ORANGE BEACH, Ala. The 30th Orange Beach Billfish Classic, has kicked off again this year with teams vying for $1.6 million in prize money.
Thursday morning was a perfect blue-sky day with the bright sun shining as sixty-two boats launched to kick off this year’s tournament.
Thursday morning for the 30th Orange Beach Billfish Classic, marking the largest field in the tournament’s history as teams compete for a prize package of nearly $1.6 million.
Steve Hall said this year’s event is one for the books with captains already positioning for favorite fishing spots.
This tournament kicks off billfish season each year and we see a lot of local teams, but we also see teams that come from outside the Gulf Coast area, Hall said.
Anglers who have been here before all have their secret fishing holes and try to get out to them before others make it there first.
“Sometimes you can pick wrong and sometimes you can pick right, so you just go out there and fish and do what you can do,” he said.
The offshore big game fishing event targets Marlin, Sail Fish and Swordfish.
This year’s weigh-ins will be at the Wharf and will also be accepting blue marlin, tuna, dolphin and wahoo and tuna. The weigh-in station opens at 7 p.m. on Friday and 6 p. m. on Saturday at The Wharf. Admission is free.
The bill fish tournament is just one of many that are scheduled along the Gulf Coast in 2026.
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SARALAND, AL. What started as shoplifting at a Walmart, quickly turned into a police pursuit involving several law enforcement agencies.
Saraland police arrived in the area and noticed two people fleeing in a U-Haul truck.
A high-speed chase ensued and as the vehicle headed into Mobile, more officers joined the chase including the mobile Police Department. By then, the driver of the fleeing truck had already racked up multiple charges.
Eventually, the chase ended on Airport Boulevard and Huntleigh Way, according to police.
Officers said they discovered a firearm that was used during the theft which police said made what happened, a robbery, a serious felony that could send the suspects to prison.
A male and a female were taken into custody at the scene.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. Divers surveying a dam in Mobile County discovered an explosive device and immediately called law enforcement.
The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) announced Thursday that the Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team successfully retrieved and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) found underwater at the Converse Reservoir dam.
The multi-agency effort included the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad, and the Daphne Search and Rescue Team.
The device, a grenade-type IED, was initially located by divers surveying the dam for routine repair and maintenance. Following this discovery, MAWSS alerted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, who coordinated the multi-agency response for analysis, retrieval, and safe demolition.
“Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe,” said Bud McCrory, MAWSS Director. “This is an unprecedented threat, and we are fortunate that this device was discovered before it could cause serious damage to our water supply or harm to individuals. We are grateful for the professionalism and competency of our law enforcement partners – as well as the quick thinking of our contractors and divers – in identifying this device and safely destroying it.”
The reservoir and dam are federally designated critical infrastructure; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been made aware of the incident.
MAWSS will continue to work with relevant law enforcement agencies to enhance security at the reservoir and dam.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. A second domestic related shooting in Daphne in a matter of days could have ended very badly police say but thankfully no one was injured.
A confrontation occurred Wednesday evening along US 90 that made its way into the Jubilee Square where multiple gunshots were fired across from Starbucks.
Multiple Daphne police units, the Daphne Fire Department and EMS responded to the area and 911 received reports of gunfire at that location shortly after 9 p.m.
The shooter fled police said but JR Weilbacher, 27, of Irvington, surrendered to police on Thursday.
Velma, an employee of a nearby business was locking up when she heard the gunfire and said that she was afraid and ran back into the business and locked the door. It was very scary, she said,
Weilbacher has been charged with third-degree domestic violence and reckless endangerment, police said. There were no reported injuries.
Daphne Police said more than five shell casings were found on the scene.
A similar shooting involving a former boyfriend also ended with shots being fired at the Summer Oaks residential community and once again no one was injured.
Tony Noah Henley was arrested in that incident and faces charges of menacing, harassment, reckless endangerment and domestic violence 3rd.
Kimberly Wilkes who works and lives in the area said that she wasn’t surprised at the shootings but that it’s scary because the bullets could have hit an innocent person.
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MOBILE, AL. One person died when two vehicles collided on Airport Boulevard early Thursday morning.
Mobile police said officers responded to the area of Airport Boulevard and Willow Brook Run East at about 5:45 a.m. They found that two vehicles collided, with one of the drivers fatally wounded leading officials to close a westbound section of the busy thoroughfare for several hours.
According to police, a Dodge Charger was traveling westbound on Airport Boulevard when it crashed with the second vehicle as it attempted to enter westbound traffic. The driver of that vehicle was fatally injured and has been identified by police as Stacey Neese, 54.
The scene which took several hours to investigate was eventually reopened and the debris cleaned up.
Mobile police said that the fatal wreck remains under investigation.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. Daphne police have arrested a 23-year-old Chickasaw man after confronting his ex-girlfriend on Sunday night.
Police responded to a call at a Summer Oaks residence where Tony Noah Henley was in a confrontation and he fired what he called a warning shot into the ground.
Henley faces multiple charges after investigators said he was tackled by the new boyfriend and held down until police arrived.
Daphne police have charged Henley with several misdemeanor charges, including menacing, harassment, reckless endangerment and domestic violence 3rd, officials said.
He was transported to Daphne jail and later released.
Police said that no one was hurt during the incident.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
PENSACOLA, Fla. Florida law enforcement has announced that ten previously deported illegal immigrants were indicted by a federal grand jury in April for illegal reentry into the United States in Northwest Florida.
All ten have illegally re-entered the U.S. during the past two years.
According to court records, the ten indicted in the month of April include:
Gabriel Garcia Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2024. Trial is set for June 15.
Simon Mateo-Simon, 36, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Change of plea and sentencing scheduled for May 19.
Jose Mendez Pena, 35, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2009. Trial is set for June 22.
Noe Alexis Lopez Suarez, 27, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Change of plea and sentencing are set for May 27.
Alcides Miguel Martinez-Martinez, 42, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2009 and 2015. Trial is set for June 15.
Alex Joel Maldonado-Erazo, 38, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Trial is set for June 22.
Miguel Ico Martinez, 29, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported three times in 2024. Trial is set for June 22.
Wily Antonio Escobar-Canterelo, 29, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2016. Trial is set for June 22.
Dania Chaver-Pereira, 31, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2017 and once in 2019. Trial is set for June 22.
Jose Hernandez-Perez, 23, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Trial is set for June 15.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office remains committed to fulfilling the mission of Operation Take Back America to protect our communities by aggressively prosecuting the criminal illegal aliens who brazenly ignore and violate our nation’s immigration laws. America is a nation of laws, and we will continue to enforce those laws against anyone who mistakenly believes they can violate our laws with impunity.”
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A police officer has been charged with misdemeanor trespassing after a citizen filed a complaint and sought an arrest warrant.
Johnny Ray Duval, 46, who is employed with the Chickasaw Police Department, learned of the warrant and turned himself in to at the Mobile Metro Jail on Friday where he was processed for criminal trespassing and released in less than two hours according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
The complaint filed by Jerald Bolen alleges that in October 2025, Duval “did knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a dwelling”, the property of Jerald Bolen.
This complaint does not elaborate in detail the specifics of the alleged crime.
According to the Chickasaw Police Department, Duval has been an officer there since March 2022.
He was previously recognized as the Mobile Police Department officer of the month twice, in November 2015 and October 2017.
We contacted the Mobile Police, but a spokesperson declined to comment on the circumstances of Duval’s departure from the department, citing personnel policies.
No police agency applied for the arrest warrant but the complainant, Bolen, sought the arrest of Duval of his own volition.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
LAMAR County, Ala. Authorities say that a military jet has crashed but that the airmen were safe.
The U.S. Air Force jet crashed on Tuesday in Alabama after a “mishap” which was not identified adding that two pilots safely ejected from the aircraft.
Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi said the pilots were taken to a medical facility.
The base said the incident happened around noon and the aircraft involved was a T-38 Tallon II. The location is near Blooming Grove Road and Corinth Road.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened in Lamar County, but confirmed its deputies were assisting. No additional information was immediately provided.
ALEA state troopers, fire personnel and EMS responded to the scene.
Fire Chief Shawn Ricchuito with the Columbus Air Force Base said it is working with the local law enforcement agencies to secure the scene and complete the investigation.
Ricchuito said the crash site is in a heavily wooded area that is hard to access. He said it is unknown how far the pilots were located from the crash site or how long it will take to secure the area.
Ricchuito said the pilots were on a routine flying training mission at the time of the crash.
Columbus Air Force Base officials said the cause of the incident in unknown and will be investigated by a Air Force Safety Investigation Board.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. A woman called 911 on Sunday at around 7:30 p.m. and told a dispatcher that she had just killed her husband.
Emergency responders and Franklin County sheriff deputies responded to the home and found 69-year-old Timothy Clutts dead in his recliner with a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Sheriff investigators say that his wife, 65-year-old Sheri Mitchell-Clutts immediately confessed and was taken into custody.
Investigators say she later told them she was simply bothered and annoyed by him.
When Mitchell-Clutts called 911, she told dispatchers she felt threatened throughout the day leading up the shooting, but when investigators sat her down for questioning, they got a different story.
Sheriff Shannon Oliver says Mitchell-Clutts admitted right away that she shot and killed her husband of 15 years. It wasn’t until later that she told investigators she was simply bothered and annoyed by the victim.
“Her demeanor seemed obviously upset from what little interaction I had with her at the scene, but you never know what’s going through somebody’s mind,” Oliver said.
About two weeks ago, Mitchell-Clutts had open heart surgery. She allegedly told deputies her husband kept coming into her room and bothering her, so she got her gun out in case he came back. When he didn’t, investigators said she went to find him and shot him in his recliner.
Mitchell-Clutts was arrested and charged with murder. Even though Mitchell-Clutts is in custody, the investigation is ongoing. The sheriff says this is because they need to know the history and what led up to the shooting. The handgun used in the shooting was recovered by deputies.
Mitchell-Clutts was booked Sunday night into the Franklin County Jail without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
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ELBERTA, Ala. A fast-moving fire during the overnight hours destroyed an occupied home. The first call came into the Baldwin County 911 Communications Center at approximately 12:30 a.m., and a person reported that smoke was filling the home from an unknown source.
The Elberta, Perdido Beach and the Elsanor Fire Departments were dispatched to 28805 US 98, to investigate but before firefighters could arrive, the 911 dispatchers received more calls reporting people and animals were now trapped.
Additional fire departments, including Lillian, were dispatched to respond to the fire.
As firefighters arrived on scene, they found that fire was showing from the structure and it was deemed a “working” fire and a search and rescue effort was launched for people or animals inside the home but at this time heavy fire was coming from the attic area of the home.
At approximately 00:46 a second alarm was struck with Bon Secour and Foley Fire Departments responding to the scene as the roof in the back of the house partially collapsed. Several ambulances were also dispatched to the fire scene.
Firefighters were able to rescue the people and animals, but the home was destroyed by fire.
Multiple firefighters remained on the scene for hours before the fire was deemed to be completely extinguished.
At approximately 9:05 a.m., the fire rekindled and fire personnel were once again dispatched to the address and once again firefighters extinguished the flames.
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GULF SHORES, Ala. An expansive project in the Gulf State Park has now placed the state park at the top of the list making it the largest state park-operated RV campground in the country.
The new RV resort added 103 premium campsites and community leaders, and State Park staff attended the ribbon cutting on Monday.
The new addition was built in an area that was once a golf course.
The park now features a total of 607 RV sites.
The new resort includes a saltwater pool, pickleball courts, putting green and accessible playground.
This addition offers easy access to area beaches, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
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ORANGE BEACH, Ala. A new gated community with waterfront views will soon be under construction along the Intercoastal Waterway where the Long Bayou merges.
According to the builders, the 48-unit gated subdivision will span 36 acres of waterfront land with lots ranging from $700,000 to $1.2 million.
This community has been named Long Bayou Preserve.
According to a news release some of the amenities will include boat lifts, walking trails, a sporting lodge, and an infinity pool.
The community offers other amenities such as nearby shopping and is close to many popular locations in Orange Beach, like Margaritaville, The Wharf, OWA, and the Gulf Shores International Airport.
Home construction will begin in early 2027 following the completion of entry roads, utilities, and lot preparation.
The Cobb Development Company is the lead developer of the project.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. A new coffee chain is planting more stores in our area with the latest one being announced to be coming to Fairhope.
7 Brew said that a new location is being built at Planters Pointe shopping Center on Hwy 181north of Hwy 104.
This is the same area where construction is underway for Chic fil-A, several automotive services, a Culver’s Restaurant, a Murphy USA gas station and other businesses
Site preparation work has begun for a new ‘7 Brew’ drive-thru coffee shop on lot #5 of the Planters Pointe shopping Center on Hwy 181north of Hwy 104.
Brew Horizons LLC is the owner/manager of this location.
7 Brew is a combination of corporate and franchise owned with over 600 locations nationwide.
Access will be via an interior road only: Rockwell Blvd.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Each May, we stop to remember our nation’s heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Across the country, and in our nation’s capital, we stand silently and grieve over the senseless loss of so many law enforcement officers each year.
Men and women from big cities and little towns are gunned down, beaten till death, struck by vehicles and killed in every imaginable way protecting those that they took an oath to protect and serve.
During the week of May 10–16, 2026, with major events in Washington, D.C., including the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, we will once again remember.
This week honors law enforcement’s bravery and sacrifice, featuring specialized ceremonies and a national moment of recognition on Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, 2026.
Each May, our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers.
Originally established by presidential proclamation, President John F. Kennedy in 1962, recognized the National Police Week which includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th and a week of observances recognizing officers who given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect our communities with dedication and courage.
Events are centered in Washington, D.C. and include the Candlelight Vigil hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) National Survivors Conference and the cornerstone of the week, the Fraternal Order of Police National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15th at the West Front of the United States Capitol.
National Police week is both a time of solemn remembrance and a celebration of the men and women who serve with integrity and bravery every day. It reminds us that behind every badge is a story of service, sacrifice and family.
Several services are planned along the Gulf Coast this week to recognize officers locally who have lost their lives in service to others.
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GULF SHORES, Ala. The Gulf Shores International Airport recently received some additional funding to help expand services just as the airport is preparing for a busy summer season as it adds more destination options for travelers.
Expanded services being offered by Allegiant, will go to Omaha, Neb.; Huntsville, Ala.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Louisville, Ky.; and Springfield, Mo.
According to an airport news release, these five new non-stop destinations are being added on top of plans to move closer to a groundbreaking for a $15 million terminal expansion.
The flights to Omaha and Huntsville will begin on May 21, with the Oklahoma City, Louisville and Springfield flights beginning on May 22.
The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded $2,140,570 through the Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program to advance major site development at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF). Gulf Shores was one of only 10 communities selected statewide in this highly competitive funding cycle.
The funding will prepare 10 acres of airport property and construct two aircraft apron pads totaling 121,500 square feet, creating flexible, market‑ready sites capable of supporting multiple 40,000‑square‑foot hangars or a single 120,000‑square‑foot facility. The project is designed to attract one large or multiple mid‑sized aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators. The Growing Alabama grant significantly reduces upfront development costs and removes timeline barriers that often deter aviation companies from entering new markets.
“This investment doesn’t just prepare a site — it opens the door to high‑skill MRO jobs and a more diversified economy for Gulf Shores,” said Blake Phelps, Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs. “By completing these improvements now, we’re removing barriers for aerospace companies and positioning our community for long‑term economic success.”
This Growing Alabama funding was made possible through the partnership of Baldwin EMC, which allocated its eligible tax credit capacity to support the project. Their support ensures the airport project can move forward quickly and competitively, accelerating site readiness for future aerospace investment.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Gulf Shores on this project because investing in the airport’s growth is an investment in the people and businesses we serve,” said Lee Johnson, Baldwin EMC Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “Supporting this aviation expansion reflects our commitment to powering economic opportunity and strengthening our communities.”
As for the terminal expansion, it is scheduled to go out for bid on May 4. Construction would likely begin late summer 2026.
The project is expected to include adding more boarding gate areas, expanding curbside drop-off, making the baggage claim area bigger, and adding a new outdoor patio.
“We know this summer will be quite busy and at times congested with all of the new destinations and frequency of flights,” Airport Director Fosnaugh said. “We have implemented several new elements within the terminal to create a positive experience for our customers. We are being proactive and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through challenges and improve our facility’s comfort and capabilities.”
The release said multiple operational measures and amenities will be put into place ahead of the summer season, including adjustments to the terminal drop-off and pickup zones, more vehicle parking areas and extra amenities in the outdoor prescreening space.
All of the inaugural flights for the five added locations will feature water cannon salutes from the Gulf Shores Fire Department, as well as welcome activities from the Alabama’s Beaches & Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.
Once complete, the new apron areas will help transition Gulf Shores International Airport from a conceptual development site into a competitive aviation hub positioned to support high‑skill, high‑wage MRO operations. This project is expected to support 50 to 200 quality jobs and attract substantial private capital investment.
“This project positions Gulf Shores International Airport to attract highly skilled MRO providers capable of servicing mid-sized commercial and cooperate jets that require more advanced facilities than traditional maintenance operations,” said Jesse Fosnaugh, Airport Director. “This investment gives us the advanced infrastructure needed to compete for top‑tier aviation jobs and long‑term economic growth.”
The Gulf Shores Airport Authority will cover all soft costs and project management fees, ensuring no financial burden to the City. This project marks a major milestone in Gulf Shores’ long‑term strategy to grow and diversify the local economy through targeted aviation and aerospace development.
The Growing Alabama program uses private contributions – offset with state tax credits – to prepare publicly owned industrial sites for future economic development, helping communities accelerate site readiness and reduce barriers for new and expanding industries.
The City of Gulf Shores extends its appreciation to Governor Kay Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Renewal of Alabama Commission, and Baldwin EMC for their continued support and investment in Gulf Shores International Airport.
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