Jul 13, 2023

Good morning, folks.

We're about six weeks into our redesigned newsletter, and I wanted to pause for a moment and invite your feedback. Is there something you'd like to see more or less of? Is there any kind of daily information unique to Alabama that you get elsewhere and would enjoy the convenience of seeing it here? Just reply to this email with any thoughts.

Thanks so much for sticking with us over this time. Hopefully we're adding a little something to your day.

Now for more updates ...

Ike Morgan

Looking for the podcast? Click here or check other options below.

A $10,000 reward was announced by Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama yesterday evening in the shooting of two Birmingham firefighters, reports AL.com's Carol Robinson.

According to authorities, both Jamel Jones and Jordan Melton were taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said the shooter entered a fire station in the Norwood neighborhood shortly after the two firefighters began their shift. He said it is believed to have been a targeted attack but that they didn't know whether the two men were personally targeted or targeted in their roles as firefighters.

Those with any information are asked to call Birmingham Police or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

I know some of you make it down to the South Walton County, Florida, beaches because I see the 30A stickers on your SUVs outside Sam's.

You might notice that the crowds there have certainly grown over time.

Well, the Walton County Sheriff wants the county to ban non-residents from county beaches during the busiest times, reports AL.com's Warren Kulo.

No word on how that might affect you vacationers. I suspect nobody's going to want to send your money to Gulf Shores. This effort is targeting young people, mostly teenagers, who are from outside Walton County and pack the beaches with the potential for law-enforcement challenges.

Sheriff Mike Adkinson said deputies responded to nearly 700 calls this Fourth of July. And there's an investigation underway on a fight at Seagrove Beach that reportedly involved more than a hundred teenagers.

In the meantime, even before any action by the county commission, Atkinson said if authorities see an unmanageable situation developing they might stop traffic from continuing to head to the beach.

“In the church world we hide behind our robes and structure, but camping ministry doesn’t let you hide behind those things."

Rev. Hunter Pugh, chair of the Blue Lake Camp board of trustees.

United Methodists recently paid off the remaining debt on the Andalusia summer destination for United Methodist youth since 1952.

1

That's how many first-place votes Alabama received in AL.com's annual polling of the SEC's football sports-information directors. After 10 years atop the post-spring ranking, the Tide placed second behind Georgia and its 12 first-place votes. LSU, which was ranked third, received the other first-place vote.

87

That's how many fewer licensed gun dealers there were in June 2023 as compared with June 2019. The decline has been small and gradual but steady, with fewer licensed sellers each year along the way.

415

The acreage of Crooked Oaks Farm in Notasulga, property formerly belonging to late Auburn football coach Pat Dye, that has been given to Auburn University's College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.

This Florence, Ala., home on the market was built in 1957 and features seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. And for $3.3 million it can be yours!

(Will Mansell Photography)

In 1937, Cal Ramsey of Selma, who was an NBA player and later a broadcaster for the New York Knicks.

We appreciate you for taking the time to read today. Hope you're able to check back soon. Meantime, reply to this email with any suggestions you might have.

If you're so inclined, we'd love it if you'd forward to friends who might be interested in reading. (And if you're someone who's been forwarded this newsletter, we encourage you to subscribe and get this in your inbox every day.)

The “Down in Alabama” podcast is short and free. Listen to it by clicking on the player above or subscribe by looking for “Down in Alabama” on the device of your choosing.

You can find “Down in Alabama” wherever you get your podcasts, including these places: