Alabama News

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.

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 2:44 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Mobile County.

The storms are foreseen to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Mobile Regional Airport, or near Midtown Mobile. This storm was nearly stationary,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Midtown Mobile, Tillmans Corner, Tanner Williams, I10 And I65 and Mobile Regional Airport.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures 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 swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

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.

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A man accused of shooting a Morgan County woman last week told a 911 dispatcher he killed her moments before police arrived to arrest him, according to court documents.

Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, of Falkville, is being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond, charged with capital murder.

He is accused of killing Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, who was found dead at the scene at a Stage Road residence in Hartselle Thursday.

Court documents filed against Young say that he drove to the home on Thursday before 9 a.m. armed with a .45 pistol, intending to kill Fox.

Once he exited his vehicle, he saw her inside the home. She saw him and dialed 911, saying there was a man with a gun outside her house.

As Young walked toward the house, he fired into it, according to investigators.

He broke the front door’s glass, entered, and fired at Fox as she ran toward her bedroom. There he shot her, then struck her in the head with the weapon after it ran out of ammunition. He also kicked her with his steel-toed boots, authorities say.

Once Young called 911, the document stated, he told dispatchers his name and location and said that he had killed Fox.

He waited for officers, who took him into custody at the scene. He also told an officer that he was responsible for her death.

Fox was pronounced dead in the home.

In a statement in her obituary, Fox’s family called her “a loving mother, grandmother, and sister and she loved taking care of people.”

“In the words of her children, ‘Our mom was the most kind, caring and trusting person we know. She never met a stranger, and she would give the shirt off her back for anyone even if it was the only thing she had to give. If you knew her, you were her family, friend, or unofficial adopted child. She is loved and missed by many. We just ask for all your prayers as we go through this difficult time of grief and healing.’”