State and Surrounding Area News

Coosa Riverkeeper to Sue Alabama Power Over Ongoing Coal Ash Pollution in Gadsden
Gadsden, AL – The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), on behalf of the environmental nonprofit Coosa Riverkeeper, has formally notified Alabama Power Company of its

Gadsden State Community College Honors Body Donors at First-Ever Appreciation Event
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College’s Science Department held its inaugural Donor Appreciation Event on May 1 in the auditorium of the Science Building

Senators Katie Britt and Angela Alsobrooks Introduce Bipartisan Homeless Children and Youth Act
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) have introduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act (HCYA), a bipartisan effort aimed

Gadsden State Community College Celebrates Spring 2025 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony
Centre, AL – Gadsden State Community College held its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 13 at the Richard Lindsey Arena at Gadsden State Cherokee.

Senator Katie Britt Highlights Rural Pharmacy Closures During Senate Judiciary Hearing on PBM Practices
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “PBM Power Play: Examining Competition Issues in the Prescription

Governor Ivey Signs Bills Targeting Illegal Immigration and Voter ID Requirements
Montgomery, AL – On Monday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law two bills aimed at tightening restrictions related to noncitizen voting and enhancing law

Gadsden State Students Earn Over $650,000 in Scholarships to Alabama Universities
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College students are making impressive strides toward their academic and professional futures, earning more than $650,000 in scholarships to

Governor Ivey Signs Final Bills in Safe Alabama Public Safety Package
MONTGOMERY, AL – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed the remaining bills in the Safe Alabama public safety package, completing the legislative initiative aimed at

Gadsden State Celebrates 2025 Adult Education Graduates in Inspiring Ceremony
Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College honored 35 graduates during its 2025 Adult Education Graduation Ceremony, held May 1 at Beck Gymnasium on the

Senators Introduce Resolution Calling for Full Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)introduced a Senate resolution on Thursday outlining what they consider the

Gadsden State Community College Appoints Alan Smith as Interim President
Gadsden, AL — Gadsden State Community College has proudly named Alan Smith as its interim president, effective June 1. A respected leader in higher education

Governor Ivey Honors Alabama Exporters with 2025 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards
MONTGOMERY, AL— Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday recognized five Alabama companies for their achievements in international business, presenting them with the 2025 Governor’s Trade Excellence

Alabama Governor Signs FOCUS Act Banning Student Cell Phone Use in Public Schools
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed legislation prohibiting students from using smartphones and other wireless devices in the state’s public schools. The

Senators Introduce RESTORE Act to Address Military COVID-19 Vaccine Religious Exemptions
Washington D.C. – A group of Republican senators has introduced legislation aimed at reviewing the handling of religious accommodation requests related to the Department of

Governor Ivey Signs Bill Reducing Alabama Grocery Tax
MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 386 into law on May 9, 2025, reducing the state sales tax on groceries from

Senator Andrew Jones Launches Re-Election Campaign with Events in Etowah and Cherokee Counties
CENTRE, AL — State Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre) has officially launched his campaign for re-election to the Alabama State Senate with events scheduled in Etowah

Senate Republicans Introduce Immigration Parole Reform Act to Limit Executive Authority
Washington D.C. – A group of Republican senators led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and including Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) have introduced legislation

ALEA Supports “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day” to Promote Water Safety
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced today its support of “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day,” scheduled for Friday, May

Alabama Attorney General Joins Multi-State Challenge to Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 24 states challenging Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act, which imposes retroactive penalties on

Dr. Kathy Murphy Stepping Down from Gadsden State to Become President of Wallace Community College in Dothan
Gadsden, AL – Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State Community College, has announced that she will be stepping down to accept a new role

United States Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff on May 15, 2025, in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day
Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, May 15, 2025, United States flags will be flown at half-staff across the nation in observance of Peace Officers Memorial

Senator Katie Britt Joins Bipartisan Effort to Recognize Law Enforcement During National Police Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week in introducing

Alabama-Led Coalition Prevails as California Repeals Electric-Truck Mandate
MONTGOMERY, AL — California has agreed to repeal its electric-truck regulations, known as the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, following a legal challenge brought by a

Gadsden State’s Seventh FAME Cohort Signs with Industry Partners During Ceremony at Oxford Civic Center
Oxford, AL – Gadsden State Community College celebrated a major milestone in workforce development on May 1 as 39 students from across the region officially

Senator Katie Britt Joins Bipartisan Effort to Bolster U.S. Innovation Through R&D Tax Incentives
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in reintroducing the American Innovation and Jobs Act, a legislative proposal

Two Gadsden State Students Named to Prestigious All-Alabama Academic Team
Gadsden, AL – Two members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Gadsden State Community College have been recognized for their exceptional academic

Senator Katie Britt Highlights Strategic Importance of FBI Redstone at FY26 Budget Hearing
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, participated in a recent hearing

Governor Kay Ivey Signs Bill Providing Sales Tax Exemptions for Diapers, Baby Supplies, and Feminine Products
Montgomery, AL – On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 152 into law, a measure that provides sales tax exemptions for a variety of

Alabama Attorney General Joins 26-State Coalition Urging Supreme Court Review of Hawaii Gun Law
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a 26-state coalition urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to intervene in

Senator Katie Britt Leads Subcommittee in DHS Budget Hearing with Secretary Kristi Noem
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, led a hearing on Monday to examine the Trump Administration’s

Governor Kay Ivey Signs Bill Making Juneteenth Official Alabama State Holiday
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed House Bill 165, officially establishing Juneteenth as a recognized state holiday in Alabama. The legislation, sponsored

Pell City Choir Director Named 2025 Education Champion of the Year
PELL CITY, AL — On Saturday, May 2, the spotlight shone brightly on Pell City High School as Nate Burch, Director of Choirs at both

Senator Katie Britt Reintroduces MOMS Act to Support Expecting and New Mothers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor last week ahead of Mother’s Day to reintroduce the More Opportunities for

Suspect in Decade-Old Child Rape Case Captured by Alert Store Employees in Heflin: Suspect in Calhoun County Jail
CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — A man wanted in connection with a child rape case dating back over a decade has been captured and is now

Gadsden State Cardinals Soar Into ACCC Tournament as No. 2 Seed After Remarkable Season Turnaround
Oxford, AL — Gadsden State Community College’s baseball team is heading into the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division I Regional Tournament with high momentum

Senator Katie Britt Reaffirms Support for Israel on Its 77th Independence Day, Co-Sponsors Legislation Targeting UN Funding
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) expressed strong support for Israel as the nation marked its 77th Independence Day, emphasizing the longstanding partnership

Governor Ivey Signs Lulu’s Law Establishing Shark Alert System for Alabama Beaches
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday officially signed House Bill 437, also known as Lulu’s Law, into law. The legislation establishes a shark

Attorney General Marshall Commends Passage of House Bill 307 to Expedite Violent Crime Trials
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall today praised the Alabama Senate for approving House Bill 307, a measure aimed at accelerating trials in

Attorney General Steve Marshall Speaks at Calhoun County Republican Party Meeting
ANNISTON, Ala. — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall addressed the Calhoun County Republican Party on Sunday, May 5, discussing a range of topics including law

Governor Ivey Signs Senate Bill 119 to Address Inner-City Gun Violence
HUNTSVILLE, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced the signing of Senate Bill 119 this morning during remarks at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, adding to a

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduces SAFE Act to Protect U.S. Agricultural Exports Amid Animal Disease Outbreaks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators and Representatives introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding American agricultural exports during animal disease outbreaks. The Safe

Sub-State Golf
Florence, AL – Westbrook Christian’s boys keep streak alive but earning 15th consecutive state-tournament berth. Westbrook Christian’s boys earned their 15th consecutive state tournament berth

Alabama C.O.P.S. Hosts Annual Candlelight Vigil to Honor Fallen Officers
Anniston, AL – Despite stormy skies, love and remembrance shone brightly in Anniston as the Alabama Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) held its annual Statewide

Governor Ivey Proclaims May 4–11 as National Small Business Week in Alabama
Montgomery, AL — Governor Kay Ivey has officially designated Sunday, May 4, through Sunday, May 11, 2025, as National Small Business Week in Alabama, issuing a

Senator Katie Britt Leads Introduction of Insurance Data Protection Act to Limit Federal Overreach in State-Regulated Insurance Industry
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, has introduced the Insurance Data

Gadsden State’s Cardinal Foundation Honors Donors and Scholars at Annual Scholarship Dinner
GADSDEN, AL — The Cardinal Foundation at Gadsden State Community College hosted its annual scholarship dinner on April 22, bringing together donors and student recipients

Senator Katie Britt Highlights Alabama’s Role in Advancing Cancer Research at Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) participated in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday titled “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation,”

National Park Service to Continue Operations at Little River Canyon Center Beyond 2025
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University celebrates renewed commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement Jacksonville State University (JSU) was pleased to announce that the

Nation Pays Tribute to Fallen Firefighters During National Memorial Service on May 4, 2025
Washington D.C. – The nation will unite in solemn remembrance on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosts the annual National

Alabama’s First Class Pre-K Program Recognized Nationally for 19th Consecutive Year
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has once again been recognized for its high quality by the National Institute for Early Education Research