State News
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · Marion County
Rockets Defeat Lakers 115-96, Averting Sweep
The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. Reed Sheppard led the Rockets, while Deandre Ayton had 19 points for the Lakers before being ejected.
Fantasy Football Analysts Project 2026 Rookie Performance
Fantasy football analysts Liz Loza, Matt Bowen, and Mike Clay have released their initial 2026 performance projections for early-round NFL draft picks. The analysis focuses on the fantasy potential of key rookies entering the league. Areas of consideration were positional impact and projected usage.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Makai Lemon Drafted 20th Overall by Philadelphia Eagles
USC Trojans receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lemon was the only Trojan selected in the first round.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Alabama Gulf Shores Tourism Hits Record $923M in 2025 Surge
Visitor spending on lodging at Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach soared to a record $923 million in 2025, fueled by luxury resort expansions and steady beachgoer demand. Retail sales topped $1.42 billion, signaling robust growth along the state's white-sand coastline. State officials hail the boom as a Southeast vacation magnet.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Huntsville Homes Sell at Record Pace as Tech Boom Fuels Demand
Huntsville's real estate market shattered records in January 2026 with 859 homes sold, a 33% surge from last year, as aerospace and tech workers flood North Alabama. Median prices held steady at $300,000 amid easing rates, but looming inventory shortages signal more growth ahead. Buyers are snapping up properties faster than ever in the Rocket City.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Honda's $1.3B EV Push in Lincoln, AL Adds 1,000 Jobs
Honda is pouring $1.3 billion into its Lincoln, Alabama plant to ramp up electric vehicle production, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the heart of the state's auto corridor. The expansion bolsters Alabama's role as a manufacturing powerhouse amid the shift to EVs. Local leaders hail it as a game-changer for Talladega County families.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Auburn High Tigers Dominate AHSAA Class 7A Track Championship
Auburn High School's track team stormed to victory at the AHSAA Class 7A state meet, securing the team title with a barrage of individual gold medals. In a display of raw speed and endurance, the Tigers outpaced fierce rivals from across Alabama. The win cements Auburn's legacy in the state's premier track circuit.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
UAB Blazers Advance to Historic First NIT Championship Game
The UAB men's basketball team punched its ticket to the NIT Championship Game for the first time in program history with an 88-86 overtime victory over Utah Valley in the semifinals. Ty Brewer's career performance—30 points, 12 rebounds and five steals—carried the Blazers past the Wolverines in a thrilling matchup that extended UAB's season to 29 wins.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Dengue Cases Surge in Mobile, Baldwin Counties
Alabama's coastal counties are battling a rise in dengue fever cases, with the state health department issuing urgent warnings amid mosquito season. Residents in Mobile and Baldwin are urged to shield against bites as the virus spreads locally. Health officials stress prevention to avert severe outcomes.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ivey's Order Shields Alabama Gulf Coast from Erosion Crisis
Governor Kay Ivey has signed an executive order mobilizing state agencies to battle coastal erosion devouring Alabama's prized Gulf beaches. From Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores, billions in tourism and property hang in the balance. This directive ramps up funding and initiatives to protect the coastline before it's too late.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Birmingham Police Nab Duo in Armed Robberies Targeting Hispanic Victims
Birmingham authorities arrested two suspects Friday in a string of armed robberies preying on Hispanic victims across the city. Twenty-year-old Jermaine Turner Pryce of Center Point and 22-year-old Julia Sanders of Birmingham face first-degree robbery charges, with more expected. Police recovered evidence linking them to multiple crimes with Homewood assistance.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Alabama Senate OKs Expansion of School Choice Vouchers
The Alabama Senate has passed a bill to dramatically expand the state's school choice voucher program, opening doors for more families to fund private education. Amid fierce debates over public school funding, the measure heads to the House as supporters hail it a win for parental rights. Critics warn it could drain resources from traditional classrooms.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ducks Defeat Oilers 4-3 in Overtime, Take 3-1 Series Lead
The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime after a controversial goal review. Ryan Poehling scored the game-winning goal, giving the Ducks a 3-1 series lead as the series shifts to Edmonton.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026