A top general with U.S. Space Command visited Redstone Arsenal this week, according to an Army news release. AL.com reports the visit by Lt. Gen. Thomas L. James, Space Command deputy commander, was intended to be a fact-finding trip on the Army’s space capabilities. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is headquartered at Redstone. The U.S. Air Force named the arsenal the “preferred location” in 2021 for a permanent headquarters for the newly formed Space Command. The command had been temporarily housed at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. – which is still its location after President Joe Biden’s 2023 decision for it to remain there rather than move it to Alabama.
Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 70 this week. It officially establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support services to Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. The center will offer a range of services, including assistance with accessing benefits, employment support, and mental health resources. According to the Alabama Political Reporter, the legislation also establishes the Alabama Veterans Resource Center Fund within the State Treasury to finance the center’s operations.
Newly filed legislation would give Alabama educators and state employees up to eight weeks of parental leave. The bipartisan legislation, filed by Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, and Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, would provide eligible state and public school employees with fully paid parental leave after a birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or adoption of a child. Gov. Kay Ivey praised the filing of the bills yesterday. Under the proposed law, a female eligible employee would receive eight weeks of paid parental leave. A male employee would receive two weeks of paid leave. Advocates say paid parental leave policies can save employers money by improving employee retention, and can lead to better health outcomes for families and children.
Nadis E. Carlisle Jr. is the new interim police chief for the city of Decatur. Mayor Tab Bowling made the announcement at a press conference this week. Carlisle, who is replacing Todd Pinion, is expected to serve at least until November after the city holds elections in August. AL.com reports Carlisle rose to the position of captain of the DPD in 2007. He also served as interim police chief in Decatur in 2016 before retiring that year and joining Alabama A&M University as police chief in 2017. He was working as a school resource officer at an elementary school before Bowling tapped him to lead Decatur police.
Federal funding for a low-income utility assistance program in Huntsville has been restored after a temporary halt due to an executive order. Rocket City Now reports Huntsville Utilities confirmed that affected households will receive the promised aid, resolving the controversy that impacted 255 local families. Joe Gehrdes, director of external affairs for Huntsville Utilities, told Inside Climate News last Friday that the federal funds have been restored to the households that received the letters earlier this month.
Madison is looking for workers to staff polling places during the city’s municipal election. Poll workers must be registered voters in the city of Madison. They are required to attend a poll worker training class and must be able to work the municipal Election Day which is Aug. 26. AL.com reports pay for regular poll workers is $150 for the day, while chief inspectors are paid $200. To apply, fill out the online form at Madison al.gov.
The Von Braun Center will implement a new Bag Policy for Propst Arena beginning March 1st. Clear Bags cannot exceed 12" x 12" x 6”. Non-clear bags under 5”x7” will be permitted. Diaper bags and medical bags must be clear and meet VBC Bag Policy specifications. Baby and infant care items are allowed in a clear diaper bag but you must have a child present. This new Bag Policy only applies to events at Propst Arena. All other VBC entertainment venues, (Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Mars Music Hall, and The Playhouse will continue normal procedures.