The Alabama Public Library Service’s board of directors has elected state GOP chair John Wahl as its head, a move that has sparked controversy in light of recent culture wars surrounding public libraries. Groups such as Clean Up Alabama and Read Freely Alabama are divided over library content related to LGBTQ and racial justice themes. Wahl has been criticized as an “anti-library extremist” by Read Freely Alabama for aligning with conservative groups.
In other news, concerns over migrant workers from Haiti settling in small towns in Alabama continue to cause anxiety among locals. Enterprise officials are working to address misinformation and calm fears about the newcomers, acknowledging the need for monitoring potential issues that may arise from their presence.
Warrior Met Coal has reached a settlement with Black Warrior Riverkeeper over environmental violations, agreeing to fix a coal slurry impoundment and prevent wastewater pollution in a Tuscaloosa County waterway. The company will pay $250,000 and reimburse legal fees to the environmental group, as well as place the impoundment under stricter monitoring regulations.
The Mobile police issued 415 citations and warnings as part of a “Red Light Blitz” targeting traffic light violations. Additionally, a new episode of the “Down in Alabama” podcast features a listener taking the weekly news quiz. “Down in Alabama” can be found on various podcast platforms.
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