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UAB has fired head softball coach Taylor Smartt following misconduct allegations that surfaced earlier this year, with former players accusing her of racism and emotional abuse. The university confirmed the decision, reaffirming its commitment to a safe, respectful environment for student athletes. Assistant coach Anna Shelnutt will temporarily lead the team as UAB searches for a new head coach —...

Flames erupted Thursday night on Tuscaloosa Avenue in Birmingham, sending thick smoke visible from miles away near the Red Mountain Expressway. Firefighters arrived to find a vacant two-story building engulfed in fire — thankfully, no one was injured. By 8:30 PM, crews had the blaze under control, though cleanup and investigation continue as authorities dig into the cause of the unexpected blaze....

Two singles who almost skipped a Birmingham event ended up finding love—and a powerful message for anyone navigating today’s dating world. Matthew Covington and Tierra Virden share how they met by chance, but their connection was built on intentional dating, core values, and patience. Covington warns against rushing into relationships based on surface chemistry, urging listeners to focus on sincer...

Litter Quitters Committee’s latest campaign targets teens—aged 18-35, the biggest litterers—before habits set in. Students create 60-second anti-litter PSAs, learn the real impact of trash, and compete for cash prizes based on likes. Jefferson County is split into three zones, with winners in each plus a special award for best message and tech. Student-led PSAs aim to inspire action, and while lit...

Birmingham’s food scene just got a visual spotlight with “The Magic Ingredient,” a stunning photo exhibit at City Hall showcasing the chefs and staff behind the city’s favorite eateries — from Bottega to Gus’s Hot Dogs. Photographer Mary Fehr captures their passion and grit, turning behind-the-scenes hustle into art. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes fueling Birmingham’s flavor, and a...

A Florida woman, 62, allegedly threatened a pest control salesman with a gun after he visited her home in Lehigh Acres, leading to her arrest on aggravated assault charges. She was released on $7,500 bond and is set to appear in court on August 10th — a cautionary tale about how quickly tempers can escalate over unsolicited visits. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipil...

Mark Sears is back on the NBA Summer League court with the Denver Nuggets, determined to turn his missed opportunity last year into a breakout moment. After going undrafted and bouncing between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, he’s now on a non-guaranteed deal, using this summer as his audition to prove he belongs. Despite his college stardom and height concerns, Sears is channeling the gri...

In a fiery City Council showdown, Lipscomb’s new mayor Rob Sims II faces a leadership crisis just days after returning from a two-month absence — as his own council votes to let Deputy Mayor Monique Wilkerson preside over meetings, citing his lack of presence and unfamiliarity with current city issues. Wilkerson, who ran the city during his absence, highlights key wins like securing new insurance...

CSX’s Alabaster track work just got delayed — closures originally set for Thursday are now Friday, July 10th, hitting Industrial Road, Second Place NW, and Eighth Ave NW as part of a major tie and pavement replacement project. Big update: Alabama Highway 119 crossings won’t close on Friday as planned — but still expected to be shut down, just not on that day. Each closure lasts 2-3 days, and CSX s...

Kobe Brown is staying with the Indiana Pacers for the 2026-27 season on a two-way contract, after a breakout year following his trade from the Clippers — averaging nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds, shooting threes at a much higher clip, and even starting 10 games. His development, including a dramatic jump in three-point shooting, makes him a key asset as he transitions from a limited role in LA to...

College football’s 2026 opener explodes with history as Notre Dame clashes with Wisconsin at Lambeau Field — the Packers’ legendary home. Notre Dame’s uniforms honor their deep ties to Green Bay, featuring nods to national titles, Paul Hornung, and the Acme Packers’ blue. Wisconsin answers in full red, paying tribute to Vince Lombardi and the Lombardi Trophy. Set for September 5 at 6:30 PM CT on N...

Alabaster drivers brace for chaos as CSX’s major railroad maintenance project—delayed and without a firm schedule—threatens to disrupt daily life, with key crossings like Highway 119’s now likely to close this weekend or early next week, leaving businesses and commuters scrambling for alternatives amid constant updates and uncertainty. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://sol...

Eighty-nine new correctional officers graduated from a grueling ten-week training program in Alabama, now certified and ready for one of the toughest jobs out there—where every day demands focus, responsibility, and the power to shape lives behind bars. From basic security to emotional support, these officers are expected to guide inmates toward reintegration. Lieutenant Jessica Lindsey emphasized...

A gas line ruptured during construction near Victorian Village Shopping Center, spilling gas into the sewer system and forcing evacuations. The Sylacauga Fire Department responded swiftly, working with utility crews to contain and repair the leak. Thanks to their quick action, the area is now safe and secure — a reminder of how fragile underground infrastructure can be, and why emergency teams are...

A hundred-year-old WWII veteran still dominates the pool table six to seven nights a week, proving age is just a number. Edward Gill, once an aviation radioman and later an air traffic controller, now lives life at full throttle—thanks to his late-night pool tournaments, cookies, Coke, and one banana. Photographer Jeff Rease, documenting America’s fading WWII heroes for his “Portraits of Honor” pr...

A Mississippi family is shattered after a horrific I-59 crash claims the lives of Dquarious Butler, his wife Dominque, and their five-year-old daughter Nai’Lani. Their three other children, including an eight-year-old girl with severe injuries requiring amputation, are fighting for recovery. The family has launched a GoFundMe to cover medical bills, funeral costs, and the long road to healing — as...

Summer band camp is heating up—and these high school musicians are ready to sweat it out. Beyond the music, they’re building stamina, mental grit, and a tight-knit family bond that keeps them going through blistering heat and long practices. Students share pro tips: breathe right, build core strength, stay disciplined, and embrace feedback. Band directors stress hydration and ditching sugary drink...

Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard stands trial for alleged misconduct, facing potential removal from the bench as the Court of the Judiciary weighs serious accusations of bullying and abuse of power. Suspended in May, she now appears as a defendant in a high-stakes case expected to span five days with 25-30 witnesses. Blanchard denies all claims, and her legal team is racing to secu...

Jefferson County mourns the loss of Assistant District Attorney William North, who died at 64 in a boating accident on Logan Martin Lake while serving as a spotter for a sailboat race. Honored by his peers and community, North dedicated 29 years to justice, known for his compassion, fairness, and deep commitment to victims. His family accepted a resolution from the Jefferson County Commission reco...

A viral Birmingham social media page called “Only in Birmingham” is sparking wild debate and memes across the city, with State Rep. Juandalynn Givan leading the charge — and keeping the mystery of its creators alive for the fun of it. While AI’s role in the content raises concerns about authenticity and misinformation, Givan embraces the page’s chaotic energy, encouraging fans to keep the shade fl...

Two University of Alabama students, fraternity brothers and business majors, lost their lives in a tragic fire sparked by discarded, still-hot fireworks that ignited an ATV and spread to a nearby home. The State Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed the blaze was accidental, and two of their four friends escaped with injuries. The community is reeling, honoring their vibrant, warm personalities at recen...

A tragic hunting camp fire in Conecuh County claimed the lives of two University of Alabama students, Mark Mostellar and Walter Hensley, after discarded fireworks ignited an ATV and spread to the structure. Two friends escaped but were hospitalized. Authorities are still investigating, but preliminary findings point to fireworks as the likely cause — a sobering reminder of how fast disaster can st...

Lori Ross is back — and she’s crossing over. Julianne Nicholson, Emmy winner for her role as Mare’s best friend in “Mare of Easttown,” is joining “Task” Season 2 as Lori, reprising her iconic role. The connection between HBO’s gritty crime dramas just got deeper, with both shows streaming on Max and “Task” already filming its next chapter. Fans of Mare’s emotional journey and Lori’s complex arc ar...

College football’s playoff schedule is locked in for the next four seasons, revealing where and when the biggest games will unfold — from New Year’s Day showdowns to championship clashes in Tampa, Miami, and beyond. The Rose Bowl stays out of the semifinal rotation, clinging to its traditional New Year’s Eve slot, while historic bowls like the Sugar, Orange, and Cotton rotate hosting duties. The 2...

Wichita, Kansas is stepping into the March Madness spotlight, set to host six of the 12 new play-in games for the expanded 2027 and 2028 NCAA tournaments, marking a historic shift as the field grows to 76 teams. With Dayton handling the other six, this move brings the tournament’s kickoff to a passionate midwestern basketball hub, easing travel for teams nationwide. The NCAA also tweaked rules to...