During the annual convention of the Alabama League of Municipalities in Montgomery this week,Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox was elected to serve as President of the League for 2013-2014. The League brings officials of cities and towns together in a fellowship which strengthens and guides local government.

State health officials say seven people have been admitted to hospitals with a mysterious respiratory illness. Symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Two of those seven have died.

The Alabama Legislature passed a bill on the last night of its session to increase the penalty for animal cruelty from a maximum of six months in jail to a maximum of one year. Animal protection groups are urging Governor Bentley's support.

Today a House subcommittee will vote on changes in long-standing military law. Meanwhile, rescue workers plan to keep searching today in an effort to make sure they haven't missed any Oklahoma tornado victims. The mayor of Moore, which bore the brunt of the damage, says he doesn't expect the death toll to climb any higher.

Today marks the second anniversary of the tornado that killed 158 in Joplin, Missouri.

According to officials with the City of Tuscaloosa, the proceeds from next Thursday's Lunch and Learn at the Transportation Museum will benefit charities helping with the Oklahoma tornadoes.

Toomers for Tuscaloosa left Townsquare Media with a UHaul filled with donated goods yesterday, en route to Oklahoma, as the houndstooth ribbon overlapped with a blue ribbon spreads across social media, signifying Tuscaloosa's understanding and support.

The Boy Scouts of America is considering changing its long-standing ban on allowing openly gay boys to be members, although gay adult Scout leaders would still be banned. A final vote is scheduled tomorrow.

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