Conviction of a cop killer

A St. Clair County jury returned a guilty verdict and recommended the death penalty for the man who killed Moody Police Sgt. Stephen Williams in an ambush on June 2, 2020, reports AL.com’s Carol Robinson.

Williams was promoted to lieutenant posthumously.

He had responded to a 911 call at a Moody hotel when police say Tapero Carleone Johnson used four guns to fire 43 rounds through the wall and door.

Johnson’s formal sentencing will be Nov. 15, and a second suspect, Marquisha Tyson, has a March trial scheduled.

Fall cooldown

If you haven’t pulled out your jackets, do it now: We’re going to feel some cooler fall weather this week, just in time for Halloween on Tuesday.

Tuesday and Wednesday evening look to be the coolest in most of the state, with temperatures bottoming out in the high 20s/low 30s in the northern part of the state and high 30s/low 40s in Lower Alabama.

You might see a shower in the northern half of the state today, and the cooldown will begin. At some point in the evening or overnight it’s expected to reach Coastal Alabama.

On those cooler nights remember to do the responsible thing and bring in your plants, pets and kids.

Bring me back a funnel cake

The Greater Gulf State Fair opened over the weekend, and it’ll run through Sunday at The Grounds in west Mobile. It’s expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors. Here are a few things to know, courtesy of AL.com’s Lawrence Specker (and some from me):

• Hours are 4-10 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday; 4-midnight Tuesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; and noon-10 p.m. Sunday.
• Don’t bring weapons, for goodness sake, and there’s a clear-bag policy so don’t try. Also, no pets allowed except service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• There are designated areas for smoking and vaping. Also, please properly dispose of any spit cups.
• After 7 p.m., anyone under 18 has to be with a parent or guardian to enter.
• Live-music lovers are in luck. Check out the iHeart Media stage.
• Don’t miss the corn-dog-eating contest at 5 p.m. Friday. For location just look for somebody in an LSU shirt and follow him.

Quoting

“Please be assured that however this situation plays out, we will do everything we can to ensure that our students, faculty, and staff are taken care of.”

Birmingham-Southern College President Daniel Coleman, since the school learned its lawsuit against State Treasurer Young Boozer was after Boozer denied approval for a $30 million loan that college officials say is needed to stay open.

Picture that

For the seventh year, the witches — hundreds of them — rode bicycles through downtown Mobile on Sunday.

Why? Well, because it’s the Halloween season, because proceeds provide veterinary care to pets in need, and because the flying-broomstick thing is so cliche.

More Alabama news

Born on this date

In 1917, Bobby Bragan of Birmingham, pro baseball player and manager. He was managing the Braves during their move from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

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