New Bill Aims to Tackle Public Shootings in Alabama

State Rep. Matt Simpson is pushing for stronger laws to address public shootings! He formally introduced House Bill 20 at a press conference, backed by local law enforcement bigwigs.

Law Enforcement Support

Simpson announced the bill alongside Sheriffs Hoss Mack, Anthony Lowery, Paul Burch, District Attorney Keith Blackwood, and Sergeant John Young. "This bill will address public shootings and broaden law enforcement’s ability to charge capital murder to those who commit murder and endanger the lives of multiple people," Simpson shared on Facebook.

Expanding the Definition

House Bill 20 wants to broaden Alabama’s capital murder statute by adding a new factor: committing murder in a way that knowingly creates a “great risk of death” to multiple people. This is intended to close a loophole where capital charges might not apply if multiple folks are hurt but only one dies.

Why Now?

Several high-profile shootings in Alabama have highlighted the urgency. Simpson hopes the change will give prosecutors more flexibility in cases where multiple lives are at risk.

Recent Tragedies

Examples cited include a fatal shooting at a children’s dance recital in Mobile (Saenger Theatre) in 2025 and a New Year’s Eve shooting on Dauphin Street in 2022. Other incidents referenced included a shooting in Sage Park and a holiday gathering in Theodore, both resulting in casualties. A May Day shooting in 2024 in Baldwin County also left several dead and wounded.

What's New in HB20?

HB20 would add a 22nd aggravating factor to Alabama's capital offenses list. These offenses currently include killings during robberies or assaults on public officials.

Addressing Concerns

An earlier version included "public places," but Simpson removed it to avoid squabbles over the definition of such spaces.

Longshore and McKnight: A Friday Fiesta of Sports & City Chatter!

John Longshore and Barry McKnight brought the Friday heat LIVE from Stivers Ford today, serving up a heaping helping of sports headlines and local buzz!

NBA Finals, Braves, and a U.S. Open Shocker!

We kicked things off with the Pacers vs. Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Braves battling the Rockies, and a deep dive into the U.S. Open where JJ Spaun is making everyone eat their hats!

Golf Gab Galore!

The golf gods were smiling! We broke down Patrick Reed's crazy albatross and looked into our crystal ball for Brooks Koepka and Victor Hovland's chances.

College Baseball & Hoops Gripes!

The College World Series is in full swing, but Longshore and McKnight lamented Auburn and Alabama's snooze-fest ACC/SEC basketball schedules. More variety, please! We reminisced about those wild road trips of yesteryear with our amazing listeners.

Mayor Reed in the House!

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed stopped by to give us the lowdown on all the latest happenings in the city!

Catch Longshore and McKnight daily on YouTube, Spotify, and Yellowhammer News! 🎙️🔊

Walker County School Board Silent on SRO Controversy

The Walker County School Board held its first meeting since Sheriff Nick Smith's indictment for allegedly hiring unqualified School Resource Officers (SROs). Despite a grand jury recommendation to revise policies and ensure SROs meet state certification, the issue wasn't discussed during the regular meeting.

Uncertified Deputies Guarding Schools?

Records show at least four Walker County deputies served as SROs without proper Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) certification. The contract between the school system and the sheriff's department, doesn't seem to explicitly require certification.

$400,000 SRO Program Under Scrutiny

The school system shells out around $400,000 yearly on its SRO program. Superintendent Dr. Dennis Willingham, subpoenaed in the investigation, wouldn't comment, but stated the district's dedication to student safety.

Teachers Express Concerns

Teachers are worried after finding uncertified deputies in their schools. One teacher, also a city mayor, felt misled and concerned about campus security.

What's Next for the School Board?

With summer programs ongoing, everyone's watching for the school board's next move. A special meeting is set for June 30 to discuss personnel, but it's not confirmed if SRO program changes are on the agenda. The timeline for policy review remains a mystery.

What's Shakin' in the News This Week?!

Whoa, buckle up ChumCity citizens, because the news cycle has been a WILD ride! Riots are rockin' L.A., and California's Governor Newsom? Is he just playing political games by throwing shade at Trump and Senator Tuberville? Hmmm...

Senate to the Rescue of NASA?

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate might just be our heroes, potentially swooping in to save NASA's funding. Will they do it? We're watching!

Golden Dome Caucus: What IS That?!

And speaking of mysteries, what's the deal with this "Golden Dome caucus" we keep hearing about? Time to dig a little deeper...

All this and more juicy political goodness, served up hot this week!

Shout Outs:

• Mecca Musick heads up 256 Today.
• Dale Jackson's dropping truth bombs on Yellowhammer News and on WVNN from 5-9 a.m. weekdays. Give 'em a listen!

Alabama AG Backs Trump's National Guard Deployment in LA

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is throwing his support behind President Trump's decision to send in the National Guard to Los Angeles amidst ongoing unrest. Marshall filed an amicus brief, signaling Alabama's agreement with the move to deploy troops.

"Arson, Assault, and Anarchy Are Violent Crimes"

Marshall emphasized the importance of peaceful protest but drew a firm line against violence. He stated, "arson, assault, and anarchy are not protected forms of expression; they are violent crimes." He commended President Trump for taking decisive action when, according to Marshall, California leadership faltered in the face of "violent open border activists."

Standing with Law Enforcement

The Attorney General expressed strong support for law enforcement. "We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave men and women of law enforcement, who hold the line between civilization and disorder," he said. He thanked President Trump for "refusing to let lawlessness prevail."

Chaos in Los Angeles

The amicus brief highlights the extent of the disturbances, describing "buildings being surrounded and defaced, cars being set ablaze, and LAPD officers pleading for assistance."

Constitutional Authority

The brief argues that President Trump was within his rights to activate the National Guard under Title 10 of the United States Code to protect federal agents, property, and the law, especially considering the alleged inaction of state and local officials.

Widespread Support

Alabama isn't alone. Nineteen states joined in the amicus brief, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

SEC Fans, Rejoice! Kickoff Windows Are Here!

College football fans know the struggle: planning game day trips is a nightmare when you're left guessing about kickoff times until the last minute.

A Silver Lining in the SEC's TV Deal

While the SEC's move to ESPN networks has been... a topic, there's a bright side! We're getting early kickoff windows before the season even begins. It's not exact times for everything, but hey, it's a start!

Alabama & Auburn: Mark Your Calendars!

This week, the SEC dropped those all-important scheduling windows, giving Alabama fans a clue when to set their alarms (or book those flights!).

Under the Lights Showdowns!

The big news? Both Alabama and Auburn will be battling the Georgia Bulldogs at night! Auburn hosts Georgia on October 11th, while Bama heads to Athens on September 27th for some Sanford Stadium magic.

More Prime Time Action!

And Bama fans, get ready! LSU's coming to Tuscaloosa for a night game on November 8th.

Early Bird Games

For those early risers, Alabama will be hitting the road to Missouri for an 110 a.m. kickoff. Auburn's heading to Arkansas in the same early window (between 110 a.m. and 120 p.m. CST).

Flex Time!

Most other games are in those "flex" slots, meaning kickoff could land anywhere between 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. CST.

So, ChumCity football fanatics, get those plans in motion! The season is nearly here!

Tigers Under the Microscope in '25

Hugh Freeze's Auburn Tigers are facing the heat heading into the 2025 season. It's Year Three, and the pressure's on, possibly even more than the last two seasons combined!

From Rebuild to Contender?

Freeze inherited a tough situation, earning a bit of grace in Year One. Year Two saw expectations rise, but even a slight dip didn't shatter fan faith. This year, though? The roster is stacked, looking like a real threat to the SEC elite.

Quarterback Upgrade & WR Fireworks

It all starts with the quarterback. Auburn snagged a major upgrade, and Jackson Arnold is walking into a receiver room that could be one of the nation's best.

Coleman & Co.: Ready to Explode

Sophomore sensation Cam Coleman is aiming for household-name status after a breakout freshman year. And this receiving corps? Underrated, period. Malcolm Simmons quietly crushed it as a freshman too, looking to build on that, along with Perry Thompson who is hungry for more targets this year.

The Singleton Effect

The biggest splash? Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr., a portal prize, is bringing electrifying speed to complement Coleman's physical dominance. It's a perfect blend of power and finesse on The Plains.

More Weapons in the Arsenal

Wake Forest transfer Horatio Fields is also turning heads. But right now, the Singleton buzz is deafening. Regardless, it's a lethal group of pass catchers aiming to finally unleash Auburn's passing game.

Get Ready to Roar

Remember these names, ChumCity readers. They're about to be lighting up your screens and snagging touchdowns this fall!

Second Chances in the 'Ham!

Remember the pressure to graduate? Turns out, not everyone makes it. Dropping out of high school can feel like a total dead end, leading to tough times down the road. But it doesn't have to be!

A Fresh Start is Key

Let's be real, a diploma is still the golden ticket. But what about those who stumbled or life threw a curveball? Alabama believes in second chances. We need to create options for young folks who need a different path.

Why It Matters

Why are we so passionate about this? Two big reasons:

• It's the right thing to do. Many students feel lost and hopeless. Our education system needs to offer hope and support, understanding everyone's situation is unique. Let's help them chase that American Dream!
• Boosting our workforce. As policymakers, we're always looking for ways to get more Alabamians working. By giving young people options, we increase the odds they'll become productive members of society. We need all hands on deck!

The REACH Act: A Game Changer

That's why I sponsored the Restoring Advancement of Completing High School Act (REACH). It just got the green light! We teamed up with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) to create a solution that says, "Hey, you get another shot!"

What's the Deal?

The REACH Act makes the ACCS's high school diploma program available to younger students (18 instead of 19) and makes sure students who drop out know about their options. During their exit interview, they'll learn about non-traditional diplomas and other programs.

Legit Diploma Alert!

This isn't some watered-down version. This diploma meets the same standards as a traditional one, opening doors to any public college in Alabama.

ACCS Says It Best

Chancellor Jimmy Baker of ACCS nails it: "Anyone willing to do what’s necessary to better their situation shouldn’t be held back... One of the best parts of Alabama’s community colleges is that we meet our students where they are, and the REACH Act will allow more students to take advantage of the Alabama High School Diploma Option (HSDO) Program offered through the ACCS Adult Education Division."

He added, "In 2024, more than 300 students earned their high school diplomas through the HSDO program. These recipients have become more employable in Alabama’s workforce and will earn a higher wage than they would with a GED. This is what making life better for Alabamians is all about.”

It's About Hope

Passing the REACH Act is about giving people a genuine second chance. Dropping out doesn't have to be the end. By providing alternative routes, we're investing in a brighter future for everyone. Alabama's not giving up – we're giving them a reason to come back!

Ramblings From a Lifelong Alabamian

Like many of you fine folks, I've spent my whole life right here in Alabama. That makes me a serious college football fanatic! I used to follow baseball as a kid, but these days, pro sports don't really grab me. Still, I feel this patriotic pull to watch the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Kentucky Derby, always picking a team or horse to root for.

Derby Day Discovery

This year, right before the Kentucky Derby, my old friend and fraternity brother, Reverend Mike Watson, sends me this fascinating text. Turns out, every single horse in the race this year was a descendant of the legendary Secretariat!

It’s been 52 years since Secretariat blazed across that Derby track, setting records that still stand. Regardless of which descendant won, his legacy was getting honored. Genes are a powerful thing, whether we're talking about horses or people.

A Wiregrass Success Story

Speaking of legacies, Reverend Mike Watson's is a real doozy. He’s a lifelong Methodist who became the Bishop for the entire Methodist Church in America! We were frat brothers at the University of Alabama – Sigma Nu, full of good ol' boys from the Southeast/Wiregrass area. Mike was different. He was raised in the First Methodist Church of Dothan, son of Excell Watson, and he was born mature. All-A student, campus leader, and even pastored a church while at the Capstone!

He married his sweetheart, Margaret Lee, another Wiregrass gem. Her father, Alto Lee, was the attorney in Dothan. Mike rose through the Methodist ranks, building a church from the ground up in Dothan – Covenant Methodist, the biggest in the Wiregrass. He climbed the ladder, becoming a Bishop about 20 years ago, then the Ecumenical Officer for the United Methodist Church globally.

Now 75 and semi-retired, Mike and Margaret live in Birmingham, attending Canterbury Methodist Church. They get to sit with their daughter and four grandkids. Life is good!

The Baxley Boys

Another prominent Dothan family is the Baxleys. Bill and Wade both became lawyers, following in the footsteps of their dad, Judge Kenner Baxley. They practically grew up in his courtroom!

Bill Baxley started at Margaret Lee Watson's father's firm, then became District Attorney, then Attorney General of Alabama at just 28. He served eight years and later became Lt. Governor. Now 84, he still practices law.

Wade Baxley practiced law in Dothan his whole life, considered one of the best. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago from cancer, his wife Joan having passed a year earlier from the same terrible disease. Wade faced his prognosis with incredible bravery.

Wade was likely the last true-blue Yellow Dog Democrat left in Houston County. A die-hard Dem and a rabid Alabama football fan, he and Bill went to college and law school at UA.

A Parting Shot

When Wade learned he only had a week to live, he called his sons in. Knowing his lifelong love for the Tide and the Democratic Party, he told them, "I've had a conversion. I've decided to become a Republican and an Auburn fan!" His sons were shocked. Wade just grinned and said, "Yeah, in a few days, there's gonna be one less Auburn fan and one less Republican on earth."

Alabama is one big front porch, especially in the Wiregrass!

See you next week.

High School Dropouts: A Second Chance in Alabama!

Remember the pressure to finish high school? While most of us have that diploma, some students still drop out, facing a tough road ahead. Dropping out can lead to increased poverty and instability, a real fork in the road.

REACHing for a Brighter Future

But what if it doesn't have to be the end of the road? Alabama's saying NO! While a high school diploma remains the best path to success, we need alternative routes for those who've faced tough circumstances.

Why This Matters

Alabama has two big reasons to help dropouts get back on track. First, it's the right thing to do. Many feel hopeless, thinking they have no options. Our education system needs to be holistic, offering multiple pathways to the American Dream.

Second, it boosts our workforce! Giving these young people options increases their chances of becoming productive members of society. We can't afford to lose their potential!

Enter the REACH Act!

That's why State Representative Matt Woods sponsored the Restoring Advancement of Completing High School Act (REACH), now law!

Working with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), the REACH Act enhances ACCS's non-traditional high school diploma program for dropouts. It lowers the age of eligibility from 19 to 18 and requires the State Department of Education to share dropout info with ACCS, so no one slips through the cracks. Plus, students will learn about alternative diploma options during their exit interviews!

A Diploma That Counts

This non-traditional diploma meets the same standards as a traditional one, qualifying students for admission to any public college in Alabama!

What the ACCS Says

Chancellor Jimmy Baker of the Alabama Community College System put it perfectly: "Anyone willing to do what's necessary to better their situation shouldn’t be held back by an unfortunate event or decision made during their teenage years." He added that the REACH Act allows more students to take advantage of the Alabama High School Diploma Option (HSDO) Program.

In 2024, over 300 students earned diplomas through HSDO, boosting their employability and earning potential.

A Second Chance for Success

The REACH Act is about giving a real second chance. Dropping out doesn't have to be the end. By providing alternative pathways, we empower young people to become productive members of society.

Alabama is taking a huge step forward, offering a reason to come back!