Kiffin Reels in a Whopper!

College football season is still on the horizon, and what's a coach to do but escape for a bit? In the SEC, that often means hitting the Gulf Coast. And guess what? Ole Miss head honcho Lane Kiffin (remember him from Alabama?) did just that!

Fish Story?

Kiffin posted a pic of himself wrestling with a massive trumpet fish on a boat cleverly named "Hey Jack." He's claiming it's a Florida state record – a whopping 62.5 inches! That's over five feet of fishy goodness.

Political Hook, Line, and Sinker

But wait, there's more! Kiffin also threw in the hashtag #GulfOfAmerica and tagged President Donald Trump. A little nod to the whole "official renaming" thing, perhaps?

Back to the Gridiron

Eventually, Kiffin has to ditch the boat and head back to Oxford. The goal? Lead the Rebels to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Good luck, Lane!

What's Cookin' in Alabama Politics This Week?

Ever wonder how Trump wrangled his "Big, Beautiful Bill" through a sea of opposition from all sides? We're diving in!

Hemp Hysteria in the Heart of Dixie?

Alabama's got new laws galore—school choice, parental leave, the whole shebang. But guess what everyone's buzzing about? That hemp bill! What's the deal?

Alligator Alcatraz, Y'all?

Seriously, is Alabama about to build a jail for gators? We're not kidding!

Tune In!

Get the lowdown on all this and more with Alabama Politics This Week! Catch us on TV, radio, and online, all across the state.

Future Masters: Junior Golf's Shining Stars Converge in Dothan!

Every summer, Dothan, Alabama, transforms into a junior golf mecca as the Press Thornton Future Masters rolls into Dothan Country Club! The 76th annual tournament, held from June 21-28, 2025, continued a legacy that began in 1950, solidifying its place as a U.S. junior golf cornerstone.

A Tournament Like No Other

This event isn't just any tournament; it's a family-friendly spectacle attracting nearly 500 of the world's best young golfers! The 2025 edition saw talent from 37 states, Puerto Rico, and eight countries battling it out on the green.

Building Champions, One Swing at a Time

Founded by Press Thornton Sr., the Future Masters focuses on building character and competitive spirit. It's no wonder legends like Scottie Scheffler and Bubba Watson (both two-time Masters champs!) honed their skills here.

2025 Champions Crowned!

This year's tournament spotlighted the future of golf! Warren Stiglitz of Denver, North Carolina, took the 15-18 division crown. Nate Horne of Fayetteville, North Carolina, dominated the 13-14 division. Mason McCord of Spring, Texas, won the 11-12 division, and Ethan Li of Plain City, Ohio, triumphed in the 10-and-under category.

From Future Masters to PGA Tour Stars

Harris English, Stewart Cink, and Trevor Immelman are just a few PGA Tour stars who sharpened their skills on the Dothan Country Club fairways.

A Proving Ground for Tomorrow's Golfers

The Future Masters is a prestigious stage, offering valuable experience and exposure to collegiate and professional opportunities. Even Charlie Woods, Tiger's son, knows its significance in shaping the game's future!

More Than Just Golf: Dothan Welcomes You!

Dothan embraces the Future Masters! A mural commemorating the tournament's 75th anniversary will be unveiled in fall 2025. The city offers unique dining, shopping, museums, murals, and outdoor activities!

A Family Affair

For Luke Thornton, the founder’s great-grandson and a 2024 competitor, it’s about honoring family. The Future Masters gives young golfers a chance to follow in champions’ footsteps and make their mark!

Future Docs & Dentists Get a Head Start!

Roll Tide! Twelve bright high schoolers from northern Alabama just wrapped up a jam-packed summer exploring careers in healthcare, thanks to some awesome programs at the College of Community Health Sciences. These students are getting a serious jump on their futures!

Pipeline to Rural Healthcare

These talented teens participated in the Rural Health Scholars Program, the Rural Dental Health Scholars Program, and the MOORE Scholars Program (Medical Opportunities and Outreach in Rural Education). All these programs are part of CCHS's Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, designed to bring more healthcare pros to underserved rural areas.

What They Did This Summer...

For five whole weeks, these future healthcare heroes lived the college life on the UA campus! They took real college courses (for credit!), shadowed doctors, and learned all about prepping for med school and other health programs. It's all about tackling the shortage of primary-care physicians in rural Alabama. This Pipeline is known nationwide for grabbing students from rural areas and guiding them towards healthcare careers back in their communities.

The Programs in a Nutshell

• Rural Health Scholars Program: Rising seniors get a taste of medicine, taking college courses, chatting with pros, and visiting clinics.

• Rural Dental Health Scholars Program: Budding dentists (rising seniors, too!) dive into community projects, seminars, and clinic visits.

• MOORE Scholars Program: High school seniors heading to college get a head start with courses, seminars, shadowing, and more clinic visits!

Shout-Out to the Scholars!

Rural Health Scholars: Lauren Barnett, Morgan County; Kendal Davis, Morgan County; Avery Hice, Cullman County; Andrew Hopper, Etowah County; Amari Long, Colbert County; Emily Lynn, Jackson County; Kendall Phillips, Jackson County; Marcy Strange, Etowah County; William Streetman, Marion County

Rural Dental Health Scholars: Hudson Hutcheson, Franklin County; Jackquelyn Zepeda, Blount County

MOORE Scholars: Omar Baltazar, DeKalb County

Kudos to all these amazing students! We can't wait to see what you accomplish!

Mexico City's Protests Erupt

Things got heated in Mexico City as protests against, quote, "American-driven gentrification," took a turn. Demonstrators reportedly vandalized businesses and even harassed tourists. Ouch!

Alabama: Conservative Stronghold?

Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall is doubling down, saying Alabama is leading the charge against progressive policies. He's positioning the state as a major conservative player.

Alabama GOP Eyes Redistricting Case

Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl sees a glimmer of hope in the Supreme Court's delay in Louisiana's redistricting case. He thinks it could be good news for Alabama's own Voting Rights Act battle.

Trump Advisor's Tariff Talk

Scott Bessent, an advisor to President Trump, is pushing for new tariffs by August 1st, suggesting they "boomerang" back to Liberation Day levels. He's brushing off inflation worries as just "tariff derangement syndrome," arguing past fears haven't materialized.

Trump Shuts Down Musk's Party Idea

President Trump isn't buying Elon Musk's America Party idea, calling it "ridiculous." Sounds like Musk's political aspirations just hit a wall.

Tragedy in Texas: Alabama Girl Lost in Floods

An eight-year-old girl from Alabama, Sarah Marsh, tragically died in the Texas flash floods. This devastating event is sparking discussions about the National Weather Service's performance and even Trump's climate policies.

Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" Becomes Law

President Trump signed his "Big, Beautiful Bill" on Independence Day, packed with stuff Alabamians voted for apparently. Think extended 2017 tax cuts, a boost for NASA when cuts were on the table, increased defense and border spending, the elimination of clean energy credits, and stricter immigration enforcement.

Heard it Here First

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News, breaks it all down on WVNN every weekday from 5-9 a.m.

Local Legend Ralph Burke Passes Away

Jacksonville State University is mourning the loss of Ralph Burke, a cherished alum, former state legislator, and tireless champion for education. He was 65. Our thoughts are with his wife, Joy, and all his loved ones during this difficult time.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Born and raised in Rainsville, Burke was a star athlete at Plainview High School before heading to JSU. He earned multiple degrees there, including a bachelor's in Physical Education and advanced degrees in Education Administration.

From the Statehouse to the University

For 15 years, Burke represented DeKalb County in the Alabama House, fighting hard for education and Northeast Alabama. After his time in the legislature, he continued serving the area at JSU, leading JSU Gadsden for many years and later working in community relations.

More Than Just a Politician

Burke was deeply involved in his community. He held leadership positions in organizations like Leadership Etowah and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He was also a dedicated member of the Church of the Highlands and shared his beautiful voice through gospel music.

A Legacy of Kindness

"Ralph Burke dedicated his life to making Northeast Alabama a better place," said JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. He added that Burke will be remembered for his "warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to the communities he served."

A Celebration of Life

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 120 to 20 p.m. at Meadowbrook Church in Gadsden, followed by a funeral service at 20 p.m. Let's remember Ralph Burke for his incredible contributions to our community.

Black Hawk Down... On Border Patrol Duty!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Our brave border protectors just got a serious upgrade. Last month, in Meridianville, Alabama, the 10th souped-up UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter was officially handed over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Why Black Hawks?

Because keeping our borders secure is a HUGE deal! And these bad boys are a game-changer. Brig. Gen. David Phillips, head honcho at Program Executive Office Aviation, said it best: it's all about national security and supporting the folks on the front lines. These Black Hawks aren't your average choppers, either. They're tricked out with the latest gear to make CBP's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) even more effective.

A 40-Year Friendship

The Army and CBP have been partners in crime-fighting (border crime, that is!) for almost 40 years. Back in '88, the Army started swapping out CBP's old UH-1 Hueys for Black Hawks, and things have been soaring ever since. They even hooked up CBP with four UH-60M Black Hawks packed with high-tech sensors and all-weather navigation in 2007. Talk about an upgrade!

Black Hawks: Border Security All-Stars

For over 37 years, these helicopters have been making a real difference. Since 2015, CBP's Black Hawks have flown over 55,000 hours on more than 21,000 flights, supporting nearly 6,500 enforcement missions! Keith Jones, from AMO, calls them "among the most versatile and effective assets" they've got.

More Black Hawks Incoming?

The collaboration continues! Back in 2014, the Army and CBP teamed up again to snag 15 more UH-60L Black Hawks. They're even working on a modular mission equipment package for better communication. As technology evolves, the Army is committed to keeping CBP's Black Hawks at the cutting edge with the best equipment possible. Border security just got a whole lot cooler!

Lake Martin Fireworks Mishap: Kaboom on the Water!

Whoa! Things got a little too explosive on Lake Martin this 4th of July. A fireworks display went sideways, leaving six people injured after a pontoon boat, rigged up as a fireworks platform, went boom!

What Happened?

Around 9:14 p.m. in the Kowaliga Basin near Blue Creek, a planned fireworks celebration turned into a fiery mess. Seems the boat, loaded with fireworks that weren't exactly on the up-and-up, malfunctioned, causing a major onboard explosion.

Who Was Involved?

Six people were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, were sent to UAB Hospital. Alan J. Simmons, 31, landed at Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville. And Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, were taken to other local hospitals. We're wishing everyone a speedy recovery!

The Investigation

ALEA's Marine Patrol Division, along with the State Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device Unit and the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, jumped on the scene. The remaining fireworks were secured, and now the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is heading up the fireworks investigation.

Got Video? They Need Your Help!

Were you on or near Lake Martin when the fireworks went rogue? If you snagged any video footage of the incident, the investigators want to see it!

How to Share Your Videos

You can send your videos by email to firemarshal@insurance.alabama.gov or give them a call at 334-241-4166. Every little bit helps!

The investigation is still underway, so stay tuned for updates!

Raytheon Scores Big for GPS!

Guess what, ChumCity citizens? Raytheon just landed a sweet $77.2 million deal! The Department of Defense announced that they're handing over the cash for GPS production and ongoing support.

Mini GPS Magic!

The contract's all about the Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver (MAGR). Think super-tiny, super-accurate GPS tech!

Where the Magic Happens

Raytheon will be buzzing around El Segundo, California and Huntsville, cranking out repairs, building new units, keeping everything running smoothly, and generally making sure these MAGR-2K and 2K-M receivers are top-notch. They've got until June 30, 2031, to get it all done!

Thanks, Air Force!

Big shout-out to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia for making it all happen!

Lane Kiffin's Twitter Takedown!

Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss Rebels' head honcho, is a social media legend, and he's at it again! Known for his razor-sharp wit and expert-level trolling, Kiffin recently took aim at a familiar foe: Auburn's Head Coach, Hugh Freeze.

Golf Course Grudge Match

It seems Kiffin couldn't resist a jab at Freeze's golf game, especially considering Auburn's recruiting struggles. He retweeted an older post of Freeze enjoying a day on the links, adding his own special Kiffin-esque commentary.

Kiffin's Tweet: Short & Sweet

Kiffin's reply was simple: "Great job Coach!! Game is on 🔥" But everyone knows that underneath that seemingly innocent message, Kiffin's implying much more about Freeze and the Auburn program.

Tee Time Troubles?

Freeze reportedly squeezed in over 11 rounds of golf in June, drawing some heat as the Tigers faced recruiting setbacks. Looks like Kiffin couldn't resist adding a little fuel to that fire!