The mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando is one topic likely to come up tonight in the city of Florence.
Shoals Pride Fest is underway and a panel discussion will address equality for the LGBT community in Alabama. Organizers say the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Central Florida has left many in the Shoals gay community hurting. Pride Fest President Benjamin Newbern says tonight’s panel discussion will also venture into political issues as well…
“Currently, no municipality in the state of Alabama has a fully inclusive LGBT non-discrimination ordinance. We hope that communities across the state will move forward, especially in light and understanding of this tragedy that occurred in Orlando.”
Shoals Pride Fest will continue through Saturday in Florence. The first Shoals Pride Fest last year drew eight hundred people. Newbern says attendance for this year’s event passed that mark yesterday.
If you go to college in Alabama, you might be paying more for tuition.
A Board of Trustees Committee at the University of Alabama approved a tuition hike at a meeting today. The full board will consider the hike tomorrow.
If you live inside the state, you could see an increase of 2.9% or $185. Outside of the state might see a 3.85% hike or $170.
The price affects students at the University of Alabama, UAB and UA-Huntsville. All increases in tuition and mandatory fees are based on 15 semester hours.
If the board of trustees improve the tuition increases, it will take effect this fall.
Every day, local firefighters, police, and emergency medical personnel dedicate their lives to serving their communities.
An Alabama State Bar is hoping to give these workers a little peace of mind. Wills for Heroes offers first responders’ free, basic estate planning services. The goal is to help families of first responders plan ahead in case of a death in the line of duty.
David Karn is an attorney working with Wills for Heroes. He says the service helps them put their affairs are in order.
“If you can lay out in advance the decisions that you wish, then it saves your family so much heartache, so much trouble, so much arguing. And, really, it puts your wishes on paper.”
Participants will be meeting one-on-one with Alabama lawyers. The service includes a personalized Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Directive. The clinic will be taking place Friday from 11am to 3pm at Gadsden Senior Activity Center.