Alabama News Bites - ChumCity Style!

Tuscumbia Horseplay Case Closed (Sort Of)

Deshler High freshman August Borden's football practice injury? Tuscumbia City Schools says it was just accidental horseplay, and the DA won't be pressing charges. But Borden's dad isn't buying it and promises to keep fighting for some kind of justice. Stay tuned, Chummers!

Bama Alums to the Rescue!

The Masthead, a University of Alabama alumni group, is throwing some serious cash ($25k!) at keeping Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six magazines alive. Apparently, anti-DEI policy changes threatened their existence. Remember, it's not free speech, it's just funding. Phew!

Cities vs. State Over Online Dough

Over 100 Alabama cities and counties are lining up behind the state in a legal showdown over online sales tax revenue. Big cities are clamoring for their "fair" share. It's a battle for bucks, folks!

Erika Kirk Claps Back at Conspiracy Nuts

Turning Point USA's Erika Kirk took to Fox News to slam the "evil" online conspiracies surrounding her husband Charlie's murder. She's leaning on grief and community, not giving oxygen to those internet wackos and dunderheads, particularly that internet Candace Owens character!

Huntsville: Space Command Central?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is hitting up Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal this Friday to unveil the U.S. Space Command HQ sign. Despite Colorado's legal huffing and puffing, the move is still on! Over 1,300 folks are relocating, and they're hoping to be fully operational in three years. Blast off!

Rep. Rogers Clears Venezuela Boat Strike

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) says that second deadly boat strike off Venezuela was A-Okay. After reviewing the classified goods, he's backing the military. He also thinks his committee should keep an eye on things, especially with all that media hand-wringing!

Tuberville's Economic Prophecy

Governor-elect (and Coach and Senator) Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) predicts Trump's energy, tariff and work toward lower prices policies are gonna bring affordability improvements. He's saying we'll see the difference by spring, unlike the Biden administration's blooper reel. He better be right, though, or the GOP is toast!

The Man Behind the Mic

Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News' resident thought leader, brings the heat to WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m. Tune in, Chum!

Jake Harper: A True Alabama Stalwart Honored

Few folks are as rock-solid as Jake Harper. This Wilcox County cattleman and timber landowner has been lending his sharp mind and plain-spoken wisdom to Alabama's farmers for decades. He recently wrapped up his time as Southwest Area VP for the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance.

A Commitment to Excellence

"I want it right," Jake's known to say, with a knowing grin, when reviewing the Federation's business. This dedication didn't go unnoticed. He was recently presented with the prestigious Service to Agriculture Award at the Federation's 104th annual meeting in Montgomery.

"Irreplaceable" Service

Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised Jake, calling him an "extremely valuable" board member with irreplaceable knowledge. "He’s very good at analyzing numbers and getting to what matters," Parnell noted. "That makes him an asset." Beyond his sharp mind, Parnell emphasized, "Jake is my friend... He is honest."

Decades of Dedication

Jake's involvement began in 1981, stepping into his late father's shoes on the Wilcox County Farmers Federation (WCFF) board. He quickly rose to WCFF president and, by 1987, chaired the State Young Farmers Committee. He served on the state board for nine years and was elected Southwest Area VP in 2003.

"Time to Go Home"

After years of dedicated service, term limits brought Jake's time as VP to a close this past December. “It’s been a very good run, but it’s time to go home,” Jake shared. He has spent his final months doing what he has always done — traveling across counties to meet with farmers.

A Family Affair

Jake and his wife, Pam, instilled the value of service in their children. As Pam shared, "Our life has revolved around these obligations."

More Than Just the Federation

Jake's commitment extends beyond the Federation, with roles on the Soil & Water Conservation District board, the Federation State Forestry Committee, and the Forever Wild Land Trust board.

Looking Ahead

As he steps into this new chapter, Jake and Pam look forward to more time with their grandsons and children. While this change brings some emotion, he will remain a source of insight and wisdom for leaders to come. “I hope I’ve given just a little to the Federation,” Jake said humbly.

Courtesy of Alabama Farmers Federation

Hegseth Heading to Huntsville for Space Command Ceremony!

Get ready, ChumCity! Big news from Redstone Arsenal! Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is landing in Huntsville this Friday for a special ceremony. He's marking the spot where U.S. Space Command's permanent HQ will soon be rocketing up.

General Whiting Spills the Space Beans

General Stephen Whiting dropped the news at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber's Redstone Update. He revealed Hegseth will be on post Friday afternoon for an unveiling at the future HQ site. Sounds pretty out of this world!

Top Brass in Attendance

We hear U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink will also be touching down for the event. Talk about a star-studded gathering! This ceremony officially kicks off the next chapter in Space Command's journey to Huntsville.

Construction on the Horizon!

According to Army Materiel Command, major construction is just around the corner. Get ready to see some serious building happening on Redstone!

Space Command Already Making Moves

Whiting also mentioned that Space Command's move is already in full swing! A program management office is up and running, tackling all the details, from facilities to workforce, making sure the transition is smooth as stardust.

Historic Moment!

This visit marks the first time a top defense official has graced the future HQ site since President Trump's big announcement last September. After a bit of political turbulence, Huntsville is officially the final frontier for U.S. Space Command!

Brrr! Chilly Today, Warmer Soon!

Alright, ChumCity! Bundle up! We're looking at a mostly sunny but cooler day across the Tennessee Valley. Highs will be in the upper 40s for some, with the rest of Alabama seeing the 50s. That's a few degrees chillier than yesterday, so grab that jacket!

Sunshine & Sixties Tomorrow!

Good news! We're bouncing back tomorrow. Expect mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60s across most of Alabama. Get ready to ditch the heavy coat!

Weekend Outlook: Clouds & a Cold Blast!

Saturday will be mild again, with highs in the 60s, but clouds are moving in, and there might be a few sprinkles in the southwest. Saturday night, a touch of light rain is possible across the state as a serious Arctic cold front barrels down!

DEEP FREEZE Incoming!

Hold onto your hats, folks! Sunday is going to be brutally cold. This Arctic blast is the real deal, the coldest we've seen so far this season. Temperatures will plummet through the 30s, with the Tennessee Valley stuck in the 20s all day. The wind will be howling, making it feel like single digits Sunday night, especially up north. Yikes!

Monday morning? Think teens north of I-20 and 20s for the rest of the state, even down on the Gulf Coast. BUT... a warming trend starts Monday with highs in the 30s and 40s.

Warmer Days Are Coming!

Hang in there! By Thursday and Friday, we're talking 60s again! A few showers are possible late in the week, but nothing major is expected.

Christmas Day Forecast?

Long-range forecasts can be tricky, but early indications point to above-average temperatures across the Deep South on Christmas Day. Fingers crossed for a mild holiday!

On This Day in History...

Back in 1961, a tornado ripped through Jacksonville, causing significant damage to the JSU campus and surrounding areas. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but some folks were trapped. Stay weather aware, ChumCity!

Alabama's Bright Future: Keeping the Lights On

Alabama's on a roll! We're seeing new jobs, training workers, and businesses are investing all over the state. What's fueling this success? A pro-business climate, smart regulations, and dependable, affordable energy for everyone.

Good News: Power Rates Stable Through 2027!

The Public Service Commission recently gave the green light to a two-year plan to keep power rates at today's levels. This means no rate hikes through 2027! In a world of rising prices, this is a win for Alabama families and job creators.

Enter Energy Alabama...

But not everyone's happy. Energy Alabama, a liberal, environmentalist-funded activist group, thinks keeping energy costs down is somehow "political." Hmm, that tells you something, doesn't it?

The Green New Deal, Alabama Style?

Energy Alabama claims to be a neutral "clean energy" group, pushing unrealistic goals like Huntsville running on 100% clean energy by 2025 and the entire state by 2035. Sounds a lot like the Green New Deal, wrapped in an Alabama flag.

Who's Really Behind the Curtain?

Their executive director, judging by social media, is a liberal extremist who gets a paycheck from the Energy and Policy Institute – a shadowy group that won't reveal its donors. This "transparency" champion operates out of a California P.O. Box, no physical address in sight.

Don't Be Fooled

When you see Energy Alabama on social media or TV, you're not hearing from a local Huntsville group. You're hearing talking points from a national liberal campaign, funded by who knows who. Alabamians deserve to know who's pulling the strings.

Focused on Reality, Not Hashtags

Energy Alabama doesn't have to keep the lights on during a heatwave or balance costs and growth. Real businesses are investing in Alabama. We're a business-friendly state attracting manufacturers, logistics hubs, tech and aerospace employers. This isn't about chasing hashtags; it's about responsible decisions that help families and give businesses confidence.

Staying the Course

Energy Alabama will keep trying to turn every decision into a Twitter war, which might be good for their fundraising, but it's bad for Alabama. We need to stay focused on affordable energy, economic competitiveness, and a reliable power grid.

The Future is Bright!

Alabama's future is bright, and no amount of noise from leftist-funded critics with California P.O. boxes is going to change that!

Will Ainsworth is the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.

Sweet Home Alabama Gets a Financial Jolt!

Senator Tommy Tuberville is calling it an "early Christmas present" for Alabama, courtesy of President Trump and Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte. The gift? A major business exodus from "woke California"!

Fannie Mae Heads South

That's right, folks! Tuberville announced that Fannie Mae's San Francisco office is packing its bags and heading to Birmingham. We're talking about one of the world's biggest mortgage players ditching the West Coast for the Deep South.

Birmingham's Back in Business?

Bill Pulte himself chimed in, congratulating Alabama and crediting the move to Trump and Tuberville's efforts. For years, Birmingham has been a financial hub, boasting Fortune 500 companies like Regions Financial.

A Boom for Birmingham

Sen. Tuberville believes this is a HUGE step towards revitalizing the city. He emphasized that moving Fannie Mae from San Francisco to Birmingham will not only save taxpayer dollars but also bring jobs and fresh opportunities to the state. Could this be the start of Birmingham reclaiming its title as the financial capital of the South?

Fannie Mae employs over 7,000 people nationwide.

Alabama Students Gear Up for the Age of AI!

At the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), they're not just talking about the future – they're building it! ASCTE, the only high school in the U.S. laser-focused on weaving cyber tech and engineering into everything they do, is leading the charge in getting students ready for a world buzzing with artificial intelligence.

Forget passive learning! ASCTE dives deep with hands-on projects, required internships, and teachers who are certified pros and industry gurus. Students don't just learn about tech; they learn to think, solve, and conquer real-world challenges.

AI Smarts Spread Statewide!

And the best part? That brainpower is now reaching every corner of Alabama! The very first AI curriculum from the Alabama State Department of Education is hitting public high schools across the state. It's a roadmap showing how students can collaborate with AI, not be replaced by it.

A Curriculum That Learns as It Goes

Developed in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, this AI curriculum introduces students to core AI concepts, data science, the history of AI, current uses, and the ethical questions it raises. It all lines up with Alabama's tech standards and weaves in leadership, workplace readiness, and digital literacy.

"AI is here, and we have to get students ready," says Mary Clair Wright, cybersecurity instructor and instructional design whiz at ASCTE.

This curriculum is built to evolve. "We're building a curriculum for teachers who have to train on the fly," Wright explains. "It has to be a living document because this technology is changing every day."

To help teachers rock this, the course includes "node checks" – structured moments to make sure everyone is on the same page and tweak instruction if needed. "We tried to anticipate the questions teachers and students would struggle with, because we struggled with them too," Wright says.

Think, Don't Just Compute!

ASCTE emphasizes critical thinking and ethical smarts right alongside those technical skills.

"We get into the ethical considerations," Wright says. "We need everyone thinking critically about what AI can do, what it shouldn't do, and where to use it responsibly."

Students get hands-on with AI while also learning to question it. One of the first assignments asks students to research an AI pioneer using AI itself, and discover that the tech can sometimes be wrong or leave stuff out.

"I want students asking: Why is this person important? Why isn’t this other person included? That’s the critical thinking piece.”

"If we can teach students the concerns and limitations of AI, maybe they won’t turn to it for everything," she adds.

Teachers Get Ready, Too!

ASCTE knows that students and teachers are both entering uncharted waters with AI. Professional development is key to rolling out this curriculum statewide, and Wright kicks off each session by openly discussing fears and challenges.

"We start with honesty. I ask: tell me what you hate about AI and what you’re afraid of," she says. "Teachers deserve space to express their concerns. This is a big change, and we need to navigate it together."

For students, the focus is on prepping for jobs that might not even exist yet, giving them the skills and mindset to adapt as the workforce changes.

"I can’t predict what students’ jobs will look like in five years," Wright says. "What I can do is teach them about the technology that will shape those jobs so they’re ready for the change. AI is here to stay. Some of the changes will be positive, some won’t, but our responsibility is to prepare students for all of it.”

Judge Smith Ascends to Madison County Circuit Court!

Governor Kay Ivey just shook things up in Madison County, appointing Judge Ronald Smith to the Circuit Court! Plus, she's filled 17 other spots on various state boards and commissions. Boom!

Smith's Swift Ascent

Judge Smith’s new gig is effective immediately. Talk about a fast track!

Ivey's Confidence

Ivey gushed, saying, "Ron Smith is perfect for the Circuit Court." She highlighted his 20+ years of experience, both prosecuting cases and in general practice, plus his time on the bench. She emphasized that his "legal scholarship and judicial temperament" that led her to appoint him as District Judge in 2023 make him the ideal choice.

Smith's Journey

Smith started out as an assistant DA back in '01, then moved into private practice in '03, tackling criminal defense and more. He even had his own practice starting in 2013! Ivey appointed him District Judge in 2023 and he even became Presiding District Judge in 2025.

Smith's Gratitude

"It’s an honor to have served Madison County," Smith said, adding he’s “deeply honored” by Ivey's trust in him.

Background Check

A Birmingham boy originally, Smith got his degrees from UAB and The University of Alabama School of Law. Smart cookie!

More Movers and Shakers

Besides Judge Smith, Ivey tapped 17 people for state boards and commissions.

Spreading the Love

These appointments cover everything from the State Board of Auctioneers to the Historic Ironworks Commission. Lots of different sectors getting some fresh faces!

Tax Tango in Alabama: Cities vs. Counties!

Legislators and taxes? It's a complicated love affair! They're not always keen on raising 'em, but they sure do hate to let 'em go.

SSUT Showdown

The Simplified Seller Use Tax (SSUT) is spreading the wealth statewide, but some big cities are feeling left out. They're itching to keep more of that sweet, locally-collected SSUT cash!

County Counterpunch

Hold on, though! The counties have already planned their budgets based on their SSUT share. Expect a serious rumble before they hand over a chunk of that revenue. This could get interesting!

Dale's Take

For more insights, tune into Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News' resident brainiac, on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m. He'll break it down for you!

Gridiron Showdown Coming to The Plains... Eventually!

Get ready, ChumCity! History is brewing on The Plains, but we've got a bit of a wait.

Trojans vs. Tigers: First Time Ever!

Troy's football squad recently announced a monumental event on social media: the Troy Trojans will face off against the Auburn Tigers in football for the very first time! This landmark non-conference clash is set to electrify Jordan-Hare Stadium during the 2031 season.

A Matchup for the Ages

"This is a marquee game that I know will excite our fan base," said Troy's athletic director, Kyle George. "This is a great in-state matchup that our fans will travel exceptionally well to, and that will spark great interest from both fan bases."

Mark Your Calendars...For 2031!

Circle September 6, 2031, folks! That's when this epic battle is scheduled to unfold. It'll be Troy's 28th game against current SEC teams, and their first non-conference in-state game in nearly 20 years. Expect a massive Trojan invasion of Auburn for this historic showdown between two iconic Alabama teams!