Erica Thomas

1 week ago | 1819news.com | Erica Thomas

The Montgomery Zoo announced that a rhinoceros recently treated for a bacterial infection of the horn will return to exhibit soon. Fitzgerald, known as Fitz, underwent a rare procedure to treat the infection on April 16. He was fully sedated for surgery after coordinated efforts of the zoo's veterinary and animal care teams. Surprisingly, rhinos have sensitive stomachs, so zoo veterinarians had to use over 1,500 medical-grade maggots to consume infected tissue.

1 week ago | 1819news.com | Erica Thomas

The Mobile Port dredging operations are causing concern among environmentalists, residents, business owners and those who work in the waters of Mobile Bay. Now, some say the federal government isn't playing by its own rules. The Alabama Port Authority is deepening and widening the channel and will have to continue maintenance dredging for years to keep the ship channel open for commerce.

1 week ago | 1819news.com | Erica Thomas

The City of Montgomery recently celebrated the installation of Alabama's 17th Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 10. Safe Haven Baby Boxes, founded by Monica Kelsey, have been adding boxes to Alabama since State Rep. Donna Givan (R-Loxley) championed legislation in 2023 to allow mothers to surrender their infants for up to 45 days after birth, no questions asked. The Montgomery location, at 1920 S.

1 week ago | 1819news.com | Erica Thomas

Retired Democrat Mobile County Circuit Judge Braxton Kittrell dismissed the 2022 Conecuh County sheriff's contest for a second time. Republican candidate Mike Blackmon contested the results, which showed Democrat Sheriff Randy Brock as the winner. The race ended in a tie, but a recount by the canvassing board awarded Brock the win by a two-vote margin. The case went to trial in March, and Kittrell dismissed the case after hearing part of Blackmon's argument.

1 week ago | 1819news.com | Erica Thomas

The University of Alabama officially unveiled its latest edition of the UA license plate. As 1819 News reported in December 2024, the new design takes us back in time to the vintage "Vault A" logo design, which was first introduced in 1973. Drivers can begin to purchase the tags at their county license offices starting June 2. The tags are $50 and can be customized. When you "Ride with the Tide," the university allocates funds towards scholarships.