Alabama State News

Lace Up on the Gridiron: Scores and highlights from October 16-17

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:44:40 +0000

AHSAA Friday Football Scoreboard
Includes Thursday’s results

Class 7A
Auburn 41, Carver-Montgomery 7
Baker 43, Mary Montgomery 28
Bob Jones 48, Albertville 0
Central-Phenix City 42, Opelika 6
Davidson 25, Foley 7
Dothan 48, Smiths Station 14
Enterprise 42, JAG 6
Fairhope 38, Daphne 21
Florence 45, Huntsville 29
Hewitt-Trussville 36, Oak Mountain 21
Hoover 33, Thompson 30 (won on 55-yard field goal on last play)
James Clemens 33, Austin 31
Prattville 38, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 31 (OT)
Robertsdale 42, Alma Bryant 35
Sparkman 40, Grissom 14
Vestavia Hills 56, Tuscaloosa County 10

Class 6A
Athens 64, Columbia 14
Bessemer City 19, Northridge 16
Baldwin County 24, Blount 20
Benjamin Russell 32, Pelham 7
Buckhorn 6, Mae Jemison 0
Clay-Chalkville 40, Oxford 16
Cullman 37, Decatur 13
Fort Payne 38, Hazel Green 12
Hartselle 17, Jasper 14
Helena 21, Chelsea 9
Homewood 35, Parker 28
Hueytown 45, Brookwood 14
Jackson-Olin 46, Minor 40
McAdory 37, Paul Bryant 0
McGill-Toolen Catholic 48, St. Paul’s Episcopal 29
Mountain Brook 43, Huffman 0
Pell City 24, Pinson Valley 21
Saraland 55, Murphy 0
Spain Park 42, Calera 13
Stanhope Elmore 47, Rehobeth 26
Theodore 20, Gulf Shores 14
Wetumpka 41, Park Crossing 6
Woodlawn 40, Gardendale 37

CLASS 5A
Andalusia 41, Carroll 0
Ardmore 35, East Limestone 16
B.C. Rain 23, Faith Academy 6
Central, Clay County 46, Beauregard 7
Charles Henderson 16, Headland 7
Citronelle 24, LeFlore 14
Corner 42, John Carroll Catholic 7
Demopolis 35, Jemison 8
Douglas 49, Brewer 22
Elmore County 35, Marbury 3
Fairview 41, Sardis 39
Guntersville 34, Boaz 17
Leeds 21, Center Point 7
Montgomery Catholic 49, Greenville 7
Moody 55, Springville 7
Priceville 53, Lawrence County 13
Ramsay 34, Birmingham-Carver 6
Russellville 42, West Point 14
Scottsboro 28, Arab 7
Shelby County 38, Selma 14
Sipsey Valley 62, Montevallo 28
St. Clair County 42, Lincoln 35
UMS-Wright 34, Elberta 6
Valley 46, Holtsville 14
Wenonah 22, Hayden 6
Williamson 22, Vigor 14 (OT)

Class 4A
Alexandria 36, Cherokee County 28
American Christian 56, Oak Grove 42
Anniston 43, Oneonta 6
Ashville 24, Hokes Bluff 21
Bibb County 60, Fairfield 34
Brooks 49, Lexington 21
B.T. Washington 25, Bullock County 18
Cleburne County 27, Munford 7
Curry 31, Dora 21
Dale County 28, Pike County 11
Deshler 47, West Limestone 14
Escambia County 49, Satsuma 14
Fultondale 22, Cordova 18
Geneva 35, Daleville 34
Good Hope 24, Fayette County 22
Hamilton 56, Haleyville 14
Handley 55, Talladega 6
Hatton 63, Danville 0
Holt 52, Tarrant 18
Jackson 30, W.S. Neal 7
Madison Academy 48, St. John Paul II Catholic 29
Mobile Christian 32, Orange Beach 17
New Brockton 13, Straughn 10
North Jackson 34, Westminster Christian 16
Opp 22, Ashford 0
Plainview 48, New Hope 7
Pleasant Grove 14, West Blocton 3
Randolph 38, Madison County 14
St. Michael Catholic 50, Pensacola (FL) 13
Tallassee 13, Saint James 7
West Morgan 57, Central-Florence 19
White Plains 27, Etowah 21
Wilson 28, East Lawrence 22

Class 3A
Alabama Christian 35, Slocomb 14
Bayside Academy 35, Excel 7
Clements 28, Sheffield 27
Colbert County 72, Elkmont 19
Collinsville 52, Brindlee Mountain 7
Cottage Hill Christian 20, Monroe County 0
Dadeville 26, B.B. Comer 0
Flomaton 19, Hillcrest-Evergreen 6
Geraldine 49, Whitesburg Christian 24
Glencoe 70, Ohatchee 16
Glenwood 20, Lee-Scott 7
Hale County 40, Sumter Central 8
Houston Academy 48, Northside Methodist 7
Lauderdale County 39, Rogers 37
Mars Hill Bible 55, Colbert Heights 0
Midfield 62, Carbon Hill 7
Montgomery Academy 46, Prattville Christian 6
Oakman 40, Vinemont 14
Piedmont 69, Weaver 21
Randolph County 42, Childersburg 6
Southside-Selma 66, Wilcox Central 0
Sylvania 47, Asbury 6
Thomasville 51, Dallas County 6
Trinity Presbyterian 28, Wicksburg 17
Walter Wellborn 54, Locust Fork 48
Westbrook Christian 34, J.B. Pennington 7
Winfield 48, Hanceville 21
Zion Chapel 27, Calhoun 6

Class 2A
Ariton 49, Samson 14
Central Coosa 26, LaFayette 13
Clarke County 36, St. Luke’s Episcopal 14
Cottonwood 59, Abbeville 20
Chickasaw 33, Bayshore Christian 14
Coosa Christian 55, West End 0
Falkville 34, Cleveland 9
Fyffe 54, Holly Pond 14
Geneva County 62, Houston County 38
G.W. Long 36, Providence Christian 30
Highland Home 63, Pike Liberal Arts 12
J.U. Blacksher 47, Central-Hayneville 12
Lamar County 15, Aliceville 8
Lanett 61, Horseshoe Bend 6
Loachapoka 41, Ranburne 13
Luverne 56, Barbour County 0
Pisgah 48, Gaston 6
Pleasant Valley 42, North Sand Mountain 27
Red Bay 50, Decatur Heritage 9
Sand Rock 68, Cedar Bluff 40
Southeastern 13, Cold Springs 8
Tuscaloosa Academy 48, Sulligent 26
Vincent 33, Isabella 28
Winston County 77, Tharptown 6

Class 1A
Addison 1, Vina 0, Forfeit
Appalachian 62, Woodville 7
Autauga Academy 52, Ellwood Christian 0
Berry 30, Pickens County 18
Billingsley 35, Notasulga 19
Fayetteville 63, Woodland 13
Florala 55, Red Level 8
Georgiana 33, Elba 27
Hackleburg 50, Shoals Christian 20
Holy Spirit Catholic 27, Choctaw County 18
Hubbertville 50, Lynn 6
Kinston 22, Pleasant Home 14
Leroy 56, Fruitdale 0
Maplesville 56, Keith 0
McIntosh 62, J.F. Shields 0
McKenzie 76, Brantley 45
Meek 54, Cherokee 6
Ragland 41, Gaylesville 20
R.C. Hatch 22, Pickens Academy 12
Southern Choctaw 26, Millry 14
South Lamar 48, Brilliant 12
Spring Garden 28, Ider 14
Sweet Water 34, Marengo 6
University Charter School 48, Francis Marion 8
Victory Christian 28. Donoho 7
Waterloo 28, Phillips 7

— AHSAA

Categories: High School, LACEUP, News Video, Sports

Tags: high school football, high school football highlights, high school football scores, lace up, lace up on the gridiron

City of Montgomery’s chief of staff resigns

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:40:18 +0000

The City of Montgomery has announced that Chief of Staff Jerime Reid has resigned from his position.

Reid joined the City in March 2023 as Chief Operating Officer and was later appointed Chief of Staff in October 2024. During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing several organizational priorities and operational improvements across City departments, a statement from the City said.

“Jerime brought strong leadership and focus to our team during a time of significant growth and change,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said. “We thank him for his service to the people of Montgomery and wish him continued success in the future.”

Reid previously served in the U.S. Air Force, including as Director of Personnel at Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base and Director of Operations for HQ Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He is a graduate of the Air War College, the University of Texas and Air Command and Staff College. He earned a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

The City’s statement said, “Reid’s leadership and insight made a positive difference in the City. We will continue to build on the progress achieved during his tenure.”

An announcement regarding interim leadership and the transition process will be made in the coming days, according to the statement.

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News

Tags: jerime reid, montgomery chief of staff, montgomery city government, montgomery mayor steven reed

Junior League of Montgomery kicks off Christmas season with 37th annual Holiday Market

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:30:39 +0000

One of the first events of the Christmas season each year is the Junior League of Montgomery’s Holiday Market, designed to get people in the spirit as they celebrate the upcoming holidays.

The 37th annual Holiday Market runs through Saturday at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. Dozens of vendors are offering clothes, gifts, arts, crafts, specialty foods and decorations.

Tickets are $5. Children 10 and under are free.

Market hours are 9AM to 8PM on Thursday and Friday, and 9AM to 4PM on Saturday.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News, News Video

Tags: holiday market, junior league of montgomery

Cold Front Brings Weekend Storms, Then a Big Cool Down for Alabama

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 03:41:39 +0000

***Watch the CBS 42 Weather Live Channel for all of your Local Central Alabama forecasts:

Tonight, partly cloudy and not as cool, with lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s.

Weekend Outlook: A ridge of high pressure will sit northeast of Alabama, resulting in southerly winds and increased humidity. A cold front will approach Alabama during the day, bringing a partly to mostly cloudy sky for much of the day. It will be warm, with highs in the mid-80s.

The cold front will move across Alabama from Saturday night through Sunday morning between Midnight and 8 AM, bringing a line of showers and thunderstorms.

Some storms could be strong or even severe, with gusty winds and heavy rain. The SPC has highlighted areas along and west of I-59 in a Level 1/5 Marginal Risk. The severe threat remains low, as the better energy is west and south of Alabama.

Rainfall totals are expected to be around 1/2 to 1 inch. This rainfall will help ease the drought but won't eliminate it.

By Sunday afternoon, the cold front will be south of the area, conditions will turn drier, clouds will slowly decrease, and highs will be cooler, in the upper 70s. Sunday night will be clear and cold, with lows in the mid- to upper 40s.

Talladega Race Weekend: The weather will be good—warm and dry—for the races on Friday and Saturday. The cold front will bring rain from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Any Saturday night events may be quite wet. Currently, it looks like the rain will clear out in time for the 1 PM Sunday race, with temperatures only in the 70s.

Next Week's Outlook: High pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. on Monday and Tuesday. We will have plenty of sunshine with mild high temperatures in the 70s. A cold front will move across Alabama on Tuesday, but the dry air will keep it rain-free. Highs will stay in the 70s. Another ridge of high pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. between Wednesday and Friday, but an upper-level wave will move through Friday through Saturday, sparking off a few stray showers. Otherwise, we will have partly cloudy conditions, less humidity, and mild temperatures with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.

Harris takes the stage in Birmingham

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:35:36 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Former Vice President and 2024 democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has taken the stage at the Alabama Theatre.

The former Vice President arrived onstage to thunderous applause as she was introduced onstage by Charlamagne Tha God Friday evening. However, outside of the theatre, Pro-Palestinian protesters held signs criticizing Harris' role in the Biden administration and its stance toward Israel's war in Gaza.

While fans and supporters of Harris have consistently gathered to greet the former presidential nominee throughout her book tour, the sight of protestors has also been a persistent one.

The first night of the book tour, in New York, was interrupted several times by protestors inside of the venue. Harris eventually directly addressed protestors following continued interruptions.

“I understand your concern and how you feel — I think I do,” Harris told a protester at the time. “And the reality of it is where we are right now didn’t have to be this way — in terms of the blank check that this president has given (to Israel)."

Attendees and protesters outside of Harris' book tour appearance at the Alabama Theatre. October 17, 2025 (Photo | Amy Hybels)

Harris is on a tour of 18 U.S. cities to promote her new book, "107 Days" in which she provides readers with an inside look at the race for the presidency. The book, co-written by Geraldine Brooks, chronicles her time running for president before she was defeated by President Donald Trump.

Weather Around the Clock: Evening Edition 10/17

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:11:00 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Friday: Our next real rain chance comes in Saturday night into Sunday morning. We don't expect any widespread severe weather. Saturday will feature highs in the mid 80s and Sunday will be in the mid 70s.

A statewide nonprofit and a district attorney argue the importance of inmate reentry

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:40:32 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - It’s been one week since the release of the documentary "The Alabama Solution," which gives a glimpse into Alabama's state prison system. The documentary has sparked many conversations around prison reform and re-entry for former inmates.

One statewide nonprofit, Shepherd's Fold, has been helping previously incarcerated men get established and find stable jobs since 1986. Shepherd's Fold says rehabilitation is possible and there are people who are living proof of that every day.

"Everybody has done something wrong. Now, whether they got caught or whether they didn’t get caught is really the only difference. And those that did get caught, they’ve gone behind and if they don’t have that ‘aha’ moment, they’re going to continue to go through that," said Trent Redwine, the director of operations at Shepherd's Fold. "To say that they need to stay there, I disagree with wholeheartedly, because some of the best people come from that background. And because they do come out and have that second chance to get back into society, those are the people we need to be leaning on and looking at to find out ‘what happened to change your mind.'"

Redwine understands firsthand the power an organization like Shepherd's Fold can have.

“I was locked up back in 2013, and that’s when I got out. And then coming out and going through a transitional center myself and seeing the positives and the negatives in it. Once I completed that I was out working in the private sector and just was able to get back involved,” he said.

Redwine's appreciation for Shepherd's Fold is echoed by many, including Jeffrey Eiland, who turned to the organization for help in 2012.

"Without their help, I had no where to go. Living on the street, doing things that are not legal," Eiland said. "Terrible, terrible. My life would have been terrible.”

Eiland was arrested in 2009 on drug-related charges. He served three years in prison and was released to serve five years on probation.

"I’ve had other people tell me that people don’t change. I’m living proof," he said. "People do change. People can change. But it takes intentionality and commitment to that change.”

Eiland is now a therapist and clinical social worker.

"Reentry is very difficult because there are tons of men just like me, and women, who have no where to go, no money, and no hope," said Eiland. "Without hope, there’s no future.”

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, 28.7% of people released from prison are re-arrested without proper re-entry support. Shepherd's Fold says of the people who go through their program, only 3% reoffend.

"We’ve still got a lot of work to do on reentry. You know, making sure that there is access to ID’s, something that simple. You know, the job fair that I put on," said Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr. "It’s important because we know when people get out of jail and they’re one of our returning citizens, it’s sometimes difficult to find jobs because of that felony conviction.”

Carr believes one of the ways you fight crime is by changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Shepherd's Fold says it’s helped more than two thousand people transform their lives.

What President Donald Trump's IVF announcement means for Alabama

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:04:57 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- While some advocates have praised President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand IVF access as a step in the right direction, they say more needs to be done to protect these fertility treatments in the state.

That’s after an IVF immunity bill was passed by Alabama lawmakers in 2024, after the state Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children with a right to life.

Veronica Wehby had her son, Ladner Upchurch, in 2020 after overcoming miscarriages and multiple pregnancy attempts using IVF. Now, she said she’s soaking in every moment with her son. “And really just be in awe of who he is as a person," she said. "It’s a real gift to be able to see- to look at yourself and see yourself reflected in your child.”

“I have been able to be present in a lot of moments with him, mostly because I didn’t think I was ever gonna be able to get them," said Veronica Wehby.

State lawmakers hope the cost of that gift will decrease with new efforts on the federal level. According to the White House, companies can now offer standalone benefit packages that cover IVF for employees.

President Trump has also secured an agreement with EMD Serono, a pharmaceutical company, to offer cheaper fertility drugs.

“I think it would be very important for these families to have," said Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). I think some of them actually have some of the insurance to do that. So, there may be providers out there- that more would participate in this.”

Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) said “The cost of the drugs is just one of those issues. But there are other impediments that are getting in the way as well.”

Rep. Drummond said those impediments have to do with making IVF more accessible.

Wehby agreed.

“It’s still important for people in Alabama and in other states to keep working for IVF protection. We still need that," said Wehby. "We still need the protected right to access these services.”

Wehby said if you know someone going through IVF, support them individually. She said there are commonalities among people walking through IVF, but every journey can be different.

Two minor children injured in Camden shooting, teen arrested

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:43:57 +0000

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A Camden teen is behind bars tonight — suspected in a shooting that seriously injured two minor children.

Sheriff Larry Colston says 17 year old Calvin Higginbottom, Jr. has been charged with three counts of attempted murder — and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle.

The shooting happened Thursday night on the 600 block of Union Grove Road.

Colston says the nine and ten year old victims were shot when Higginbottom opened fire on a vehicle.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the shooting — call investigators at 334-682-5290 — or Crimestoppers at 215-STOP.

Categories: Crime, News, West Alabama

Tags: investigation, minor children, Sheriff Larry Colston, Shooting, Teen

Rain And T-storms Early Sunday

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:28:51 +0000

We continue to feel spring-like warmth as temps climb above the average highs for this time of the year. A few spots could even snag the 90 degree mark Saturday afternoon. That will be the end of it because we have a cold front on the way and it’s triggering rain and then allowing cooling air to spill into the state behind its passage. We could see temps drop into the mid 40s early next week.

In the meantime, we have a decent chance for rain activity areawide late Saturday night into early Sunday. A frontal boundary will make a run at the state and we expect a round of showers and t-storms to develop along and ahead of the frontal system early Sunday morning. Some of the storms could be strong to possibly severe. The main threat would be damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. Rainfall potential will range between .25 to 1-inch.

We’re expecting most all of next week to be mainly clear and dry. Another boundary will move quickly through the state Tuesday but we think it comes through dry. The most notable change in our weather will be the much cooler air. We could have several mornings with temps starting out in the 40s and daytime highs only managing the upper 70s.

Categories: Daily Forecast

4th person charged in Montgomery mass shooting

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 21:57:25 +0000

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- A fourth person is charged in this month's mass shooting in Montgomery, police announced Friday.

21-year-old Kemontae Hood faces one count of capital murder, nine counts of first degree assault, and three counts of second degree assault in connection with a shooting that left two dead and 12 others injured on October 4. The shooting happened late at night when gunmen shot at each other in a crowded downtown nightlife district, according to Montgomery police.

43-year-old Shalanda Williams and 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris were killed in the shooting.

19-year-old Jaborick Whiting, 19-year-old Dantavious McGhee and a juvenile have all been previously charged in the shooting.

Montgomery police make fourth arrest in mass shooting

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 21:34:18 +0000

Montgomery police have announced a fourth arrest in the mass shooting that happened downtown earlier this month.

Police have charged 21-year-old Kemontae Hood with one count of capital murder, nine counts of assault in the first degree, and three counts of assault in the second degree. Hood was taken into custody today and booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility.

Video of his arrest can be seen below:

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed released this statement about the latest arrest in the mass shooting:

“The fourth arrest in the October 4th downtown shooting shows that justice is catching up to everyone responsible for this tragedy. From the start, we’ve used every resource and partnership available to find those who chose violence over life — and we’re not finished yet. I thank the Montgomery Police Department and our local, state, and federal partners for their persistence and teamwork. Their efforts prove that violence will not define our city or go unanswered.”

Police say additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Three others already face charges in the shootings.

19-year-old Dantavious McGhee was charged with one count of capital murder, nine counts of assault in the first degree and three counts of assault in the second degree. McGhee was taken into custody on Monday, October 14.

On Friday, October 10, police announced the arrest of a juvenile male on the same charges as McGhee’s. His name and age haven’t been released.

Yesterday, 19-year-old Javorick Whiting was arrested on attempted murder charges. Whiting was taken into custody by ALEA and booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility.

The mass shooting led to the deaths of 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene while Williams died at a hospital.

The shooting happened at approximately 11:31PM on Saturday, October 4, near the intersection of Bibb and Commerce streets, in the heart of the city’s downtown tourist district.

Of the 12 injured, seven are under the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old. Five had been listed in life-threatening condition, but police have announced that two of the five have improved enough that their injuries are now considered non-life threatening.

If you have information to help investigators, call CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

Categories: Crime, Montgomery Metro, News

Tags: Mass Shooting, mass shooting arrests, montgomery mass shooting, Montgomery Police Department

Alabama looks to avenge last season’s loss in Third Saturday in October

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:40:32 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- One of college football’s best rivalries kicks off Saturday, with bragging rights and potential playoff implications on the line.

Alabama and Tennessee both come into the game with a record of 5-1. The rivalry has been back-and-forth in recent years as the two teams have split the last four meetings. Both teams are playing good football as of late as Alabama defeated Missouri a week ago, 27-24, while the Volunteers took down Arkansas, 34-31.

Tennessee, once again led by Josh Heupel, features one of the most explosive offenses in the country, averaging a nation-best 48.2 points and 527.8 yards per game, third-most in the country. UCLA-transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar has fit the Vols' system arguably better than Nico Iamaleava, throwing for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games. While the secondary has been vulnerable at times this season, the Vols rank No. 1 nationally in team sacks per game, averaging four.

Alabama is arguably the hottest team in the country, having defeated three straight ranked opponents. Its latest ranked win came in Columbia, Missouri, with a 27-24 victory over Missouri. Quarterback Ty Simpson has emerged as a contender in the Heisman Trophy race and could become the favorite if he helps lead the Crimson Tide to a fourth consecutive win over a ranked opponent. In his first year as a starter, Simpson has excelled, throwing for 1,678 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Kick off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Here's what to look for in the Third Saturday in October:

This game is setting up to be a track meet

Alabama won't see an offense as explosive as Tennessee's the rest of the season, and they may not see a secondary easier to take advantage of. Tennessee is 104th nationally in scoring defense, giving up an average of 29.33 points per game. The Vols are ranked No. 121 in passing yards allowed, giving up 257.8 passing yards a game.
Simpson and Alabama receivers should be able to have a field day and put up big numbers in this one. This game could come down to who can get a stop first -- that would favor Alabama.

Bama's defensive backs will be tested

Tennessee will force Alabama to cover the entire field, creating one-on-one matchups on the outside. Senior cornerback Domani Jackson has struggled at times this season, so it will be interesting to see if Kane Wommack starts freshman Dijon Lee, whose role and snap count have increased in recent weeks.
Zabien Brown's name hasn't been called a ton this season -- which is good for a cornerback. Expect Bama's corners and safeties to be tested all night. The defensive line must get pressure on Aguilar to help out its DB's.

Potential playoff implications

Both teams have one loss so far, and one of them will leave Saturday with a second. Tennessee’s loss may be more damaging, as it came against a conference opponent. But with two losses, either team would likely need to win out to have a shot at the College Football Playoff.

Betting Lines

Spread: Alabama (-8.5)
Over-under: 59.5
Moneyline: Ala. (-305) Tenn. (+245)

Shelby County family raises domestic violence awareness at vigil

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:40:15 +0000

COLUMBIANA, Ala. (WIAT) -- Nearly one year ago, Charity Snow lost her life at the hands of her husband.

On Thursday, her family and friends gathered to remember her and bring awareness to domestic violence at a conjoined candlelight vigil with Safehouse of Shelby County.

Emotions ran high, as a song Snow's family dedicated to her blared outside of the Shelby County Arts Council during the vigil.

Snow died in the early hours of October 26, 2024, after she was stabbed by her husband in an act of domestic violence.

"We're still adjusting. She had two young girls, and since the time my oldest sister has taken on the responsibility of the girls, and so we're kind of using the village approach and being there when we can," said Charity's brother, Bobby Snow.

Bobby Snow said since that tragic day, his family has been using their voices to bring awareness to domestic violence.

"If you were to say domestic violence to me a couple of years ago, I would have been like that's what happens to other people, but it happened in our home. There's help, there's definitely help." said Snow.

One source of help, the Safehouse of Shelby County.

"This is a big problem in Alabama. 37.5% of women and 29.5% of men in Alabama experience domestic violence over the course of their lives. Last year there were over 100 domestic violence murders in the state of Alabama, and so we want to bring attention to that," said Mary Katherine Thorn, prevention, intervention and education coordinator at Safehouse of Shelby County.

With each lit candle signifying a victim or survivor, attendees were encouraged to walk away with a promise to take action in hopes of change.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you’re encouraged to call the SafeHouse of Shelby County crisis hotline at 205-669-7233.

WATCH: Talladega Superspeedway president discusses how they prepare massive infield

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:39:52 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Talladega Superspeedway will soon come alive as thousands of fans will gather at NASCAR's fastest track.

Every single SEC football stadium combined could fit into the infield of Talladega Superspeedway. CBS 42 caught up Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crighton to talk about the massive infield:

"It's a 2.66-mile oval, so you can imagine how big around that is. And then we've got about 250 acres inside of our infield. We have almost 3,000 RV spots in our infield alone and those are all completely sold out," said Crighton.

US farmers still waiting on trade war aid as USDA blames shutdown

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:34:11 +0000

(NEXSTAR) – As the U.S.-China trade war continues to squeeze American farmers, many say they are running out of time and money while waiting for relief promised by the Trump administration.

“Time is of the essence,” said Virginia soybean farmer John Boyd, who warns that without immediate financial support, farmers may not survive. “While the grass is growing, the cows are starving.”

President Donald Trump has pledged to redirect billions in tariff revenue to help offset farmer losses, but months later, those funds remain frozen. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blamed the government shutdown for the delay.

“With the shutdown, that aid has been frozen,” Rollins said Thursday.

Meanwhile, Trump has authorized $20 billion in economic support for Argentina. The move comes as China shifts its soybean purchases to Argentina in the midst of its boycott of U.S. products.

“It’s a slap in the face,” Boyd said. “It’s not rocket science, we’re not going to be able to stay in business.”

Lawmakers from both parties are urging the administration to act. Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said the U.S. must focus on expanding access to global markets.

“They need to do everything they can to open up markets,” Thune said.

Rollins insists that remains the USDA’s goal.

“This is the long game,” she said, adding that she’s traveling globally to secure new buyers for American agricultural products. “There are countries all over the world we're actually in discussion with.”

The American Soybean Association is continuing to push for a resolution with China, including the removal of a 20% tariff on U.S. soybeans. President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month.

Dave’s Hot Chicken national restaurant chain opens location in Montgomery

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:30:48 +0000

The national chicken restaurant chain “Dave’s Hot Chicken” has opened at EastChase in Montgomery.

The restaurant is in the former BurgerFi location between Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse.

Franchisee and COO Deryl Pangelinan says it means the world to them to open in Montgomery because they’ve been wanting to be here and love the energy in Montgomery.

He says what is unique is that the company’s business model is that they don’t build new buildings. They move into existing buildings because that building is already a part of the community.

“The atmosphere is different. There are no two Dave’s Hot Chicken in the entire world that’s going to have the same artwork. The artwork that’s in the lobbies, they are all tied to the community. Our chicken is the best chicken you’ll ever have, Nashville style hot chicken in seven different heat levels there’s a heat level for everybody — no spice all the way up to the reaper,” Pangelinan said.

Dave’s currently operates over 250 locations globally. Currently, the only location in Alabama is in Vestavia Hills, near Birmingham.

Categories: Montgomery Metro, News

Tags: Dave’s Hot Chicken, eastchase, new restaurants, The Shoppes at Eastchase

Birmingham police investigating shooting

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:26:28 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a person with life-threatening injuries Friday.

The shooting occurred in the 3500 block of 27th Avenue North around 10:11 a.m. Details are limited at this time.

This story will be updated.

Hollywood comes to Birmingham with indie romantic comedy shot in the Magic City

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:09:59 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A film crew has wrapped up 20 days of shooting in the Magic City for "Basic," an indie romantic comedy based on a short film of the same name which won Best Comedy at the 2020 HollyShorts Film Festival.

“I loved filming in Birmingham. The locations have been incredible,” said Ashley Park, one of the stars of the film. “I cannot wait for people to watch this movie.”

CBS 42 News landed an exclusive interview with Park and the movie’s writer and director Chelsea Devantez on their final day of filming last Friday.

The film is described as a love letter to Birmingham, as many of the scenes were shot at iconic locations throughout the city. We stopped by the movie set at a home in the Highland Park neighborhood.

We were allowed to videotape a scene that takes place outside of the house, in which actor Taylor John Smith runs up a set of stairs and jumps over a railing.

“This is where the film ends, and there’s a beautiful romantic scene of kind of running up the stairs, like, ‘get your girl again,’ and this just felt like the most beautiful location to film in,” Devantez explained.

Devantez says she fell in love with Birmingham during her two-month stay in the city.

“Birmingham has been the greatest gift; I’m obsessed with it, we’re all obsessed with it,” she said.

Key locations for filming include next to mural of one of the film’s leads in an alley near Paramount Birmingham, House of Found Objects on 2nd Avenue North, the Alabama Theatre and inside Oasis on 7th Avenue South.

The Alabama Theatre served as one of the filming locations for "Basic," a new romantic comedy directed by Chelsea Devantez.
Oasis served as one of the filming locations for "Basic," a new romantic comedy directed by Chelsea Devantez.
House of Found Objects served as one of the filming locations for "Basic," a new romantic comedy directed by Chelsea Devantez.

“The very first day I got to Birmingham, my producing partner Jordan Moncada and I went and got a drink at Oasis,” Devantez explained. “And I was like, it is beautiful in here, we could shoot here.”

She described the premise of the movie she first wrote as a short film six years ago.

“I just made it for myself because I had this story just come to me that I wanted to tell so badly, about when you are jealous of your current partner’s exes," she said.

She talked about the role that social media plays in today’s modern romances, in which one can now take a journey through their partner’s romantic history, which is something new to modern love that she says no one has talked about yet.

"Basic" stars Ashley Park, who viewers may recognize from the Netflix series "Emily in Paris," Leighton Meester, who starred in the movie "The Weekend Away" and Taylor John Smith who played the love interest in the film "Where the Crawdads Sing."

We asked Park what it’s like to star in a romantic comedy, which she described as her favorite genre to watch when she was growing up.

“I’ve never been challenged and stretched and given such a spectrum of emotion, and a real journey to go on,” Park said. “You know it’s our last day shooting today, I’m going to get emotional, like this has been hands on the best experience ever.”

There is no release date for the film yet, as they are still looking for a distributor. Devantez said they would love to come back to Birmingham to hold a premiere at the Alabama Theatre.

Mainly dry through Saturday; Rain, some thunder Sunday morning

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:59:44 +0000

Some clouds were in the sky for a change Friday morning. However, there was still plenty of sunshine, and Friday afternoon remains partly to mostly sunny with no rain. High temperatures range from the mid to upper 80s, but could reach 90° in a few locations. Some clouds linger Friday night, and temperatures remain warmer, with lows in the low to mid 60s.

Saturday looks mainly dry with a partly to mostly sunny sky and high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. We finally have a significant chance for early Sunday morning. Rain and some thunder works west to east through our area in advance of a cold front. Rain arrives in the westernmost part of our viewing area around 3AM, then departs the east Alabama around 10AM. Severe weather looks very unlikely in our area, but a couple stronger wind gusts may occur.

Sunshine may quickly return for late Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon. High temperatures range from the upper 70s to low and mid 80s. Colder air arrives behind the front Sunday night, with lows in the mid 40s to low 50s. Next week now looks dry with plenty of sunshine, especially Monday through Wednesday. Clouds may increase a bit late next week. Temperatures remain cooler, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and lows at least in the 50s.

Categories: Daily Forecast, News

Arrest made in 2010 Tuscaloosa sexual assault case

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:21:33 +0000

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has announced an arrest in a 2010 sexual assault case.

In March 2010, an adult female reported being sexually assaulted by two men she met at Southern Gentlemen’s Club. The investigation at the time was unable to identify any suspects. DNA evidence confirmed there were two separate assailants.

According to Capt. Jack Kennedy, the Violent Crimes Unit was notified this summer that one of the DNA profiles had been matched to Stacey Martin, who had been arrested in July. Investigators reopened the case and indicted Martin on first-degree rape charges. He was taken into custody with no bond.

The second suspect has not been identified. He is described as an older male, possibly between 35 and 50 years old. Anyone with information can call 205-464-8690.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUGSHOTS 10/01/25- 10/15/25

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:17:48 +0000

Check out the Montgomery County Mugshots from 10/01/25- 10/15/25.
All are innocent until proven guilty.

Categories: Mugshots

Week 8 Alabama high school football schedule

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:20:06 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The high school football season rolls on as the playoff race heats up.

The Hoover Buccaneers (5-3) will host the 6-2 Thompson Warriors. Those two teams always tend to play each other close, as Hoover won last seasons meeting in overtime, 27-26. Benjamin Russell (6-1) looks to continue on its impressive season when they play Pelham (3-4). In 2A, Tuscaloosa Academy (6-1), faces Sulligent (4-3).

You can catch highlights, recaps and final scores of the games Friday night on CBS 42. Here’s a list of all the games set to be played Thursday and Friday from the AHSAA:

Bessemer man killed in shooting on Jefferson Avenue SW identified

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:57:26 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A Bessemer man killed in a shooting Thursday has been identified.

Romeo Underwood, 26, was shot and killed during a reported assault in the 5400 block of Jefferson Avenue SW around 11:52 p.m. He was taken to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to Birmingham police, the preliminary investigation indicates Underwood was engaged in a conversation with the suspect that led to him being fatally shot. Detectives are working to determine the nature of the conversation and what led to the gunfire.

No further details are known at this time. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Man killed in Birmingham shooting, suspect in custody

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:08:57 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A homicide occurred Thursday in the 5400 block of Jefferson Avenue Southwest, according to the Birmingham Police Department.

Shortly before noon, West Precinct officers responded to the scene on a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers observed an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The BPD has not disclosed the victim's identity.

A suspect was detained in connection to the incident and taken to BPD Headquarters for questioning.

According to the BPD, the preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was engaged in a conversation with the suspect, which resulted in him being fatally wounded. Detectives are working to determine the nature of the conversation and what led to shots being fired.

No further details are known at this time. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.

Man dies after multi-vehicle crash in Fultondale

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:06:02 +0000

FULTONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) -- A multi-vehicle crash in Fultondale Wednesday night left a man dead.

The crash occurred around 10:58 p.m. on Carson Road North at Decatur Highway. Jeffery Works, 68, of New Castle, was injured in the crash and transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead Thursday.

Fultondale Police Department is investigating.

CBS 42 celebrates 60 years on the air

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:45:51 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- CBS 42 is celebrating its diamond jubilee — or, as some like to call it, the start of its golden years.

On this day 60 years ago, this television station went on the air. What is now WIAT began as WBMG, Birmingham’s third commercial television station. To mark the anniversary, CBS 42 took a trip down memory lane with historian Tim Hollis.

"If things had gone the way people thought they would, the station would've been on the air a lot earlier than that. Channel 42 was actually assigned back in the ’50s — in the early ’50s — to Birmingham's legendary radio station WSGN. WSGN-TV never got on the air, and when 42 finally did make it in 1965, most of the on-air talent were WSGN radio personalities," said Hollis.

CBS 42's David Lamb and Hollis discussed more regarding the beginnings of Channel 42 and "Sergeant Jack," a children's television show which aired on WBMG from 1965 to the early 1980s. It was hosted by Neal Miller.

Learn more watching the video player above.

Celebrating 60 years of CBS 42

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:11:34 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Channel 42 went on the air in Birmingham 60 years ago today.

In 1965, Channel 42 began broadcasting from a small building just up the hill on Red Mountain. It was the city’s third commercial station and eventually became a CBS affiliate.

Take a look back at the history, the people, and the many chapters making CBS 42 what it is today.

On Oct. 17, 1965, the No. 1 song was “Yesterday” by the Beatles. The Birmingham News headlines declared that Gov. George Wallace was dodging a debate with his opponent, a big-time game at Legion Field ended in a tie between Alabama and Tennessee, and a new TV station was born.

The station, then known as WBMG, outgrew its original building and, a few years later, built a new studio just down the hill — the same building it broadcasts from today. The news department grew to include legendary names such as Tommy Charles, former Auburn football player Thom Gossom, and others.

In 1987, WBMG restored its news department. Barbara Bolding was the first reporter hired and went on to be the evening anchor.

"We were really scrappy, and we were very creative because we didn't have the satellite trucks and we didn't have certain technology for the time that our big competitors had," said Bolding.

Watch the video player above to learn more.

Federal agents assist in Tuscaloosa human trafficking prostitution investigation

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:50:27 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – Human trafficking and prostitution investigations are far from over following massage parlor raids on Thursday.

“It was shocking that it was so close to home and so close to Northport City Hall,” Bama Reptiles and Ranch owner Samantha Lovelady said.

West Alabama Human Trafficking Taskforce, Homeland Security and local law enforcement raided TuiNa Massage, Apple Massage Spa, and Eastern Massage. As of Thursday afternoon, eight people were in custody for questioning and the owner of all three locations, 70-year-old Jianping Chen, was in jail.

“Once I noticed the type of clientele going over there and how they were parked differently, it started to raise a flag,” King’s Kitchen employee Gae Green said.

King’s kitchen is a couple of yards away at the shopping plaza across the street from Apple Massage and Spa. Clients would park in front of King’s Kitchen instead of the massage parlor.

Lovelady’s business is next door to the Eastern Massage on McFarland Boulevard in Northport.

“There was just interesting clientele, people you wouldn’t think get massages, and they were there for extended hours,” Lovelady said.

“This is blatant prostitution services being offered out in the open,” West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force Cpt. Phil Simpson said.

The parlors were also in violation of the city ordinance that prohibits people living inside businesses. During the raids, the workers were living inside all three parlors. Law enforcement also complied enough evidence to charge Chen with four counts of 2^nd degree promoting prostitution.

Despite alleged violations and criminal activity, all three massage parlors can open on Friday.

“We are going to petition the City to Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport to revoke their business license, but right now, we can’t close them down,” Simpson said.

Over the last 18 months, the task force sent undercover officers into the businesses and kept surveillance the area.

Agents are trying to identify which workers were there at their own will, are victims, or the trafficker.

“That’s often not apparent to begin with,” Simpson said. “That’s why our FBI and HSI partners are here.”

Chen and the workers are all immigrants. Chen’s documentation is expired and HSI is still investigating the legal statuses of others involved, the task force said.

“We don’t know yet if they’ll be arrested, some will have ICE detainers,” Simpson said.

Simpson expects the investigation to last at least another two months. There are a lot of details the agency is trying to find out.

“It could be tied to other organizations, and that’s what we’re trying to determine -- is this group a part of another group, and this is just where they set up in Tuscaloosa.”

Cool Nights to Weekend Strong Storms: Alabama’s Weather Rollercoaster

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:07:51 +0000

***Watch the CBS 42 Weather Live Channel for all of your Local Central Alabama forecasts:

Friday, the high-pressure ridge will shift northeast of Alabama, allowing southeast winds to return. This will bring partly cloudy, warm, and slightly more humid weather to Central Alabama. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s.

Weekend Outlook: The ridge of high pressure will sit northeast of Alabama, leading to southerly winds and increased humidity. A cold front will approach Alabama during the day, bringing a partly to mostly cloudy sky for much of the day. It will be warm with highs in the mid-80s.

The cold front will move across Alabama Saturday night through Sunday morning, bringing a line of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong or even severe, with gusty winds and heavy rain. We will monitor the pattern throughout the next few days. The severe threat remains low, as the better energy is west and south of Alabama.

Rainfall totals are expected to be around 1/2 to 1.5 inches. This rainfall will help ease the drought but won't eliminate it. By Sunday afternoon, the cold front will be south of the area, conditions will turn drier, clouds will slowly decrease, and we will have cooler highs in the upper 70s. Sunday night will be clear and cold, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s.

Next Week's Outlook: High pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. on Monday and Tuesday. We will have plenty of sunshine with mild high temperatures in the 70s. A cold front will move across Alabama on Tuesday with a few showers. Highs stay in the 70s. Another ridge of high pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. between Wednesday and Friday. We will have mostly sunny conditions, less humidity, and mild temperatures with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.

CBS 42 celebrating 60th anniversary

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:10:55 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- CBS 42 first went on the air 60 years ago.

The station officially became a CBS affiliate in the early 70s and landed new call letters in 1998.

Charlie Roundtree, former program director for the station, Barbara Bolding Cooney, former news anchor, and Sherri Jackson discussed the growth of CBS 42 throughout the past 60 years. Watch more in the video player above.

Judge rules to move forward with Timothy Vess Benton SORNA Violation

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:37:07 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- A Fayette County grand jury will now decide if convicted child sex offender Timothy Vess Benton will face additional charges.

Last month, a CBS 42 investigation looked into how Benton was released into house arrest after serving just five and a half years of a 17-year prison sentence. Weeks after his release, Benton was arrested for a Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) violation – which is why he appeared in court today.

The big news out of court today is a judge finding probable cause for the SORNA violation Benton was arrested for last month. The family of one of Benton’s victims was in the courtroom, and they say the judge’s ruling gives them hope for the future.

“We got a small victory today," said Chris Keys, the father of one of Benton’s victims. "We’ll be going to grand jury. See if he gets indicted and we’ll go from there. We’re looking at some time, maybe six months or so, but it’s a start. They could have let him walk. They didn’t.”

In 2017, Benton was indicted by a grand jury on 48 charges, ranging from human trafficking to sodomy. To avoid a trial and secure a prison sentence for Benton, the Keys family says they supported a plea deal, which Benton took in 2019.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sodomy and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

In August, Judge Samuel Junkin modified Benton’s sentence, releasing him into his parents’ home under a form of house arrest. The Keys family was not notified of the change to Benton’s sentence, which caused outrage in Fayette County.

Weeks after Benton was released, he was arrested for a SORNA violation. In court Thursday, a Fayette County deputy testified that Benton failed to provide a valid state-issued ID within 14 days of his release, which he says is a state law for sex offenders.

Following a CBS 42 investigation into Benton’s release, both the Fayette County District Attorney and Judge Samuel Junkin recused themselves from the case. That is why Benton appeared in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Thursday, with the Attorney General’s Office acting as the prosecution.

Keys said he feels confident that justice will be served.

“So, it was it was a good feeling just hearing him say that it’s going forward, that everybody did everything right," he said.

The next step will be for a Fayette County grand jury to decide if and what charges Benton will face for his SORNA violation.

CBS 42 attempted to speak with Benton’s defense attorneys, but they said they had no comment at this time.

Sports lovers excited over multitude of events happening around central Alabama

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:10:46 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- It’s been a sports-filled week in central Alabama and it’s only ramping up this weekend. From professional racing to a variety of collegiate sports, there’s something for every sports fan going on.

The week started hoops heavy with an NBA game, into SEC basketball media days, coinciding with Ballin in the Boutwell. Meanwhile, NASCAR gears up for a big weekend in Talladega. Not to mention, Alabama and Auburn football both playing big SEC opponents at home on Saturday.

What cultivates some people's love for sports?

"Because we’ve got a big family and there’s so many kids, grandkids, great grandkids involved so we’re involved," said Nettie Chaney from Mobile. "Both of my sons play ball all of their life, football, baseball, soccer, everything, so we’re just a sports family.”

A love of sports and a love of family.

“I’m 84-years-old and I’m here to see my granddaughter, Naomi Jones. Go Naomi!" said one grandmother fresh off watching Jones play in the Alabama women's basketball game in the Boutwell.

The Jones family came to Birmingham for the Alabama women’s basketball game against Florida State but their excitement for the week is far from over. In just a two more days, Alabama kicks off against Tennessee in Bryant Denny Stadium, a rivalry the family says is a must-watch for Tide fans.

"Wherever you at, get on and watch it," Chaney said.

Between collegiate basketball, collegiate football and professional racing, it’s a sports lovers dream in central Alabama.

"This is a wonderful weekend where everything converges together," said Eventive Sports executive director Gene Hallman. "So many things to choose from, you can do a little bit of all of them, you don’t have to pick.”

Hallman says with this many sporting events around the region, hotels and restaurants will be chalk full all the way through Sunday.

"You don’t have to be a big city with a big professional sports franchise to thrive in the sports world. You could do collegiate sports and lots of different events in a first-class way and still have a great impact on your local economy through sports,” he said.

Hallman says sports tourism is one of the most important makeups of our local economy.

"We’re one of the largest markets in the country without a professional sports franchise at the major league level and I think we can make a statement like we are this weekend with a wide variety of collegiate sports and professional racing, where you can choose from a lot of different things," said Hallman. "You don’t have to have an NFL team or an NBA team to be defined as major league.”

As Talladega Superspeedway president Brian Crichton knows, the best part of any big sporting event is the fans.

"It’s all about the promotions, it’s all about the fans, it’s all about making it just a great experience so that’s the mentality we have at Talladega Superspeedway," Crichton said. "It’s not just the racing, those drivers put on the best show on that racetrack, our fans and all the things we do put on just that great show throughout the week and weekend.”

Mayor-elect Ben Short shares his vision of Trussville's future

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:00:03 +0000

The following piece was written by Jakob Gurley of the Trussville Tribune.

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — Trussville celebrated a major leadership transition at this year’s State of the City event, where outgoing Mayor Buddy Choat reflected on his years of service and welcomed incoming Mayor-elect Ben Short. The program, held at the Trussville Civic Center, highlighted the city’s accomplishments and an optimistic outlook for the future.

Choat, who has served as mayor and on the City Council for nearly two decades, thanked city employees, council members and community partners for their support throughout his tenure.

“It’s been the best job I’ve ever had,” Choat said. “We’ve got great people in this city, and that tells me Trussville has a bright future.”

Choat also expressed gratitude to his wife, Jenny, for her support during his time in office and praised the city staff for their dedication to public service. He commended Short’s experience on the council and said he was confident in the incoming administration.

“Ben has a lot of experience with our city,” Choat said. “I know he’s going to do a great job leading this administration.”

Short, who officially takes office later this month, joined the event for an interview segment in which he discussed the transition and Trussville’s financial position heading into 2026. The city recently closed its fiscal year with a $2.5 million surplus, overcoming a budgeted deficit of nearly $1 million.

“We wanted to show that we did exactly what we said we would — finish strong and end in the black,” Short said. “Now we can begin our administration on level ground.”

Short said his administration plans to continue the city’s conservative fiscal approach while focusing on rebuilding reserves and pursuing strategic growth.

“We’re going to be very intentional about every expense,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we’re standing still — we’re planning for our next elementary school and preparing for future development.”

Looking ahead, Short said his priorities include sustainability, infrastructure and addressing overcrowding in Trussville’s schools as the city continues to grow. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Trussville 2040 Plan — a long-term roadmap for the city’s development — and announced plans to propose updated regulations and design standards.

“Our goal is to make sure Trussville continues to thrive while protecting the quality of life for all citizens,” Short said. “Through strategic planning and community input, we’ll ensure our city grows responsibly.”

Short also emphasized community engagement, encouraging residents to participate in shaping Trussville’s updated master plan.

“Your voice matters,” he said. “We want to identify priorities together to ensure the future of Trussville reflects the vision of its people.”

As Choat passed the torch, the event marked both the close of one era and the beginning of another. With strong finances, an experienced council and continued community involvement, Trussville’s leaders said the city is positioned for continued growth and success.

Trunk or Treat events coming to central Alabama

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:24:01 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Halloween is approaching, and several locations across central Alabama are planning "Trunk or Treat" events to celebrate the holiday.

These events are an alternative to Trick or Treating, in which participants park their cars in a parking lot for children to gather candy from in lieu of getting candy from houses.

Here's a list of Trunk or Treat opportunities in central Alabama:

Trussville YMCA -- Trussville, Ala.
- Oct. 18
Homewood Library -- Homewood, Ala.
- Oct. 19
Coosa Valley Technologies -- Talladega, Ala.
- Oct. 23
Tractor Supply Company -- Pelham, Ala.
- Oct. 23
Deerfoot Church of Christ -- Trussville, Ala.
- Oct. 25
Bluff Park United Methodist Church -- Hoover, Ala.
- Oct. 26
Oldham Chapel Church -- Ashville, Ala.
- Oct. 28
Clearbranch Methodist – Trussville, Ala.
- Oct. 29
Alabaster YMCA -- Alabaster, Ala.
- Oct. 30

Bruce Pearl joins CBS Sports as college basketball analyst following retirement from Auburn

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:05:22 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- In the month after announcing his retirement from college basketball, Bruce Pearl already has something lined up for life after Auburn.

Pearl will be a part of CBS Sports to call regular-season games and contribute to studio coverage. He will also contribute to CBS Sports and TNT Sports' joint coverage of the NCAA Tournament.

Pearl, who first came to Auburn in 2014, retired on Sept. 22, leading the Tigers to a 214-123 record and making March Madness five times, including the Final Four last year, where they lost to eventual NCAA champions Florida. His son, Steven, now leads the team.

He took to X Thursday to share his excitement:

"So grateful for the opportunity to join CBS SPORTS. The song One Shining Moment still brings tears to my eyes and such fond memories. I so wanted to help my teams play for championships in March and I can't wait to deliver analysis of college basketball throughout the season!"

For a time, there was some speculation that Pearl, who is vocal about politics on social media, would run for Tommy Tuberville's seat in the U.S. Senate, but ultimately decided not to.

Tuscaloosa County massage parlor owner arrested on prostitution charges

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:52:13 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) -- An owner of three massage parlors in Tuscaloosa County was arrested Thursday following an investigation into alleged human trafficking and prostitution.

Capt. Phil Simpson says the investigation involved undercover officers and extensive surveillance began approximately 18 months ago after complaints from citizens and neighboring business owners.

Jianping Chen, 70, was charged with four counts of second-degree promoting prostitution. He is the owner of Apple Massage Spa, TuiNa Massage and Eastern Massage in Tuscaloosa County. Simpson says linguists who speak Mandarin are speaking with nine women who were living in the businesses.

"These are blatant prostitution services being offered out in the open," Simpson said. "This is what we're trying to prevent. These people are being victimized every single time someone goes in there for a massage."

85-year-old man found dead near burnt vehicle in Fultondale

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:10:06 +0000

FULTONDALE, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a man was found dead in Fultondale Tuesday evening.

Authorities were responding to a brush fire in the 900 block of Ellard Road when they found Major Epting, 85, of Fultondale, next to his burnt vehicle in an embankment near the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A cause of death has not been determined.

Woman killed in Winston County crash

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:18:10 +0000

WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Authorities are investigating a two-vehicle crash in Winston County that left a woman dead.

On Oct. 8, Carolyn Cash, 82, of Lynn, was injured when the Kia Sportage she was driving collided head-on with a Toyota Camry. Cash was airlifted to UAB Hospital for treatment. Cash was pronounced dead at the hospital on Oct. 11. The driver of the Toyota Camry was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The crash occurred on Alabama 195 around 4:50 p.m. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating.