Family of Slain Student Files Lawsuit Against Schools, City
Attorneys filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of the family of a Birmingham teen who was shot and killed at Huffman High School in March. Courtlin Arrington’s family is suing the school’s principal, the school superintendent and the City of Birmingham.
The lawsuit requests a jury trial and seeks punitive damages.
Arrington’s family says the principal and superintendent did not ensure her safety or the safety of other students at Huffman High by failing to use metal detectors that were in place at the school.
Arrington was killed when another student, Michael Barber, brought a gun to school and shot her. During a hearing last month, the lawyer representing Barber said his client was showing the gun to Arrington when it discharged.
Jefferson County Circuit Judge Clyde Jones sent the case to a grand jury for review.
Birmingham school officials issued a statement Tuesday evening acknowledging the lawsuit, but declined to comment on pending litigation. The statement went on to say the school system remains “deeply saddened by the Huffman High School tragedy, but steadfastly committed to student and staff safety and security.”
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
