Latest news with #Tuscaloosa
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Mercedes Pauses US-Bound EQ Electric Car Production Indefinitely
The latest car news, reviews, and features. It's the end of the line for the EQ brand in America—at least for now. Mercedes-Benz will stop shipping its current generation of electric vehicles to U.S. dealers beginning in September, the German manufacturer told The Drive . Mercedes will continue to produce EQ variants for export to overseas markets here in the United States, but it has no current plans to revive sales in the immediate future. 'Dealers were informed we are putting on hold U.S. order banks for all variants of the EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, EQE Sedan and EQE SUV,' a company spokesperson confirmed. 'Vehicles scheduled for production prior to September 1 will continue to be delivered.' If there's any good news here, it's that Mercedes-Benz has no intention of shutting down production at the U.S. facilities where members of its EQ lineup are built. The company's Tuscaloosa, Alabama, facility has been building the EQS SUV and EQE SUV alongside the GLE and GLS since 2022; both gasoline models will remain on sale. 'The Mercedes-Benz flexible production system can build electric, hybrid and combustion-engine cars on its assembly lines and we are therefore able to adapt our operations to shifts in market demand,' the spokesperson told us. 'We continue to assemble all of our models for global markets.' Mercedes-Benz The EQS Sedan and EQE Sedan are both produced in Germany (Sindelfingen and Bremen, respectively), so the change in allocation won't be felt in U.S. facilities. This development also has no bearing on the company's future electrification plans. The forthcoming all-electric CLA is still slated for introduction here next year, we're told. Only the EQ lineup is impacted. 'The new all-electric CLA, arriving at U.S. dealerships later in 2025, is the first vehicle built on our new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA),' the spokesperson said. 'As announced at IAA Mobility 2023, Mercedes-Benz will also introduce two SUVs based on this new architecture. Furthermore, the all-new electric GLC will be unveiled at Munich's IAA motor show on September 7, 2025.' In the meantime, those of you here in the States can say 'so long' to some of the company's most forgettable exterior designs. Help us, Mercedes Modular Architecture; you're our only hope!
Fox News
2 days ago
- Fox News
Alabama Christian school teacher, 35, accused of sexual relationship with student
A teacher at an Alabama Christian school was arrested Friday after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with a student, an incident the school described as "heart rending for all involved." North River Christian Academy, a private Pre-K-12 school in Tuscaloosa, on Friday posted a statement online about the arrest and allegations against "a former employee." The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday that deputies arrested Sarah Huggins Logan, 35, on Friday and charged her with one count of a school employee engaging in a sex act. The parents of the student alerted authorities on Wednesday that their juvenile daughter was involved in a sexual relationship with a teacher, Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) Capt. Jack Kennedy told Fox News Digital in a statement. The VCU's Sexual Assault Section launched an investigation and obtained warrants for Logan after conducting interviews and recovering evidence, the statement said. No details about the victim or what evidence investigators uncovered were immediately provided. Kennedy confirmed that Logan was no longer an employee of the school. The school said it was made aware of the allegations earlier in the week and alerted state and local authorities. The school added it has been cooperating with the agencies' investigation. "Our first concern is for the health and welfare of our students, staff, and families," the school said. "Please respect the privacy of all these parties. Contributing to rumors and suspicions profits no one and contributes only to the hardships experienced by those impacted." "It should be self-evident to say that this incident is heart rending for all involved," the school continued. "This includes especially the families directly impacted. We have prayed for them and encouraged our entire school family to hold them up in their personal prayers. This situation is easy for no one; there are only degrees of difficulty." Kennedy said that there may be more victims and encouraged them to speak with investigators. The sheriff's investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be forthcoming.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alabama football 2025 season preview, predictions: Zabien Brown
After a memorable debut season in Tuscaloosa, the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be even better for second-year Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Zabien Brown. However, when taking a look back at Brown's debut season first, the now sophomore produced some big moments for the Crimson Tide, with arguably none bigger than a game-sealing interception in the end zone against Georgia. Looking ahead to 2025, can Brown replicate some of those same big moments for the Crimson Tide this fall, while also potentially taking the next step into one of the SEC's top cornerbacks? Here is everything you need to know about Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown entering the 2025 season. Zabien Brown player information Position: Defensive Back Jersey Number: No. 2 Height: 6'0 Weight: 192 Class: Sophomore Hometown: Santa Ana, California High School: Mater Dei Zabien Brown career stats Brown's debut season at the collegiate level a year ago was a memorable one in which he started all 13 games for the Crimson Tide at cornerback as a true freshman. Over that span, Brown did a bit of everything for Alabama in which he amassed 18 tackles, two TFL, three interceptions, five PD, and two fumble recoveries. Zabien Brown 2024 stats As mentioned previously, Brown did a bit of everything for Alabama defensively during his debut season with the Crimson Tide. Brown compiled 18 tackles, two TFL, three interceptions, five PD, and two fumble recoveries to earn Freshman All-SEC honors at seasons end. Zabien Brown recruiting ranking Brown came to Alabama as one of the headline names in the Crimson Tide's 2024 recruiting class, ranking as the No. 30 overall player nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, as well as the No. 4 cornerback. Rated as a five-star prospect, Brown committed to Alabama in Jan. 2023, and was also considered the No. 2 overall player in the state of California where he attended national power Mater Dei High School. Zabien Brown 2025 season outlook Entering his sophomore season at Alabama, Brown is likely cemented as a starter at cornerback. Yes, entering the 2025 season, Brown projects to be a starting cornerback from day one for the Crimson Tide, as Alabama's starting duo at the position from a year ago both return in the now sophomore and teammate Domani Jackson. As for Brown in particular, the former five-star could very easily take the next step as a sophomore, with career-high's likely to come statistically tackle-wise in particular, while it might be difficult to top his total of three interceptions as a freshman. Overall, expect another strong season for Brown at cornerback, and for the sophomore to potentially challenge for All-SEC honors at seasons end. Zabien Brown 2025 season prediction 2025 Prediction: 30 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 INT, 8 PD Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football 2025 preview, predictions: Zabien Brown
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
Mercedes-Benz's Latest Decision Signals Trouble Ahead for EVs
We are likely to see this story repeat itself, with only the names at the top changing. Mercedes-Benz's latest announcement does not bode well for the future of electric vehicles in the United States, especially as federal tax breaks are set to expire. On September 30, the federal incentives introduced under the Biden administration to support EV adoption will officially disappear. These tax credits were designed to offset the higher cost of EVs compared to gas-powered vehicles. But with the clock ticking, automakers are beginning to react. One of the most significant moves comes from Mercedes-Benz, which will temporarily suspend production of its EQE and EQS electric models—across all variants, including SUVs and sedans—starting September 1. The company has also closed order banks for these vehicles and notified U.S. dealers accordingly. 'Vehicles scheduled for production prior to September 1 will continue to be produced,' a spokesperson told 'This announcement applies only [to] U.S. vehicle orders of these models.' The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Gizmodo. Industry observers say the move isn't a one-off. This decision is likely to be repeated, with the difference that the name at the top will be different, one expert noted. As the tax break expiration nears, Mercedes' decision is being seen as a canary in the coal mine. The EQS SUV and EQE SUV have been manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, since 2022. Their sedan counterparts are produced in Germany and exported to the U.S. None of the sedan models qualified for the $7,500 EV tax credit—unless leased—due to the U.S. sourcing requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act. Pricing ranges from $78,000 to $135,000 depending on the variant and model year. The 2025 EQS 450 SUV starts at $105,250. Mercedes' announcement closely follows the passage of 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' a sweeping law signed by President Trump on July 4. The bill eliminates the $7,500 federal tax credit for new EV purchases and also removes the $4,000 credit for used EVs. Experts warn the rollback of these incentives could significantly dampen demand for electric vehicles, especially luxury models with high price tags. EV sales already fell 6.3% in Q2 compared to the same period in 2024. Some analysts expect a brief rebound in Q3 as consumers rush to buy before the September 30 deadline. But beyond that, the outlook remains cloudy. EV supporters on social media were quick to express concern over Mercedes' decision. 'Major pause signals deeper EV headwinds,' commented one user on X (formerly Twitter). 'Benz electric cars are already uncompetitive and losing money, and a $7500 tax credit would make it even worse, so I think that's why they made that decision,' another user added. For a third, 'Another sign of where EVs are headed in the US thanks to the current administration. It's unfortunately going to be downhill from here for American EV enthusiasts.' Another sign of where EVs are headed in the US thanks to the current administration. It's unfortunately going to be downhill from here for American EV enthusiasts. — Watts (@Dabb_mt) July 18, 2025Others predicted this is just the beginning. 'Wonder how many other companies will make similar announcements soon before EV incentives are gone. @grok have other auto makers paused EV production and how will that affect Tesla?' Wonder how many other companies will make similar announcements soon before ev incentives are gone. @grok have other auto makers paused ev production and how will that affect Tesla ? — MrRandom (@MrRandumizer) July 18, 2025Closing the order books and suspending production signals more than just a pause. It suggests a recalibration. Whether driven by strategic repositioning, supply chain issues, or shrinking demand, Mercedes-Benz's retreat from the U.S. EV market may reflect broader industry fears about what happens when the subsidies stop and reality kicks in. This is a warning shot for the entire EV industry. Mercedes-Benz pulling the plug on key electric models ahead of the September 30 tax credit expiration shows what happens when the $7,500 cliff gets too close. EVs are still too expensive for the average buyer, and without federal support, demand could crater. If Washington doesn't step in with a new plan, we're not looking at a slowdown. We're looking at a stall.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Aliceville man dies after Tuscaloosa police pursuit ends in crash
A 31-year-old man was killed after a July 17 traffic stop by Tuscaloosa police resulted in a pursuit by officers that ended in a crash. Jaylen Reed of Aliceville died in the wreck, said Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. At around 7 p.m., a Tuscaloosa police patrol unit attempted to stop a vehicle for several traffic violations on Cousette Street near its overpass with Interstate 359. Kennedy said the vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crossed through several intersections, left the roadway and struck a ditch and culvert near Tamko Building Products. The vehicle sustained extreme damage, he said. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the News app The driver, later identified as Reed, was injured and unresponsive. Medical aid was rendered, and Reed was taken to DCH Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Kennedy said. Reed was the lone occupant of the vehicle. No other vehicles were struck or involved in the crash. Since the wreck occurred during a Tuscaloosa Police Department pursuit, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit was called to handle the investigation. Investigators and supervisors not affiliated with TPD will conduct an investigation, with the assistance of the Northport Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and several sources of video were obtained, according to Kennedy. The time from the patrol unit activating its lights to initiate the stop until the crash was less than 30 seconds, he said. The driver was later found to have multiple active felony warrants. Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@ To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Aliceville man dies after police pursuit ends in crash Solve the daily Crossword
