State and Surrounding Area News

Alabama Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Returns July 17-19 With Higher Savings Limits
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama shoppers will have an opportunity to save on back-to-school purchases during the state’s 21st annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins

Alabama Seeks Public Votes in National Best Looking Cruiser Contest
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is encouraging residents and supporters across the state to participate in the American Association of State

Challenger Learning Center Announces Winners of STEM 250 Competition
RAINBOW CITY, AL — The Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama has announced the winners of its STEM 250 Competition for fifth- and sixth-grade students,

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Honors Five Outgoing Board Members
GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation recently recognized five outgoing members of its Board of Directors for their leadership and service in supporting

AmFirst Launches Statewide Food Drive to Support Alabama Families
BIRMINGHAM, AL — AmFirst has launched its 2026 Feeding Families Across Alabama Food Drive, a month-long campaign aimed at helping address food insecurity across the

Marshall Files Brief Supporting Huntsville as Permanent U.S. Space Command Headquarters
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado supporting the dismissal

Opinion Piece: America’s 250th: A Reflection on Our Nation’s Legacy Through Alabama’s Story
By: Nicole Jones Wadsworth July 4, 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The United States Semiquincentennial serves

Fireworks and Pets Planning Ahead Can Help Keep Animals Safe This Independence Day
Calhoun County, AL – As Independence Day celebrations approach, pet owners are encouraged to prepare ahead of time to help keep their animals safe and reduce

Governor Ivey Recognizes Alabama Manufacturing on Made in the USA Day
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey has issued a proclamation recognizing Alabama’s manufacturing industry in observance of National “Made in the USA” Day on July 2,

Munford to Celebrate Independence Day with Car Show and First Annual Fourth of July Parade
MUNFORD, AL — The Munford community will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, with a full day of patriotic activities, including a morning car

Governor Ivey Encourages Alabamians to Participate in Light to Unite Week
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabamians to participate in the national “Light to Unite”campaign as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of

Cleburne County Teen to Compete Nationally as Family History Connects to America’s 250th Anniversary
CLEBURNE COUNTY, AL — For many students, qualifying for a national competition is a milestone. For 16-year-old Hudson Lambert Braxton of Cleburne County, that achievement

Supreme Court Ruling Affirms Alabama Law on Girls’ School Sports
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision Wednesday in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. BPJ, upholding state laws that restrict

Heflin to Celebrate Independence Day With Parade, Music, Family Activities and Fireworks July 3
HEFLIN, AL — The City of Heflin will host its annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, at McIntyre Park, featuring a patriotic parade,

Alabama Adds 64 New First Class Pre-K Classrooms for 2026-27 School Year
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Alabama will add 64 new First Class Pre-K classrooms for the 2026-27 school year, expanding access

Gadsden Freedom Fest Set for July 3–4 with Hot Air Balloons, Concerts and Fireworks
GADSDEN, AL — A new Independence Day celebration is coming to Gadsden as organizers prepare to host the inaugural Freedom Fest on July 3–4 at

Gov. Ivey Awards $6.3 Million to Help Alabama Families Lower Home Energy Costs; Calhoun County Among Areas Receiving Assistance
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced more than $6.3 million in grants to support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps eligible low-income households reduce

Andrew Weathers Claims Gadsden City Championship with One-Stroke Victory at Twin Bridges
Weathers masters first look at Twin Bridges, withstands Cole’s 66 on Sunday to win Gadsden City Championship by one stroke. By Joe Medley GADSDEN —

Alabama Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Challenging California Plastics Law
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 15 state attorneys general in a lawsuit challenging California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and

Alabama Showcases State History and Innovation at Great American State Fair
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that Alabama is participating in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., as part of the

Rainbow City to Host 4th Annual Freedom Flight Drone Show Saturday
RAINBOW CITY, AL — The City of Rainbow City will host its 4th Annual Freedom Flight Drone Show on Saturday, June 27, at the Rainbow

Gadsden State Athletes Earn ACCC Academic Honor Roll Recognition
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College has announced that 87 student-athletes and seven athletic teams have been recognized on the Alabama Community College Conference

Governor Ivey Announces New Alabama STEM Council Appointments
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey, in partnership with Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, has announced a new slate of appointments to the Alabama

Eleventh Circuit Upholds Death Sentence in Etowah County Child Murder Case
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Tuesday that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has affirmed a federal court’s

Star Spangled Sylacauga Set for June 26 at Bluebell Central Park
SYLACAUGA, AL — The Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce and Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union will host the annual Star Spangled Sylacauga celebration on Friday, June

Alabama Earns Silver Shovel Award for Economic Development Success
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Alabama has received a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from business publication Area Development, recognizing the state’s

Summer Heat Drives Energy Use Higher for Alabama Households; New Tools Available to Help
Calhoun County, AL – As temperatures continue to rise across Alabama, many households may notice an increase in their monthly electric bills. While rates often receive

Attorney General Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters Over Abortion Pill Sales in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that cease-and-desist letters have been sent to six companies accused of illegally advertising, facilitating, and enabling

Gadsden State Announces Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s Lists
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College has released its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students for their academic achievements during the

Marshall Joins Multi-State Effort Seeking EPA Review of Mifepristone in Waterways
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a 14-state coalition requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) add the abortion drug

Alabama Primary Runoff Elections 2026 Winners Decided as Turnout Reaches 10.72%
Montgomery, AL – Alabama voters returned to the polls on June 16 for the 2026 Primary Runoff Election, determining party nominees in several statewide races ahead

Gov. Ivey Encourages Families to Explore Trump Accounts Program
Montgomery, AL — Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabama families to learn more about the new Trump Accounts program, a federal initiative designed to provide

Operation Southern Shield Seizes Nearly 123,000 Kratom Doses Across Alabama
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the results of Operation Southern Shield, a statewide enforcement initiative conducted in partnership

Alabama Officials Encourage Voter Participation Ahead of June 16 Runoff Election
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is encouraging voters to prepare for the June 16, 2026 Primary Runoff Election by reviewing important

Silver Lakes — Wigington Charges Back to Win RTJ-Trail Championship
With wrist mending and long-time playing partner surging, Wigington puts together strong weekend to win RTJ-Trail Championship at Silver Lakes. 2026 Calhoun County Golf Tour

Cole, Wigington Overcome Health Setbacks to Share RTJ-Trail Championship Lead
Cole on the rebound from ‘severe dehydration’, and Wigington rebounding from wrist injury, but both share lead after first round of RTJ-Trail Championship. By Joe

Ethical AI Implementation in Hospitals Today
By Chris Hutchins Calhoun County, AL – Hospitals are under immense pressure. They are pushed by various factors to accomplish far more with far

Alabama National Guard to Support America 250 Events in Washington, D.C.
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that she has approved a request for the Alabama National Guard (ALNG) to assist with operations surrounding

Free Fishing Day Set for June 13 Across Alabama
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama’s annual Free Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, allowing residents and visitors

Gadsden State Students Earn 15 Medals at Alabama SkillsUSA Championships
GADSDEN, AL — Students from Gadsden State Community College earned a combined 15 medals during the recent Alabama SkillsUSA Leadership Conference and SkillsUSA Championships held

Rogers Receives Inaugural General Jay Raymond Award for Contributions to Space Force
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama’s Third Congressional District has been recognized with the General John W. “Jay” Raymond Award, an honor

Gadsden State to Host Nanda Patel’s ‘Karmic Circles’ Exhibition at Meadows Art Gallery
GADSDEN, AL — Internationally influenced mixed-media artist Nanda Patel will debut her newest exhibition, Karmic Circles, during a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

Attorney General Marshall Responds to Campaign Ad, Defends Office’s Handling of Former Officer’s Case
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has issued a statement responding to what he described as “demonstrably false allegations” made in a recent

Talladega Police Investigating Homicide of Recent High School Graduate
TALLADEGA, AL — The Talladega Police Department is investigating the homicide of 18-year-old Jy’Kavien Wright of Talladega following a fatal shooting that occurred in the

Rogers Praises House Committee Approval of FY27 Defense Authorization Bill
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) praised the House Armed Services Committee’s approval of the Chairman’s Mark of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year

Governor Ivey Declares June 2026 as Strong Families Month in Alabama
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has officially proclaimed June 2026 as Strong Families Month in Alabama, highlighting the role families play in supporting children and

Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use Legislature-Drawn Congressional Map for August Special Election
MONTGOMERY, AL — The United States Supreme Court has granted Alabama’s request to stay a lower court order, allowing the state to conduct its upcoming

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Receives Walmart Grant to Expand Public Safety Training Programs
Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has received funding through the Walmart Spark Good Grant Program to support the expansion of public safety training

ALEA Reports Five Fatalities During Memorial Day Travel Period, Launches 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign
MONTGOMERY, AL — As the Memorial Day holiday travel period comes to a close, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is encouraging motorists and boaters

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