In the News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama joined eight other states in a lawsuit Tuesday against the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a new rule that expands its authority over small bodies of water that accumulate in ditches, local streams, and farmland.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After ending last week mired in controversy, the Supreme Court continued its string of landmark decisions on Monday by striking down the Obama Administration's air-quality rules issued through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley spoke out strongly against a Friday, June 26 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriages, but said he expects state courts will abide by the decision.

Bentley found out about the 5-4 High Court ruling shortly after speaking before the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce during a breakfast at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on U.S. 280. He said the Supreme Court decision defies the religious definition of marriage, adding that 81 percent of Alabamians agree with him that marriage should be only between a man and a woman.

WASHINGTON — In a 5-4 decision Friday, the Supreme Court struck down same-sex marriage bans across the country, effectively creating a constitutional right to marriage.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, usually considered a swing vote, sided with the court's more liberal justices to render the decision. Kennedy also wrote the majority opinion.

Friday's Supreme Court ruling that gave same-sex couples throughout the country the constitutional right to marry was widely panned by Alabama's congressional delegation.