WTVM - Alabama Headlines

Ala. courts facing layoffs without extra money

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:05:00 EDT

Alabama's chief justice expects to lay off 150 employees after the state's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1 unless the court system gets more money than the Legislature appropriated.

Laurence named publisher of Richmond Register

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:17:00 EDT

Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. has named Ann Laurence publisher of the Richmond Register.

Ballot question could add foreign law protections

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:09:00 EDT

In a swift-moving late-night session, the Alabama Legislature approved a bill that will put a Constitutional amendment in the hands of the voters.

Judge sets date for hearing for Desmonte Leonard

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:01:00 EDT

A Lee County judge has scheduled a hearing for a man accused of killing three people at an Auburn apartment complex last year.

News Minute: Here is the latest Alabama news from The Associated Press

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:05:00 EDT

The description of the Legislature's 2013 session depends on a legislator's party label. The Senate's Republican leader calls it the best session since Republicans gained a majority in the 2010 election. The...

This Hour: Latest Alabama news, sports, business and entertainment

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:21:00 EDT

The description of the Legislature's 2013 session depends on a legislator's party label.

Ala. legislators' view of session depends on party

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:37:00 EDT

The description of the Legislature's 2013 session depends on a legislator's party label.

Builders preserve Montgomery building's past

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:24:00 EDT

Builders are putting the final touches on a three-story loft project in downtown Montgomery, and they are highlighting the 1907 building's historic past.

Woman who drove car into lake dies at hospital

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:28:00 EDT

Authorities say a woman who drove her car into a lake near Birmingham has died.

Sports Minute: Here is the latest Alabama sports news from The Associated Press

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:40:00 EDT

Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant has promoted Antoine Pettway to assistant coach and elevated John Brannen to associate head coach. Grant also announced the hiring of strength and conditioning coach Lou DeNeen on...

Autopsy shows Moss Point fisherman drowned

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:36:00 EDT

A man whose body was recovered after a boating mishap in the Escatawpa River drowned.

Alabama Legislature targets elder abuse

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:32:00 EDT

The Alabama Legislature is making it easier to prosecute people who abuse, neglect or financially exploit senior citizens.

Alabama governor offers help to Oklahoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:32:00 EDT

Alabama's governor says the state stands ready to help Oklahoma recover from a deadly tornado.

Alabama Legislature lifts limit on corporate campaign donations

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:32:00 EDT

Alabama lawmakers have agreed to a litany of changes to state election law, including eliminating the cap on corporate political contributions,

Annual Shroud Award given to Rep. Todd

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:00:00 EDT

The annual light-hearted humorous jab known as the Shroud Award was presented in the Alabama House of Representatives Monday night.

Ala. House approves legislative consolidation bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:36:00 EDT

The Alabama House has approved legislation that would consolidate some operations of the Legislature.

Real estate investors sentenced in Ala. fraud case

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:08:00 EDT

Two real estate investors have been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for bid rigging at public foreclosure auctions and mail fraud.

Alabama governor signs both state budgets

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:08:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley has signed the state General Fund budget and state education budget into law.

Ala. Legislature responds to Caylee Anthony case

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:52:00 EDT

The Alabama Legislature has passed a bill making it a felony for a parent to neglect to promptly notify authorities when their child is missing or dead in response to the Caylee Anthony case in Florida.

ALA county cracking down on prenatal drug exposure

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:48:00 EDT

Authorities in Etowah County say they're going to start cracking down on women who give birth to drug-addicted babies.

Last day levity: Ala. House Dems sport bow ties

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:20:00 EDT

Members of the Democratic minority were inspired to show off their sartorial splendor on the last day of the legislative Session in honor of Mobile's Democratic Rep. Napoleon Bracy.

California man wanted in Alabama arrested in Ariz.

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:04:00 EDT

Federal authorities say a California man wanted in an Alabama murder case has been arrested near the southern Arizona border.

Summary of action in Alabama Legislature

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:44:00 EDT

A summary of action in the Alabama Legislature on Monday, the 30th and final meeting day of the regular session:

Judge tosses ex-BP executive's obstruction charge

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:32:00 EDT

A federal judge has dismissed one of the two counts in the indictment of a former BP executive who was charged with concealing information from Congress about the amount of oil leaking in 2010 from the company's...

Bond issue approved for Alabama schools

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:24:00 EDT

The Alabama Legislature has approved selling bonds to borrow $30 million to repair tornado-damaged schools.

Inmate dies after stabbing in Ala. prison

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:56:00 EDT

Alabama Department of Corrections officials are probing a fatal stabbing at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer.

Ex-security guard sentenced on child porn charges

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:44:00 EDT

A former museum security guard has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison on child pornography charges.

Alabama schools get authority to hire security

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

The Alabama Legislature has authorized city and county school systems to hire armed security guards to protect students.

Senator: Corporate contribution limits may end

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:40:00 EDT

A key state senator says lawmakers are poised to strike down limits on corporate political contributions in Alabama campaigns.

Housekeeper gets 6 years in Pa. 'Ben' bust theft

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:00 EDT

A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.

Alabama House rejects Bentley's 2-year-delay

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:52:00 EDT

The Alabama House has rejected Gov. Robert Bentley's proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years.

Mississippi Power names Ed Holland as president

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:20:00 EDT

Mississippi Power Co. is naming Ed Holland as president, replacing Ed Day.

Alabama Democrats fail in expanding Medicaid

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 EDT

Democrats in the Alabama Legislature failed to achieve their top goal for the 2013 session.

New medical school in Dothan nears completion

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:55:00 EDT

Outside construction of a new medical school building in Dothan is mostly completed as work continues inside.

Dothan museum hosts exhibit of World War II images

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:39:00 EDT

A new exhibit at a southeast Alabama museum includes dozens of photographs from World War II.

Birmingham police probe shooting outside nightclub

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:31:00 EDT

Police in Birmingham are investigating a shooting outside a nightclub.

'Duck Dynasty' stars to appear at Auburn event

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:19:00 EDT

Two stars from the popular reality show "Duck Dynasty" are planning to attend an event in Auburn.

Alabama to practice hurricane traffic reversal

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Motorist traveling along Interstate 65 between Baldwin County and Montgomery on Wednesday afternoon will see plenty of state troopers, National Guard personnel and state Transportation Department workers.

Alabama Legislature returns for last day

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Alabama legislators are getting ready for the final day of their 2013 session.

Ala. community colleges expanding business courses

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:33:00 EDT

Alabama community colleges are expanding their course offerings that prepare students to start and run their own businesses.

2 Fantasy 5 players share $140,847 top prize

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:05:00 EDT

Two winners of the "Fantasy 5" game will collect $140,847.88 each, the Florida Lottery said Sunday.

Florida Lotto jackpot rises to $12 million

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:05:00 EDT

The jackpot in the Florida Lotto game has grown to $12 million after no one matched the six winning numbers in the latest drawing, lottery officials said Sunday.

5 vehicles set afire in Columbus historic district

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:57:00 EDT

Columbus officials are investigating the burning of five vehicles in the city's historic district.

Ala. teacher cleared in taping together students

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:41:00 EDT

A sixth-grade teacher in Phenix City says she's thankful to be cleared of child abuse charges, and it came after a lot of praying.

Ala. bond issues pending on Legislature's last day

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT

The Alabama Legislature could use its last meeting day to authorize the borrowing of $280 million through state bond issues.

Alabama revokes vehicle titles sent in error

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:01:00 EDT

About 15,000 Alabama car titles were erroneously sent to vehicle owners instead of vehicle lienholders because of a computer upgrade glitch.

Eufaula restaurant wins Alabama BBQ sauce contest

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:37:00 EDT

A restaurant from Eufaula has won Alabama's BBQ Sauce-Off Championship.

Residents opposing Lookout Mountain wind farm

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:29:00 EDT

Some residents near a proposed wind farm on Lookout Mountain are getting organized to oppose the project.

Mercedes-Benz Club holds annual event in Alabama

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:05:00 EDT

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and technical experts from across the U.S. are meeting in Alabama.

Ala. governor seeks votes on delaying tax credits

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley is spending the weekend trying to round up legislative support for his proposal to delay Alabama's new private school tax credits for two years.

Moss Point man found drowned after going overboard

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:32:00 EDT

The body of a drowned fisherman has been found in the Escatawpa River.

No tickets wins Mega Money game

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:20:00 EDT

No tickets matched all four numbers plus the Mega Ball in the Mega Money game so the jackpot rolled over to $550,000, the Florida Lottery said Saturday.

4 Fantasy 5 players share $58,228 top prize

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:08:00 EDT

Four winners of the "Fantasy 5" game will collect $58,228.92 each, the Florida Lottery said Saturday.

Ala. man shot in groin by hog hunter at camp

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:28:00 EDT

Authorities say a man shot in the groin at an Alabama hunting camp may have been mistaken for wild game.

Judge grants Troy man new trial in rapes of women

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

An Alabama judge has overturned a Troy man's two rape convictions and ordered a new trial, saying prosecutors failed to share evidence relevant to the man's defense.

Flash flooding from storms reported in east Ala.

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:48:00 EDT

Forecasters say flash flooding across roads is being reported in eastern Alabama and more could occur as showers and thunderstorms move into the central areas of the state.

Ala. woman charged with running over child age 3

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:40:00 EDT

Police say a Talladega woman has been charged with manslaughter after a running over a 3-year-old child who fell out of her SUV.

Kennedy tries new strategy for Ala. Democrats

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:48:00 EDT

Nearly a month has passed since the chairman and staff of the Alabama Democratic Party quit and started the new Alabama Democratic Majority.

Outdoor athletes converge on Ala park for race

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Hundreds of athletes are converging on Alabama's largest state park for a major competition this weekend.

Police bust suspected illegal gambling operating

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:39:00 EDT

Police in Birmingham have shut down a recording studio and removed 33 machines they say were being used for illegal gambling.

Ala. Supreme Court reinstates $3.2 million verdict

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:55:00 EDT

The Alabama Supreme Court has reinstated a $3.2 million malpractice verdict awarded to the estate of a Montgomery woman who died in 2005 after being treated at the Baptist East Emergency Room in Montgomery.

Possible tornado surprises Athens

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

An unconfirmed tornado has knocked down trees, flipped Dumpsters and damaged the roof of the nearby WalMart in Athens.

Authorities searching for escaped Ala. inmate

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:51:00 EDT

Authorities in eastern Alabama are searching for an inmate who escaped from the Etowah County Detention Center.

OSHA impersonator gets 57 months in oil spill scam

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 EDT

A woman has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for bilking Gulf Coast residents by posing as a federal safety official after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Democrats say delay won't fix Alabama tax credits

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:35:00 EDT

Alabama's Republican governor isn't getting support from key Republicans or Democrats for his proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years.

Judge delays ex-BP engineer's trial

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:27:00 EDT

A federal judge has agreed to postpone the trial of a former BP engineer charged with deleting text messages about the company's response to its 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sponsor: Still work to do on campaign finance bill

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:27:00 EDT

By BILL BARROW Associated Press A key House Republican says lawmakers have more work to do before settling on final changes to Alabama campaign finance laws.

Fight injures Ala fire chief, sparks resignations

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:47:00 EDT

A fight between a mayor and a fire chief has left a southwest Alabama town in disarray.

Alabama unemployment drops to 6.9%

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:39:00 EDT

Alabama's unemployment rate has dipped to 6.9 percent.

VT Halter Marine's dry dock arrives in Pascagoula

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:51:00 EDT

A 12,000-metric ton floating dry dock has arrived at VT Halter Marine's south yard in Pascagoula, Miss.

Man, 20, presumed drowned after falling into water

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:31:00 EDT

Authorities say they're searching for a body after a man fell into water while fishing with friends.

Ala judge denies bond for man held in child death

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:23:00 EDT

A north Alabama man will remain in jail while charged in the death of his 3-month-old son.

Authorities searching for inmate accused of escape

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:55:00 EDT

Sheriff's officials in Etowah County are searching for an inmate after they say he escaped from the county detention center.

Hangout Fest opens Friday in Gulf Shores

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:34:00 EDT

It's a big weekend for live music on the Alabama coast.

Sierra Club says Kemper deal voids PSC approval

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:56:00 EDT

The Sierra Club has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to order the Public Service Commission to again reconsider its approval of the coal-fired power plant Mississippi Power Co. is building in Kemper County.

Ex-Ala. paralegal sentenced in embezzlement scheme

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:52:00 EDT

A paralegal accused of stealing about $396,000 from a lawyer and his clients has been sentenced to 40 months in prison.

ALA woman accused of firing gun at school arrested

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:36:00 EDT

A woman accused of firing a gun at a middle school campus while her daughter fought another girl has been arrested.

Ex-Ala. court worker pleads guilty to theft

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:04:00 EDT

A retired computer administrator for the Alabama court system has pleaded guilty to stealing court system computer code from the county court records database.

Marsh to block plan to delay school tax credits

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:40:00 EDT

The architect of Alabama's new private school tax credits intends to block the governor's proposal to delay the tax breaks for two years.

Weems sentenced to life for Amanda Taylor murder

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:48:00 EDT

A Colbert County judge has sentenced a man to life in prison in a woman's strangulation death.

Indiana fugitive charged in Alabama kidnapping

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:04:00 EDT

Authorities have arrested a fugitive from Indiana who is charged with kidnapping a woman and her child.

DA fights suspect's bid to visit scene of killings

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:40:00 EDT

Prosecutors are opposing a bid by a shooting suspect to visit the Auburn apartment complex where three people were shot to death last year.

In-depth inspection at Ala. nuclear plant

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:24:00 EDT

By RAY HENRY Associated Press Federal officials are approaching the end of an in-depth inspection at a nuclear plant in Alabama.

Vandalism damage keeps students from class

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:28:00 EDT

Students at a Shelby County high school weren't able to attend classes as normal after vandals struck the building overnight.

4 killed, 4 others injured in Ala. crash

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:52:00 EDT

Authorities say four people - including a toddler - have died and four others were injured in a crash south of Tuscaloosa.

West Ala wrecks kills 4, injures 4

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:16:00 EDT

Four people are dead following a one-car wreck in west Alabama.

Plane makes emergency landing on Alabama highway

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:04:00 EDT

Authorities say a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on an Alabama highway in the Clanton area.

School cracks down on students for recent protest

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:56:00 EDT

School administrators at a southeast Alabama high school have revoked some privileges for students after they held a brief sit-in to protest the dismissal of about a dozen teachers.

Miss America visiting Ala hometown

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:52:00 EDT

Miss America is paying a visit to her hometown in east Alabama.

Alabama governor: Budgets basically look fine

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:36:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley says his first impression of the state education and state general fund budgets is that they are basically fine.

TVA officials to toast 80th anniversary of utility

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:08:00 EDT

The Tennessee Valley Authority will observe its 80th anniversary with a public event Friday in Knoxville.

Body of Ala. man pulled from lake

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:43:00 EDT

Police say the body of a Sylacauga man has been pulled from Lake Howard.

Sinise Jacksonville concert to benefit injured vet

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

Promoters of Sunday's concert in Jacksonville by actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band say that that an anonymous donor has pledged to match proceeds from ticket sales up to $50,000 to raise money for injured Marine...

Tenn. senator: Sale idea cost TVA $500 million

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:15:00 EDT

Sen. Lamar Alexander says President Barack Obama's plan to consider selling the Tennessee Valley Authority has already cost hundreds of millions of dollars - even if the nation's largest public utility is never sold.

Authorities identify Ala. couple killed in crash

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:00 EDT

Authorities have identified a Decatur couple who died in a crash with a dump truck in Leighton.

Ingalls to authenticate keel on new ship

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:07:00 EDT

Ingalls Shipbuilding will hold a keel authentication Friday in Pascagoula for its fifth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754).

Woman pleads guilty to throwing puppy from balcony

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:03:00 EDT

A woman accused of flinging a puppy from a third-floor balcony in 2012 has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.

Former Ala. tax preparer sentenced in fraud scheme

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:19:00 EDT

A former Birmingham tax preparer has been sentenced to three years in prison for helping clients file fraudulent tax returns.

Ala. governor wants 2-year delay on tax credits

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley wants the Legislature to delay Alabama's private school tax credits for two years.

Ga. avoids limit on reservoir use in Senate bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:55:00 EDT

A water plan passed by the U.S. Senate will not limit Georgia's water use from two federal reservoirs, a restriction sought by lawmakers in Alabama and Florida.

Trials set for 2 former Alabama prison employees

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:11:00 EDT

A federal judge has set trials in June and July for two former state prison employees accused in the beating death of an inmate.

State reviews school leader's 'no confidence' vote

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:51:00 EDT

The chancellor of Alabama's community colleges system says officials are reviewing the issues surrounding a recent vote of "no confidence" in Gadsden State Community College President Raymond Staats.

Another worker fired after secret video shot

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:51:00 EDT

Another employee has been fired after authorities say a secret video captured a worker taking an apparent payment in exchange for faster service in the tag office in Jefferson County.

Autopsy planned after NASCAR fan's body found

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:27:00 EDT

Sheriff's officials say they plan an autopsy on the body of a NASCAR fan was reported missing from a campground outside the Talladega Superspeedway, but they do not suspect foul play.

Contest Saturday for Alabama BBQ sauce title

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

The Alabama Tourism Department's barbecue sauce championship will be decided Saturday in Birmingham.

Chilton County looks to build new hospital

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Chilton County commissioners and the Clanton hospital board met Tuesday to explore funding methods for a new hospital.

FBI, civil rights leaders meet on 50th Anniversary

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Birmingham's FBI office and the Civil Rights Institute will examine violations of the nation's civil rights laws at its annual public conference on civil rights and law enforcement.

Special Olympics to draw nearly 1,000 to Troy

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Nearly 1,000 athletes with intellectual and functional disabilities and about 350 coaches and chaperons will be in Troy on May 17-19 for the Special Olympics Alabama State Games.

Ala. man pleads guilty to raping 5 women

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:10:00 EDT

A Montgomery man has pleaded guilty to luring five women to vacant apartments and raping them in 2012.

Body recovered near Talladega Superspeedway

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT

Authorities in Talladega County say a body has been recovered near the Talladega Superspeedway.

Ala group dropped tax-exempt bid amid IRS delays

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT

An Alabama tea party group says it gave up its bid for tax-exempt status amid what seemed like delays and unusual scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service.

Ex-BP engineer claims feds withheld evidence

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:14:00 EDT

A former BP engineer charged with deleting text messages about the company's response to its 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has urged a federal judge to sanction Justice Department prosecutors for allegedly...

Gulf of Mexico states fight feds over fisheries

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:10:00 EDT

One of the most popular fish in the Gulf of Mexico are the biggest and most plentiful in years, but the federal recreational season for red snapper keeps getting shorter. Governors of four Gulf Coast states want management...

Hancock to close up to 45 branches

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The CEO of Hancock Holding Co., the parent company of Whitney Bank, says up to 45 branches will be closed within its five-state area by the end of the year.

Judge: Saban's daughter to get records in lawsuit

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:10:00 EDT

A Tuscaloosa County judge is ordering the University of Alabama's counseling center to turn over records sought by the daughter of Alabama football coach Nick Saban in a lawsuit.

Tuscaloosa police: 22 sex offenders in violation

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:10:00 EDT

Tuscaloosa police, working with U.S. marshals and city code officials, say they found 22 sex offenders to be violating conditions of their release.

5 suspects plead guilty in 2011 Oak Park shooting

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:54:00 EDT

Five of the half-dozen remaining defendants in a 2011 shooting at a crowded gathering in Montgomery's Oak Park have pleaded guilty.

Ala man claims world record for striped bass

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:00 EDT

An Alabama man now holds a world record for fishing.

TVA to offer early retirement incentives

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:18:00 EDT

The Tennessee Valley Authority is offering retirement incentives to employees of some of its coal-fired power plants.

Valley woman, 91, sexually assaulted in her home

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:38:00 EDT

Valley police are seeking help from the public as they investigate the sexual assault of a 91-year-old woman in her home.

UA to demolish old campus home for plaza

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:34:00 EDT

Crews are making final preparations to demolish one of the oldest buildings on the University of Alabama campus to make way for a new outdoor plaza.

Ala governor to sign bill for beachfront park

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:34:00 EDT

Improvements to Alabama's beachfront Gulf State Park are getting closer to becoming reality.

Road, bridge improvements to aid all counties

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:29:00 EDT

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has announced plans for bridge and road improvement projects across the state.

Bentley considers change to school accountability

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:13:00 EDT

The schools Accountability Act, which will give tuition grants for students to transfer from failing schools, may not be in its final form.

Ala pharmacist pulls gun on would-be robber

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:09:00 EDT

Authorities are looking for a would-be robber who was foiled by an armed pharmacist in north Alabama.

Lawyers look to seal filings in Lowell Barron case

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:09:00 EDT

Attorneys representing former state Sen. Lowell Barron are asking to seal all court filings related to his grand jury indictment.

Civil rights leader Nimrod Reynolds dies in Ala

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:37:00 EDT

A civil rights leader from east Alabama has died.

Coroner IDs man who died in industrial accident

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:17:00 EDT

Authorities are releasing more details about an industrial accident that claimed one worker's life and injured two others in Birmingham.

Residents puzzled by fish deaths in Mobile Bay

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:53:00 EDT

Residents in south Alabama are trying to determine why fish have been washing up along Mobile Bay for the past few days.

Auburn to phase out flight degree program

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:21:00 EDT

Authorities say Auburn University's professional flight degree program will be phased out.

Automotive supplier breaks ground in south Ala

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:33:00 EDT

An automotive supplier is breaking ground on a new plant in southeast Alabama.

NRC to conduct major check at Browns Ferry Nuclear

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:33:00 EDT

Federal regulators are conducting a major inspection this week at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant near Athens.

Ala-based firm to combat cyberattacks

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:33:00 EDT

A new company is being launched in Birmingham to combat computer-based attacks.

Ex-Penn St head was top paid among public colleges

Sun, 12 May 2013 18:12:00 EDT

The Chronicle of Higher Education has released its annual ranking of what public college presidents make.

Ala students seek lower speed limit after death

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:56:00 EDT

Students at a north Alabama high school are campaigning to change traffic laws after a teenager died in a wreck at what they say is a dangerous intersection.

Ala refusing fed request to repay $94K

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:52:00 EDT

The state of Alabama is refusing to repay $94,000 to the U.S. Forest Service.

Police ID 2 people killed in Ala standoff

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:16:00 EDT

Huntsville police have identified two people who died in an apparent murder-suicide that prompted a police standoff.

Teen charged with vandalizing Ala cemetery

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:44:00 EDT

Authorities say a church video camera led to the arrest of a teenager accused of vandalizing a north Alabama cemetery.

Guns, schools, drug testing await Ala. legislators

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:04:00 EDT

The Legislature's last day May 20 looks to be long and hectic even though both state budgets have already passed.

UA demolishing old campus home for plaza

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 EDT

The University of Alabama is demolishing one of the oldest buildings on campus to make way for a new outdoor plaza.

Tri-state water feud plays out in Congress

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:07:00 EDT

A water dispute between Alabama, Florida and Georgia over metro Atlanta's water use has spilled into Congress.

Show continues at Ala juke joint despite police

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:07:00 EDT

The show went on at a well-known blues spot in metro Birmingham despite attempts by police to pull the plug.

Ala. Coast Guard distracted by fake calls for help

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:03:00 EDT

The U.S. Coast Guard says recent fake distress calls to its station in Mobile are wasting time, resources and taxpayer money.

In entire court term, justices see 1 black lawyer

Sun, 12 May 2013 07:55:00 EDT

In roughly 75 hours of arguments at the Supreme Court since October, only one African-American lawyer appeared before the justices, and for just over 11 minutes.

GOP considers campaign changes while raising money

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Alabama Republicans are considering changes to campaign finance laws.

DA's investigator charged with drunken driving

Sat, 11 May 2013 14:11:00 EDT

Police in Fort Payne say a district attorney's investigator has been charged with drunken driving after a witness saw his car hit a guardrail on Interstate 59.

Police in standoff outside home in Huntsville

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:00 EDT

Police have blocked off part of a Huntsville neighborhood where they say a suspect and is barricaded inside a home along with at least one other person.

Ala. bass tournament benefits special needs school

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:43:00 EDT

A fishing tournament in Tuscaloosa is reeling in donations to benefit special needs children.

Police chief's son charged with domestic violence

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:35:00 EDT

The grown son of a coastal Alabama police chief has been jailed on domestic violence charges.

Former Army MP hired as new Newton police chief

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:07:00 EDT

A former military police officer has been hired as the new police chief for the southeast Alabama town of Newton.

Power outage affects 1,200 in south Birmingham

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:43:00 EDT

An early morning power outage has left about 1,200 people without electricity in south Birmingham.

Lantern gallery to be placed on island lighthouse

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:06:00 EDT

The restoration of the historic Round Island Lighthouse in Pascagoula takes another step Monday with the placing of a lantern gallery atop the structure.

Bond denied for third woman in Kemper kidnapping

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:10:00 EDT

A third woman charged in connection with the kidnapping of a 6-year-old Kemper County girl has been denied bond.

Officials to break ground on manufacturing plant

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:42:00 EDT

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is scheduled to help break ground on a 65,000 square foot manufacturing facility slated to be built in south Alabama.

ALA governor to speak at chamber of commerce event

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is scheduled to speak at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Alabama Update breakfast.

New Ala. budget means prison hires, court layoffs

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:10:00 EDT

The new state operating budget approved by the Alabama Legislature will mean hiring for one area of government and layoffs for another.

FBI rescuers in AL kidnapping honored

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:50:00 EDT

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Richardson and his team have been named as finalists for the 2013 Heyman Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Medal.

Agriculture chief visiting Tuskegee University

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:58:00 EDT

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is visiting Alabama's Tuskegee University to open a new agricultural sciences and research facility.

Man accused of pointing gun at deputies arrested

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:54:00 EDT

Jefferson County Sheriff's officials say a man has been charged with attempted murder for pointing a gun at three deputies.

Who gets Alabama school tax credits unresolved

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:34:00 EDT

Parents with children already in private school will have to wait to find out if they will qualify for Alabama's new private school tax credits.

Man charged with murder after fight over movies

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:22:00 EDT

Authorities say a man accused of stabbing his cousin to death in a New Year's Eve argument over borrowed action movies has been formally charged with murder.

Ala county has timeline for ending huge bankruptcy

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:46:00 EDT

An Alabama county hopes to end the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history by the end of this year.

Search for missing race fan widens to 2nd campsite

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:37:00 EDT

The sister of a Georgia man last seen in a campground outside Talladega Superspeedway says the search has expanded to another campground near the track after a tip from another race fan.

School security officer bill passes Ala. House

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:33:00 EDT

In a late night session, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a school safety bill that will allow city and county school systems to hire armed school security officers.

Alabama governor speaking at Troy commencement

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:33:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley is scheduled to be the commencement speaker at Troy University.

Surgeon: Stonewall Jackson death likely pneumonia

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:13:00 EDT

By BRETT ZONGKER Associated Press Historians and doctors have long debated what medical complications caused the death of legendary Confederate fighter Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, felled by friendly fire...

House OKs campaign finance rules changes

Thu, 9 May 2013 23:01:00 EDT

The campaign reform bill that passed the Alabama House on Thursday will improve transparency for campaign contributions by corporations, one lawmaker said.

Summary of action in Alabama Legislature

Thu, 9 May 2013 21:33:00 EDT

A summary of action in the Alabama Legislature on Thursday, the 29th meeting day of the regular session:

Alabama Senate approves General Fund budget

Thu, 9 May 2013 20:25:00 EDT

The Alabama Senate has approved a compromise General Fund budget that increases funding for courts and prisons.

Ala. man arrested in death of 2-year-oldb boy

Thu, 9 May 2013 20:09:00 EDT

Police in Talladega County have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the death of a 2-year-old boy in Oxford.

Ala. governor signs law making home brewing legal

Thu, 9 May 2013 19:01:00 EDT

Alabama's governor has signed legislation making home brewing legal.

House passes removal of AEA official from board

Thu, 9 May 2013 18:49:00 EDT

Alabama House Republicans passed a bill to remove the executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association from the board that oversees the state pension system for education employees.

Astronomer studied moonlight night Stonewall shot

Thu, 9 May 2013 18:29:00 EDT

An astronomer says his calculations about the exact position of a full moon one night in 1863 would help explain how Confederate Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was felled by friendly fire in the Civil War.

Third ex-trooper convicted for abusing credit card

Thu, 9 May 2013 17:29:00 EDT

A third former state trooper has been convicted of using a state credit card to buy gasoline for personal use.

House, Senate still negotiating on AL gun law

Thu, 9 May 2013 16:17:00 EDT

The main gun bill before Alabama lawmakers is headed to a compromise committee of senators and representatives.

Serial arsonist sets fire to 5 random cars in Historic District

Brittany Dionne — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:57:00 EDT

Five vehicles burned overnight Friday in Columbus' Historic District.

The car owners were awakened by the flames in front of their houses just after 3 a.m. Saturday.

Final whitewater rafting preps underway on the Hooch

Roslyn Giles — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:56:00 EDT

If the thought of flipping out of a raft into the Chattahoochee River is what's keeping you from experiencing Columbus' whitewater rafting course...just ask raft guide trainee Hunter Price.

Local $1M Powerball lotto prize unclaimed

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:35:00 EDT

Only one person may have won the Powerball Jackpot Saturday, but there are several million dollar winners scattered across the country, including a lucky winner in Columbus.

Happy homecoming for Valley military heroes

Annie Hubbell — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:14:00 EDT

National Guard Specialist Harrison Barninger held his daughter Lexi Marie for the very first time on Monday. Our team first brought the Barninger's story to you last October, when Harrison was able to witness his daughter's birth via Skype over 7,000 miles away in Afghanistan.

Board votes to close to area schools

Curtis McCloud — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:26:00 EDT

It was a packed school board meeting Monday night as many parents were hoping for a better outcome. Instead what they got was a vote that closed two schools in Muscogee County forever. "They keep saying

Pets of the Day: May 21

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:25:00 EDT

We're thrilled to report that six of the eight animals we showcased last week have been adopted or placed in rescue groups. A cat and a dog are still available for adoption. Here is a look at today's pets that are in desperate need of a forever home.

Sign up now for News and Weather alerts

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:08:00 EDT

The devastating effects of the tornado in Oklahoma yesterday serve as a somber reminder that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime.

That's why it's crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest breaking news and weather alerts.

9 Summer Events for Kids

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:26:00 EDT

Before you know it, school will be out and parents will be looking for things for their kids to do. We compiled a list of nine things to do in Columbus this summer for kids.