inning displayed the message: “Best team name? Biscuits.” 4.2%
• accessed the Alabama Constitution and performed a find-and-replace to turn “citizens” into “scalawags.” 3.0%

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