‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ coming to Broadway
Famed Alabama author Harper Lee‘s influential American novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” is being brought to life on Broadway this season. The late author’s prized novel will be brought to life by Aaron Sorkin who is adapting the novel into a play. He will be joined by Bartlett Sher (“Oslo”) who will be directing the show, which co-produced by Scott Rudin and the Lincoln Center Theater. Sorkin’s version is being advertised as a “new play, based on” Lee’s novel. National television and movie star — who was also the star of Sorkin’s HBO Series, “The Newsroom” — Jeff Daniels will be portraying lawyer Atticus Finch. “We never talked about anybody but Jeff, from the very first conversation Aaron and I ever had about doing this together,” Rudin told The Washington Post. The novel, takes place in a depression-era southern town, the narrator, a girl nicknamed Scout, tells the story of a black man who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman. Scouts father, the lawyer Finch, defends him despite threats and the scorn of many. The play comes at an optimal time in America. Although Lee’s novel celebrates the 58th anniversary of publication this July, it’s account of racial tension and frank discussion of rape and sexuality is still relevant in the lives of those in the American South today. The producers on Thursday identified other members of a the cast, including: Celia Keenan-Bolger (who’ll portray Scout); Stephen McKinley Henderson, Gideon Glick, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Frederick Weller, Will Pullen, Stark Sands, Dakin Matthews, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Phyllis Somerville and Liv Rooth. Adam Guettel will compose original music for the play; Ann Roth will design the costumes, and Miriam Buether will design the set. “We just finished two full labs of Aaron’s play, both directed by Bart, and both with this entire cast, It’s an extraordinarily rare occurrence that you can build a play on the people who will ultimately be in it…It’s a huge tribute to both Sorkin and Sher that everybody we asked to be in the production also cleared their schedules to jump into a very beefy lab process with us, especially so far in advance of the play’s production,” said Rudin. This is the first time Lee’s novel will be adapted and performed on Broadway, which The Washington Post called “an extreme rarity these days for the nation’s most prominent theatrical platform.” Performances will begin Nov. 1 at a theater to be announced.
Twinkle Cavanaugh asks Alabama Legislature to train teachers as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs
In the wake of Wednesday’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla. people across the country are looking for solutions to prevent similar massacres in the future. One such solution-seeker is the president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) and Lt. Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. She’s asking the Alabama Legislature to consider a 2013 school safety law, which was passed for Franklin County, to be considered statewide. Spearheaded by Red Bay-Democrat State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, the Alabama legislature passed HB404 in 2013, which allows suitable teachers, school personnel, and locals to volunteer to be trained as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and carry firearms on school grounds in Franklin County. Cavanaugh says the law has has given the state a model to study for almost five years when it comes to the subject of school safety “I find it shameful when people, on both sides of the aisle, play politics with tragedies. This is an exploitation tactic used almost exclusively by liberals, hotheads, and children,” Cavanaugh said in a press release. “Yesterday there was a knee-jerk reaction to try to capture the headlines of every news story in Alabama for political gain. I believe we need strong, measured leadership that puts our children and teachers first- not political pandering.” Cavanaugh added, “Yesterday, I spoke with Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, along with the bill’s sponsor, and the bill seems to be working in Franklin County. I would ask that the legislature look at this bill and look how well it has worked for Franklin County. This bill could be expanded to a statewide level on a bipartisan basis, as the 2013 bill passed without a single ‘nay’ vote in both the House and the Senate.” This bill would allow local control of school safety, giving decision-making power to a county’s sheriff, principals, and school board. According to Cavanaugh, many Alabama counties do not have the funding for resource officers, leaving law enforcement with a long response time to schools in an active shooter situation. Which is precisely why HB404 was introduced and passed in the first place — following the Sandy Hook school shooting, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office realized that their response time in a similar situation would be over thirty minutes to East Franklin.
Lawmaker to introduce bill to Alabama teachers to carry firearms
Guntersville-Republican, State Rep. Will Ainsworth on Thursday said he will introduce legislation to allow some public school teachers and administrators to undergo firearms training and arm themselves during school hours, in order to help prevent school shoots like the one that occurred Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. “Our children are sitting ducks in gun-free schools. As the parent of three public school students, I believe we must act now in order to prevent another tragedy,” Ainsworth posted on Facebook. Ainsworth, who is not seeking re-election in to the State House but is running for Lt. Governor, said he still has research to do before introducing a bill. Once introduced, Ainsworth’s bill would join a handful several others across the nation endeavoring to put more guns in schools for the defense of teachers and students. Similar bills have been filed in Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia this year alone. If successful, Ainsworth’s bill would just at least nine, which already allow some form of concealed carry in schools.
What ever happened to Spencer Bachus?
For over 20 years, Birmingham-native Spencer Bachus represented Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1993 to 2015. At one point he was even the Chairman of the prestigious House Financial Services Committee. In 2013, during his 11th consecutive term, he announced his retirement from the House saying he felt it was time to allow others to serve. “It is an honor that I never dreamed could have been possible for me and the words ‘thank you’ are far from adequate,” Bachus told POLITICO. “But as Ecclesiastes 3 says, to everything there is a season and I feel in my heart that now is the time for me to announce this decision and allow others to have the opportunity to serve.” Bachus has been out of the headlines the past few years, until April 2017 when President Donald Trump tapped the former Congressman for a four-year term to serve as a Board member of the Export-Import Bank. During his tenure as chairman of the Financial Service Committee, Bachus was a known supporter of the controversial bank and supported its re-authorization. He even once said the bank “is available to help those small businesses compete and win in the global marketplace.” But Bachus has yet to assume the role as he, and other Ex-Im nominees, wait on the U.S. Senate for approval. In December, nearly eight months after his nomination, the Senate Banking Committee finally approved Bachus and three other appointees, allowing their nominations to be considered on the Senate floor. But that’s yet to happen. The bank is waiting for confirmation of at least three board members in order to resume its daily functions and approval of loans and guarantees above $10 million, which would allow the U.S. to resume export financing for major projects such as commercial aircraft, power turbines and chemical plants for the first time since June 2015.
Auburn pharmacy researcher recommends antivirals as key defense this flu season
By: Matt Crouch | Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the flu is “widespread” across the United States with 48 states reporting widespread activity. With this year’s strain having such an impact, Dr. Marilyn Bulloch, a clinical faculty member in Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy, suggests the use of antivirals in prevention and treatment. Both the influenza A and influenza B viruses are prominent this year with nearly 15,000 flu-related hospitalizations since October. Vaccines are available through pharmacists and physicians and have shown some resistance to this year’s strain. According to Bulloch, antivirals have shown to be an effective complement to the flu vaccine. “Anyone who is diagnosed with the flu and does not have a reason to not seek therapy can receive antivirals,” said Bulloch. “Studies have shown that they decrease symptoms by several days. This season, the virus has been particularly virulent, and a few days without symptoms such as fever, gastrointestinal upset and muscle aches may help reduce complications of the flu such as hospitalizations.” Current options include Tamiflu (oseltamivir) which is available orally and Relenza (zanamivir), which is an inhalation product that comes as a Diskhaler. For children, Zanamivir is approved for treatment in those over seven and prevention in children over five. Oseltamivir is historically the most common antiviral and can be used for treatment at any age over two-weeks old and for the prevention of influenza in patients over three months of age. There is a one-dose IV product available but it is unknown how many hospitals and urgent care centers have it available. Only Tamiflu is recommended for patients who are hospitalized. There are certain populations that antivirals are strongly recommended this flu season. They include: children over two and adults over 65, those with compromised immune systems, children on long-term aspirin therapy, pregnant women and women who gave birth less than two weeks before influenza diagnosis, American Indians and obese patients with a BMI over 40. Treatment is recommended for patients with certain chronic conditions involving the lung, heart, kidney or liver; those with diabetes, sickle cell, seizures or a history of stroke should also seek antiviral treatment. While it is highly suggested for those populations, anyone with a chronic medical treatment should discuss with their physician the benefit and need for antiviral treatment. “Treatment is most effective when it is started soon after symptom developed, ideally within 48 hours. However, there is some data suggesting patients may still benefit even if treatment is delayed as long as 72 hours after symptom development,” said Bulloch. “Antivirals are recommended for anyone with a severe case of influenza, whose illness is complicated by other issues such as pneumonia, and for those whose influenza does not start to resolve with time.” The good news for those who may come into contact with the flu is that resistance to the medications used to treat it has been almost non-existent this season. While treatments have been effective, prevention is still key and those susceptible to the flu should be prepared. “People who are exposed to those with diagnosed influenza, including household contacts, should strongly consider getting antivirals for the prevention of influenza rather than waiting to become infected,” said Bulloch. For more information on the flu this season, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/. Republished with permission from Auburn University.
Doug Jones announces first state tour
Senator Doug Jones announced a state tour of Alabama on Friday. This is Jones first tour since being sworn into office in January. Jones’ plan is to travel across Alabama, stopping in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Selma, Centreville, and Muscle Shoals, highlighting crucial changes that need to be made in the cities he visits. The newly elected U.S. Senator plans to speak on several issues including rural healthcare, defense, infrastructure, workforce development, and education. “It’s been a privilege to represent Alabama in Washington, but there’s nothing like getting home and hearing from folks first-hand,” said Jones. “I’m eager to hit the road and visit with as many Alabamians across the state as I can next week. We’re going to focus on the issues that are most important to our communities, from healthcare to jobs to education.” The tour begins in Mobile on Monday, Feb. 19 and ends in Montgomery Friday, Feb. 23. Here is a detailed list of all stops: Monday, February 19: MOBILE Where: 100 Addsco Road, Mobile, Ala. 36602 When: 3:00 p.m. Roundtable discussion about issues facing HBCU students Where: Bishop State College, 351 North Board Street, Mobile, Ala. 36603 – President’s Board Room When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 20: SELMA / CENTREVILLE Roundtable discussion on infrastructure, healthcare, and education with Selma Mayor Dario Melton and community leaders Where: Selma Performing Arts Center, 1000 Selma Ave., Selma, Ala. 36701 When: 10:00 a.m. Tour of the Rural Health Medical Program, Inc. to learn how the federally qualified community health center program helps them provide care Where: 101 Park Place, Selma, Ala. 36701 When: 2:00 p.m. Tour of Cahaba Medical Care Foundation to learn how the how the federally qualified community health center program helps them provide care and how they train medical students to serve in rural and underserved areas Where: 405 Belcher Street, Centreville, AL 35042 When: 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, February 21: BIRMINGHAM / MUSCLE SHOALS Visit to the Alabama Air National Guard 117th Air Refueling Wing Where: 5401 East Lake Boulevard, Birmingham, Ala. 35217 When: 8:45 a.m. Visit Northwest Shoals Community College to tour the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS) Where: 800 George Wallace Blvd., Building 100 (Administrative Building), Muscle Shoals, Ala. 35661 When: 2:30 p.m. Roundtable with students in the Northwest Shoals Community College Workforce Development Program and David Fernandes, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama Where: 800 Wallace Blvd. Building 110 (Seminar Room), Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22: HUNTSVILLE Where: Redstone Arsenal, 4488 Martin Road, Huntsville, Ala.(Garrison headquarters lobby) When: 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 23: MONTGOMERY Remarks at the YMCA Alabama Youth Legislature Where: RSA Activity Center, 201 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Ala. 36104 When: 11:45 a.m.
Senate committee votes to end civil asset forfeiture by police
Courts in 14 Alabama counties awarded $2.2 million to law enforcement agencies through civil asset forfeiture actions filed in 2015 – a practice some Alabama lawmakers is hoping to end. Civil asset forfeiture essentially allows law enforcement take and keep property even if its owner isn’t convicted of a crime. On Wednesday, the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to change the civil asset forfeiture process in hopes of protecting the property and due process rights of Alabamians. Under current state law, law enforcement agencies can seize property on the mere suspicion that it was either involved in a crime or derived from certain criminal activity. A civil court then decides whether the agencies involved can keep it. In these court proceedings, while the initial legal burden falls on the prosecutor, the low standard of proof means that the property owner carries the burden of proving the property is “innocent” of the alleged crime. “Civil asset forfeiture is broken beyond repair,” said Sam Brooke, deputy legal director for the SPLC. “We urge legislators to ensure that only people convicted of a crime can lose their property through criminal forfeiture and to bring transparency and accountability to the forfeiture process. These reforms would protect due process rights and hold those who commit crimes accountable.” HB287: the Forfeiture Accountability and Integrity Reform Act, or FAIR Act, introduced by Indian Springs-Republican State Rep. Arnold Mooney, would do just that. The legislation would put an end to civil asset forfeiture in Alabama in the absence of a criminal conviction. 25 states and the nation’s capital city have already already gotten rid of civil asset forfeiture without a conviction.
Birmingham launching Bronze Valley initiative aimed at diversifying tech economy
Birmingham is looking to diversify its technology economy through the Bronze Valley initiative that focuses on innovation, diversity and growth. Non-profit Bronze Valley Corp. has identified those as the cornerstones of the next generation of great American cities. “We will be a catalyst for change,” Bronze Valley Executive Director Neill Wright said. A new organization established late in 2017, Bronze Valley is working to create an education-to opportunity-to-outcome pipeline for communities that are underrepresented in technology careers, as entrepreneurs and in other fields where innovators will lead the way in creating the jobs of the future. Bronze Valley launches Wednesday and will provide a rallying point for communities looking to emerge from this era of change as places where potential – both economic and human – becomes reality. The largest city in Alabama and the state’s financial center, Birmingham is situated at the hub of an emerging network of innovation, diversity and growth that spans the Southeast. Building on existing assets while nurturing new ones, Birmingham is positioned to anchor the development of an ecosystem in which technology-based businesses thrive – and where economic opportunity and cultural progress are expanded as part of a strategic, comprehensive, collaborative approach. A veteran of 25 years in banking and finance, Wright said that while Birmingham and Alabama have progressed economically and otherwise, “We can do better.” Attracting capital to support minority- and female-owned startups – and providing mentorship for entrepreneurs – is only part of the picture, he adds. Bronze Valley will bring “innovation, ideas and concentrated thought” to technology-based business development, becoming “a force for improving lives in the community as a whole.” With that in mind, Bronze Valley has a dual mission: generating transformative, sustainable growth expanding the breadth and depth of economic opportunity in Birmingham, throughout Alabama and across the Southeast. “There is a need,” Wright said. “And there is an opportunity to meet that need. As business leaders, we have an obligation to enhance and improve our ecosystem for growth. We can fulfill that obligation by creating an entrepreneurial environment that is more nurturing, more supportive and more inclusive. Bronze Valley is the perfect vehicle for that.” Bronze Valley’s official public launch is Feb. 14 with an invitation-only inaugural conference in Birmingham that will bring together corporate executives, elected officials, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policymakers and thought leaders from across the country. The conference will consider long-term solutions for the barriers to diversity that have prevailed in America’s tech growth centers – including the well-publicized diversity struggles of Silicon Valley. Incorporating the commitment to diversity into its economic development strategy is part of what the founders and supporters of Bronze Valley view as a comprehensive approach to building a robust startup culture. The success of that approach will be determined by the level of collaboration Bronze Valley can generate – and sustain – between business, government, primary and secondary education, colleges and universities, nonprofits and community organizations. The success of Bronze Valley will be tracked in real terms: jobs created; companies started, attracted and expanded; improved educational attainment; and growth in minority and female employment in technology fields. But the ultimate indicator of success, organizers say, will be a shift in the way communities think about themselves and their economic prospects, and in how they go about securing a more prosperous future. “It’s about creating and perpetuating a culture of innovation,” said John Hudson, a member of the Bronze Valley board of directors. Hudson is senior vice president of Marketing and Business Development for Alabama Power, a corporate sponsor of Bronze Valley. “Not just in Birmingham and Alabama, but throughout the Southeast, we have the momentum and we have the ingredients,” Hudson said. “With Bronze Valley, we’re putting the collaborative infrastructure in place to support transformational growth and progress.” Hudson points to disparities in the availability of funding and resources available to people of color. For instance, he notes, African-American women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in America, and yet little more than one-half of 1 percent (0.58 percent) currently obtain startup funding for their businesses or ideas. Hudson said the “culture of innovation” envisioned by Bronze Valley includes turning such disparities into opportunities and positive outcomes. Cities, states and regions that can create that kind of culture – and the individual and collective opportunities it produces – will be well-positioned to take advantage of the changes shaping the economy of the 21st century, officials said. But time is of the essence, they add. “We have to act now,” Hudson said. “This is a critical moment for us if we’re going to take full advantage of what can be accomplished through Bronze Valley. The time is ripe for this idea and the role it can play in creating opportunity, realizing potential and nurturing places where economic development and cultural progress go hand in hand to strengthen entire communities. “That’s what Bronze Valley is about, and those are the things we’re going to accomplish.” Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
