Smith was seated alone at the dinner when a longtime church member approached him and invited him to sit with others at a table, said the Rev. Doug Carpenter, who founded the church in 1973 and retired in 2005. Smith refused the offer, but then pulled out a handgun and shot three people, authorities and reports said.
Family: 2 Alabamians captured in Ukraine sent to prison
The men are believed to be the first Americans captured while fighting for Ukraine. A third man is in a cell with the pair but Drueke didn't disclose his name and Drueke said she didn't press for the information for fear of the call being disconnected.
Basement talk, virtual handshake led to Manchin-Schumer deal
Details were slim that Monday afternoon 10 days ago, but the size and scope shocked Schumer's team and, most importantly, included the commitment to vote by the August recess. This account is from several people familiar with the private conversations, and granted anonymity to discuss them.
A key US inflation gauge reaches 6.8% as prices keep surging
The government also reported Friday that consumer spending managed to just outpace inflation last month, rising 0.1% from May to June after adjusting for price changes. Consumer spending, the main driver of the economy, has weakened in the face of high inflation. But for now, it's still helping fuel inflation, with demand still strong for services, ranging from airline tickets and hotel rooms to restaurant meals and autos.
Athens man faces 36 charges under new catalytic converter law
In March, the National Insurance Crime Bureau said catalytic converter thefts increased 325% from 2019 to 2020. According to the Bureau's analysis, as of December 2020, rhodium was valued at $14,500 per ounce, palladium at $2,336 per ounce, and platinum at $1,061 per ounce. They estimate buyers will pay $50 to $250 for one catalytic converter.
Joe Nathan James executed
The execution began a few minutes after 9 p.m. CDT following a nearly three hour delay. James did not open his eyes or show any deliberate movements at any point during the procedure. He did not speak when the warden asked if he had any final words. His breathing became labored, with deep pulsing breaths, and slowed until it was not visible.
Alabama mayors support ‘Aniah’s Law’ on Nov. 8 ballot
Aniah’s Law would make it clear to judges when they are allowed to deny bail, specifically listing the crimes of murder, assault in the first degree, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, arson, terrorism, and aggravated child abuse as instances where they are able to do so.
New $2.7B Mobile bridge proposal advances
According to ALDOT, the new Mobile River Bridge and new Bayway plan includes toll options of $2.50 for passenger vehicles and $18 for trucks. There are also discounts for local commuters. The 2019 plan called for passenger tolls as high as $6.00.
Index: Alabama business leaders’ confidence in economy declines
State business leaders have a negative outlook on Alabama’s economy for the first time in eight years, according to a quarterly polling of more than 200 executives.
Ivey: James execution will proceed
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall had urged Ivey to let the execution go forward, writing that "it is our obligation to ensure that justice is done for the people of Alabama."
Manchin, Schumer in surprise deal on health, energy, taxes
The reversal was stunning, and there was no immediate explanation for Manchin's abrupt willingness to back a bolder, broader measure. Since last year, he has used his pivotal vote in the 50-50 Senate to force Biden and Democrats to abandon far more ambitious, expensive versions. He dragged them through months of negotiations in which leaders' concessions to shrink the legislation proved fruitless, antagonizing the White House and most congressional Democrats.
Recession? Fed fights back with inflation measures
The Fed wants to cool the economy through its rate hikes, which make home mortgages, auto loans and business borrowing more expensive. As consumers and businesses spend less, the resulting pullback in demand can bring inflation down closer to the Fed's 2% annual target.
State makes small gain in third-grade reading
By MADDISON BOOTH, Alabama Daily News AUBURN, Ala. – Twenty-two percent of Alabama public school third graders were not reading on grade level this spring, according to their annual Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program testing results. That represents 11,725 students statewide and a slight improvement from 23% in 2021 testing. A recent report from the Public Affairs...
Marshall, Republican AGs sue Biden over LGBTQ school lunch guidance
The coalition of attorneys general are hoping for a similar result to a separate challenge from earlier this month when a Tennessee judge temporarily barred two federal agencies from enforcing directives issued by Biden's administration that extended protections for LGBTQ people in schools and workplaces.
102-year-old WWII veteran from segregated mail unit honored
Romay Davis, 102, will be recognized for her service at an event at Montgomery City Hall. It follows President Joe Biden's decision in March to sign a bill authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for the unit, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight."