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General

Gulf Shores mayor issues statement refuting concerns over high school facility structural integrity

The mayor of Gulf Shores has issued a statement reaffirming the construction quality of a school facility, contrary to a statement by a federal official questioning the structure due to undocumented workers employed at the site.

“The City is also aware of a recent statement by a representative of Homeland Security, as reported in local news that suggests the quality of construction at the school may be in question due to the use of employees who are allegedly not in the country legally,” Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said. “We are unaware of any evidence to support this claim. The City has taken steps to ensure this project is subject to rigorous oversight from a multi-disciplinary team of architectural, engineering, and construction experts.”

Craft issued the statement following an immigration raid at a $137 million Gulf Shores High School facility last week that resulted in 36 undocumented workers being arrested, according to FBI Mobile.

According to Fox10 News, Steven Shrank, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for Alabama and Georgia, questioned the building’s integrity due to undocumented workers operating at the site, claiming they “do not speak our language and do not have the necessary skills and certifications that we would expect.”

Shrank referenced a January collapse of an athletic training facility being built for the high school as evidence supporting his concerns.

Rabren General Contractors is the general contractor tasked with constructing the high school and is also over the athletic training facility that collapsed.

Craft stated that Gulf Shores was cooperating with federal immigration enforcement following the raid last week and that the city was not a “target nor involved in the investigation.”

The mayor also stated that the city’s contract with Rabren requires the contractor to use a federal program to ensure employees are eligible to work in the United States.

“The City’s contract with the general contractor overseeing the Gulf Shores High School construction project stipulates that the contractor must utilize the federal E-Verify program to verify employee eligibility to work in the United States,” Craft said. “This contract language is standard on public construction projects in Alabama and is also used in all City of Gulf Shores construction contracts. The Department of Homeland Security then enforces compliance with the E-Verify program.”

Rabren General Contractors has only released the following statement since the raid:

“Rabren General Contractors (RGC) is aware of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid that occurred at the new Gulf Shores High School construction site on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. RGC is fully cooperating with all authorities investigating this matter. We have no further comment at this time.”

Craft said he does not expect the raid to affect the construction timeline of the facility.

General

Flood advisory active for Escambia County until early Monday evening due to significant downpours

On Monday at 2:09 p.m. a flood advisory was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Escambia County.

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

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” says the weather service. “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 declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

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.

Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

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.

Adhere to 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 permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded 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 noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from 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:

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, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

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:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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:

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

Visibility matters:

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.
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.

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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Mobile celebrates opening of new $92M Army Corps of Engineers headquarters

Mobile officially opened a new $92 million, six-story office building Monday, marking a major milestone for downtown development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Under a long-term lease agreement, the building—located next to the future Mobile Civic Center Arena—will house more than 650 Corps employees, with capacity for up to 800. It will serve solely as the Corps’ Mobile District Headquarters.

Despite federal budget uncertainty, officials emphasized the Corps’ presence in Mobile is secure under the approximately 20-year lease with the building’s owner, FD Stonewater of Arlington, Va.

“This district has been in business for a long time,” said Claiborne Williams, principal and co-founder of FD Stonewater, noting the Corps’ Mobile roots since 1888. “They have a large area that they take care of. I don’t see a lot of risk of their operation being defunded and not being able to support their mission.”

Still, the lease renewal ultimately depends on annual congressional appropriations, a process U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures warned is increasingly uncertain under President Donald Trump’s administration.

“It’s an enormous deal not only for Mobile but for the mission of the Corps of Engineers so it shouldn’t get caught up in political funding battles every single year,” Figures said. “Unfortunately, that seems to be where we are headed, especially with the current administration. But at the end of the day, we’ll go to work and fight for full funding for this building and the Corps.”

Concerns about future funding were fueled earlier this year by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, led by businessman Elon Musk.

DOGE had called for canceling some Corps leases, including one allegedly in Mobile that would save around $3.6 million over five years.

However, a March listing on the agency’s website didn’t mention either the new 180,000-square-foot building or the previous headquarters on St. Joseph Avenue, leaving Corps officials uncertain about what, if anything, had been cut.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson expressed confidence in the investment and in the Corps’ role in the region.

“Their footprint is big,” he said. “There are so many things that are of huge importance that you’ll always see the Corps driving in this area.”

The new building was unveiled during a morning news conference and public tours. All employees have officially moved in, vacating the Corps’ former headquarters of 50 years.

“Our people deserve this modern office building so they can continue to deliver for this region,” said Col. Jeremy Chapman, commander of the Corps’ Mobile District.

“Our internet is working, the furniture is in, and the computers work so it’s mostly done,” Chapman said. “Everyone is excited to get in here and get back to work.”

The project has been under construction since 2023 after approval from the Mobile City Council. Adjacent to the building is a new $38 million, 1,000-space parking garage that is mostly complete except for the installation of security cameras.

The city-owned parking garage will be available for use by both the public and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which has reserved over 150 spaces. The facility will be operated by the Oak View Group (OVG), the same company contracted to manage the future Civic Center Arena.

The arena, a major project with an estimated cost of approximately $300 million, is currently under construction. According to Mayor Stimpson, the building is expected to “go vertical” in August or early September—meaning the structure’s exterior walls and framework will begin to rise.

The arena is slated to open in early 2027 and will host a variety of events, including hockey games, concerts, and Mardi Gras balls.

Stimpson said it was vital to have the parking deck built early to accommodate the future arena. He said the USACE building represents having an “anchor” within the area.

“The Corps of Engineers was the right tenant at the right time,” he said.

The 22-acre development, when completed, is expected to connect with the city’s waterfront.

Stimpson called that project a longer-term vision, that likely will not play out until a future Interstate 10 bridge is built as part of a massive $3.5 billion new interstate and Bayway connecting downtown Mobile to Daphne.

“Once that is completed, there will be additional greenspace available,” Stimpson said. “But I would think that’s probably 10 to 15 years out.”

General

Teen charged in slayings of 2 Atmore men who were found shot dead in vehicle

A south Alabama teen has been charged in a 2024 double homicide in Atmore.

Dexter Adams, 18, is charged with two counts of murder, Atmore police announced Monday.

He is charged in the slayings of Joe Jones Jr., 27, and Juwan McNeal, 25.

The deadly shooting happened Dec. 8, 2024, at a vacant home in the 100 block of East Ashley Street.

Officers arrived on the scene about 8:15 p.m. that Sunday to find both victims dead inside a vehicle. They had been shot multiple times.

Investigators processed the scene, interviewed citizens in the area, and collected evidence including over 20 spent shell casings. Charging documents state a .9mm gun was used in the killings.

Police officials on Monday said investigators from the department’s criminal investigations and narcotics/vice divisions have worked the case non-stop. They said new evidence led them to identify Adams as the suspect, but did not disclose the nature of that evidence.

More arrests are probable, authorities said.

Adams is already in jail for a separate shooting incident that happened May 7. In that case, according to criminal complaints, the teen fired shots at a juvenile inside a vehicle and the bullets also hit Winge & Burger Box, also in Atmore.

In that case, he is charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm into an occupied building.

Atmore police said the Alabama Department of Forensic Science, the Jackson Police Department’s Digital Forensics Division and other agencies assisted in the investigation.

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Pastor Andy Yarnell tapped for United Methodist outreach to college students

The United Methodists in North Alabama are turning to the Rev. Andy Yarnell for a new outreach effort in two-year colleges.

Yarnell, who has been the youth pastor at Pell City First United Methodist Church, has been tapped to lead the outreach starting July 1. United Methodist clergy who are moving to new appointments in North Alabama will move effective July 1, with sermons in their new churches on July 6.

Yarnell will begin leading outreach efforts to students at Gadsden State, Snead State and Wallace State community colleges this fall.

“It’s a little different from the formal Wesley Foundations we have on 4-year campuses,” Yarnell said. “Our doors are open to every single student.”

Yarnell will also hold the title of senior pastor of Mosaic Church in Gadsden, a ministry that emphasizes acceptance and service to the LGBTQ community.

“Mosaic Gadsden is a group for anybody that’s ever felt hurt or excluded by the church, which is actually so many people,” Yarnell said. “When we first started, it was mainly for LGBTQ-plus community, but we’ve realized that branches out to so many more people.”

Mosaic doesn’t have a regular meeting place; it meets in parks and other locations.

“It’s just all about being ourselves and being loving and welcoming,” Yarnell said. “It’s just simply welcoming, loving people as they are no matter where they are on their faith journey, just making sure they know they are affirmed and loved. Make sure that their voice is heard and that they matter.”

At the recent North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church meeting in Birmingham, Yarnell received the 2025 Denman Evangelism Award for clergy. Yarnell has spent the past 15 years as a youth director, mainly at Pell City First and Gadsden First United Methodist churches, emphasizing outreach to those who’ve previously had bad experiences in churches.

“Doing some of these outside the box things reminds me that God moves in unexpected places,” Yarnell said.

“One of the places where I feel like I encountered God the most was actually at a Pride event,” Yarnell said. “I had a sign that said, ‘Free Pastor Hugs.’ I talked to more people about my faith and hugged more people and prayed with people more than I do on a regular Sunday at any church I’ve served.”

He explained what he prays for: “Pray that people will hear about us, and when they come, they will feel loved and affirmed,” he said. “That they will Know that God still loves them. If they’ve heard things in the past that God hates them, or God’s going to punish them, that they will really encounter God and know how loving God is.”

Under the old model of college student ministry, the North Alabama Conference operated Wesley Foundation houses on campuses such as UAB and Birmingham-Southern College.

Both those Wesley Foundation houses have closed. The North Alabama Conference voted in 2024 to close the Wesley Foundation student ministry house at UAB near Dreamland Barbecue in Southside and sell it. The Wesley Foundation at Birmingham-Southern College closed last year when the college closed.

Under the new plan, the outreach to two-year colleges will be done without a permanent base. “We’ll be using local churches to host and local coffee shops,” Yarnell said.

“The United Methodist churches in those areas are going to be helping us,” he said. “There’s no Wesley Foundation house. We don’t have our own building.”

Mosaic Church also has no permanent home.

“We might move locations,” Yarnell said. “We might meet at Sweet Home, Gadsden First or Southside. We might rotate where we’re having a meal and fellowship. Not always the same space.”

Yarnell will be preaching on July 6, 10 a.m., at Abundant Grace United Methodist Church in Boaz.

General

Cottage Hill defensive standout continues South Alabama football recruiting hot streak

Commitments have been coming at a rapid pace for South Alabama in the month of June, the latest of which is Cottage Hill Christian defensive end/outside linebacker Caleb Metzner.

Metzner, who announced his decision on Friday, is the Jaguars’ 17th commitment for the 2026 class. Twelve of those players have committed to South Alabama in the month of June, eight in the last two weeks.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Metzner — who also has scholarship offers from Chattanooga and North Alabama — plays both tight end and linebacker at Cottage Hill, but is expected to focus on defense in college. He caught 33 passes for 553 yards and nine touchdowns for the Warriors in 2024, while adding 70 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks on defense.

In addition to Metzner, South Alabama recently added three other Mobile-area prospects in Mary G. Montgomery cornerback Trakarris Collier and the St. Michael duo of wide receiver Brody Jones and running back Noah Moss. Also new to the fold are Mae Jemison safety Darius Burwell, Hogansville (Ga.) linebacker Xavious Anderson, John Paul II Catholic (Fla.) safety Camen Upshaw, Thomasville (Ga.) running back Lavonte Cole and Hartfield Academy (Miss.) safety Teryn Green.

The other in-state player who recently committed to the Jaguars is Burwell, who is rated a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports with offers from UAB, Jacksonville State and Arkansas State in addition to South Alabama. Burwell (6-2, 185) totaled 70 tackles and two interceptions in 2024 and also excels in track and field.

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

South Alabama 2026 recruiting class (17)

Sami Abdelhak, OL, 6-3, 305, Baton Rouge, La./Southern Lab HS

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

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

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

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

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

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Two decades of history: Auburn athletics final goodbye to Under Armour

To some, July 1st marks the start of the seventh month of the year. For the Auburn Athletics, and its loyal fans, it’s the start of a new era.

The Nike era.

Auburn’s partnership with Under Armour began in 2006, following a lengthy relationship with Russell Athletic. The Tigers new deal with Nike covers 10 years and is set to make Auburn one of the highest-paid Nike-sponsored programs in the nation.

Auburn’s social media posted a video package highlighting some of the greatest sports moments under Aunder Armour:

During the Under Armour era, Auburn won a national championship with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton, two SEC championships and six bowl games in football.

Men’s basketball reached the Final Four twice in 2019 and in 2025, with multiple SEC regular season and conference titles.

Softball had back-to-back trips to Women’s College World Series from 2015-2016. Along with, the baseball team’s two trips to the College World Series in 2019 and 2022.

Outside of athletics, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank stepped down and eventually returned as the companies CEO in 2024.

In 2015, Auburn was awarded $10 million in stock options when it renewed its contract with Under Armour. Today that investment is worth around 1.25 million dollars according to On3.

“We are also grateful to Kevin Plank and Under Armour for their 18 years of valued partnership in growing the Auburn brand and serving our student athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate this relationship throughout the final year ahead,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said in April.

“We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world. We are appreciative of their strong support throughout this process. We believe that our 10-year agreement, beginning in July 2025, will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].

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‘Bachelor’ alum and Alabama native details addiction to porn, masturbation, ‘sexual sin’

An Alabama native who appeared on season 24 of “The Bachelor” recently revealed that she battles with an addiction to porn and masturbation.

Madison Prewett, who graduated from Auburn University and Bible College in 2018 before appearing on “The Bachelor” in 2019, made the confession during the June 23 episode of her “Stay True” podcast, saying that she has struggled with an “addiction to sexual sin” since middle school.

Prewett said that while she has abstained from porn and masturbation for the past 10 years, she once felt “enslaved” to both after being introduced to music and TV shows with sexually explicit content at the age of 13.

“That was something I felt like I could not break free from,” Prewett said during the podcast. “No matter how much I loved Jesus, I could not shake that sin. I could not break free from porn and masturbation. And I would beat myself up and I would be bound by shame.”

The addiction impacted several of her relationships, according to Prewett, but confessing “to God and confessing to other believers” helped her to overcome it.

“It’s still a choice for me every single day, even as a married woman, to not return back to the past of my sexual sin addictions,” Prewett said. “It’s still a choice every single day for me not to choose to lust after things that I see online or to give into a feeling that arises.”

The 29-year-old, who was a finalist on “The Bachelor” and was applauded for her decision to leave the show after feeling pressured to compromise on her religious views, married Grant Troutt, a pastor, in 2022. She has since released two memoirs about her life experiences and faith.

You can listen to the full Stay True podcast episode here.

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AL.com wins Story of the Year, Public Service awards from Alabama Press Association

AL.com was recognized with 54 awards at the 2025 Alabama Press Association Media Awards ceremony on Saturday.

Investigative reporter Savannah Tryens-Fernandes won Story of the Year for her 2024 reporting on Alabama’s health care deserts.

Alabama routinely routinely ranks at or near the bottom in health outcomes among states. In her series, Tryens-Fernandes reported that the situation continues to become more dire, particularly in rural Alabama. Her reporting highlighted shortages of pediatricians, dentists, ambulances and pharmacies.

“There were many worthy stories, but this in-depth look into the crumbling health care infrastructure in your state needs to be highlighted,” the contest judges wrote. “A lot of work and research went into this.”

The judges added that the series “should be mandatory reading” for Alabama lawmakers.

Ivana Hrynkiw, an investigative reporter for AL.com, won first place for Best Public Service for Denied: Alabama’s broken parole system.

The reporting found that the Alabama parole board used to release most prisoners who were eligible. But under new leadership, paroles fell to 8% by 2023. That’s despite the board’s own guidelines suggesting more than 80% of prisoners should qualify for a second chance.

The series led to significant impact. The parole rate rose to 20% the month after the first article, and finished 2024 at 20%, according to state data. That comes out to roughly 250 more people getting out of prison last year than in 2023.

Lawmakers also held hearings and demanded answers, as prisoners featured on AL.com found lawyers or got new hearings that resulted in their release.

“There are talented people all across this newsroom, doing top notch work,” said Challen Stephens, acting vice president of news for AL.com. “And AL.com has also seen a wave of new reporters step up and embrace investigative reporting that makes a difference, that let’s Alabamians decide for themselves what’s working and what’s not in this state.”

Investigative reporter Hannah Denham won the first place award for Freedom of Information for her reporting about a deadly police shooting in Birmingham. A federal judge released the body camera footage to AL.com in response to a public records request from Denham.

“It’s rewarding to see this reporting from Savannah, Ivana and Hannah recognized because these stories resonated with Alabamians,” said Ashley Remkus, investigative editor at AL.com. “That’s why we do this work — because we care about Alabama.”

In this year’s state contest, 53 publications submitted 1,725 entries. The Michigan Press Association judged the entries.

AL.com competes in Division A for large newspaper outlets.

Here is the full list of awards AL.com took home:

Best Public Service

1st Place: Denied: Alabama’s broken parole system by Ivana Hrynkiw

2nd Place: Alabama’s pandemic unemployment fiasco by Sarah Whites-Koditschek

Freedom of Information-First Amendment

1st Place: “Bodycam shows deadly Birmingham police chase and shooting” by Hannah Denham

2nd Place: Library attacks by Williesha Morris, John Sharp and John Archibald

Best Sports Coverage

1st Place: Matt Stahl, Peter Rauterkus and Nick Kelly

Best Local Education Coverage

1st Place: Rebecca Griesbach and Alaina Bookman

Best Local News Coverage

1st Place: Kayode Crown, Joseph D. Bryant and Maggie Kates

Best Local Economic Coverage

2nd Place: Hannah Denham and John Sharp

Best Spot News Story

1st Place: “Alabama executes Kenneth Eugene Smith by new nitrogen gas method” by Ivana Hrynkiw

2nd Place: “‘None of you are pregnant’: Paid parental leave bill sparks emotions in Alabama Senate” by John Sharp

Best In-Depth News Coverage

1st Place: “Alabama’s health care deserts” by Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

2nd Place: “He’s been on death row for decades. Alabama ‘downplays’ DNA that points to someone else” by Ivana Hrynkiw

3rd Place: “It’s almost weed. And it’s taking Alabama by storm: A big human guinea pig experiment” by Amy Yurkanin, Challen Stephens

Best Business Story or Column

2nd Place: “The final decline of Birmingham-Southern College: New tax records show pattern of losing money” by Hannah Denham

3rd Place: “Why the union vote failed at Alabama’s Mercedes-Benz plant ” by William Thornton

Best Feature Story Coverage

1st Place: “Their parents died during COVID. Now, a Birmingham nonprofit is helping them out of homelessness” by Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

Best News Feature Story Coverage

1st Place: “Alabama girl, 11, dies by suicide: ‘Teach your kids to be kind,’ family

says” by Carol Robinson

2nd Place: “Can Five Points South recover after mass shooting?” by Greg Garrison

3rd Place: “‘I just held him and prayed,’ 16-year-old boy killed in Birmingham shooting died in parents’ arms” by Carol Robinson

Best Humorous Column

1st Place: “How Nick Saban drove me away from Bryant-Denny Stadium” by John Archibald

Best Human Interest Column

1st Place: “Who killed Daniel Williams? A tale of terror in Alabama prisons” by John Archibald

2nd Place: “We banned ‘divisive concepts.’ So, why do we still have Confederate holidays?” by Roy S. Johnson

Best Editorial Column or Commentary

1st Place: Roy S. Johnson

2nd Place: Kyle Whitmire

Best Sports News In-Depth Coverage

1st Place: “The complicated legacy of Birmingham’s white baseball legends” by

Creg Stephenson

3rd Place: “Boosters started a nonprofit to pay Alabama athletes millions. Now, it’s shutting down” by Hannah Denham

Best Sports Single Event Story

1st Place: “Inside Auburn’s 15-play, 74-yard drive to send the Texas A&M game to overtime” by Peter Rauterkus

Best Sports Feature Story

1st Place: “The story behind this Alabama basketball fan’s wild, scary journey to the Final Four ” by Bob Carlton

2nd Place: “Scenes from Tuscaloosa’s first full day after Nick Saban’s retirement ” by Matt Stahl

Best Local Sports Column

1st Place: “Nick Saban is the new face of an old scam” by Joseph Goodman

Best Feature Photo

1st Place: “Coates-Thornton reunion” by Tamika Moore

Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations

1st Place: “Life’s a process ” by JD Crowe, Joseph Goodman

2nd Place: “The Mount Rushmore of Alabama Barbecue” by Bob Carlton, J.D. Crowe

Best Headline

1st Place: “The genie is out of the bong in Alabama ” by Challen Stephens, John Archibald

2nd Place: “Gordon Ramsay fumes, hurls pork chop cooked by Alabama child: I messed up” by Mary Colurso, Ben Flanagan

3rd Place: “Man stuck in urn at Mountain Brook party loses pants, breaks expensive vase and Alabama Internet” by Howard Koplowitz, Jeremy Gray

Creative Use of Multimedia

1st Place: “Descendants of Alabama slaves reunite in old plantation house” by Bill Thornton, Tamika Moore, Amanda Khorramabadi

2nd Place: “The moment of truth for Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer” by Nick Kelly, Clay Yeager

3rd Place: “JD Crowe Cartoons” by JD Crowe

Online Breaking News Coverage

1st Place: “Alabama Supreme Court rules embryos are children, halting IVF” by staff

2nd Place: “Mass shooting at Hush lounge” by Carol Robinson, Hannah Denham, staff

Best Use of Social Media

1st Place: “If you could change one thing about Alabama…” by Tandra Smith, Monica Keener, Heather Gann

2nd Place: “Will legal marijuana ever come to Alabama?” by Monica Keener

3rd Place: “Youth homelessness in Alabama” by Monica Keener

Best Podcast Series

1st Place: “Down in Alabama” by Ike Morgan, John Hammontree

2nd Place: “Beat Everyone” by Ben Flanagan, John Hammontree, staff

Best Use of Video (Shorter than 2 minutes)

1st Place: “Denied: Alabama’s Broken Parole System trailer” by Amanda Khorramabadi, Ivana Hrynkiw

2nd Place: “Birmingham mass shooting” by Amanda Khorramabadi

3rd Place: “The two voices of Katie Britt” by Amanda Khorramabadi

Best Use of Video (Longer than 2 minutes)

1st Place: “Days and Hours Matter Here: Alabamians speak out against Alabama Supreme Court IVF ruling” by Anissa Latham-Brown, John Hammontree, Dawson Estes

2nd Place: “How one Alabama woman is getting people to the polls” by Amanda Khorramabadi

3rd Place: “Hush Lounge Shooting Arrest Reveals tragic links in 11 Homicides” by Anissa Latham-Brown

Best Community Event

1st Place: “AL.com 2nd Congressional District debate”

General

Beloved pizza buffet chain closes 2 Alabama locations

Several Alabama Facebook users have taken to the platform this week to mourn the loss of a beloved buffet style pizza chain.

Buckshot Enterprises, LLC, recently closed at least two of its three Cicis Pizza locations, according to signage posted on the doors.

The Florence store, located at 157 Cox Creek Parkway South, closed two weeks ago. And the Northport store on 929 McFarland Boulevard closed on Sunday.

Buckshot Enterprise’s third Huntsville location on University Drive has not made any public announcements about closing as of June 30, and efforts to reach the store were not immediately successful.

The Texas-based chain first opened its doors in 1985 and has since become a favorite for families and children’s sports teams looking for a dinner deal.

Citing loss of revenue due to the pandemic, the company declared bankruptcy in 2021 but has launched a series of promotions in the years since in an attempt to increase business.

“The vibe was always good here!” one woman wrote on Facebook in response to the Northport location closing.

“So sad to see it go! Our kiddos loved Cici’s.”

Another woman said she wasn’t sure how she was going to “break the news” to her son.