State and Surrounding Area News

Etowah County Sixth Graders to Receive Free STEM Missions Through Challenger Learning Center Partnership
RAINBOW CITY, AL — Every sixth-grade student in Etowah County Schools will have the opportunity to participate in a simulated space mission and hands-on STEM

Gadsden State Names Presley Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College has named Jason Presley assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, bringing nearly three decades of coaching experience

ALEA Clarifies Taylor’s Law and Student Driver License Eligibility in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is clarifying state requirements governing driver license eligibility for students following recent confusion over whether changes to Alabama’s

Secretary of State Wes Allen Signs Fraud Prevention Agreement with U.S. Department of Justice
MONTGOMERY — Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Fraud Enforcement Division of the U.S. Department of

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Names New Board Leadership
GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has announced new leadership for its Board of Directors, naming Tony Smith as board president and Sheri

Gadsden State, Jax State Create New Transfer Pathway for Technical Degree Graduates
Jacksonville, AL — Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University have entered into a new transfer pathway agreement designed to give graduates of workforce-focused

Gadsden State Receives $50,000 Grant to Support CNC and Engineering Students
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College has received a $50,000 scholarship grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in

Alabama Participates in 2026 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown, $300,000 Settlement Reached
Montgomery, AL – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Alabama’s participation in the 2026 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown, a nationwide enforcement effort led by the U.S. Department

Alabama Federal Oversight of Tutwiler Prison Officially Ends After Court Dismisses Case
MONTGOMERY, AL — A federal court has officially ended more than a decade of oversight of the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women after dismissing a longstanding

Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center to Host Tools for School Kickoff Event in Anniston
ANNISTON, AL — The Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center will host its first Tools for School Kickoff Event on Saturday, Aug. 1, providing school supplies, family activities

Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Adds Five Community Leaders to Board of Directors
GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has appointed five new members to its Board of Directors, expanding the leadership team that supports Gadsden State

Governor Ivey Creates Commission to Study Screen-Based Instruction in Alabama Schools
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey has signed Executive Order No. 745 establishing the Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction, a panel tasked with studying the use,

Faith-Based PTSD and Moral Injury Workshop Scheduled for First Responders and Veterans in Talladega
TALLADEGA — A faith-based workshop designed to support first responders, veterans and others affected by trauma will be held Friday, July 31, at American Legion

Sen. Keith Kelley Reviews 2026 Legislative Session During Calhoun County Chamber Event
Anniston, AL — Alabama State Sen. Keith Kelley met with constituents Thursday, July 23, at the Calhoun County Chamber and Visitors Center to discuss the 2026

House Passes FY27 NDAA; Rogers Highlights Alabama Defense Investments
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027, legislation that authorizes defense

Alabama to Receive $260,817 in 23andMe Bankruptcy Settlement Following 2023 Data Breach
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 42 attorneys general in announcing a settlement with the bankruptcy trustee for 23andMe, resolving

Calhoun County Commission Chairman Lee Patterson Elected to NACo Board of Directors
CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Calhoun County Commission Chairman Lee Patterson has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties (NACo),

Wigington Closes with Back-to-Back Birdies to Capture Etowah County Open by One Stroke
Wigington posts clutch birdie-birdie finish to win Etowah County Open by one stroke, gain his second victory in the past three Calhoun County Tour points

Governor Ivey Announces Retirement of Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, Appoints Glenda Allred as Successor
Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey has announced the retirement of Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, who has led the Alabama Department of Tourism since 2003

Governor Ivey Announces $3.6 Million in Rebuild Alabama Grants for 11 Local Road Projects
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that more than $3.6 million in state funding has been awarded for 11 transportation improvement projects across Alabama

Two Women Safely Rescued After Canoe Overturns on Tallapoosa River in Cleburne County
CLEBURNE COUNTY, AL — Two women were safely rescued after becoming stranded on the Tallapoosa River on July 15, following a canoe accident that prompted

Alabama Attorney General Backs USPS Proposal to Strengthen Mail-In Ballot Standards
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that he has joined attorneys general from 13 states in filing a comment letter supporting a proposed

Alabama Launches Workforce Pell Approval Process for Short-term Job Training Programs
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed announced Tuesday the launch of Alabama’s Workforce Pell approval process, a

Marshall Defends Auburn Baseball Players’ Right to Pray, Challenges FFRF Demands
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has defended the right of Auburn University baseball players to participate in prayer, responding to a demand

Gov. Kay Ivey Appoints Jennifer Rudden Conway to Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the appointment of Jennifer Rudden Conway to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, effective immediately.

Alabama to Receive Nearly $600K in $45 Million Cash App Settlement
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday that Alabama will receive $595,421 as part of a $45 million multistate settlement with Block,

Alabama CHOOSE Act Education Savings Accounts Fully Funded for 2026-2027 School Year
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that education savings accounts (ESAs) provided through Alabama’s CHOOSE Act are now fully funded and available for the

AmFirst Marks 90 Years of Serving Alabama Communities
Birmingham, AL – AmFirst is celebrating its 90th anniversary, commemorating nine decades of serving Alabama communities and the continued growth of the member-owned financial institution since

Cleburne County ATV Crash Claims Two Georgia Residents
Cleburne County, AL – A single-vehicle all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash in Cleburne County on Sunday evening claimed the lives of two Georgia residents, according to the Alabama

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