Stories in today's paper

Jax State business school top ranked for women

THE STAR- The first thing visitors to Jacksonville State University's business school see is a mosaic profile of a naked man.

He's part of a large mural in the lobby. He drinks from the fountain of knowledge.

Women were once scarce in business schools and the business world.

It's different now, professors at the business school say.

Today many of JSU's top business professors are women, like many of the school's students.

According to a recent report by the Princeton Review, JSU is one of the top 10 business schools in the country providing the "greatest opportunity for women."

Read more here.


Area students take graduation exam

THE STAR- After 12 years in school, it all comes down to one test.

High school students spent the last week taking the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. It's a test that every student must pass before they can receive a high school diploma.

The test is 100 percent multiple choice and covers five subjects — reading, language, mathematics, science and social studies.

It's written at an 11th grade level and given to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

With the stakes so high, the test wears on the nerves of some.

Read more here.