Youth Sports Safety Spreading Like Wildfire!

Get ready, Louisiana! A game-changing youth sports safety program is heading your way, straight from Alabama. Governor Jeff Landry gave it a shout-out during his State of the State address, so you know it's legit!

What's CoachSafely All About?

This awesome program is all about making sure our young athletes are safe and sound. It trains coaches to spot injuries, stop common accidents, and know exactly what to do if something happens. Alabama was the first state to make this kind of training mandatory, and now Louisiana's jumping on board!

Big Names Backing the Movement

Bill Clark, former UAB head coach and president of the CoachSafely Foundation, is pumped about Governor Landry's support. He says it shows that protecting young athletes should be a top priority, everywhere.

Impacting Thousands of Kids

CoachSafely is already making a huge difference in Alabama. Over the past year, around 60,000 volunteer coaches have gotten certified, which has impacted more than 900,000 young athletes. Talk about a win-win!

Partnerships Make it Possible

This program wouldn't be possible without the support of local parks, recreation departments, and groups like the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association. It's a team effort!

Taking it Nationwide?

With Louisiana joining the movement, CoachSafely could be on its way to becoming a national standard, helping keep young athletes safe all across the country! It's all about putting kids in the best position, both now and in the future.

Alabama Stands United in Remembrance

The entire Alabama congressional delegation came together on the House floor Thursday morning to honor the brave servicemembers lost in last week's KC-135 crash over western Iraq. Among those remembered were three airmen connected to Birmingham's Air National Guard.

A Bipartisan Tribute

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), leading the House Armed Services Committee, spearheaded the bipartisan moment of silence. Representatives Dale Strong, Robert Aderholt, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, Shomari Figures, and Terri Sewell all joined in remembrance. Ohio's representatives also participated in honoring the fallen.

Remembering the Fallen Heroes

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from the State of Alabama and Ohio to honor the lives of the six KC-135 crew members who tragically lost their lives in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 12 of 2026," Rogers stated. "Our prayers are with the families."

Names Etched in Our Hearts

Rogers specifically honored Major John Klinner, Captain Ariana Savina, and Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruett, all part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing through the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham. He also remembered Captain Seth Covell, Captain Curtis Angst, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons of the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing.

A Nation Mourns

Earlier, Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with President Trump and other high-ranking officials, attended the dignified transfer of the six fallen airmen. Their remains were received with honor on American soil.

Frat Brothers Unite to Find Missing UA Student in Spain!

The hunt is ON! Fraternity leaders are jumping into the global effort to find James "Jimmy" Gracey, a University of Alabama student who vanished in Spain. They're pulling out all the stops to help bring him home safe!

Last Seen in Barcelona

Jimmy, 20, went missing earlier this week while on spring break in Barcelona. It's a scary situation, and everyone's pitching in to help.

Theta Chi Steps Up

Theta Chi International Fraternity CEO Mike Mayer announced that the organization is working hard with federal officials, UA, and fraternity members in Spain to locate Jimmy.

A Fraternity's Concern

"Theta Chi is super worried about Jimmy," Mayer said in a statement. "We're talking to lawmakers, the University, and our members who are still in Barcelona, searching non-stop."

Providing Support

The fraternity leadership is also providing logistical support to those involved in the search efforts.

A Standout Member

Jimmy is a valued member of Theta Chi's UA chapter, serving as both chaplain and one of the philanthropy chairmen. Talk about dedication!

"Full Support"

"We're giving Jimmy's family and friends our complete support," Mayer added. "We're ready to help in any way we can."

The fraternity encourages anyone with info about Jimmy's whereabouts to contact the U.S. Consulate in Barcelona ASAP! Let's bring Jimmy home!

New Era Dawns on The Plains!

Big changes are brewing in Auburn, folks! The Tigers are roaring into a new season with fresh blood leading the charge: Coach Alex Golesh. The former South Florida whiz kid is already shaking things up.

From Recruiting Prowess to Game Day Success?

While the previous coach was a recruiting titan, the gridiron glory never quite materialized. Enter Coach Golesh, the third head honcho in just five years, tasked with turning potential into points.

A Locker Room Speaks Volumes

After a grueling week of spring practice, linebacker Xavier Atkins didn't mince words about the shift in atmosphere under Golesh.

"It's Different..."

According to Atkins, "It's different. It's more structure and leadership. It’s not where they’re asking, they’re demanding greatness…you are gonna show up and do your job." He emphasized the crucial need for accountability and competition, stating, "Nobody's job is guaranteed, so that's the biggest thing he emphasized in the first practice. We're gonna make sure we compete every day."

A Not-So-Subtle Jab?

While Atkins' comments might not have been intended as a direct diss, it's hard to ignore the implication: the culture on The Plains needed a serious overhaul.

If Golesh can inject some serious discipline and turn these Tigers into Saturday warriors, he might just be the coach to bring back the Auburn mystique!

Tide Rolls Into Tournament, But Faces Holloway Hiccup!

The Alabama Crimson Tide is kicking off their NCAA Tournament journey against Hofstra this Friday! Coach Nate Oats is aiming to steer the team back to the Final Four, but there's a snag...

Star Guard Sidelined

Star guard Aden Holloway is currently out of the picture. He was arrested earlier this week on a felony marijuana charge after a search of his apartment turned up over two pounds of the green stuff.

Oats Stands by His Player

Holloway's off campus and his basketball future is uncertain. However, Coach Oats isn't abandoning ship. He's been in contact with Holloway, emphasizing continued support during this tough time.

"Now Is the Time He Needs More Love"

Oats, speaking at a recent press conference, stressed his commitment to Holloway. He highlighted the importance of supporting young men through mistakes, drawing parallels to his own daughters. Oats said he's met with Holloway in person and over the phone.

Hopefully, having Coach Oats in his corner will give Holloway the support he needs both now and in the future!

Missing: Bama Student Vanishes in Barcelona!

A University of Alabama junior, James Paul "Jimmy" Gracey, has gone missing in Barcelona, Spain, leaving his family and friends deeply worried. Jimmy, a 20-year-old from the Chicago suburbs, was last seen early Tuesday, March 17, outside the Shôko nightclub on Barceloneta Beach.

The Details

Jimmy is a UA student and member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He's described as about 6'1" and 175 lbs. His family stresses that this disappearance is totally out of character for him, painting him as a responsible and devoted son and brother.

Foul Play Suspected?

Spanish police have launched a formal investigation, and early reports suggest something fishy might be going on. CCTV footage reportedly shows Jimmy leaving the club with someone else, raising serious concerns.

Family's Plea

"Our family is deeply concerned," the Gracey family said in a statement. Jimmy was in Barcelona visiting friends during spring break. He was last spotted around 30 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross.

Can You Help?

The family urges anyone with information, no matter how small, to call 224.505.3886. "Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends. We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts."

Gambling's Back in the Alabama Political Game!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity folks! The cash cannons are firing again in Alabama politics, and this time, it's all about gambling. Both sides are throwing down big bucks to sway the upcoming elections.

A History of Wagers

Let's be real, Alabama's no stranger to the gamble. We've had tribal casinos, bingo halls buzzing, and folks making the quick trip across state lines for years. It's been part of the scene.

2026 and Beyond?

As we gear up for the 2026 elections, the gambling debate is hotter than ever. Will all this money actually make a difference, or is the house already winning? Only time will tell!

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and host of the WVNN talk show (weekdays 5-9 a.m.), is keeping a close eye on things.

Alabama Republicans: United Front After Recent Shakeups?

Despite recent rumblings within Alabama's GOP, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and new ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen are singing a tune of unity! In an exclusive chat, they emphasized a united, disciplined front ready to tackle the upcoming term.

Full Support and Shared Goals

Ledbetter gave Chairman Stadthagen his "full support," while Stadthagen emphasized the party and lawmakers working "hand in hand" to push a conservative agenda. Talk about teamwork!

"Governor-Elect" Tuberville?

Ledbetter even referred to Senator Tommy Tuberville as "Governor-elect," hinting at strong confidence heading into the election. Could be an interesting race, folks!

Excitement for the Future

"It’s an exciting moment for Alabama," Stadthagen declared, with the House, caucus, and party aligned and focused on future work. Ledbetter echoed the sentiment, anticipating Stadthagen's leadership will bring the party together.

Primaries and Party Lines

A hot topic? Closing party primaries to registered members only. Ledbetter anticipates House passage, even if Dems put up a fight. "If we have to cloture, we will,” he stated.

Stadthagen believes this move adds structure and integrity to each party. "Pick your teams and support your teams!" he urged. "Republicans don’t want [Democrats] meddling in ours!"

Conservative Wins and Unapologetic Defense

Both leaders defended the House's accomplishments, including tax cuts, school choice, and tough-on-crime laws.

"Most Conservative Ever"

Ledbetter didn't mince words: "There’s no question this is the most conservative quadrennium this state’s ever had. Period." Stadthagen concurred, labeling their caucus as one of the most conservative in the nation.

Stronger Than Ever?

Despite recent noise, Stadthagen believes the session strengthened their ability to achieve conservative victories. "It bonded our family stronger than we ever have before," he revealed, highlighting the behind-the-scenes camaraderie and shared experiences.

"We have the strongest family that you can ever have right now," Stadthagen concluded.

Tuberville Named Hometown Hero, Urges Alabama Unity

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) snagged the 2026 Hometown Hero Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities this Tuesday! He rallied Alabama's city leaders to team up on energy infrastructure and cash in on a surge of manufacturing investment heading our way.

Speaking at National Conference

Tuberville addressed the Alabama League of Municipalities breakfast panel during the National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference in D.C. The award was presented after the discussion, recognizing his work to boost Alabama communities and fuel growth across the state.

Trump's Tariffs: Good News for Alabama?

Tuberville pointed to President Trump's tariff strategy as a major driver for companies considering Alabama for domestic production. "President Trump is in office, and he has put these tariffs all over the world to make sure manufacturing moves back to America," Tuberville stated, emphasizing the opportunity to revitalize Alabama's empty warehouses.

Alabama vs. Neighboring States

He likened the competition for new industrial investment to SEC recruiting, noting Alabama's direct competition with neighboring states. "People want to move their manufacturing here. They come in my office and say they love Alabama. Then they go down the hall to Sen. Scott of Florida and tell him the same thing," he joked, adding, "It’s like recruiting in the SEC — I can beat their ass, I promise you."

A Call for Energy Coordination

Tuberville pushed for a unified statewide coordinator to align Alabama Power, TVA, rural cooperatives, and other utilities. "Time is over for everybody being on their own page," he declared, stressing the need for collaboration across all energy sectors.

Education: Knowledge & Moral Values

On education, Tuberville emphasized the importance of knowledge-based instruction grounded in moral values, rather than ideological indoctrination. "I want our kids to get well educated. I don't want them to be indoctrinated," he said. "We’re going to teach moral values and knowledge. We’re going to teach God in our schools."

Key to Growth: Coordination

Tuberville concluded by stressing that Alabama's future success hinges on coordination across communities, infrastructure, and energy resources. "It takes power, it takes water, and it takes infrastructure. We gotta have those three things," he said.

Tuberville Sounds Alarm on Foreign Influence in Colleges!

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is raising red flags about sneaky foreign influence creeping into American universities! Last week, he led a Senate hearing, pushing for legislation to tighten student visas and cut the flow of foreign cash onto campuses.

Diving Deep into the Issue

The hearing zoomed in on foreign influence, with Tuberville grilling witnesses about those Confucius Institutes, the flood of foreign students, and the scary thought of our top-secret research ending up in the wrong hands.

"Let's be real, our rivals are all over our colleges," Tuberville declared. "Whether it's millions in secret funding or academic programs tied to foreign governments, it's happening right here."

The Student Visa Integrity Act

What sparked Tuberville's action? Watching those anti-American protests rage on college campuses! He calls his Student Visa Integrity Act a move to put Americans who "love this country" first, especially over students from countries that don't exactly have our best interests at heart. Plus, he pointed out that Alabama has already shut down a bunch of those Confucius Institutes.

Bombs and Research?!

Craig Singleton, a big brain at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dropped a bombshell: some Chinese post-doctoral researchers at our universities have ties to China's military industry. And get this—we're funding some of them!

"We shouldn't be giving money to researchers linked to folks making bombs to hurt Americans," Singleton said. "Seems like a no-brainer, right?"

A Word of Caution

But hold on! Robert Daly from the Asia Society urged everyone to pump the brakes on painting all Chinese students and researchers with the same brush. He pointed out that most Chinese PhD grads stick around and contribute to the U.S. Plus, researchers born outside the U.S. have snagged a huge chunk of our Nobel Prizes since 1901!

The Talent Pool Debate

"We've got some amazing talent hanging out overseas, ready to become Americans," Daly said. "We need to keep the door open, even with the real threats we're facing."

English, Please!

On one thing, Daly and Tuberville totally agreed: if you're teaching American students, you gotta be fluent in English!