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EPA denies Alabama's coal ash disposal plan, prompting major environmental shift

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EPA denies Alabama's coal ash disposal plan, prompting major environmental shift


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected Alabama’s plan for managing coal ash, citing inadequate protections for water and communities, potentially forcing utilities to remove ash from unlined ponds.

Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The EPA found Alabama’s coal ash permit program less protective than federal standards, particularly regarding groundwater contamination.
  • If finalized, the decision would require utilities to excavate millions of tons of wet coal ash from unlined ponds.
  • This action aligns with the Biden administration’s commitment to environmental justice, especially for vulnerable communities.

Key quote:

“Exposure to coal ash can lead to serious health concerns like cancer if the ash isn’t managed appropriately. Low-income and underserved communities are especially vulnerable to coal ash in waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and in the air.”

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— Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator

Why this matters:

Coal ash contains toxic substances like mercury and arsenic that can contaminate water sources, posing significant health risks. The EPA’s decision signals a potential upheaval for utility companies, who may now be compelled to excavate coal ash from unlined ponds—an expensive and logistically complex task.



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Alabama

Alabama AG files emergency request to reinstate congressional map before May 19 primary

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Alabama AG files emergency request to reinstate congressional map before May 19 primary


Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is asking a federal court to allow the state to use its own congressional district map ahead of the May 19 primary, arguing that the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has changed the legal landscape for voting rights redistricting challenges.

Marshall filed an emergency motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking to lift injunctions that have blocked Alabama from using the congressional map enacted by the Legislature. The request follows what Marshall described as a landmark Supreme Court ruling last week that “significantly changed the legal standards governing voting rights redistricting claims.”

In that ruling, the Supreme Court held that states have authority to draw district lines based on political and traditional geographic considerations, and that challengers must show race — not partisan politics — drove a state’s decisions. The court also held that pointing to racially polarized voting patterns alone is not enough to prove a violation without also showing the voting patterns could not be explained by party affiliation.

“The Supreme Court has confirmed that the claims that led to the injunctions against Alabama’s map are no longer viable,” Marshall said. “We are asking the court to lift those injunctions so that Alabama can conduct its congressional elections using the map its legislature lawfully enacted.”

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The filing is the latest in a series of actions Marshall has taken since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. On April 30, Marshall filed emergency motions with the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to vacate the congressional map injunctions and remand the cases. On May 4, he filed a separate emergency motion with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to lift injunctions involving a different set of maps — Alabama’s state Senate districts.

The motion filed today asks the original district court that issued the congressional map injunctions to stay its own orders while appeals continue.

Gov. Kay Ivey has called the Alabama Legislature into a special session this week to prepare for the possibility that elections may proceed under the state’s map. Marshall asked the court to rule no later than 3 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, saying the state needs time to make preparations before the primary.

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“Alabama deserves the same opportunity as every other state to conduct its elections in an orderly manner using a map drawn by its own legislature,” Marshall said. “I will continue to do everything in my power to make that a reality. We are confident the court will recognize that last week’s Supreme Court decision requires a fresh look at these injunctions.”



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No NFL team has more Alabama football players than this one

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No NFL team has more Alabama football players than this one


Every April, Alabama football sends a fresh batch of players to the NFL via the NFL draft.

This past April, the Crimson Tide’s streak of having at least one player selected in the first round reached 18 straight years when offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor went to the Miami Dolphins with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One pick later, the Los Angeles Rams made the most stunning move of the draft when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall.

Alabama’s 18-year streak of having at least one player selected in the draft is the longest in college football history. The Ohio State Buckeyes are second to Alabama, having had a player drafted in the first round in 11 consecutive years. The Georgia Bulldogs have now done it nine years in a row.

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The Crimson Tide had 10 players taken overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Germie Bernard was a second-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Alabama had seven players drafted on Day 3: LT Overton (fourth round, Dallas Cowboys), Parker Brailsford (fifth round, Cleveland Browns), Justin Jefferson (fifth round, Cleveland), Josh Cuevas (fifth round, Baltimore Ravens), Domani Jackson (sixth round, Green Bay Packers), Tim Keenan III (seventh round, Rams), and Jam Miller (seventh round, New England Patriots).

As for which team has the most Alabama players on its roster after the draft? Take a look.

Which NFL teams have the most Alabama football players?

Here’s a breakdown of Alabama players on current NFL rosters following the 2026 NFL Draft.

  • Philadelphia Eagles: 9 — DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Cameron Latu, Jihaad Campbell, Byron Young, Deontae Lawson, Jaeden Roberts, Jalen Hurts (Alabama/Oklahoma)
  • Atlanta Falcons: 5 — Da’Shawn Hand, Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Harris, DeMarcco Hellams, Brian Robinson
  • Detroit Lions: 4 — Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold
  • Seattle Seahawks: 4 — Jarren Reed, Josh Jobe, Jalen Milroe, Robbie Ouzts
  • Baltimore Ravens: 3 — Derrick Henry, Marlon Humphrey, Josh Cuevas
  • Carolina Panthers: 3 — Bryce Young, John Metchie, LaBryan Ray
  • Cleveland Browns: 3 — Jerry Jeudy, Parker Brailsford, Justin Jefferson
  • Dallas Cowboys: 3 — Quinnen Williams, Tyler Booker, LT Overton
  • Denver Broncos: 3 — Jaylen Waddle, Patrick Surtain II, Que Robinson
  • Green Bay Packers: 3 — Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, Domani Jackson
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 3 — Dalvin Tomlinson, JK Scott, Justin Eboigbe
  • Los Angeles Rams: 3 — Ty Simpson, Tim Keenan III, Nikhai Hill-Green
  • New England Patriots: 3 — Christian Barmore, CJ Dippre, Jam Miller
  • New Orleans Saints: 3 — Anfernee Jennings, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Dashawn Jones
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 2 — Jonathan Allen, Jordan Battle
  • Houston Texans: 2 — Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’oTo’o
  • Miami Dolphins: 2 — Ronnie Harrison Jr, Kadyn Proctor
  • Minnesota Vikins: 2 — Dallas Turner, Will Reichard
  • New York Jets: 2 — Minkah Fitzpatrick, Malachi Moore
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 — A’Shawn Robinson, Chris Braswell
  • Tennessee Titans: 2 — Calvin Ridley, JC Latham
  • Arizona Cardinals: 1 — Mack Wilson
  • Buffalo Bills: 1 — Phidarian Mathis
  • Chicago Bears: 1 — Jedrick Wills Jr.
  • Indianapolis Colts: 1 — Tim Smith
  • New York Giants: 1 — Evan Neal
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 — Germie Bernard
  • San Francisco 49ers: 1 — Mac Jones
  • Washington Commanders: 1 — Daron Payne
  • Jacksonville Jaguars: 0
  • Kansas City Chiefs: 0
  • Las Vegas Raiders: 0

Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.





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LIVE: Alabama GOP Senate candidates take part in forum

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LIVE: Alabama GOP Senate candidates take part in forum


MOBILE, Ala. (WSFA) – Four of the six Republican candidates seeking to be the GOP’s nominee for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat are set to take part in a forum Monday evening.

WSFA 12 News will carry the forum live at 6 p.m. on our website, as well as our news and smart TV apps, and on our Facebook and Youtube channels.

The forum is being hosted by the Azalea City Republican Women of Mobile.

The participants include Seth Burton, Dale Shelton Deas Jr., Steve Marshall, and Rodney Walker.

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Rep. Barry Moore and Jared Hudson are not participating.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2026 WSFA. All rights reserved.



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