Alabama State News

2 children dead, more than a dozen injured after gunman opens fire at Minneapolis Catholic church: police

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:48:19 +0000

(NEXSTAR) — Two young children are dead and more than a dozen others are injured after a gunman fired shots through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church during a Wednesday morning Mass, police said during a press conference. The suspected shooter is dead.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said calls came in shortly before 8:30 a.m. CT of a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, located on the city's south side.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the pews they were sitting in, O'Hara said. A total of 17 people sitting in the church — 14 of whom are children — were injured. According to O'Hara, two of those children are listed as being in critical condition.

Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, said in a statement that five children were admitted for care. Hennepin Healthcare, which has Minnesota’s largest emergency department, said it was also caring for patients from the shooting.

Authorities helped to locate children that had been hiding in the school, O'Hara said, though the shooting appears to have been limited to the church. Classes began Monday at Annunciation Catholic School, officials said.

The gunman, identified publicly only as a man in his early 20s, was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, O'Hara explained. He used the rifle to fire shots from the outside, through the windows of Annunciation Church, while students and parishioners were attending a morning Mass.

O'Hara said it is believed that the shooter used all three weapons during the shooting, which he also described as "deliberate."

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," said the police chief, who noted that wooden planks had been placed to barricade some of the church doors from the outside.

He said the shooter was found dead in the rear of the church of what appears to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that authorities have identified the shooter as Robin Westman, but that official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooter had any connection to Annunciation but said he did not have a known extensive criminal history. A vehicle believed to belong to the shooter was going to be searched, O'Hara said, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Shortly after 10 a.m. CT, students and families could be seen walking away from the school. Many were trickling out of the school with adults, giving lingering hugs and wiping away tears.

A person walks out of the Annunciation Church's school as police respond to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Families could be seen filing away from Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis after a reported shooting on August 27, 2025. (The Associated Press)
Parents await news of their children's status after a shooting at Annunciation Church on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP)/
Parents await news of their children after a reported mass shooting at Annunciation Church on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP)
Law enforcement officers gather outside the Annunciation Church's school in response to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Parents await news of their children's status after a shooting at Annunciation Church on Wednesday morning, Aug. 27, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP)
A person walks out of the Annunciation Church's school as police response to a reported mass shooting, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

O'Hara said "dozens" of children were inside the church at the time of the shooting. The first day of school was on Monday, and an all-school Mass was scheduled at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to its website.

Bill Bienemann, who lives near the church, told The Associated Press, he heard "sporadic" gunfire that went on for "several minutes." Bienemann's daughter, Alexandra, attended Annunciation School for nine years.

"It breaks my heart. It makes me sick to my stomach knowing that there's probably people that I know that are either injured or maybe they were even killed," she told The Associated Press. "It doesn't make me feel safe at all in this community that I've been a part of for so long."

Aubrey Pannhoff, a 16-year-old student at a different Catholic school, stood crying just outside the police cordon. She had rushed to Annunciation after her own school’s lockdown and prayer service, and she said she was asking God: “Why?”

“It’s little kids,” she said. “It’s just really hard for me to take in.”

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at the news conference with the police chief. "These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”

Gov. Tim Walz said on social media that he had been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, located on the city's south side, calling it "a horrific act of violence."

On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the “tragic shooting” and that the White House would continue to monitor it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

With advice from Saban and Young, Alabama's Simpson feels ready for the spotlight

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:32:30 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Ty Simpson's excitement is palpable. So are his nerves.

Simpson's long-awaited moment — his first collegiate start — is days away. And he's not hiding his feelings about finally leading Alabama onto the field when the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide visits rebuilding Florida State on Saturday.

“Some butterflies, you know,” said Simpson, who beat out former Washington backup Austin Mack and highly touted freshman Keelon Russell for the job. “I was thinking about it this morning. I woke up and I was like, ‘Man, it’s really here. Like, it’s game week.'"

Simpson’s story is unique: a former five-star recruit who waited three years to step into the starting spotlight without pouting, panicking or popping into the portal. Now, he's prepared to be the guy when Alabama plays its first road opener since traveling to Missouri in 2020.

What would constitute a successful debut for the fourth-year junior from Martin, Tennessee? Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb stressed the importance of simply playing under control.

“You just want him to get in and play within the structure of the offense,” Grubb said. “Let the plays come to him instead of him trying to have to manufacture everything. ... He's going to have to make a play, so we try to create an environment where there’s enough structure for him to make the plays that are available and not make the easy ones look hard.”

There’s been a collective effort to prepare Simpson for his opportunity. He received encouragement from former Alabama quarterbacks John Parker Wilson, A.J. McCarron, Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. He even had a conversation with former Alabama coach Nick Saban, specifically about how to handle the emotions that come with a first start.

“Just play within yourself,” Simpson said Saban told him. “He said that if you end the drive with a kick — punt, field goal or extra point — then you know you’re in good shape and you’re not dead in the water.”

Although Simpson will be without running back Jam Miller and possibly without starting guard Jaeden Roberts, he still has plenty of talent around him. Alabama’s offense has three AP preseason All-Americans: receiver Ryan Williams and offensive linemen Parker Brailsford and Kadyn Proctor.

Simpson also will have coach Kalen DeBoer and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan on the sideline to guide him between series.

“It’s a quarterback’s dream to have those types of resources,” Simpson said. “My plan is to just be the best that I can be and get my guys the ball.”

Simpson has earned the confidence of his coaches and his teammates, so much so that he was named a captain last week. His work ethic has been notable, too, with him consistently arriving at the facility between 4 and 5 every morning.

“I think Ty’s been ready for a while,” Williams said. “I’m super proud of Ty, not only as a football player but as a leader. He’s evolved as a human being, if I’m being honest. That's the simplest way I could put it. Even with his confidence throwing the ball, he’s letting it go.”

Simpson’s past experiences have shaped him leading into the opener. There have been other chances to seize the starting job, mainly in 2023. He admittedly wasn’t ready then. But he believes it’s his time now — and he's ready for the spotlight.

“There’s a great feeling going into a game like this,” Simpson said. “Just knowing that I’m more mature than I was even last year and compared to a couple years ago.”

Rain returns Thursday and for Labor Day Weekend

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:31:04 +0000

***Watch the CBS 42 Weather Live streaming weather channel for 24/7 LOCAL weather and forecast information.

Unseasonably cool weather is expected to persist for the remainder of the week. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees below the typical late-August levels.

Record Low Wednesday Morning: Birmingham has set a new record low for August 27. The old record was 58° back in 1968.

Wednesday: High pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. on Wednesday, with a cold front stalled along the coast. It will be mostly sunny, with highs 5-10 degrees below normal, reaching the lower to mid-80s. Wednesday night will be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with near-record low temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Thursday/Friday: A trough of low pressure will sit across the Eastern U.S. on Thursday, with northerly winds aloft over Alabama. This will send an upper-level wave across Alabama. Although we will be dry at the surface, there is plenty of moisture aloft to develop rain. The morning will be dry, but scattered showers and storms are expected to arrive around noon and continue through Thursday night. Highs will be in the lower 80s. This suggests scattered showers for the Samford and UAB football games on Thursday evening.

The wave will continue to bring rain through Friday morning, then we will trend drier with a partly cloudy sky during the afternoon and evening, with just a chance for a few isolated downpours through the afternoon and evening. Highs will be in the lower 80s.

Some rain Thursday evening into Friday morning could be locally heavy. Some isolated flooding can't be ruled out.

Labor Day Weekend Outlook: A cold front moves across the state and stalls along the Gulf Coast all weekend. Currently, Saturday and Sunday are expected to be partly cloudy, warmer, and more humid, with a daily chance of spotty showers. However, if the front moves farther north, we could see more rain on Sunday and Monday. Highs will be in the mid-80s, with lows in the mid-60s.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

Shooting at Roman Catholic school in Minneapolis leaves three dead, including shooter, and 17 injured

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:01:26 +0000

A gunman opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Roman Catholic church and struck a group of children celebrating Mass during the first week of school, killing two and wounding 17 people in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter — armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol — approached the side of the church and shot dozens of rounds through the windows toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

Police believe the gunman then killed himself.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” said the police chief, who noted that a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors. Authorities found a smoke bomb but no explosives at the scene, he said.

The children who died were 8 and 10, the chief said. Dozens more youngsters were inside.

Officials were looking into the suspect’s motive. O’Hara said the man is in his early 20s, does not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone.

Bill Bienemann, who lives a couple of blocks away and has long attended Mass at Annunciation Church, said he heard dozens of shots, perhaps as many as 50, over as long as four minutes.

“I was shocked. I said, ‘There’s no way that could be gunfire,’” he said. “There was so much of it. It was sporadic.”

Bienemann’s daughter, Alexandra, said she attended the school from kindergarten to 8th grade, finishing in 2014. After she heard of the shooting, she said she was shaking and crying, and her boss told her to take the day off.

“It breaks my heart, makes me sick to my stomach, knowing that there are people I know who are either injured or maybe even killed,” Alexandra Bienemann said. “It doesn’t make me feel safe at all in this community that I have been in for so long.”

The school was evacuated, and students’ families later were directed to a “reunification zone.” Outside, amid a heavy uniformed law enforcement presence, were uniformed children in their dark green shirts or dresses. Many were trickling out of the school with adults, giving lingering hugs and wiping away tears.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at the news conference with the police chief. “These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the violence “horrific” in a social media post.

Hennepin Healthcare, the main trauma hospital in Minneapolis, received 11 patients, including nine children — aged 6 through 14 — and two adults, emergency medicine chair Dr. Thomas Wyatt said. He said four of the patients were taken to operating rooms. Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, said in a statement that five children were admitted.

Local, state, county and federal law enforcement officers and agents converged on the area, a leafy residential and commercial neighborhood about 5 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the “tragic shooting” and that the White House would continue to monitor it.

Dating to 1923, the pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school had an all-school Mass scheduled at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to its website. Monday was the first day of school. Recent social media posts from the school show children smiling at a back-to-school event, holding up summer art projects, playing together and enjoying ice pops.

The shooting unfolded while Democratic officials from around the city were meeting elsewhere in Minneapolis, and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told the gathering what was happening.

The gunfire was the latest in a series of fatal shootings in the city in less than 24 hours. One person was killed and six others were hurt in a shooting Tuesday afternoon outside a high school in Minneapolis. Hours later, two people died in two other shootings in the city.

Wednesday’s school shooting also followed a spate of hoax calls about purported shootings on at least a dozen U.S. college campuses. The bogus warnings, sometimes featuring gunshot sounds in the background, prompted universities to issue texts to “run, hide, fight” and frightened students around the nation as the school year begins.

Categories: National News, News

Tags: Church Shooting, Mass Shooting, minneapolis minnesota, school shooting

Alabama inmate dies at William Donaldson Correctional Facility

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:02:40 +0000

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) -- An inmate at William Donaldson Correctional Facility was found dead Tuesday afternoon.

Randy Matkins, 68, was serving a life sentence for a murder conviction out of Madison County. Medical staff found him unresponsive in the prison infirmary, where he was being treated for a significant natural disease around 12:10 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

There has been no evidence found of trauma or foul play associated with the death.

Pedestrian fatally struck on Birmingham interstate identified

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:57:28 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A pedestrian who was struck on Interstate 59/20 Monday was identified Wednesday by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Birmingham resident Kenda Jones, 34, was walking in the travel lanes around 3:54 a.m. when a vehicle struck her. She was transported to UAB Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries around 10:31 a.m.

Birmingham police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Laceup on the Gridiron Game of the Week: Southside Selma gets their season underway with a historic rivalry

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:42:29 +0000

This week’s Game of the Week will feature the historic rivalry between Selma and Southside Selma. This will be the first game of the season for Southside, and head coach Charles Moody is excited to get their season underway in an exciting way.

Categories: High School, LACEUP, Sports

Montgomery man arrested on multiple charges in Auburn

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:07:24 +0000

A Montgomery man has been arrested on multiple charges following a vehicle chase.

Auburn police responded to a car burglary Tuesday in the 1700 block of South College Street.

The victim told officers that the suspect was seen inside the victim’s car before leaving the area. The victim told them that the suspect had stolen property from the vehicle.

The suspect’s vehicle was quickly located by police near the 2500 block of Buc-ee’s Boulevard. As officers tried to pull him over, a chase ensued.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Cadarius Perry, made his way to I-85 South before colliding with police vehicles near mile marker 41. Perry attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody.

During the investigation, evidence was recovered associated with two additional car burglaries that occurred that same day near the 100 block of East University Drive.

Perry has been charged with three counts of unlawful breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, two counts of theft of property second degree, fleeing, attempting to elude, and theft of property third degree.

Perry is currently in the Lee County Jail on a $21,500 bond.

Categories: Crime, East Alabama, News

Sanders wins Pinson mayoral election; Council seats decided

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:37:48 +0000

The following article is from Jakob Gurley with our media partner The Trussville Tribune

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — Hoyt Sanders, the city’s first mayor, has won Tuesday’s municipal election for mayor of Pinson, defeating incumbent Robbie Roberts and challenger Dezmond Boudreaux. Sanders secured 411 votes (61.5 percent), while Roberts received 190 votes (28.4 percent) and Boudreaux received 67 votes (10 percent).

Sanders becomes the city’s third mayor since its 2004 incorporation. Roberts, who had been appointed less than a year ago, sought a full term but lost.

City council races were also decided:

Place 1: Tracie Thompson unseated incumbent Clinteshia Irvin with 424 votes (65 percent) to Irvin’s 228 (35 percent).
Place 2: Brad Walker ran unopposed and retains his seat.
Place 3: Dawn Tanner won with 401 votes (63.1 percent) over Angelica Jefferson’s 234 (36.9 percent).
Place 4: Paula Sims ran unopposed and retains her seat.
Place 5: Noel Holt led with 282 votes (44.3 percent); incumbent Glenda Kirkland received 241 votes (37.8 percent), followed by Chris Esquire with 114 votes (17.9 percent).

Pinson holds city council meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month at City Hall.

Randall Woodfin wins 3rd term as Birmingham mayor

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:26:27 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin has won a third term as mayor of Birmingham.

Woodfin defeated several opponents, including Juandalynn Givan and Lashunda Scales to win reelection. Woodfin garnered over 24,000 votes, good for 74% of the vote, with 99% of total ballots accounted for. The closest challenger was Scales with nearly 5,000 votes.

Woodfin has been mayor of Birmingham since 2017.

Montgomery prepares for 2025 ESPN ‘Red Tails Classic’ at Cramton Bowl

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:07:28 +0000

The City of Montgomery is getting ready for a weekend full of activities leading up to the 2025 ESPN Red Tails Classic football game at historic Cramton Bowl.

The game is set for Sunday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. at Cramton Bowl. This year’s matchup features the Tuskegee University and Winston-Salem State University.

The Red Tails Classic pays tribute to the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and supports the continued elevation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the national stage.

Events include the Red Tails Classic Pep Rally on Saturday, August 30 at 4:00 p.m. at Riverwalk Amphitheater, located at 355 Commerce Street. The pep rally is free and open to the public and will include marching bands, cheerleaders, and special guests.

Weekend Schedule Highlights:

Friday, August 29:
5:00 p.m. – Lot C opens for RVs

Saturday, August 30:
2:00 p.m. – Road closure on Madison Avenue in front of Cramton Bowl
4:00 p.m. – Labor Day Grooves and Grub, a free downtown celebration in the parking lot adjacent to Embassy Suites.

Sunday, August 31:
6:00 a.m. – Hard close for all roads around Cramton Bowl
2:00 p.m. – Shuttles and parking decks open
4:00 p.m. – Cramton Bowl gates open
6:00 p.m. – Kickoff

“This game is more than football—it’s about legacy, leadership, and lifting up the stories that have shaped our community and our country,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “We’re proud to honor the Tuskegee Airmen and celebrate HBCU culture in the capital of dreams.”

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News, Sports

Tags: City of Montgomery, Cramton Bowl, red tails classic, tuskegee university, Winston-Salem State University

Austin Phillips to become mayor of Springville

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:41:18 +0000

The following article is from Terry Schrimscher with our media partners at the Trussville Tribune

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — First term Springville council member Austin Phillips unseated incumbent mayor Dave Thomas to lead the City of Springville for the next four years. Phillips prevailed in a three-way race against Thomas and Russell Starnes, a career law enforcement officer. Both Phillips and Starnes were first time candidates. Phillips was appointed in January of 2023 after the death of long-serving council member Wayne Tucker in late 2022.

Phillips won convincingly in the contest with unofficial numbers showing more than 84% of the vote. Totals reported by the city clerk will be canvassed on September 2 and are not official until that time.

Although conventional wisdom often suggests a three-way race might favor an incumbent by splitting the challenger votes against a solid base of support for the incumbent, sometimes other factors come into play. The mayor and council have often held a contentious interpersonal relationship which may have contributed to the campaign despite strong growth and positive media for popular attractions like the nature preserve in the city.

The Springville City Council has seven members representing seven districts. The mayor also votes along with council members. Three incumbent members of the current council—David Vinson from District 2, Katrina Hennings from District 4, and Sherry Reaves from District 7—and one candidate for an open seat, Alec Bosworth, running in District 5, faced no opposition and were certified in July.

District 1 incumbent Herbert Toles defeated challengers Preston de la Parra and Marvin Herring to retain his seat on the council

District 3 candidates Ted Swartz and Jeff Whisenant competed for the open seat vacated by Austin Phillips. Whisenant narrowly defeated Swartz by five votes.

In District 6, incumbent Marshall Parker was defeated by challenger James Wolfe 129 to 77.

Election results were reported by the city clerk and a certificate of election will be issued after canvassing on September 2.

Center Point headed to runoff in mayor’s race

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:33:54 +0000

The following article is from Terry Schrimscher with our media partners at the Trussville Tribune

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — Mayor Bobby Scott will face Council President D. M. Collins in a runoff for mayor of Center Point in September after neither candidate won a clear majority in a three-way race to lead the city for the next term.

Scott fell short of outright victory with 49% of the votes in the race against Collins and Frederick Burkes. Collins finished the evening with 27% of the vote and Burkes followed with 24%.

Only one incumbent, Glenn Williams, ran for reelection in the city. Williams easily defeated two opponents with 53% of the votes for Place 5. Shante Lee Coleman and Wanda Wright followed with 24% and 23% of the vote, respectively. Williams previously held the seat for Place 2.

Kefera Stokes, Place 2, and Moses Whitaker, Place 4, ran unopposed to fill the seats vacated by Williams, who won Place 5, and Sharon Jones formerly of Place 4.

Jasmain Deloach won the seat for Place 1 with a convincing 79% of the vote over Raymond Olan, who finished with 21%.

Tasha Hogan won District 3 with 55% of the vote reporting. She faced two opponents. James Howell pulled 33% of the votes while Tonya Sigers earned 12%.

Election results were reported by the city clerk and a certificate of election will be issued after canvassing on September 2.

Man arrested after allegedly killing stepfather, wounding mother in Jasper shooting

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:31:11 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A man was arrested in Jasper and charged with murder after allegedly killing his stepfather and critically injuring his mother in a shooting Tuesday morning.

Nathaniel Anderson, 42, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder after a shooting was reported at a home on Devon Drive in Jasper. According to police, officers found Carol Minor, 70, running out of the home and claiming she had been shot. She told police that her husband, Ronald Minor, had been shot dead in the home.

Following the shooting, police asked for local schools in the area to be put on lockdown as they searched for the shooter. After receiving a warrant to search the house, police found Anderson alive in the home.

Carol Minor has been taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No motive has been established in the shooting.

Anderson is currently being held at the Walker County Jail.

2 arrested following reported abuse of 1-year-old girl at Alabama day care

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:30:25 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Two people from a day care in Blount County have been arrested, one charged with torturing a 1-year-old girl while the other was charged with not reporting it to the police.

Police arrested Christa Castleberry and Elizabeth Payne on Monday after a report had been made about a child who has been abused at the Blessings by Day day care in Cleveland. Castleberry was a worker at the day care, while Payne was the manager of the location.

According to court records, the child was abused Aug. 20 after Castleberry, 26, allegedly pushed her head into a cot four times, hurting her eye. Payne, 29, is charged with failing to report the victim's injury to police.

Castleberry and Payne were arrested Monday. Both have since been released from the Blount County Jail, Castleberry on $15,000 bond and Payne on $1,000 bond.

Blessings by Day has two other locations in Oneonta and Blountsville.

The case will be presented to a grand jury Oct. 27. The case is under investigation.

Nick Derzis wins Hoover mayoral race

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:25:32 +0000

HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) -- Nick Derzis has claimed victory in the Hoover mayoral race over incumbent Frank Brocato.

Derzis spent 45 years with the Hoover police and 20 years as police chief. He is now the mayor-elect, defeating Brocato who has been mayor since 2016.

Derzis announced his run for mayor back in May, stating “Hoover needs leadership that innovates, not stagnates."

With a population of over 92,000 people, Hoover is one of the largest cities in Alabama and was recently named one of the top 25 places in the Southeast to live by Livability.com.

Weather Around the Clock: Morning Edition 8/27

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:22:51 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Wednesday: High pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. on Wednesday, with a cold front stalled along the coast. It will be mostly sunny, with highs 5-10 degrees below normal, reaching the lower to mid-80s. Wednesday night will be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with near-record low temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s

Dale Phillips wins Northport mayoral race in landslide

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:34:28 +0000

NORTHPORT, Ala. (WIAT) -- Northport residents voted out two incumbents and voted in a new mayor Tuesday.

Lost Pizza Company was packed Tuesday night with Northport residents excited to wake up Wednesday morning and see what things are in store for their city. For the newly elected mayor, Dale Phillips, that starts when the sun comes up.

“I look forward to hitting the ground running," Phillips said. "We’ll actually start tomorrow. Making some contacts with people, doing some things. We're going to get started.”

Phillips is eager to rebuild Northport.

Here are the council members Phillips will have working alongside him:

Turnley Smith, District 1

Woodrow Washington III, District 2 (incumbent)

Jaime Webb Conger, District 3

Jamie Dykes, District 4 (incumbent)

Danny Higdon, District 5

“We have a great group. I look forward to getting to work with this group," Phillips said. “I think we’ll be able to do something things that are unprecedented in Northport, and I’m excited.”

Over the last year, Northport residents said they felt they lost transparency, honesty and voice. They took to the polls and made their voices heard.

“That sends a message to people. The citizens of Northport have spoken,” Phillips said. “I think you’re seeing the first steps tonight of Northport coming back together. We kind of drifted apart. But I think we’re getting back in the right direction, and this means a lot to people, everybody on both sides, whether you win or lose.”

Unofficial results:

Mayoral candidates

Jason Barksdale – 399
David E. Crawford – 176
Roland M. Lewis – 972
Dale Phillips – 2,598

District 1

Christy Bobo (incumbent) – 201
Turnley Smith – 556

District 2

Orlando Edwards – 26
Zach Stone – 315
Woodrow Washington III (incumbent) – 402

District 3

Jaime Webb Conger – 810
Karl D. Wiggins (incumbent) – 135

District 4

Randall Holt Clark Jr. – 370
Jamie Dykes (incumbent) – 573

District 5

Danny Higdon (Unopposed)

Jim Lowery elected mayor of Fultondale

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:04:14 +0000

FULTONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) -- Former Fultondale mayor Jim Lowery has claimed victory over Larry Holcomb in the Fultondale mayoral race.

Lowery received over 70% of the vote, securing 932 votes compared to Holcomb's 380.

Mayor’s Races: Many local incumbents win re-election

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:56:34 +0000

Most of the cities in our area have posted their unofficial final election results. In many cases, mayors have won re-election, but that’s not the case everywhere.

In Prattville, Bill Gillespie has won a new term, as has Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis and Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson. In Millbrook, Mayor Al Kelley was unopposed as was Troy Mayor Jason Reeves.

But in other places, the mayors will face a runoff with a challenger on September 23. That’s the case for Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon, Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird, Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood and Opp Mayor Becky Bracke.

In Selma, with 94% of the votes counted, Mayor James Perkins, Jr., is in third place and might not make it to a runoff.

Among the mayors who were defeated are Dadeville Mayor Frank Goodman, Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill and Union Springs Mayor Roderick Clark.

CLICK HERE for complete election results from Action 8 News.

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News, News Video

Tags: 2025 city elections, city elections, mayor’s races

Live updates: 2025 municipal elections

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:16:19 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- CBS 42 is Your Local Election Headquarters. Voters across Alabama voted in municipal elections Tuesday to elect mayors and city councilors.

All results are unofficial as of Tuesday.

7 p.m. — Polls closed in Alabama.

7:18 p.m. — Jim Lowery leads Larry Holcomb, 932-380, in the Fultondale mayoral race.

7:32 p.m. — Jim Lowery defeats Larry Holcomb, 932-380, in the Fultondale mayoral race.

7:35 p.m. — Cody Sumners defeats Mick Rochester, 1,437-414, in the Chelsea mayoral race.

7:53 p.m. — Jennifer Andress defeats Robin Litaker, 3,658-1,464, in the Homewood mayoral race.

8:12 p.m. — Rick Wash defeats Maurice Mercer, 2,062-1,840, in the Pelham mayoral race.

8:18 p.m. — Chris Howell won the Trafford mayoral race with 71 votes. He defeats David Samuels, who received 39 votes, and Terry Little, who garnered 11 votes.

8:30 p.m. — Rusty Nix defeats Rod McPherson, 663-163, in the Montevallo mayoral race.

8:32 p.m. — The Leeds mayoral race is likely heading to a runoff. Eddie Moore received 1,315 votes, while Kenneth Washington recorded 734 votes. There were 2,680 votes recorded in the race, and Moore received about 49.07% of the votes.

8:40 p.m. — Scott Brakefield defeats Yoko Brown, 2,622-692, in the Alabaster mayoral race.

8:55 p.m. — Ben Short won the Trussville mayoral race. He received 3,477 votes. Challenger J.T. Smallwood garnered 1,768 votes. Lisa Bright gained 1,473 votes.

8:58 p.m. — Jeffrey "Doc" Price defeats Jeff Mims, 927-737, in the Clanton mayoral race.

9:02 p.m. — Austin Phillips won the Springville mayoral race. He received 1,069 votes. Dave Thomas garnered 137 votes, while Russell Starnes gained 59 votes.

9:05 p.m. — The Center Point mayoral race is probably heading to a runoff. Bobby Scott received 563 votes, while D.M. Collins garnered 310 votes. There were 1,147 people who voted, so Scott gained about 49.08% of the votes.

9:12 p.m. — Dale Phillips won the Northport mayoral race. He received 2,598 votes. Roland Lewis finished with 972 votes.

9:15 p.m. — Jeremy Pate defeats Mahlon Odom, 126-88, in the Cordova mayoral race.

9:20 p.m. — Ciara Smith won the Anniston mayoral election. She received 1,670 votes. Steven Folks garnered 568 votes in a five-person race.

9:23 p.m. — Ashley Curry defeats Richard Cheatwood, 4,662-717, in the Vestavia Hills mayoral race.

9:26 p.m. — James Sullivan defeats Kala Thomas, 141-69, in the Cleveland mayoral race.

9:27 p.m. — Nathaniel Byrd defeats Pam Palmer, 426-399, in the Adamsville mayoral race.

9:29 p.m. — Nick Derzis is claiming victory over Frank Brocato in the Hoover mayoral race. Derzis is up, 8,405-6,500.

9:35 p.m. — Josh Gates defeats Greg Farris, 1,519-468, in the Jasper mayoral race.

9:38 p.m. — William "Bill" Hyde defeats Cory Franks, 124-90, in the Oakman mayoral race.

9:41 p.m. — Richard Dixon defeats Robert Mashburn, 274-247, in the Kimberly mayoral race.

9:43 p.m. — Mark Jones won the Jacksonville mayoral race. He received 714 votes. Tony Taylor garnered 524 votes.

9:45 p.m. — Joseph Edwards Sr. won the Brighton mayoral race. He received 274 votes. Eddie Cooper garnered 151 votes.

9:50 p.m. — James Stewart Jr. defeats Ken Effinger, 2,270-700, in the Irondale mayoral race.

9:55 p.m. — Brocato conceded the Hoover mayoral race to Derzis.

9:59 p.m. — Robin Powell Edgeworth won the Gordo mayoral race. He received 284 votes. Drew Thomas Patterson finished in second with 87 votes.

10:00 p.m. — The Centreville mayoral race appears to be tied, according to incumbent mayor Mike Oakley. Election officials will confirm it Wednesday morning.

10:04 p.m. — Lisa Strickland Davis defeats David Mitchell, 662-166, in the Columbiana mayoral race.

10:05 p.m. — Randall Woodfin is on his way to winning his third term as mayor of Birmingham. He has received almost 75% of votes with all but one precinct counted.

10:18 p.m. — The Boaz mayoral race is likely heading to a runoff. Tim Walker received 287 votes, while Jana Pair garnered 221 votes. David Dyar finished in third place with 166 votes.

10:59 p.m. — The Calera mayoral race is heading to a runoff. Kenny Dale Cost received 813 votes, while Jon Graham garnered 362 votes out of 1,879 votes. The runoff election will be held Sept. 23.

11:03 p.m. — Yolanda Lawson defeats Kevin "KD" Dunn, 1,564-1,079, in the Pleasant Grove mayoral race.

Click here to see election results from the Birmingham area. CBS 42 will continue its Your Local Election Headquarters coverage on the morning news Wednesday.

Heath Allbright wins Alabama House District 11 seat

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:57:37 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Republican Heath Allbright won Tuesday's special election for the Alabama House District 11 seat, according to unofficial results.

Allbright defeated Democrat Alexandria Braswell. Allbright received 88.38% of the votes, while Braswell garnered 11.15%. There were 3,149 people who voted in the election. The district covers parts of Cullman and Blount counties.

Randall Shedd, a Republican, resigned from the seat Feb. 17 to join Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger's office.

“I want to congratulate Heath Allbright on his strong victory tonight," said Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl in a statement. "Heath has proven himself to be a conservative leader, a man of faith, and a fighter for Alabama families. I know he will bring that same dedication to the State House as he works to defend our freedoms, protect our values, and ensure that the voices of the people are always put first. The voters of House District 11 chose well, and I look forward to working alongside Heath to keep Alabama strong.”

Tigers take on Chattanooga in Holiday Hoopsgiving

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:30:31 +0000

The Auburn men’s basketball team will face Chattanooga on Saturday, Dec. 13 in annual Holiday Hoopsgiving at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, marking the six-consecutive year that the Tigers have played in the event. This year’s start time and television designation will be announced at a later time.

“Atlanta has always been a special place for Auburn basketball and never more so than last year’s regional final,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “We advanced to our second Final Four in program history in large part because the Auburn family sold out State Farm Arena, making it a true homecourt advantage. This will be our sixth Holiday Hoopsgiving and we’ve had tremendous success, beating the likes of Indiana, Memphis, Nebraska and Ohio State. We can’t wait for our loyal fan base to pack out State Farm Arena again in December.”

Auburn is 4-1 all-time in Holiday Hoopsgiving games, most recently defeating Ohio State, 91-53, last year. The one-day event will also include a matchup between Georgia and Cincinnati.

Auburn is 3-2 all-time against Chattanooga, most recently beating the Mocs, 101-66, on December 23, 2023, at Neville Arena. The two programs first met in 1927, played twice in 1962 and again in 1991. This will mark the first neutral site meeting between the schools.

(Information from Auburn Athletics)

Categories: Auburn, NCAA Basketball, Sports

Cracker Barrel to return to old logo

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:09:44 +0000

Cracker Barrel has announced that it will return to using its old logo following public outcry over its new logo design.

As CBS News reports, Cracker Barrel said, “We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel,” the popular Southern-themed restaurant chain announced in a post to social media. “We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”

Last week, it announced that it was changing its logo to remove the image of a man sitting in a chair leaning against a barrel, and replacing it with a logo that only featured its name.

The Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel, which has more than 650 locations in 44 states, lost nearly $100 million in market value after releasing the new logo, which was part of an ongoing effort to update its image by adding new menu items and redecorating its stores.

“Rather than just showing one person, we wanted to feature lots of people,” the company said on its website of the new logo. “The idea was to celebrate the diversity of all our guests with a logo that represented our continued passion for pleasing people of all races, colors and genders.”

Cracker Barrel has seen its growth slow in recent years after its business soared in the 1990s. In 2024, it reported revenue of roughly $3.5 billion, up less than 1% from $3.4 billion the previous year, while net income fell to $40.9 million, down sharply from $99 million in 2023.

— From CBS News

Categories: National News, News

Tags: cracker barrel, new logo

2025 City Elections: Local Results

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:48:35 +0000

Here are the results from the 2025 city elections that were held throughout the area.

CITY ELECTION RESULTS

Remember, Montgomery and Auburn don’t hold city elections this year.

If a candidate in a particular race doesn’t receive more than 50% of the vote, then the top two finishers will move on to a runoff on September 23.

Categories: East Alabama, Montgomery Metro, News, South Alabama, Troy, West Alabama

Tags: 2025 city election results, 2025 city elections, city elections, election results

Auburn woman arrested on animal cruelty charges

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:32:58 +0000

An Auburn woman is in custody on charges related to animal cruelty.

Auburn Police say 25-year-old Ashley Susan Graham was arrested on a felony warrant charging her with aggravated cruelty to animals.

The arrest steams from officers responding Monday to an animal cruelty complaint near the 400 block of North Dean Road. Police were notified that deceased household animals were located in a home. Auburn Animal Control responded and an investigation was initiated by Auburn Police and Animal Control.

Graham was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. She was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $5,000 bond.

Categories: Crime, East Alabama, News

Suspects point guns at Attorney General’s agent

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:04:12 +0000

A man and woman are in custody after they pointed a gun at an agent with the Attorney General’s Office.

Officials say the agent was attempting to serve a bond revocation warrant in the 2100 block of E. Fourth Street in Midtown Montgomery.

During the attempt, that’s when they say a male and female suspects both pointed their guns at the agent.

The agent called for backup and units from the Montgomery Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency responded.

The male suspect fled into a nearby home and exited the rear door.

Officers chased him into a backyard on E. Second Street where a brief standoff ensued.

Units deployed less-than-lethal munitions, and the male suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with Menacing and Attempting to Elude. The female suspect also had outstanding warrants signed on her for Menacing.

Categories: Crime, Montgomery Metro, News

Samford, Auburn some of America's most conservative colleges, says new report

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:57:43 +0000

(NEXSTAR) - When leaving for college, many young students will begin to find their identity in terms of their political stance. Whether that stance leans more to the left or right can be influenced by where these students choose to attend school.

Niche.com, which annually ranks the top colleges and universities in the country, has released a list of the "Most Conservative Colleges" in the U.S.

To find this, current college students and recent graduates across the country reported how they leaned politically, as well as their opinions on how other students at their school leaned.

Landing at the top of the list as the "most conservative" college was Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Liberty has more than 50,000 undergraduate students who attend the school and a 99% acceptance rate, according to Niche. The university states that it believes in "developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills to impact their world."

Next on the list was Grove City College found in Grove City, Pennsylvania, followed by Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho.

Here's the list of the top 25 conservative colleges:

Rank	College	State
1	Liberty University	VA
2	Grove City College	PA
3	Brigham Young University-Idaho	ID
4	Colorado Christian University	CO
5	Bob Jones University	SC
6	Cedarville University	OH
7	Pensacola Christian College	FL
8	University of Northwestern- St. Paul	MN
9	Brigham Young University	UT
10	Regent University	VA
11	Evangel University	MO
12	Grace College	IN
13	Oral Roberts University	OK
14	North Greenville University	SC
15	Mississippi College	MS
16	University of Mary	ND
17	Lee University	TN
18	Snow College	UT
19	Baylor University	TX
20	Samford University	AL
21	Utah Valley University	UT
22	Auburn University	AL
23	Northwestern College-Iowa	IA
24	Biola University	CA
25	University of Arkansas	AR

(Niche.com)

You can see the full rankings on Niche's website.

Alabama football cancels home-and-home against West Virginia

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:56:41 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Following the announcement of a nine-game SEC football schedule beginning in 2026, Alabama has begun making adjustments to its nonconference matchups.

The Crimson Tide announced that it will be canceling its home-and-home series against West Virginia, which was set to begin in 2026 with a trip to Morgantown, W. Va., and a return to Tuscaloosa in 2027. Alabama will now play East Carolina in 2026 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Bama currently has 10 nonconference home-and-homes scheduled over the next 11 seasons:

2025: at Florida State, Wisconsin
2026: Florida State
2027: at Ohio State
2028: Ohio State, at Oklahoma State
2029: at Notre Dame, Oklahoma State
2030: at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame
2031: Georgia Tech, at Boston College
2032: Arizona, at Minnesota
2033: at Arizona, Minnesota
2034: at Virginia Tech, Boston College
2035: Virginia Tech

"We are proud of the number of high-quality home-and-home non-conference games we have scheduled for the next 10 years," said Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne. "That being said, we know that college athletics has been evolving and changing rapidly over the last few years, and it made sense for us to make these adjustments on our future schedules. We have a bit more flexibility as we transition to a nine-game format in the Southeastern Conference, and it gives us the opportunity to further evaluate how strength of schedule is evaluated for the College Football Playoff. Between other home-and-homes as well as conference games, we will continue to have a solid strength of schedule, which is good for our team, fans and college football."

Walker County Career Center of Technology put under lockdown over alleged shooting

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:42:27 +0000

WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Walker County Career Center of Technology was placed under lockdown following an alleged shooting in the area Tuesday morning.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed that the school resource officer at the school initiated a lockdown due to a "shooting incident" in Jasper.

The Jasper Police Department stated the scene is secure and the suspect has been located as of 1:00 p.m.

Birmingham City Schools announces new guidelines for sporting events

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:54:39 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Birmingham City Schools announced new guidelines for attendance at sporting events to help create a "safe and enjoyable environment."

The guidelines include the following:

All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire game.
The parent or guardian must have a valid photo identification.
All attendees are expected to follow the rules of the athletic facilities where the athletic event is being held.
Only clear bags are allowed, and all bags are subject to search.
Those who fail to follow the facility rules may be escorted from the facility.
Spectators are asked to remain seated in the stands during the game. Loitering or gathering of groups in the aisles, concourses, ramps, entrances, or exits is prohibited.
Smoking, including using electronic cigarettes or intoxicants, and/or possessing alcohol are not permitted.
No rough housing, running, fighting, use of profanity, or acting in a manner considered to be offensive, threatening, insulting, humiliating, embarrassing, disruptive, obscene, sexually explicit, gang-related, or violent will be allowed.
BCS students who violate the BCs Student Code of Conduct or create and unsafe environment or condition will be removed from the game without ticket reimbursement.

"Safety is a priority in Birmingham City Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan. "In recent months we've invested in hi-tech scanners as well as alert systems for our school employees. These new guidelines are part of our ongoing commitment to safety and security in our schools and facilities as well as our events."

Employee found dead at DCH hospital in Tuscaloosa

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:26:59 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Tuscaloosa Police Department is conducting an investigation after an employee was found dead at DCH Regional Medical Center Monday.

DCH contacted TPD after find an employee dead at their work area, according to Capt. Jack Kennedy. Preliminary findings from the medical examiner suggest that the individual died from a medical issue. Authorities say no signs of criminal activity or foul play were found.

The case is under investigation.

UAB, Samford football fans ready for Week 1

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:21:28 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Week 1 of college football is here. Two local teams will start their seasons Thursday.

In three days, Samford and UAB will each kick off at home. Fans are just as excited as the teams to get the season underway.

“I’m hoping to see a whole lot of touchdowns, a whole lot of cheering, a whole lot of school spirit, whole lot of ‘'Go Blazers,'" UAB freshman Beau Hoffman said.

“I do think that the first game is kind of a good start to the year, and it really helps Samford Athletics," said Frances Inabnet, a senior at Samford. "I feel like it garners a lot of interest. It at least garners mine. I’m a big sports fan.”

Samford and UAB fans alike said the first game of the season is always a popular one.

"Everyone’s just getting back to school, especially the freshmen, and so they’re really eager to see what Samford’s about," Inabnet said. "The bleachers are completely filled, and the alumni have a separate side of the bleachers, and so they are there also, too, and it’s just a lot of fun.”

"First game is going to be the most packed game," Hoffman said. "So if you’re scared on coming out, I’d say that’s the biggest opportunity to make friends and support your team."

Even students who aren’t the biggest sports fans, like the Beck twins at UAB, are ready for the first game.

"It’s like my second time going to a football game," UAB senior Kneidra Beck said. "I know nothing about sports, but I’m excited to go show some school spirit and support our Blazers."

“I actually don’t keep up with sports and stuff, but I’m hoping that they win Thursday," UAB senior Nadaija Beck said. "I’m very excited about it.”

Samford and UAB have been working hard all summer to get ready for this season. The head coaches said they're excited to get back on the field.

"It’s time to go play and see what we’re made out of," said Samford head football coach Chris Hatcher. "I thought that our team works extremely hard. They’re a good group of guys that I think like each other, which is very important, but it’s that time. You go out there and find out what you’re made of come Thursday night."

"Obviously, Week 1, excited about the opportunity," said UAB head football coach Trent Dilfer. "Humbled by the growth we’ve experienced since December through the turmoil of the new era of college football and turning your roster and your staff over yearly.

"There’s a lot put on Week 1. But then if you step back and just say, 'What’s the significance of Week 1?' It’s one game. Like, it’s one game. Now, we want the approach where every game is a big deal. You’re always trying to get the next one, you’re trying to go 1-0. But I do want to make sure everybody knows we’re a work in progress. We’re not close to what I want us to be yet.”

Samford kicks off against West Georgia at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pete Hanna Stadium. UAB faces Alabama State in Protective Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Homewood public hearing held on Piggly Wiggly store

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:15:26 +0000

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) -- A public meeting in Homewood was held Monday evening about redevelopment plans for a neighborhood grocery store.

The city council passed an amended ordinance greenlighting a plan to refurbish the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 31. The plan aims to make it easier for customers to get in and out.

"We're adding, almost doubling the amount of parking spots, so we're excited about that," said Homewood City Council President Walter Jones. "So people will be able to park safely, and children will be able to have a little green space there. We always want to try to add a little green space if we can do that."

The plan will now go before the city planning commission. Jones said that meeting is happening next month. He said he hopes work on the project will start in the next six to eight weeks.

2025 Alabama municipal elections: Where to vote, what to bring

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:10:07 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- City clerks urge voters to know where to vote and what to bring before arriving at the polls Tuesday.

“Municipal elections are one of the most important elections to vote for,” said Mountain Brook City Clerk Heather Richards.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Whether this is your first time voting in your city’s election or you’re a lifelong municipal voter, double check where to vote because some cities have changed their district map or polling locations.

Below is a list of some of the municipal elections happening in the Birmingham area. Click on your city to find where to vote:

Some cities did not have polling locations listed directly on their website. If you can’t find election information on your city’s website, you can find that information on the Alabama secretary of state’s website.

All voters must bring an Alabama state-issued ID. That can be a driver license, non-driver license or boater license, Richards said.

No temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates during Labor Day weekend

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 01:30:59 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — The Alabama Department of Transportation announced there will be no temporary lane closures on interstate routes during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Closures will be suspended beginning at noon Friday, Aug. 29, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1.

The move is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety as more people travel during the holiday. It also helps provide a safer environment for maintenance and construction workers.

“In 2024, nine people died in crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend,” said Amanda Deem, Drive Safe Alabama coordinator. “By suspending lane closures, we hope to make everyone’s journey safer and less stressful.”

ALDOT also shared safety reminders for motorists during the holiday weekend:

Watch your speed. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
Avoid distracted driving. Put your phone down and stay focused on the road. Alabama law prohibits holding a cellphone while driving.
Never drive impaired. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service if needed.

Motorists planning their holiday travel can access traffic and road condition information, including live traffic camera feeds, at ALGOtraffic.com or through the ALGO Traffic app.

I-59 exit ramps at Chalkville Mountain Road to reopen ahead of schedule

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:27:41 +0000

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced crews have made enough progress to reopen the southbound Chalkville Mountain Road (Exit 141) ramps off Interstate 59 in Trussville after the morning rush hour on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The ramps were previously scheduled to reopen around Labor Day, but work has been completed ahead of schedule.

The ramps were closed last month as part of a 3.8-mile widening project on I-59 between Exit 141 and Edwards Lake Road on I-459. Contractor Wiregrass Construction was given a 40-day incentivized goal to reopen the ramps by Aug. 29, but crews are expected to finish three days early.

The new three-lane configuration of I-59 southbound is projected to open to traffic by the Thanksgiving holiday.

Work to widen the northbound lanes is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the closure of the Exit 141 northbound ramps expected next spring. The overall $70.37 million widening project is slated for completion by the end of 2026.

While the ramps are reopening, ALDOT continues to encourage motorists to use alternate routes and adjust travel times when possible. Drivers are also reminded to observe posted work zone speed limits and signs, and to use caution in the area.

High school football referee hailed as a hero after administering CPR to colleague who collapsed on field in Sylacauga

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:03:01 +0000

SYLACAUGA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Lew Murphy, a high school football referee who performed CPR on a fellow referee who collapsed on the field during the second quarter of Sylacauga’s home football game against Coosa Central, is being hailed as a hero.

Joey Shelnutt, is now awaiting bypass surgery after his long time friend and colleague along with others jumped into action to save his life.

“Absolutely he’s a hero,” said head football coach Chris Smelley.” “Just the awareness that he had that we were in an emergency situation is not normal, I definitely didn’t realize it that fast.”

Smelley added that Murphy immediately knew what to do, as he was trained in CPR. He said it quickly became a team effort in a critical moment:

“Lew started on the compressions right away,” he recalled, “and then we motioned over to get the paramedics out as well, and a cardiologist came out of the stands, and then a local fire fighter came out of the stands and took over compressions..”

Clint Payton, a Lieutenant with the Sylacauga Fire Department ran to the bottom of the stands and across the field to help:

“The EMS crew had already taken over compressions, but I knew they had to set their monitor up, they had a lot of work to do, so I took over the compressions for them until we took them to the ambulance.”

Payton said Shelnutt had to be resuscitated twice. He said everyone needs to know how to perform CPR:

“Be able to at least do it like Mr. Murphy. He was running up and down the field, he didn’t need to compression for seven or eight minutes, but to be able to start compressions until someone else can take over is huge.”

Superintendent Michele Eller said players and fans could be seen praying for Shelnutt. Shelnutt, who said on Monday that his vitals are looking great, has been texting Murphy from his hospital bed.

“Lou’s gonna tell you he’s not a hero, but he’s my hero.”

He also credits a nurse named Wendy who ran over to help.

“If it weren’t for them I probably wouldn’t be here talking,” Shelnutt said during an interview from the hospital via Zoom.

Shelnutt, who will undergo bypass surgery later this week, wants everyone to know how grateful he is for their kind words, thoughts and prayers. He plans to return to his duties as a referee next season. While Murphy did not want to go on camera following the emotional night, he shared a statement with us which reads in part:

"I’m grateful that I had CPR training and faith to move quickly to help my friend, Joey. May we pray he continues to heal well so that we can go back to doing what we love best, honoring the game of football and ensuring everyone playing stays safe.”

(Courtesy: Jimmy Reynolds Jr.)

Classes canceled for some students at Cullman County school due to smoke, water damage

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:38:12 +0000

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Students at Fairview Elementary School are safe after the school suffered smoke and water damage Monday.

Classes are canceled Tuesday and Wednesday for Pre-K through first-grade students. Cullman County Schools Media and Communications Specialist Ty Watwood stated the school experienced an electrical issue with what is believed to be an exhaust fan, which caused some smoke to gather in the building.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office arrived at the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.