General News
What Matt Gaetz’s wife had to say after he withdrew from Senate confirmation
After former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for the attorney general spot, he immediately got support from someone close to home.
On Instagram, wife Ginger Luckey posted a picture of the couple on the steps of Capitol Hill, writing, “The end of an era. No one loves America more than this guy.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal wasn’t a huge shock. The former congressman had been facing major roadblocks to be in president elect Donald Trump’s incoming Cabinet due to allegations that he slept with minors and paid women for sex.
Though the Justice Department investigated the accusations and the case was closed with no charges filed, questions remained about the politician.
The House Ethics Committee will continue looking into the allegations that Gaetz paid two women more than $10,000 via Venmo for sex between July 2017 and January 2019.
“It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction” to the incoming Trump administration,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “There is no time to waste on needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”
For the time being, Luckey appears to be standing by her man, possibly because the purported misconduct occurred before their relationship began.
The two met in March 2020 during a fundraiser for then No. 45 at at Mar-a-Lago; Gaetz popped the question in the very same place just eight months later.
They married about a year later.
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©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Read MoreZeke Adams runs for 7 TDs, powers Cornerstone past Macon-East for AISA A title
Macon East Academy players knew coming into the game the challenge would be to slow down Cornerstone Christian quarterback Zeke Adams if they were to have any hope of winning the Alabama Independent School Association Class A (8-man) championship.
Adams ran for touchdowns of 49, 42, 1, 68, 11, 24 and 96 yards to lead the Chargers to their second consecutive title in a 52-12 win over the Knights on Thursday at Cramton Bowl.
Read More‘They took a piece of my heart’: Family wants answers in Birmingham grandfather’s hit-and-run death
A Birmingham grandfather was walking home from eating with friends when a driver hit and killed him and fled the scene.
Fabin Houston “Pops” Boyd, 70, was killed in a hit-and-run one week ago today.
His grieving family says they still don’t know who killed their loved one, and why they left him there to die.
“That took a big piece of my heart when that happened,’’ said his sister, Charise Boyd, “and it’s hard to deal with.”
The deadly crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, on Finley Boulevard between 16th and 17th Street North. Fabin Boyd was dead on the scene.
Charise Boyd said her eldest brother was walking home from the Salvation Army, a place he went often to eat and visit with friends.
“He was crossing the street,” she said, “and a car struck him and hit him and kept going.”
Charise Boyd said she saw her brother at least every other day and had gone to his apartment looking for him on that Thursday.
“Nobody had seen him,’’ she said. “I was waiting on him and waiting on him.”
“I always told him to get home before dark because of the traffic, and he’d say, ‘Aight, sis,’’’ she said.
“I had to keep on top of him,’’ Charise Boyd said with a chuckle, “because he was hard-headed, being an old man.”
The family was heartbroken to find out where he was – the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
“It’s devastating,’’ Charise Boyd said. “They took a big piece of me.”
Fabin Boyd, family said, was outgoing and fun.
“He was always full of laughter and joy,’’ his sister said. “He never met a stranger.”
“He was always upbeat, never a sad face,’’ she said. “He was always willing to help anybody he could.”
Fabin Boyd left behind three adult children and five grandchildren.
Family members gathered midday Thursday at the spot where Fabin Boyd was killed. They spoke fondly of him and released blue balloons in his memory.
“This is a bittersweet day,’’ Charise Boyd said. “This is one week today that he was killed out here by a person that struck him down and kept going.”
“They took someone very meaningful to us,’’ she said. “”He was the best.”
The family said they have not received any information on the investigation.
“An arrest is my goal,’’ Charise Boyd said. “To find out who would take his life like that with no conscience.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Read MoreAlexander Shunnarah gives away 1,000 turkeys for Thanksgiving: ‘Birmingham is just who I am’
Celebrity Birmingham attorney Alexander Shunnarah, famous for his “Call Me Alabama” billboards across the state, gave away 1,000 turkeys on Thursday afternoon in front of his new office at the former Birmingham News building.
“I’m just giving back,” Shunnarah said. “Birmingham is just who I am.”
It’s the third annual turkey giveaway for Shunnarah.
“It means a lot to me, and I appreciate their help, because a lot of people don’t have enough for Thanksgiving,” said Michelle Jackson, who picked up a turkey from Shunnarah for the second year in a row.
The line for free turkeys extended around the block.
“I’m going to eat good on Thanksgiving,” said Steve Duncan, picking up his turkey. “I appreciate it. It helps me out a lot.”
Shunnarah moved into what is now his national headquarters at 2200 Fourth Avenue North in Birmingham on Aug. 1, after purchasing the building in April from Kemper Insurance Co. It was built in 2006 as The Birmingham News building. Alabama Media Group moved out in 2014 and now has an office in the Denham Building.
Shunnarah runs a call center in the building with 270 employees. He represents 60,000 customers in 27 states.
The new building has made giving away turkeys easier, Shunnarah said, allowing for four giveaway stations along Fourth Avenue North and 22nd Street North.
“Turkeys these days, they’re not cheap,” said Shunnarah.
He paid $30 apiece for the Honeysuckle white frozen turkeys, he said.
Shunnarah was born and raised and attended school in Birmingham, then opened his law firm in 2001 on Clairmont Avenue.
“Everyone in Birmingham has always supported me,” Shunnarah said. “I just feel compelled to give back to the community. I really do. I’m not doing it to get cases. Birmingham is loyal to me anyway. It feels great. I love to give. I’ve been blessed. I do it from my heart.”
He also feels it helps meet a need.
“Most of these people are Birmingham residents,” he said. “Most people who come to get the turkey really need the turkey. When you do something nice, it leaves you with a really good feeling.”
Volunteers give away turkeys in front of Alexander Shunnarah’s new downtown Birmingham office on Nov. 21, 2024. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)[email protected]
Huntsville police make final arrest in connection with deadly shooting
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) on Wednesday arrested and charged Seven Nelson, 19, with reckless murder in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred last month, according to a recent release.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, a Huntsville Police officer who was patrolling in the 3300 block of Meridian Street heard multiple gun shots. Several officers responded to a gas station at 3310 Meridian Street and found Damien Obrien Manning, 22, with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, who was not identified by HPD, died later that weekend at Huntsville Hospital.
Nelson marks the fourth and final arrest in relation to this incident, HPD said.
Tyler O’Neal Andrade, 21, of Huntsville, Kennedy Thomas Turner, 20, of Huntsville, and Jordan Latrell Smith, 21, of Huntsville, have also been arrested and charged.
The HPD Major Crimes Unit will now focus on working with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office to ensure the successful prosecution of all individuals charged in connection to the shooting, the release said.
Read MoreFrost advisory issued for South Alabama for Friday
On Thursday at 3:32 p.m. a frost advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Friday between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler and Crenshaw counties.
The weather service adds, “Temperatures as low as 36 degrees will result in frost formation.”
“Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered,” describes the weather service. “A Frost Advisory means that widespread frost is expected. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.”
Frost advisory – this is what it means
Frost advisories are issued from May to October (but can be extended if necessary) when temperatures, winds, and sky cover are favorable for frost development. This is most likely to happen when the temperature is 36 degrees or less. In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a ‘killing frost’.
According to the weather service, if a frost advisory is issued for your area, cover up sensitive plants before the sun sets so that it can help retain heat near the plants, or move the plants indoors for the night, if possible.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Read MoreDick’s just slashed the price of its HOKA Transport running shoes
Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering an insane amount of deals on footwear this week, including a limited-time deal on the fan favorite HOKA Transport running shoe, but inventory is not expected to last long.
During this sale, customers can get the HOKA Transport shoe for just $119.99 this week as compared to the usual price of $150. It is available in three colors, however, the grey style already sold out.
HOKA Transport running shoe
The HOKA Transport running shoe on sale at dickssportinggoods.com.
RELATED: Dick’s is offering a rare markdown on HOKA’s Bondi 8 running shoe this week
The HOKA Transport Shoe is designed to be a versatile athletic shoe that combines comfort and performance as its features an upper made from engineered mesh, ensuring breathability while providing a secure fit.
Highlighted Product Feature:
One of the standout features of the HOKA Transport Shoe is its lightweight EVA foam midsole, which not only provides exceptional cushioning during long-term wear, but also ensures that the shoe remains lightweight, allowing for a more effortless stride whether you are walking or running.
Other Features:
An unusual feature of the Transport running shoe is its engineered mesh upper, which is specifically designed not only for breathability, but also to provide a secure fit that adapts to the movement of the foot, effectively reducing slippage and enhancing overall comfort during various activities.
Those interested in this deal can checkout the full rundown on Dick’s website here.
Generative AI was used to provide product description for this story, based on data provided by HOKA. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.
Read MoreBirmingham’s TrimTab in talks with local brewery about ‘exciting changes’
The owners of Birmingham’s TrimTab are inviting customers to its tasting gallery on the eve of “exciting changes.”
In a social media post, the brewing company on Fifth Avenue South said it is “in talks with a local brewery that shares our love for quality craft beer and community.”
“Our tasting gallery will stay open through December, and we’ve got a ton of events planned to keep the good vibes going.”
The company’s ownership declined to comment further. A source said the owners decided to make the Facebook post in response to online speculation that the brewery is closing.
“Stop by, hang out, and let’s celebrate everything that’s made TrimTab special while looking forward to what’s next,” the post reads.
An award-winning brewery, Trim Tab opened its tasting room in Birmingham’s Lakeview neighborhood in early 2014 before launching its first canned beer in 2015.
Read More‘Violent’ man with ‘anti-government beliefs’ who detonated nail bomb outside Alabama AG’s office sentenced
An Irondale man has been sentenced to federal prison for detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 27, pleaded guilty in August to malicious use of an explosive device.
A federal judge on Thursday sentenced him to nine years in prison.
“Kyle Calvert attacked the Alabama Attorney General’s Office with a shrapnel-filled explosive and then fled the scene, but this sentence ensures he will not escape accountability for his crime,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Acts of violence like this one against our public institutions endanger public servants and entire communities, and they must not be tolerated.”
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Calvert in the predawn hours of Feb. 24 detonated an explosive device outside of the AG Steve Marshall’s office in downtown Montgomery.
No one was injured.
Calvert admitted during his plea hearing to manufacturing the device. He used, nails and screws as shrapnel and accelerants to cause an explosion.
Prior to planting the device, Calvert placed stickers on various downtown buildings.
The stickers had graphics advocating for various political ideologies. Some stickers included the phrase “Support your local antifa.”
Among those stickers identified as being placed in Montgomery – and matching Calvert’s collection – included:
• An Antifa logo superimposed over a rainbow flag background, with the words, “ANTI-FASCISM IS COMMUNITY SELF-DEFENSE.”
• An image of a multi-tiered pyramid-like structure with individuals located on each tier, with the words, “TOPPLE ALL HIERARCHIES.”
• The “A” symbol, assessed to represent anarchy, next to an image of an AK-47 rifle, superimposed over a black background with leaves and flowers, with the words, “DEFEND NATURE.”
• A purple-colored sticker with a masked face inside of a female pictogram. The words at the top of the sticker read, “FEMINIST ACTION.”
• A white sticker with spatter font which reads, “EAT THE RICH.” The “A” inside the word “EAT” is in the shape of the anarchy symbol.
• An image of multiple masked and hooded individuals, one carrying a sling, and another wearing goggles. In the center of the sticker, the Antifa symbol is displayed above the words, “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ANTIFA.”
• A black sticker with red and white font with the words, “FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS BECOME COPS.” A red anarchy symbol surrounded by a red heart are in the lower right corner of the sticker.
Calvert claimed in his plea that he has no affiliation with antifa.
Antifa, short for Anti-Fascist, does not describe a particular group, but rather describes individuals who adhere to what they consider as “anti-fascist beliefs.”
The term Antifa is often associated with anarchist violent extremists, individuals who, in addition to holding anti-fascist beliefs, are also opposed to capitalism and the current form of the U.S. government and who advocate violence to achieve their goals, the charging documents explained.
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, is charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.(Federal Court Documents)
Surveillance footage showed that at 2:50 a.m. that morning, a person wearing a dark jacket, hat, mask and goggles, was seen on video in the area of the Alabama Statehouse.
At 3:03 a.m., the person was observed placing a sticker on the doors of the Alabama State Capitol building.
Then, at 3:35 a.m., the person was seen walking northbound in the area of Washington Avenue and Decatur Street towards the Attorney General’s Office.
At 3:42 a.m., surveillance footage captured a large explosion near the Attorney General’s Office.
At 3:43 a.m., the person was seen walking north on Bainbridge Street towards Monroe Street and away from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
Several minutes later, at about 3:49 a.m., a security officer working at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) called 911 to report that an explosion had occurred about five minutes prior, at the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Bainbridge Street.
At 3:54 a.m., a Montgomery police officer arrived in the area. Because of the location of the explosion, the officer was unable to see any evidence of it from his vantage point.
At 4:13 a.m., records state, the officer cleared the call as unfounded.
The damage wasn’t then discovered until Monday morning when workers arrived back to the downtown area to begin the work week.
According to multiple video surveillance captures of the suspect and a thorough analysis of the video images, the subject appeared to be a white male, wearing a black or dark leather-like jacket, with dark colored pants, a gray or tan beanie hat, black or dark leather-like shoes, a blue facemask and goggles with a thick black strap with thick circular lenses.
Investigators used video surveillance footage of the suspect at known locations to estimate that he was about 6-feet, 2-inches tall and slender. He had a unique walk in which his toes pointed inward when he took a step.
The suspect’s walk appeared to be more pronounced on his right side which caused the appearance of a limp when he walked.
Investigators learned that the device was a coffee container-like which contained insulation material soaked in a gasoline or lighter fluid substance, a mortar, firecrackers and nails.
The FBI laboratory report classified the explosive as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The general components of an IED consist of an explosive main charge, a fusing system, and sometimes a container and/or fragmentation.
Additional enhancements may be added to an IED to increase its destructive capability and lethality.
“This IED used commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks as the main explosive charge, a coffee can as a concealment container, and was enhanced with added fragmentation and ignitable liquids,’’ the FBI agent wrote. “The addition of metal screws, nails, and other hardware to this IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced fragmentation effect that those materials would create. The addition of ignitable liquids to the IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced ability for the IED to initiate a fire.”
“The action of placing and initiating the IED on the walkway beside a government building demonstrates that this device was used as a weapon against property and/or to cause injury/death,’’ the agent wrote.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF and AlEA.
Middle District of Alabama Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley prosecuted.
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