State News
Friday, May 1, 2026 · Pell City
Alabama Tourism Pours $10M into Gulf Coast Eco-Push
Alabama's Tourism Board is betting big on its beaches with a $10 million summer campaign targeting eco-tourism along the Gulf Coast. From Gulf Shores to Orange Beach, new initiatives promise sustainable adventures amid record visitor spending. Officials aim to draw millions more to the state's sugary sands this season.
Huntsville Home Sales Surge 15% in April Amid Tech Boom
Huntsville's Rocket City real estate market shattered records in April with a 15% jump in home sales, outpacing national trends. Fueled by aerospace and tech job growth, low inventory keeps prices firm in Alabama's fastest-growing city. Buyers flock to Madison County as new construction ramps up to meet demand.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Honda's $3B Alabama Plant Powers 4,500 Jobs in Lincoln
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama stands as a cornerstone of Talladega County's economy, employing over 4,500 workers at its sprawling Lincoln facility. With a total capital investment surpassing $3 billion, the plant churns out 340,000 vehicles and engines annually, fueling a $6.8 billion economic impact. From its 1999 announcement to recent expansions, Honda's commitment has transformed east Alabama.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Auburn High Track Stars Claim Class 7A Crown in Dominant Fashion
Auburn High School's track and field team surged to the Class 7A state championship at the AHSAA meet, shattering records and overwhelming rivals. Multiple athletes delivered standout performances, cementing Auburn's legacy in Alabama high school sports. Initially reported by ABC 33/40, the victory electrifies the Lee County community.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Birmingham's UAB Blazers Storm to C-USA Semifinals
The UAB men's basketball team powered past Middle Tennessee in a nail-biting victory to advance to the Conference USA tournament semifinals at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Fans packed the downtown venue as the Blazers showcased gritty defense and clutch scoring. With a spot in the finals on the line, UAB eyes another deep postseason run.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Ivey Directs $50M to Shield Alabama Gulf Coast from Erosion
Gov. Kay Ivey has allocated $50 million to combat accelerating coastal erosion threatening Alabama's beaches, directing funds through an executive order to fortify vital shorelines. The initiative targets storm-ravaged areas in Baldwin and Mobile counties amid rising concerns over habitat loss and tourism impacts. Local leaders hail the move as critical for protecting economic lifelines like Gulf State Park.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Alabama Pollen Surge Sparks Respiratory Crisis Statewide
Spring pollen levels in Alabama have shattered records, driving a sharp rise in asthma attacks and allergy flare-ups across the state. Health officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health urge residents to brace for worsening symptoms as oak, pine and cedar trees unleash their peak assault. From Birmingham clinics to rural North Alabama trails, sneezes and wheezes are the new normal.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Birmingham Police Nab Suspects in Multiple Armed Robberies
Birmingham police have arrested several suspects linked to a wave of armed robberies across the city, including attacks targeting specific communities. From eastern neighborhoods to potential downtown hotspots, authorities are connecting the dots on these brazen crimes. Residents in Alabama's largest city are breathing a cautious sigh of relief as investigations continue.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Alabama's CHOOSE Act Expands School Choice to All Families
Two years after launch, Alabama's CHOOSE Act now opens voucher-like education savings accounts to every K-12 family, fueling debates over public school funding. Gov. Kay Ivey's 2024 signature unleashed $7,000 per-child credits for private tuition and homeschooling. Critics warn of drained resources from underfunded districts like those in Birmingham and Montgomery.
Friday, May 1, 2026
CDC Links Zika Virus to Microcephaly, Other Birth Defects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other serious fetal brain abnormalities. The conclusion follows an extensive evaluation of available scientific data.
Friday, May 1, 2026
CDC Report Highlights Sepsis Prevention and Early Recognition
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses sepsis, a severe medical condition arising from the body's reaction to infection. The report emphasizes prevention and early detection to improve patient survival rates. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
Friday, May 1, 2026
CDC Reports Decline in Breast Cancer Mortality Rates, Racial Disparities Remain
A new CDC study indicates a decrease in breast cancer death rates among women between 2010 and 2014. However, the research also highlights persistent racial disparities in mortality related to the disease.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Rams Select Ty Simpson in NFL Draft After Pre-Draft Meeting
The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama in the recent NFL Draft. The selection followed a previously undisclosed pre-draft meeting between Simpson and Rams officials. Draft analysts had not widely projected Simpson's selection by the Rams.
Friday, May 1, 2026