BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Closing out 2024, a lot of things happened in Alabama over the past year.
From a mass shooting in Birmingham where four people were killed and 17 others injured to the closing of one of the oldest private colleges in the state, there was no shortage of news that we at CBS 42 worked to report and tell you all.
Here are some of our most-read stories of 2024:
Jessie Holmes and the Iditarod
In March, we published a profile of Jessie Holmes, a man from Sylacauga whose life took many turns before becoming one of the more exciting faces of Alaska's most storied sporting evet: the Iditarod.
You can read the full piece here.
The reassignment of a beloved Vestavia Hills principal
In May, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education decided to reassign Lauren Dressback, principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, to the Vestavia Hills Alternative School, also known as VISION. The move came after the board had put her on leave from the school for a couple of months without public knowledge. Her removal caused an uproar in the community with some alleging that she was being punished over her personal life.
Alabama A&M player dies following hit in Magic City Classic
Medrick Burnett, a linebacker for Alabama A&M University, died Nov. 27 at UAB Hospital, a month after sustaining a serious head injury during a tackle during the Magic City Classic against Alabama State University. He was 20 years old.
Alabama A&M had erroneously reported his death the morning of Nov. 27, but later retracted their statement, adding that he was still alive at that point. According to a report by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, the California native died at 5:43 p.m. that day, but it was not revealed until the day after Thanksgiving.
Gov. Ivey and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
In September, Gov. Kay Ivey publicly called for Kent Davis to resign as head of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Davis, who had led the department since 2019, was accused by Ivey of mishandling grant money. Davis initially refused Ivey's request, but later resigned after Ivey threatened to bring the matter to a vote by the department board.
Parents of UA students buy million-dollar property
Many readers were fascinated by a story from Tuscaloosa bureau chief Avery Boyce over the parents of students at the University of Alabama who paid over $1 million for a condo near the campus that they considered an investment.
“If we’re going to have a student here, we were going to be involved,” Lisa Hill said. “And I can tell you, we’re not going to sell when they get done."
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office unveils new TV show
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced in July that they would be launching their own show, "Jefferson County Cam Watch," which premiered July 13 on CBS 42. The show, which ran through Aug. 24, follow deputies with the JCSO as they go about their day-to-day tasks.
Hoover football coach Drew Gilmer on administrative leave
In the weeks leading up to the start of the season, Hoover High football coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms were placed on administrative leave. The action was done following footage released of two coaches being physical with players, one seen charging at a player during a drill and another seen seemingly thrusting his hips at a player lying on the ground.
Gilmer, who had been hired as coach earlier in January, subsequently resigned.
New Alabama laws changes rules for out-of-state boaters
Capital bureau reporter Ryan Hall reported on two new safety laws that will bring changes to boating for non-Alabama residents later this year.
One law requires boats on Lake Martin and Weiss Lake to maintain idle speed when traveling within a hundred feet from the shoreline while the other establishes the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification.
Birmingham-Southern closes its doors
On March 26, the administration of Birmingham-Southern College announced that it would be closing for good on May 31, ending a 106 year run as one of the state's oldest private liberal arts schools.
The closing came after years of financial mismanagement at the school. Leaders had tried to save the school by getting loans from different city and state department, but ultimately came up short.
Taking a swim at the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds
In January, a man from Sterrett, Alabama was arrested after he ran a car into a pole outside of the Leeds Bass Pro Shop, took his clothes off, ran inside and jumped into the indoor pond.
The man, who has since been identified as George Owens, was taken into custody and is charged with public lewdness, disorderly conduct, assault in the second degree, resisting arrest, two counts of reckless endangerment and two counts of criminal mischief.
The 5 women on Alabama’s death row
Originally published toward the end of 2023, this piece by former CBS 42 digital content producer Emery Akin examined the lives of the five women currently on Alabama death row and remained one of the most-read piece of 2024.
Akin detailed the lives and crimes of Patricia Blackmon, Tierra Capri Gobble, Christie Michelle Scott, Heather Levall Keaton and Lisa Carpenter Graham.
Alabama Power, gas companies offer help with bills
Utility bills in Alabama, which remain some of the highest across the country, have always been a point of contention in the community. Earlier this year, Alabama Power announced that it would offer different options to help people pay their bills.
CBS 42 reporter Maddie McQueen spoke with different people about what was being done to help with higher and higher bills.