The Alabama Beacon

A total of 672 students enrolled in UA Early College during Spring Semester 2026 at The University of Alabama were named to the director’s list with an academic record of 3.6 or higher. Local students include: Leslie Arteaga of Hueytown (35023) attends Hueytown High School. Giovanna Barrera of Pelham (35124) attends Pelham High School. Layla...

Mrs. Sandra King Nixon smiles with her shining crown.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell announced on Thursday, June 18, that she secured an additional $6,983,968 in federal funding for nine community projects in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District in the remaining Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) funding bills approved by the House Appropriations Committee. This is in addition to the $5 million previously announced in the FY27...

Jefferson County Miss Super Senior pageant

Sandra King Nixon crowned Miss Super Senior of Jefferson County

Mrs. Nixon (in purple gown, center) amongst fellow contestants at recent Jefferson County Miss Super Senior pageant “This truly feels like a dream come true. I’ve hoped for this moment for such a long time, and I’m grateful to finally experience it,” said Mrs. Sandra King Nixon. On April 24, Mrs. Nixon was crowned Jefferson...

2026 Prom Send-off sponsored by Bessemer businesses

Walk-In Closet business owner, Ms. Cher Smoot-Johnson, shares fun with 2026’s Bessemer prom students during Send-off Celebration Armani Curry, Tamisha McKissick, Heaven Duncan, Brandon Brown, and Spencer Childers were among the 2026 prom recipients honored by Bessemer business owners. For the past ten years, Bessemer’s Walk-In Closet owner Ms. Cher Smoot-Johnson has partnered with other...

Tuberville announces 25 Alabamians appointed to U.S. Service Academies for Class of ‘30

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced that 25 Alabamians have accepted appointments to U.S. service academies, representing Alabama in the Class of 2030 at institutions including the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, and United States Merchant Marine Academy. This marks Senator Tuberville’s fifth round of academy appointments...

Roller coaster ‘Rampage’ reopens at Alabama Adventure

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure’s iconic Rampage roller coaster reopened on Friday, June 19, following an extensive restoration and renovation project that began in 2024. The wooden roller coaster originally opened in 1998 and quickly became a favorite attraction across the Southeast, known for its high drops, sharp turns, and high-speed ride experience. Over the...

Bessemer Rec Center is scene of Father’s Day program

Mayor Gulley, Bessemer Firemen, Mr. Mykee Jackson and other fathers pose together during recent program This past week, many of Bessemer’s fathers were celebrated by citizens throughout the city during several Father’s Day events. The festivities began with a heartfelt ceremony at the Kenneth E. Gulley Rec Center, where Bessemer’s Silver Boomers and Mr. Robert...

Groups in West and Central Ala. seek to raise awareness of child exploitation

Human trafficking task forces in west and central Alabama are urging parents to become more involved in the fight against child sexual exploitation, especially as online threats continue to increase. “Parents are recognizing—through their kids—that their children are being targeted on the internet,” said West Alabama INTERCEPT Task Force Captain Phil Simpson. “But they don’t...

Hueytown woman’s group helps fathers adjust to life after prison