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March is Women's History Month!

Alabama to Receive $2.3 Billion in BP Settlement

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and the State Attorney General Luther Strange announced Thursday a settlement with BP over damages from the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  Alabama is set to receive $2.3 billion.  The settlement resolves years of litigation between BP and five Gulf Coast states.  Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, who say his resort community devastated by the disaster, is leery of how the money will be spent.  Governor Bentley has said Alabama will receive approximately 55 million dollars per year for 18 years into its General fund and another yearly payment will be made on coastal restoration projects for 15 years.  Bentley say the funds are not enough to bail out the General fund budget and he still plans to call a special session.  

Seeking Help

The chairman of the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee says he's seeking professional help after his arrest on a charge of driving under the influence.  Republican State Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster released a written statement following his release from the Shelby County Jail.  Ward says his failure at dealing with stress resulted in what he calls "incredibly reckless decisions."  Ward says he used alcohol as a crutch and is apologizing to his family , friends and constituents.  

Obeying the Law

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions says judicial officials in Alabama will have to follow the law and grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  The Mobile Republican made the comments at a recent Eggs and Issues Breakfast in Montgomery.  Sessions said he disagrees with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and believes the definition of marriage should be left up to the states.