Alabama News

On Monday at 3:11 p.m. a flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Mobile County.

“At 3:11 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” states the weather service. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

The warning is for West Hill and Wheelerville. Heavy rain rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour over poor drainage urban areas will likely result in rather quick runoff and flash flooding. Use extreme caution driving around West Mobile.

The weather service adds, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the weather service

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Adhere to evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is heightened, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember never to drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
• If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

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.

Despite the backing of the state’s top law enforcement official, the controversial chair of the Alabama parole board will not keep her seat.

Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced she would replace Leigh Gwathney, the most reliable “no” vote on the board, with a deputy from north Alabama.

On Monday, Ivey announced Hal Nash, the chief corrections deputy for Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, would take over Gwathney’s seat on the three-member board.

The governor wanted a “tough-on-crime, fair and pro-law enforcement candidate with leadership experience” to ensure public safety, according to a press release from Ivey’s office.

“Hal Nash is well-equipped to maintain the Board’s effectiveness in performing that task,” said Ivey. “He has a law enforcement perspective, and he has assured me he will approach each decision fairly and with that top goal in mind, which is to keep the people of Alabama safe.”

The announcement came via email after Gwathney’s seat expired on June 30. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshallpublicly supported Gwathney, a controversial figure on the three-member board, and had asked the governor to reappoint her despite “unprecedented and unwarranted criticism by the liberal media.”

Gwathney was known for being the most frequent ‘no’ vote on the board. She had been the focus for questions from both sides of the political aisle about why Alabama’s parole rate dropped so low in the past few years, and why the board was only letting out a fraction of people that their own guidelines recommended for release.

Ivey thanked Gwathney in her Monday announcement. “I am grateful to outgoing Chair Leigh Gwathney, who has stood firm for public safety. Leigh was an important part of our reform of Pardons and Paroles for the better, and I commend her for serving at the helm and helping make a safer Alabama.”

Gwathney is a former assistant attorney general and former prosecutor for Jefferson County. She’s been under fire for historic low parole rates.

AL.com spent 2024 delving into Alabama’s broken parole system, a system that had all but stopped releasing eligible prisoners in 2023. That year, the parole rate fell to just 8% – despite the parole board’s own criteria showing about 80% of the eligible inmates should be let out. The chairperson even denied parole to a quadriplegic inmate who couldn’t speak.

She fought to keep behind bars a man who stole a nail gun from a Lowe’s store in south Alabama, and an elderly, dying maneven though the victim’s mother had forgiven him for the accidental shooting death of her child.

As the reporting continued, the broken system began to change. Criticisms and concerns poured in from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Lawmakers held hearings and demanded answers. They said reporting increased public scrutiny on an issue lawmakers were already tracking. “This sort of accountability has changed things,” Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said last summer.

The board ended 2024 with a 20% grant rate and is on track for a 21% grant rate this year.

Nash’s appointment is effective immediately.

“This is not a position to be taken lightly,” Nash said in a statement released by the governor’s office, adding he was humbled by the appointment. “While remembering that people can choose to change for the better, this task will require weighing the safety of all the citizens of Alabama first. I pray for the wisdom to recognize both as I strive to serve the very best I can.”

Who else was on the short list of nominations remains a mystery. State law requires the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, and the Senate pro tem leader to submit a list of five nominations for the seat to the governor’s desk. Then, Ivey had to choose her pick from that list within 10 days.

According to the governor’s press release, Nash has been with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the last five years. He formerly served as the chairman of the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board and the Jackson County Hospital Authority. In his law enforcement career, Nash has worked as an investigator, a narcotics agent, and in other roles. He also worked for five years with the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force’s Huntsville office.

Cam Ward, the director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, released a statement after the announcement, calling Nash’s appointment “a fine choice.”

“I know with Mr. Nash’s background as Chief Corrections Deputy at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and his work with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office that he will represent our law enforcement community well.”

He said that while the bureau functions separately from the board, the two “enjoy cooperation with its members and work to promote the safety of our state’s citizens while providing meaningful paths to reentry into society for formerly incarcerated Alabamians.” The bureau supervises the 45,000 people on probation and parole across the state and isn’t responsible for parole decisions.

“We appreciate former Chairman Leigh Gwathney’s service to our state and her commitment to answering the call to serve the state of Alabama in various capacities for more than two decades,” Ward said.

At 3 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service released a flood advisory in effect until 6 p.m. for Mobile County.

The weather service adds, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” describes the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the weather service. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
• When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

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.

The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Action Fund has endorsed state Rep. Barbara Drummond in the Mobile mayoral race

The SPLC Action Fund, in a news release Tuesday, endorsed the Mobile Democrat in her contest for mayor. She is competing against former Republican politicians in ex-Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis and Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson. Also in the race is former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine.

The municipal election, which is non-partisan, is Aug. 26. A runoff election between the top two finishers will be needed if none of the candidates makes more than 50% of the vote, and that is scheduled for Sept. 23.

It’s the lone endorsement from the SPLC Action Fund, so far, in an Alabama race this year. The only other endorsement from the group is for Dr. Alicia Jackson in a Public Service Commission race in Georgia.

The SPLC Action Fund, which has made endorsements before in local school board contests, said that Drummond will “prioritize opportunity, safety, and equity for all while also growing Mobile’s economy, strengthening access to health care, and investing in violence prevention responses.”

The news release cites Drummond’s work in the Alabama Legislature, crediting her for helping to secure $11.4 million in new state funding for Mobile County Public Schools, co-sponsoring the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019, and securing $15 million for the construction of the new terminal for the Mobile International Airport.

The SPLC Action Fund, which makes endorsements in political contests in the Southeast, says it seeks to back candidates for local offices who are committed to “dismantling white supremacy, strengthening intersectional movements and advancing human rights of all people.”

“Delivering results for the people of Mobile requires more than just a vision; leaders need experience working in communities to understand which policies can make the biggest impact on residents’ lives,” said Madison Hollon, program manager of political campaigns with the SPLC Action Fund.

“As a lifelong Mobilian who has worked in public service for decades, Barbara Drummond understands how to navigate government to ensure her constituents get the resources that they need to thrive,” Hollon said.

The SPLC Action Fund’s endorsement is the latest in left-leaning groups to back the state lawmaker’s bid for the mayoral seat. She has also been endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, and received the support from two former candidates – Jermaine Burrell and Lawrence Battiste. She has also received financial support from the Alabama Works political action committee, which backs Alabama Democratic politicians.

Drummond, the lone Black candidate in the race for mayor in a city that has a slight Black majority, has said her candidacy transcends political polarization.

Her latest campaign filings indicate support from political action committees also aligned to industry including the FGA and BIZ PACs and the Alabama Realtors. She also received funding last month from the Pride II PAC, which has backed Republican candidates including – more recently – Chris Beeker and Jeremy Oden on the Alabama Public Services Commission.

Other candidates in the mayoral race have secured endorsements within the past two months. Cheriogotis is endorsed by outgoing three-term Mayor Sandy Stimpson, while Hudson has endorsement of the Retired Firefighters Association of Mobile and former Sheriff Sam Cochran, among others.

Prine has criticized the endorsements, saying they are mostly agenda-driven by political groups or politicians.

A Houston pediatrician and a former city official were condemned for their vitriolic social media comments on the Texas flooding that killed at least 89 people over the weekend, causing the doctor to lose her job and Houston’s mayor saying he won’t reappoint the official.

Dr. Christina B. Propst of Blue Fish Pediatrics in Houston faced backlash for her since-deleted Facebook post.

“May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry,” the original post read, according to Mediaite, which first reported on Propst’s comments.

“Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.”

Propst deleted her Facebook page, but Blue Fish Pediatrics still learned of her comments.

“This past weekend, we were made aware of a social media comment from one of our physicians. The individual is no longer employed by Blue Fish Pediatrics,” the practice posted to its Facebook page.

The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions, the Associated Press reported.

Propst was not the only person taken to task over social media posts on the flooding.

Sade Perkins, a former appointee to Houston’s Food Insecurity Board, posted videos to TikTok criticizing the camp that lost 27 young campers and staff in the flood.

“I know I’m going to get cancelled for this, but Camp Mystic is a white-only girls’ Christian camp. They don’t even have a token Asian. They don’t have a token Black person. It’s an all-white, white-only conservative Christian camp,” Perkins said, according to the New York Post.

“If you ain’t white you ain’t right, you ain’t gettin’ in, you ain’t goin’. Period,” Perkins said.

She claimed the incident would not have the same media attention if the victims were minorities.

“If this were a group of Hispanic girls out there, this would not be getting this type of coverage that they’re getting, no one would give a f–k, and all these white people, the parents of these little girls would be saying things like ‘they need to be deported, they shouldn’t have been here in the first place’ and yada yada yada,” Perkins said.

She was appointed to the Food Insecurity Board in 2023 by then-Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Perkins’ appointment ended in January.

Mayor John Whitmire said he would not reappoint Perkins, calling her video “deeply inappropriate comments,” according to the Post.

South Alabama on Monday added a football verbal commitment from Louisiana high school wide receiver Jarvis Washington.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Washington, from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, is the Jaguars’ 19th commitment for the Class of 2026. He was an honorable mention all-state selection in 2024, when he totaled 52 receptions for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading his team to a 14-1 record and a state runner-up finish.

Washington also has scholarship offers from McNeese, Nicholls, Southeastern Louisiana and Grambling State, among other schools. He made his announcement via social media on Monday:

Washington is the fifth wide receiver among South Alabama’s 2026 commitments, a group that also includes McDonogh 35 (New Orleans) standout Heij Jackson. Another Jaguars commitment from Louisiana, offensive lineman Sami Abdelhak, announced last week he was re-opening his recruitment.

The early signing period for the Class of 2026 begins on Dec. 2.

South Alabama 2026 recruiting class (19)

Xavious Anderson, LB, 6-1, 215, Hogansville, Ga./Callaway HS

Darius Burwell, SAF, 6-2, 185, Huntsville, Ala./Mae Jemison HS

Deon Callins, CB, 6-1, 180, Pinson, Ala./Clay-Chalkville HS

Lavonte Cole, RB, 5-11, 190, Thomasville, Ga./Thomasville HS

Trakarris Collier, CB, 6-1, 180, Semmes, Ala./Mary G. Montgomery HS

Tyray Darensburg, LB, 6-1, 215, Chalmette, La./Chalmette HS

Teryn Green, SAF, 6-1, 195, Flowood, Miss./Hartfield Academy

Heij Jackson, WR, 6-3, 190, New Orleans, La./McDonogh 35 HS

Taylor Jacobs Jr., QB, 6-1, 185, Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS

Brody Jones, WR, 5-10, 163, Fairhope, Ala./St. Michael Catholic School

Zech Hall, SAF, 6-2, 195, Havana, Fla./Gadsden County HS

Khatori Marion, WR, 5-11, 180, Mobile, Ala./Baker HS

Caleb Metzner, DE, 6-2, 215, Mobile, Ala./Cottage Hill Christian HS

Noah Moss, RB, 6-1, 205, Fairhope, Ala./St. Michael Catholic HS

Aaden Shamburger, QB, 6-3, 180, Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS

Camen Upshaw, SAF, 6-0, 180, Tallahassee, Fla./John Paul II Catholic School

Jarvis Washington, WR, 6-5, 185, Baton Rouge, La./The Dunham School

Dominic White, WR, 6-1, 180, Adamsville, Ala./Minor HS

Caleb Wynn, RB, 5-11, 205, Oxford, Ala./Oxford HS

The brand new true-crime special A Rendezvous With Death premieres on Investigation Discovery Monday, July 7 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to catch the latest true crime special to hit ID can stream the premiere through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is A Rendezvous With Death about?

The new ID special details the tragic stabbing of a married woman in Penfield, New York. Though detectives believed it to be a routine case at first, as the investigation unfolds, noteworthy evidence leads police to uncover the truth behind the disturbing incident.

Determined to figure out a motive, the detectives dig deeper and stumble upon the truth of the victim and her life. With more secrets to count and closely hidden relationships, the investigation reveals a complex web of lies where jealousy and betrayal play a big part.

How to watch A Rendezvous With Death

Those interested in catching the premiere of A Rendezvous With Death can stream the new true-crime special through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

Out of the three watch options listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Investigation Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

A federal judge has agreed to a two-month pause on grand jury proceedings for a missile defense worker accused of illegally removing classified documents from a secure office.

Ewa Maria Ciszak was arrested in late June after a monthslong investigation by federal agents and a search of her Huntsville residence. Federal Magistrate Judge John H. England last week granted a joint motion by her attorney and federal prosecutors for an additional 60 days before a grand jury is convened in her case.

The delay will allow attorneys to consider a possible plea agreement, according to court filings.

Ciszak’s attorney, Robert Tuten of Huntsville, described documents related to the government’s case as, “secret, sealed and voluminous.” Ciszak, in turn, waived her right to a speedy trial in light of the case’s complexity.

According to a federal complaint filed by the FBI, Ciszak knowingly removed classified documents or materials from her workplace between February and June with the intent to keep them in an unauthorized location. She was released after posting $25,000 bond in Savannah, Ga., where she was arrested, AL.com reported.

Ciszak was initially identified as a civilian Defense Department employee at the Missile Defense Agency, but court documents filed last week say she works for, “a missile defense contractor supporting NASA.”

According to the judge’s new order, grand jury proceedings will take place no sooner than Sept. 18.

The new University of Alabama campus president will begin his tenure with a paycheck that puts him among the highest-paid university employees in the state.

Peter Mohler will receive a salary of $800,000 through Sept. 30, 2026 with an annual performance bonus of $75,000 in 2025 and $150,000 in 2026. Mohler also will get $30,000 for relocation expenses, according to a contract approved today.

This is a slight increase, about 2%, from his salary of $753,324 when he served as the Ohio State University’s interim president in 2023, according to records reviewed by AL.com.

Former president Stuart Bell’s base salary was $775,842 as of July 2024. UAB President Ray Watts earns more than $1 million, according to recent AL.com reporting.

Other salaries approved by the board include seven University of Alabama athletics coaches. The lowest was $180,000 for the men’s and women’s swimming coach and the highest was $1.275 million for the baseball coach.

Football coach Kalen DeBoer’s contract is about $10 million.

Mohler joins Alabama during a critical period in the school’s history. UA administration celebrated record enrollment last year of more than 40,000 students.

Meanwhile, the University of Alabama System board of trustees faces a lawsuit from two professors and the student chapter of the NAACP for its interpretation of the state’s anti-DEI law.

President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked an immigration crackdown that swept up one of UA’s international graduate students. He self-deported.

A Trump executive order also triggered terminations of National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants, including millions of dollars in funding for UA researchers working on computer science, COVID-19 and kidney disease.

Mohler served as Ohio State’s vice president for research and was acting president in 2023.

He will begin his term July 21.