Serious crash on Baldwin Beach Express closes lanes; helicopters respond

A major accident on Alabama's Baldwin Beach Express shut down multiple lanes Monday afternoon and required two medical helicopters to respond, according to Robertsdale Police Department Chief Daniel Steelman. The crash happened around 3 p.m. Multiple emergency agencies worked the scene. Details on injuries, the number of vehicles involved, and lane closure duration were not immediately available. Baldwin County is east of Pensacola and the incident could affect traffic for residents traveling to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

Judge Wetherell orders action in PEN America book removal case against Escambia schools

A federal judge has directed action in the ongoing lawsuit brought by PEN American Center against the Escambia County School Board over book removals from school libraries.

According to a court filing, Judge T. Kent Wetherell II has ordered action regarding a status report in the case, which challenges the school district's removal of books under Florida's HB 1069. The case, filed in federal court, centers on whether the district's removal practices violate free speech and other constitutional rights.

The specific details of what action the judge is requiring were not immediately clear from the court notice. PEN American Center, a national organization advocating for writers' and readers' rights, has been at the forefront of legal challenges to book removal policies across the country, including in Florida schools.

The Escambia County School Board has faced scrutiny over its book removal process in recent years, with dozens of titles challenged and removed from library shelves. The case is part of a broader national debate over school library materials and curriculum choices.

Escambia County Schools files status report in ongoing book removal lawsuit

The Escambia County School Board has filed a status report in its legal battle with PEN American Center over book removals from school libraries, according to court records. The filing was submitted October 16 in case CL67400156, which challenges the district's removal of books under Florida's HB 1069 legislation.

PEN American Center, a nonprofit organization advocating for free expression, sued the school board over the removals. The case is being heard in Florida state court by Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.

Court records show the district has been ordered to submit additional status reports, with the next deadline set for January 14, 2027. The case remains active as both sides continue to work through the legal process.