Search efforts continue two days after a man went missing following a boat accident in south Alabama.
The missing individual was identified by family as John Dejonge.
According to the Spanish Fort Police Department, a boat capsized on Blakely River at about 6 on Friday. On board were Dejonge, another man and his 2-year-old child.
The department stated that all three were thrown into the water after the boat capsized. While the child and his father were able to make it to shore, Dejonge remained missing.
Due to severe weather Saturday night the search for Dejonge was halted until rescue crews reconvened Sunday morning.
According to Fox10 News, Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber iterated how severe the winds were Sunday evening.
“Before the storms arrived, there were high winds,” Barber said. “We were talking to the individual who was in the boat when they capsized and he described how windy it was, and so the search and rescue operations last night had to deal with high wind and high waves.”
Despite crews searching all day Sunday, Dejonge has not been found yet.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is assisting in rescue efforts and crews will be out searching Monday.
Agencies that have helped in rescue efforts include ALEA, Spanish Fort Police Department, Daphne Search and Rescue, Daphne Fire Department, North Baldwin Search and Rescue, White House Fork Fire Department Search and Rescue, Spanish Fort Fire Rescue, Medstar and Alabama Marine Resources.
ALEA said additional information regarding the search was not available currently.
John’s sister, Alysia Dejonge, posted on Facebook asking for those who want to help to search for her brother meet at Meaher State Park on Monday morning.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is assisting in rescue efforts and crews will be out searching Monday.
“For anyone who has a boat and wants to help us search we will be at Meaher state park,” Alysia said.
“We will be there around 10:30-11ish. I need to know what kind of boats you have. How many people. And EVERYONE has to wear a life jacket. Feel free to message me with any questions. We appreciate all of you who have checked on us and thank you for the prayers.”
One of pop’s superstars has been starstruck. Miley Cyrus took to social media to voice her admiration of Brittany Howard, after the two women duetted on a cover of Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” Friday during “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” in New York.
“Singing beside Brittany has been a dream of mine,” Cyrus wrote on X. “She is vocally the best of the best and as the performance grew closer I started questioning my choice to stand next to her and perform. At every rehearsal (which was very few) I was completely blown away. It doesn’t get better than BH.”
Shapeshifting rockers Queen released the country-tinged “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” on 1980 album “The Game,” which also boasted disco hit “Another One Bites The Dust.” The band, fronted by late great singer Freddie Mercury performed “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” during Queen’s only Saturday Night Live” appearance, in 1982.
“SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” was part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live.”
Athens, Ala., native Howard is also a Grammy-winning artist. Her signature solo songs include “Stay High.” Howard recently reunited with the band she made her name with, “Hold On” hitmakers Alabama Shakes.
Rap band The Roots served as Cyrus and Howard’s backing musicians for “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Cyrus wrote on X, “Thank you to The Roots for supporting us and rocking it as you always do.”
Cyrus, Howard and The Roots teamed up again over the weekend. As part of Sunday’s star-studded “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” they did “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the Prince-written ballad Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor took to a number one-hit in 1990.
O’Connor was an “SNL” musical guest in ’92, but didn’t sing “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Prince performed on the show in 1981, 1989, 2006 and 2014.
Paul McCartney closed out Sunday’s “Anniversary Special” with a medley of songs from 1969 Beatles album “Abbey Road.”
Jacksonville State has hired former Maryland defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Brian Williams to lead its defense, a source close to the team confirmed to AL.com.
Williams will replace Vinnie Sunseri, who left to become the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at the University of Florida.
Matt Zenitz of 247Sports was the first to report the news.
Last season saw Maryland’s defense allow 30.4 points per game, taking a step back from a 2023 season which it allowed 22.5 points per game, the fewest number since 2010.
Williams has a history with Jax State head coach Charles Kelly, with the two being on the same staff at Florida State in 2013 and 2014.
Kelly was special teams coordinator in 2013 and assistant defensive coordinator in 2014, with Williams serving as a defensive analyst for both of those seasons.
Williams was on staff at Maryland since 2019 and was hired as the team’s defensive coordinator ahead of the 2022 season; he also had stints as outside linebackers coach, defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator before his promotion.
The coach spent three seasons (2016-2018) as UAB’s linebackers coach under Bill Clark after a season at the University of Georgia as player relations director.
If you’re in the market for a new car, particularly a foreign-made vehicle, you will want to make your purchase before April to avoid paying more.
President Trump said he plans to move forward with tariffs on foreign cars on April 2, The New York Times reported. The president did not specify how much the tariffs would be or which nations would be targeted.
The tariffs could result in higher vehicle prices even as industry leaders express concerns tariffs on steel imports will result in a spike in domestic vehicle prices. Starting on March 12, all steel and aluminum imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%, the AP reported, charges that could have a serious impact on American companies such as Ford and GM.
CBS News reported the average $25,000 price of a car imported from Mexico or Canada could jump $6,250 if the Trump tariffs take effect, most of which would be passed along to the consumer. The proposed tariffs will also likely cut production by as much as 30%, experts warn.
Roughly 3.6 million light vehicles were imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico in 2024, accounting for 22% of all car sales nationwide, CBS News reported. Mexico is the largest source for light vehicle imports, representing about 15% of sales.
Alabama is considered one of the most military friendly states in the nation. We are currently ranked the second-best state for veterans to retire in, and it is our goal to improve that to number one.
Alabama is home to more than 400,000 veterans, individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation. Despite their sacrifices, many veterans in our state struggle with access to quality healthcare, job placement services, and benefits they have rightfully earned. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, but to truly meet the needs of our veterans, structural reform is necessary. By restructuring the ADVA, we can create a system that not only delivers services more effectively, but also ensures that veterans have a stronger voice in state government.
Currently, the ADVA operates within a bureaucratic framework that often slows decision-making and limits direct input from the very individuals it is designed to serve. Many veterans feel that their concerns are not adequately heard or prioritized within the state’s policy-making process. The existing structure can sometimes create barriers rather than solutions, leaving veterans frustrated and underserved.
One of the key issues is the lack of direct representation for veterans in policy discussions. While the ADVA is tasked with advocating for veterans, its ability to do so is hindered by outdated organizational structures that do not prioritize active veteran participation. By reforming the ADVA, we can create a more inclusive and responsive department that better serves Alabama’s veterans.
I am very proud of the process we have taken in drafting this key legislation. We have worked hard to make sure that everyone has had a seat at the table as we’ve continued to work on and update this bill to make sure that everyone’s input is included.
Veterans and veterans’ groups, the Governor’s Office, and others have been instrumental in getting this important bill to where it is today.
The time for reform is now. Our veterans have given so much to our state and our nation, and they deserve a government that actively listens to their concerns and works diligently to meet their needs.
State lawmakers, veterans’ organizations, and community leaders must come together to advocate for these necessary changes. By elevating the ADVA secretary to a cabinet-level positing and by making the department more responsive and transparent, we can give Alabama’s veterans the strong and influential voice in government that they have earned.
Our veterans stood up for us; now, it’s our turn to stand up for them.
Senator Andrew Jones is chairman of the Senate’s veteran’s affairs committee.
A 14-year-old boy was among two people killed in separate weekend shootings in Selma.
The first shooting happened just before 2 a.m. Saturday in the 1400 block of Weaver Street.
Selma City Schools Interim Superintendent Darryl Aikerson identified the slain teen as Jamarj Acoff.
“This is a challenging time for us all as we deal with the loss,’’ Aikerson said in a statement. “To honor Jamarj’s memories and support each other, we must come together as a community in the days ahead.”
Selma police within 12 hours of the fatal shooting had arrested a 17-year-old boy on the charge of murder, said Chief Kenta Fulford.
A motive has not yet been determined.
The second shooting happened at 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Race Street at an entertainment business, Fulford said.
The chief identified the victim as 45-year-old Terry Wayne Harris. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
D’Shontreil Tarver, 34, was taken into custody about 11:15 p.m. Sunday. He is charged with murder.
Both suspects are being held without bond in the Perry Detention Center pending bail hearings.
Tickets are $125 for a dinner and show combo. It’s $20 for the show only, $10 for children ages 3-10, free for children age 2 and younger. For reservations, send an email with the names of guests to [email protected]. Deadline is noon on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to the Miss Alabama website.
Ticket payments can be made by check, credit card, Venmo or PayPal. Call the Miss Alabama Organization at 205-871-6276 for more info. The Wright Center will sell tickets at the box office before the show, as well.
A limited-edition commemorative poster of Stockard as Miss America will be available at Saturday’s autograph party and evening events.
Alabama’s Abbie Stockard was crowned as Miss America 2025 on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.(Courtesy of Miss America IP LLC)
Stockard, a Birmingham native, became Miss America on Jan. 5, 2025, competing in the national pageant as Miss Alabama. Fans from her home state cheered as Stockard was crowned in Orlando, Florida, watching from the Walt Disney Theater or viewing a livestream on the Miss America YouTube channel.
Stockard, 22, grew up in Vestavia Hills and is a student at Auburn University, where she majors in nursing. Her goal is to earn an advanced degree, a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice, and specialize in pediatrics. She’s a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at Auburn and has spent three years as a member of the Tiger Paws dance team.
Stockard has other appearances scheduled in Alabama this week, including events on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 19-20, at Auburn University. She’ll be at Neville Arena on Wednesday, for example, when the Auburn men’s basketball team faces the Arkansas Razorbacks, and is set to dance with the Tiger Paws.
Whitestone McCallum, who served as a judge at this year’s Miss America competition, congratulated Stockard on social media after her win.
“There she is … your new Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard,” Whitestone McCallum said in a Jan. 7 post on Instagram. “She represented my home state Alabama at the competition. Still that was not the reason why she got my attention. When I listened to her private interview competition with the preliminary judges on the film, I found her as a humble, thoughtful, loving and sharp woman. She was more than ready to serve America. Congratulations to Abbie.”
Alabama’s Abbie Stockard was crowned as Miss America 2025 on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.(Courtesy of Miss America IP LLC)
As soon as she was crowned, Stockard began her tenure as Miss America. She’s been traveling across the country for the past six weeks, making public appearances, connecting with people she meets and serving as a brand ambassador for the Miss America organization. Stockard also is using her platform to raise awareness about her philanthropic effort, Be the Change: Find a Cure — Cystic Fibrosis Awareness.
Stockard also appeared at the Southern States Inaugural Welcome Ball in Washington, D.C., and was feted by actress Sharon Stone at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert in New York City.
Stone, who hosted the Heart Association’s event Jan. 30 event, described herself a “a little pageant girl from Pennsylvania,” and gave Stockard kudos on stage. The actress —who earned fame for her work in the movie “Basic Instinct” and won a Golden Globe for her role in “Casino” — also touted Stockard’s efforts to bring public attention to the issue of cystic fibrosis.
“You may not know this, but as a pageant girl, I do,” Stone said, holding Stockard’s hand in a video posted on Instagram. “You have to have a platform when you’re Miss America. It’s not just a beauty contest … This Miss America has a platform, and it’s cystic fibrosis. And I want you to know that because she’s working very hard around this country — so that you do know that when we do the pageants, we do it because it gives us a scholarship to go to college, and we need it. When we do these (pageants), we don’t do it just because we want to be pretty. So thank you, Miss America.”
The Miss America organization has a three-year partnership with the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women, to raise awareness of women’s heart health and promote fitness.
Stockard was one of six women who earned the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award at Miss America this year, in affiliation with the heart association, These awards go to contestants who promote women’s heart health in their communities.
Tax season is underway and the Internal Revenue Service expects to receive some 140 million returns before the April 15 deadline. Almost two-thirds of those returns will include a refund to taxpayers.
How long it takes to get your money back depends on several factors.
People who file electronically with refunds going to direct deposit generally receive their refunds within 21 days, as long as there are no other issues. People who file a paper return or don’t use direct deposit can expect to wait 6-8 weeks. Filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit will wait until at least March 3 for their refunds, assuming there are no other issues with the return. The delay is due to verification measures required by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes, or PATH, Act.
If there are issues, the IRS will contact taxpayers by mail.
Where is my refund?
The IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool lets you track the status of your money. Information is updated once a day, overnight – in other words, there’s no need to check multiple times a day. To find where your money is, you will need your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, filing status and exact amount of refund on your return.
You will see one of three answers:
Return receive – The IRS has received your return and it’s being processed
Refund approved – IRS has approved the refund and is preparing to issue it on the date shown
Refund sent – The refund has been sent via direct deposit or in the mail. It can take up to five days to show in a bank account or several weeks for the check to arrive.
According to the IRS, you should only call about the status of your refund if the “Where’s My Refund” tool directs you to do so. You can see IRS numbers here.
The top-ranked Hoover boys and No. 3-ranked Huntsville boys will take the floor in the Class 7A Northeast Regional semifinals today at Jacksonville State.
Hoover (31-0), looking to complete an undefeated season and repeat as 7A champs, will take on Albertville (20-11) at 4:30 p.m. at Pete Matthews Coliseum. Huntsville (31-1) will play Vestavia Hills (18-10) in the final game of the day at 7:30 p.m.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the NFL in touchdowns during with 2024 regular season. Like three of the eight other players who scored at least 14 touchdowns this season, Gibbs is an Alabama alumnus.
With 648 points in 2023, Alabama’s former players had scored the second-most by a college program’s alumni in one season.
A year later, the Tide group had 22 more touchdowns than in 2023. But Alabama’s NFL scoring total was given a boost that it hadn’t had previously by the arrival of Will Reichard. The rookie kicker for the Minnesota Vikings scored 110 points in 2024.
When Florida State’s alumni scored 705 points in 2016, former Seminoles totaled 37 touchdowns that season. But Florida State supplied four of the NFL’s regular kickers in 2016, with Robert Aguayo, Graham Gano, Dustin Hopkins and Sebastian Janikowski combining to score 481 points.
After the 128 touchdowns scored by former Alabama players, the second-highest TD total by players from the same college program in 2024 was posted by Ohio State alumni with 72.
In the 2010 NFL regular season, one player from Alabama scored a touchdown – running back Kenneth Darby, who reached the end zone three times for the St. Louis Rams.
Alabama’s NFL touchdown production has been climbing from that point and took a big jump in 2018, when 12 alumni scored 71 TDs. That broke the school record established the previous season when 11 former Crimson Tide players had scored 45.
Twenty Alabama alumni scored 85 touchdowns in 2019, 20 scored 83 TDs in 2020, 20 scored 96 TDs in 2021, 19 scored 100 TDs in 2022 and 18 scored 106 TDs in 2023.
Because of Darby’s 2010 touchdowns, former Alabama players have scored touchdowns in 49 consecutive seasons – every one since coming up empty in 1975.
In 1975, nine Alabama alumni played in at least one NFL regular-season game. Three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – New England Patriots guard John Hannah, New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath and Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler. But none of the nine scored a touchdown.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
