Posts by Sherri Blevins — Page 21

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 […]

Alabama education

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 […]

With the August 26 Alabama municipal elections drawing close, Secretary of State Wes Allen is reminding Alabamians that the deadline to register to vote is August 11. “The right of eligible United States citizens to cast a ballot in a fair and secure election is one of the hallmarks of our constitutional republic,” Allen said. […]

State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) announced Friday that he is taking steps to repeal SB322, a bill passed earlier this year that would have allowed non-contiguous annexation to support potential resort development near Smith Lake. In a video posted to his social media channels on Friday, Gudger said the bill had become a divisive issue […]

John Daniel has been named general counsel and senior vice chancellor of the University of Alabama System, effective Aug. 1, 2025. Daniel brings to the position more than two decades of distinguished legal experience within the UA System, including 20 years in the UAB Office of Counsel, where he served as chief university counsel. Since […]

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has launched a new recreational shooting event, the John H. Wallace Pistol Challenge, which kicks off August 9th at the Etowah Public Shooting Range. The event, part of National Shooting Sports Month, offers handgun owners a chance to test their marksmanship in a competitive but low-pressure […]

More disturbing information is coming to light in the Bibb County child sex trafficking investigation, including suspected connections to gangs and Mexican cartels. According to CBS 42, federal authorities believe Andres Trejo-Velazquez is a member of the Sureños gang. Homeland Security is currently investigating whether the Bibb County sex trafficking operation was tied to a […]

A dump truck crash on Wednesday afternoon left two people injured and caused visible damage to a Target store in South Huntsville after the vehicle reportedly experienced a mechanical brake failure and slammed into a busy intersection. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Carl T. Jones Drive near the Ledges Drive intersection. According to […]

Sloss Tech 2025 wrapped up its most successful year yet, drawing a record-setting 1,392 attendees to downtown Birmingham’s historic theatre district. The annual technology conference, presented by Innovate Alabama and organized by TechBirmingham, expanded to a three-day format this year and saw a 56% increase in attendance over 2024. The event featured 95 speakers, 50 […]

Public safety remains a top priority for Alabamians, and properly equipped law enforcement agencies are key to ensuring community protection. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department recently received nearly $600,000 in new equipment, including seven patrol trucks, body cameras, vests, and other essential gear. RELATED: Strong joins bipartisan legislation to support veterans, law enforcement The funding […]

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen returned to his hometown recently to deliver the keynote address at Troy University’s summer commencement ceremony, where nearly 350 graduates were honored. Allen, a Troy University alumnus who earned his Master’s degree from the institution, addressed the Class of 2025 in a ceremony held at Trojan Arena. The event […]

A new national report shows Alabama is making significant progress in expanding access to health care by drawing in more physicians from other states through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLCC). According to the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, the state has seen a 126 percent increase in the number of medical licenses issued through […]

City officials, the Scottsboro Police Department, and residents of Jackson County remain shaken following a 21-hour manhunt that unfolded over the final weekend of July. What began as a domestic violence call quickly escalated into a high-speed police chase, a shooting that injured a law enforcement officer, and the eventual capture of the suspect after […]

As disturbing details continue to emerge in the Bibb County child sex abuse case, some local residents are reassessing troubling situations they witnessed in the past—wondering if they were unknowingly connected to the now-unfolding investigation. One former Bibb County teacher believes that may be the case. In an interview with ABC 33/40 , the educator, […]