Valiant Cross Academy, the fully accredited, all male school serves scholars in three locations in Montgomery. It’s elementary school recently opened its doors at the former Zeila Stephens Early Childhood Center on the campus of Alabama State University. Valiant Cross co-founder Dr. Anthony Brock says scholars, faculty and staff are anticipating another stellar year. Valiant Cross Academy, which was established in 2015 with sixth graders graduated its first class in 2022. The program offers small class sizes, increased math and literacy time along with tutoring and a daily after-school program.
Four historically Black colleges and universities in Alabama are among twelve institutions selected to receive $1million-dollars each. The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation's gift will provide permanent endowment funding to the selected schools. This includes Miles College in Fairfield, Oakwood University in Huntsville, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee. The funding is part of the United Negro College Fund's $1.5 billion-dollar capital campaign that is intended to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of participating HBCUs.
Tie and Doll’s Stuff the Truck Food and Teacher Supply Drive will be taking place on August 22, 2026, at the Piggly Wiggly store in Montgomery. Donations of non-perishable food items and school supplies will be accepted. Founder Dr. Traci Howell says there will be two large UHAUL trucks to collect the items. The 12th Annual Drive starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 2:00 PM at the Piggly Wiggly located at 7946 Vaughn Road.
New FBI data shows violent crime across the U.S. fell 9.3 percent in 2025, marking the largest year-to-year decline since national records began in 1936. The murder rate dropped 18.1 percent to 4.1 killings per 100,000 people, tying the lowest rate ever recorded. Robbery, rape, aggravated assault and property crimes also declined, with researchers saying the downward trend has continued into 2026.