The Buzz Report

01/13/2025

The Deep South can anticipate the arrival of another batch of extremely cold air within the next week, with some global models indicating the possibility of further "winter mischief" around January 20-21.

01/13/2025

The Buzz - Rep. Tracy Estes, Republican of Winfield, Alabama who faced allegations of making violent threats to a woman, has agreed to settle the case, according to a Thursday court filing. Estes, 57, was charged with third-degree domestic violence on September 20 after allegedly making verbal threats to an individual for two hours.

The person who filed the petition for protection from abuse alleged that a firearm was involved and that she feared serious injury.

Third-degree domestic violence is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,000 fine. As part of the settlement, the charges will be dismissed in exchange for Estes' compliance with the terms of a protective order, which will remain in effect for an additional two years. Any contact between the parties would constitute a breach of the order.

Furthermore, Estes has agreed to pay court costs and complete a state-certified intervention program called the PEACE program, designed to address abusers' belief systems and patterns of power and control.

The case may be reinstated if Estes violates the terms of the protective order, which may also be extended.

01/13/2025

Breaking:
Los Angeles wildfire death toll reaches 24.

01/13/2025

The snow and sleet have largely passed through Alabama, but some students will face a later-than-usual return to class on Monday after a weekend of snow and ice.

Here are the latest school delays and closings.

DELAYS

DeKalb County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13.

Franklin County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13.

Lauderdale County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13.

Marion County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13.

Lawrence County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, Jan. 13.

01/13/2025

Montgomery law enforcement authorities are seeking public assistance in apprehending a suspect implicated in a series of armed robberies.

The robberies occurred near the intersection of Troy Highway and Bell Road, and photographs of the suspect have been disseminated. Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

All communication with CrimeStoppers will remain anonymous. If you have information pertinent to this ongoing investigation, please contact CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.

01/13/2025

The Buzz - NC Gov. Josh Stein sworn into office and began his tenure by praising the fortitude of state residents following Hurricane Helene, promising to "cut through bureaucratic hurdles to enable faster rebuilding."

01/13/2025

The 2025 State of the City/County event, hosted by Mobile Chamber, drew over 700 attendees. During the State of the County segment, Commissioners Merceria Ludgood, Connie Hudson, and Randall Dueitt presented Mobile County Commission's initiatives to enhance quality of life by providing access to nature, future-building job opportunities, grants and resources, historical and cultural experiences, and supporting infrastructure for daily life.

01/13/2025

A 21-year-old FedEx employee was found deceased in Lake Arlington on January 3, more than two weeks after he was reported missing, his family confirmed.

Marquise Browner was last seen on December 18 when his mother, Elanor Holiday, dropped him off at the FedEx facility in Fort Worth. The following day, Holiday learned from her son's supervisor that Marquise never clocked in for his shift.

Upon searching his room, she found his FedEx work ID still present, which immediately raised concerns. Fort Worth Police confirmed they searched local hospitals, morgues, and jails but found no trace of Browner.

Holiday's own investigation revealed that her son's bank card was used on December 19 at a Fort Worth Whataburger and a nearby gas station. On January 3, the Arlington Police Department responded to an area along Lake Arlington in the 4100 block of Surfside Court after a resident reported seeing a body that had washed ashore.

The body was later identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner as Browner. Police stated there were no signs of trauma but believe Browner 'had been in the water for some time.

01/12/2025

Award now at $5,000 for missing Huntsville realtor.

As the search for a missing Huntsville man approaches the one-month mark, his family is doubling the reward being offered for information that may provide answers.

Ronald Dumas, Jr. was last heard from on December 15 and has been officially placed on the ALEA Missing Persons List, where he is listed as a Missing Adult.

Dumas departed Huntsville on Dec. 15, last speaking with a family member at approximately 10 p.m. that evening. His vehicle, a black 2021 Hyundai Palisade with the AL tag 47AUW1E, was discovered abandoned on Dec. 16 at 6:30 a.m. on the shoulder of I-40 near mile marker 133 in Waverly, TN.

According to Huntsville Police, Ronald Dumas, Jr.'s phone pinged in Jackson, TN. Since then, search parties have been deployed in the area seeking Dumas or clues that may reveal his next moves.

If you possess any information regarding Dumas or his whereabouts, please contact Investigator Gibbs with HPD at 256-427-5448.

01/12/2025

The Buzz - On Wednesday, the Mobile County District Attorney's office submitted a motion to the court to dismiss the charge of promoting prison contraband against Kim Henderson, as her trial on this charge was set to commence.

In November 2023, a Mobile County District Judge determined during her preliminary hearing that there was no probable cause and dismissed the case.

Despite this ruling, the District Attorney's office presented the case to the Grand Jury, securing an indictment in March 2024. Nearly a year after obtaining the indictment, the District Attorney's office has dropped the case.

On Tuesday, Henderson's attorney filed a motion to dismiss, citing the state's failure to provide evidence as ordered by the court in June, specifically audio and/or video recordings of Henderson's statement and a conversation between Henderson and an inmate, as referenced in a written statement by an MCSO detective.

Henderson was arrested in September 2023 following the arrest of her friend and former corrections officer, Jessica Odom, for attempting to promote contraband and traffic fentanyl. Henderson claims she was working at the jail and on the phone with Odom's cousin, inquiring about a bill payment, and then visited Odom in custody to relay this information.

01/11/2025

The BUZZ- Civil Rights attorney Carlos Moore has been suspended from practicing law for one year.

01/11/2025

- Special Counsel Jack Smith resigns.

01/11/2025

Rep. Sewell of Alabama becomes first Black woman to serve on House Ways and Means Subcommittee.

01/11/2025

A Mobile Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison Term for Misappropriating Rent Funds Intended for Government-Assisted Low-Income Housing.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a 14-month prison sentence on Shannon Caruso on Friday.

48-year-old Shannon Caruso, formerly a property manager with two government housing authorities, managed affordable housing units for low-income residents in the Mobile area.

01/10/2025

Submerged car found with body inside in Chickasaw, could be the body and car of missing Mobile woman.

Quiet morning of fishing on Chickasaw Creek took a shocking turn when fisherman Wes Clements made a haunting discovery near the Smallwood Memorial Bridge by U.S. 43

01/10/2025

Trump sentenced in hush money case, and now a convicted felon.

In the conclusion to one of the most high-profile legal cases in recent U.S. history, President-elect Donald Trump was formally sentenced on Friday in the hush money case that has dominated headlines for months.

01/10/2025

Republican county commissioner announces her candidacy for Mayor of Mobile

Current Republican Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson has officially announced her intent to run for mayor of Mobile in the upcoming August 26 municipal elections.

01/10/2025

The Buzz - With Alabama under a state of emergency as a winter storm looms, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is heading to Florida to hang out with Donald Trump a convicted felon.