FOLEY, Ala. An exciting new 55-plus community development is planned for Foley, and it’ll be packed with amenities.
Cresswind at Sandy Creek is expected to have more than 1,300 homes over a 750-acre area.
According to a Kolter Homes news release, this is the Delray, Florida-based company’s first Alabama venture, “expanding the award-winning active adult brand into a high-growth Gulf Coast market.”
Kolter Homes broke ground on the project in mid-January and expects to open it in 2027.
The new community will feature ranch-style floor plans, including open-concept interiors, outdoor living spaces and “chef-inspired” kitchens, according to the release.
Additionally, the community will have Club Cresswind, which is a community hub that will feature an arts and crafts room, a SmartFIT training center, a lounge, social ballroom, yoga and an aerobics studio.
According to a news release, outside activities for the community will have a resort-style pool, lap lanes, a sundeck, covered social spaces and tennis courts, as well as scenic walkways and 30 pickleball courts.
Kolter Homes said that this project will combine luxury and location and elevate senior living.
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MOBILE, AL. A judge’s order has shut down a clinic in Mobile after allegations of fraud.
South Alabama Medical and Rehab clinic owners are now under criminal investigation by state and federal law enforcement. The business is located at 3202 Old Shell Road in Mobile.
The Mobile County Circuit Court has granted a temporary restraining order to close a clinic accused of a “deceptive scheme” and prohibiting its affiliates from soliciting new business. This action follows a lawsuit filed by the Mobile County District Attorney’s office, which accuses the clinic of exploiting car accident victims through fraudulent medical and legal practices.
The investigation into mobile rehab clinic owners involves allegations of fraud and exploitation of patients for profit. The Mobile County Circuit Court has granted a temporary restraining order to close a clinic accused of a “deceptive scheme” and prohibiting its affiliates from soliciting new business. This action follows a lawsuit filed by the Mobile County District Attorney’s office, which accuses the clinic of exploiting car accident victims through fraudulent medical and legal practices.
Investigators have seized records and other documents and are interviewing former patients.
Authorities say that this clinic appears to have an extensive pattern of fraud schemes and that there are hundreds of patients who may be victims.
This investigation is ongoing and could likely end in criminal charges.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, meant to protect children from sexual predators, has been passed by the Alabama Legislature.
The Senate approved the measure with a 33–1 vote after it passed the House earlier this session. The legislation was sponsored by State Rep. Matt Simpson and State Sen. April Weaver.
This bill strengthens criminal penalties for certain sexual crimes against children under the age of 12. House Bill 41, also filed as Senate Bill 17, classifies first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and first-degree sexual assault involving victims under 12 as capital offenses eligible for the death penalty.
Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the passage, saying, “I applaud the Alabama Legislature for passing HB41, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, which sends the strongest possible message that our state will not tolerate crimes against our children, who are among our most vulnerable citizens. Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm. This legislation provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue the ultimate penalty against those who commit the most depraved acts against children.
Marshall also commended legislators who supported the bill, noting that it affirms Alabama’s commitment to child protection.
The bill now awaits Governor Ivey’s signature.
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ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. A mother has been charged in the death of her 5-year-old son after authorities recovered the body of the boy Friday morning around 10:15 a.m. from the Perdido Bay off Lillian Highway in a trash bag.
Deputies initially responded around 9:30 a.m. to the 9500-block of Lilian Highway near San Sebastian Circle after receiving a call from Smith’s sister, who Sheriff Chip Simmons says “shared some concerns about her 5-year-old nephew.”
Deputies conducted a further investigation but did not say what led them to the spot where the body was found.
Jalynda Smith, 36, was booked into Escambia County Jail on Saturday at around 1:40 a.m. on a charge of Aggravated Negligent Manslaughter of a Child.
She’s being held without bond.
Court records show Smith was arrested in Escambia County in March 2022 for child neglect. That charge was later dropped after Smith completed a Pre-Trial Intervention parental skills course.
After the boy’s body was recovered, crime scene investigators were sent to search Smith’s apartment, which is about 30 minutes from where the boy’s body was found, but the sheriff’s office has not released if anything was found there.
The sheriff’s office is still asking anyone with information to call them. They can be reached at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
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HOOVER, Ala. Hoover police officers were dispatched to a call at 8 a.m. at a residence on River Lake Drive in the Southlake neighborhood off Valleydale Road.
Police said that a male on scene had shot and killed his father during a domestic dispute prior to police arriving at the residence.
As several police officers made entry into the home, the son, opened fire on police, who engaged him and both an officer and the suspect were shot.
Both the injured officer and the suspect were transported to UAB Hospital. The conditions of the officer and suspect have not yet been released.
Hoover Police Captain Daniel Lowe said that the officer is stable and expected to make a full recovery
Because officers discharged their weapons, the investigation was turned over to the State Bureau of Investigation. With ALEA conducting the investigation any further questions about this incident should be directed to them.
The Hoover Police Department would ask for continued prayers for all affected by today’s events. We would also like to thank our community for the outpouring of support and the numerous law enforcement agencies who responded and offered assistance.
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LILLIAN, Ala. Multiple fire departments had to be called in to assist the Lillian Volunteer Fire Department with a major structure fire.
The call went out on Saturday, February 7, 2026, after 911 received several calls reporting that a home was on fire.
Several structures and around 40 acres burned in what officials are calling one of the largest fires in the history of Lillian.
The Elberta, Summerdale, Perdido Beach and Lillian firefighters fought the blaze for hours.
Officials say several structures, including four free-standing garages, multiple vehicles, two boats and nearly 40 acres of woods and brush were destroyed in the blaze.
There were no reported injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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ORANGE BEACH, Ala. A group of country music artists are coming to the Wharf in Orange Beach, and they are sure to bring some of their biggest hits and a few new songs as well.
Gary Allen and Tracy Lawrence, with Diamond Rio and Easton Corbin, are coming to Orange Beach on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Allen is known for songs like “Right Where I Need to Be,” “Every Storm,” and “Watching Airplanes,” while Lawrence is known for songs like “Paint Me a Birmingham,” “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” and “Alibis.”
Some of Diamond Rio’s most popular songs include “One More Day,” “Meet in the Middle,” and Norma Jean Riley.” Easton Corbin’s songs include “All Over the Road” and “A Little More Country Than That.”
Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey once again called for harsher penalties for those who attempt to elude law enforcement, engaging in pursuits or fleeing by any method.
The Governor wants the Alabama Legislature to send a strong message to deter criminals across the Yellowhammer State from trying to elude the police.
The Governor has brought the subject up several times recently while signing other bills that enhance the authority of law enforcement.
“Government at all levels should always prioritize public safety. And we can thank the men and women in blue for enforcing our laws,” Ivey said during her state of the state address. “Unfortunately, some criminals attempt to elude their authority. There are repeat offenders and in the worst cases, there has even been loss of life. It is time we crack down on that reckless, criminal behavior and pass a bill led by Rep. Reed Ingram and Sen. Lance Bell.”
“In Alabama, we enforce the law, and I look forward to this bill reaching my desk,” Ivey added during her address.
In recent years, other states have elevated the misdemeanor charge to a felony but the current Alabama law, Attempting to Elude is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with felony enhancements only tied to specific conduct. The current law also lacks provisions to adequately address aggravating circumstances that place law enforcement and children at risk, and there are no baseline sentencing consequences for repeat offenders.
The governor backed a pair of companion bills, HB37 and SB233, to change that.
“This legislation will not only crack down on reckless criminals trying to elude our law enforcement but also enhance the safety of Alabama’s citizens by dissuading this careless criminal act,” State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Riverside) said.
“It is time to impose stricter penalties for those who flee law enforcement – especially repeat offenders who put innocent motorists, pedestrians and officers at risk. I want to thank Governor Ivey for continuing to make public safety a priority for her Administration.”
This bill will cause some lawbreakers to think twice before fleeing from the police.
This legislation will enhance penalties for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer by elevating the base offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. It also will toughen sentences against “reckless” behavior like eluding with children in the vehicle, striking law enforcement officers in their vehicles, or while the offender is on pretrial release.
The legislation beefs up sentences for repeat offenders by requiring mandatory jail time.
“Fleeing from law enforcement is not a harmless mistake – it is a dangerous decision that puts officers and innocent families at serious risk,” State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) said.
“By elevating these offenses and establishing mandatory minimums for repeat violations, we are sending a clear message: Alabama stands firmly behind our law enforcement officers and will not tolerate reckless behavior that jeopardizes public safety. I want to thank Governor Ivey for making this legislation a priority for her this session.”
Through last year’s Safe Alabama package of bills, progress was made, the governor says, but the work is never done when it comes to keeping Alabamians safe.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. Police, Search and Rescue Teams, Corrections and Security Guards and even exterminators have used to sniff out the bad guy, bugs or bad smells.
And now, the City of Fairhope has contracted with a company that also uses dogs to sniff out bad smells. The dogs will help city personnel to sniff out sewage leaks. Specifically, the four-legged helpers will search for E-coli bacteria and where it’s escaping from.
City grants manger Nichole Love said for years excessive E. coli bacteria has been periodically detected in Fly Creek but pinpointing where and how it was seeping into the area has been difficult. Thus, a new method is being tried.
Love said that using the methods of submitting samples frequently to a lab is costly.
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) has devised a possible solution by using specially trained K-9’s to sniff out the problems.
Cody Aloi in partnership with X & O Consulting’s Paul Orcutt, are preparing to help locate the leaks in a different way. The program will cost $65,000 this year. Information gathers will be submitted to the city council.
The dogs can quickly alert to possible human-specific contamination so possible sources may be quickly identified. Some traditional lab testing will be required too later, for confirmation.
The goals of the new program are to “reduce time and cost involved identifying human sewage wastewater pollution, allow augmented response and mitigation and to gather actionable data for fast response.”
Malfunctioning private septic tanks as well as municipal sewage collection systems are two of the possible sources of pollution.
Dogs used are certified by The United Police Working Dog Association.
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RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. Three people in Russell County Alabama have been arrested for harvesting ballots and election fraud.
A Russell County grand jury has indicted the three individuals on a combined 33 counts related to absentee election crimes, including 13 felony counts and 20 misdemeanor counts.
An investigation showed that these three individuals intentionally broke laws pertaining to absentee ballot harvesting.
“The actions of this grand jury reflect Alabama values and send a clear message to anyone considering breaking Alabama election law – neither the Secretary of State nor the people of Alabama will tolerate election fraud,” Secretary of State Wes Allen said.
Allen thanked the Phenix City Police Department and Russell County District Attorney’s Office for their work on the case.
“We will continue to identify violations of Alabama election law, refer them to law enforcement, and see to it those who break the law are held fully accountable,” Allen said.
Last month Secretary Allen announced that his office removed 186 noncitizens registered to vote in Alabama, using the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit executed a search warrant at 922 Carleton Avenue, Mobile, Alabama.
During the execution of the search warrant, TOMMY YARNELL JONES was arrested for trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana 1st, Receiving stolen property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
MCSO Deputies seized approximately 317 grams of cocaine, Marjuana and (5) handguns. One of the handguns is reported stolen from Bay Minette Police Department.
This investigation is an example of how the sheriff’s office continues to act on these crime tips that we receive from the community in an effort to remove drug traffickers from our streets,” said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch.
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MOBILE, AL. The Mobile Police Department has graduated a new class of officers bringing the department’s strength to it’s highest point in a while.
“They are so full of excitement right now,” Chief William Jackson said. “They don’t know what to expect next. They’re ready to hit the street and start learning.”
These officers join at a time when the police department is expanding.
Chief Jackson said the department’s latest budget created space for 24 new positions.
“We increased from 492 to 516,” Chief Jackson said. “And that’s our budgeted strength right now. We are currently sitting at 499. We have about five more that are going to be hired in the next couple of weeks for the next academy.”
Public Information Officer Roderick Miles said having extra officers on the street makes a noticeable impact.
“If you called an officer and that particular squad or we’re short on officers, your response time will be a little bit higher,” Mobile Police Department Public Information Officer Roderick Miles said. “Versus if we were able to meet our numbers. And we’ll be able to take care of our communities better.”
The department is aiming to make Mobile a safer place for everyone by bringing more resources to neighborhoods that may feel underserved.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. A basketball game being played at Fairhope’s West Elementary school received a few uninvited guests that caused a bit of surprise and concern Monday night.
While playing in the school’s gym, bats began joining in the game, flying about and causing a stir.
The gym was evacuated and Principal Jenny Davis said the gym will stay closed until the maintenance department removes all the bats and the space is professionally cleaned.
Principal Davis said that all parents were notified.
Bats often find shelter in attics, crawl spaces and areas where it’s dark and when it’s cold, they seek shelter and warmth, just like most animals, said animal expert Jeff Goin.
While bats generally won’t attack people, they are known to protect their young. They also carry diseases and fecal matter can cause harm to humans.
The school informed parents that the gym will be closed during the day and for after-school activities while crews work to get the bats out and clean the area.
Until that’s done, students will be having P.E. in alternate locations.
Goin said the bats likely entered a space on the roof seeking warmth and shelter.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
SPANISH FORT, Ala. A much-needed addition to the Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort is coming in the way of a new industrial freezer that will allow the facility to store food for a much longer time without spoiling.
The 24-foot by 24-foot freezer room costs more than $400,000 and represents a major expansion for the food pantry that distributed 1.4 million pounds of food last year.
The need continues to grow, and we have outgrown our capacity to store food said Deann Servos, the executive director of Prodisee Pantry.
“This freezer room will allow us to take the next step, to make sure we are able to accept donations of frozen food and purchase at low cost.”
Servo said the freezer, which is commercial grade, will accommodate a forklift, reducing labor needed to move food in and out of storage. Prodisee Pantry said the unit will allow them to take advantage of bulk donations or purchases that they previously didn’t have room to store.
Work on the warehouse addition is already underway.
The expensive purchase was made possible through dedicated fundraising efforts, with donors contributing specifically to the freezer room project.
The addition reflects growing need in Baldwin County and the service the ministry provides to the community.
Once the new freezer is online, the current freezer will be converted into a cooler to hold fresh vegetables donated weekly during growing season. The new freezer room will also support future expansion into north Baldwin County by allowing Prodisee to store perishable foods for longer periods.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. Heavy snow, ice, winds and sub-freezing temperatures during the past week have taken the lives of more than six dozen people.
According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the death toll there is now confirmed to be 25 but those numbers are expected to rise as emergency workers are now going door to door in some communities searching for more injured or deceased persons. And to make things worse, the state could see another round of snow, ice or both Tuesday and Wednesday. The state, especially in the Nashville metro area still has tens of thousands of residents without power.
When I spoke with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, they also reported similar stories of injuries and deaths caused by two rounds of storms. As of Monday evening, February 2nd, 2026, MEMA said that they have confirmed that there have been twenty-five storm related deaths in their state. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency also has reported that about 38,000 outages remain, down from 180,000 at peak. MEMA reported the following were damaged in 51 counties including: 369 homes 26 businesses 20 farms 62 public roads, 20 have minor damage They said those numbers are expected to fluctuate as damage assessments continue. MEMA said that 80 warming centers are open in 51 counties, serving approximately 1,080 people.
In Virginia, the state police reported nearly 400 crashes that resulted in close to forty injuries and three deaths. Authorities in Northern Virginia reported that at least three cold-related deaths in Fairfax County, Virginia, including individuals who collapsed while shoveling and one who was homeless.
North Carolina reported at least four storm related deaths and nationwide an estimated 120 people have died.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the disappearance of a family several days ago.
On January 31, 2026, the Mobile Country Sheriff’s Office said that deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 9000 Block of Ben Hamilton Road regarding the suspicious disappearance of a mother and two children.
The mother has been identified as AURELIA CHOC CAC, 40 years old, black hair, 5 ft, 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a maroon jacket with tan joggers.
MCSO said that her two children are also missing.
NIURKA ZULETA CHOC, is a 17 year old girl with black hair, 5’1, weighing approximately 100 pounds and was last seen wearing black top, plaid pants.
The son is ANTHONY GARCIA CHOC, 2 years old, 30 pounds, black hair, and last seen wearing a cartoon character hoodie with blue jeans.
The family of three were last seen a few days ago around 3:00 pm at their residence.
Upon further investigation into the matter, there were signs of a struggle that occurred inside said residence.
A person of interest has been found and interviewed by MCSO and is currently no longer a suspect of interest.
However, law enforcement believes that the family was removed from the home unwillingly and could be in danger.
If anyone has any information about the missing family and their whereabouts, please call Mobile County Sheriff’s Office 251-574-8633.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Among thew business and new laws debated recently in Montgomery was a law that would make it a crime for adults to smoke marijuana or vape in a vehicle when children are also present.
Debates are common at Alabama’s state house, but what is less common is seeing members of one party debate each other on a bill. It would also require mandatory reporting of parents whose kids smell of marijuana.
House Bill 72 has a Democratic sponsor, Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Pleasant Grove). However, convincing the House to pass his bill involved his fellow democratic lawmakers, rather than the Republicans across the aisle.
“Don’t smoke marijuana around your children. Don’t have your children around anyone smoking marijuana,” said Rep. Sellers. “Second-hand smoke — second-hand marijuana smoke is very harmful.”
The bill, if passed, would ban anyone, regardless of age, from smoking or vaping marijuana in a vehicle when a child, or as the bill defines it, anyone under 19 years old, is in the vehicle.
According to the bill, violating the rule would result in a Class A misdemeanor with a possible one year behind bars. A violator would also have to attend an education course from the Alabama Department of Public Health on “the negative impacts of marijuana and other drug use around children and the dangers of exposing children to secondhand marijuana smoke.”
“You know the difference if you’re carrying your child to school and you’re smoking marijuana in an enclosed environment and that child goes into the school, their whole body, their whole clothes, all of it smells just like — smells like marijuana,” he said.
However, Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) is against the bill.
“The laws that are on the books, we think that they are strong enough now,” she said after the bill passed the House. “I’m not sure why the sponsor carried this bill to this extent.”
Rep. Givan said she is for the rule of law but has an issue with what she calls the bill’s unintended consequences.
The bill requires mandatory reporters, which include teachers, to report parents to the Department of Human Resources when their child smells like marijuana.
“There are so many individuals that are of color that are typically — there are issues with racial profiling, there are unintended consequences, especially when you get to a point where you are putting something in a bill,” she said.
Out of the Democratic caucus, five members voted “yes,” 15 abstained, seven, including sponsor Rep. Sellers, did not vote on the bill and the only two no votes were democrats. All republicans voted “yes,” except for two “abstentions.”
This bill has one more hurdle before going to Gov. Ivey’s desk and that’s the green light from the Senate. If the law is passed, the Governor would sign it next, and it would take effect on October 1, 2026.
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DAPHNE, Ala. The Baldwin County 911 Communications Center received an emergency call about a person trapped at the Burger King, located at 29685 State Hwy 181.
911 dispatched the Daphne Police as well as the Daphne Fire Department to the restaurant.
According to the fire department, an employee got her hand caught in an ice machine and firefighters had to extricate her from it.
Medstar dispatched an ambulance to the scene to assist the patient.
According to authorities, the employee had non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The manager of the restaurant had no comment.
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