News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Alabama Senate passes bill to ease job licensing for some with felony convictions
Alabama Senate passes bill to ease job licensing for some with felony convictions
by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector
March 6, 2025
The Alabama Senate Thursday passed legislation aimed at removing barriers to employment for some people with felony convictions.
SB 138, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, would prohibit certain occupational licensing boards from automatically denying licenses based solely on a criminal conviction, unless the crime is directly related to the duties of the profession.
A “certificate of employability” would be issued to certain parolees who meet eligibility requirements, such as job skills training while incarcerated and serve as evidence of rehabilitation.
The bill was amended during the debate to exempt some health care professionals, such as doctors, dentists and pharmacists, as well as professionals in the banking and insurance industries.
The bill passed 29-0 and heads to the House for consideration.
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Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.
The post Alabama Senate passes bill to ease job licensing for some with felony convictions appeared first on alabamareflector.com
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Cougar exhibit opens at Birmingham Zoo
SUMMARY: The Birmingham Zoo is celebrating its 70th anniversary by unveiling a new exhibit featuring a cougar cub and two bobcats, both of which were orphaned and unable to survive in the wild. The cougar was found caught in a fence in Montana, while the bobcats were abandoned in California. The zoo aims to educate visitors about local wildlife, including species like bears and eagles. Though the animals require time to adjust to their new environment, zoo staff are working to build trust with them. A third cougar cub will join the exhibit soon, and visitors can vote to name the current cub until April 1st.

Cougar exhibit opens at Birmingham Zoo
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News from the South - Alabama News Feed
News 5 Now at 8 | Mar. 21, 2025
SUMMARY: On March 21, 2025, News 5 Now at 8 featured hosts Shamani Baker and Bill discussing local news and weather. Significant stories included an investigation into the Fair Hope Public Library’s removal of books deemed inappropriate for children, which threatened its funding. Okal Lissa County provided free latches to secure garbage cans against black bears attracted by spring food sources. Construction began on a $35 million medical facility in Daphne, expected to create new healthcare jobs. Additionally, DoorDash’s new financing option for deliveries was highlighted, alongside March Madness updates, including Alabama’s basketball tournament progress. The hosts also engaged viewers with questions about music and local wages.

Allegations of obscene material at the Fairhope Public Library, latches on Okaloosa County garbage cans to stop bears and round one of the March Madness tournament continues with the Tide and Trojans.
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Victim of drunk driving accident in Pensacola walks again after 19 months of recovery
SUMMARY: Erica Brigman, a victim of a drunk driving accident in Pensacola, has made a miraculous recovery after nearly 19 months. The incident occurred in July 2023 when Brigman was struck head-on while trying to enter a parking lot, resulting in severe injuries, including broken bones and major spinal damage. Despite the grim prognosis from a doctor who had never seen anyone survive such internal injuries, Brigman defied the odds. With unwavering support from her friend Anna Lewis, she has now regained the ability to walk unaided, a milestone she once thought impossible during her hospital stay.

Erika Brigman can walk once again without a crutch or assistance after enduring a head-on collision with a drunk driver in July 2023.
FULL STORY: https://trib.al/24tWfqc
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