MOBILE COUNTY, AL. In the month of March 2026, detectives with the Mobile County Sheriff’s office ICAC unit received a Cyber Tip from Google. The tip notified law enforcement about a person receiving child pornography.
Detectives were able to identify Walter Rainey as the suspect. Rainey is a convicted child sex offender. He was convicted of one count of the attempted sexual abuse of a child less than 12 in 2025.
On April 9, 2026, detectives were able to locate and arrest Rainey on 5 counts of unlawful possession of child pornography.
The case will also be presented to the US District Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.
ICAC, Internet Crimes Against Children, is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
These agencies are dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children. Educating the public through the development and delivery of public awareness and prevention programs is also one of the main important initiatives of the ICAC Task Force Program.
Sheriff Burch began this Unit when he took office in 2023. Since that time, the ICAC Unit has received 1,055 cyber tips resulting in 475 felony charges and 68 Federal indictments.
If you would like to report a crime, you may call 251-574-8633 or go to our website, www.mobileso.com/crimetips/ and report anonymously.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE COUNTY, AL. A single vehicle crash on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 11:23 a.m. sent emergency personnel from area fire departments, EMS and law enforcement to the scene.
The wreck located on March Road near Boe Road, 9 miles west of the Mobile city limits, in Mobile County claimed the life of a Theodore man. James S. Cross, 54, was fatally injured when the 2004 Toyota Sequoia that he was driving, left the roadway and struck a sign. After the initial impact, the Toyota struck a culvert and overturned. Cross was not using a seat belt at the time of crash, was ejected and airlifted to USA Health University Hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigation revealed that prior to crashing, Cross was involved in a previous crash and fled the scene though state troopers did not release any details about the crash.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. Another local favorite is back again this year in Foley.
The 2026 Heritage Park Music and Movies series will be held during Friday evenings with a patriotic theme celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Guests can bring a blanket or a chair and relax while watching the movie and listening to the music during each of the four Fridays and just relax with the family.
The four-week series will include a concert and a movie shown at dusk. Event organizers also noted that they have other things planned each Friday evening including a scavenger hunt.
On the last Friday night, the series will conclude with events planned around the theme of America’s 250th anniversary, including a line dance with 250 dancers and patriotic themed bounce houses for the children.
Concerts will start at 6 p.m. in the park pavilion. The movies begin at dusk. Admission is free and food vendors will be available. Parking will also be available around Heritage Park.
The dates for this four-week series are:
Friday, Apr. 17: The Koontz Band followed by the movie “Wicked for Good”
Friday, Apr. 24: MidLife Crisis followed by the movie “Zootopia 2”
Friday, May 15: Chitlin Switch followed by the movie “Lilo & Stitch (2025)”
Friday, May 22: Strickly Rivers followed by the movie “National Treasure”
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. Police have arrested a Gulf Shores man, charging him with sexual torture.
Clinton Rowell, 29, is charged with four counts of sexual torture, along with felony domestic violence charges after police responded to a domestic violence call on March 22nd, 2026, in the 1600 block of Hillcrest Road.
Mobile police did not release most details of the incident because of the nature of the charges and did not want to identify the victim in this incident.
The Gulf Shores man has been accused of violence against women according to public records and has been arrested for domestic violence against women in Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
Rowell was charged with strangulation of a woman until she passed out in Baldwin County last year.
Although arrested on similar charges numerous times, Rowell has escaped long term incarceration including in 2023 when Rowell pleaded guilty to domestic violence strangulation and was sentenced to 15 years, but it was suspended to five years’ probation.
Currently, Rowell is being held in the metro jail without bond and his preliminary hearing in Mobile County is set for May 14, 2026.
In Baldwin County, the District Attorney’s Office is asking to revoke his probation and have him serve the 15-year sentence that he was given in 2023.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Alabama lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve a bill further forcing regulations and expanding government overreach.
SB 361 by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, will make it a crime to keep a dog tied or confined outside except under certain circumstances. The bill also grants broad authority to appointed investigators who are not required to be certified law enforcement officers.
The bill was passed in the House by a vote of 69 to 23 with nine abstentions April 8 despite strong bipartisan opposition.
Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Demopolis, raised issues with the bill’s effect on private property rights.
“I’m just trying to see how this process is going to operate and work,” McCampbell said. “Because if you come on someone’s property and you actually start messing with their dogs, in the country, that’s grounds that something needs to happen to you. So how are we going to make sure this is understood out in a rural area and enforced in a rural area?”
Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said issues with this bill go beyond protection.
“This is another example of government stepping on private property rights and telling landowners what they must do,” Hardin said. “We support humane treatment of animals, and laws already on the books protect animals from cruel owners and abusers. This takes it a step further and opens the door for more government control.”
Several amendments were offered. Two by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, updated the language of the bill, providing some owner protections. Two tabled amendments, one by Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope, and the other by Rep. Van Smith, R-Billingsley, would have allowed governing authorities to opt into the rule instead of being forced to adhere and outlawed tethering specifically with log chains, respectively. An amendment by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, ensured no owner liability for unintentional injuries. Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, eventually withdrew his amendment requiring a warrant to remove a dog from a property after Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, and Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, argued against it.
The Senate concurred by a vote of 17 to 1 following House passage. Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, was the sole vote against with several voting “present.”
“The Federation thanks the members of the Legislature who studied this bill and understood dogs should be and can be protected from cruelty under existing law without taking a dangerous step to erode property rights of Alabamians,” Hardin said. “In addition to voting against the bill, several representatives worked in vain to prevent this needless and flawed bill from coming to the floor and to amend it to make it less onerous — especially for those in rural Alabama.”
SB 361 awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. On Friday morning, April 10th, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m. the Baldwin County 911 Communications Center received 911 calls reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in Fairhope and that the person was injured.
Both the Fairhope Fire Department and the Fairhope Police along with a Medstar ambulance rushed to the area of Gayfer Avenue and North Section Street where they found did find a woman lying on the ground screaming and in pain.
According to authorities, a person driving a truck had hit a woman at that location.
The woman was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Her condition is unknown.
Fairhope police are investigating.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. The Fairhope police department were called to the north beach area, north of the Fairhope Municipal Pier after a person was discovered deceased early Friday morning.
According to a person on scene, the person was found at the bottom of the stairs.
Police were on scene for several hours and they stated that there was no threat to the community.
By early afternoon, the Fairhope police ruled the death a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot.
In November of last year, police also conducted a death investigation and stated that a person committed suicide at the Municipal Pier.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY Ala. Alabamians may soon get a reprieve on some taxes and two months of grocery tax holiday after the bill passed the Senate on Wednesday.
Legislation establishing an up to $1,000 state tax deduction for overtime compensation was approved during the session.
The bill by State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) would establish an Alabama individual income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation not to exceed $1,000 per taxpayer. The bill is temporary and expires at the end of 2028.
The bill also temporarily removes the remaining 2% of the state’s sales tax on groceries starting on May 1 and ending on June 30.
Some have asked that taxes be completely removed from groceries as it has in other states.
An uncapped overtime tax cut sponsored by House Minority Leader (D-Huntsville) was passed into law in the 2023 session but expired in June 2025.
“This is the overtime bill that we have dealt with before, but it’s certainly much more contained as far as the cost to the ETF,” State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said on the Senate floor on Wednesday. “It also contains a provision for a two-month waiver of the grocery tax, the 2% on food during the months of May and June.”
The bill already passed the House in March. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey for her consideration.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Daphne police officers made multiple arrests relating to alcohol including driving under the influence of alcohol.
Aaron McKay Ragsdale was initially stopped by police on April 1, 2026, at 11:30 for a traffic infraction and found that the driver was also intoxicated. Ragsdale was charged with Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and transported to the Daphne Justice Center.
Alan Ryan Sawrey was arrested for Driving Under the Influence after police stopped him on US 98 near Walmart for a traffic infraction on April 2nd, 2026, at around 10:30 p.m.
Daphne police officers conducted a traffic stop on Jason Carl Parlee at 12:30 a.m., April 4, 2026 and the officer found Parlee to be driving impaired He has been charged with Driving Under the Influence. (Alcohol)
Police also arrested William Jason Northcutt on April 4, 2026, at approximately 1:45 a.m. on US 98 in daphne.
Northcutt was charged with Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol) and taken to the Daphne jail.
On April 4, 2026, at around 3:12 a.m., Daphne police charged Ryan Mark Hensley with Public Intoxication in the 7000 block of Park Dr.
Five arrests involving public intoxication were made on April 5th, 2026, including multiple arrests at the Top of the Bay bar located in the 20,000 block of US Highway 98 in Daphne.
Jeffrey Foster Hudson was charged with Resisting Arrest.
Alberta Beatrice Fillingim has been charged with Public Intoxication.
Jonathan Hoffman Salter was also charged with Public Intoxication.
Meagan Lashay England was also charged with Public Intoxication during the same incident.
The Daphne police also conducted a traffic infraction stop on April 4, 2026, at around 2:33 a.m. on Frederick Blvd. The driver was later identified as Marc Garrett Posey. Police report that Posey was driving under the influence and that he was arrested.
Police also reported that on April 5th, 2026, at approximately 11:49 p.m., Shaun Michael Ryan was stopped at N. Main Street At Van Buren Street for a traffic infraction and was found to be impaired. Police charged him with Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol)
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Alabama’s “CHOOSE Act”, education savings account program, got off to a fast start in its first year during the 2025-2026 school year with almost 25,000 applicants but on Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Alabama’s education savings account program had a record number of applicants in its second year. The application deadline was March 31, with almost 49,000 students applying.
The Governor has stated previously that the parents should be the ones to decide on what’s best for their children and the “CHOOSE Act” is certainly giving parents another choice in their children’s education.
CHOOSE Act Alabama makes refundable income tax credits called education savings accounts (ESAs) available to support the success of eligible K5-12 students in Alabama. For the upcoming school year, participating students are limited to those whose family has an AGI that does not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, all students throughout the state will be eligible to apply.
While the program is funded and managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue qualifying and selected students can select from participating schools, selected vendors, tutors, curriculum, and defined resources as part of a homeschool program giving them a wider variety of options rather than being directed to a particular school just because it’s close to where they might live.
“The CHOOSE Act has changed the lives of thousands of Alabama families by enabling them to choose schools that best align with their priorities and their child’s specific needs,” said Ivey in a written statement. “The increase in applications for the upcoming school year shows that the people of Alabama want school choice, and I am proud that we are able to give it to them!”
For the 2025-2026 school year, there were 15,939 students enrolled in a participating school, each able to use up to $7,000, and 7,245 students in home education programs, where families can receive $2,000 per child for up to two children in a family.
Of those who applied, decisions will be based upon:
The first 500 ESAs awarded to participating students* with special needs
Second priority goes to participating students* previously awarded in the prior academic year
Next priority goes to participating students* who are dependents of active-duty service members enrolled in or assigned to a priority school as defined in Section 16-6D-4
Remaining awarded for participating students* based on the family’s AGI as a percentage of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year
*Priority goes to siblings of participating students.
The 2026-27 CHOOSE Act application deadline closed with 29,341 applications representing 48,927 total students. Of these, 18,832 were new applications, representing 29,986 total students, and 10,509 were renewal applications, representing 18,941 total students.
According to Ivey’s office, applications closely track the 2024 census population numbers for Alabama (68.2% white and 31.8% minority). This year, new applicants included people of different ethnicities, with 66.3% identifying as white and 33.7% as minorities.
Taxpaying Alabama families applied from all school backgrounds and across all grades.
Public and Charter school applications totaled 8,961 students.
Private School applications totaled 21,351.
Homeschool applications totaled 13,425.
Of these, 8,264 were new applications, and 697 were renewals.
For the second year in a row, there was an almost even split in genders: 24,305 total females applied. Of these, 9,480 were renewals, and 14,825 were new. Similarly, 24,611 males applied, with 9,458 renewals and 15,153 new applications received.
Additionally, students with special needs totaled 5,115, with 1,973 renewals and 3,142 new applications received.
Active-duty military families living in a priority school district submitted a total of 1,121 applications, including 356 renewal and 765 new family applications.
Families will be notified mid-April of their funding approval, and Alabama students can begin using their CHOOSE Act Alabama ESA for approved expenses starting in July.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
GULF SHORES, Ala. You stop at a local business, go inside and make a purchase and then decide to walk next door to grab lunch and when you return, you find that your vehicle isn’t where you have parked it. You look around to make sure you haven’t parked it in a different parking space and then walk inside to ask if the employees know what happened to your vehicle and you’re told that it has been towed for trespassing.
You explain that you’re a customer and that you just went to grab lunch and they apologize but say that their signs restrict parking to 15 minutes and when he walked off their property, a towing service towed his vehicle. The towing service patrols various properties, enforcing their client’s parking rules and now the owner of the vehicle owes the towing company $215.00
Is this even legal?
Nationwide, in almost every town and city, private companies can boot a vehicle or tow it off private property under certain conditions which usually includes: a. having clear signage posted that includes parking limits b. the phone number of the towing/booting company c. in some areas, the ordinance number
Towing and booting companies are also restricted in some jurisdictions as to the maximum amount that can be charged for towing or booting a vehicle and that can be different from one city to the next.
In Alabama, a private property owner or property manager may contract with a towing or booting company who is licensed and insured according to either state statute or the local ordinances of that town or city. Currently there is no state law covering private property towing services in Alabama however many city jurisdictions have passed local laws covering this subject.
Property owners in Alabama can remove unauthorized vehicles from their land, but they must follow state regulations to avoid liability. Under Alabama Code 35-12-90, private property owners or their agents can request a towing company to remove unlawfully parked or abandoned vehicles. This applies to locations like apartment complexes, business parking lots, and residential driveways.
Signage is a key factor in determining whether a vehicle can be lawfully towed. While Alabama does not impose a statewide requirement for warning signs, many municipalities require visible postings in parking lots or restricted areas. Cities like Huntsville and Mobile mandate clear signage stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. If required signage is absent, a vehicle owner may have grounds to challenge the tow.
Once a vehicle is removed, it must be taken to a licensed storage facility where the owner can reclaim it upon payment of towing and storage fees. If a vehicle remains unclaimed for a set period, it may be sold to recover costs. However, any sale must follow strict legal procedures, including notifying lienholders and conducting a public auction.
Tow trucks or booting companies can not arbitrarily impound a vehicle without having permission from the property owner or manager and they cannot act on anyone else’s behalf that has no authority of the landowner or manager. A security guard contracted to a business, apartment complex or other private property often has the authority to have vehicles removed from the property for trespassing or violating certain property parking rules including inoperable or abandoned vehicles.
While predatory towing nationwide and locally can be a problem, if the property is private land, any owner or authorized person can have a vehicle towed for trespassing or violating the property parking rules.
Parking in many areas of the beach communities and in area apartments come at a premium and many business owners and property managers will have vehicles towed for trespassing, parking on the grass, or in a fire lane, blocking in other vehicles or for other parking violations.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. On August 8, 2028, at approximately 3:00 pm, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted a clandestine surveillance operation at 2654 North Harbor Drive, Mobile, AL 36605.
James Stephen “Butte” Russell, DOB 12/29/86 lives at this address and is the subject of the investigation.
After observing Russell leave the residence, investigators followed his vehicle and noted multiple traffic violations, including failure to signal and an illegal window tint violation.
A traffic stop was conducted based on these violations.
During the stop, Russell fled the scene in his white Dodge Charger, leading investigators on a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, Russell attempted to discard narcotics from the passenger-side window and demonstrated a complete disregard for public safety by accelerating to high speeds.
The pursuit ended when Russell failed to negotiate a right turn and struck a civilian vehicle near Halls Mill Road and Rangeline Road.
The civilian driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and Russell was taken into custody without further incident.
The discarded narcotics were also successfully recovered.
Following the arrest, a search warrant was executed at 2654 N. Harbor Drive.
Investigators recovered trafficking quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, along with a large quantity of marijuana.
Russell has been charged with the following offenses: Felony Attempting to Elude – Trafficking Fentanyl – Possession with Intent (Cocaine) – Possession with Intent (Methamphetamine) – Possession of Marijuana First Degree – Tampering with Physical Evidence – Resisting Arrest – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Legislators working close to the end of their current session were able to agree on and pass a piece of legislation that would benefit our law enforcement personnel statewide.
This week the Alabama Legislature gave a final passage to HB98, the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Act, which provides up to $2,500 in tuition assistance per academic period to the spouses and children of long-serving law enforcement officers.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris), was originally part of Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s Safe Alabama Package in 2025. It is intended to help retain experienced officers at a time when law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling with staffing shortages.
Nationwide, police officers, some longtime employees of their agencies have been jumping ship and going to other law enforcement agencies that pay better, offer better benefits and have a better acceptance in their communities.
In this session and the previous one, several pro law enforcement bills have been passed and were part of Gov. Ivey’s top agenda.
Under this bill, scholarship funds may be used for an undergraduate course of study at any public or private technical school, college, or university in Alabama. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education will administer the program and is required to report annually to the Legislature on its progress.
The bill also establishes the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers’ Family Scholarship Fund and authorizes the Department of Revenue to create a blackout license plate, with proceeds directed to the fund.
Existing law already provides financial assistance to children and spouses of law enforcement officers killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. HB98 expands that support to the families of long-term city, county, and state law enforcement officers still actively serving.
“Our law enforcement put it all on the line every day they go to work, and so do their families,” Ivey said. “I am proud we will support long-serving law enforcement families through dependent scholarships. I look forward to signing HB98 into law, and I thank Speaker Ledbetter for making this a priority.”
Ledbetter called the legislation a long overdue recognition of law enforcement families.
“The passage of HB98 is a long overdue show of thanks for Alabama’s law enforcement officers and the families supporting them as they work to protect and serve this great state,” Ledbetter said. “Over the course of the last two sessions, the men and women of the House have led the charge in delivering additional resources and support to law enforcement in an effort to bolster public safety. It is one thing to say your state is pro-law enforcement, but it is another to put action behind those words. Today, Alabama did exactly that.”
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BAY MINETTE, Ala. On April 7, 2026, at approximately 11:25 p.m., officers responded to the Driftwood Gas Station, located at 47940 Highway 59, regarding a motor vehicle accident.
Bay Minette police, firefighters and EMS were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the vehicle had left the roadway and struck a pole in the gas station parking lot.
Tragically, the accident resulted in a fatality.
At this time, the cause of the accident remains under investigation; however, it is believed that a medical emergency may have been a contributing factor.
No further information is available for release at this time.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. A new look is coming to the Tanger Outlets in Foley in the upcoming months. The new design will be adding more green space, easier connections between stores and a community friendly vibe.
Store fronts will also get updated looks and brighter colors according to Tanger Outlets Foley Marketing Director Debra Brown said.
“The heart of this will be a centralized area with over 40,000 square feet of dining and family amenities. We’re going to have an enhanced splash pad area places for the families to come spend time and really enjoy being at Tanger Foley,” Brown said.
According to a Tanger Outlet news release, the renovation is “designed to create better connection throughout the center, modernize exteriors, elevate food and beverage offerings and add vibrant new gathering spaces.”
The project will also add a new roadway and more parking to improve access to the stores that many shoppers know and love.
“Our shopper is ever evolving, and we want to evolve with them,” Brown said. “We’re creating a place where they can come to do more than just shopping.”
“This renovation represents an important investment in the future of Tanger Foley,” said Debra Brown, Marketing Director. “Our goal is to serve as more than a shopping center — we’re creating an inviting place for our community to come together to make memories, share experiences and enjoy even better shopping, food and fun.”
Improvements include:
Adding walkable breezeways that connect exterior parking lots to a green space at the center
A new roadway at the southeast end of the center, between TJ Maxx and Skechers and additional parking spaces in front of TJ Maxx
New walkable paths
A new green space
A shaded pavilion for community events
A newly enhanced splash pad with more space for young people to play
Expanded food and beverage options with “elevated outdoor dining spaces, shaded lounge areas with soft seating, and beautiful pedestrian-friendly pathways”
Additionally, the 555,000-square-foot outlet center will receive cosmetic upgrades including updated entrances and signage, refreshed paintwork and contemporary lighting fixtures. Guests will also notice revitalized landscaping.
“The renovation of Tanger Outlets Foley is an exciting announcement,” said Ralph Hellmich, Mayor of Foley. “It will keep Tanger established as the ultimate destination in our area to visit and shop. We appreciate the long-standing partnership Foley has had with Tanger to help make it the best it can be for many years. I congratulate Tanger for this investment and confidence in our community.”
According to officials, construction will begin this month in front of TJ Maxx and will continue in phases, with all work expected to be complete by fall 2027.
Construction is already underway near TJ Maxx and will continue in phases through next year.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
LEEDS, Ala. A woman has been taken into police custody and charged with several very serious crimes.
Police in Leeds, Alabama were called to a residence after several children were sprayed with a chemical agent which police later identified as “bear spray”.
Police said that Christie Lashay Williams, 36, sprayed her own children and is charged with child abuse–torture for the incident that occurred on March 8. A complaint states the children were sprayed in the eyes and/or mouth.
Police initially responded after receiving a call about two small children running down the street. The children were taken to Children’s of Alabama, where they reportedly told officials their mom sprayed them.
Williams was arrested on Monday and placed in the Jefferson County Jail.
She posted a $15,000 bond and was released.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. The new Mobile arena officially has a name “Regions Arena according to the news release below:
The City of Mobile and Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, today introduced Regions Bank as the naming rights partner for Mobile’s new, highly anticipated sports and entertainment destination. The newly named 10,000-seat Regions Arena is scheduled to open in early 2027.
As part of the agreement, Regions Bank will also become the Official Banking Partner of Regions Arena, the Mobile Convention Center, and Saenger Theater, as well as the Official Banking Partner for the new Mobile Hockey Team, scheduled to begin play at the venue with the 2027-28 season.
“This announcement is about more than a name — it’s about what we’re building together for the future of Mobile. We’re proud to partner with Regions Bank, an institution that has long been part of this community and believes in where our city is headed,” said Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis. “Regions Arena will be a place where Mobilians will gather for generations to come and where visitors can experience the best of our city.”
For Regions Bank, the investment aligns with a long-standing focus on strengthening communities through both financial services and civic engagement. The bank has served Mobile and the surrounding area for generations, supporting people, families, and businesses while playing an active role in local development efforts.
“It’s only natural for Regions Bank to make this investment. There’s no other place quite like Mobile, Alabama. And there’s no other company that serves Mobile quite like Regions,” said Bruner Binion, Mobile Market President for Regions Bank. “Our mission is to make life better for the communities we serve. This lasting investment will help bring people together, create opportunity, and support continued growth across the Gulf Coast for years to come.”
Oak View Group, which will manage the venue, secured the multi-year partnership on behalf of the City of Mobile through its Global Partnerships division. OVG also manages the Mobile Convention Center and Saenger Theater, representing an integrated partnership model that brings together venue management, hospitality, and global partnerships across the market.
“We’ve built a strong relationship with the City of Mobile, and we’re proud to welcome Regions Bank into a shared vision for the future of live entertainment in the city,” said Peter Luukko, Co-Chairman, Oak View Group. “Regions Arena will play an important role in bringing new events and momentum to the community, and we’re excited to see its impact take shape.”
“Securing Regions Bank as our naming rights partner is a significant milestone for this project and a reflection of the opportunity in Mobile,” added Dan Griffis, President, Oak View Group Global Partnerships. “Our partnership with Regions Bank is especially meaningful because of their commitment to community service and financial empowerment. We are dedicated to making our communities better places to live, and Regions Arena will further our mission of bringing people together through the power of live entertainment.”
Once completed in 2027, Regions Arena will be perfectly suited for live concerts, family shows, and sporting events, including ice hockey. Designed with local culture in mind, the venue will also support Mobile’s longstanding Mardi Gras traditions while providing a modern platform to attract major touring acts. Beyond events, the arena is expected to serve as a year-round gathering place that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and expands access to live entertainment for residents and visitors.
“Regions Arena is set to become a premier destination for unforgettable experiences, bringing people together through music, sports, and community pride,” said Erik Hudson, General Manager of Regions Arena. “Regions Arena will play a vital role in energizing the Southeast footprint, and we look forward to opening this great venue next year.”
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. An iconic brand and a name recognized worldwide has chosen to open a store in Alabama.
“Opening our first store in Alabama is an exciting milestone for L.L.Bean, and we’re eager to become part of the Huntsville community,” said Corey Bouyea, vice president of stores and retail operations for L.L.Bean. “We look forward to welcoming guests during our grand opening weekend celebration and beyond, from longtime fans who have shopped with us online to new guests discovering L.L.Bean for the first time.”
The store, planted in an up-and-coming part of the city is nearly 16,000-square-feet store and brings L.L.Bean closer to customers across North Alabama, giving them the opportunity to shop their favorite products in person while exploring the brand’s assortment of four-season outdoor apparel and footwear.
Huntsville continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama and nationwide bring young families and retirees alike and it’s that growth that is attracting new businesses to the area.
“Demographically, it’s the target market we want,” said Mid-Atlantic District Manager Kenon Mitchell. “We want to get our name out to people who aren’t familiar with our brand. We’ve got 69 stores now and are opening about 10 stores a year looking for 100 total.”
The store-opening is an anomaly in an era of store closings and online shopping.
Mitchell said in-person shopping lets customers touch and feel the products, as well as making sure sizes fit. She also said online customers can return products to the store.
“We like to help our customers,” Mitchell said.
Located near some of North Alabama’s most popular outdoor destinations, the store will serve as a gateway for everyday adventures across the region. In fact, that is the mission of L.L. Bean.
“Our purpose has always been to inspire people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors together,” Mitchell said.
As part of its commitment to the community, L.L.Bean made a $10,000 contribution to the Heart of the Valley YMCA. Since 2022, L.L.Bean has contributed more than $2.8 million to YMCA Summer Camp scholarships, allowing local YMCAs to provide transformative summer camp experiences to underserved children and ensuring more kids can enjoy the lasting benefits of time spent outdoors.
Inspired by L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park events in its Freeport, Maine home, the parking lot in front of the Huntsville store (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods) was transformed into a lively community gathering space featuring lawn games, product customization stations and hands-on activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The two-day grand opening celebration included a mix of signature L.L.Bean experiences and Huntsville-based partners, including:
First 100 customers will receive a $50 L.L.Bean gift card; line-up starts at 6 a.m.
First 100 customers will receive a custom monogrammed Boat & Tote; line-up starts at 6 a.m.
Free chain-link embroidery and iron-on patches available from Huntsville maker Piles of Threads while supplies last.
Free Boat and Tote monogramming and product customization experiences
Photos with the L.L.Bean Bootmobile
9 a.m. to noon: Complimentary coffee from Huntsville’s Gold Sprint Coffee
Noon to 7 p.m.: A Taste of Maine food truck, bringing a taste of L.L.Bean’s home state to Alabama with a curated menu of Maine-inspired bites – First 1,000 guests will enjoy free lobster bisque
Lawn games and family-friendly outdoor activities inspired by L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park events
Enter-to-win product giveaways – including a Grand Prize of an Ultimate Beach Day Giveaway – and additional hands-on activities throughout the weekend.
Area residents said that they were excited to have the store in their area because many enjoy the nearby mountains, lakes and camping areas.
For more than a century, L.L.Bean has been known for craftsmanship, heritage style and exceptional customer service, all of which will be part of the shopping experience at the Bridge Street Town Centre location.
And, while customers will find everything they need for their outdoor lifestyles, Mitchell said the store offers more.
“It’s important for everybody to know we sell active wear, outerwear and footwear,” she said. “You can come in here and get something to wear to a family dinner.”
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MOBILE, Ala. A former Daphne business employee who was caught embezzling thousands of dollars from his employer, now faces federal prison time.
Colin David Walsh was the former controller of the business, and he admitted in a plea deal to using company money for unauthorized Christmas bonuses, first-class travel and other personal expenses.
Walsh admitted to paying Christmas bonuses to himself and other employees greater than what the company had authorized. Other personal expenses included first-class plane tickets for Walsh’s wife from Pensacola to Juneau, Alaska, for a whale-watching trip in January 2024; first-class tickets and spa services for his wife at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville in June 2023; and airfare for her to travel to Houston in April 2023.
According to written plea agreement, the total fraud amounted to $478,231.
U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose on Friday set Walsh’s sentencing hearing for July 2. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for theft in connection with health care, although federal prosecutors have agreed to recommend leniency.
Walsh was controller of the company, identified in the plea document as “Business-I.” The business treated cancer patients traveling from Alabama to other states around the Southeast. He admitted that from August 2019 to May 30, 2024, he diverted funds from payments made by Medicare and Medicaid on behalf of the patients.
The plea document indicates that the business uncovered Walsh’s conduct after deciding to look for ways to reduce spending. The company’s executive director asked Walsh in June 2024 for access to the company’s online bank account. Walsh refused, and the company suspended him.
When the business ultimately got into the account, executives discovered that Walsh had hidden his personal expenses on spreadsheets by labeling them as “business expenses.”
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