
Local news
Florence
Lauderdale County, Alabama


Shoals native turns Navy experience into opportunity
Austen Alexander, who grew up in Florence, Alabama, turned his Navy experience into a career as a film producer and social media entrepreneur. His journey began as an introverted teenager and developed through military…
Wife of former Alabama, NFL quarterback charged with domestic violence
Debra Todd, wife of former Alabama and NFL quarterback Richard Todd, was arrested and charged with domestic violence after allegedly striking him with pliers during an argument at their Lauderdale County home late…

Man, two dogs found dead following Sunday house fire in Lauderdale County
A man and his two dogs were found dead following a house fire in Lauderdale County on Sunday. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but were unable to save the victims. Authorities are currently investigating the…

Aniah’s Law hearing delayed for Florence murder suspect
A hearing for Rayshon Isaiah Thompson, charged with murder and reckless endangerment in a Florence shooting, has been rescheduled to Friday. The court will consider whether he should be held without bond under Alabama’s…

USDA extends assistance to Lauderdale farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially designated several Alabama counties, including Lauderdale, Jackson, Lawrence, Marshall, and Morgan, as contiguous disaster areas due to severe drought conditions…
LEAD Team’s charity drive is successful
Fifth-grade students on the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Team at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence recently collected 15 boxes of supplies for the Chadwick Foundation. The charity drive supports the…
North Alabama women’s basketball fends of Jax State for Anna Nimz’ first win as UNA coach
North Alabama’s women’s basketball team beat Jacksonville State, giving coach Anna Nimz her first win at the helm. The victory marked an early milestone for Nimz’s tenure, though the brief report does not include the…

Surveillance video captures moments after deadly Florence shooting
Surveillance footage shows events outside a Florence smoke shop shortly after Joshua McClain was fatally shot inside. A second person was wounded but is expected to recover. Rayshon Thompson, charged with murder…
UNA’s Johnson once again named freshman of the week
North Alabama wide receiver Xavier Johnson has been named the United Athletic Conference freshman of the week for the sixth time this season. This achievement sets a new league record for the most weekly honors received…

Phillips wins MSNHA photo contest
Alan Phillips has been named the winner of the 2026 Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area photo contest. His winning entry featured a Tennessee River bluff house decorated for the Fourth of July. The contest theme…

Florence Mound & Museum to host weekend story time
The Florence Mound & Museum is hosting a 'Storytime Atop the Mound' event this Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. The program offers an engaging educational experience for the local community at the historic site.

Florence Man Charged With Murder Following Smoke Shop Shooting
A 28-year-old Florence man, Rayshon Isaiah Thompson, has been arrested and charged with murder following a shooting at the Black Light Smoke Shop on Florence Boulevard. The incident, which occurred Saturday afternoon…

Cardiac cats: In seventh straight one-score game, UNA beats West Florida
The University of North Alabama (UNA) secured a narrow 28-21 victory over West Florida in a tense, down-to-the-wire finish. This marks the seventh consecutive one-score game for the Lions, who successfully fended off a…

Argos Dramatic Comeback Attempt Falls Short In Loss At North Alabama
The University of West Florida Argos suffered a narrow 28-21 loss to North Alabama on Saturday. Despite a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback attempt, the Argos were stopped at the one-yard line in the final seconds. This…

Photography display highlights historic architecture
The Historic Florence Project exhibit opens today at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, running through January 7. Held in conjunction with the center's 50th anniversary celebration, the exhibition showcases…
3 things to note from UNA's win over West Florida
The University of North Alabama (UNA) secured a victory over West Florida, marking a notable performance for the team. The win highlights key developments in the program's current season as they continue to compete in…
Grading UNA's win over West Florida
The University of North Alabama (UNA) secured a victory over West Florida in their latest football matchup. This summary evaluates the team's performance, highlighting key plays and strategic execution that led to the…

Shooting at Black Light Smoke Shop in Florence leaves 1 dead, 1 injured; suspect jailed
One person was killed and another injured in a shooting at the Black Light Smoke Shop in Florence. Local police confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody following the incident. Authorities are currently…

Florence man charged with murder
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting at the Black Light Smoke Shop in Florence on Saturday. Police responded to reports of gunfire at the business, where they discovered one victim…

1 person is dead, another injured in shooting
One person was killed and another injured in a shooting at the Black Light Smoke Shop on Florence Boulevard in Florence, Alabama, on Saturday afternoon. Police have taken at least one suspect into custody and are…

Shooting under investigation in Florence
Local authorities in Florence are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred earlier today. Police have cordoned off the area to collect evidence and interview potential witnesses. No further details…

Police responding to shooting in Florence
The Florence Police Department is currently responding to a shooting incident near the 1500 block of Florence Boulevard. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area while they conduct their investigation. WAFF…

Signs posted for Hightower development
มีการเสนอโครงการพัฒนาพื้นที่ Hightower Center ในเมือง Florence รัฐแอละแบมา โดยโครงการนี้ประกอบด้วยอาคารสองชั้นที่มีพื้นที่ค้าปลีกด้านล่างและอพาร์ตเมนต์แบบลอฟต์ด้านบน รวมถึงทาวน์โฮมอีก 16 หลัง…

Florence police officer found guilty on 2 domestic violence counts
A Florence police officer, Asa Belew, has been found guilty on two counts of domestic violence following his arrest in July for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The court handed down a suspended 180-day jail sentence…

Florence police officer convicted of domestic violence
A police officer from the Florence Police Department has been convicted of domestic violence charges. The verdict follows a legal proceeding regarding the officer's conduct. This conviction marks a significant…
Hundreds give their all in Shoals Area Special Olympics
The Shoals Area Special Olympics kicked off on Thursday at the Florence Sportsplex, featuring participants from Hibbett Elementary School. The opening ceremony celebrated the athletes' dedication and spirit, marking the…
Lions figure out glitches to avoid upset from Union
The University of North Alabama men's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against Union University, overcoming early-game glitches to maintain their undefeated start to the season. Coach Tony Pujol noted the…

Evbagharu’s 18 lead North Alabama past Union (TN) 76-66
Michael Evbagharu scored 18 points to help North Alabama secure a 76-66 victory against Union (TN) on Thursday. The game, played in Florence, Alabama, saw North Alabama maintain control to earn the win. The Associated…

More than 1,000 people attend Florence’s One Table free community meal
More than 1,000 residents attended the annual One Table community meal in Florence, Alabama, on Wednesday. The event, which began in 2017, provides free, warm meals to neighbors and fosters community connection. Food…