The Alabama Beacon

The University of West Alabama has announced nearly 1,200 outstanding undergraduate students receiving academic honors for the Spring 2026 academic semester, including nearly 700 named to the Dean’s List and nearly 500 named to the President’s List. Spring 2026 academic honors recipients represent 62 out of 67 Alabama counties and 77 counties from 25 other...

Henry Mena Escobar of Pelham graduates from Eastern Connecticut State University

13 Aug 2026

More than 800 Eastern Connecticut State University students received undergraduate and graduate degrees in the 2025-26 academic year, culminating this past May in two commencement ceremonies at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester. Henry Mena Escobar of Pelham graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. From first-generation college students to seasoned professionals...

Terry Dawson, Bessemer School Board, Dist. 2 running for re-election

13 Aug 2026

Terry Dawson has represented District 2 on the Bessemer City School Board for four years. He is a proven leader with a record of success. He believes in the power of an education. Dawson has served twice as president of the Bessemer City School Board. Transparency, accountability and results are foremost in his priorities. The...

SSA marks 70th anniversary of Disability Insurance program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, marking the agency’s commitment to supporting Americans with disabilities. SSDI was enacted on August 1, 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Social Security Amendments of 1956. Since then, SSDI has become a cornerstone of our nation’s...

Sydney Morris earns $1,000 Alfa Foundation Scholarship

Sydney Morris of Kimberly was recently selected as one of 100 recipients of the 2026-27 Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program. Morris, a freshman at Southern Union State Community College, received $1,000 to use toward tuition, fees, books or supplies. Since 2014, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $1.25 million to deserving students through its scholarship program, which...

Jackson Stanford earns $1,000 Alfa Foundation Scholarship

Jackson Stanford of Gardendale was recently selected as one of 100 recipients of the 2026-27 Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program. Stanford, a freshman at Gadsden State Community College, received $1,000 to use toward tuition, fees, books or supplies. Since 2014, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $1.25 million to deserving students through its scholarship program, which is...

School Board, Dist. 5 incumbent Margie Varner seeks re-election

Margie Varner has been the Bessemer School Board, Dist. 5 representative since 2022. She believes that education is the heartbeat of every successful community. Varner is seeking re-election because the children deserve strong schools, responsible leadership, transparent government and board members who are willing to ask the tough questions necessary to protect students, employees and...

Bessemer Chamber’s 35th Annual An Evening of Honor is August 13

Enjoy the music of a live band with a cocktail as you mingle at the Bessemer Civic Center wearing your denim and pearls or denim and a tie. The 35th Annual An Evening of Honor sponsored by the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce will take place on Thursday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m....

SOUTHERN STYLES: Birmingham SAR hosts American Revolution Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony