Mobile County, AL. On April 11, 2026, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of two bystanders being struck by gunfire during an altercation at a horse show event in Grand Bay.
Upon arrival, deputies and emergency medical personnel located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One adult male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and one adult female sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Both injuries are considered to be non-life-threatening.
Both victims were treated on scene and subsequently transported to local hospitals for further medical care.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. He has shoulder-length dreadlocks, a goatee, and visible tattoos on his left arm.
This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 574-8633 or submit tips online at www.mobileso.com.pril 13, 2026
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
LOXLEY, Ala. Five people were injured on Sunday afternoon in a traffic collision in Loxley.
Several 911 calls to the Baldwin County Communications Center reported a wreck near County Road 64 involving an overturned vehicle and reports stated that people were possibly trapped.
The Loxley police and fire departments along with numerous ambulances were dispatched to the area of South Magnolia Street and W Union Avenue.
Firefighters reported that four children, a male adult and an elderly woman all had injuries from the wreck and that no one was currently entrapped in the vehicle.
A medical helicopter was also dispatched to the scene.
Police are currently investigating this two-vehicle collision.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
MOBILE, AL. The Mobile Police Department responded to a call within our jurisdiction for a subject who was brought to AltaPointe Health by a neighboring law enforcement agency late Monday afternoon.
Through the course of AltaPointe’s thorough intake measures, the staff realized right away the subject was not who he claimed to be. It was discovered that he gave the previous law enforcement agency false information.
Once their suspicions were heightened, the Mobile Police Department was notified immediately. Mobile police officers responded and were able to properly identify the subject as Lee Collins III who is wanted on two counts of murder in Louisiana.
We notified the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and they are coming to Mobile to interview the subject and begin the process of having him extradited back to Louisiana.
The Department of Public Safety’s partnership with AltaPointe Health remains strong, and the staff knew immediately what action to take when contacting us for assistance. Their fast thinking and calm demeanor helped bring this to a quick resolution.
No additional information will be released and the Louisiana law enforcement will take the lead on this case.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. The Eastern Shore Business and Home Expo, a community-focused event highlighting commerce, innovation and connection across Baldwin County will be held at the Fairhope Civic Center on Thursday, April 30th, 2026.
This event is scheduled from noon until 4:30 p.m. and will feature a variety of vendors and exhibitors.
Organizers say the event will bring together companies and community members for an afternoon centered on collaboration, networking and growth and will showcase the range and strength of businesses throughout the Eastern Shore.
The event is free and open to the public, offering residents and visitors an accessible way to learn more about the region’s economic landscape and the services available to them.
Attendees will have the chance to meet business owners face to face, explore new products and services and develop relationships within the local business community.
In addition to the exhibitor floor, the expo will feature a series of breakout sessions led by local experts and industry professionals. The sessions are designed to provide practical insights, educational opportunities and inspiration for both business owners and attendees, covering topics relevant to today’s marketplace.
Participating vendors will also be invited to a VIP Happy Hour immediately following the event, creating an additional setting for networking and partnership building in a more informal environment.
Organizers say that booth space remains available for businesses interested in participating, with options designed to accommodate companies of varying sizes.
The event is presented by Southern View Media.
For more information and a complete FAQ, visit www.easternshorebusiness.com.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. An Alabama State Trooper attempted to stop a motorcycle for several moving violations Monday evening at around 7:40 p.m., April 6th, 2026, but the driver fled leading police on a pursuit.
As the trooper continued the chase that went along Schillinger Road passing Airpark Drive, Ziegler Blvd and the motorcyclist continued attempting to evade police. Several law enforcement agencies joined the trooper to attempt to get the driver stopped. The driver even turned off his lights, driving in the dark and at one point went against traffic, going head on with other drivers.
The pursuit continued for about twenty-five minutes and at one point it looked like the biker was attempting to flee into Mississippi but crashed before making it to the state line.
Jordan B Balthaser then ran into the wood line but was quickly apprehend by law enforcement officers and taken into custody. Balthaser received minor injuries and was treated by EMS.
Police also determined that the motorcycle that he was driving had been reported stolen.
Balthaser faces a laundry list of charges including:
Receiving Stolen Property 1st -Degree Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance- Felony Reckless Endangerment Attempting to Elude-Felony Improper Lane Change Driving-No Lights Driving Under the Influence Open Alcohol Beverage Improper Lane Change Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Balthaser is currently in the Mobile County Metro Jail and being held without bond.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. It’s no secret that as cities within Baldwin County continue to attract new residents and their populations continue to explode that some have split from the Baldwin County School System to begin their own locally controlled school board.
In Baldwin County, Gulf Shores formed their own school board in 2019. Gulf Shores Mayor Kraft and other city leaders had done their homework, worked through some studies and listened to experts and made a decision that controlling their own funds and their own destination that being self-governed would be best for Gulf Shores.
To no one’s surprise, another fast-growing beach city, Orange Beach, followed in 2022.
While most communities in Baldwin County are small enough to need the finances and other support that a county school system brings, several other areas including Fairhope could more than likely step away from the county and form their own school system. Fairhope continues to grow expediently through grass roots efforts as well as annexing property sitting outside of their city limits.
In recent years, Fairhope actively focused on bringing in surrounding areas to manage growth and utility services, including approving a 14-acre parcel on Twin Beach Road in late 2025. The city passed an ordinance in 2024 requiring property owners to petition for annexation to connect to the municipal water system, aiming to control development density. Currently two new developments sitting on the outskirts of their city limits are being eyed for annexation including a project, which includes restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and more than 300 homes near the Fairhope-Barnwell line on a large piece of property off Greeno Road could be next to be brought into the Fairhope fold.
The property straddles property along Monk Road and County Road 3 just east of County Road 1.
The steady growth brings various streams of revenue for such cities including a strong tax base that could support establishing their own school system.
Two studies have examined the possibility. One was commissioned by the city, the other by a citizens group. Their conclusions differ sharply. The city’s study says a millage increase would be required to launch a Fairhope school system. The citizens group says it can be done without raising taxes. But Mayor Sherry Sullivan has said that a decision has not yet been made but the door is open.
Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said any decision is far from being made.
“There are a lot more conversations to be had before anything is decided on this,” she said. “It could drastically split our community.”
Both studies showed a little different result, including one that was done by Birmingham-based Criterion Consulting LLC that suggests new taxes would be required.
In their study, $7.6 million in new property taxes through a 10.37-mill increase. For a $300,000 home, that would mean about $300 more per year.
Scenario 2: Limits capital expenses to maintenance projects. It would require $4 million in new taxes, or a 5.47-mill increase.
The group was paid $25,000 for the study.
Fairhope residents have contributed significant annual revenues to the Baldwin County School System which, if Fairhope separates to form their own school system, that money would be lost.
As with the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach school systems, Fairhope would be starting much like a new business start-up with many various capital expenditures to fund the school system, including payroll, various equipment and possibly a new school to keep up with the student enrollments.
Fairhope would acquire $35.5 million in debt from the county system, though city officials and the citizens group question that figure because the county uses a pay-as-you-go construction model financed through a countywide sales tax.
Taxation and starting over is something that longtime Fairhope residents may not get on board with while newcomers and the business community may see more advantages than problems.
Only 55% of students in the Fairhope feeder pattern live inside city limits. J. Larry Newton Elementary School would be most affected. Of its 754 students, only 136 live in the city. Under a city system, only 18% of the building would be utilized if limited to city residents.
“I think that is a thing that worries a lot of folks,” Sullivan said. “You will have people that will have to pay to come into our system. Even if you grandfathered them in, they would still have to pay. They would have to pay a fee due to not being within our city limits. Some won’t be able to afford that. What does that look like?”
Other school systems who have broken away from county systems have found that like any business, there are advantages and disadvantages, initial funding being an initial concern. But like the beach community cities here have found out, there are also many freedoms, and a the rewards of controlling your own destiny and that of the school’s students that seem to make the move a win.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. If you live in Daphne or regularly travel the State Highway 181 and County Road corridor, you know how thick travel is and how many accidents occur in that stretch of road almost daily.
Well, now, that area is about to triple its congestion, traffic and the area population.
A project that has been in the works for a while may soon receive final approval from the Daphne City Council on April 6, 2026.
A huge project known as Italian Village, is planned near Highway 181 and County Road 64 and would include a Neighborhood Walmart and luxury apartments and could begin construction by this summer.
Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune says this specific area has been missing a full grocery store, which is something the development is expected to provide on a 35 acre parcel of land that will also include stylish apartments in an Italian-inspired design, which developers say reflects the city’s history.
“It’s going to be heavily landscaped. We have an archway entrance feature leading up into the project off 181. It’s going to be a very neat project,” Vice President of Development for Trotman Company, Charlie Trotman Jr., said.
“It’s going to bring anywhere from 300 to 350 new jobs, not counting construction jobs. It’s bringing tax, sales tax to the city,” said Trotman.
While all of this sounds like it could be a good fit in that area, others who commute through that area already say that the traffic is a nightmare and traffic collisions happen at that intersection more often than one might think.
But the developers say traffic improvements are part of the plan.
“We’re going to add a traffic signal on Highway 64,” Trotman said. “Add an accel and decel lanes on 181 and 64; we’re improving the roundabout at County Road 13 and 64.”
“So we’re doing a lot of things to improve the traffic. I know that’s a big component here to this project,” he continued.
Mayor LeJeune said those improvements were required as part of the process.
LeJeune believes the project will get a green light, add jobs to the area and be a property that will fit into the area.
If approved, construction on the Neighborhood Walmart could begin as early as this summer.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Sheriff investigators have arrested an Elberta man who is accused of trying to entice an underage girl on social media.
The Robertsdale Police Department contacted the Sheriff’s Office in March of this year after they determined that a 19-year-old man, later identified as Julio Perez Jr. had contacted a 15-year-old girl through Snapchat.
Investigators with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department were able to verify that Perez picked the girl up from Florida and took her to his home in Elberta, where “both parties admitted engaging in unlawful sexual acts.
Perez has been charged with multiple crimes after the joint investigation with the Robertsdale Police Department into the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Investigators met with Perez April 1 for a formal interview, at which time he was arrested and charged with second-degree rape, second-degree sodomy and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
More charges could be added as the investigation continues, according to sheriff investigators.
Parents are urged to be aware of what their children are doing online.
“Social media and messaging platforms can expose minors to individuals who may misrepresent themselves or attempt exploitation,” the release said. “Adults should regularly review their children’s online use, understand which applications they are accessing, and remain aware of who their children are interacting with.”
Anyone who believes they know someone who has been victimized should contact law enforcement immediately.
“The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and its partners in law enforcement are committed to continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in illegal activities online and to ensure the safety and well-being of all children,” the release said.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. Another first for Fairhope now allows a big box store to sell liquor instead of just beer and wine.
No, this is not just another April Fool’s joke!
The Fairhope city council has voted to allow the Walmart Supercenter store on State Highway 181 and CR 48 to sell liquor and will issue them a liquor license.
One of the peculiar things that we noticed about the new ‘Liquor Box’ package store is that it could be destined to be placed right up front, possibly where the McDonald’s restaurant once stood or in another prime spot close to the front doors, making it easy for thieves to snatch and run.
This venture is only the second one in an Alabama Walmart store with the first one being in Tuscaloosa.
The timeline for opening the new addition has not been determined yet.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Police in several areas of the country have begun sending alerts to parents giving them a heads-up about a new challenge where children are consuming large quantities of over the county medicine that could make them very ill and even lead to death.
Known as the “Benadryl Challenge,” police described it as taking excessive amounts of diphenhydramine (DPH) and similar OTC medications in an attempt to induce hallucinations. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient found in Benadryl.
Police added that participants are being encouraged to take up to 12 tablets or more at once.
The maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period is six tablets for children ages 6-12 while children who are ages 12 and older/adults are advised to take a maximum of 12.
Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to nausea, seizures and death.
Below is a list of symptoms of a diphenhydramine overdose in different parts of the body:
BLADDER AND KIDNEYS
Inability to urinate
EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Enlarged pupils
Very dry eyes
Ringing in the ears
HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Agitation
Confusion
Seizures
Delirium
Depression
Drowsiness
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Increased sleepiness
Nervousness
Tremor
Unsteadiness
SKIN
Dry, red skin
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
Nausea
Vomiting
Any of these symptoms can cause a child serious medical issues or in some cases death and they will need immediate emergency care
Call 911 if you come across anyone experiencing these symptoms and get them to an emergency room immediately.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
GULF SHORES, Ala. Police arrests during spring break this year have more than doubled the arrests made during the same time last year.
According to police records, just under one hundred arrests were made last year while almost two hundred arrests have been made so far this year.
One of the concerning facts during this year’s spring break is that more guns are being carried by teenagers coming to the beach and there have been more incidents of firearms being brandished.
Gulf Shores police, along with ALEA and several other local police agencies converged on an area of the beach after officers spotted illegal activities and made eighteen arrests on the afternoon of March 11, 2026. Those 18 face 23 charges, including illegal possession of firearms, drug-related offenses, and obstructing governmental operations. Of the six firearms that were recovered, the individuals arrested could not legally possess them. One firearm was reported to have been stolen.
One of the other observations made by our staff is that some of those engaged in the spring break activities appear to be older and from the license plates on vehicles being driven, are local to the area.
Two “open house” parties netted police over 150 arrests with others escaping the long arm of the law.
Recently Daytona Beach saw 133 arrests & 4 shootings in one weekend. Okaloosa County Florida law enforcement has made over 209 arrests in a matter of days recently and beach communities in other states have seen complete take-overs of their beaches and near riot conditions.
Each year, nationwide, spring break is becoming completely out of control and more difficult for local law enforcement to keep under control and along Alabama’s beaches, we are beginning to see a similar trend.
In recent years, there have been several shootings in Gulf Shores during spring break and if this year’s incidents and arrests are any indication of the progression of issues that spring break could bring each year, it may be time to tighten control, add for law enforcement to the beaches and follow the broken window theory which enforces small crimes in order to prevent bigger crimes.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, AL. A multi-law enforcement task force working to get guns and drugs off the streets in the Montgomery area have made a large bust recently.
The local office of the FBI and other agents recently made dozens of arrests, confiscating firearms and an assortment of drugs and dozens of arrests according to the FBI.
The FBI, working with state, local and federal agencies, announced the results of “Operation Southern Star,” a VIPER surge initiative.
According to law enforcement, the operation resulted in 63 arrests, 52 weapons recovered, 40 drug seizures and $10,341 in currency seized.
Authorities described the effort as a coordinated operation that combined intelligence sharing, enforcement operations and community outreach involving all levels of area law enforcement and federal law enforcement partners.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
