Higher Education Leaders Report Major Expansions, New Programs in Annual Address
ANNISTON, AL — Leaders from Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College presented their annual State of Higher Education report Friday, detailing substantial infrastructure investments, new academic programs, and workforce development initiatives that demonstrate significant growth across both institutions. The presentation, held at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce boardroom, featured remarks from JSU […]
Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on I-20 in Cleburne County
Cleburne County, AL — A single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 20 has resulted in the death of a Pell City woman. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, near the 208 mile marker, about three miles east of Heflin. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Kristi D. Browning, […]
ALEA Aviation Unit Assists in Rescue Following Plane Crash Near Sylacauga
SYLACAUGA, AL – On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Aviation Unit played a key role in the successful rescue of a pilot after a plane crash in rugged terrain near the Sylacauga Airport. At approximately 2:17 p.m., ALEA received a request for assistance from Lifesaver, a critical care air medical […]
Governor Ivey Welcomes Vaquito as ALEA’s New Work Zone Safety Dog
Montgomery, AL – On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey officially introduced the newest honorary member of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Vaquito, a certified service dog designated as the state’s Work Zone Safety Dog. In a ceremony held at the Alabama State Capitol, Vaquito was sworn in as an honorary ALEA Trooper. The event was […]
Senator Katie Britt Leads Senate Republicans in Opposition to Federal Project Labor Agreement Mandate
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) recently led a group of 20 Senate Republicans in urging the Trump Administration to rescind a Biden Administration rule mandating Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on large-scale federal construction projects. The Senators expressed concern that the regulation would hinder competition and increase construction costs on projects funded by federal […]
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Conviction in 2020 Murder Case
Montgomery, AL – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed the conviction of Montrel Dwight Austin, 31, of Center Point, for the 2020 murder of Emilio Elliott, Jr. The decision was issued on Friday, June 20, 2025. Austin was originally convicted in the Jefferson County Circuit Court on May […]
Senator Katie Britt Introduces Ambassador Nominee Lynda Blanchard Before Senate Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced Lynda Blanchard, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agencies, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing held Thursday. Blanchard, a Montgomery native, previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and brings with her a […]
Nursing Director Convicted in Hydrocodone Theft Case
MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction of Tiffany Alexander Fields for the theft of hydrocodone tablets while employed as the director of nursing at a Montgomery area nursing home. Fields pleaded guilty to one count of Theft of Property in the Second Degree before Montgomery Circuit Court Judge Monet Gaines. […]
Tax-Free Weekend in Full Swing Across Alabama: Shoppers Take Advantage of Back-to-School Savings
Alabama – The 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is officially underway in Alabama, giving families across the state a chance to stock up on essentials without the added cost of state sales tax. The tax-free weekend kicked off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 18, and will continue through midnight on Sunday, July 20, […]
Three Arrested in Fentanyl Trafficking Investigation in Cleburne County
Heflin, AL — On July 17, 2025, the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence on 4th Street West as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a trafficking quantity of fentanyl […]