Join Ike Morgan each weekday for a sometimes breezy, sometimes serious roundup of the biggest, the most peculiar, and the most Alabama stories, of the day.
The Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan podcast is an absolute gem. As a listener who discovered it during the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been hooked ever since. This podcast has become an integral part of my daily routine, providing me with a reason to love being from Alabama even more. Every morning, as I wake up at 4 am to drive a bus, I enjoy making my French Press coffee while listening to Ike Morgan. His ability to summarize the latest news while injecting personality, humor, and local color is truly remarkable. This podcast is a real local treasure that keeps me informed and starts my day off with a smile.
One of the best aspects of the Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan podcast is how effectively it brings together various news tidbits and presents them in an engaging manner. Morgan's storytelling abilities make me feel like I'm hearing a story from a friend rather than just receiving news updates. His calm, cool, and funny demeanor adds an extra layer of enjoyment to each episode. The way he delivers the highlights of Alabama news quickly and informatively is commendable. Additionally, his voice and delivery are top-notch, creating an engaging listening experience for both Alabamians and those who didn't have the privilege of growing up in Alabama.
While it's challenging to find any faults with this podcast, one aspect that could be improved upon is the length of each episode. At times, five minutes can feel too short considering all the interesting stories that are covered. It would be great if there were occasional longer episodes that allowed for more in-depth discussions or interviews related to Alabama current events. However, this is only a minor complaint compared to the overall quality of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan podcast is undoubtedly worth every minute of your time. Whether you're a native Alabamian or someone who has been away for years like myself, this podcast provides a sense of home and keeps you up to date with the happenings in the state. It's informative, humorous, and offers a quick overview of Alabama news that is far from boring. If you're looking for an enjoyable way to start your day or want to stay connected to your Alabama roots, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen.
It's a moment of change and at least some turmoil in the Alabama Republican Party. A leaked audio managed to get people talking, but there also is a coming change of leadership in the party as well as the state. Reporters Mike Cason and John Sharp are on the podcast for a discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today: open vs. closed primaries, voter-fraud indictments and an Alabama forest open to drilling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's report: A formerly fast-tracked bill on the PSC is now lying in state; the flu bug; an extreme-sports competition; and the return of the hummingbirds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have a Goat Hill lightning round, a response from the developer of that giant Baldwin County proposed solar farm and maybe, just maybe a little tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the annual state of the union spectacle is perhaps somewhat kinda predictable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A lot of business news on today's report. But first, some in Dadeville want the state AG to step in on that mass-shooting case. Then there are a couple big builds in the works, an affordable-housing project in Athens and an "AI factor" in Birmingham. Also, if you've been up nights worrying that a day will come when we won't have enough fast-food fried chicken, then I have news that should ease your mind if not your waistline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You haven't heard much about gun bills this legislative session. There are some, but not many are sure bets to get momentum. We also have news on women Baptist pastors and an imprisoned pastor. And if you're listening from certain parts of Mexico, you already know to be hunkered down until you hear otherwise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Plea deals for suspects in the 2023 Dadeville birthday-party shooting; Alabama makes it harder to set environmental standards; severe-weather tax holiday and a proposed gun tax holiday; how Amtrak's doing on the Gulf Coast; record highs from yesterday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have Mardi Gras crime stats, OSHA action after a couple of workplace deaths, and what some Alabama political types are up to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today: The Mardi Gras finale (including the "best of" the Comic Cowboys signs), the latest on Tommy Tuberville's residency issue, and the passing of an Alabama original: George Barber Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Duvall, who passed away on Sunday, was probably my very favorite actor. I've had thoughts on his work for a long time, and I've always considered him an honorary southerner. So I have thoughts I'll share. We also have news that's really just breaking as we're publishing this this, the passing of civil-rights icon Jesse Jackson. Also, how our delegation voted on the SAVE Act and a change at the Alabama Public Service Commission ... but not the change we were expecting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nursing shortage, the Britt-Trump relationship and Spring Break in Gulf Shores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have a new punishment against some child predators -- if it holds up in court. We also have a settlement in a "forever chemicals" lawsuit and what all that sniffing and sneezing's about. Also, on late Lt. Gen. Hal Moore's birthday we'll revisit his brief stint as the namesake of the Army base in Columbus, Ga., and Fred Benning, the Nebraska World War I veteran who was honored by the Trump Administration's re-renaming it Fort Benning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have politicians lining up on one side or another of the bill to revamp the selection of the Public Service Commission. Also, we items on a construction-worker academy, a big contract for the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind, and "Protect the MoonPie." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have several things to cover today, including a huge solar project that has nearby residents less than happy, and a fast-moving bill to change the way Public Serve Commission seats are filled. Also, an update on Alabama's first IKEA location, a pardon for Stephen Nodine and Mobile's claim on the original Mardi Gras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have updates on the wild politics of Lispcomb, Ala., a big defense contract and Ella Langley reaching dizzying new heights with her latest hit. Then we'll share some of what was reflected in that survey that many of you took last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have oil-drilling leases proposed for the Conecuh National Forest, a sex-trafficking life sentence, and the passing of a Huntsville icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here's a link to John Archibald's story on Fonzie Andrade. Today's weekend extra episode features the story of an Alabama man who's been deported and left a fiancé and very young child here. His name is Alfonso Andrade. You'll hear him referred to as "Fonzie," which is what his friends and neighbors in Blount County call him. AL.com's John Archibald put together a heck of a story by actually traveling to Mexico and spending time with this man and his family. At the end, John and host Ike Morgan discuss the story and John's experiences reporting it. As an intro, Ike comments on social media and political discourse and shares perspectives that have helped him wade through the muck of politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last chance to take the audience survey! Today's report will give you a bit of a military fix. We have some defense-contract stuff, the ship showing up for Mardi Gras, and then a boys basketball team that's run into another playoff technical difficulty. I'm Ike Morgan and we're Down in Alabama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have updates on some legislative movement this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you listen to "Down in Alabama" we want to hear your opinions about our podcast and what kind of Alabama news you're seeking. Click here to take the survey described in this podcast episode. Today we have legislation to restrict what the state can do regarding environmental protection. We also have more politics and what's missing at the Battleship Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you listen to "Down in Alabama" we want to hear your opinions about our podcast and what kind of Alabama news you're seeking. Click here to take the survey described in this podcast episode. Today we have the latest on the residency issue surrounding the Tuberville and Wahl campaigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you listen to "Down in Alabama" we want to hear your opinions about our podcast and what kind of Alabama news you're seeking. Click here to take the survey described in this podcast episode. On today's report we have another statewide political candidate being challenged on whether or not he really calls Alabama home. Also, a coach has lawyered up after being handcuffed after a basketball game, and Mardi Gras is underway in Mobile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you listen to "Down in Alabama" we want to hear your opinions about our podcast and what kind of Alabama news you're seeking. Click here to take the survey described in this podcast episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're going to welcome back reporter Joseph D. Bryant to talk about some pretty frank jousting that's been going on in Birmingham politics. Listen to the call between Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales Read more from Joseph D. Bryant Also on today's report, we'll have a short state legislative roundup, a weather heads-up and an Alabama teacher who's a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have a couple of immigration-enforcement stories, one involving an arrest of a woman allegedly impeding another arrest, and another story on a bill that would make it easier for local law to make immigration arrests. Also, we have an update on a school board that had been taken over by the state, and the cost of using a new STAR ID alternative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have an official challenge filed regarding Tommy Tuberville's residency status as the gubernatorial campaign kicks into gear. Also we have a couple of lawmaking updates and the passing of a Methodist preacher. Plus, the quick story of an Alabama who became Lincoln's pick for a Reconstruction-era governor in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Remember when Tommy Tuberville said he was going to sue the heck out of the Biden Administration over his phone records and the Jan. 6 investigation? A lot has happened regarding the law that allows him to do had he chose to proceed, so we'll catch up on that. Also, things have gotten so bad in Lipscomb that volunteers are working the sanitation route. We'll also touch on a pre-emptive warning from law enforcement in Panama City Beach. That's an Alabama story, to me, because of unfortunate ties we have to past events there. And a music-venue location you wouldn't necessarily think of has been pulling in some pretty heavy names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's report: A big change in high school sports classifications, a potential ban on a reading-education practice, and the passing of longtime outdoors reporter Mike Bolton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today the report will include some weather, the school-bus-driver shortage, an election deadline and what they're doing with the dirt they dredge out of the Port of Mobile channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're talking about about weather, a Birmingham political rivalry and a Lower Alabama moonshine bust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We'll let you know where presumptive GOP nominee for governor Tommy Tuberville said regarding President Trump and Greenland. Also, last year was a record for economic development. And a BIrmingham-based company wins a big civil case related to its work in Colombia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does President Trump's endorsement of Barry Moore mean for a crowded Senate field, a police chief wants people to be more responsible on social media, and a familiar friend will be returning to school lunchrooms soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Trump picks his man for the Republicans in the U.S. Senate, a fight is brewing over Internet taxes, and some jobs in Alabama are among the best paid in the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new law would make it a felony to attack an elected official, a beloved symbol of Alabama is making a comeback, while the secrets of another Alabama icon are coming to light a decade after her death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alabama's schools are seeing better results, and the state's leaders want people around the country to pay attention, a north Alabama man had an unfortunate encounter with a dressed up deer, and a well-traveled former Auburn quarterback is making his own tour of America's college football landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers meet and Gov. Kay Ivey speaks. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville warns of Muslim takeover. Civil-right pioneer Claudette Colvin dies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Kay Ivey's final State of the State address is tonight, DHR is still announcing ways to make EBT cards secure, and Birmingham's mayor dropped a thought about a major public-transportation project that may be just a dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's report: possible digital IDs in our future, a police funding boost for a small city, and a special note for those who live in the 334 ... or maybe we now call it the 334-slash-483. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With the Legislative Session cranking up next week, we have AL.com capitol reporter Mike Cason on today to give us a sneak peek. Click here to see stories by Mike Cason. Click here for more politics. First, we have news items on a Trump proclamation that could affect a Birmingham plant, the original Foosackley's, the passing of a former state lawmaker, and where salamander love is stopping traffic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have a court case over whether police can make you show identification in some instances (other than during traffic stops). Alabama's November's unemployment figure was better than the U.S.'s. And Alabama Music Hall of Famer Jim McBride has passed away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sen. Tuberville made some claims about Jan. 6 that aren't brand-new and largely reflect what President Trump and pro-Trump activists have been alleging. We'll share them here and along with the context of some established reporting regarding that day. We'll also talk about space spending and hopefully mention Ella Cook's murderer for the final time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hyundai production, UAB Health growth, state political personnel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today let's talk about Alabama reaction to the military action in Venezuela, New Years Eve gunfire in Birmingham and a record for Bo Nix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We'll update Birmingham's homicide total for the year, especially since we leaned into that story so much in '24. Also, there's more security coming to the SNAP program, and it was hard for a lot of people to watch Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have a rough flu season that's already had some tragic effects and is being accompanied by cases of a superbug going around. We have the end of the publication of a major southern newspaper. And we have the Crimson Tide going after win number ... well, we'll get to that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have an update on the woman who was sentenced to prison after her stillborn child tested positive for meth. The defense has some new evidence that persuaded a judge to take another look at it. We also have an Alabama city where three out of five city council members were unseated by a court. And we have the latest study on more people choosing to move to the South -- including Alabama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today: the Methodist split that's still dragging out, Philip Rivers, a UPS layoff, hikes and a really cold swim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We'll talk about a possible First Amendment-related case, an AI-related Congressional measure, and a camo ballcap from the 1980s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Investigative editor Ashley Remkus will join us to talk about "Stories That Made a Difference in 2025." Here are some links to the stories Ashley highlights: DOGE cuts directly affected Alabama institutions. Hugh Freeze's frequent golfing rounds became big news. Columnist Roy S. Johnson shared his prostate-cancer experience, and people are getting tested. Help arrived for students who didn't have beds to sleep in. A citizen who'd been critical of a small city was arrested ... but then released. In a still-developing story, there have been accusations of parking-ticket entrapment. The parole rate plummeted ... and then the board chair was ousted. Some glaring evidence led a judge to call for a new trial for a Death Row inmate (although the Attorney General's Office is still fighting it). A death sentence was commuted. In Alabama. Seriously. The State Legislature acted quickly after a breastfeeding-jurors story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're talking Christmas history with AL.com's Greg Garrison. Also, we have a couple of news items: One's an update on the SS United States, the big ship that's docked in Mobile. The other is on a rabbi at a historic synagogue planning to leave the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today: a leadership change related to the world's largest rocket factory, a settlement with Mercedes and an alleged illegal surprise in some kindergartners' candy bags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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