State and Surrounding Area News

Wes Allen Announces Anti-Fraud Initiative, Reminds Voters of Absentee Ballot Deadlines
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, who is currently a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, has announced a proposal aimed at identifying

Gadsden State Honors 440 Spring Graduates, Awarding 732 Credentials
Centre, AL – Gadsden State Community College recognized 440 graduates during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremony held May 14 at the Gadsden State Cherokee campus. Graduates

Alabama Attorney General Supports Federal Rule Change Aimed at Speeding Review of Death Penalty Cases
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 16 states in supporting a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Justice

Alabama Files Emergency Stay Applications with U.S. Supreme Court in Congressional Redistricting Cases
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed emergency applications with the United States Supreme Court seeking a stay of a federal court

Senator Katie Britt Secures $426,000 for Coosa County EMA and Ambulance Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently secured a total of $426,000 in appropriations funding for the Coosa County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) through

Katie Britt Introduces Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Katie Britt announced the introduction of the Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026, legislation that would permanently reauthorize the federal E-Verify program and

Honda Grant Supports STEM Expansion at Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama
Rainbow City, AL – Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama has announced it received a $25,000 Community Event Sponsorship from Honda to support the grand opening

Gadsden State Celebrates Nursing Apprenticeship Signings with Local Healthcare Employers
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College recently recognized six nursing students and two regional healthcare employers during a signing ceremony for its Registered Nursing

Governor Kay Ivey Launches 2026 Summer Reading Challenge for Alabama Students
Montgomery, AL – Kay Ivey has announced the launch of her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging Alabama students entering kindergarten through eighth grade to spend the

Alabama State Parks Partners with Guest Services Inc. for Operations at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama State Parks has announced a new long-term partnership with Guest Services Inc. (GSI), a hospitality management company that operates within state

Governor Ivey, Attorney General Marshall Respond to Latest Allen v. Milligan Ruling
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released statements Tuesday following a federal court ruling in the ongoing congressional redistricting

Gadsden State to Host Cardinal Commit Orientation Sessions for New Students This Summer
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College will host its Cardinal Commit summer orientation program for new students throughout June, July, and August across multiple campuses

Governor Ivey Announces Alabama Rural Health Transformation Workshops; Gadsden Event Set for May 27
Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will host six workshops across Alabama next week

Area Soccer Players Earn Alabama High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Honors
Players from area schools who were voted to the Alabama High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State teams. GIRLS SUPER ALL-STATE Second team Ava Haygood, F,

Gadsden State FAME Program Welcomes Largest Cohort Yet with 50 Students Signing On
OXFORD, AL — Gadsden State Community College celebrated a major milestone for workforce development on April 30 as 50 students officially signed with industry partners

ALEA Launches “101 Days of Summer Safety” Campaign Along with Memorial Day Travel Surge
MONTGOMERY — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has launched its annual “101 Days of

Governor Ivey Encourages Veterans and Military Families to Explore Alabama Outdoors Through State Benefits Programs
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabama veterans, active-duty military members and their families to take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities available across the

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Awards Scholarships to Students Across Northeast Alabama
Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Cardinal Foundation has announced the recipients of its scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, recognizing students for academic

Senators Britt and Luján Introduce Bipartisan Water Reuse Legislation
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at encouraging investment in water reuse technologies across

Gadsden State’s Katelyn St. Clair Named NJCAA All-American
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College women’s basketball sophomore Katelyn St. Clair has been named an NJCAA All-American, becoming the program’s first recipient of the

With Freedom Comes Great Sacrifice: Memorial Day 2026
By NICOLE JONES WADSWORTH Memorial Day, at its heart, is one of the most solemn observances in American life, It is a day set

Gadsden State Recognizes Students Completing Healthcare Training Programs
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College recently recognized students who completed healthcare training programs and earned industry certifications during a pinning ceremony held May 5,

Randolph County’s State Tournament Run Ends, but Tigers Poised for Strong Return After Back-to-Back Appearances
Randolph County’s stay at Choccolocco Park short, but Tigers return most of their roster after making first two state-tourney appearances back to back By Joe

Attorney General Steve Marshall Issues Statement Following Sentencing in Aniah Blanchard Murder Case
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement Thursday following the sentencing of Ibraheem Yazeed to life in prison for the 2019

Westbrook Christian Claims Class 4A State Title Behind MVP Brodie Johnson’s Complete-Game Performance
MVP Johnson finishes stellar series with complete game, and Warriors claim Class 4A state title under first-year head coach. By Joe Medley JACKSONVILLE — Most

Governor Kay Ivey Announces America 250 Alabama Celebration at State Capitol
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday formally announced plans for an “America 250 Alabama Celebration” at the Alabama State Capitol as part of

Ranburne’s Historic State Tournament Run Ends Against G.W. Long, but Bulldogs Show Program Growth
Ranburne’s stay at state softball tournament ends with loss to G.W. Long, but getting there and winning a game marks progress By Joe Medley OXFORD

Gadsden State Adult Education Recognizes GED and High School Diploma Recipients
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College recently recognized 59 students during its 2026 Adult Education Graduation ceremony held May 5 at Wallace Hall on the

Jacksonville State University Opens Alabama’s First Challenger Learning Center in Rainbow City
Rainbow City, AL – Jacksonville State University, alongside regional leaders, educators, and community partners, officially celebrated the grand opening of the Jacksonville State University STEAM Institute

Gadsden State Health Sciences Division Honors Nursing Graduates During Pinning Ceremony
CENTRE, AL — The Gadsden State Community College Health Sciences Division recognized 55 nursing students during a Registered Nursing pinning ceremony held May 7, 2026,

Restock Alabama to Hold Second Annual Bass Release Event at Logan Martin Lake
LINCOLN, AL — Municipal leaders, Alabama state representatives, professional anglers and representatives from the Alabama Department of Natural Resources are scheduled to gather at Lincoln

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division Receives National AAMVA Award for Customer Convenience
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division has received national and international recognition after earning the 2026 American Association of Motor

Life Saver Marks 45 Years of Air Medical Service in Alabama with Celebration at Sylacauga Base
Sylacauga, AL – The Life Saver emergency air medical program commemorated 45 years of service to Alabama with a special anniversary event held Wednesday, May 13,

Governor Kay Ivey Signs Legislation Expanding Benefits for Alabama Guard Members, Veterans and Military Families
Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey has signed several bills into law aimed at expanding benefits and opportunities for Alabama National Guard personnel, veterans and military

Alabama Officials Encourage Voter Participation Ahead of May 19 Primary Election Amid Redistricting Changes
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama officials are encouraging residents across the state to participate in the upcoming May 19, 2026 Primary Election as ongoing court rulings

Gadsden State Celebrates Largest CoMeT Apprenticeship Signing Class to Date
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College recently hosted a signing event for the third cohort of students entering the Consortium of Machining Education Training (CoMeT),

ALEA Promotes Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Awareness During National Safety Month
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in recognizing National Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month throughout May, encouraging

Governor Ivey Announces Retirement of ADOC Commissioner John Hamm, Appoints Greg Lovelace as Successor
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey announced the retirement of John Hamm as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections, while also naming longtime Corrections and

Alabama Starts Online Surplus Auction Saturday, May 16 Featuring Cars, Boats, Tools and More
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has announced its latest online surplus property auction, offering a wide range of items including

Rep. Mike Rogers Highlights Support for Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week
Montgomery, AL – Mike Rogers announced his support for several pro-law enforcement measures currently before Congress in recognition of National Police Week. In a statement released

Hobson City Receives Rebuild Alabama Grant for Road Improvements, Only Awarded Project in Calhoun County
Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that more than $7.6 million in state funding is being awarded to cities and counties across Alabama for

Governor Kay Ivey Signs Bills Allowing Special Elections if Redistricting Injunctions Are Lifted
MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey on Friday signed House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 into law following a special legislative session focused on Alabama’s

Norfolk Southern Grant Supports Drone Expansion for Anniston Police, Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department
Anniston, AL – The Anniston Police Department and the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department are expanding their use of drone technology through support from Norfolk Southern’s Safety

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Establishes Laura Tutor Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Cardinal Foundation has announced the establishment of the Laura Tutor Memorial Nursing Scholarship, created to honor the life

Governor Ivey Signs “Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act” Into Law
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed House Bill 381, known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, establishing new emergency preparedness

Two-Vehicle Crash Involving Tractor-Trailer Causes Temporary Lane Closure on I-20 in Calhoun County
Calhoun County, AL – A two-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer caused a temporary lane closure on Interstate 20 westbound in Calhoun County early Tuesday morning.

Attorney General Marshall Seeks Emergency Relief in Alabama Senate Redistricting Case Ahead of Primary Election
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on Monday seeking

Gadsden State Celebrates Student Achievement at 60th Annual Honors Day
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College recently recognized student achievement and academic excellence during its 60th annual Honors Day, with ceremonies held across multiple

Governor Ivey Signs HB527 Into Law, Providing Overtime Tax Deduction
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 527 into law, establishing a new income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation. The legislation, sponsored by

Alabama Announces Two-Month Grocery Tax Holiday for May and June
MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey on Friday reminded residents of a statewide grocery tax holiday set to take place during the months of May and