Posts by Sherri Blevins — Page 14
The family of 3-year-old Keterrius “KJ” Starkes Jr., who died after being left in a hot car for more than five hours, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Jefferson County Circuit Court against multiple defendants, including a contracted social worker, state and county Department of Human Resources employees, and Covenant Services, Inc. The tragedy […]
August 9 was a milestone day for Irondale and the State of Alabama as the Golden Rule Bar-B-Q and Grill made history. Crowds filled the parking lot and packed the dining room, eager to support the beloved 134-year-old restaurant in its Guinness World Record attempt for the most pulled pork sandwiches sold in eight hours. […]
As the 2025 municipal elections draw closer, political tensions are rising across Alabama, from small-town races to large-city campaigns — and Birmingham is no exception. On Friday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin responded to a billboard on the Southside of the city claiming he will not participate in a mayoral debate. In a post on his […]
Over the weekend, a baby was found inside a hearse at West Gadsden Funeral Home, which prompted a murder investigation. Within 12 hours, Gadsden police arrested 29-year-old Terrica Pearl and charged her with murder in the death of her 21-month-old daughter, Blessence Pearl. WVTM 13 reported that a groundskeeper discovered the child’s body while moving the […]
The Alabama Legislature has passed a new law aimed at helping expectant mothers get the care they need during pregnancy. Known as SB102, the law will take effect on October 1 and stay in place through 2028, allowing pregnant women to get temporary Medicaid coverage for prenatal care before their official application is approved. RELATED: […]
The U.S. Border Patrol has captured an Alabama murder suspect at the southern border of Texas and Mexico. On July 7, 25-year-old Luis Rey Guerro Martinez was apprehended while attempting to escape to Mexico to avoid capital murder charges involving a murder in Bessemer on July 6. RELATED: 64-year-old Army veteran shot by illegal immigrant […]
The Montgomery City Council is taking action against a downtown establishment following a growing number of safety-related complaints. 1048 Jazz & Blues, located on East Fairview Avenue, is under review after reports of violence and present-day concerns raised by patrons and nearby Cloverdale residents. As part of a temporary measure, the bar must close at […]
The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office has determined that the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jabari Peoples by a Homewood police officer on June 23, 2025, was legally justified. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed against the officer involved in the case. The ruling follows an internal investigation led by the Alabama Law […]
With incumbent Rick Pate term-limited, the Republican field for Alabama’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries is wide open. Three GOP contenders, Jack Williams, Christina Woerner McInnis, and Corey Hill, are vying for the role, each building their financial position ahead of the May 19, 2026, primary. According to campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama […]
Alabama State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) is sparking debate back up over personal freedom and public health regulations with a new bill that would ban vaping in indoor public areas across the state. He prefiled SB9, which would ban vaping in all public indoor spaces. The Alabama Senate passed similar legislation in 2024 that would’ve […]
Alabama legislators continually seek ways to improve economic opportunities in the state across several different industries, including entertainment. Last month, Governor Kay Ivey signed SB177, expanding Alabama’s entertainment tax incentive program. The goal of this plan is to accelerate growth in Alabama’s film, television, and music industries. SB177, which takes effect October 1, 2025, expands […]
August 9 will be a milestone day for Irondale and the State of Alabama, as one of the state’s longest-operating restaurants aims to break a Guinness World Record. City and state officials, including Governor Kay Ivey and Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., are commemorating the occasion with proclamations officially declaring August 9 as Golden […]
A new Alabama law is raising the bar—literally and educationally—starting October 1. Signed into law during the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 316 creates a new type of alcohol license known as the Educational Tourism Distillery license. And while the name might sound like something out of a textbook, the impact is designed to be […]
Governor Kay Ivey, legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban, Ms. Terry Saban, and a host of local officials and sponsors broke ground on the Saban Center on Wednesday morning. The ceremony was followed by a community celebration at the Tuscaloosa River Market, co-hosted by the City of Tuscaloosa and the Saban Center. […]
On October 1, a new law governing who may possess firearms in Alabama goes into effect. The legislation, passed as SB119 during the 2025 session, builds on existing restrictions and introduces significant changes that broaden the scope of prohibited individuals and increase penalties for certain gun-related crimes. RELATED: Alabama cracks down on urban gun crime […]
Recently elected State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) is wasting no time advancing legislation aimed at protecting Alabama schools and public institutions. After winning a special election in June to represent Senate District 5, Woods quickly prefiled House Bill 7 (HB7), which would establish consistent statewide protocols for how school threats are reported and handled. RELATED: […]
September 1 marks a significant day for Alabama shoppers as a new state law reduces the sales tax on groceries and suspends it entirely on a range of essential baby and feminine care products. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers approved lowering the state sales tax on food from 3% to 2% when they passed […]
The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS) has named Kelly Augsburger Brasher as its inaugural Chief School Finance Officer (CSFO). Brasher brings with her more than 20 years of business and finance experience to the newly established residential high school. For the past 11 years, Brasher served as an accountant for Auburn City Schools, managing […]
This fall, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is expanding its academic offerings with 10 new graduate certificates and a new undergraduate degree program. The programs are available across a range of disciplines, with many offered fully online to accommodate students wherever they are. “At UAB, we’re continually evolving to meet the needs of our […]
The Alabama Farmers Federation has officially endorsed State Rep. Matthew Hammett in his bid for re-election to Alabama House District 92. The district includes all of Covington County and parts of Coffee and Escambia counties. Hammett, a graduate of Auburn University, is a business owner and agricultural producer. He operates Hammett Drilling, a 74-year-old, family-owned […]
Prism Systems, a technology company with a global portfolio, is relocating its headquarters and lab operations to downtown Mobile. The company will move into 857 Dauphin Street, the former site of Crown Hall. According to the Mobile Chamber, the $6.4 million project will add 52 high-wage jobs. “Mobile has always been the foundation of our […]
The Hoover Firefighters Local 4035, affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters, has announced its endorsement of Gene Smith in his bid for election to the Hoover City Council Place 2 seat. In a statement, the officers and members of Local 4035 expressed their support for Smith’s candidacy. “We recognize your service to the city […]
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama has announced its endorsement of Caroleene Dobson in her bid to become Alabama’s next Secretary of State. “Caroleene is the kind of young, forward-thinking leader Alabama needs,” said ABC of Alabama Chairman Tim Harrison. “She understands the needs of our industry and is willing to roll up her […]
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Alabama is inviting residents to join in the celebration by reserving a special America250AL license plate. The campaign, titled “Be one of the first 250!”, encourages Alabamians to pre-commit to the commemorative tag for $50. At least 250 reservations are needed to make the plate […]

