Barkley Sounds Off on NCAA Chaos

Auburn legend Charles Barkley didn't mince words when asked about the NCAA's recent head-scratching decisions.

"Bumbling Idiots"

During a recent appearance, Sir Charles was quizzed about the Charles Bediako eligibility situation at Alabama and, well, he let loose. "I don’t even know how to answer the question to be honest with you because the NCAA is a bunch of bumbling idiots," Barkley declared. He admitted, "I don’t know what their rules are…I don’t understand how this whole thing works."

Rhyme or Reason, Please!

Barkley continued, "I’m not sure what the NCAA is doing…I wish they would have some sort of rhyme or reason. I’m a big Nate Oats fan."

Auburn Gets the Win (Maybe?)

Ever the comedian, Barkley jokingly suggested that Auburn should be awarded a victory in their recent loss to Alabama because he lost a bet! Looks like he's out $100 after the Crimson Tide's win.

Even though he's a die-hard Tiger, Barkley's got a point – some common sense would be appreciated.

Energy Bill Stalls?

The Affordability Protection Plan, meant to shield folks from rising energy costs thanks to data centers, is getting some love. But will the Senate play ball on those Public Service Commission appointments? Stay tuned, ChumCity citizens!

Shutdown Showdown!

Senator Katie Britt says the Dems are ditching bipartisan deals to please their base, and a shutdown looms! Republicans want border security and full DHS funding (minus ICE handcuffs), while Democrats want concessions like body cams and enforcement limits. Buckle up; it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Redistricting Rumble!

Florida and Virginia are the new epicenters of the redistricting war! Legal battles over maps could shake up congressional seats and national control. Republicans started strong this year, but could they be losing ground? The saga continues!

Sick Day for Madison County!

Madison County schools are going virtual today thanks to a nasty outbreak of flu, strep, and other viruses. Everyone stay healthy out there, folks!

Epstein Files: Fizzle?

So, the Epstein files are out...and the "consequences" seem to be focused on everything but the alleged sex-trafficking ring everyone's been talking about. What's the real story?

Tuberville Demands Action!

Senator Tommy Tuberville is firing up the Senate Republicans! He's pushing hard for the SAVE America Act, saying "enough's enough" with Senate traditions and even suggesting ditching the filibuster to secure elections with citizenship proof and voter ID. Big moves afoot!

Immigration Enforcement Shifts

Border Czar Tom Homan is ending a big immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Alabama AG Steve Marshall wants MORE ICE agents to crack down on dangerous illegal immigrant criminals. What does this mean for our state?

Who's Dale Jackson?

Dale Jackson, a Yellowhammer News thought leader, hosts a talk show weekdays on WVNN from 5-9 a.m.

Alabama School of Cyber Tech Gets a Major Upgrade!

Get ready, ChumCity! The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) is about to level up in a BIG way! They're building a brand-new Research Institute, and construction is kicking off later this year.

A First of Its Kind

This institute isn't just any research center; school officials are calling it an Alabama Center for Excellence! It's set to be one of the first research facilities ever embedded within a secondary school. Think connecting K–12, universities, industry, and government – all to supercharge research and boost Alabama's workforce in cyber tech, AI, and engineering.

Powering Alabama's Future

ASCTE leadership says this project is all about meeting Alabama's long-term workforce needs. As the state keeps attracting tech and manufacturing, this institute will make sure we're ready!

Boosting STEM Across the State

The institute is already making a difference, offering hands-on STEM labs, training for teachers, and updated curriculum aligned with state standards. The goal? To make advanced tech education accessible to students and teachers everywhere in Alabama.

CTO Says It Best

"Our focus is on capacity building," says Chase Golden, ASCTE’s Chief Technology Officer. "The Research Institute… allows us to scale that work, connect it to research, and ensure that what works in one classroom… can work across the state."

What Kind of Research?

Think AI, computing, cyber ranges, and big data! The institute will support research partnerships, faculty projects, student startups, and bringing advanced tech straight into the classroom.

Training the Trainers

ASCTE is already a professional development provider, offering training to Alabama educators. The new Research Institute will expand those efforts even further. Teachers are raving about the programs and how they're impacting their lessons!

Industry Connections

Expect more partnerships with industry leaders to make sure training programs are up-to-date with the latest workforce needs.

A Game Changer

"This new research center positions ASCTE to drive innovation not just within our school, but throughout Alabama’s educational landscape," says Board Vice Chair Alicia Ryan. "It’s an investment in the future workforce of our state."

Inside the Institute

The facility will house a Cyber Test Center, an AI Innovation Center, a Systems Integration Center, and an Engineering Life Cycle Center.

Eyes on the Future

"By expanding our research capabilities and campus resources, we are ensuring our students are prepared to lead in tomorrow’s technology fields,” says ASCTE President Matt Massey.

More Housing On The Way

To support a growing student body, plans for a new dormitory are underway!

Global Impact

"This is going to be an asset for the state of Alabama as we partner with universities and for the whole nation, and really to have a global impact,” Massey said.

Alabama Launches Tech Quality Assurance Board!

Governor Ivey just announced the creation of the Technology Quality Assurance Board (TQA to keep a watchful eye on how new tech is rolled out across Alabama's state government. Think of it as the digital guardians ensuring everything runs smoothly, securely, and responsibly!

What's the Deal with TQAB?

This board, authorized by the Alabama Legislature in 2025, is all about making sure our state uses tech that’s both cutting-edge and safe. It also boosts the Alabama Office of Information Technology's cybersecurity game.

Ivey's Take: Security and Innovation!

According to Governor Ivey, the aim is simple: protect Alabamians' personal info while embracing innovation. "The TQAB is a critical step forward in ensuring Alabama’s use of technology is not only innovative, but also secure, ethical and aligned with the public interest," she said. This board will help us evaluate new tools through a lens of cybersecurity, privacy and operational excellence.”

Who's on Board?

The TQAB is packed with representatives from key agencies, including:

• Alabama Office of Information Technology
• Alabama Department of Finance
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
• Alabama Department of Education
• Alabama Medicaid Agency
• Alabama Department of Revenue
• Alabama Department of Transportation

These agencies will work together to check out new technologies, set statewide standards, and make sure innovation doesn't come at the expense of citizen data.

More Than Just a Board

The TQAB will also help put the GenAI Task Force's recommendations into action. This includes using top-notch AI risk management frameworks, developing internal policies for using GenAI, and creating AI training programs for state employees.

"Through the TQAB, Alabama is building a smarter, safer and more accountable digital future," Governor Ivey added. Exciting times for the Yellowhammer State!

Wood Stork Soars Off Endangered Species List!

Good news, nature lovers! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just announced a major win: the wood stork is officially off the endangered and threatened species list! This is a huge victory for conservation efforts in Alabama and across the Southeast.

From Near Extinction to Thriving!

Back in 1984, things were looking grim for these amazing birds. The wood stork population had plummeted, with a staggering 75% decline since the 1930s. Habitat loss, particularly the disappearance of vital wetlands in South Florida, was to blame.

A Conservation Comeback Story

But thanks to decades of dedicated hard work, the wood stork is back! Today, there are an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 nesting pairs spread across roughly 100 colony sites. That's more than double the nesting pairs and triple the colony sites from when they were first listed!

Wood Storks Expand Their Territory

These adaptable birds are now thriving across the coastal plains of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They've even found new homes in coastal salt marshes, flooded rice fields, and even human-created wetlands!

Continued Monitoring

Even with this fantastic progress, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service isn't resting on its laurels. They'll continue monitoring the wood stork for the next 10 years to ensure this incredible species remains stable and continues to flourish. The delisting becomes final on March 12, 2026.

From Futon to Flight: The Inspiring Story of John Mejia

Imagine landing in the Big Apple at just 10 years old, sharing a foldout futon for eight years while growing up on welfare. That's where John Mejia's incredible journey began! He wasn't about to let circumstance define him.

Against the Odds

Driven by sheer grit, John snagged a full academic scholarship to Syracuse University. His dream? To soar as a military pilot. Talk about a climb!

The 5F Principles

John's life is built on a powerful foundation: the 5F Principles – Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. These principles guided him through his distinguished service as a Naval Officer and later as an airline pilot with US Airways, before he found his wings in real estate.

A Testament to Faith

John's story is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity with faith as his compass. He credits God for all his achievements.

Be Inspired!

Get ready to be encouraged and challenged by John's incredible story. This episode will have you believing that anything is possible with faith!

Hudson Demands Senators Actually Filibuster!

Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL now aiming for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026, is calling for a major shakeup in the Senate. He wants to force senators who want to filibuster a bill to actually, you know, do it – standing on the floor and talking!

End the "Zombie Filibuster!"

Hudson, who's eyeing Tommy Tuberville's Alabama Senate seat, isn't a fan of the "silent filibuster." He told WVNN's "The Yaffee Program" that he wants to axe this sneaky tactic.

Stand Up and Be Heard!

"We need to abolish the silent filibuster, the zombie filibuster," Hudson declared. "No more of this Democrat being able to call in and saying, 'Hey, we're going to filibuster for this,' but not actually having to stand on the floor and do it. They need to earn their filibuster!"

Why Support Criminals?

Hudson wants to make Senators explain themselves. "Abolish the silent filibuster," he continued, "so you require them to stand on the floor and tell the American people that they're elected to represent their state, right? They need to let the American people hear why they're standing with the criminals, as opposed to standing with the American citizen."

Support Law Enforcement!

Hudson argues that getting rid of the "silent filibuster" would force Democrats to publicly justify their stance on law enforcement. He highlighted a tragic case involving an Alabama citizen killed by an illegal alien.

Earn Your Idiocy!

"They ought to be on the floor telling everybody why they're standing against it," Hudson concluded. "They ought to have to earn it, because there's somebody out there right now earning their right to be an idiot!"

Alabama Senate Gets Serious About Kids' Online Safety!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Alabama Senate just gave the thumbs up to HJR51, a joint resolution to create a special commission. This ain't your grandma's knitting circle – it's a deep dive into the wild world of AI and the internet's impact on our kiddos!

Study Time!

Rep. Robbins (R-Sylacauga) and a crew of supporters are behind this initiative. They want to understand exactly how AI, social media, and general internet access are affecting Alabama's youth. What are other states doing? What can we learn? The commission will be digging in to find out!

Who's on Board?

This commission is packed! We're talking Senators, House members, folks from the Attorney General's office, mental health experts, Voices for Alabama’s Children, and reps from the Alabama Cable and Broadband Association, and TechNet. A real brain trust!

Timeline & Goals

First meeting? By May 1st! A full report, complete with findings and recommendations for future laws? Due to the Legislature by November 1, 2026. Then poof, the commission dissolves. They're also tasked with working with our Congressional delegation and the Justice Department.

Federal Support

Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is on the same page at the national level, pushing for the Kids Off Social Media Act and the Stop the Scroll Act. She's clearly serious about tackling the dangers that social media and AI pose to children.

Thursday marked the 12th day of the 2026 legislative session. The future of online safety for Alabama's children looks a little brighter, thanks to this important step!

Moore Blasts Dems' "Going Viral" Attacks on ICE Chief

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is firing back at Democrats who are using Congressional hearings as their personal stages to bash Trump administration officials.

"Judgement Day?"

The heat was turned up on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Chief Todd Lyons at a recent House Oversight Committee hearing. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) even questioned Lyons' eternal fate, asking, "How do you think Judgement Day will go for you with so much blood on your hands? You think you’re going to hell, Mr. Lyons?"

Moore: It's All About the Clicks

Moore, speaking on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," argued that these theatrics are less about border security and more about racking up those sweet social media views.

"That’s typical," Moore stated. "You got these people and these committees...attacking ICE... for that viral clip, that five-minute questioning where you try to go viral and get released out on social media." He emphasized that Democrats should be focusing on the chaos unfolding in places like Minneapolis.

Comparing ICE to Nazis?

Moore also took issue with the comparison of ICE agents to Nazis. "Nazis are not legal law enforcement," he pointed out, contrasting Nazi persecution of worshippers with ICE officers enforcing immigration laws in areas "where there was rampant fraud...in those sanctuary areas."

Enforcing the Will of the People?

According to Moore, deporting illegal immigrants is exactly what Trump was elected to do. "Trump ran on this, he said, ‘deport them now.’ And he won a majority...he won the Electoral College...the American people are asking for the President to do this." He believes that ICE, under federal law, is simply fulfilling the will of the people, despite the "dirty" attacks from the left.

Alabama Farmers Federation Backs Utility Reform!

The buzz around Alabama's utility reform package is getting louder! Jimmy Parnell, President of the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), just gave his thumbs-up to the bipartisan effort making its way through the state legislature.

Keeping Energy Affordable for Alabamians

Parnell emphasized how crucial affordable energy is for everyone in Alabama. He noted the importance of reliable energy for the state's thriving agriculture and forestry sectors. The bills, according to Parnell, will ensure farmers have the power they need, and that regulatory decisions stay local, not influenced by out-of-state interests.

A Growing Chorus of Support

ALFA joins a whole crowd of folks supporting the "Affordability Protection Plan." Big names like Senator Tommy Tuberville, ALGOP Chair Joan Reynolds, and Governor Kay Ivey are already on board!

What's the Deal with These Bills?

The package includes three key bills. One would shift the Public Service Commission (PSC) from an elected to an appointed body by 2030. Another makes sure data centers cover the full cost of grid upgrades they need. Finally, there's a bill reforming data center incentives and trimming property tax exemptions.

Where Things Stand

The House versions of the bills have already cleared committee. The Senate versions are now with the Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development. Keep an eye on this one, folks!