BW Recommends is a rundown of stories you might have missed this week. It offers insight into issues important to our area and sometimes tickles your curiosity.

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George McMillan, Who Nearly Beat Wallace and Revitalized Birmingham With Music, Dies at 81 (AL.com)

The former lieutenant governor and founder of City States died Friday from complications following surgery.

Alabama House Passes Lulu’s Law to Establish Shark Alert System  (Alabama Political Reporter)

Lulu’s Law is inspired by Lulu Gribbin, a 15-year-old girl from Mountain Brook who survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida.

Crowds in Railroad Park Protest Trump Administration for “No Kings” Day (WBHM)

Protesters filled Railroad Park in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon to protest recent actions by the Trump administration. Speakers railed against deportations, along with federal staff and funding cuts. At least one said she feared Trump’s dictatorial tendencies threatens Democracy in America. The event was held on the 250^th anniversary of a major-Revolutionary battle.

State Rep. Harbison Formally Resigns From Legislature

(Alabama Political Reporter)

The Cullman Republican announced plans to resign last month to spend more time with his family. But APR reported Wednesday that Harbison has not attended the legislative session this year.

Auburn Says 15 International Students, Campus Personnel Had Visas Revoked

The visas were canceled by ICE and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Auburn officials have reached out to help the affected students and personnel.

What Passed in the Alabama Legislature: April 15-17, 2025 (Alabama Reflector)

The Legislature is debating bills as it his its 24^th day of the regular session, which can last 30 days.

Senate Leadership Shuts Down Dem Filibuster to Pass Slate of Conservative Bills (Alabama Daily News)

Republicans shut down debate by Democrats to pass bills such as ones to restrict young people’s access to sexual content on their phones and give the governor appointing power over the Archives and History board. Another bill at issue that was not voted on would reorganize the Birmingham Water Works Board into a regional board and change who has power to appoint members. The bill will go to a public hearing before the County and Municipal Government Committee Tuesday morning.

More Than 60 Power Plants Exempted From Federal Mercury Limits (Inside Climate News)

More stringent rules were scheduled to be enforced in 2027. Selected plants will now have two more years to comply. One of those plants is the coal-fired James H. Miller plant in Jefferson County, which the EPA singled out again this year as being the single largest greenhouse gas polluter in the United States.