The City of Trussville has officially selected Dave Morrette as its next Chief of Police, according to an announcement from Mayor Ben Short.

Morrette’s appointment follows a multi-phase selection process that drew 45 applicants from both internal and external candidate pools. The city evaluated candidates on leadership experience, operational expertise, strategic vision, character, and alignment with Trussville’s organizational culture.

“The City of Trussville continues to be a highly desirable place to work,” Short said. “The level of interest and the quality of applicants reflect the strength of our organization and the reputation of our Police Department. After a thorough and deliberate process, I am confident that Dave Morrette has the knowledge, character, and confidence to lead this department into its next chapter.”

Morrette brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience with the City of Trussville, having joined the department in 1999 as a police officer and rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief.

Since June 2023, he has served as Deputy Chief, overseeing daily operations and managing all major divisions within the department, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Communications, Corrections, School Resource Officers, Direct Enforcement Unit, Traffic Unit, K9 Unit, Training Division, Fleet Operations, and all non-sworn personnel.

He has also managed internal personnel investigations, implemented and updated departmental policies and procedures, and regularly engaged with community groups to address public safety concerns.

Following the retirement of the former police chief, Morrette has served as Acting Chief of Police.

Over the course of his career, Morrette has held the positions of Police Captain (2020–2023), Police Lieutenant (2018–2020), Police Sergeant (2009–2018), and Police Officer (1999–2009), with leadership responsibilities spanning patrol operations, specialized units, training, communications, and corrections.

The city said Morrette’s selection reflects its commitment to core organizational values, including integrity, respect, excellence, and care for people.

“These values are not simply words,” Short added. “They guide our hiring decisions, our leadership expectations, and our daily operations. Chief Morrette embodies these principles, and I am confident he will continue building a culture of professionalism, accountability, and service within the Police Department.”

Morrette will assume the role of Chief of Police immediately.

State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island) filed a bill on Wednesday that would further strengthen Alabama’s Aniah’s Law by requiring prosecutors to seek bail denial and mandating pretrial detention hearings in certain Class A felony cases.

Brown’s proposal, HB126, would require district attorneys to request that judges deny bail when a defendant is charged with a Class A felony resulting in death.

Current law allows prosecutors to make that request, but does not require it.  When state legislators return to Montgomery for the 2026 legislative session next week, they will consider making that a non-negotiable.

“Since its passage by voters in a 2022 referendum election, Aniah’s Law has brought a larger measure of justice to victims of violent crimes, and it has helped ensure that those who commit those crimes feel the full weight of punishment,” Brown said.

“Time and experience have since shown us that we can make the law even stronger and demand an even higher level of accountability from those among us who take the life of another.”

In addition to the mandatory bail denial request, the legislation would prohibit judges from waiving pretrial detention hearings in Class A felony cases involving a death. Defendants accused of such crimes would be held without bail until a detention hearing is conducted.

Class A felonies in Alabama include crimes such as murder, kidnapping, arson, and first-degree rape, robbery, or burglary.

Aniah’s Law was approved by Alabama voters in 2022 as a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to individuals charged with violent crimes when they are deemed a threat to public safety.

The law is named after 19-year-old college student Aniah Blanchard, who prosecutors allege was killed in 2019 by Ibraheed Yazeed after he had previously been released on bond for multiple violent offenses.

Yazeed, who faces trial on March 2, 2026, had been granted bail despite more than a dozen prior arrests, including drug and robbery charges.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Voters in Elmore County have decisively rejected the “Enhance Elmore” plan, a local funding proposal aimed at addressing public safety needs.

The overwhelming defeat leaves officials searching for ways to finance aging fire equipment and the long-planned construction of a new county jail.

According to WSFA, approximately 93-94% of voters opposed the measure, which sought to raise revenue through a new property assessment and a tax on vaped tobacco products.

The plan would have established an annual fee of about $150 for homeowners and $300 for businesses, generating approximately $4.5 million per year for fire protection, road maintenance, and other public safety initiatives. Of that amount, around $80 million was expected to go toward a new county jail.

County Commissioner Bart Mercer acknowledged that while voters rejected the funding plan, the county’s public safety needs have not gone away.

He noted that budget discussions are expected to begin soon as leaders explore whether short-term adjustments using existing funds can help meet the county’s most urgent demands.

The opposition group “Resist Elmore Tax Hike” organized against the measure, citing concerns about transparency, the combined structure of the property and vape tax vote, and the financial impact on rural residents.

Group leaders have said they intend to work with state lawmakers or explore other options to support local fire services without imposing new assessments.

The defeat also leaves fire departments grappling with escalating costs.

According to the news outlet, fire trucks that once cost under $200,000 in the mid-1990s now approach nearly $1 million, while the county’s fire fee, last raised in 2005, has remained unchanged for two decades.

Local officials have warned that the current funding model no longer keeps pace with rising equipment and maintenance expenses.

Despite differing views on taxation, both county leaders and opponents agree that ensuring public safety remains a top priority. As Elmore County prepares for upcoming budget discussions, residents and watchdog groups are expected to keep a close eye on how officials address the funding gap for essential services.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com

In an effort to reduce crime in Montgomery and other large Alabama cities, Governor Kay Ivey has requested the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to explore ways to strengthen state alcohol rules and regulations.

The governor’s request follows the October 4 downtown Montgomery shooting that left multiple people injured.

In her initial letter, Ivey asked ABC Administrator Curtis Stewart to review Alabama’s alcohol laws, expectations, and requirements—particularly for licensed entities operating in highly populated and heavily traveled areas and during special events where alcohol is sold or consumed after 5 p.m. within Montgomery city limits.

“Public safety is paramount, and the state will continue being proactive to ensure safe communities for our citizens,” Governor Ivey said.

“I appreciate Administrator Stewart evaluating how we can take commonsense steps when it comes to alcohol consumption in entertainment districts across our state. I support the immediate steps he is proposing the ABC Board take, and I look forward to further exploring possible reasonable policy changes to enhance public safety.”

Stewart responded to the governor’s request on October 28 with a detailed letter outlining both immediate and long-term steps aimed at improving public safety through ABC policy adjustments.

Proposed rule and legislative changes

According to Stewart’s letter, the ABC Board will propose new administrative rule changes designed to limit behaviors that may contribute to unsafe environments in entertainment districts. These proposals include:

• Prohibiting package stores within entertainment districts from selling items such as cups or ice that could facilitate off-premises alcohol consumption.
• Limiting the amount of alcohol that special retail licensees can sell for off-premises consumption.

In addition, the Board identified several broader ideas that would require legislative approval. Among them:

• Imposing curfews for minors in entertainment districts.
• Restricting public entities from giving away alcohol at large events in entertainment districts.
• Allowing the state to suspend or terminate an entertainment district if public safety standards are not met.

Stewart said his team has consulted with both state and non-state stakeholders to ensure that proposed reforms are practical and effective across Alabama. He also expressed readiness to work with legislators interested in advancing these reforms during the 2026 legislative session.

The ABC Board’s proposed actions build on previous state initiatives to reduce violent crime, including the ALEA-led Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit and the 2025 Safe Alabama legislative package.

Both efforts have been central to the Ivey administration’s broader push to improve public safety throughout the state.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Montgomery County has received nearly $2.25 million in federal and state grant funding to expand law enforcement capacity, strengthen crisis response, and enhance technology used to combat illegal gun violence.

The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s FY2025 COPS Hiring Program through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)’s State Crisis Intervention Program

“These awards reaffirm that Montgomery County is leading the way in smart, community-focused public safety,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “By combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate crisis response and a stronger law enforcement workforce, we’re building a safer and more resilient Montgomery County for all residents.”

Under the grants, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will receive $1,249,480 through the DOJ’s COPS Hiring Program to hire 10 additional deputies. The move is expected to increase patrol coverage and improve community policing efforts across the county.

“This investment strengthens our ability to be proactive rather than reactive,” said Sheriff Derrick Cunningham. “With more deputies in the field and the latest tools at their disposal, our team can focus on reducing violent crime, connecting with residents, and protecting every corner of Montgomery County.”

The county also previously received $1 million through ADECA for a multi-agency initiative targeting gun violence reduction and improved behavioral health crisis response.

Partners in the initiative include the sheriff’s office, district attorney’s office, Carastar Health, Montgomery Police Department, and a local university partner.

The initiative will integrate advanced law enforcement technology including AXON Justice Software, the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), pole cameras, and license plate recognition. It will also expand mental health crisis response through Carastar’s mobile crisis team, with university researchers evaluating its impact.

These grants align with local efforts including the VirTra De-escalation Training System, quarterly Crisis Intervention Team training for officers and partners, and monthly firearms familiarization classes for the public.

County officials say the combined initiatives are designed to build trust and transparency while reducing gun-related incidents, improving response times, and increasing mental health crisis intervention, reflecting a long-term commitment to modernizing public safety and strengthening community partnerships across Montgomery County.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is calling for immediate and decisive action to address violent crime in Montgomery, Alabama, particularly following a downtown mass shooting earlier this month that killed two and injured 12 others.

In a call with in-state reporters last week, Tuberville expressed alarm over the recent violence and the decision to release one of the suspects on bond.

“We are not a third world country. But Montgomery has been turned into a WAR ZONE,” Sen. Tuberville (R-Auburn) captioned the video of his full remarks. “We must take ACTION to keep Alabamians safe.”

https://x.com/sentuberville/status/1982559931212419367?s=46

“Alabamians deserve to feel safe in our capital city, and right now this is not the case,” Tuberville said. “There were more than 61 homicides in Montgomery last year. Folks, this cannot continue. We’re not going to allow it. We’re going to make downtown Montgomery a safe zone.”

Tuberville said he has spoken with federal officials and anticipates additional support for local law enforcement.

“I’ve talked to FBI Director Kash Patel, and he’s gearing up to send a surge of FBI agents to Montgomery to help law enforcement with crime,” Tuberville told the news outlet.

Yellowhammer News earlier reported that the October 4 shooting turned a bustling downtown entertainment district into a crime scene. Rival gunmen opened fire during a busy weekend of events, leaving two dead and a dozen injured. Victims ranged in age from 16 to 43. The city had activated its downtown area for HBCU Classic weekend, drawing large crowds with free attractions and promotions.

According to Montgomery Police, at least five officers were in the area and responded within seconds. Multiple federal and state agencies — including the ATF, U.S. Marshals, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — are assisting with the investigation.

Montgomery has struggled with persistently high violent crime rates. The city reported 61 homicides in 2024, and through the first half of 2025, logged 32 homicides compared to 38 during the same period the year before.

Tuberville’s comments also follow the news that one of the suspects in the shooting was released on bond — a move he criticized as undermining public confidence in the justice system.

“We are not a third-world country,” Tuberville said. “But Montgomery has been turned into something that’s just unacceptable for our citizens.”

Tuberville’s remarks underscore his call for additional federal resources and stronger enforcement to help make the capital city safe again.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Mayors representing Alabama’s ten largest cities are calling for urgent statewide action to address what they describe as a growing mental health crisis that is straining law enforcement, hospitals, schools, and public safety across the state.

“Every city in Alabama is feeling the effects of this crisis,” the mayors said in a joint statement. “From our police departments and emergency rooms to our schools and streets, the lack of adequate mental health resources is putting a tremendous burden on our communities. It’s a problem we deal with every single day, and it’s getting worse.”

The coalition, known as the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, met this week and identified mental health as one of the most urgent challenges facing Alabama communities.

The group says that local governments are often left to manage the fallout from inadequate mental health care — including rising homelessness, increased jail populations, and emergency rooms overwhelmed with patients in crisis. They also highlighted the growing impact on teens and young adults.

“Our officers are not mental health professionals, but too often they are the ones responding to mental health emergencies,” the mayors continued. “Our hospitals are struggling, our jails are crowded, and our cities are working overtime to keep up. This is a public safety issue, a public health issue, and an issue that demands immediate action.”

The mayors are urging state leaders to take concrete steps to expand Alabama’s mental health infrastructure, including increasing crisis intervention resources, improving access to treatment and recovery programs, and ensuring local governments, judges, and law enforcement have the tools they need to respond effectively.

“As mayors, we’re on the front lines of this crisis,” they said.

“We stand ready to work hand in hand with the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, law enforcement, the judicial system, healthcare providers, and community leaders to develop lasting solutions. When we come together as one with the common goal to address a problem, we can make a real impact. We look forward to working with partners across the state to solve this critical issue.”

The group’s focus on mental health builds on previous public safety advocacy efforts.

In 2022, the Big 10 Mayors successfully pushed for Aniah’s Law, a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to dangerous offenders charged with serious felonies including murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse.

Earlier this year, the mayors supported legislation included in the Safe Alabama public safety package, which was signed into law and included measures such as banning “Glock switches” and increasing penalties for firing into occupied buildings.

The Alabama Big 10 Mayors coalition is a nonpartisan group representing the state’s ten largest cities: Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Birmingham, Auburn, Decatur, Montgomery, and Madison.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Governor Kay Ivey personally tried to reach Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed on Monday morning to offer state assistance after the Saturday night downtown mass shooting that left two dead and 12 wounded — but the mayor did not take the call and has not followed up, Governor Ivey’s office says.

Despite the lack of communication with state authorities, Mayor Reed released a statement abdicating responsibility for the violent event on Monday afternoon, blaming the shooting on Alabama’s “lax” gun laws.

“Governor Ivey attempted to reach Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed Monday morning to offer her support. While he did not take the call, she left a voicemail to ask what she could do to help,” Gina Maiola, Governor Ivey’s top spokesperson said in a statement to Yellowhammer News.

“She also specifically asked Mayor Reed to have the police chief reach out to ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. The Administration has not heard from the mayor or the police chief.

“However, we did see the mayor had time to go to the press to criticize the governor’s efforts to make Montgomery safer following the violent activity Saturday night. The governor believes we need a unified front to fight crime in this city. Right now, Governor Ivey is focused on finding solutions, and she encourages all other leaders to do the same.”

On Monday, Governor Ivey issued state directives to bring Alabama’s capital city back to order.

She is allowing the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to expand its Capitol Patrol presence into key downtown corridors and increase trooper visibility and enforcement around Montgomery in the wake of the shooting.

She also said “all available state assets” are prepared to stabilize the capital city.

City-backed promotions swelled crowds on Saturday for HBCU Classic Weekend, including a pop-up Ferris wheel and “Thrills Zone” with “FREE” rides October 2-4 and the “FREE” beer on Friday on Lower Dexter.

That night around 11:30 p.m., police say an attack in the heart of downtown Montgomery escalated when multiple parties in the crowd drew and fired weapons, killing two and injuring 12 more people.

Seven of the 14 total gunshot victims are under 20. The youngest is 16.

State and federal partners, ALEA, ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshals are already involved.

No arrests have been announced as of Monday.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

On Monday morning, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a tougher state-led posture to restore order in Montgomery after a downtown mass shooting on Saturday night left two dead and a dozen wounded.

Ivey said Alabama has already taken steps, from deploying the Montgomery Area Crime Suppression Unit to passing new state laws to enhance public safety. But the latest shooting proves more forceful measures are needed.

Governor Ivey’s full statement:

“Alabamians lost their lives at the hands of thugs in downtown Montgomery this weekend. First and foremost, we pray for the loved ones of those lives taken from us, as well as those innocent people injured, including some still fighting for their lives.

“With Montgomery Police Department officers a short distance away, shots were exchanged out over a crowded downtown Montgomery Saturday night. This simply should not be happening in our Capital City or anywhere in our state for that matter. Any and all involved must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens.

“We — the state — have previously and continue to take steps to target the crime in Montgomery, which has ranged from us deploying our MACS Unit to passing new laws. Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid. It is clear that to have a safe Montgomery, it is going to take more than these steps.

“Over the last day, I have had continued discussions on what more can be done. That discussion continues and a resolution will not happen overnight, but we will be taking a few additional immediate steps.

“Ensuring safe communities is the number one priority for government at all levels — local, state and federal. And unfortunately, I still feel the need for the state to further intervene in Montgomery and to have an even greater role in leading public safety efforts in our Capital City.

“With that said, we are beginning to take additional steps from the state level to deter crime in Montgomery. To start, in addition to our active MACS Unit, I have asked my ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor to extend the patrol area for our Capitol Troopers to include other key downtown areas. I will plan on asking the Legislature to support additional resources to allow our state law enforcement presence to be more effective in downtown Montgomery. We will also continue to discuss how we can work better with Montgomery city and county law enforcement to ensure zero tolerance for crime in Montgomery.

“I am also asking my ABC Administrator Curtis Stewart to review our laws, expectations and requirements regarding entities who are licensed to sell alcohol – specifically those in highly populated and heavily traveled areas, as well as for special events, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is taking place after 5:00 p.m. within the city of Montgomery.

“Let me be clear: All available state assets are being discussed, and ALL options remain on the table. Montgomery is a special place filled with history, great potential and a strong community of people. There is too much at stake here, and as a longtime resident of Montgomery myself, I cannot stand by and allow this to continue.”

Saturday night’s gun battle erupted in the heart of the entertainment district, killing Jeremiah Morris, 17, and Shalanda Williams, 43, and injuring 12 more, five critically, in a packed downtown corridor frequented by families, visitors, and state business travelers.

The crime scene is vectored by hotels, venues, and restaurants that anchor Montgomery’s tourism and conference economy.

Other state leaders are reacting to the shooting. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also said all options are on the table.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

After a deadly weekend in Montgomery, Mayor Steven Reed has a message for his city.

According to reports from WSFA, police responded to two separate violent crimes that resulted in three deaths over the weekend.

On Saturday night, officers were called to the 5100 block of Carmichael Road at the Suburban Studios Hotel, where two men were found dead from gunshot wounds. A third man was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

Just hours later, early Sunday morning, Montgomery police investigated another violent incident.

Two women arrived at a local hospital with stab wounds. One of the women died from her injuries, while the other is expected to survive. Police believe the stabbings occurred in the 3200 block of Raintree Drive.

In a statement shared on the City of Montgomery’s official Facebook page, Mayor Reed made a new call for ending the violence in his city.

“This weekend, our community was shaken by senseless acts of violence that claimed lives and left families grieving,” Reed wrote.

“Every life lost to violence is one too many. We cannot and will not accept violence as the answer to our differences. Justice will be pursued for every victim, and support will be provided to every family affected. This work is not easy, but it is essential to healing and protecting our city. Our city’s future depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose compassion over conflict, dialogue over division, and peace over violence.”

Montgomery police continue to investigate both cases.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Last week, the House passed two important bills to get tough on crime right here in Washington, D.C. For too long, the nation’s capital has been run by soft-on-crime politicians who seem more concerned with protecting criminals than protecting American families. 

These new bills take a step toward bringing the same brand of common sense, tough on crime policy found in Alabama to Washington.

The first measure, the DC CRIMES Act, lowers the age for “youth offender” status from 24 down to 18. That means if you’re a 20-year-old carjacker, you don’t get treated like a child – you get treated like the adult criminal you are.

The bill also requires the D.C. Attorney General to publish crime data online so citizens can finally see the truth about what’s happening in their neighborhoods.

The second, the D.C. Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act, says that if you’re 14 years old and commit violent crimes like murder, armed robbery, or first-degree sexual abuse, you can be tried as an adult.

Actions have consequences, and no community can survive if repeat violent offenders are back on the street the next day.

That’s how we do it in Alabama. We back the blue, we hold criminals accountable, and we put victims first.

Senator Tommy Tuberville recently said he would welcome the National Guard to Alabama cities if that’s what it took to keep our people safe. That’s not because Alabama is lawless – it’s because we refuse to let it become lawless. Folks in Washington can learn a lot from that mindset.

This is exactly the kind of leadership President Trump has called for.

Since he brought the National Guard to D.C., violent crime has fallen, police finally have the resources and backing they needed to do their job, and law-abiding citizens – not criminals – are the priority.

It’s no wonder local businesses in Memphis are already voicing support for his decision to send the National Guard there next. 

If D.C. officials want to continue to have safer streets, they need to start taking cues from Alabama. I will continue to support policies that ensure our Nation’s capital becomes a safer place to live and visit. 

 Whether you are walking the streets of Mobile or the National Mall, every American deserves to enjoy their community without fear.

Barry Moore serves as the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. First elected to the U.S. House in 2020, he served for two terms as Alabama’s 2nd District Congressional representative. He is a former state legislator, businessman, and U.S. Army National Guard veteran. He is also a candidate for U.S. Senate in the 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election. 

As Mobile’s mayoral race nears its final stretch, former Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack has endorsed candidate Spiro Cheriogotis, urging voters not to “take this election for granted.”

Mack, who retired in 2024 after 33 years in law enforcement, voiced his support in a Facebook post this week. “To my friends in Mobile. Do not take this election for granted, and do not miss this great opportunity not only to preserve Mobile but to take it to the next level. Get out and vote next Tuesday,” Mack wrote.

His backing brings law enforcement credibility to the Cheriogotis campaign.

First elected in 2006, Mack served five terms as Baldwin County’s sheriff, leading a department of more than 100 deputies. During his tenure, he worked to address violent crime, drug abuse, and the demands of a fast-growing county. He was elected president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association in 2014 and named its Sheriff of the Year in 2021. Mack also served on the National Sheriffs’ Association Board of Directors and contributed to task forces focused on child abuse, border security, and major crimes.

Cheriogotis, a lawyer and former district court judge, is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes public safety, education, and quality of life improvements. He has highlighted his commitment to reducing crime, advancing public education and workforce development, and enhancing amenities such as parks, entertainment, reliable public transit, and neighborhood resources.

“Mobile isn’t just where I live—it’s home,” Cheriogotis has said, noting that he and his wife, Lucy, are raising their four children in the city.

“As a husband and father, I want my children to grow up in a city they are proud to be from and a place where they choose to stay and build their futures.”

Mack’s endorsement adds momentum to the Cheriogotis campaign as he faces State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) in the November election.

Drummond, who has parts of Mobile in the Alabama House since 2014, previously worked as executive director of administrative services for the City of Mobile and as a member of the Mobile County Commission.

With both candidates drawing on long records of public service, the mayoral race highlights contrasting backgrounds — one rooted in law enforcement and the judiciary, the other in government and community leadership. Voters will decide on Mobile’s next mayor in the upcoming election on September 23.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is voicing support for President Donald Trump’s moves to deploy the National Guard in cities facing violent crime, saying Alabama stands ready if called upon.

President Trump has already sent federal National Guard forces to Washington, D.C., to address crime there, and Memphis, Tennessee, is next in line.

The White House has also discussed the possibility of sending troops to Birmingham and Montgomery, though no decision has been made.

WBRC spoke with Governor Ivey during a school function in Gordo, where she confirmed Alabama has been in contact with federal officials.

“We’re certainly in touch with the White House about that. We stand ready to send out the Alabama National Guard, whether they’re needed, but right now, we’re on standby. We’ll be ready,” Ivey said.

“We’re already protecting Birmingham and Montgomery with the new MACS Unit, so we’re prepared and not gonna tolerate any misbehavior.”

The MACS, or Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, is composed of officers from five law enforcement agencies and has already seen results in Montgomery, according to the governor’s office.

In a separate statement, Ivey’s office confirmed the Governor is on the same page with Trump’s crime-fighting efforts.

“As the efforts continue to keep Washington, D.C. safe, Governor Ivey has the Alabama National Guard maintaining readiness to deploy to our nation’s capital, if needed, and we anticipate that possibility,” Gina Maiola, Ivey’s Director of Communications said.

“The governor believes ensuring safety in our communities should remain a top priority for all levels of government.”

Maiola added that while Birmingham and Montgomery are not currently on the president’s radar for federal troop deployments, Ivey has already taken steps to make crime reduction a priority as President Trump’s initiative to “Make America Safe Again” expands beyond Washington, D.C.

“However, in Alabama, Governor Ivey will continue taking her own hard stance against crime. Here in our Capital City, the governor’s approach with the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit has seen success, and the governor expressed interest previously in doing a version of that in Birmingham,” she added.

“In fact, the crime in Birmingham was a major driver in her making bolstering public safety her number one priority this past legislative session. No doubt, ensuring safety in our communities will remain a top priority going forward.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

In a political matchup currently saturated by talk of campaign finance, Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey announced Monday that she has loaned her campaign $500,000.

Casey, who has been a local district attorney since 2010, is running statewide for the first time against former Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Jay Mitchell and Katherine Robertson, longtime chief counsel to current AG Steve Marshall.

“I am deeply grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from Alabamians who want an Attorney General with proven courtroom experience,” Casey said.

“This campaign is about protecting families, standing with law enforcement, and bringing real results—not political games. The Alabama Attorney General race should be about experience not money.”

With the $500,000 loan reported to the Alabama Secretary of State’s office last Friday, Casey’s total balance stands at $589,549.39.

By comparison, Mitchell has $1,663,983.57 cash on hand and Robertson has $1,475,438.64.

Last week, Mitchell publicly called out Robertson for accepting $150,000 from a pro-abortion donor who once helped build an abortion clinic in Birmingham. Robertson responded with a range of critiques, saying Mitchell mislead donors during his campaign for Supreme Court, jeopardized the practice of in vitro fertilization in a 2024 majority opinion, and has accepted donations from an out-of-state law firm with ties to Democrats.

Casey said she is running a clean campaign and urged her opponents to “rise above” negative campaigning.

“Voters deserve to hear about qualifications and ideas—not attacks. I’m going to keep focusing on my experience, my record, and my vision for keeping our kids, families, and homes safe across Alabama. That’s what the voters deserve.”

The Alabama Republican Party primary for the Attorney General’s race is set for May 19, 2026.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Pointing to a homicide-free week and hundreds of arrests after President Trump federalized D.C. law enforcement, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville vowed Friday that as governor, he too would take a tough approach to crime in Alabama’s big cities.

Friday morning, on “Longshore and McKnight”, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), candidate for Governor of Alabama in 2026, was asked if he would be willing to deploy Alabama National Guard troops to Birmingham and Montgomery to combat crime as governor.

“You betcha,” Tuberville replied.

“President Trump’s given every governor that opportunity. I know, Governor Ivey, right now, is probably shorthanded. We’ve got a lot of the — or have had a lot of — our national guard down at the border. I know he’s got West Virginia’s National Guard coming up…You can’t work 24 hours, obviously. So we’re bringing National Guard in to take the place of a lot of our law enforcement in Washington, D.C.,” Tuberville said.

“I can tell you myself, I could have made probably two or three dozen citizen’s arrests from the things that I’ve seen in my five years in Washington, D.C. It’s out of control.”

More than 700 arrests have been made in the nation’s capital since Trump announced plans to federalize the D.C. police force on August 11.

This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Birmingham among the 25 cities listed in its ‘Most Dangerous Places in the U.S.’ list, with the Magic City coming in at number 15.

RELATED: Montgomery’s former Coroner diagnoses city’s ‘out of control’ crime situation in email to local official

In response to zero homicides being reported in D.C. in the last week, Tuberville posted on Thursday a request for all to thank law enforcement officers for their work to clean up the city.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1958588410207047961

Should Tuberville become governor of Alabama in January 2027, some of Alabama’s largest cities may well see a similar effect.

Full interview:

Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.

Following the resignation of State Rep. Debbie Wood from the Alabama House, who recently announced she will be relocating out of the district with her husband as he accepts a new job in Florida, one lifelong local has announced her candidacy to fill the soon-to-be vacancy.

Kristin Nelson, Chair of the Chambers County Republican Party, announced her candidacy this week for Alabama House District 38. She says she is prepared to put her experience in both the public and private sectors — as well as homeschooling two children — to work in elected office.

“As someone who grew up on the Chambers Lee County line, I know firsthand our district is full of hard-working families who are doing everything right, but still struggling to get ahead,” Nelson said.

“We need more good-paying jobs, safer neighborhoods and schools, and to continue to protect our educational freedoms. We also need to ease the financial burden on families by lowering taxes and ensuring that the government works for the people – not the other way around.”

According to her campaign website, Nelson works part-time at engineering firm, Harris Gray LLC, while serving her community through leading worship at Fairfax Methodist Church, as Secretary of the Junior Variety Club, as President of the EMAC Lanier Auxiliary Board, as founder of the Chambers County Young Republicans, and as Chairman of the Chambers County Republican Party.

In an official announcement, Nelson said her campaign centers on strengthening public safety, supporting local communities through economic opportunity, protecting Alabamians’ educational freedoms, and adding meaningful tax relief for working families. Specifically:

• Creating Job Opportunities: Supporting local businesses and attracting new industries to grow the local economy and increase wages.
• Fighting Crime: Partnering with law enforcement and community organizations to reduce crime and ensure public safety, especially for the youngest citizens.
• Improving Education: Investing in public schools, supporting teachers, giving every child the tools to succeed, and also protecting the freedoms of families who choose to take a less traditional approach to education.
• Lowering the Tax Burden: Advocating for tax relief policies that put more money back in the pockets of hard-working families.

Wood’s resignation will not be official until July 31, 2025, and Governor Kay Ivey has yet to officially call a special election.

On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey marked the end of a chapter: “The last of the bills on my desk today have been signed, and the 2025 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature is officially a wrap!”

In her remarks earlier this year during the State of the State address, delivered on February 4, Governor Ivey emphasized several priorities for the session.

Those included public safety, veterans, education, family values, and stronger governance. The newly signed laws reflect success on nearly all fronts.

RELATED: Alabama cracks down on urban gun crime as Governor Ivey signs new public safety law

Public Safety as a Top Focus

Ivey declared public safety her primary objective for 2025, unveiling a package that included a variety of criminal justice and law enforcement reforms that became law. Key measures include:

• A statewide ban on Glock switches (trigger-conversion devices that turn pistols into fully automatic weapons), making possession a Class C felony under state law.

• Enhancement of police recruitment incentives and expanded protections (Back the Blue Legal Protections Act), providing legal support to officers and scholarships for their dependents.

• A limited sentencing reform, known as the “Second Chance” bill, allows nonviolent offenders to seek review of habitual-offender sentences.

Education and Student Environment Reforms

Consistent with her State of the State call to foster a supportive school environment, Ivey backed these legislative advances:

• A prohibition or restriction on the use of cellphones during instructional hours across all public K‑12 schools, requiring devices to be turned off and stored away, was signed into law following recent Senate approval.

• The FOCUS Act introduced reforms to enhance school learning environments, which are tied to her earlier emphasis on effective education tools.

Strengthening Veterans’ Services

During her February speech, Ivey highlighted Army veteran Jae Barclay’s journey to underscore the need for better veteran support. Correspondingly, lawmakers passed reforms restructuring how Alabama serves veterans and their families—no longer rhetoric, but action delivered as law.

Family Values and Social Priorities

• “What is a Woman” Act: A measure codifying biological definitions of gender reached her desk early in the session and was among the first to be signed, reflecting her priority to reinforce “Alabama family values.”

• Paid Parental Leave: A milestone bill now grants paid parental leave to teachers and state employees, fulfilling another of her announced goals.

Broader Measures: Tax Relief, Immigration, Coast Protection

• Ivey continued her push for tax relief and directed appropriations toward core government functions and public education, highlighting fiscal responsibility.

• The Legislature approved strengthened immigration enforcement and election security laws, aligning with themes from her State of the State address.

• Coastal safety bills equip officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties with expanded authority to protect Gulf Coast tourists, supporting her administration’s focus on local safety and tourism.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.

On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey signed HB445 into law, enacting sweeping new regulations on consumable hemp products in Alabama.

The new law targets products containing hemp-derived THC compounds like delta-8 and delta-10, banning smokable forms and implementing strict rules on testing, packaging, licensing and age restrictions.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the new law will require all consumable hemp products sold in the state to undergo independent lab testing and be clearly labeled with THC content. Products cannot be sold to anyone under 21, and online sales and direct shipments are banned.

Retailers must obtain a license from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and face steep penalties for noncompliance.

RELATED: State Rep. Andy Whitt: It’s time Alabama reins in Delta-8

The legislation was sponsored by State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) and drew both praise from public safety advocates and concern from some business owners in the hemp industry.

While proponents argued the measure brings necessary oversight to a rapidly growing — and often confusing — market, others warned it could threaten small businesses selling popular THC-infused edibles and beverages.

The law bans smokable hemp products such as hemp cigarettes, cigars, joints and buds entirely. Retail sales of consumable hemp products are limited to adults 21 and older, and retailers must sell from licensed establishments with adult-only access in most cases. Retail food stores may sell hemp-infused beverages but must keep them behind glass and away from products marketed to children.

RELATED: Alabama lawmakers move to ban Delta-8, other THC variants statewide

An excise tax of 10% will be imposed on all retail sales, with 90% of the proceeds going to the state General Fund and 10% to local governments for enforcement. Products with psychoactive cannabinoids synthesized through chemical conversion are also prohibited.

Retailers found violating the law can face fines up to $10,000 and felony charges for repeat offenses. Selling to minors or operating without a license could result in license suspension or revocation. The ABC Board is also authorized to seize and destroy unlawful hemp products and regulate the licensing process moving forward.

HB445 repeals the state’s previous provision on the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids and creates the Consumable Hemp Product Compliance Fund to support enforcement.

The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with full implementation by January 2026.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

The Alabama Big 10 Mayors applauded the Alabama Legislature for passing and Gov. Kay Ivey for signing into law two bills that will improve public safety across Alabama.

“As mayors, there is no greater priority of ours than public safety,” said a statement from the Alabama Big 10 Mayors. “We commend this bipartisan effort to stand with victims, support law enforcement, and make Alabama’s cities safer places to live, work, and raise families.”

Senate Bills 118 and 119, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and carried by Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) in the House, received broad bipartisan support and mark a critical advancement in our state’s ability to fight crime.

“We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor Ivey for their continued commitment to the safety of our communities,” said the mayors. “These changes strengthen our laws to help law enforcement and the courts better protect our residents from repeat violent offenders.”

“Across Alabama, we have seen how Aniah’s Law is keeping violent criminals off the streets, and by increasing penalties for firing into buildings, our law enforcement officials are able to better crack down on this senseless and dangerous act.”

RELATED: Alabama cracks down on urban gun crime as Governor Ivey signs new public safety law

The Big 10 Mayors advocated for Aniah’s Law in 2022. The new change to Aniah’s Law clarifies and enhances the law’s implementation, ensuring that the judicial system can more effectively detain individuals who pose a clear threat to public safety while they await trial.

Senate Bill 118 expanded and further strengthened Aniah’s Law, a change to the Alabama constitution that allows judges to deny bail to individuals charged with certain violent crimes.

Currently, under Aniah’s Law, judges are allowed to deny bond for individuals charged with particularly heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping, rape, torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, aggravated child abuse and other crimes.

The update to the law, if approved at the ballot box for the 2026 primary election by Alabama voters, would add solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder as well as discharging a firearm or explosive into an occupied dwelling, building, vehicle, or watercraft to that list.

RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

Senate Bill 119 introduces several significant changes to the state’s firearm and criminal laws. The bill elevates the offense of discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, building, vehicle, or watercraft from a Class B felony to a Class A felony. It also to prohibits a person charged with certain felonies from possessing a firearm during or while awaiting trial.

The legislation creates criminal penalties and a revocation of bond or parole for those in possession of a firearm under these circumstances.

Representing the 10 largest cities in Alabama, the group works to find constructive solutions to the state’s and their cities’ most pressing problems.

The mayors are Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

Courtesy of 256 Today

Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed a sweeping public safety measure targeting gun violence, particularly in Alabama’s urban communities.

SB119, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and State Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa), strengthens firearm possession laws, heightens penalties for shootings into occupied buildings, and expands judicial tools for detaining violent offenders prior to trial. The legislation is a key component of Ivey’s “Safe Alabama” initiative, which has prioritized law enforcement support and violent crime prevention during the 2025 legislative session.

SB119 received broad bipartisan support and was championed by the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, a coalition of mayors from the state’s ten largest cities.

“We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor Ivey for their continued commitment to the safety of our communities,” the Big 10 Mayors said in a statement Tuesday. “These changes strengthen our laws to help law enforcement and the courts better protect our residents from repeat violent offenders.”

RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

The bill makes it a Class C felony for someone to possess a firearm if they have been convicted of any felony offense within the past five years or three felony offenses at any time. It also prohibits firearm possession for individuals out on bail awaiting trial for certain violent or serious offenses. Additional provisions make it easier to sanction or revoke probation and parole when a firearm is involved.

It also expands Aniah’s Law to include “shooting into an occupied dwelling and solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder.” These expanded pretrial detention provisions will take effect upon ratification of the constitutional amendment proposed by SB118. All other provisions in the bill become effective October 1, 2025.

“Across Alabama, we have seen how Aniah’s Law is keeping violent criminals off the streets, and by increasing penalties for firing into buildings, our law enforcement officials are able to better crack down on this senseless and dangerous act,” the mayors said.

RELATED: Ivey signs legislation cracking down on Glock switches, Birmingham’s Woodfin warns ‘switch boys’

During remarks to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Ivey announced the bill’s signing. “I am also proud to announce to you first that this morning, I signed into law another one of our Safe Alabama public safety bills – Senate Bill 119 – which will help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities,” she said.

“We have a few more working their way through the process, and I am confident those will be heading my way soon.”

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

On Tuesday night, the Alabama House of Representatives gave final passage to a pair of public safety bills that Republican lawmakers have championed as central to the state’s effort to crack down on violent crime.

The two bills — SB118 and SB119, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) — are part of a broader state initiative aimed at reforming Alabama’s bail laws and tightening restrictions on firearm possession for violent offenders.

SB118, a proposed constitutional amendment, would expand the list of offenses for which judges may deny bail.

Under current law, only capital murder qualifies for mandatory detention. If approved by voters in the 2026 primary election, the amendment would allow judges to hold without bail individuals charged with crimes such as attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping, rape, human trafficking, aggravated child abuse, and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

SB119, the companion bill required to implement the amendment, amends numerous sections of the Alabama Code to align with the proposed constitutional change.

The bill increases penalties for discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, making it a Class A felony, and establishes a new Class C felony for individuals who possess a firearm while released on bond for violent charges. It also modifies probation and parole laws to allow revocation or short-term confinement for firearm possession violations.

Notably, SB119 also broadens the category of individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, including those with multiple felony convictions or active protective orders related to domestic violence.

SB118, as a constitutional amendment, will now go to Alabama voters for ratification.

Supporters of the bills, including Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall, have argued they are necessary to restore public confidence in the justice system and better equip law enforcement and courts to prevent repeat violent offenses.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

At the Alabama League of Municipalities Advocacy Day, a panel of law enforcement leaders came together to discuss the state of public safety across Alabama and how local elected officials can support their police departments. 

The panel was moderated by retired law enforcement officer Louis Zook, who now works for the League of Municipalities and featured Chief Bill Partridge of Oxford, Executive Director of Public Safety David Wilson of Foley, and Chief Shane Ware of Vestavia Hills.

These professionals, all with extensive experience in their fields, shared their insights on the evolving challenges facing law enforcement and offered guidance to municipal leaders in attendance. 

The chiefs highlighted several key issues, including the intense scrutiny officers face, the strain of dealing with mental health crises, and the difficulty with recruiting and retaining qualified officers.

“The biggest thing that’s happened in public safety over the last 10 years is the scrutiny that the officers on the street receive every day,” explained Chief Partridge.

“I hear it from different classes that I teach across the country, officers talking about ‘we’re scared that we’re going to mess up. Because we’re scared we’re going to be the next YouTube sensation for 15 seconds.’”

RELATED: Rep. Aderholt talks federal appropriations and local partnerships at ALM luncheon

The public pressure has taken a toll on officer morale and decision-making, according to the panel. Chief Partridge added that the mental health crisis has further burdened police, who are often the first responders dealing with these often sensitive situations. “

It seems as if all of the mental health has been pushed off on the street officer to deal with. They’re not only a law enforcement officer or a peace officer, they’re also having to be a psychiatrist on the street.”

Recruitment and retention of quality officers was another major concern raised by the panel. When referring to recruitment efforts, Director Wilson explained,

“If we advertise that we were hiring, we used to have 110 show up. Now we have 10.” He emphasized the importance of not lowering hiring standards, even in the face of these challenges. “You should not lower your standards,” said Director Wilson. “I specifically want to ask the mayors to do whatever you can to help your police department not lower the standards.”

RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

The panel pointed to several factors contributing to the staffing crisis, including competition from other industries offering better pay and benefits, the negative public perception of law enforcement, and legislative changes that have made the job more difficult.

“We’ve passed some laws in the last few years that have had, in my opinion, a negative impact on public safety,” said Chief Ware. 

Despite these obstacles, the panelists urged the local elected officials in attendance to take an active role in supporting their police departments. They noted the need to ensure a positive work culture, provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain officers, invest in officer training and equipment, engage with the community and build strong police-community relations, and consult with public safety leaders before making decisions that could impact them.

“”You show me a successful Police Department, and I’ll show you a successful city, and vice versa,” said Chief Partridge.

The panel’s message was clear – supporting public safety is crucial for the overall wellbeing and progress of Alabama’s communities.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

The Alabama Senate passed SB116, known as the Glock switch bill, which would impose stricter penalties on the possession and distribution of Glock switches—illegal firearm modifications that turn semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.

The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives for further consideration. 

RELATED: After approval from Senate committee, Glock switch crackdown gains momentum

“Under federal law, a machine gun conversion device is already illegal. Some would say, then, ‘Why do we need a state statute addressing what is already against federal law?’ The reason for that is because when law enforcement pulls someone over and they have one of these machine gun conversion devices, they don’t have the ability to act unless they’re part of a federal task force to arrest and prosecute them on the scene under state law,” explained Barfoot.

SB116 builds on existing state and federal laws prohibiting machine gun conversions by introducing harsher state-level penalties. Governor Kay Ivey voiced her support for the measure in her State of the State address and reaffirmed her endorsement later, placing the legislation as part of the “Safe Alabama” legislative package aimed at enhancing public safety.

“You may recall that the governor in her State of the State speech discussed this very literally,” said Barfoot. “I want to give credit for credit to lots of people who had a hand in trying to craft this piece of legislation to get it to the point that it is now.”

Barfoot credited State Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) credit for introducing the bill in the House in previous legislative sessions and thanked him for his role in crafting the legislation.

RELATED: Lawmakers introduce ‘Safe Alabama’ package to strengthen law enforcement and tackle violent crime

Law enforcement officials, prosecutors and mayors have voiced strong support for the measure, emphasizing the need for clearer enforcement mechanisms at the state level.

The bill defines a machine gun as “any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.” While there was some discussion surrounding the potential outlawing of binary triggers under the bill, Barfoot emphasized that the legislation is not aimed at restricting those, as they are not illegal under federal law.

“We want to make sure that we protect that, certainly as a proponent of Second Amendment rights and a firearm owner for multiple firearms. There’s a balancing act there,” Barfoot said.

SB116 was amended on the floor and passed with a vote of 28-0. Tuesday is day nine of the 2025 state legislative session.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.