The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning this afternoon and reports that the threat of snow for much of Alabama is growing."Based on the current forecast from the National Weather Service, and because the safety of state employees is of paramount concern, all state offices will be closed on Friday," said Governor Riley.

"The amount of snow areas of Alabama are expected to receive is rare. It's important for citizens to be aware of hazards and to be prepared for this winter weather. I urge all Alabamians to heed the caution messages of our state agencies and make sure their families and friends do the same," Governor Riley said.

State agencies have made preparations for the expected winter storm. The Alabama Department of Transportation has personnel and equipment ready statewide. Equipment includes de-icing materials, sand and salt, dump trucks and spreaders. Crews are prepared to respond based on weather and roadway conditions in the effort to keep state, U.S. and interstate highways passable. Any road closures will be posted online at www.dot.state.al.us.

The Alabama Department of Public Safety has every available state trooper on standby status to implement its winter weather operations plan and will be ready to respond to the development of hazardous driving conditions.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has staff and field coordinators on alert status and they are prepared to assist local communities with requests for assistance. The National Weather Service is providing AEMA with updates on conditions and how the weather is expected to impact Alabama counties.

Sessions says Hier's new role will give her the opportunity to make sure the South receives the resources and attention it needs to combat HIV/AIDS.

A Birmingham police detective testified that Sumter and Turner met for a marijuana deal, but Sumpter ended up shooting turner with a military style rifle. Sumpter says he shot Turner because he believed he Turner was reaching for a gun.  Sumpter is charged with capital murder. Prosecutors say Sumpter also robbed the victim of some $1,000 and a cell phone. 

LaHood said Wednesday he will call Toyota President Akio Toyoda in the coming days to make sure the Japanese automaker is aware of the government's concerns about safety issues with Toyota vehicles.

The Hill Newspaper reports on its website that an Alabama Republican Party Source confirmed that Griffith will announce the party switch at 1 p.m.  The Hill goes on to report that GOP lawmakers in the Alabama delegation, including Congressman Robert Aderholt, began wooing Griffith weeks ago.

 The last time, there was an extremely tight vote for the stiff arm trophy was 1985---when Auburn's Bo Jackson squeaked by Iowa's Chuck Long by 45 points.  The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner visibly surprised and overwhelmed when his name was announced and as he took the stage to give his acceptance speech. Trying to hold back tears ( but failing miserably, and understandably so), the hard running  Ingram melted with emotions as he honored his family, coaches, trainers and teachers back on the Capstone. "When he started reading that letter, my heart started beating and I could feel it beating real fast," said Ingram. "When he called my name I was excited, then I saw my mom crying and it kind of made me break down, too." 

Ingram has been the heart and soul Alabama's offense, rushing for a school-record 1,542 yards, gaining 6.2 yards per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns. Alabama has had other Heisman opportunities---David Palmer in 1993 and Jay Barker in 1994. But, neither will have the forever status of "Heisman Trophy winner" before or after their names are called. Ingram's achievement now belongs to the ages and for many, that's worthy of a rousing "Roll Tide!"

Now that the Heisman weight is lifted, it's back to Tuscaloosa as The Tide has a few weeks to prepare the team's ultimate goal--- winning Alabama's 13th national title. Only the Longhorns of Texas stand in their way. They will meet at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, January 7th.

If he win, Ingram, who rushed for 1, 542 yards this season; would be The Crimson Tide's  first Heisman Trophy winner.  Jay Barker was the last Alabama standout nominated for the Heisman Trophy in 1994. In 1993, David Palmer finished 3^rd in the Heisman voting, which is Alabama's highest showing in the Heisman race.

But, again, Texas pulled off the win, 'Bama knows its opponent and let the sick day excuses begin.