The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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Why do foreign investors buy American farmland? Foreign investors own almost 46 million acres of farm land in the United States, according to data from the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA), a federal law meant to track international interest in American land. Foreign-owned farmland had a total estimated value of $82.6 billion in 2023, the last year of available data, the The Daily Yonder reports. Data map showing the number of agricultural acres owned by foreign...
Aerial view of Tampa suburbs. Gianfranco Vivi // Shutterstock Best places to live in America What makes somewhere an ideal hometown? The answer has changed throughout the decades. In recent years, southern states have welcomed an influx of new residents, but moving preferences may be trending toward the Midwest. According to Redfin's April 2025 analysis of Census Bureau data, states in America's heartland—including Texas, Ohio, and Michigan—saw a 2.65% population increase between 2020 and 2024....
August 28, 2025 - Voluntary abortions are a very politically charged topic. As various factions along the political aisles have developed highly publicized slogans such as "My Body, My Choice" and "Save a Life" to court voters. While various methods of having abortions have been present throughout history, the most common means of committing abortions nowadays is via chemical abortions. The process of chemical abortions involves taking two different pills. With the first pill being...
Newborn screening helps identify babies at risk for genetic, metabolic, or congenital disorders that aren't visible at birth. In Alabama, about 200 infants a year are diagnosed early through these tests. Screenings include bloodspot, hearing, and pulse oximetry, which checks for heart disease. Alabama screens for 35 out of 38 recommended disorders. Parents should ensure their baby receives screening within 24–48 hours and discuss results with their doctor. Newborn screening has been r...
In a stunning shake-up at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a deepening rift between Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CDC Director Susan Monarez has triggered a wave of high-level resignations and ignited fierce debate over the future of public health leadership in the United States. The Flashpoint: Vaccine Policy and Political Pressure The conflict erupted over vaccine policy, with RFK Jr.-a longtime vaccine skeptic-reportedly pressuring Monarez...
August 27, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) has declared that flags should be flown at half staff at the Capital in remembrance of the children who were gunned down at a Catholic school in Minnesota. A shooter opened fire at a Catholic mass killing two children - ages 8 and 10. 17 other people were wounded including 14 children and three elderly parishioners. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a hate crime and a possible act of domestic terrorism. In accordance with...
August 27, 2025 - HOOVER, AL. - In a closely watched municipal election, longtime Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis defeated two-term incumbent Mayor Frank Brocato, securing 55.54% of the vote to Brocato's 44.46%. The results mark a significant leadership shift in one of Alabama's largest and fastest-growing cities. Election Results • Nick Derzis: 9,672 votes (55.54%) • Frank Brocato: 7,743 votes (44.46%) The race drew heightened attention after campaign materials featuring high-profile figures li...
August 27, 2025 - ANNISTON, AL. - In a decisive outcome that marks a new chapter for Anniston, Ciara Smith has been elected mayor with 57.31% of the vote, defeating four challengers in a crowded field. Smith, who had been serving as appointed mayor since May following Jack Draper's resignation, now becomes the city's first African-American and youngest-ever elected mayor. ""Yes, I am a woman, and yes, I'm the youngest, but I am also extremely knowledgeable and extremely qualified," said Smith....
August 27, 2025 - BAY MINETTE, AL - In a dramatic shake-up of Bay Minette's political landscape, voters chose new leadership in the August 26, 2025 municipal elections. After 13 years in office, incumbent Mayor Robert "Bob" Willis was defeated by challenger Joshua O. Brown, marking a pivotal moment for the Baldwin County seat. Brown secured approximately 54% of the vote, with 871 ballots cast in his favor. "As we turn the page to a new chapter for Bay Minette, we pause to thank Mayor Bob Wills...
August 26, 2025 - NORTHPORT, AL - In an era when it seems like elected officials are impervious to the will of their constituents, the voters in the city of Northport, Alabama proved that collectively their voices can still make a difference. For the past two years, the Northport City Council has consistently acted against the will of the people. Amidst huge opposition, they set the path in motion to sell the Northport Community Center, a lovely park that includes historical buildings as well so...
August 26, 2025 – MOODY, AL. – Voters went to the polls and elected city councilman Nick Rutledge as the next Mayor of Moody. Rutledge beat businessman David Howard in a hard-fought contest. Rutledge received 1263 votes (57 percent) versus Howard's 965 votes (43 percent). Moody is in St. Clair County where it lies on the economic engine that is Interstate 20. Moody is part of the Birmingham/Hoover MSA. Since 2000, Moody has grown from 8,250 residents to 13,595 people today – a growth rate of 2.8...
August 27, 2025 - CENTREVILKE, AL. - While many cities throughout Alabama elected a new mayor on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, in Centreville, Alabama, the votes for mayor were evenly split between the two candidates. With the current mayor of Centreville, Mike Oakley, and geologist, Barry Cooner, both ending up with 326 votes each. The provisional ballots have yet to be counted and will be the deciding factor in this year's election for mayor. While Mayor Mike Oakley is known for his...
How to be safer when using portable power stations As summer heats up, the demand for portable power rises. Blackouts, hurricanes, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent — hot-season outages have jumped nearly 60% in the past decade, according to Climate Central. BLUETTI notes that the current hurricane season and peak outdoor travel underscore energy challenges users face at home and on the road. At home, they rely on continuous power for essentials like fridges, air conditioning, and m...
August 27, 2025 – BIRMINGHAM, AL. – Mayor Randall Woodfin achieved total victory over his many critics with a 74.9 percent blowout election. Woodfin defeated seven different challengers including Alabama State Rep. Juandalynn Givan and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales to win a third term as mayor. "My promise as mayor is simple - to fight for your family's future like I fight for my own," said Woodfin in his victory speech. "Let's keep building a stronger, safer Birmingham - tog...
August 26, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. – Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a 22-state coalition that filed a brief in the U.S Supreme Court supporting parental rights and in opposition to a Massachusetts school district's policy that allows the "social transitioning" of children without parental consent. The law as it stands strips parents of their longstanding and fundamental right to direct the care and upbringing of their children. The case, Foote v. Ludlow School Committee, involves L...
Most livable small cities in the US The density, noise, and expense of large cities may not always be optimal for each American household. Still, trading in the convenience of a large city often means a multi-person household may be split on what factors go into making a location a best-fit. In some cases, but not others, families may be willing to make cost tradeoffs for the sake of convenience. For instance, shorter commute times to spend more time at home, or more available facilities for ext...
August 26, 2025 - Cullman and Blount Counties, AL. - Voters in portions of Cullman and Blount Counties cast their ballots Tuesday in the Special General Election for Alabama House District 11, selecting a new representative to fill the seat vacated earlier this year by Randall Shedd. Republican nominee Heath Allbright secured a decisive victory, earning 88.38% of the vote and defeating Democratic challenger Alex Braswell, who received 11.15%. A small number of write-in votes-15 total-accounted...
Istvan Csak // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Decatur in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Decatur, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Decatur by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.77 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.06 (+2.1%) - Year change: -$0.15 (-5.1%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.59 (6/15/22) - Diesel current price: $3.33 - Week change: +$0.02 (+0.6%) - Year change: -$0.03 (-0.9%) -...
Rangsarit Chaiyakun // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Anniston in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Anniston-Oxford, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Anniston by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.77 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.11 (+4.0%) - Year change: -$0.18 (-6.1%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.61 (6/11/22) - Diesel current price: $3.32 - Week change: -$0.00 (-0.1%) - Year change: -$0.13...
jittawit21 // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Huntsville in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Huntsville, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Huntsville by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.80 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.04 (+1.5%) - Year change: -$0.21 (-6.9%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.60 (6/14/22) - Diesel current price: $3.38 - Week change: +$0.01 (+0.2%) - Year change: -$0.13 (-3.7%) -...
Elen Nika // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Dothan in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Dothan, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Dothan by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.85 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.05 (+1.8%) - Year change: -$0.15 (-4.9%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.67 (6/10/22) - Diesel current price: $3.57 - Week change: +$0.02 (+0.6%) - Year change: -$0.06 (-1.7%) - Historical...
Elen Nika // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Birmingham in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Birmingham, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Birmingham by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.81 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.08 (+3.0%) - Year change: -$0.14 (-4.7%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.61 (6/13/22) - Diesel current price: $3.50 - Week change: +$0.03 (+1.0%) - Year change: -$0.03 (-0.8%) -...
Elen Nika // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Mobile in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Mobile, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Mobile by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.84 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.11 (+4.0%) - Year change: -$0.10 (-3.3%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.62 (6/15/22) - Diesel current price: $3.48 - Week change: +$0.09 (+2.7%) - Year change: +$0.06 (+1.9%) - Historical...
Istvan Csak // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Florence in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Florence by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.82 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.10 (+3.8%) - Year change: -$0.15 (-5.0%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.62 (6/10/22) - Diesel current price: $3.30 - Week change: $0.00 (0.0%) - Year change: -$0.06...
Elen Nika // Shutterstock How gas prices have changed in Auburn in the last week Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Auburn, AL metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of August 29. Auburn by the numbers - Gas current price: $2.79 --- Alabama average: $2.83 - Week change: +$0.04 (+1.5%) - Year change: -$0.11 (-3.9%) - Historical expensive gas price: $4.64 (6/12/22) - Diesel current price: $3.39 - Week change: +$0.01 (+0.4%) - Year change: +$0.01 (+0.3%) - Historical...
