Gees Bend Ferry Set to Resume Service in Wilcox Co.
From the West Alabama Newsroom-- The Gees Bend Ferry is nearly ready to go back into service after a million dollar upgrade. The ferry is awaiting a final inspection before it…
News
Ivey signs gas tax increase into law
Alabama Gov, Kay Ivey has signed a 10-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax increase into law. Ivey signed the bill Tuesday afternoon about two hours after the measure was approved by the Alabama Legislature. The Republican governor proposed the increase to fund road…
Covington County Commission Withdraws Land Offer For Mental Health Facility
The Covington County Commission has decided to change its plan to provide land for a mental health facility. Two weeks ago, the commission held a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility…
Former ASF Director Geoffrey Sherman Dies
Alabama News Network has learned that Geoffrey Sherman, the former producing artistic director for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival has died. Sherman retired in July of 2017 after 12 years at ASF. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival says Sherman died today in…
'Dark Knight' Trilogy Returning to Theaters for Batman's 80th Anniversary
Batman is turning 80 this year, and Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy is coming back to select theaters to celebrate in high-resolution 70mm IMAX. Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Jeff Goldstein said Tuesday that the engagement will kick off…
City Uses Software to Identify Vacant Properties
New technology called "Building Blocks" is allowing the City of Montgomery to identify vacant properties in a way the city's never done before. City leaders say this should help cut down on…
Hearing Being Held to See If Cameras Will Be Allowed in Courtroom During Jussie Smollett Case
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett has arrived at a hearing in Chicago where lawyers will discuss whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom during his disorderly conduct trial. Smollett was joined by his lawyers and some family members at Tuesday's…
Gas Tax Bill Passes Alabama Senate, Gov. Ivey to Sign It Today
The Alabama Senate has approved a bill to raise Alabama's gas tax by 10 cents a gallon. The bill bill passed the Senate this afternoon on a 28-6 vote. The measure now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey, who will sign…
Congress Doesn't Believe Wells Fargo is Stronger Like CEO Says
The CEO of beleaguered Wells Fargo is telling Congress the bank has cleaned up its act after a series of scandals that affected millions of customers. But Democrats - and some Republicans - on the House Financial Services Committee aren't…
Three Men Sought in Liquor Store Thefts Across West and South Alabama
Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is seeking three men who are considered regional theft suspects but are not in custody. The men are accused of stealing, on average, between $300 to $800 on every visit to…
Actresses Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin Indicted in College Admissions Bribery Scandal
Actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are among at least 40 people indicted in a sweeping college admissions bribery scandal. Loughlin appeared in the ABC sitcom "Full House," and Huffman starred in ABC's "Desperate Housewives." Both were charged with conspiracy…
Harper Lee Compared Hometown of Monroeville to 'Elvis' Graceland'
"To Kill a Mockingbird" author Harper Lee railed against her hometown for trying to exploit her success in a letter that helps explain later legal battles involving commercialization of her novel. The writer's bitter assessment of Monroeville comes in a…
Alabama Senate Debating Gas Tax Hike
The Alabama Senate is expected to vote today on a proposed 10-cent gasoline tax increase in what could be the final day of the special session. Senators are scheduled to start debate at 10 a.m. on the House-passed proposal and a…
What's Next as Governor Kay Ivey's Proposed Gas Tax Increase Heads to the the Alabama Senate Floor?
Alabama's roads and bridges could finally see changes, if governor Kay Ivey's proposed gas tax increase becomes law. The bill passed the senate committee today and heads to the senate…
State Supreme Court to Review Hubbard conviction
The Alabama Supreme Court will review former House Speaker Mike Hubbard's ethics conviction. Defense attorney Bill Baxley said Monday that the Supreme Court granted review on one matter that he considered the "catch-all issue" in the case. Baxley said that…
Almost $6M in Timber Damage Caused by Lee County Tornadoes
The Alabama Forestry Commission estimates timber losses caused by deadly tornadoes on March 3 at nearly $5.9 million. That's almost $1,000 per acre of timberland damaged by two or three tornadoes in Macon, Lee and Barbour counties. A report posted…
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall Sued in Riverchase Galleria Shooting Case
Relatives of an Alabama man fatally shot by Hoover police inside the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving have filed a lawsuit against Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to make the state release more evidence about the case. The parents of Emantic "EJ"…
$15,000 Grant Awarded to Provide Training for School Resource Officers
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $15,000 to help improve safety in several south-central Alabama schools. The award to Central Alabama Crimestoppers will provide training for 40 school resource officers in Montgomery, Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, Pike and Tallapoosa…
Update: Montgomery Police Launch Homicide Investigation after Woman's Shooting Death
Late this afternoon, the Montgomery Police Department announced that it's now conducting a homicide investigation following the shooting death of Laquanda Parker, 31, of Montgomery. Police and fire medics…
Random Security Screenings at MPS Schools
After a shooting last month at Lee High School and guns found on campus at other Montgomery Public Schools, Alabama News Network is taking a closer look at security measures in…
Alabama Gas Tax Bill Passes Senate Committee and Goes to the Senate Floor
An Alabama Senate committee has approved a proposed 10-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax increase, keeping the bill on the fast track in the special session that Gov. Kay Ivey called last week. The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee approved the gas tax…
Montgomery launches high-tech, data-driven initiative to Pinpoint Abandoned Properties
Tasked with service area of more than 83,000 properties, the City of Montgomery tapped a high-tech solution to sift through data and pinpoint potentially distressed or abandoned properties. “This is another innovative opportunity to leverage technology to better serve our…
Hyundai Donating $50,000 to Help with Lee County Tornado Relief
In response to the deadly tornado that devastated Lee County, on Sunday, March 3, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA) is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado relief efforts. The EF-4 tornado was the deadliest to hit…
Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma to Close on Wednesday for Road Work
The Alabama Department of Transportation says it will need to close the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma on Wednesday for nearby maintenance. Crews will be performing maintenance to an area of pavement near the bridge. ALDOT says that due…
People Employed in Alabama Reach Record Highs
For eight consecutive months, the number of people counted as employed in Alabama has reached record highs. In January 2019, this number measured 2,123,398, breaking December 2018’s revised count of 2,120,769. “People are working in Alabama. Employers are hiring in Alabama. We continue…
