A Question for the Pews: Where's the Compassion for Victims?

Why aren't more people thinking about those hurt by crime in our communities? It's a question some church leaders are pondering, and it's a good one!

Yellowhammer Voice Weighs In

Dale Jackson, a sharp mind over at Yellowhammer News and host of the WVNN talk show (weekdays, 5-9 a.m.), likely has some thoughts on this. What do you think?

Space Command HQ: Political Drama Exposed?

A newly released Department of Defense Inspector General report is stirring the pot regarding the permanent location of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM). It seems a Biden-era decision to keep the command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is under scrutiny, raising eyebrows about political influence.

The Backstory: Huntsville vs. Colorado Springs

Originally, the Air Force, after meticulous planning, favored Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the prime spot for USSPACECOM HQ. But in July 2023, President Biden stepped in, choosing to maintain the command in Colorado Springs. The official reason? To ensure "peak readiness."

IG Report: Readiness Risks Anticipated?

However, the Inspector General's findings suggest that any potential risks to readiness from moving to Alabama had already been considered and addressed. The report highlights that four Air Force reviews, from 2022 to 2023, consistently ranked Redstone Arsenal as the top choice, mainly due to significant cost savings.

Big Savings, Big Questions

The report points out that moving to Redstone Arsenal would have saved a cool $426 million compared to staying put in Colorado Springs, thanks to lower personnel and construction costs.

USSPACECOM Resistance

Even with USSPACECOM fully operational in Colorado Springs, the Air Force maintained that a move to Alabama wouldn't compromise national security. But USSPACECOM leadership wasn't on board.

Human Capital Concerns

Gen. James Dickinson, then Commander, expressed concerns in an April 2023 memo that most of the 1,000 civilians, contractors, and reservists wouldn't relocate. Surprisingly, the Inspector General discovered that "USSPACECOM did not conduct any formal surveys" to back up this claim.

Roadblocks in the Investigation

The Inspector General's investigation faced serious hurdles, including interference from the White House Counsel and DoD Office of General Counsel. They wouldn't allow interviews with the Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of Defense, citing concerns about presidential executive privilege. This obstruction left the IG unable to fully determine the reasons behind the final decision or the Secretary of Defense's role.

Bypassing the Usual Channels

Ultimately, the decision bypassed standard DoD protocols. The DoD Press Secretary announced that the President had decided USSPACECOM HQ would remain in Colorado Springs.

Alabama Delegation Reacts

Members of Alabama's congressional delegation are saying the report confirms their long-held concerns about political motivations.

Rep. Rogers Sounds Off

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) slammed the Biden administration's actions, stating that the Trump Administration's selection of Huntsville was correct. He criticized the lack of transparency and accountability, and indicated the move to Huntsville would save the taxpayer over $420,000,000.

Bama Ballers Make WNBA History!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity fam! The University of Alabama women's basketball program just dropped a bomb on the WNBA Draft, sending THREE Crimson Tide players to the pros! That's right, it's a new school record!

Tide Takes Over the Draft

This isn't just a win; it's a legacy moment! With these selections, the program now boasts 11 WNBA draft picks ever, and this marks the first time they've had multiple players chosen in a single year. Talk about domination!

Barker Blazes a Trail

Leading the charge is none other than Sarah Ashlee Barker, snatched up by the Los Angeles Sparks as the ninth overall pick. This Tuscaloosa legend racked up 1,642 points during her five years and joined an elite group of only five players in program history to score 1,000+ points, snag 500+ rebounds, and dish out 250+ assists. Remember her epic 45-point explosion in that heartbreaking NCAA Tournament game against Maryland? Pure fire!

Nye's Got the Range

Hot on Barker's heels, Aaliyah Nye is headed to Las Vegas after being selected No. 13 overall by the Aces! With 1,739 points over five seasons and a jaw-dropping 15.2 points per game average, Nye is a scoring machine. And those threes? Forget about it! She holds the Crimson Tide record for most three-pointers in a single season (111!) and in her career (293!).

Green Joins the Party

Last, but certainly not least, Zaay Green is taking her talents to the Washington Mystics as the 32nd overall pick. This powerhouse transfer led Bama in total points this past season. After scoring 1,796 points throughout her stellar six-year collegiate career, Green made an instant impact in Tuscaloosa thanks to her scoring skills and leadership.

Coach Curry's Pride

"We couldn’t be more proud of Sarah Ashlee, Aaliyah and Zaay," Head Coach Kristy Curry said in a statement. "Each of their basketball journeys are uniquely inspiring... At Alabama, we often say 'Built by Bama'—but these three brought something even more powerful: unwavering belief and a will to win that set them apart." We're with you, Coach! Roll Tide to the WNBA!

IRS Agents Packin' Heat? Not if This Congressman Has Anything To Say About It!

Representative Barry Moore is throwin' down the gauntlet with a new bill aimed at stripping the IRS of its firepower! Dubbed the "Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act," this proposal is all about keepin' tax collectors focused on, well, taxes.

Moore: IRS Should Stick to Calculators, Not Carbines

Moore's argument is simple: the IRS has a history of targetin' folks unfairly. "Arming these agents does not make the American public safer," he declared. He believes the only thing IRS agents should be armed with are calculators.

The "Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act" Deets

So, what's in this piece of legislation? Buckle up:

• No More Guns For You! The IRS can't buy, receive, or stash any more firearms or ammo.
• Hand 'Em Over! All those IRS guns and bullets gotta go to the General Services Administration (GSA).
• Auction Time! The GSA will sell off the weapons to licensed dealers and the ammunition to the general public.
• Shifting Gears The IRS Criminal Investigations Division will be folded into the Department of Justice’s jurisdiction.

Ten Million Dollars in Firepower?!

Turns out, the IRS has dropped a cool $10 million on weapons, ammo, and combat gear since 2020. And get this – IRS agents in the Criminal Investigation division are authorized to use deadly force if things get hairy. Moore's trying to put a stop to all that.

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Workforce Czar Reed Shares Vision at BCA

Greg Reed, the new head honcho of Alabama's Department of Workforce, addressed business leaders at the Business Council of Alabama on Tuesday. He dished on his transition from State Senator to his current executive role, and laid out his big plans for workforce development across the state.

From Senate to Workforce

Reed, a 14-year veteran of the Alabama Senate and former Senate President Pro Tem, was handpicked by Governor Ivey to lead the newly-minted Department of Workforce earlier this year.

"When the governor offered me the job, it was a moment for prayer and contemplation,” Reed shared. “The switch has been smooth, and I'm thrilled with the results so far.”

Restructuring for Success

Reed said his first move was to assess and revamp the agency, which pulls together pieces of the Department of Commerce and Department of Labor.

“To have a truly effective organization, it needs to be structured the right way,” he explained, adding that he's building out divisions with clearly defined roles and leadership.

Promoting Alabama's Workforce

Beyond internal changes, Reed emphasized his main mission: promoting Alabama’s workforce strategy statewide. “The Governor tasked me with being the promoter-in-chief of all things workforce,” Reed stated. "We need to keep the energy high, so everyone knows we have a forward-thinking program.”

He spotlighted ongoing initiatives, including regional apprenticeships, high school career pathways, and a new statewide marketing campaign to connect workers and businesses with resources more efficiently.

Tackling Employment Barriers

Reed said his department is also hyper-focused on tackling obstacles to employment, such as childcare, housing, and transportation. "The biggest challenges are childcare, housing, healthcare, and transportation,” he said. “I'm collaborating with other agencies to find ways to move forward on those fronts.”

Leadership Lessons

The former Senate Pro Tem shared some insights on leadership. “The biggest lesson I've learned in my 15 years of public service is patience,” Reed said. “You can’t force things; you have to be ready when the opportunity arises.”

Collaboration is Key

Reed stressed the importance of collaboration, especially between government, education, and business, citing Alabama’s “Working for Alabama” legislation as a prime example.

“Our business community is crucial to getting this right,” Reed said. “We’re not just mentioning this briefly—we’re going to be talking about it a lot!”

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