Alabama

Selma’s police, Methodist rules, campus protest: Down in Alabama

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Press Room

Selma’s police, Methodist rules, campus protest: Down in Alabama

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Frustrated in Selma

We mentioned yesterday that the mayor in Selma had suspended the police chief. He said he would speak on the topic, and on Wednesday he certainly did.

AL.com’s Carol Robinson reports that Mayor James Perkins let loose on the police department at a press conference. He gave examples of what’s been frustrated him, including a complaint that Selma PD failed to show up to provide extra protection at two Selma schools after two high school students were shot over the weekend. And he spoke about big “Freaknik-style” block parties that have taken place outside the police department, including one at which he said there were more than 100 shots fired yet no police action. And he said the city takes a constant stream of calls complaining about such issues.

Perkins suspended Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford Tuesday. It’s the second time the mayor has suspended the chief; the City Council reversed his previous suspension.

The UMC’s new same-sex views

Possible changes that led the more conservative congregations to leave the United Methodist Church denomination over the past couple years have already happened.

AL.com’s Greg Garrison reports that the denomination’s bans on the ordaining of openly gay clergy and the officiating of same-sex weddings were lifted Wednesday at the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

The changes to the “Book of Discipline” do not require clergy to perform same-sex weddings or churches to permit them at their locations, however.

Here’s the ideological impact of the UMC’s split: An issue that previously split the denomination passed 692-51. That’s over 90 percent voting in favor.

More than half Alabama’s UMC-affiliated churches have disaffiliated.

Gaza to Tuscaloosa

Protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza have made their way to the University of Alabama campus, reports AL.com’s Rebecca Griesbach.

A few dozen protesters gathered, but they weren’t alone. Opposite their waving Palestinian flags were counter-protesters waving American and Israeli flags and even Donald Trump banners. But if you need some feel-good in the middle of all the acrimony, there was a moment where both sides were chanting a really ugly thing about President Biden.

The primary protesters were calling on the severing of ties between the university and defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the maker of weaponry that’s been used by Israel in its ongoing war against the Hamas government in Gaza that was triggered by the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel.

The demonstrators would like the school to rename Hewson Hall, which was named after former Lockheed CEO Marillyn Hewson after her $15 million gift, to prohibit Lockheed from recruiting on campus, and to stop doing research that gets funding from the Defense Department, among other things.

Quoting

“I’ve been watching the Legislature for (more than a) half century, and the most serious of act of financial malpractice and the most serious act of the failure of this state is to not have a lottery. It has probably easily cost us $1.5 billion.”

Jess Brown, retired political science professor at Athens State University.

By the Numbers

That’s where Montgomery ranks nationally with an STD rate of 1,323 cases per 100,000 residents, according to recently released CDC statistics. Philadelphia was the highest city in the U.S. with a rate of 1,504 cases per 100,000.

More Alabama News

Born on This Date

In 1941, former major league relief pitcher Clay Carroll of Clanton. During the 70s in Cincinnati he had some great seasons out of the bullpen for the Big Red Machine.

In 1950, the late Randy Colley of Alexander City. Y’all know him as former WWF Tag Team champion Moondog Rex of the Moondogs.

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Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Published

12 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives Boy Scouts’ Circle of Honor

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was honored for her lifelong dedication to youth and community service during the 12th annual Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts of America Circle of Honor awards luncheon.

The ceremony, which was held Feb. 27 at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves as a fundraiser for the council’s scouting program.

The Circle of Honor award is presented to people in west central Alabama whose livelihood and actions reflect the same values of the Black Warrior Boy Scouts. Recipients have also shown advocacy for youth and leadership in the community.

Past recipients of the award include Terry Saban, Nick Saban, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, scientist and philanthropist Thomas Joiner, pharmacist and retailer James I. Harrison Jr., civic leader Mary Ann Phelps and more.

Cathy Randall, a Tuscaloosa businesswoman, educator and philanthropist, presented Ivey with the award. Randall was inducted into the Circle of Honor in 2025 along with her late husband, Pettus.

Ivey said she was grateful to receive the honor by the Black Warrior Council and highlighted the importance of public service.

“I’m proud to have dedicated my life to public service, there’s no more noble calling than to uplift and empower lives,” said Ivey during the Feb. 27 ceremony.

Ivey thanked the scouting organizations, including the Black Warrior Council for its contributions to educational opportunities, economic development, and public safety.

“In particular, I’m proud of the work done by our Scouting organizations like the Black Warrior Council, who lay a foundation for successful future in both our young people and our state, thank you for all you do to build a stronger Alabama by changing lives and preparing our future leaders,” said Ivey, a native of Camden in Wilcox County.

Ivey is wrapping up her second term as governor after a long career spent primarily in government.

After graduating from Auburn University in 1967, Ivey worked as a high school teacher and a bank officer. She served as reading clerk for the Alabama House of Representatives under then-Speaker Joseph C. McCorquodale and she served as assistant director at the Alabama Development Office.

In 2002, Ivey was elected to the first of two terms as Alabama’s treasurer and in 2010, she was elected to the first of two terms as lieutenant governor. On April 10, 2017, Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor after the resignation of Robert Bentley. She filled out the rest of Bentley’s term before winning the gubernatorial election in 2018 and she was re-elected in 2022.

She will leave office at the end of this year.

She is the first Republican woman to serve as Alabama’s governor but she’s the second woman to hold the state’s top executive office. Tuscaloosa County native Lurleen B. Wallace, a Democrat, became Alabama’s first female governor in 1966.

Circle of Honor luncheon raises nearly $200,000

Also during the ceremony, retired DCH Health System administrator Sammy Watson, who served as the event’s emcee, announced that the council had raised $197,000 through the luncheon that day.

Proceeds from the lunch will be used to expand Boy Scouts programs, making them available to over 3,000 young people in west central Alabama.

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s leading outdoor education and character development program. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@usatodayco.com. To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News.

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

24 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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