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Alabama Senate passes bill mandating weekly national anthem in schools

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alabamareflector.com – Alander Rocha – 2025-04-19 07:01:00

by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector
April 19, 2025

The Alabama Senate passed a bill Thursday that would require K-12 public schools to broadcast or perform the first stanza of  “The Star-Spangled Banner” at least once a week during school hours.

SB 13, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, is a constitutional amendment that would need approval from state voters if passed by both chambers. The bill passed the Senate  25-6 and moved to the House for consideration.

“It’s important that all our children will have the opportunity to hear the national anthem at least once a week,” Allen said on the Senate floor.

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Allen, reading letters from students he said support the requirement, spoke at length as Senate Republicans were filibustering their own bills to keep Democrats from speaking. Democratic senators in a committee hearing in early April said that it would require students to be exposed to parts of the song, particularly the third stanza, which critics have said is an attack on Black Americans who escaped slavery by joining the British Army.

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro (left) speaks with Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale on the floor of the Alabama Senate on April 15, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said after the bill’s passage that it potentially violates children’s constitutional rights, particularly free speech.

“When you start talking about fundamental rights. I think that’s going to be something that’s going to be challenged in courts too, in terms of whether or not — the constitutionality of — can you make kids listen to that on a daily basis, who may not want to and refuse,” Singleton said.

He also opposed making it a constitutional amendment, saying it would be “a forever permanent piece of law,” which he said was unnecessary. He said lawmakers should instead be focused on creating jobs and improving education in the state.

“I, too, am America, but do I have to love something that talks about me and the history of my slavery, that degrades me and my people? No, I don’t. So why make children have to sing that in school?” Singleton asked.

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Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

The post Alabama Senate passes bill mandating weekly national anthem in schools appeared first on alabamareflector.com

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Fountain Heights Farm Cooperative breaks ground on new community market

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-07-02 20:33:05

SUMMARY: Fountain Heights Farm Cooperative, a local community farm, is expanding by breaking ground on its first neighborhood market and community kitchen, the first in about 70 years. Co-founder Dominique Villanueva expressed hope that this “Heart of the Farm” project will inspire more investment in Fountain Heights. The cooperative offers a shared food subscription box program called “We All Eat,” where paying members help subsidize food for those in need. This expansion aims to ensure every family in the community has food on their table and serves as the first step toward creating more community-driven food initiatives across Birmingham.

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Big demand and new technology for buying fireworks

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WKRG – 2025-07-02 18:45:14

SUMMARY: With the Fourth of July approaching, demand for fireworks is soaring, especially at Jerry’s Fireworks in Theodore. Popular items include the “gunfighter,” “crickets” fountains, and 16-shot aerial bursts that shoot 70-80 feet high. Sales have outpaced past years, with many products nearly sold out. To enhance the buying experience, employees introduced PyroScan technology, allowing customers to scan barcodes and view videos demonstrating each firework’s effects on a TV screen. Shoppers are purchasing everything from sparklers to large sets, eager to celebrate safely. The store emphasizes safety as the festivities near.

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20th Annual Miracle Bash | July 2, 2025 | News 19 at 5 p.m.

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July 2, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WHNT News 19 – 2025-07-02 18:22:43

SUMMARY: The 20th Annual Miracle Bash on July 2, 2025, benefits the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund at Huntsville Hospital. Anchors Ben Hoover and Amy George play special roles, with Chris and Amy reflecting on over $6.1 million raised since 2005. Amy, a former WHNT News 19 anchor, lost her premature twin Melissa shortly after birth; her surviving sister Catherine was saved thanks to NICU care. The fund supports advanced NICU equipment and family services, aiding over 1,200 babies yearly. The community’s ongoing generosity and the George family’s dedication have significantly improved neonatal care, honoring Melissa’s memory and saving lives.

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News 19 is North Alabama’s News Leader! We are the CBS affiliate in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley since November 28, 1963.

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