Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Mountain Brook grieves after Alabama 8-year-old dies in Texas flood
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.) An 8-year-old from Alabama is among at least 32 people dead after floodwaters swept through a Christian girls camp July 4 in Texas. Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch...

Mountain Brook mourns Sarah Marsh, 8, lost in Texas flash floods
Sarah was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School. HUNT, Texas — An eight-year-old Mountain Brook student was among at least 27 people killed when devastating flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, leaving...

Alabama Weather 101: Radar Colors Explained
If you have ever pulled up the weather radar on your smartphone or computer, depending on the season, you will see an array of colors across the screen. Have you ever wondered what all those colors represent? In this edition of Alabama Weather...
Alabama 8-year-old among dozens killed as floods sweep Texas summer camp
An 8-year-old from Alabama is among at least 27 people dead after floodwaters swept through a Christian girls camp July 4 in Texas. Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch confirmed the death of Sarah Marsh, a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary. "This...
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Man, 70, Dies After Firework Explodes in His Face at Beach on Fourth of July
NEED TO KNOW Robert Spagnuolo, a 70-year-old Massachusetts resident, died during a Fourth of July celebration in Wareham The Plymouth County District Attorney's office said Spagnuolo “was setting off fireworks at the beach when one exploded in his...

Renovations, new amenities boost Alabama’s State Parks
Alabama officials marked another milestone in ongoing improvements to the state’s park system this week with the opening of a new pool house at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, part of more than $220 million in upgrades happening across Alabama’s...
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This Scenic Spot On The Tennessee River Is The Ultimate Destination For Music Fans
Key Takeaways This town is rich in culture, history, and fun activities to fill a weekend or day trip. Florence’s music history started in 1873, with the birth of W.C. Handy. Florence makes a great weekend getaway for shopping, museums, and...

Eight-year-old Mountain Brook girl Sarah Marsh dies in Texas flood
Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, one of the young campers caught in flash flooding in Texas, died on Friday. Sarah was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School. She was one of 23 girls reported missing from Camp Mystic, a...

8-year-old Mountain Brook girl among the many killed in Texas flooding: ‘She will live on in our hearts’
An eight-year-old girl from Alabama is among the victims of the deadly flood that swept through a summer camp along the Guadalupe River in central Texas early Friday. Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook was attending Camp Mystic, a Christian retreat...

Meet 2026 Alabama gubernatorial candidate Chad ‘Chig’ Martin
ENTERPRISE, Ala. – Chad “Chig” Martin is running as a Democrat for Alabama governor in 2026. Below is his announcement. Chad “Chig” Martin wears many hats as an Alabama entrepreneur, but felt inspired to throw another into the 2026 Alabama...

Alabama DOT announces pavement testing on SR-7 in Jefferson County
John R. Cooper, Transportation Director | Alabama Department of TransportationJohn R. Cooper, Transportation Director | Alabama Department of Transportation The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced plans to conduct pavement...

US-72 widening project returns to nighttime lane closures due to travel delays
The US-72/Florence Boulevard widening project in Lauderdale County will switch back to nighttime lane closures for most operations. This decision comes after daytime lane closures caused significant travel delays, despite being more suitable for...

This California Road Trip Is Definitely Bucket-List Worthy
Not all of California’s epic road trips hug the coastline. Some carve straight through deserts, past ancient trees, and snow-capped mountains. One of the most scenic drives in the Golden State follows Highway 395, a breathtaking stretch winding...

Alabama teen helps secure gold medal for Team USA basketball
Cameron Blankenship has toured Spain and France to represent the U.S. on the international athletic stage. In the end, he helped Team USA bring back top basketball honors, solidified lifetime memories and prospects for the future. And he’s just...

Jake Retzlaff’s BYU Exit Cleared by NCAA Decision as New Destination Tipped, per Insider
There’s a brand-new wrinkle in the college football transfer world, and ex-BYU Cougars QB Jake Retzlaff just walked straight through it. With a fresh NCAA-sanctioned portal window opening July 7 to August 5, programs now have the ability to label...

Alabama’s outdoors are closer than you think, better than you remember: op-ed
This is a guest opinion column “I didn’t know this was here.” It’s a response I hear often, whether someone has just discovered a trail near their home or visited a state park for the first time in years. Capturing these moments and inviting...

Visitors flock to Baldwin County beaches for 4th of July holiday
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - The 4th of July holiday is always one of the busiest for gulf coast beaches and as you would expect, Gulf Shores beaches were packed July 4, 2025. Gulf Shores is like an old friend to many, welcoming them back every year...

ALEA: Be aware of these Fourth of July weekend dangers in Alabama
Always wear a seatbelt while in a vehicle. Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, while driving. Adhere to posted speed limits. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Be mindful of weather conditions and...

‘Absolutely nuts:’ Alabama rockers open 3-night amphitheater stand
“This is pretty cool, huh? How ‘bout this?” How about this, indeed. The question was posed by Red Clay Strays frontman Brandon Coleman a few songs into the band’s set Thursday night in Orange Beach. The full-throated answer came from a capacity...

Where can I watch fireworks? 4th of July weekend fireworks shows | 2025 North Alabama Events traffic & parking information
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — North Alabama is gearing up for a dazzling Fourth of July with a variety of fireworks shows. Here’s a roundup of where you can catch the festivities: Art After Hours in Athens - The City of Athens will host Art After Hours with...