Auburn's Coaching Carousel: Who's Next?

The Auburn Tigers are on the hunt! After parting ways with Hugh Freeze after a tenure that didn't quite ignite the field, AD John Cohen is tasked with finding the next leader to restore the program's roar.

Sumrall the Frontrunner?

One name keeps popping up: Jon Sumrall. The Huntsville native, former Troy coach, and current Tulane leader, has been the hot topic even before the Freeze era ended. Is Sumrall the answer for Cohen?

Expert Opinion Weighs In

CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello recently dropped some truth bombs, urging Cohen to make Sumrall the guy. During an appearance on "The Next Round," Marcello was direct: Don't overthink it, John!

Marcello's Bold Prediction

"Go hire Jon Sumrall," Marcello stated emphatically. "Auburn's winning 10 games here within the next two years, just put me down saying that right now."

Will Cohen Listen?

Whether Cohen heeds Marcello's advice remains to be seen, but Sumrall's popularity is undeniable. At this point, choosing anyone else would be a shocker!

Hold on Tight, Chumblers!

If you thought the media circus surrounding President Trump was wild before, buckle up! You haven't seen anything yet.

Beyond Ludicrous

They've moved past even making crazy claims. Now, it seems like anyone who dares to disagree is instantly labeled a monster. Seriously?

All Feels, No Facts

It's all emotion and zero substance these days, folks. What happened to actual debate?

Dale Jackson Says...

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m., is calling it out.

BCA Lands Political Powerhouse!

Big news from the Business Council of Alabama! They're snagging Tim Howe, a true political guru, as their new Chief Advocacy Officer. Get ready, Alabama, because things are about to get even more pro-business!

Howe to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives

Howe's mission? To turbocharge BCA's strategic game plan, champion the state's business community, and partner with leaders to boost Alabama's economic mojo. He's officially on board this December!

Alabama: Setting the Pace

Howe is pumped about joining BCA at a time when Alabama's crushing the game with its pro-jobs, pro-growth, and pro-business vibes. He credits state and federal leaders for setting the stage and emphasizes the privilege to be part of the effort to build upon those successes.

A Proven Track Record

Before joining BCA, Howe served as Chief of Staff for two Senate President Pro Tems and ran FORGE PAC. He's been a key player in shaping Alabama's political scene, from leading the Alabama Republican Party to racking up wins for businesses across the board. He's also been VP at Stifel and a former owner of Yellowhammer News. Talk about a resume!

BCA's Ready to Thrive

BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan is beyond excited, saying Howe's experience and insights will be a game-changer for the organization and its members. "Tim understands what it takes to move Alabama forward," Duncan said, noting how lucky they are to have him on the executive team.

BUTTING Plants Roots in Loxley!

Global stainless steel pipe gurus, BUTTING, just officially broke ground in Loxley, folks! They're building their very first U.S. production facility AND North American HQ right here in our backyard, marking a massive step in their American market takeover.

A Rooting Ceremony, Not Just Groundbreaking!

Instead of the usual shovel-in-the-dirt gig, BUTTING's bigwigs, along with state officials and local partners, celebrated with a super cool "rooting ceremony." They planted a huge 200-gallon live oak tree – a symbol of their long-term commitment to Baldwin County and the U.S. Boom!

Governor Ivey's Take

Governor Ivey chimed in, saying Alabama's still THE place for global manufacturers looking to crush it in America. She noted BUTTING's decision as a huge win for Baldwin County and the entire state, bringing those sweet, good-paying jobs.

$61 Million Investment, 100 Jobs!

This project? A whopping $61 million investment that's expected to create up to 100 primo jobs, way above the Baldwin County average wage. The plan is phased: first, admin offices, engineering, and fabrication; then, two welded stainless steel pipe mills for advanced industries across North America!

BUTTING's CEO Speaks!

Marcel Bartels, CEO of BUTTING Group's Plant Construction Division, said this ceremony is more than just groundbreaking; it's a symbol of their intent to grow strong, lasting roots in the U.S. He emphasized their family-owned legacy and pride in bringing their tradition of excellence to Alabama.

Confidence in Baldwin County

BUTTING USA's CEO, Adrian Rochofski, stated their location choice reflects total confidence in the region's workforce and growth potential. By planting that live oak, they're showing their commitment to growing and thriving here for generations!

Local Leaders Excited

Loxley Mayor Richard Teal and other local leaders are stoked. Mayor Teal said this moment plants a promise, reflecting shared goals of growth, sustainability, and opportunity for our citizens.

About BUTTING

Founded way back in 1777, BUTTING is a global rockstar in stainless steel pipes and components. This new Loxley facility will be their first U.S. manufacturing site, supporting distribution and fabrication across North America. How cool is that?!

Whitt Praises Senate Hemp Crackdown: Alabama Led the Way!

State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) is stoked about the U.S. Senate's move to ban certain intoxicating hemp products! He believes the Senate totally nailed it when they included the provision in the recent funding bill.

Closing the Hemp Loophole

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) slipped language into the package aimed at shutting down the infamous "hemp loophole" that the 2018 Farm Bill accidentally created. This new rule means only hemp products with super low THC content (under 0.3%) will be allowed.

Alabama's Ahead of the Curve

"The Senate's vote is like a high-five to Alabama's HB445!" Whitt exclaimed. "We were already on it, protecting our towns from sketchy, unregulated stuff. We jumped in early and got the ball rolling. Glad Washington's finally catching up to common sense!"

HB445: Alabama's Hemp Hammer

Earlier this year, Whitt championed HB445, a landmark law that put the brakes on consumable hemp products in Alabama. It set clear THC limits, banned synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 and HHC, and slapped manufacturers and retailers with new rules for packaging, testing, and licensing.

No More Pop-Up Pot Shops!

Before, thanks to the "hemp loophole," products like Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC (made from hemp, not marijuana) were legal in many states, including Alabama. You could find them everywhere!

Consumer Protection is Key

"This is all about protecting everyone," Whitt emphasized, "and slamming the door on these pop-up pot shops. We're keeping harmful products away from our kids and protecting consumers from dangerous, unregulated stuff!"

A Win-Win for Everyone

"When state and federal policy work together, it's a win for everyone," Whitt added, "especially for those who've been burned by these products."

The Feds Follow Alabama's Lead

The new federal rules echo Alabama's approach, tightening the screws on hemp-derived products nationwide. The goal? To close the loopholes that let these intoxicating substances sneak in under the "legal hemp" label.

Crypto Crossroads: A Fight for Economic Freedom in the USA!

America's at a major turning point, battling over our financial future and the awesome power of free-market innovation. The spotlight? Cryptocurrency, a game-changing tech with the potential to create jobs, spark new industries, and unleash opportunities for all Americans!

The question is simple: embrace crypto as a tool for economic freedom, or drown it in red tape, stifling competition and protecting the old guard?

Stablecoins: Digital Cash Revolution!

At the heart of it all are stablecoins, those nifty cryptocurrencies designed to mirror the value of the US dollar. Think of them as digital cash – faster, cheaper, and more secure ways to move money around for both businesses and individuals. Instant transactions, anywhere in the world, all while boosting the US dollar's dominance in the digital economy!

GENIUS Act: A Step Forward!

Big news! Congress recently took a giant leap with the bipartisan GENIUS Act, championed by Senator Bill Hagerty (Tennessee's favorite son, and one of Alabama's strongest allies!).

This bill, supported by President Trump and our own Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, sets clear, common-sense rules for stablecoins. Crypto platforms like Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken can now offer digital rewards (think credit card points!) to users, fueling innovation and growth in this booming market.

Big Banks vs. Crypto Rewards?

Hold on! Not everyone's thrilled. Some major financial institutions are lobbying hard to restrict or even ban crypto rewards, claiming these digital assets will threaten traditional banks. They’re warning that crypto could drain deposits, destabilizing the banking system.

But that argument? It just doesn't hold water!

Research Debunks the Fear!

A rock-solid study by Charles River Associates has blown those claims out of the water, proving that stablecoin use has little to no impact on community bank deposits.

People aren't ditching their banks, they're just adding new tools to the mix! Innovation and tradition can coexist and thrive if the government lets the free market do its thing.

Economic Freedom for All!

Instead of trying to limit crypto, we should be championing economic freedom across the board. Let's support our community banks, but not by piling regulations on crypto. Let's cut the excessive red tape already burdening our existing financial institutions!

Monetary Freedom: Our Right!

As Republicans, we believe in monetary freedom: the right for individuals to decide how they save, invest, and spend their money. Cryptocurrency embodies that principle. It's built on voluntary exchange, not government mandates. It's a free-market innovation that rewards ingenuity and personal responsibility.

Of course, there are risks. Like any financial tool, crypto needs basic safeguards to protect consumers. But the answer isn't overreach, it's transparency, accountability, and faith in the free market to reward good actors.

America's Future: Lead the Way!

This isn't just about economics, it's about America's future! President Trump wants the US to lead the world in digital currency innovation.

The nation that dominates secure digital currency will have a massive advantage in the 21st-century global economy.

This is about jobs, growth, and ensuring that America, not China or the EU, sets the standard for financial technology. Cryptocurrencies are here to stay, and America must lead the way to maintain our global dominance in the financial market.

Alabama: A Leader in Digital Freedom!

Alabama stands for hard work, independence, and opportunity. Those values perfectly align with the promise of digital freedom. We should be leading this new frontier, not following. We have the talent, the vision, and the conservative principles to shape this future for generations to come.

I'm proud to see Alabama's leaders, including Senator Katie Britt on the Senate Banking Committee, standing strong for innovation and economic freedom. Together, we can ensure that our state and our nation stay on the side of progress, prosperity, and continued global leadership in the world economy.

John Wahl is the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and serves as RNC Vice Chairman for the Southern Region. A longtime conservative leader, Wahl previously served as ALGOP Senior Vice Chairman and was part of Alabama’s 2020 Electoral College delegation. Outside politics, he is a butterfly farmer, supplying zoos and botanical gardens nationwide.

Eagle Awards Soaring Again!

Get ready, ChumCity! Alabama State Parks is on the hunt for amazing folks who make our parks sparkle! Nominations are now open for the 10th annual Eagle Awards. These awards celebrate the rockstars – volunteers, partners, and public leaders – who pour their hearts into enhancing our state's incredible parks.

Nominations are open until Jan. 3, 2026, so don't delay! The lucky winners will be honored during the always-awesome Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park on Jan. 31, 2026. Anyone can submit a nomination – so give those deserving heroes some love!

Why Eagle Awards?

These awards shine a light on the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to make Alabama State Parks the best they can be. Think of it as a HUGE thank you for all the hard work and dedication!

Who Can Win?

The Eagle Awards have five categories to recognize a wide range of contributors:

• Elected Official: For leaders championing our parks' mission.
• Community Partner: For groups like chambers and tourism orgs boosting park success.
• Park Partner: For groups keeping our trails and facilities top-notch.
• Volunteer in Parks (VIP): For volunteers putting in the hours and making a difference.
• Youth: For students (12th grade and under) completing amazing park projects!

More Than Just Awards!

The Eagle Awards are part of the 40th annual Eagle Awareness Weekends (Jan. 23–25 and Jan. 30–Feb. 1) at Lake Guntersville State Park. Expect live bird demos, eagle-viewing trips, expert speakers, and awesome activities.

A Big Thank You!

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps says he's always inspired by the winners. He's proud this recognition program is in its 10th year and knows the parks couldn't be as great without the help of so many partners.

Alabama’s 21 state parks are spread across 50,000+ acres. They offer fun for all with recreation, camping, lodging, and resort amenities! They operate mostly on visitor fees, plus the generosity of local supporters!

Every Day Should Be Veterans Day, Alabama!

Wouldn't it be amazing if we treated every day like Veterans Day? While it's awesome to celebrate our veterans, sometimes it feels like they're forgotten the other 364 days of the year.

Alabama: A Proud Military Hub

From the Civil War on, Alabama has been a major contributor to our nation's military. Think Fort McClellan, Fort Novosel, and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base – Alabama's produced some seriously impressive service members!

Veterans Love Calling Alabama Home

With so much military history, it's no wonder many veterans want to settle down here after their service. They find affordable land, enjoy close-knit communities, and join the ranks of Alabama's 377,000 veterans and 13,200 active-duty service members.

Watch Out: Healthcare Access at Risk?

But here's the kicker: there's talk in Montgomery about reforms that could LIMIT veterans' healthcare access. Some are eyeing a bill similar to Arkansas' Act 624, which caused chaos by restricting ownership between certain companies and pharmacies.

Don't Copy Arkansas' Mistake!

If Alabama truly cares about its veterans, lawmakers need to steer clear of this kind of legislation. It could mess with TRICARE, the VA's mail-order prescription service that many service members rely on. Arkansas' courts even ruled that their law was unconstitutional!

Who Gets Hurt? Alabama's Veterans!

Following Arkansas' lead would impact almost everyone in Alabama who gets prescriptions through insurance. But the biggest hit would be to Alabama's 377,000 veterans on TRICARE.

Skyrocketing Costs, Logistical Nightmares

The TRICARE veterans know would disappear. Drug costs would likely skyrocket! Reorganizing the whole program would be a logistical disaster, and the new program wouldn't have the negotiating power of the current national one.

Veterans Deserve Better

Veterans face more health challenges than most. They need and deserve our support. Taking away their mail-order options and creating pharmacy deserts is just plain cruel.

Mental Health Matters

The stress of serving in war zones makes veterans more vulnerable to PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Access to prescriptions through the mail or nearby pharmacies is crucial. An Arkansas-like bill would snatch that away!

Leave TRICARE Alone!

Messing with TRICARE access was a terrible move in Arkansas, and it would be a disaster in Alabama. PBMs help keep costs down and access up for Alabama's veterans. Hurting PBMs with bad legislation will only drive up drug costs and endanger veterans' health.

Act, Don't Just Talk

Legislators need to leave TRICARE and the VA pharmacy programs alone. Show us that every day is Veterans Day with your ACTIONS, not just speeches!

Dothan's Westgate Super Site Strikes Platinum!

Huge news for the Alabama Wiregrass! Dothan's massive 365-acre Westgate Super Site just snagged Platinum CSX Select Site status – the highest industrial development readiness rating CSX offers! This puts Westgate in an elite group, one of only five in Alabama and 33 across the entire CSX network.

What's a "Select Site" Anyway?

Think of Select Sites as super-prepared properties. They've already cleared major hurdles like environmental reviews, zoning, and utility hookups. This means manufacturers can go from choosing a location to breaking ground much faster. Since 2012, these sites have attracted some serious investments – around $16.2 billion and almost 13,000 new jobs!

Big Deal for Dothan

According to CSX's Christina Bottomley, this is a "tremendous milestone" for Dothan and Alabama. She emphasized that the region is becoming a major manufacturing hub. The Platinum status means Westgate is primed to attract high-value investments, strengthen supply chains, create great jobs, and boost long-term economic growth.

"A Gem" of a Site

Jonathan Gemmen from Austin Consulting, which partners with CSX to vet properties, calls Westgate a "gem." He highlights the rarity of finding such a large, attractive site so close to the railroad and within city limits.

Years in the Making

This achievement is the result of years of hard work by local and state leaders, transforming farmland into one of Alabama's premier industrial locations.

Backed by Investment

The site got a big boost in 2024 thanks to a $3.94 million grant and local funding from the City of Dothan and Houston County Commission.

Ready for Business

Westgate is designed for energy- and infrastructure-intensive projects. It's bordered by a CSX mainline and has top-notch utilities from Southeast Gas, Alabama Power, Dothan Utilities, and Brightspeed Internet.

Power, Water, and Connectivity

Dothan brags about having some of the best electric support in the Southeast, surplus water and sewer capacity, and redundant fiber connectivity. This makes Westgate perfect for advanced manufacturing, data centers, and other projects needing tons of power, water, and bandwidth, plus easy rail access.

Open for Opportunity

Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba expressed sincere appreciation to CSX for recognizing the potential of the site.

Wiregrass is Ready!

Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe believes that Westgate's Platinum designation sends a clear message that the Wiregrass is ready for big-league projects. He foresees a generational impact from new opportunities, quality jobs, and lasting economic growth.

Incentives, Incentives, Incentives!

Companies choosing Westgate can also take advantage of Alabama's statewide incentives, including cash rebates, tax abatements, and local incentives from Dothan and Houston County.

Alabama Political Buzz: Finebaum to Senate? McCarron's Mystery Run

Rumor has it that Alabama radio legend Paul Finebaum might ditch the airwaves for a shot at Tommy Tuberville's Senate seat in 2026! Meanwhile, folks are scratching their heads, trying to figure out why former Alabama QB AJ McCarron is throwing his hat into the political ring. What's his game plan?

California Cracks Down on CDLs

California's pulling the plug on 17,000 commercial driver's licenses held by immigrants. This comes after pressure from the Trump administration, citing concerns about unqualified drivers causing accidents due to language barriers and inadequate skills.

Alabama Backs Hemp Ban

Alabama State Rep. Andy Whitt is cheering on the U.S. Senate's hemp ban, mirroring the spirit of Alabama's own HB445. It seems they're trying to tighten up regulations and close any loopholes created by the Farm Bill.

Hyundai's Alabama Plant Under Scrutiny

A Columbia study alleges that Hyundai's Montgomery plant's supply chain relies on prison labor, which has suppressed auto wages by 10-14%. Hyundai defends itself, stating they no longer allow this practice and highlighting their positive impact on Alabama's economy – 4,500 employees and 18,000 supporting jobs, generating over $2.4 billion in disposable income.

Moore Joins Filibuster Fight

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore is the latest to jump on the bandwagon to ditch the filibuster, echoing calls from Tommy Tuberville to push Trump's agenda through.

SNAP Relief & Birmingham's Gift Cards

Good news! Alabama will be loading full November SNAP payments for recipients, thanks to the USDA reopening. This should help 750,000 people facing delays. Plus, Birmingham's United Way is handing out $100 gift cards to those in need. Get ready for those viral Walmart shopping spree videos!

Democrats Delete Trump-Epstein Claims

Democrats are scrubbing social media posts falsely linking Trump to Epstein's Thanksgiving 2017. Despite this, they're still hammering home the point that Epstein reportedly disliked Trump. The whole thing feels like another "career-ending" attack, but this isn't preventing MORE Dems from making baseless allegations after their disastrous government shutdown and refusal to release documents.

Dale Jackson Talks Alabama

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