Hoops Hysteria: SEC Squads Storm the Rankings!

Alright ChumCity crew, forget about football for a hot minute (I know, I know!). College basketball is BACK, baby, and the SEC is already bringing the heat!

Tide Rolling High

After a killer road win at Madison Square Garden against St. John's, Alabama's Crimson Tide leaped into the AP Poll top ten.

SEC Domination

They're sitting pretty at #8, making them the SEC's top dog right now. Hot on their heels are Kentucky (#9) and those pesky defending champs, the Florida Gators (#1. But wait, there's more!

Conference Powerhouse

The SEC is PACKED with ranked teams. Tennessee (#2, Arkansas (#21), and Auburn (#22) are all lurking, ready to pounce. Can they reach the same insane heights as last year? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: College hoops season is officially here, and the SEC is looking fierce! Watch out for Alabama – they might just make some serious noise this year.

The Author

Michael Brauner dishes out sports wisdom as a Senior Sports Analyst.

Celeb Spotting at the Alabama vs. LSU Showdown!

Is the Alabama-LSU rivalry really that big a deal? Well, Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium made a pretty strong case! The atmosphere was electric, and the sidelines were packed with famous faces. Need proof? Check out who was in the house!

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Fresh off another World Series title, the skipper of MLB's top team traveled across the country to catch the Crimson Tide in action! Apparently, Roberts and Coach Kalen DeBoer are good buddies, and this game gave them a chance to hang out. Talk about an unlikely friendship!

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry

Governor Landry, remember him and the whole coaching search drama? Even with the Tigers' struggles, he wasn't missing this one. He also recorded a campaign-ish video for Katherine Robertson for Attorney General in 2026.

Kaitlan Collins, CNN Anchor

This Lead CNN Anchor has never hidden her love for Bama. Whether she's in the stands or cheering from afar, she's a die-hard fan. Naturally, she had to be at the LSU game to witness that sweet Crimson Tide victory.

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt

Representing Alabama's 4th District, Congressman Aderholt was already in Tuscaloosa for a Chamber briefing. Given his commitment to rural broadband and his ties to the area, the LSU game was a perfect stop on his trip.

David Bossie, Citizens United

A longtime figure at Citizens United and a former Deputy Campaign Manager for Trump, Bossie is a regular on Fox News and a former Chief Investigator for a House Committee. A political heavy hitter enjoying some college football!

CJ Pearson, RNC Youth Advisory Council

Pearson, a former Bama student and co-chair of the RNC Youth Advisory Council, has been making waves in Tuscaloosa this fall. With deep campus connections, the LSU game was a must for him.

Kieghan Nangle, Executive Assistant to WH Press Sec.

Nangle, a UA alum and Executive Assistant to the White House Press Secretary, got her start in student leadership at Alabama. Returning to Tuscaloosa felt like coming home!

Shutdown Showdown: Feds Back in Business!

After a nail-biting 40+ days, the government's lights are back on! President Trump's given the thumbs-up to the Senate's deal to reopen the federal government, calling it "very good." The package is now headed to the House for a vote.

Senate Says "Yes!"

The Senate voted 60-40 to end the shutdown, with some Dems crossing the aisle. The bill funds agencies into late January and throws in full-year funding for military construction, the Legislative Branch, and Agriculture-FDA.

Britt's Big Role

Alabama Senator Katie Britt is being hailed as a key player in the breakthrough. She was the lead Republican negotiator with Chuck Schumer and other top Democrats. Word is she was in constant contact with the White House, too.

Talking It Out

One report highlighted Britt's strategy: "You can’t break a logjam without having a conversation." Apparently, Senator Kaine even thanked her on the Senate floor for her efforts!

Rock Star Status

Senator John Thune called Britt a "rock star" during the intense negotiations. House conservatives are also reportedly stoked about the deal, seeing it as a major win.

Britt's Take

Britt stated the agreement will bring an end to the "undue suffering of the American people." She emphasized returning to "regular order" in the appropriations process and that the agreed package will reopen the government, fund critical programs like SNAP and WIC, ensure veterans have access to essential services, and pay federal workers.

Putting People First

Britt is proud to have voted to keep the government open and is thankful for her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. She is honored to have played a role in the negotiations and looks forward to continuing to work to put people over politics and make our government function again.

What's Next?

The Senate-passed bill includes full-year military funding, a win for Alabama, and ensures federal workers get their back pay. The House is expected to vote soon, followed by President Trump's signature, officially ending the shutdown saga.

Rural Alabama: Investing in Our Communities

Down in rural Alabama, you'll find family farms, bustling Main Street businesses, and neighbors deeply involved in their communities. But around 1.6 million Alabamians in these areas face real struggles when it comes to healthcare. Finding doctors, nurses, and mental health pros can be a tough task, impacting everything from local schools to shops.

A New Plan for Rural Health

Alabama's stepping up with the Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP), building on existing efforts with a clear plan. The goal? To establish regional telehealth hubs, expand virtual consultations, boost the healthcare workforce from high school to residency, and improve access to maternal and behavioral health care. Small hospitals will get a hand too, sharing tech and resources to stay independent and keep costs down.

Bringing Care Closer to Home

It's an ambitious plan, but grounded in reality. Telehealth and remote monitoring are already proving their worth in bringing care closer and saving money. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences and expanded medical training are tackling the root issue: not enough clinicians in rural areas.

Setting Clear Goals

But ideas need action! The ARHTP is setting specific targets: five regional hubs, 100 telehealth access points, 10,000 consultations, and a 15% drop in unnecessary hospital transfers within five years. Local partners will share progress, keeping everyone informed.

A Steady Timeline

The plan unfolds carefully, with pilot projects and initial funding in 2026, phased rollouts through 2029, and self-sufficiency by 2030. This smart approach hinges on transparency, public dashboards, and honest evaluations when adjustments are needed.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Change takes time, and folks get that. Expect steady progress, not quick fixes. Leaders can build trust by setting clear goals, sharing updates, and explaining any plan changes. Honest updates on what's working (and what's not) are key.

Addressing Key Challenges

For many rural families, losing a local maternity ward means long trips for prenatal care or childbirth, straining resources and impacting community health.

Fair Payment and Real Incentives

To help rural hospitals thrive, payments need to reflect modern care delivery, like telehealth and EMS treat-in-place. Tying tuition support to rural service is another smart move, building a lasting healthcare pipeline.

Local Leadership and Partnerships

ARHTP wisely leans on partnerships, not government bloat. It treats federal dollars as support, not a crutch, and encourages local communities to take the lead.

What to Watch For:

• Public dashboards showing county-by-county progress.
• Payment reform for telehealth and EMS treat-in-place.
• Workforce incentives tied to rural service.
• Competitive proposals and independent evaluations for real results.

A Chance to Lead

Alabama has a real opportunity to strengthen rural healthcare while respecting local control and fiscal responsibility. With a solid blueprint, it all comes down to execution, transparency, and trust. Get it right, and we'll keep care close to home and keep rural Alabama strong for generations!

Bearcat Band Brings Alabama Pride to National Veterans Day Parade!

Cullman High School's sensational Bearcat Band recently marched in the National Veterans Day Parade in our nation's capital! They filled the air with patriotic tunes, echoing through historic streets lined with national symbols. What a fantastic way to honor our veterans!

Bearcats on the Big Stage

These Bearcats are no strangers to the spotlight! They've rocked major national events like the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago, NYC's Nation's Parade, Philly's 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade, Chicago's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and even Disney World's "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade. Talk about a busy band!

The Maestro Behind the Magic

Leading the charge is Christopher Smith, a legend in Cullman City Schools! He's in his 25th year teaching and 22nd as band director. He conducts the marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, and pep band. Under his direction, Cullman bands consistently earn "Superior" ratings and "Best in Class" honors at marching band contests across the Southeast. Smith was also named Cullman High School’s Teacher of the Year AND Cullman City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022! And get this, he's a Bearcat alum himself, playing in the band 30 years ago!

A German Twist

Did you know Cullman has deep German roots? The Cullman High German Band lives on through its alumni group, "The Good Bellas," who bring the oompah to the town's annual OktoberFest! Accordion, banjo, sax, tuba - you name it, they've got it, plus polka dancing galore! Imagine them bringing that authentic German flavor to Germany's original OctoberFest!

Next Stop: Christkindlmarkt!

Catch the Bearcat Band (or other local groups) at Cullman's annual Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas market, running November 20th through December 23rd (closed Thanksgiving Day), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free! With 358,000 visitors last year and a 108-foot-tall Ferris wheel called "The Alpine of Alabama," you know it's going to be a blast. Danke!

Tuskegee University Battles for Vet School's Future!

Hold up, ChumCity! Tuskegee University, a legend in HBCU history, is fighting to protect its College of Veterinary Medicine – the only historically Black vet school in the whole dang country! They've filed a federal lawsuit against the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), saying the AVMA is playing dirty with its accreditation review.

The Accusation: Unfair Treatment!

Tuskegee's legal eagles claim the AVMA is bending the rules and not giving them a fair shot. They're arguing that the AVMA's Council on Education is violating due process and isn't following its own guidelines.

What's at Stake?

This ain't just about bragging rights, y'all. Losing accreditation could cripple the vet school, cutting off federal funding and tarnishing its reputation. This historically significant program produces over 70% of the nation's Black veterinarians and is renowned for its diversity.

Tuskegee's Defense: We're Being Treated Differently!

The lawsuit alleges that the AVMA is applying its standards inconsistently, pointing to how other universities were treated when facing similar challenges. Tuskegee claims they've proven their financial stability and addressed previous concerns, but the AVMA isn't buying it.

The Alleged "Fails"

Tuskegee says the AVMA is blocking key expert witnesses, refusing to hand over internal records, and preventing them from presenting evidence of unequal treatment. They're even limiting the hearing to a measly two and a half hours!

Emergency Motion Filed!

Tuskegee wants the court to step in before the scheduled AVMA hearing, arguing that the current procedures would cause "immediate and irreparable harm." They're saying the damage to Tuskegee – a vital institution for underrepresented communities – far outweighs any inconvenience to the AVMA.

Tuskegee's Stand

The university is vowing to explore all possible appeals and assures everyone that the College of Veterinary Medicine's programs, training, and services will proceed as planned. Students are safe, graduation is on track, and licensing eligibility remains unaffected.

The Stakes are High

As this legal drama unfolds, the future of Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and its vital role in diversifying the veterinary profession, hangs in the balance.

Birmingham: Where Veterans Day Began

Way before everyone else jumped on board, Birmingham was already leading the charge in honoring our veterans! What started nearly 80 years ago thanks to one thoughtful veteran has blossomed into the nation's oldest, and one of the largest, Veterans Day parades. It's a powerful reminder that gratitude starts right here at home, just like courage.

The Spark of an Idea

Back in '47, WWII vet Raymond Weeks had a simple yet powerful idea: let's honor all veterans, not just the WWI heroes. Years later, President Eisenhower signed that vision into law in 1954.

A Tradition Continues

That same spirit is alive and kicking today as Birmingham gears up to host the 78th National Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. downtown.

This Year's Grand Marshal: Captain Gary Michael "Mike" Rose

The National Veteran’s Day Parade Foundation tells us that Captain Rose is the embodiment of what Veterans Day stands for. A Medal of Honor recipient for his extraordinary bravery during Operation Tailwind in Vietnam, Rose saved countless lives under intense fire. He's a true hero.

Rose's Heroic Actions

Between September 11 and 14, 1970, Rose's unit conducted Operation Tailwind deep in enemy territory in Laos. Throughout the intense 96-hour mission, then-Sergeant Rose was credited with saving the lives of roughly 60 soldiers, even as he was wounded multiple times. His Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in 1998.

The Parade Route

The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. at 18th Street North and Ninth Avenue North, wind its way south to Fourth Avenue North, east to 22nd Street, north to Sixth Avenue North, then west to 19th Street, ending near City Hall at 19th Street and Tenth Avenue North.

What to Expect

Think marching bands, veterans’ groups, cool military vehicles, and local groups all showing their support!

A Touching Tribute: Hank the Tank

Keep an eye out for Hank the Tank, a retired military working horse from Arlington National Cemetery. He'll walk in memory of those who never made it home, saddle empty, boots turned backward – a powerful sight coordinated by Patriotism in Action.

Gratitude in Motion

Even though it's grown, the heart of Veterans Day in Birmingham hasn't changed. It's still a heartfelt, local expression of national gratitude.

More to Come

The National Veteran Award Dinner will be held on Monday, November 10, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, honoring the service and leadership of America’s veterans. In Birmingham, Veterans Day isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s part of the city’s tradition of honoring its heroes.

Redstone Arsenal Gets Counter-Drone Center!

Rep. Dale Strong is pumped about the FBI's brand-new National Counter-Unmanned Training Center at Redstone Arsenal. It's the first of its kind, designed to train law enforcement and security pros to handle the growing threat from drones. Think big events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics – we'll be ready!

School Threat in Tuscumbia

Robert Shaun Bowman from Killen is in hot water after allegedly making terroristic threats against Deshler High School. Apparently, he drove onto campus and went ballistic about the handling of a student's skull fracture (August Borden) from a bear hug incident. No charges were filed in that incident, adding fuel to the fire.

SNAP Benefits Relief Coming Soon!

The Alabama Department of Human Resources is stepping up! SNAP recipients will get a partial boost to their benefits starting this Saturday, averaging around $100 per household. The state is dipping into its emergency reserves to the tune of $40 million to help bridge the gap caused by federal delays. That's going to help out about 750,000 Alabamians, including 300,000 kiddos!

Obamacare Subsidies in Jeopardy?

House Speaker Mike Johnson isn't committing to a House vote on extending those juiced-up Obamacare subsidies as part of the deal to end the shutdown. This is seriously annoying Democrats, who insist on the promise after getting assurances from the Senate.

Strong Mocks Jones' Potential Run

Rep. Dale Strong is having a field day mocking former Sen. Doug Jones for even thinking about challenging Gov.-elect (and National Championship-winning Coach) Tommy Tuberville in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Strong predicts another Tuberville landslide, just like in 2020. But, Democrat insiders whisper that Jones's bid is gaining steam.

Government Reopens (For Now!)

The U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to get the government back up and running, with seven Dems breaking ranks. A House vote could happen as early as Wednesday, funding agencies through Jan. 30, restoring SNAP benefits, and promising backpay. Oh, and a maybe-sort-of vote on ObamaCare handouts in December!

Shutdown Showdown in the Senate

Sen. Katie Britt led the charge for Republicans in getting Dems on board with the bill. Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Tuberville says it exposed Dems' soft spot for undocumented immigrants over our troops, predicting a midterm backlash. On the flip side, Rep. Terri Sewell slammed the deal, saying "hell no" to what she called empty promises that could cost 130,000 Alabamians their healthcare coverage.

Disclaimer: Dale Jackson is a Yellowhammer News opinion leader and hosts a morning show on WVNN.

Prine Eyes Sheriff's Office After Mayoral Run

Remember former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine? He's back in the political arena! After falling short in the mayoral race back in August, rumors swirled about his next move. Given his background, Sheriff seemed like a logical step.

It's Official! Prine Announces Candidacy

Well, the speculation is over. Paul Prine officially threw his hat into the ring for Mobile County Sheriff this past Monday. The Republican primary is set for May 19, 2026.

A Promise to Protect

"The safety and security of Mobile County's citizens must remain a top priority," Prine stated in his announcement. He emphasized the Sheriff's Office's crucial role in reducing crime, not just in rural areas but also addressing the perception of crime within Mobile.

Experience and Integrity

Prine highlighted his track record as Police Chief, saying, "I led with integrity and achieved proven results in reducing crime while strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community." He's promising leadership that's tough on crime and dedicated to protecting the whole county.

The Competition

Prine will be challenging incumbent Sheriff Paul Burch, who is seeking re-election. The deadline for other candidates to qualify is January 23, 2026, so stay tuned!

A Look Back at Prine's Tenure

Prior to his mayoral bid, Prine served as Mobile's Police Chief under the Stimpson administration. However, differences with Stimpson led to his departure after about two and a half years. Prine claims that during his time as Chief, he significantly reduced crime rates and improved police department retention.

A Story of Faith and Resilience

Prine's journey hasn't always been smooth. During the mayoral campaign, he openly shared his personal testimony, including a period of walking away from his faith and a life-altering experience of being shot in the line of duty.

Path to the Sheriff's Office

Interestingly, Mobile County's previous Sheriff, Sam Cochrane, also made the jump from Mobile Police Chief. Now, Prine aims to follow a similar path. The Republican primary winner will face the Democrat nominee in the November 3rd general election. Get ready for a heated race, ChumCity!

Tuberville Sounds the Alarm: Is America Headed the Way of Europe?

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), and potential Alabama gubernatorial candidate in 2026, is raising serious concerns about what he sees as the creeping influence of radical Islamism in the U.S. He's making it clear he's not a fan of any Sharia Law making its way into American jurisprudence.

Sharia Free America? Tuberville Says "Hold Up!"

Tuberville recently took to the Senate floor and introduced the "No Sharia Act" and the "Preserving a Sharia Free America Act," underscoring his commitment. But he's not stopping there!

NYC: Ground Zero?

In a recent appearance on "The Todd Starnes Show," Tuberville pointed his finger at New York City as the alleged epicenter of this growing problem. He warned, "Muslims are getting ready to take over New York! They’re going to run everybody out... unless you're a Muslim." Strong words! He envisions a future where New York is run under Sharia Law, something he views as a dangerous trend leading America down a European path.

Mayor Mamdani: A Sign of Things to Come?

Tuberville's fiery statements also come in reaction to the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City. He paints a grim picture, suggesting that within his and Starnes' lifetimes, New York City will be predominantly Muslim, transforming into a "third world country" akin to San Francisco and Detroit.

"Go Home!"

Tuberville made his position very clear: immigrants are welcome, so long as they assimilate and uphold the Constitution, not burning flags or chanting "Death to America." However, he issued a stern message to those who seek to fundamentally alter the nation: "If you’re coming here to change it, it’s time to take your butt home!"

Filibuster Fight?

Tuberville sees this issue as another reason to potentially scrap the filibuster in the Senate. He believes it prevents President Trump from enacting the will of the American people and "taking our country back." He declared, "This is not the same country we’ve had in the past. And we better wake up!"