U.S. Department of Transportation Investigating Rural Driver’s License Offices
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday it’s investigating the closure or reduction in services at part-time driver’s license offices in Alabama for civil rights violations.
State leaders shut down 31 part-time driver’s license offices in October, citing budget cuts. That meant residents in those rural areas, some with majority black populations, had to travel farther to get a new license or take a driving test. After a public backlash the state agreed to reopen the offices once a month.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says in a statement the 1964 Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in programs that receive federal funds adding it’s critical license services be free from discrimination. He says though the department has not reached any conclusions.
Governor Robert Bentley issued a statement calling the investigation politically motivated and a weak attempt to embarrass the people of Alabama. He says he’s confident there will be no discrimination claims found.
The issue has come up on the presidential campaign trail. Democratic Candidate Hilary Clinton criticized Alabama leaders for the closures at a party gathering Hoover in October.
Alabama’s racial, ethnic health disparities are ‘more severe’ than other states, report says
Data from the Commonwealth Fund show that the quality of care people receive and their health outcomes worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
That's the question we put to those at our recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham.
Q&A: A former New Orleans police chief says it’s time the U.S. changes its marijuana policy
Ronal Serpas is one of 32 law enforcement leaders who signed a letter sent to President Biden in support of moving marijuana to a Schedule III drug.
How food stamps could play a key role in fixing Jackson’s broken water system
JXN Water's affordability plan aims to raise much-needed revenue while offering discounts to customers in need, but it is currently tied up in court.
Alabama mine cited for federal safety violations since home explosion led to grandfather’s death, grandson’s injuries
Following a home explosion that killed one and critically injured another, residents want to know more about the mine under their community. So far, their questions have largely gone unanswered.
Crawfish prices are finally dropping, but farmers and fishers are still struggling
Last year’s devastating drought in Louisiana killed off large crops of crawfish, leading to a tough season for farmers, fishers and seafood lovers.
