U.S. Department of Transportation Investigating Rural Driver’s License Offices
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday it’s investigating the closure or reduction in services at part-time driver’s license offices in Alabama for civil rights violations.
State leaders shut down 31 part-time driver’s license offices in October, citing budget cuts. That meant residents in those rural areas, some with majority black populations, had to travel farther to get a new license or take a driving test. After a public backlash the state agreed to reopen the offices once a month.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says in a statement the 1964 Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in programs that receive federal funds adding it’s critical license services be free from discrimination. He says though the department has not reached any conclusions.
Governor Robert Bentley issued a statement calling the investigation politically motivated and a weak attempt to embarrass the people of Alabama. He says he’s confident there will be no discrimination claims found.
The issue has come up on the presidential campaign trail. Democratic Candidate Hilary Clinton criticized Alabama leaders for the closures at a party gathering Hoover in October.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
