Alabama State News

Tuscaloosa accepting toy donations for parking ticket fines

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:33:01 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Starting Monday, Tuscaloosa residents can now pay off $18 overtime parking tickets to the city with a toy donation to Toys for Tots.

Toys valued at $10 or more can be exchanged for a $18 parking ticket. Toys valued at $20 or more will be accepted in place of two $18 parking tickets. Participants can bring their toys to Tuscaloosa Municipal Court at 2122 6th Street from Nov. 6 to Dec. 6.

City Court Administrator Jessica Junkin says the program gives families with children a great Christmas present every year.

"Parking tickets aren't something anyone is excited about but I think this program is a great opportunity for them to help the community while also taking care of their tickets," Junkin said.

Junkin says the city requests a receipt for purchase or a price tag on the toy showing the value at $10 or more.

The Toys for Tickets program started in 2019. Last year, 150 toys were donated to pay off 175 parking tickets. Toys for Tots tells CBS 42 they were able to give toys to 4,500 children in all of West Alabama in 2022.

New owners take over WorkPlay in downtown Birmingham

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:31:02 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A group of five new owners is hoping to breathe new life into WorkPlay, a once-thriving music venue.

Located in downtown Birmingham, it was the place to be for musicians in the mid-2000s.

Co-owner Johnny Grimes said they plan to remodel and expand the bar and have it open several days a week. They are also revamping the sound stage for movie production and live performances and remodeling the two recording studios.

Co-owner Josh Williams said he is excited to see new opportunities come to the space.

"It's just a creative fun spot. We're going to have you know, get all these offices leased out. Have shows, sometimes multiple shows. We may have a show on the sound stage and in the theater on the same night. Or there may be a movie crew in there shooting film and there's a show in here on the same night. Just creating the hustle and bustle of what WorkPlay used to be but also was intended to be," Williams said.

Grimes said he wants to make WorkPlay a creative hub for Birmingham.

"Everybody from Sturgill Simpson to Bob Dylan played on the stage, not many people know that," Grimes said. "So, our desire is to kind of give a rebirth to WorkPlay and to see it as one of the premiere music venues in Birmingham once again."

Grimes said they plan to start renovations in December. They are expecting to reopen on February 1.

Over 344,000 birds killed after avian flu found at two Alabama farms

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:43:05 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or "bird flu," has been found at two farms in Alabama, prompting a swift response from both state and federal agriculture and wildlife officials.

More than 344,000 birds have now been killed in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly and highly contagious virus.

Around 48,000 chickens were killed after the virus was confirmed at a commercial pullet farm in Marshall County, and nearly 300,000 birds, including ducks, pheasants, quail and chukars, were killed after bird flu was confirmed at a commercial farm in Chilton County.

Dr. Tony Frazier, state veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Agriculture, knows those numbers are "staggering" but explained they had a critical reason.

"If we don’t respond pretty quickly, then not only do birds continue to suffer and die, but then, our export markets internationally are impacted," Frazier said.

With no vaccine, most of the infected birds were already dying. Symptoms include gasping for breath, swelling, gastrointestinal issues and sudden deaths across a flock.

Fraizer said the birds were killed humanely using a combination of carbon dioxide and a foam that puts them to sleep, a method approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

"About the only way to move and move quickly is humane depopulation," Frazier said.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu is not considered a threat to human beings or to food safety. Still, Frazier said infected birds will never enter the food supply.

The impact on the state's poultry industry has been minimal so far, according to Johnny Adams, CEO of the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association.

"Our farmers have very high biosecurity standards. They change their clothes when they come in and out of houses, they wear rubber boots in each house," Adams said.

However, Rick Pate, the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Industries, said this virus could easily devastate farmers across the state. Pate suspects these cases originated from migrating waterfowl, such as ducks or geese, because both farms are close to water.

Officials hope by catching the virus early and acting swiftly, they will protect the $15 billion business in Alabama.

"Huge, huge implications for Alabama’s economy ... The poultry industry holds up a lot of our rural communities, our rural counties," Pate said.

Near Record Highs and Dry Through Thursday, Rain Finally Returns Friday

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:40:01 +0000

Tonight, an upper-level wave will move east of Alabama. We will be mostly clear, cool, and comfortable. Lows will be in the middle 40s to the lower 50s.

Tomorrow, an area of high pressure will sit over the northern Gulf of Mexico, and this will keep us warm and dry. We will be mostly sunny with high temperatures in the lower 80s.

The area of high pressure will move east and sit over the Southeast U.S. to Northern Florida on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday will be sunny and warm with high temperatures in the lower 80s.

On Thursday, a cold front will move toward Alabama from the northwest. Ahead of it, we will become partly cloudy and stay warm with high temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s. We will see some rain move over the viewing area Thursday night with lows around 60°.

The cold front will move across the state on Friday with much-needed scattered showers for much of the day. Rain totals do not look impressive. We could pick up around 0.50". This will not be enough to end the drought, but everything helps. High temperatures will only be in the upper 60s.

Weekend Outlook: The cold front will move into the northern Gulf of Mexico this weekend and stall. This will keep clouds and a stray shower over Central Alabama on Saturday with cool high temperatures in the middle 60s. An upper-level wave will move across the front on Sunday. This will keep us cloudy with a few showers possible. High temperatures will only be in the lower to middle 60s.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes and Meteorologist Alex Puckett

Governor Ivey pardons turkeys Giblet and Puddin' in honor of Thanksgiving tradition

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:14:00 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey pardoned two turkeys, Giblet and Puddin', on the 75th anniversary of a long-standing Alabama - and American - tradition.

The fortunate fowl will avoid the Thanksgiving table thanks to a social media poll, which allowed users to determine the fate of two lucky birds.

The pair beat out Cluck and Dolly, Rosemary and Sage and Butterball and Maple. Giblet and Puddin' will return to Bates Turkey Farm in Fort Deposit. The annual event took place at the Governor's Mansion and featured song performances from Hoover's Riverchase Day School and Montgomery Christian School students.

But how did this tradition begin?

Turkey Clyde 55, left, awaits an official pardon from Alabama Gov. Bob Riley Tuesday morning, Nov. 16, 2004 with escort "Henrietta" on the front lawn of the Governor's Mansion in Montgomery, Ala. The first lady Patsy Riley and Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, right, stand alongside the Governor in front of elementary students from several Alabama schools. Pardoning a turkey from Thanksgiving dinner started in 1949 by Alabama Gov. James "Big Jim" Folsom.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley pardons the life of a turkey named "Clyde" during a ceremony on the lawn of the Governor's Mansion, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, in Montgomery, Ala. The annual Thanksgiving tradition is in its 58th year.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley gives Clyde the Turkey a pat on the head Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003, after issuing him a pardon during the annual turkey presentation to the governor by the Alabama Egg and Poultry Association. Turkey producer Bill Bates presented Riley with the turkey at the governor's mansion in Montgomery, Ala.
Alabama turkey producer Bill Bates, left, presents Gov. Bob Riley with a Thanksgiving turkey after the governor pardoned Clyde the Thanksgiving turkey during ceremonies at the governor's mansion in Montgomery, Ala., Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. Riley allowed a group of children to determine Clyde's fate, and he was pardoned for the 61st straight year.

According to the Associated Press (2004), the ritual of pardoning a turkey began in 1949 when the first Alabama turkey was pardoned by Gov. James “Big Jim” Folsom. His actions preceded a national tradition some believe started when Abraham Lincoln pardoned a Christmas turkey his son had grown fond of.

However, Folsom was ahead of his time, as the first president to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey was President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and was formalized in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush.

As of 2004, every turkey brought to an Alabama governor by Bill Bates, a turkey grower in Greeneville, had been named Clyde, according to the AP.

"Jim Folsom tried to kill that first one we brought. He got loose and flew all over the office," Bates told the AP (2004).

Sadly, not every Alabama Clyde was as fortunate as its predecessor. The 2003 Clyde was killed in Hurricane Ivan just a few months prior to 2004 Clyde’s nomination.

In 2005, Clyde was pardoned by Gov. Bob Riley. The following year, an exposé was written in the Birmingham News (2006) detailing his horrific ending.

Following his pardon, 2005 Clyde was taken to the Alabama Farmers Market in Montgomery, where Bates thought it would be good to have him on display for educational purposes. That is, until PETA found out.

At PETA’s behest, 2005 Clyde was returned to Bates Turkey Farm, according to the Birmingham News, which detailed his experience as such:

“Clyde wasn't concerned. He was armed with a pardon from the governor that declared that never would such a fate befall him. Contrary to Saturday morning cartoons, coyotes can't read. Not even pardons … To make a long story short, the coyote had a Thanksgiving dinner without all of the trimmings.”

In 2018, Governor Ivey pardoned the annual Clyde, in addition to another turkey, Henrietta. Through 2021, Ivey pardoned two turkeys each year with the same names.

It wasn’t until 2022 that the pardoned turkeys were no longer named Clyde, but instead were given names voted on by the people, perhaps breaking the generational curse.

ONLY ON 8: Political Analyst Steve Flowers on races for White House, U.S. House District 2

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 23:31:13 +0000

Action 8 Political Analyst Steve Flowers shared his insight into the presidential race and for the open seat in U.S. House District 2.

Over the weekend, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced that he would not run for the Congressional seat. Flowers says that makes the race wide open, although he says someone who’s from Montgomery would still have the advantage. The federal courts recently redrew the district lines to give Black Alabamians a chance at greater representation. The deadline for candidates to qualify is 5PM Friday, November 10.

Today, former President Donald Trump took the stand in his civil fraud trial in New York. Trump is accused of inflating his company’s assets in order to get more favorable terms on loans and insurance. Flowers spoke about whether this case and the others that Trump faces would hurt his support in Alabama.

There is also a new CBS News Poll that shows how people feel about a potential Biden vs. Trump rematch in the 2024 presidential race. The poll shows that among likely voters asked, 18% say they thought Biden’s policies would improve their personal finances, compared to 45% who said Trump. When asked about the possibility of the U.S. going to war, 49% said they thought Biden’s policies would increase the chances that the U.S. would be involved in a war, compared to 43% who said they thought Trump would keep the U.S. out of war.

Flowers said Biden’s troubles extend beyond those issues because he is now trailing trump in several key battleground states. However, the election is still about one year away.

Watch the video above to get Steve Flowers’ Exclusive analysis.

Categories: Campaign 2024, News, News Video

Tags: campaign 2024, political analysis, steve flowers

Escaped inmate recaptured in Tuscaloosa

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:41:00 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- An inmate who was detained inside a Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's patrol unit was able to escape, but was later recaptured Monday.

According to TCSO, officers arrived to the 8900 block of Argonne Forest Drive on a welfare check. Caleb Herron, 23, was detained inside the prisoner compartment of a patrol unit but was gone when the deputy returned to his car. Camera footage showed that Herron maneuvered out of his handcuffs and escaped.

An IPaws message with the suspect's description was sent to residents in the area and a K-9 unit was deployed as authorities searched within the perimeter. Community members began calling to report seeing the suspect, and Herron was taken into custody soon after. Herron is currently in the Tuscaloosa County Jail awaiting bond for third-degree escape, fourth-degree theft of property and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

A Warmer Weather Pattern Takes Hold This Week

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:19:49 +0000

We’re off to a warm start and it’s going to get even warmer this week! Mostly sunny skies will allow temperatures to warm nicely into the upper 70s to lower 80s Overnight temps come up as well and we’re only falling into the upper 40s to lower 50s. Wednesday should turn out to be the warmest with mid 80s possible in several locations.

Looks like a frontal boundary will make a run at the state late week. We now see a good chance for rain Friday. It looks like rainfall amounts would range between .50 to .75 of an inch. Model data continues to trend upwards and some spots could see a bit more. All indications are the front moves through but clouds and some shower activity will linger into the weekend.

In the meantime, you can definitely put the coats away this week. Enjoy the warmth while it last because you know colder air will return before too long.

Categories: Daily Forecast

3 shot in Bessemer, police on scene

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:57:17 +0000

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — Bessemer Police Department officers are currently on the scene of a shooting investigation.

The shooting took place in the 2700 block of 8th Avenue North. According to officials on the scene, three people have been shot and transported to UAB Hospital. The victims' conditions are unknown at this time.

Stay with CBS 42 as this story develops.

Brookwood Baptist Health Hospitals hosting hiring events this week

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:50:21 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Five Brookwood Baptist Health Hospitals will host a Nursing and Allied Health Hiring Event this week.

Here's a schedule of the events set to be held at each hospital:

Citizens Baptist Medical Center - Tuesday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Hospital Board Room)
Walker Baptist Medical Center - Tuesday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Hospital West Conference Room)
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center - Thursday, November 9, 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. (First Floor Women's Classroom)
Princeton Baptist Medical Center - Thursday, November 9, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (East Expansion Conference Rooms)
Shelby Baptist Medical Center - Thursday, November 9, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Physician's Center Conference Room)

The hiring event will include opportunities for the following positions:

RN (licensed and upcoming 2023-24 new grads)
LPN (licensed and upcoming 2023-24 new grads)
Nurse extern
Nurse extern I
Nurse extern II
Allied health professionals
Cardiovascular services: Cath lab: RN, CV tech, RN, cardiac sonographer, electrophysiology tech
Clinical lab services: MT, MLT, CLS
Imaging techs: radiology, CT, Mammo, nuclear med, ultrasound, multi-modality
Electroneurodiagnostic tech
Pharmacy techs
Rehab services: physical, speech and occupational therapists
Respiratory therapy: CRT and RRT therapists
Surgical services: surgical tech and sterile processing techs
Sleep lab, polysom tech
Radiation physicist

Winter clothing and warmth supplies drive to be held at Boutwell Auditorium

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:50:06 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The City of Birmingham is hosting a warmth supply drive this week to help those experiencing homelessness.

The drive will be held this Wednesday and Thursday at Boutwell Auditorium from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be accepting bottled water, toilet paper and paper towels as well as new or gently used coats, new gloves, winter caps and hand warmers

Volunteers will be stationed in front of Boutwell to accept donations, which will be distributed to support warming stations organized by the city and its community partners.

This supply drive is a partnership between the City of Birmingham and AmeriCorps VISTAs.

Jalen Milroe named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after win over LSU

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:08:37 +0000

TUSCULOOSA, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Crimson Tide cruised to a 42-28 victory over LSU Saturday night and Jalen Milroe has been rewarded for his performance in that game.

The redshirt-sophomore ran all over the Tigers defense accounting for 374 yards of total offense, including 219 passing yards and another 155 yards on the ground.

Milroe's efforts landed him the SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week with Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris.

On the season, Milroe has thrown for 1,836 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 297 yards and 9 touchdowns.

This is the second time this season that Milroe has been awarded the weekly honor with the first time being for his performance against Middle Tennessee State in week one.

Alabama is currently 8-1 and ranked No. 8 in both the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff Poll. The Tide can clinch a spot in the SEC Championship game with a win over Kentucky this weekend or an Ole Miss loss against Georgia.

Alabama and Kentucky will kick off Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN.

Suspect arrested after alleged Homewood standoff

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:40:19 +0000

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Homewood Police Department (HPD) arrested a person Monday afternoon after originally going to conduct a welfare check.

According to HPD, officers were called to do a welfare check on a person in the 500 block of Edge Crest Drive when they heard gunshots from inside the home. Police then made entry into the home and heard an additional gunshot. Officers then called for additional units, and it was determined that the suspect had shot a dog.

Police reportedly were able to locate a cell phone number for the suspect and began negotiating with him. Authorities were also able to reach family members who arrived and began talking to the suspect via PA system.

Officers say within five minutes he came out and surrendered to the police. No one was injured during this event.

8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT: Lead possibly found in applesauce pouches

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:11:40 +0000

8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT: Two more companies are recalling their cinnamon applesauce pouches over concerns of possible lead contamination.

MORE INFORMATION ON RECALL

The recall started with Wanabana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, which was sold at Dollar Tree, Sam’s Club and on Amazon.

Now, Schnucks and Weis have also recalled their similar products, which were not sold in Alabama.

The FDA says seven cases of possible lead exposure have been reported in five states. Alabama is not one of them.

Lead is toxic. The FDA says those who have eaten this food should go to the doctor for a blood test.

Categories: 8 On Your Side, News

Tags: 8 on your side, applesauce recall, consumer alert, lead contamination

21-year-old pedestrian struck, killed in Calhoun County

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:13:19 +0000

CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- A Jacksonville man is dead after being struck by a car in Calhoun County early Monday morning.

Logan Grabau, 21, was walking in the roadway on Alabama 202 near the six mile marker when he was struck by a Ford Expedition around 4:45 a.m., according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nothing else is available as ALEA continues to investigate.

Man shot and killed in Montgomery

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:00:29 +0000

A man is dead after being shot in Montgomery on Saturday.

Montgomery police have launched a homicide investigation after 54-year-old Tommy Perkins was killed. Police say the shooting happened Saturday at about 7:45PM in the 700 block of Golden Gate Drive. That is in a neighborhood in north Montgomery, just outside Northern Boulevard.

Police have released no other information. If you have tip to help investigators, call Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.

Categories: Crime, Montgomery Metro, News

Tags: Man Killed, Man shot, montgomery homicide, Montgomery Police Department

Judge tells Trump as former president testifies in civil fraud trial: “This is not a political rally”

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:33:14 +0000

By JILL COLVIN and MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press

The judge presiding over the civil fraud trial of Donald Trump admonished him to keep his answers concise, reminding him and the courtroom that “this is not a political rally” as the former president and leading Republican president candidate began testifying in a lawsuit accusing him of dramatically inflating his net worth.

“We don’t have time to waste. We have one day to do this,” an exasperated Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engeron said at one point. At another, he said, “In addition to the answers being non-responsive, they’re repetitive.”

Trump’s turn on the witness stand, in a case that cuts to the heart of the business brand he spent decades crafting, represents a remarkable convergence of his legal troubles and his political ventures at a time when he also faces criminal indictments while vying to reclaim the White House in 2024.

The testimony gives him the opportunity to try to use the witness stand as a campaign platform, but its under-oath format, before a judge who has already fined him for incendiary comments outside of court, also invites clear peril for a businessman and candidate famous for a freewheeling rhetorical style.

Tensions between Engeron and Trump, already on display last month when the judge fined him $10,000 for incendiary outside-of-court comments, were evident Monday when the ex-president was repeatedly scolded about the length and content of his answers.

“Mr. Kise, can you control your client? This is not a political rally. This is a courtroom,” Engeron told Trump lawyer Christopher Kise, who himself has clashed with the judge.

The judge later added: “I do not want to hear everything this witness has to say. He has a lot to say that has nothing to do with the case or the questions.”

Trump walked slowly to the witness stand, tugging at his suit coat as he settled in for hours of questions in a lawsuit by the New York state attorney general that accuses him and his company of inflating his property values and deceiving banks and insurers in the pursuit of business deals and loans.

Echoing the stance taken by two of his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric, in their own testimony last month, Trump sought to downplay his direct involvement in preparing and assessing the financial statements that the attorney general claims were grossly inflated and fraudulent.

“All I did was authorize and tell people to give whatever is necessary for the accountants to do the statements,” he said. As for the results, “I would look at them, I would see them, and maybe on some occasions, I would have some suggestions.”

He also downplayed the significance of the statements, which went to banks and others to secure financing and deals. As he has in the lead-up to testifying, Trump downplayed the statements’ significance, pointing to a disclaimer that he says amounted to telling recipients to do their own calculating.

“Banks didn’t find them very relevant, and they had a disclaimer clause — you would call it a worthless statement clause,” he said, insisting that after decades in real estate, “I probably know banks as well as anybody … I know what they look at. They look at the deal, they look at the location.

Trump complained in court that his 2014 financial statements shouldn’t be a subject of the lawsuit at all.

“First of all it’s so long ago, it’s well beyond the statute of limitations,” Trump said before turning on the judge, saying he allowed state lawyers to pursue claims involving such years-old documents “because he always rules against me.”

Engoron said: “You can attack me in whichever way you want but please answer the questions.”

The courtroom at 60 Centre St. has already become a familiar destination for Trump. He has spent hours over the last month voluntarily seated at the defense table, observing the proceedings. Trump once took the stand — unexpectedly and briefly — after he was accused of violating a partial gag order. Trump denied violating the rules, but Judge Engoron disagreed and fined him anyway.

Before Monday, Trump’s speaking has happened outside the courtroom, where he has taken full advantage of the bank of assembled media to voice his outrage and spin the days’ proceedings in the most favorable way.

Unlike most Americans, Trump has ample experience fielding questions from lawyers and has a long history of depositions and courtroom testimony that offer insight into how he might respond. But Cohen, who worked for Trump for more than a decade, said nothing in Trump’s past has come close to what he’s facing now since they were largely civil matters “where even though the dollar amounts were in the millions of dollars, they were never of any real consequence to him or obviously to his freedom.”

“Right now this New York attorney general case is a threat to the extinction of his eponymous company as well as his financial future,” he said. Trump’s forthcoming criminal cases — accusing him of misclassifying hush money payments, illegally trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election and hoarding documents at his Mar-a-Lago club “have far more significant consequences, most specifically the termination of his freedom.”

Categories: National News, News

Tags: President Donald Trump, trump civil fraud trial

Highly pathogenic avian flu detected at Alabama chicken farm, nearly 48K birds killed

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:11:50 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — After confirming the presence of highly pathogenic avian flu in a flock of chickens, nearly 48,000 birds were killed at a north Alabama farm, state agriculture officials said.

A Marshall County commercial pullet farm — one that raises chicks from hatching until they are ready to produce eggs when they are moved to a laying barn — was placed under quarantine after samples were confirmed positive for HPAI, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries announced Friday.

HPAI is highly contagious to birds but considered low risk to humans and the virus is not considered a threat to food safety, the department said.

“It is critical for commercial and backyard poultry operations to remain alert and closely monitor the health of their poultry,” Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Tony Frazier said in a joint statement. “The HPAI infected flock in Marshall County reinforces the need to continue following strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks.”

All poultry within a 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) radius of the farm are being tested and monitored, al.com reported. However, no other flocks have experienced an uptick in deaths, the news site reports.

HPAI symptoms in birds include a sudden increase in bird deaths in the flock; watery and green diarrhea; lack of energy and poor appetite and a drop in egg production or soft or thin-shelled, misshaped eggs.

The detection of the virus in Marshall County comes a week after HPAI was confirmed in an upland gamebird farm in Chilton County. All poultry there — nearly 296,500 birds — were affected and all will be killed, the department said.

It was not immediately clear if the cases at both farms were connected.

The department urged the commercial poultry industry and backyard flock owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their operations from HPAI by, among other things, cleaning vehicles and equipment; changing clothes upon contact with birds and limiting unnecessary visitors.

Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, while sick or dead domestic birds and poultry should be reported to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Poultry Unit.

Local non-profit helps combat homelessness for Birmingham women and children with free childcare program

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:44:50 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, and local organizations are finding ways to break the cycle of chronic homelessness in the Birmingham area.

Pathways, located in the heart of Birmingham, offers various programs that provide hygiene care, classes, meals and emergency shelter. These services are offered through their Day Center, Stepping Stones program and Safe Haven program.

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report estimates Alabama had 3,752 homeless people in 2022. 5% of that number were unaccompanied youth.

Pathways Development Associate Katie Thompson said over 200 women are homeless in the streets of Birmingham every night. Thompson said there are also a lot of homeless families, but cases are severely under reported due to fear of DHR involvement.

Pathways' Early Learning Center (ELC) addresses this problem head-on.

The ELC is a tuition-free nonprofit preschool with trauma informed and Montessori-inspired care to help children experiencing homelessness. Thompson said their childcare is very low barrier so any mother in Birmingham experiencing homelessness can use their services.

The ELC currently serves 22 children at a time, from ages 8 weeks old to 5 years old. Thompson said they hope to leave a positive impact as these are the most important years in child’s life for brain development.

“It’s really important because we want to overcome the cycle of poverty with families, and I think that giving children the opportunity to learn and a good place to learn is going to be key to break that cycle," Thompson said.

The childcare director, Emily Bloyd, said it’s vital to teach children life skills like selfcare, care of environment and cleaning up after yourself. She said this also helps their mothers.

“Some of them are working full time, more than full time hours, and they have multiple children,” Bloyd said. “So, if we can teach the skills of independence of dressing ourselves, brushing our teeth, getting ready for the day, putting our shoes on, that’s relieving them of a huge time burden and a time commitment. It’s not one that they’re not willing to meet, but it’s something that can help them in their daily lives.”

Bloyd said Montessori teaching empowers children with free movement and independence, which can help them overcome barriers like homelessness, setting them up for success later in life.

Brittany Perrine and her baby girl Serenity utilize Pathways’ shelter and services. Perrine said she is grateful to have a safe place for her daughter to learn and grow while she works with Pathways assistance to get them back on their feet.

“It means a lot,” said Perrine. “It really helps, and it puts a smile on my face. A lot of times I feel alone but I feel like I’ve got somebody here.”

To learn more about Pathways and the programs they offer for women and children, visit their website here.

Man found dead outside Fairfield residence identified

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:24:16 +0000

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A man who was found dead outside of a Fairfield residence on Friday has been identified by the Jefferson County coroner.

On Friday, deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of Jerry D. Coleman Street around 4:40 p.m. on reports of a person down, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). They arrived and found 27-year-old Deandre Lamar Hayes, of Fairfield, dead and believed to have been shot multiple times.

According to the coroner’s report, Hayes was injured at 2:33 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 4:57 p.m.

The death is being investigated as a homicide by the JCSO.

Firefighters put out a three alarm fire at a Montgomery church

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:45:45 +0000

Parishioners at a Montgomery church had to evacuate the building suddenly when it caught fire Sunday. Around 1pm, five Montgomery Fire and Rescue units responded to reports of smoke and flames in the 500 block of Seibles Road. Members of the congregation at the multi-story brick frame church were already outside when units arrived, and firefighters were able to eventually bring the three alarm fire under control. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News

Tags: church fire, Montgomery Fire and Rescue

8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT: Tyson recalls chicken nuggets

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:27:57 +0000

8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT: Tyson Foods is recalling nearly 30,000 pounds of breaded chicken “Fun Nuggets,” some of which were shipped to distributors in Alabama.

Consumers have complained of finding metal pieces in the dinosaur-shaped patties.

The nuggets, sold in 29-ounce bags, were produced on Sept. 5 by the Berryville, Arkansas, company. Tyson informed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and said it recalled the nuggets voluntarily “out of an abundance of caution.” USDA said that there had been only one report of a ”minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product.”

The nuggets subject to the recall carry the number P7211 on the back of the package. They were shipped to distributors in Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin to be passed on to retailers.

The USDA urged consumers with the nuggets in their freezers to throw them out or return them to the place of purchase.

SEE THE BAG CONTAINING THE NUGGETS

Categories: 8 On Your Side, News

Tags: 8 on your side, chicken nuggets, consumer alert, recall, Tyson Foods

Tuscaloosa's Holidays on the Plaza returning Nov. 24

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:18:39 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Tickets for the City of Tuscaloosa's seasonal ice skating rink will go on sale Monday.

According to the City of Tuscaloosa, Holidays on the Plaza will return to Government Plaza on Nov. 24 and stay open through Jan. 15. The event will include outdoor ice skating, the Tinsel Trail and private parties.

Though admission to Holidays on the Plaza is free, guests are required to purchase skate passes to access the rink. Passes will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased here. Tickets will also be sold on site.

Birthday and corporate party rental packages are available. To find out more about private parties, click here.

University of Montevallo angler wins championship after hardship

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:11:34 +0000

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- University of Montevallo bass fishing angler Easton Fothergill has been competing in fishing tournaments since he was six years old.

Fothergill was crowned the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket champion in October, but his career reeled in an unexpected catch in August.

“I had terrible headaches getting out the water, and I have terrible headaches all the time and didn’t really think much of it,” Fothergill said. “The next morning, I woke up and it was the most unbearable pain I ever felt, and I was actually at a tournament when that happened, and I ended up taking ibuprofen all week and ended up getting through the week.”

Fothergill said he went to the hospitals after the headaches continued. Doctors told him he had a mass on his brain, and he had to have surgery immediately. But he didn’t let this obstacle stop him from doing what he loved.

“It was about three weeks I was back on the water," Fothergill said. "It took about two and a half weeks to get cleared and about five days after I got cleared, I was back on the water.”

The bass fishing angler said doctors said he has fully healed. He has learned a valuable lesson from this experience.

“Every sunrise I see, I will take it for what it is worth," Fothergill said. "Every day on the water, I will never take for granted here on out. Anything from life I’ve learned it can change with a snap of a finger so experience anything for all it's worth and just take everything in as you go through life.”

Fothergill said he plans to continue competing in collegiate and professional fishing tournaments in spring 2024.

Birmingham-Southern students speak in support of school at football game

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:34:32 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The future of Birmingham-Southern College continues to remain uncertain.

Two weeks ago, Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer denied the school's $30 million application, forcing it to rethink its options. CBS 42 spoke with BSC students at Saturday’s football game who said they don't want to see the school close.

"I wanna be here, and I can't think about being anywhere else," BSC student Abbie Batea said.

Parents are also being vocal of why the school should remain open.

"This is a special place, and you can ask the boys, girls, and men and women," BSC parent Kevin Greene said. "This is a special place, and this is where they want to be."

If the school does close, students will have to consider other options.

"I have set up a meeting with an advisor with other schools, but that is the worst possibility because I don't want to be anywhere else but here," BSC student Anna Shelton said.

Birmingham-Southern administration told students Friday the college has enough funds to remain open for the spring semester. It is not certain if the school will remain open past the spring, but one student believes that the BSC doors will not close.

"It's beneficial for our lives," BSC student Andrew Martin said. "It's beneficial for the communities. It's beneficial for the state of Alabama, and it's going to impact students here and faculty, and it's going to impact students coming in next year and the year after and every year after that."

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin will present a $30 million economic development plan that will help keep the school open at the Nov. 21 city council meeting.

1 dead in Jefferson County house fire

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 23:36:25 +0000

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation after a person was killed in a house fire Saturday night.

Around 8 p.m., deputies with JCSO along with personnel from both Palmerdale and Glennwood Fire Departments arrived to the 6700 block of Womack Road on reports of a house fire, according to JCSO. Callers reported hearing several explosions and that a male may have been inside.

Upon arrival, personnel observed a mobile home completely engulfed in flames. Fire personnel extinguished the flames and located a body inside the home. No foul play is suspected at this point as JCSO continues to investigate.

The Warming Trend Continues This Week!

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:27:32 +0000

We’re in the midst of a warming trend and it will be sticking around well into the workweek. Mostly sunny skies will allow temperatures to warm nicely into the upper 70s to lower 80s Overnight temps come up as well and we’re only falling into the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Looks like a frontal boundary will make a run at the state late week. We will need to introduce a chance for rain Friday. At this point, it looks like rainfall amounts would be light but model data continues to trend upwards. All indications are the front moves through but clouds and some shower activity may linger into that weekend.

In the meantime, you can definitely put the coats away this week. We may even see mid 80s in some spot around Wednesday! Enjoy the warmth while it last because you know colder air will return before too long.

Categories: Daily Forecast

CAMPAIGN 2024: Track who’s qualified for races in Alabama

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:39:03 +0000

CAMPAIGN 2024: Here’s how to track who’s qualified for local, state and federal races in Alabama.

Potential candidates have until 5PM on Friday, November 10, to qualify with either the Democratic Party or Republican Party if they want to run in the March 5, 2024, primaries.

SEE LIST OF QUALIFIED DEMOCRATIC PARTY CANDIDATES

SEE LIST OF QUALIFIED REPUBLICAN PARTY CANDIDATES

In some races, people have announced that they intend to run but have not yet qualified.

Some of the top races in 2024 include:

Races for all seven Alabama U.S. House seats, including the open seat in the newly-redrawn District 2, which includes Montgomery
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, which will be open with the retirement of Chief Justice Tom Parker
Montgomery County Commission District 3, which will be open after Ronda Walker decided against seeking re-election

Stay with Action 8 News for complete coverage of Campaign 2024.

Categories: Campaign 2024, News

Tags: alabama democratic party, alabama primaries, Alabama Republican Party, campaign 2024

AP Top 25 College Football Poll: Alabama steady at No. 8 after beating LSU

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:16:06 +0000

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

Alabama remains No. 8 in the latest AP Top 25 College Football Poll after its 42-28 victory over LSU Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.

The top nine teams held their spots, led by No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs have now tied the second-longest streak atop the poll at 21 straight weeks, dating back to the middle of last season.

Georgia received 49 first-place votes. No. 2 Michigan got nine first-place votes, No. 3 Ohio State had three and No. 4 Florida State had two.

Washington remained No. 5, followed by Oregon, Texas, Alabama and Penn State.

The last time the first nine teams in the poll went unchanged this late in the season was Nov. 19, 2017.

Mississippi moved up a spot to a season-high No. 10.

Southern California dropped out of the poll for the first time under coach Lincoln Riley and No. 15 Oklahoma State vaulted into the rankings for the first time this year.

USC (7-3) lost to Washington on Saturday night in yet another high-scoring, defense-optional affair, and is now unranked after starting the season No. 6. Next week at Oregon, USC will play as an unranked team for the first time since 2021, a 4-8 season in which the school fired coach Clay Helton after two games.

“I think our guys are frustrated that we’ve been so, so close and we haven’t played good enough to be able to separate,” Riley said after the Washington game.

USC hired Riley away from Oklahoma after the 2021 season and he brought Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams with him as a transfer.

The Trojans started this season 6-0, but have lost three of four since, allowing 46 points per game.

Oklahoma State (7-2) is having an inverse season to USC.

The Cowboys beat rival Oklahoma for its fifth straight victory after a 2-2 start. The Cowboys’ jump to No. 15 matches the highest ranking for a previously unranked team this deep into the season since the AP poll expanded to 25 teams in 1989.

USC went from unranked to No. 15 on Nov. 13, 2016, after it beat No. 4 Washington 26-13 in Seattle.

Georgia’s No. 1 streak matches Miami’s 21 straight from 2001-02. The Bulldogs still have a long way to go to catch USC’s 33 straight from 2003-05.

What did both the Miami and USC streaks have in common? They both ended with a national championship game loss.

Four teams moved into the rankings this week, matching a season high. Like Oklahoma State, No. 23 Arizona and No. 25 Liberty made their season debuts in the rankings. No. 24 North Carolina moved back into the rankings. Unbeaten Liberty is ranked for a second straight season. The Flames spent two weeks in the Top 25 around the same time last year.

Dropping out along with USC were Air Force, UCLA and Kansas State.

AP Top 25 College Football Poll (First-place votes in parentheses, SEC teams in bold):

1. Georgia (49)
2.Michigan (9)
3. Ohio State (3)
4. Florida State (2)
5. Washington
6. Oregon
7. Texas
8. Alabama
9. Penn State
10. Ole Miss
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. Utah
14. Tennessee
15. Oklahoma State
16. Missouri
17. Oklahoma
18. LSU
19. Kansas
20. Tulane
21. James Madison
22. Notre Dame
23. Arizona
24. North Carolina
25. Liberty

Upcoming games featuring ranked teams playing each other on Saturday:

No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 1 Georgia. The fifth time the Rebels and Bulldogs have met as ranked teams and first time since 2016.

No. 2 Michigan at No. 9 Penn State. Third straight ranked matchup in the series and sixth in the last seven years.

No. 13 Utah at No. 5 Washington. Third time the Utes and Huskies will play when both are ranked.

No. 14 Tennessee at No. 16 Missouri. First time in 12 meetings that both are ranked.

Categories: Alabama, National Sports, Sports

Tags: alabama crimson tide, alabama football, AP Top 25, ap top 25 college football poll

Photography fundraiser to foster growth of Birmingham students with disabilities

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:44:19 +0000

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WIAT) – Happening this week, a local photographer is offering a photography portrait fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 to benefit Unless U, a nonprofit that helps foster the growth of adults with disabilities.

Beth Hontzas of Beth Hontzas Photography has a personal story and connection to Unless U. Her daughter, now 14, has Down syndrome and has been able to use the nonprofit’s services to thrive.

“When she was born, a whole new world of beauty opened up for me,” Hontzas said. “I want to show the beauty in everyone.”

To celebrate area families, Hontzas’ photographer’s creating fee will be donated to Unless U. The goal is to raise $2,500 for Unless U.

“Knowing that there is a place that is going to continue to foster the growth and show the value of children like my daughter, showing she is a valuable member of society and to continue learning once she ages out of high school,” Hontzas said. “It gives parents hope that there’s a future for our kids.”

Marye Grace Sauermann from Unless U is grateful for this opportunity for support for the nonprofit’s mission and vision.

“We seek to transform society’s view of adults with disabilities by creating an inclusive environment that reflects Christ’s love,” Sauermann said. “We provide services that foster the growth of our students academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally and vocationally.”

Sauermann said they’re able to create a college-like atmosphere where students learn anything from math and science to karate and yoga.

The Making Spirits Bright event is happening in Birmingham and sessions are limited by appointment only. You can find information here or call 205-253-5870 or email beth@bethhontzas.com to inquire about availability.

Hontzas said the photographer’s fee of $99 covers your sectioned time and an ornament with an image from your session. She said that fee goes to Unless U.

Dry and warm weather continues

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 11:21:50 +0000

Weekend Outlook: The ridge of high pressure is sitting over the Southeast U.S. this weekend. We will have plenty of sunshine Sunday with warmer air as southeast winds return. High temperatures will be in the middle 70s. This is perfect for anything outdoors.

Next Week's Outlook: An area of high pressure sits over Northern Florida and keeps any weather systems away from Alabama. Monday through Thursday will be mostly sunny to partly cloudy, mild and dry with highs in the middle to upper 70s. We could finally see a few showers later on Thursday and into Friday as a cold front moves into Alabama with high temperatures in the lower 70s. Then it will turn cooler with sunshine and highs in the 60s next weekend.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes and Meteorologist Alex Puckett

Alabama puts on offensive show in win over LSU

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 03:32:11 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Though LSU came into its matchup against Alabama with the No. 1 offense in college football, it was the Tide's offense that came ahead Saturday night.

The Tide downed the Tigers, 42-28, in one of college football's most memorable contests in 2023. Alabama recorded 507 offensive yards compared to LSU's 478.

The Tigers drew first blood when quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Malik Nabers over five minutes into the affair. Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe responded with two rushing touchdowns to close out the opening quarter.

In the second quarter, Daniels and Milroe traded rushing touchdowns before Daniels threw a touchdown pass with five seconds remaining in the half. The Tigers went ahead on the first drive of the third period when Josh Williams scored on the ground from two yards out. Tide running back Roydell Williams then knotted the game up again.

Milroe then punched in his fourth rushing touchdowns before the third period closed. Alabama distanced itself from LSU when defensive back Terrion Arnold intercepted Daniels to commence the fourth quarter and returned the ball to Tigers' 25-yard line. Running back Jase McClellan registered a 10-yard rushing touchdown on the ensuing drive.

Milroe threw for 219 yards and recorded 155 yards on the ground. Daniels also threw for 219 yards but put up 163 yards rushing. The LSU quarterback was removed in the fourth quarter and placed into concussion protocol.

Alabama is now 8-1 overall and 6-0 in SEC play.

Alabama gains significant edge in SEC West race

With the victory, the Tide is in firm control of the SEC West. With two SEC games remaining, Alabama is in great position to make the trip to Atlanta after missing out on the SEC championship game in 2022.

The Tide has defeated every program in the SEC West expect Auburn, which it will face Nov. 25 in the regular-season finale. Next week, Alabama will travel to Kentucky. Though Alabama was ranked No. 8 in 2023's first College Football Playoff rankings, it has a pathway to the playoff if it wins out the regular season and takes the conference championship game.

Reichard becomes all-time kicking points leader

When Alabama kicker Will Reichard made his fourth PAT of the game, it gave him 500 career points. With that point, the fifth-year season broke the NCAA's all-time record for points by a kicker. Reichard set the SEC scoring record against Arkansas on Oct. 14.

Though the Hoover native didn't convert a field goal against LSU, Reichard's recorded 77 field goals in his Crimson Tide career. Former Navy wide receiver Keenan Reynolds owns the all-time NCAA points scored record at 530.

Milroe finds different targets

Though no Alabama receivers notched a touchdown, Milroe completed passes to eight of his teammates.

Isaiah Bond led the way with five catches and 60 yards. Kendrick Law hauled in two balls, while Jermaine Burton snatched three throws. McClellan, Jamarion Miller, Kobe Prentice, CJ Dippre and Williams all caught a pass.

Jacob Zeno's career game, Matt Quinn's clutch kick lead UAB past Florida Atlantic 45-42

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 23:47:53 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Jacob Zeno had career highs of 484 yards passing and five touchdowns, Matt Quinn kicked the go-ahead field goal with 3 seconds remaining, and UAB scored the game's final 10 points to defeat Florida Atlantic 45-42 on Saturday.

In a game in which there were three touchdown passes of 70 yards or more, Zeno's 70-yard connection with Tejhaun Palmer was the most dramatic, tying the score at 42 with a 4:20 remaining in the fourth quarter.

UAB (3-6, 2-3 American) then forced a punt and Zeno drove the Blazers 66 yards in seven plays to set up Quinn's winning kick.

The Blazers led 28-14 at halftime and went ahead 35-14 in the third quarter when Kendall Johnson returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown.

FAU (4-5, 3-2) then scored the next 28 points, including touchdown passes from Daniel Richardson to LaJohntay Wester, covering 20 and 76 yards. FAU led 42-35 with 14:42 remaining in the fourth quarter but managed only one first down the rest of the game.

Richardson completed 17 of 33 passes for 293 yards with three touchdown passes to Wester, who caught 11 passes for 219 yards.

Zeno completed 29 of 35 passes and his five TDs all went to a different receiver. Palmer caught nine passes for 179 yards.

___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

2 teenagers shot in Jefferson County

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 23:19:10 +0000

FAIRFIELD, Ala. (WIAT) -- Two teenagers were shot in Fairfield on Saturday afternoon and transported to a nearby hospital with not life-threatening injuries.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Lt. Joni Money, deputies were dispatched around 4 p.m. to the 800 block of 40th Place. Deputies then determined two teenagers were shot. One the teenagers is considered a juvenile, but the other is not a juvenile.

Money didn't provide any other information.

Stay with CBS 42 for this developing story.

Winston County man dies after single-vehicle crash

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 20:46:04 +0000

WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- A 34-year-old Winston County man was pronounced dead after a single-vehicle crash happened Friday night.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Seth R. Urfer was critically injured when the Chevrolet Avalanche he was driving left the roadway, struck a road sign and overturned before hitting another road sign. Prior to the pickup truck catching on fire, Urfer was ejected from the vehicle.

Urfer was transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.

The crash happened at about 11 p.m. on U.S. 278 near Glover Road. Troopers with ALEA's Highway Patrol Division are investigating.

Jacksonville State drops contest at South Carolina

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 20:33:28 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Xavier Leggette caught nine passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Carolina to a 38-28 win Saturday over Jacksonville State.

Spencer Rattler was 27-of-38 passing for 399 yards but outside of the two best players on the field, the game didn't increase hopes for fans of South Carolina (3-6, 1-5 Southeastern Conference) that the team can win three more in a row and make a bowl.

Jacksonville State (7-3, 5-1 Conference USA) committed four turnovers and the biggest mistake — a pass that South Carolina's Stone Blanton stepped in front of and ran back 88 yards for a touchdown with 2:02 left — finally did in their hopes for a first win over a SEC school since beating Ole Miss in 2010.

A Ron Wiggins fumble early in the fourth quarter led to South Carolina breaking a 28-all tie and Logan Smothers lost a fumble on a snap with 53 seconds left in the second quarter. Two completions to Leggette later, South Carolina took a 21-14 lead into the locker room.

Jacksonville State's last hope ended with a O'Donnell Fortune interception with 1:42 left in the game.

South Carolina came into the game averaging 86.1 yards a game rushing, fifth-worse in the country. They gained 89 yards on 38 carries Saturday, 40 of that on Mario Anderson's first carry of the game.

The only rushing TD came when 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway rumbled over right end with his first-ever carry for a 2-yard score.

The offense load fell mostly to Rattler and Leggette, who came into Saturday averaging 94.5 yards a game, the 11th-best total in the country.

Jacksonville State is in its final season transitioning from FCS to FBS and can play in a bowl game if not enough teams get the six wins needed to fill 82 spots. They failed to eliminate South Carolina from contention Saturday.

THE TAKEAWAY

Jacksonville State: It had plenty of chances to pick up a program defining win, but the mistakes were killers. Jacksonville State ran for 225 yards, the 27th straight game the team has gained over 100 yards.

South Carolina: A win is a win, especially when about to teeter out of bowl eligibility, but the lack of a running game, and the insistence to keep trying even when it fails, raises questions. South Carolina threw the ball 39 times for 399 yards and ran it 38 times for 89 yards on Saturday.

UP NEXT

Jacksonville State: The Conference USA Gamecocks have an off week before a home game with Louisiana Tech on Nov. 18.

South Carolina: The SEC Gamecocks host Vanderbilt next Saturday.

Leroy Stover, Birmingham's first Black police officer, dies at 90

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:38:21 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The City of Birmingham's first Black police officer, Leroy Stover, has died. He was 90.

Birmingham Police on Friday posted about Stover's death on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of former Deputy Chief Leroy Stover. As the first black officer to integrate the Birmingham force, his legacy and work at the Birmingham Police Department paved a way for others to follow in his footsteps,” the department said.

Stover died Thursday, al.com reported. He was 90 years old. The police department did not share a cause of death. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Stover joined the force in March 1966 at the age of 33 and rose to the rank of deputy chief. He retired in 1998, with 32 years of service, news outlets reported.

“We offer our full condolences to the family and know that he would forever be in our hearts and mind,” the police department's statement said.

In 2021, while reflecting on his career, the Birmingham Police Department quoted Stover as saying, “You live right, you treat people right, right will follow you.”

The Dallas County native was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Shiloh High School in Selma in 1952. He joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper first with the 82nd Airborne. In the last year of the Korean War in 1952-53, he was with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, the news site reported.

LSU fans arrive in Tuscaloosa ahead of showdown against Alabama

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 18:27:41 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- From the Crescent city to the Druid city, LSU fans say they are hyped up for Saturday's football game against the The University of Alabama, after traveling seven hours from New Orleans.

"We had a great trip over," said LSU fan Richard Miller. "There's 10 of us that are traveling together and we're just excited about the game and ready for a LSU win."

After ditching the option to drive, fans packed up and hopped on the Amtrak train saying it was a ride like no other.

"I wasn't expecting much on this train ride I just wanted to sleep for a few hours, but I saw a crowd of about 20 LSU fans turning up with music and drinks they welcomed us right in and we had a time for a few hours," said LSU fan Jason Snyder.

The train ride from the big easy is an bi-annual tradition for LSU alum Mary Bourgeois, as she feels their presence at the game is needed to help the Tigers take home the win.

"I think it's very important to them. I think they love having the fans' support," said Bourgeois. "The base here. It's a long drive or train ride and they appreciate our coming and supporting them."

Although it's a train full of LSU fans, Baton Rouge native turned Bama fan, Camille Denny, felt the need to remind them what Tuscaloosa is all about as she picked up her family from the train station.

"Gotta let them know whose country they're in you know. They're in Tuscaloosa not in Baton Rouge anymore you know, they can't be all happy sunshine rainbows you know. They got off the train with the whole crew, everyone is all happy, they have to come back down to earth you're in Tuscaloosa. You're wearing that ugly purple, we have on our crimson, stay on that side." said Denny.

Senator Britt, Auburn's Coach Pearl address Israel-Hamas war during panel

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:36:18 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - The US Israel Education Association (USIEA) held discussions about the Israel-Hamas War and its impact on the U.S. The association hosted a panel Friday afternoon at Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham.

The panel consisted of Senator Katie Britt, who just returned from Israel a few weeks ago, Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl and Heather Johnson, the CEO of the USIEA.

“The most Jews killed since 1945 in a single day,” says Coach Pearl.

Pearl began his statements by asking those in the audience how they were feeling.

"Are you OK?”

“No.”

“OK. I’m going to stick around after this event and I want a hug and I want to pray with you tonight.”

Pearl says while his head is getting ready for basketball season, his heart is with his Jewish brothers and sisters.

"Everybody is going home and talking about this at the kitchen table. Everybody is, feels terrible about the death and destruction on both sides," Pearl said. "War is a terrible, terrible thing. We’re just running out of places to go.”

Those who gathered to listen to the panelists say they’re doing their part to be a voice for the Israelis.

"My parents have always taught us the importance of standing as Christians with Israel and how we come from the same people, we have the same God and we believe in blessing the state of Israel and its people,” Birmingham resident Margaret Mitchell said.

"You think a lot about what you would have done during World War II times and what I hope I would’ve done is use my voice for the people of Israel and for the Jewish community that was so oppressed and was being slaughtered and now they have been slaughtered again,” Birmingham resident Lauren Malbrouth said.

Pedestrian killed after being struck by motorcycle in Jefferson County

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:23:30 +0000

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation after a pedestrian was struck and killed Friday night.

According to JCSO, deputies were called to the 6500 block of Aaron Aronov Drive in Fairfield on reports of a male pedestrian who had been struck by a motorcycle. Medical personnel arrived on the scene and administered medical treatment, but efforts were unsuccessful.

The driver of the motorcycle remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities. He was transported to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

JCSO will continue to investigate.