Down in Alabama with Ike Morgan

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

Today we have some capital punishment facts and figures, the end of the oyster and red snapper seasons, and a message from the TSA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Christmas week so we'll talk about Christmas weather and the growth of Christmas tree farms. And we have the passing of a Birmingham ballplayer who longtime Braves fans will remember. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports reporter Matt Stahl will give us an unusual take on the college football postseason and what it should or shouldn't look like. We'll also talk about Alabama's playoff game today at Oklahoma. Click here for more reporting from Matt Stahl Also, the suspect in the mass shooting that killed Ella Cook was found and identified. We'll let you know why Space Force flags are flying and how some state legislators are looking to change some geographic names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're down to one famously sports-related statewide political candidate. We'll tick off the ones that've decided not to run and give you the latest on the one who has stayed on. Also, we have updates on some conservation land, homeless-camp teardowns and L.L. Bean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have the shooting death of a well-known TV sports reporter Christina Chambers, a canceled diversity policy at a water board, and an update on that Moody High football celebration that landed the program in hot water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk about the moon, DEI and why flags are lowered this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's briefing, Alabama lost one of its on in the Brown University shooting on Saturday. Medical cannabis is still a thing here, just taking a while to roll out. And there are sports updates on Philip Rivers and Kalen DeBoer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Includes news updates on Fannie Mae, the West Alabama Corridor and a space-freezer contract. Then for a second segment today we have reporter Rebecca Griesbach back to talk about her time here covering education and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the briefing we'll talk about what Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers thinks about the military's Caribbean double-tap, a big award for a Pike County teacher, and another scam heads-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's talk about a pharmaceutical producer making a big footprint in the state, cigars getting folks in trouble, an aunt looking for help for her sister's baby, and something about the word "football." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's talk about online sales tax, immigration enforcement and why Hangout will chill out in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have an apparent end to the Islamic Academy of Alabama's effort to move from Homewood to Hoover, we have something the Crimson Tide hopes holds true in the fast-changing world of college football, and we have what our Spotify Wrapped said about you. Or some of you, at least. Click here to vote on the best Christmas display in north Alabama Click here to vote on the best Christmas display in central Alabama Click here to vote on the best Christmas display in south Alabama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're going to check in with weather reporter Leigh Morgan as we begin the winter season and also talk about how accurate this year's hurricane-season forecast was. In today's report we also have early Amtrak success on the Gulf Coast, human remains finally identified, and a really big house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have some economy numbers, the continuation of a high school football dynasty and a house full of monkeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices