Top headlines: Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences first student is from Demopolis, Perry Varner juvenile detention center has success stories, Joanne Bland visitation announced, Selma shows new ways to fight blight, Jackson Hospital gets $40 million from state to stay open, Bridge Crossin…
News
Whitfield Regional Hospital honored a nurse with 50 years of service during a ceremony on Thursday.
Todd Prater
Reporter
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The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy and the Gee’s Bend Quilters took center stage at the world’s largest modern quilting conference and exhibition in Raleigh, North Carolina, in February.
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UAB’s Live HealthSmart Alabama opened their new grocery store on wheels called the Mobile Market in Selma on Thursday in front of City Blocks Wellness Center on Broad Street. Todd and Cindy talk about it in this segment of the Black Belt Newscast.
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Gov. Kay Ivey has announced that Jackson Hospital and Clinic in Montgomery is receiving $40 million in support after an Amendment 666 Bond Commission meeting.
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Lowndes County will once again take its place along the historic road from Selma to Montgomery as the Lowndes County Area Chamber of Commerce prepares to host its annual Voter Rights Jubilee C…
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Demopolis eighth grader Blair Carmichael McAdams is among the first class selected for the state's new residential Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences high school being built behind Whitfiel…
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The city of Selma is moving to take control of litter and dilapidated houses.
The second annual Stones-in-Selma awards ceremony will bring a two-day slate of tributes, history and calls to renewed action to Selma this week as part of the 61st Bridge Crossing Jubilee.
Todd Prater
Reporter
Most Popular
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Marengo County man charged with murder of missing man found in wooded area in Forkland
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Demopolis teen follows grandmother's footsteps into nursing as she joins first ASHS class
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Selma's Amy Carmichael to be honored at UAB women's basketball game for cancer battle
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Visitation set for Friday for civil rights leader Joanne Bland, with bridge crossing on March 4
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Joanne Bland, prominent Selma foot soldier and civil rights educator, dies
The Demopolis City Council unanimously voted to give $150,000 to the Demopolis City School athletic department.
Brad Fisher
Associate Publisher
High school sports is experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure.
High school sports is experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure.
Local Events
Automotive manufacturing company DAS North America will invest in a $77.6 million expansion into Montgomery, creating 100 new jobs, said an announcement from the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce (MACC).
The University of Alabama’s Selma Resilience Initiative is bringing back the business River Pitch competition on March 12 at Selma Amphitheater.
Cindy Fisher
Publisher
A ribbon cutting was held by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) for the new wedding venue Chateau at Mimosa Ridge.
AD's Country Store in Coy is the Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce's (WACC) Business of the Month for the month of February.
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Mark Story, who is a board member of the Dallas County School System (DCSS), is now the Director of District 2 for the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB).
A bill to limit screen time for children was approved by the Alabama Senate on Thursday.
Members of Alabama Arise Action (AAA) will hold a press conference in Montgomery today at 11:45 a.m. to urge lawmakers to pass legislation to provide free breakfasts in schools.
April McCartney, Selma Art Guild Artist of the Month for February and March, said she was “excited” to have a show of her weaved baskets at the SAG Gallery on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Friends of the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum will welcome guests Thursday for their “Bubbles and Blues” fundraiser.
Todd Prater
Reporter
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The Selma Art Guild is hosting a reception for a basket weaver artist on Feb. 22.
Cindy Fisher
Publisher
Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a proclamation honoring the Annual Doe Rodeo in Braggs, said an announcement by the nonprofit Cornwallis 1828 on Monday.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Feb. 19, 2026) – Bubba Williams and his 6-year-old son, Cason, frequently make the trip from Bay Minette to Alabama’s famed Black Belt in pursuit of deer season memories.
The 2026 Wild Hog Roundup is set for Feb. 20 and 21, bringing hunters from across the region together for a weekend competition that doubles as a fundraiser for two local causes: Black Belt Animal Rescue and Wilcox Academy.
Todd Prater
Reporter
Opinion
I recently qualified to run for Alabama State Senate District 24 and became the presumptive Republican nominee. Like many of you, I stepped forward because I believe our district deserves bold, principled, and accountable conservative leadership. I was prepared to carry that message into the…
High school sports is experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure.
So the final day of qualifying for the 2026 Alabama Republican Party Primaries last week did not disappoint, as some eye-opening revelations occurred. There were three races where former public officials have thrown their name back in the ring to serve again. Former Senator Gerald Dial is ru…
Obituaries
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Those who knew and loved civil rights leader Joanne Bland of Selma have been sharing outpour…
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Demopolis High School is closing early on Friday for the funeral of junior Hunter Bowen Howe…
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“I don't know if anyone has any ill feelings toward the young man that shot Mark. Don't. For…
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Thayer “Bear” Spencer of Selma has announced he is running for the 23rd District Alabama Senate Seat representing the Republican Party of Alabama. Read moreThayer 'Bear' Spencer of Selma qualifies to run for state Senate as a Republican
No Republicans qualified for county races in Dallas County, according to Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn. Read moreRepublicans field no candidates in Dallas County races; two Democrats qualify for sheriff
Robert Tony Sykes has announced he is running for Perry County Sheriff in the May 2026 election. Read moreRobert Tony Sykes announces candidacy for Perry County Sheriff
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Roy Fikes, who was appointed Sheriff of Perry County by Gov. Kay Ivey in April, announced he is running for the position in the 2026 election. Read morePerry County Sheriff Roy Fikes announces run for the job in 2026 election
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In the Black Belt Newscast wrapup of 2025, Todd and Cindy talk about the eventful municipal elections that took place across the Black Belt. See the Election Hub at blackbeltnewsnetwork.com for more detail. Read moreWatch: Election wrap up in 2025
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2025 was an unusual municipal election year as cities voted for new leaders in what is typically an off year after Alabama lawmakers moved city elections back a year to be off the federal cycle. Read more2025 Year in Review: Black Belt voters choose new municipal leaders
The Zeta Delta Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. hosted a Pass the Torch Ceremony honoring two wives of Selma’s elected leaders on Nov. 15. Read moreLocal sorority chapter hosts Pass the Torch ceremony for mayoral wives of Perkins, Moss
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The city of Marion swore in the mayor and five city council members in their Nov. 3 meeting in council chambers. Read moreMarion swears in mayor, council in first meeting Monday night
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Councilman Michael Johnson was elected the Selma City Council’s new president pro tem Nov. 3. Read moreMichael Johnson named Selma City Council president pro tem
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The Demopolis Mayor and City Council were sworn into office in a ceremony on Monday at Rooster Hall. Read moreDemopolis swears in mayor, council that includes three newcomers
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