John Archibald is a columnist for the Birmingham News, AL.com and Alabama Media Group. His column, about politics and life across the state, appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times and Mobile Register.

Before he began his column in 2004, he worked on the News’ investigative team and has covered everything from crime and punishment to Birmingham City Hall, which is not always the same thing. He grew up in North Alabama and graduated from of the University of Alabama in 1986. He is married with three children.