MOBILE, AL. A wreck at the intersection of Grand Bay Wilmer and Dawes roads has left one person deceased and another with injuries on Monday morning.
According to ALEA, a car collided with an 18-wheeler at around 9:25 a.m. and closed the intersection for more than five hours while Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers investigated.
Witness heard a loud crash and saw a red car embedded into the truck. One person stated that it looked like the car did not stop for the stop sign.
The 18-wheeler had minor damage to its rear.
Troopers have not determined the cause of the crash or released the victim’s name or other details. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call ALEA.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. An Etowah County man is in custody in Baldwin County after an arrest warrant was served on him on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, arrested James Eric Sitz, 50 for was electronic solicitation of a child.
Sitz is accused of communicating sexually with an online fourteen-year-old who was actually an investigator with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff investigators said that the contact occurred in August of 2025 which began the investigation.
Authorities also say Sitz was linked to a different undercover investigation by a law enforcement officer in West Virginia.
Sheriff Horton said during a post-arrest interview, Sitz admitted to engaging in inappropriate online communications with the undercover persona. Horton said multiple electronic devices were also seized that possibly contained child sexual abuse material depicting young teenage girls.
“This arrest is the result of a proactive, long-term investigation and strong cooperation between local, state, and federal partners,” Sheriff Jonathon Horton said. “Protecting our children is a top priority, and we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
Other law enforcement agencies are also involved and more charges are possible.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. A woman has been arrested for a weekend incident where she intentionally caused more than $17,000 of damages to vehicles at the Mullinax Ford, located at 7311 Airport Boulevard.
Mobile police officers responded to the business on Friday, January 9th, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m.
At that time, business representatives stated that the then unknown female was observed on surveillance footage vandalizing several vehicles at the location.
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
However, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., police were able to locate the subject and take her into custody without further incident.
Regina Stanley, 49, was transported to Metro Jail.
Stanley has been charged with Criminal Mischief, 1st degree.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. Mobile Fire-Rescue responded to a structure fire Sunday that damaged two homes.
The fire was reported to be in the 3700 block of Holly Ridge Circle and when firefighters arrived, they saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the home.
A neighboring home also received minor damage to one side of the structure.
At this time, no injuries were reported.
MFR said that they are investigating the cause of the fire.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
ALABAMA According to a new list ranking states where people moved to the most in 2025, Alabama hit the top 10!
Texas came in first place, and our state ranked ninth, up seven spots from the 2024 ranking according to U-Haul’s Growth Index which tracks one-way moves from customers across the country.
According to U-Haul, Alabama had a 50.3% in-migration which was just enough to earn a spot in the top 10. The top of the index was dominated by states in the southeast.
The top 10 states included:
Texas
Florida
North Carolina
Tennessee
South Carolina
Washington
Arizona
Idaho
Alabama
Georgia
U-Haul ranks states by their net gain (or loss) of customers who rented a one-way truck, trailer or U-Box moving containers in one state and dropped off their equipment in another state.
The company says its Growth Index is compiled from over 2.5 million annual one-way transactions across the U.S. and Canada.
While rankings may not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index is said to be an effective gauge of how well states, metros and cities are attracting and maintaining residents.
After three Alabama cities made U-Haul’s top 25 list last year, just one remained on the list in 2025.
Auburn, which ranked 12th last year, is back on the list at No. 17 this year. It was one of just 8 cities from last year’s top 25 to reappear on the index this year.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. During the early part of Monday morning, heavy smoke could be seen coming from the Mobile River area near the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge. On closer inspection, we saw that a barge was on fire and that the Mobile-Fire Rescue boat was on scene and beginning to fight the fire, soon followed by several other agencies including the United States Coast Guard.
From nearby cameras we could see that the barge soon became engulfed in flames and the at around 1:17 p.m., the Coast Guard advised that the Mobile shipping channel was closed to all traffic from mile marker 2 to mile marker 4 because of the fire.
Police and EMS were also dispatched to the area and stood by on land.
The barge which was carrying scrapped vehicles continued to burn bright into the night.
The U.S. Coast Guard set up a safety zone to ensure that no entered the area of the barge fire.
The USCG said that they did not have a cause of the fire that they would be investigating it.
Some toxic smoke was seen near parts of Mobile but there were no reports of injuries or sickness on water or on land.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Digital News Team Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
January 12, 2026
MULGA, Ala. A house fire in Mulga claimed the lives of a brother and sister Wednesday, according to their pastor.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the brother as Charley James Carlisle, Sr. He was 79 and lived in Detroit, Michigan. A tentative identification has been made on his sister, pending completion of dental comparison.
The Minor Fire Department responded to the fire in the 1500 block of Pine Street at around 10:43 p.m.
Timothy Sanford, the siblings’ pastor at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, told WBRC’s Brady Talbert that they were in their 70s, adding they had beautiful smiles and attitudes.
Sanford said he recently saw the brother and is asking for people to remember the siblings as warm and inviting.
“I had just seen the brother the day before this happened, maybe Tuesday, he had a beautiful smile…. His sister, I’ve known her for 13 years, beautiful attitude. She was always happy. I have to lead a community, a church, to remind them to think on the good. Remember them as warm, as inviting, as engaging… How you interacted with them and not how they ended their life.”
Melvina Shelley, a neighbor of the siblings of more than 40 years, said she could feel the heat from the house when she walked up to the door.
She says they treated each other like they were family.
“We treated each other like family… When he would start cooking cars would start pulling up. Like okay, we about to have a party cause he’s already got his radio going,” Shelley said.
Shelley says the brother was a protector and took care of his little sister, and she was the one to keep people laughing.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause and origin of the fire, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. A serious motor vehicle collision in Fairhope on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, critically injured a motorcyclist and continues to be under investigation.
The crash occurred at around 11:10 a.m. near the intersection of State Highway 181 and State Highway 104 involved a motorcyclist and at least one passenger vehicle and there were several people who were injured and transported to area medical centers, according to police.
Fairhope police and fire departments along with Medstar responded to the initial 911 call for help but because of the severity of injuries that the motorcyclist, a medical helicopter was also dispatched and landed on State Highway 181 near the WaWa store.
The condition of those injured is not known at this time.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
The City of Gulf Shores is pleased to announce the return of the 47th annual Mardi Gras Parade, rolling once again down Highway 59 on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10 a.m.
“Mayor Craft and our City Council recognize how deeply the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade is woven into the fabric of our community,” said Grant Brown, Director of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. “By bringing the parade back to Highway 59, reducing entry costs, and broadening the types of units eligible to participate, we’re opening the door for more krewes, organizations, groups, and families than ever before. We want this year’s parade to be our biggest and most inclusive yet.”
The 2026 parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue south to the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 182/Beach Boulevard. Entry fees have been lowered to just $25 per unit, and updated insurance options now allow participants to either provide proof of vehicular liability insurance or add the City of Gulf Shores as an additional insured on an existing liability policy—making it easier and more accessible for newcomers to join the fun.
Applications and full parade regulations are available at www.gulfshoresal.gov/mardigras and must be submitted by February 6, 2026. The City strongly encourages early submissions and is actively seeking a wide variety of creative, spirited entries to help make the 47th annual Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade the most vibrant and well‑attended celebration yet.
Gulf Shores looks forward to welcoming an enthusiastic lineup of participants—and a lively crowd of spectators—ready to celebrate one of the community’s most cherished traditions.
For more information about Mardi Gras, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/mardigras.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
ATLANTA, Ga. The number of measle cases in America continues to rise with more than 2000 known cases reported nationwide in 2025, the most reported in almost thirty years.
Some medical professionals believe that there is more anti-trust of the government since the COVID-19 Pandemic with misinformation about masks and vaccinations. Another concern is that many religious bodies have been preaching against trusting immunizations for themselves or their children, even keeping kids home when schools require them.
Outbreaks in 2025 were well recorded in South Caroliana, along the border between Arizona and Utah and some areas of the heartland. Dozens of measle cases are being recorded weekly threatening the measles elimination status that the US has held for a quarter-century.
As of December 30, 2025, there have been 2,065 confirmed measles cases in the US in 2025, according to data published Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The last time there were more than 2,000 cases reported in one year was in 1992, just a couple years after health leaders updated recommendations to say that children should get two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine instead of just one.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, but the MMR vaccine offers highly effective protection. One dose is 93% effective against measles infection, and two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC.
However, vaccination rates have been falling for years. For the 2024-25 school year, just 92.5% of incoming kindergarteners had received the MMR vaccine, CDC data shows – below the 95% threshold that public health experts say is necessary to prevent outbreaks.
Parents in the South and Midwest have chosen to home school their children rather than vaccinate them but doctors say this doesn’t protect the children because they’re out in public shopping, playing with other children and in church exposing them to potential measles.
In early October, the South Carolina health department confirmed that there was a measles outbreak in the upstate region. That outbreak has spread to nearly 180 cases over the past four months and continues to grow; at least 20 new cases have been reported since Friday, and nearly 300 people are in quarantine because of exposure to a known case.
An outbreak on the Utah-Arizona line also continues to grow, with more than 350 cases reported between the two states in 2025.
Measles have been considered eliminated in the US since 2000, meaning no outbreaks or other chains of transmission have lasted longer than a year. But multiple large outbreaks in 2025 may be connected, which puts the elimination status on the line if cases continue to grow through late January.
An outbreak centered in West Texas that started in late January was declared over in mid-August. There were hundreds of related cases across Texas and New Mexico, and three unvaccinated people died: two children and one adult.
In 2025, measles were reported by 45 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 25 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States.
The number of deaths from the measle outbreaks are still being calculated.
In November, the Pan American Health Organization, part of the World Health Organization, determined that Canada had lost its measles elimination status amid a large ongoing outbreak there.
“It’s important to say that all the other 34 countries in the region, they keep their certification as measles-free,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said at the time.
What 2026 will bring is unclear as the government can’t force anyone to be inoculated against and disease or illness.
The trajectory that we’re looking at now is that we do anticipate more cases well into January. What that means for us nationally in terms of how they are defining our designation in this country as having eliminated measles is unclear.”
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. A confrontation during and after a high school basketball game led to shots fired, people screaming and running for their lives and has left one person in critical condition.
This all occurred near Murphy High School when police say a fight broke out, at around 8:30 p.m., leading to shots being fired and one person shot with life-threatening injuries.
Dozens of people were leaving the gym after the basketball game between Murphy and Blount High School when gunfire erupted nearby. One person said they heard about 30 gunshots.
Mobile police and Mobile Fire-Rescue were on scene quickly and the injured person who has not been identified was immediately taken to an area hospital.
Mobile police searched for evidence in the parking lot next to the Murphy gym.
A Mobile police spokesperson said no arrests were made but that this is an active investigation.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BAY MINETTE, Ala. A woman conducting business at the Baldwin County Courthouse on Thursday, January 8, 2026, found herself in handcuffs and locked up at the Baldwin County Detention Center after police said that she left two children alone in a vehicle for close to two hours.
Someone called police at around 10:15 am and reported that two small children had been left alone inside a car that was turned off with the windows up.
Bay Minette police responded and spotted the vehicle, and EMS was also dispatched.
The children, a 3-year-old and a 4-month-old, were sweating when they were removed from the car, but were ok after being checked out by EMS, according to authorities.
Petronila Vicinte-Gonzales was found to be in the courthouse and was arrested on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Police said Vicinte-Gonzales had been inside the courthouse since 8:30 am when the kids were found.
The father was notified and responded and took custody of the children.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. A small, experimental helicopter crash landed on Friday, January 8, 2026 according to law enforcement.
The one-man aircraft came down, making a hard landing Thursday on the beach along Bay Front Road, near Dauphin Island Parkway according to authorities and the pilot was injured but had no serious injuries.
Law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS responded to the call of the crash.
Witnesses said the aircraft was coming down fast and that the crash occurred as the helicopter was almost on the ground.
In December of 2024, an experimental gyroplane crashed in Foley at the Foley Municipal Airport killing the 67-year-old pilot.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
LITTLE RIVER Ala. Firefighters say that the fire burned hot and fast and took the life of a Little River community man in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 2nd, 2026.
The home of 61-year-old Terry Cumbie just off Sawmill Road is all but destroyed. Scattered about are pieces of charred wood and metal remnants of the place that Cumbie had called home.
Baldwin County 911 Communications immediately dispatched multiple fire departments after a neighbor woke up and spotted the flames, but when volunteer firefighters arrived from the Little River Fire Department, the fire had already engulfed the structure.
Several hours later and with much of the structure gone, firefighters sifted through the rumble and recovered the body of Cumbie.
An autopsy was performed and found no signs of foul play.
There were no other reports of injuries on scene, and a state fire marshal’s investigation could not determine how the fire started but concluded that it was likely accidental.
Locals stated that Cumbie lived in the area all of his life.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. The mayor of Daphne says that they have worked out the details for a new boutique hotel to be built in the Old Towne area of the city.
A new $30 million boutique hotel is coming soon to Olde Towne Daphne. City leaders say that it won’t cost local taxpayers a dime.
The Fortuna Hotel will be designed to match the historic charm many love about Olde Towne.
“We’re not talking about just a regular hotel motel type of thing,” Daphne’s Mayor Robin LeJeune said. “This is really something that we can be proud of; this $30 million project is really going to show off what Daphne and Olde Towne can do.”
There have been discussions since last year regarding the project which could also bring other shops and restaurants to the area.
City leaders explained that the goal of this new boutique hotel is to bring more visitors to support local businesses.
“This adds to that and really helps promote our restaurants, our retail stores,” Lejeune said. “And it brings a group of people, a brand-new group of people that might stay on the interstate, might go down to Fairhope and stay. Now they’re going to stay in Daphne. They’re going to spend dollars in Daphne.”
Some city residents however expressed concern about the continual growth, traffic and how the hotel and other commercial business will take aware from the Old Towne feel and look whiles others have said that they are excited about the project.
City leaders hope to begin construction by next summer, with the boutique hotel expected to open around 2029.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. Foley police officers conducting a traffic stop for a moving violation have arrested a man found to be in possession of approximately 11 ounces of liquid methamphetamine.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at around 8:45 p.m., Lewis Joseph Jackson, age 30 of Robertsdale, was stopped for the infraction and as officers interacted with Jackson, it was determined that he was illegally in possession of a controlled substance.
Jackson was arrested and charged with drug trafficking (methamphetamine) and tampering with physical evidence after he attempted to conceal and tamper with the recovered contraband.
Jackson has been booked into Baldwin County Corrections on felony charges and is being held on a $750,500 bond.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. Orange Beach Surf Rescue has named Sawyer Wilson as its 2025 Lifeguard of the Year.
The announcement came with a detailed commendation from Beach Division Chief Brett Lesinger, who described Wilson as a model for others on the team.
Lesinger said that Wilson exemplifies professionalism and leadership.
The award recognizes Wilson’s leadership on the beach and his strong record of preventing dangerous situations in the water. Officials say he stands out not only for his skills but also for his character. The honor caps a year of rescues, community recognition, and significant accomplishments for the young guard.
The award highlights his work throughout 2025, including key incidents and competitions.
In his written statement, Lesinger praised Wilson’s attitude and approach to the job. “Sawyer embodies what it means to be a lifeguard and has all the traits you would want a lifeguard to possess,” he wrote. “His number one trait is his maturity level,” Lesinger added that Wilson does not need a title or special uniform to get others to follow his lead. Wilson is the most proactive lifeguard on the staff and is usually first in the water when a swimmer appears to be in trouble.
One of the most notable incidents happened on May 10, 2025. On that date, Wilson carried out a challenging rescue involving two female swimmers, one of whom was nonverbal. Lesinger said he witnessed the rescue firsthand and described the conditions as difficult. He credited credited Wilson’s skill level with making “an impact that the family will always be grateful for.”
Lesinger also stated that visitors to the beach have also sent written letters and photos on several occasions this year with compliments and recognizing Wilson for a job well done.
Wilson’s year also included success in competition. At the Lifeguard Regional Competition in Daytona Beach, he earned several medals in different events. Much of his preparation for those contests took place while he was off duty. The commendation notes that this additional training reflects his dedication to maintaining top physical and technical condition.
Beyond rescues and competitions, Wilson has also advanced his professional training. In his third year as a lifeguard, he obtained his Emergency Medical Technician license, Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Certification, and Personal Watercraft Operator Certification. He completed all of this while finishing high school and playing as the starting running back for his football team.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. A woman armed with a knife attempted to carjack a female driver as she entered the parking lot of a business.
Mobile police responded to the emergency call at 3351 Springhill Avenue (Energizer Service Station) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at approximately 5:57 a.m.
The armed woman grabbed for the vehicle keys, but the driver fought back and eventually was able to flee inside the business.
Other Mobile police officers circulated in the area and was able to apprehend Tyese Winston, 35 and arrested her for felony, Robbery in the First Degree.
She was transported to the Mobile jail where is currently being held.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. On January 4, 2026, MCSO was dispatched to the Dollar General at 3975 Jarrett Road concerning a 14-year-old female juvenile experiencing dizziness and stomach pain. An employee notified authorities after observing the juvenile stumbling down the road in front of Dollar General.
The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and was interviewed by an MCSO Detective with the Child Advocacy Center. During the interview, the juvenile advised the detective that she had been living alone with her dogs at 3955 Jarrett Road since approximately February 2025, around the time of her birthday. She stated that her mother, MARCHELLE LYNN PERTILLA, and stepfather, EUGENE MEDRANO, live and work in Pensacola, Florida, and that the last time she saw them was October 31, 2025. Communication was primarily through Snapchat, and the mother would send food via DoorDash or Walmart deliveries.
After being contacted by the hospital, PERTILLA and MEDRANO responded and were interviewed by MCSO Detectives. When asked why their daughter was left alone, the mother stated the juvenile did not want to leave her service animals.
MARCHELLE LYNN PERTILLA and EUGENE MEDRANO were subsequently arrested and charged with Child Abuse and transported to Metro Jail.
On January 5, 2026, MCSO executed a search warrant at the residence where the juvenile was living, 3955 Jarrett Road, Eight Mile, Alabama, assisted by Prichard Animal Control. The interior of the single-wide trailer was observed to be covered in urine, feces, roaches, trash, and various miscellaneous items.
A total of seven dogs were located on the property, with four found inside and one dog found deceased inside a closet. The dogs were taken by Prichard Animal Control. Detectives also recovered a handwritten letter from the juvenile’s sleeping area titled, “How many times mom tells me that she can’t pick me up!” which contained approximately 87 dash marks and was collected as evidence.
Sheriff Burch stated, “We are continuing to search for answers on why this young girl was living alone and whether or not others tried calling law enforcement.
Thank goodness for the employee with Dollar General who contacted the county and we were able to respond. If you see something, say something, it could mean the difference between life or death.”
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