The World Around You

I completely agree with this:

Jay Glass, chief deputy coroner in Jefferson County, said the public lacks awareness of drug deaths. These deaths don’t attract the urgent media attention of crime or traffic accidents. Determining the cause of drug deaths often requires toxicology, and sometimes it takes weeks to get results. Reports aren’t readily available.

“There’s a lot of hidden stuff,” Glass said.

The most likely profile of a drug fatality in Jefferson County last year was a 41-year-old white man consuming a toxic combination of pharmaceuticals such as Valium and illegal substances such as cocaine or opiates, according to statistics from the coroner’s office.

Lack of awareness cripples progress on combating and preventing drug use in our communities. It is a constant struggle, but information only aids the cause. I applaud the News for their journalistic effort here.

Birmingham News: DRUG DEATHS SURGE HIGHER

To me, this is the least talked about, but one of the most important failures of the last legislative session, and this one falls squarely on Governor Riley’s shoulders. Insurance reform is a serious issue and needs to happen BEFORE the next big disaster, not after.

Mobile Press-Register: Governor is jabbed on reform progress

The accusations of “selective prosecution” will continue to fly on Monday when former Democratic Secretary of State Nancy Worley goes on trial. There is no doubt in my mind she was in the wrong, the evidence is pretty darn clear on that point. No official can ask their employees for campaign donations appropriately, it’s not ethical no matter how you cut it and that means it’s against the law.

Montgomery Advertiser: Worley prosecution intensifies political debate