(MONTGOMERY, AL)-- A new Senate bill would put the regulations of animal enterprises and working animals in the hands of the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

The Working Animal Protection and Animal Enterprise Freedom Act, introduced on Tuesday, would also alter cruelty reporting, impoundment procedures, and penalties for frivolous complaints. 

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama lawyer is seeking $100 million in damages for four children who were fostered or adopted by a couple accused of child abuse.

News outlets report the cases involve Daniel and Jenise Spurgeon, who kept about 50 children over the years as they lived in Florence, Alabama, and then Cape Coral, Florida.

Daniel Spurgeon is serving a 25-year sentence after pleading guilty to child abuse, sexual abuse and torture of children in the couple's care. Jenise Spurgeon awaits trial in Alabama and both face more charges in Florida.

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (AP) — A major bridge on the Alabama coast is closed after being hit by a runaway barge.

Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier posts on his Facebook page that the incident at the Dauphin Island bridge happened Friday morning. Collier says a barge hit the north end of the roughly 3-mile-long bridge. He says state transportation officials shut down the span for an inspection, and it's unclear when it will reopen.

The bridge links southern Mobile County with Dauphin Island, which is home to about 1,300 people. 

CHATOM, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama school district is closing due to an outbreak of flu and strep throat.

Al.com reports Washington County Schools, in a Facebook post, said they will be closed Friday as a result of the illnesses. The system already was scheduled to be closed Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 for the Mardi Gras holiday.

The system encouraged families to use the break to help fight the spread of the illnesses by washing all school clothing and backpacks in hot water. It also asked that parents not send their children back to school if they present any signs of infection.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — A new coal mine is planned in west Alabama after a county approved more than $26 million in tax breaks for the project.

The Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority provided the abatements for Warrior Met Coal Inc. The company is planning a $500 million project that will create about 350 jobs in the area. Work is supposed to begin on March 1, with production set to start in early 2025.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama legislative committee has advanced a bill that would bar transgender students from some sports teams.

The House State Government Committee voted 8-4 for the Gender Is Real Legislative Act by Republican Rep. Chris Pringle. The bill would ban K-12 schools from allowing trans athletes to compete under their gender identity and instead require students to participate under the gender listed on their original birth certificate. 

CULLMAN, Ala. (AP) — An long-serving Alabama judge is stepping down after being accused of violating judicial ethics rules.

Media outlets report Cullman County District Judge Kim Chaney announced his retirement this week after serving almost 30 years.

His departure came as the Judicial Inquiry Commission released a complaint accusing him of violating judicial canons by appointing his son to represent indigent defendants and then presiding in some of the cases.

Democratic presidential candidates are debating once again, this time in Las Vegas ahead of Saturday's caucuses in Nevada. Follow NPR's live analysis.

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Montgomery, Ala. (AP) — The city of Montgomery has approved a 1% occupational tax.

News outlets report that the Montgomery City Council approved the occupational tax on a 5-3 vote Tuesday. It would go into effect in 2021.

The City Council approved the tax as state lawmakers considered legislation to strip cities of their abilities to levy occupational taxes. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed told lawmakers that the city would have no choice but to push ahead.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A medical marijuana bill has cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature.

The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill on a 8-1 vote Wednesday.

The bill by Republican Sen. Tim Melson would allow people to be prescribed medical marijuana for 15 conditions including cancer, anxiety and chronic pain. They could purchase cannabis products at a licensed dispensary.