Tide's Holloway Busted: March Madness in Jeopardy?

Alabama's basketball team just hit a major snag! Bama247 reports that star guard Aden Holloway was arrested this morning.

Pot, Paraphernalia, and Problems

According to the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force, a search turned up over a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia, and a wad of cash at a Tuscaloosa residence. Yikes!

Felony Charges Filed

Holloway is facing serious heat: first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp. Both are felonies in Alabama.

Jail Time and Bond

He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail with a $5,000 bond, which he reportedly posted later that morning.

NCAA Tournament Dreams on Hold?

With Alabama's first NCAA Tournament game against Hofstra just days away, Holloway's status is totally up in the air. As the team's second-leading scorer (16.8 points per game), his absence would be a huge blow.

Silence from the University

The University of Alabama isn't talking just yet. Stay tuned for updates!

Heartbreak in the Air: Birmingham Squadron Loses Three in Iraq Crash

Tragedy struck last week as a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, claiming the lives of six airmen. The Pentagon confirmed the devastating news over the weekend, revealing that three of the fallen were members of a refueling squadron right here in Birmingham.

Local Heroes Lost

We're talking about Maj. John "Alex" Klinner, 33, of Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky. All three served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, based out of Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, alongside our own Alabama Air National Guard’s 117th Air Refueling Wing.

Crash Details Emerge

The crash occurred on March 12 during operations supporting U.S. military activity. Officials have stated that hostile fire was not the cause, and the investigation is ongoing. Another aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.

Remembering the Fallen

• Maj. Klinner: A recent promotee and a devoted family man, leaving behind his wife, Libby, a two-year-old, and seven-month-old twins.
• Capt. Savino: The Chief of Current Operations Pilot, managing a huge $21 million flying hour program.
• Tech. Sgt. Pruitt: An assistant flight chief and mentor, known for guiding younger airmen, and a loving parent to two young children.

The other three airmen lost were Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, all members of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing.

"Part of the Family"

Leaders of the 117th Air Refueling Wing expressed their profound grief, emphasizing that the Birmingham-based airmen, despite their active-duty status, were considered an integral part of their family.

A State Mourns

Governor Kay Ivey honored the fallen, calling them "our neighbors — our fellow Alabamians," and pledged that their service, and that of their families, "will never be forgotten."

Community Support

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Major Klinner’s wife and children. The community has rallied, raising a remarkable sum of over $1.3 million (as of publication).

NCAA Rejects Big Ten's Wild Request!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity readers! The NCAA actually did something that makes sense for once. Believe it or not, they turned down a pretty bonkers request from the Big Ten Conference. What was the ask? To basically hit pause on tampering rules and investigations, like a total free pass on the wild west of college athletics.

No Tampering Timeout!

NCAA spokesperson Meghan Durham Wright put the kibosh on that idea. According to reports, she said there's been no change to the rules, and no enforcement freeze either. Any major changes like that would need a thumbs-up from the bigwigs. The NCAA is sticking to the rules agreed on by member schools, aiming to keep things fair and protect student-athletes in this crazy new era.

Stepping Backwards?

With the college sports world feeling like it's spiraling, and tampering running rampant, the Big Ten's idea felt like a jog in the wrong direction. We all know the NCAA isn't exactly crushing it when it comes to preventing tampering or stopping transfer rule abuse, but ongoing legal battles are attempting to solve these problems instead of making matters worse.

The Big Ten's Argument

The Big Ten argued that the rules are outdated because student-athletes are now compensated for their likeness, and these old rules didn't account for it. While the conference has a point about needing a rules overhaul, a full suspension would’ve resulted in chaos, and no one wants that. Let’s hope future choices by all parties involved help to guide the game in the right direction.

Why Senate Bill 360 is a HUGE Deal for Alabama's Economy

Alright ChumCity peeps, listen up! After years in the trenches of Alabama's economic development, I've learned one thing: cheap, reliable energy is EVERYTHING. No power? No factories, no jobs, nada. That's why I'm shouting from the rooftops about Senate Bill 360 - it's the real deal for our state's future.

Manufacturers are Watching - and They're Calculating

Alabama's manufacturers are in a global dogfight, where every penny counts. When they decide where to build or expand, energy costs are at the TOP of their list. I've seen it firsthand. SB 360 keeps Alabama in the game by protecting our competitive energy edge.

Three Game-Changing Reforms

This bill isn't just tinkering around the edges; it's got three major changes that could set Alabama up for DECADES of growth:

• Rate Freeze: Sweet Relief! SB 360 FREEZES Alabama Power's rates for THREE YEARS. While other states are watching energy bills skyrocket, Alabama manufacturers get stability. That's a HUGE selling point for attracting new business.

• Energy Secretary: A Seat at the Table. The bill creates a cabinet-level Secretary of Energy. Trust me, this sends a powerful message to Fortune 500 companies looking at Alabama. It says energy policy is a TOP priority. Plus, built-in checks and balances ensure this position is properly overseen.

• Public Service Commission Overhaul: Local Power! SB 360 expands the Public Service Commission to seven members, elected by congressional district. This means commissioners who KNOW their communities, their industries, and their unique energy needs. Local representation = better decisions!

Manufacturing: The Heart of Alabama's Economy

I helped launch Manufacture Alabama because I believe manufacturing is the KEY to our state's prosperity. These are good jobs that support families across Alabama. But, the world's changing, and Alabama can't afford to sit still.

This Ain't Partisan - It's Just Smart!

Senate Bill 360 isn't about politics; it's about practical growth. It freezes rates, modernizes regulations, and makes energy a top priority. This bill directly strengthens Alabama's ability to compete.

Let's Get This Done!

The Legislature needs to pass Senate Bill 360, ASAP. Alabama's manufacturers, their workers, and all our communities are depending on it!

(George Clark, former Alabama Legislator, Business Council of Alabama COO, and Manufacture Alabama President)

'Bama's Got Your Back...Right? (Especially Your Property!)

We Alabamians are proud of our freedoms, right? Our state motto, "We Dare Defend Our Rights," isn't just lip service! We stand tall for religious freedom, gun rights, and the right to life. But there's one right that sometimes gets overlooked: the right to do what you want with your land!

Dream It, Build It (If the Land Allows!)

Picture this: you wanna buy some land and turn it into a hunter's paradise or build a sweet fishing lake. As long as you're not endangering anyone, shouldn't you be able to? That's the principle we should be fighting for!

The Zoning Zinger

Here's where things get tricky: zoning laws. With a snap of the fingers (and a vote!), local governments can completely nuke your property rights and shut down projects. Talk about a buzzkill!

Playing Fair: No Mid-Game Rule Changes!

Imagine investors bailing on Alabama because they're scared local officials might change the rules on them. Some communities are facing this right now, with folks trying to alter zoning after projects have already started! That's like rewriting the football rulebook at halftime!

The Meta Mess: South Alabama's Stand

This is happening right now in south Alabama with a renewable energy project that's key to powering a massive Meta data center. Some folks want to change the zoning and stop it, but that could scare off future investors and hurt job creation. Ouch!

A Domino Effect of Freedom Loss

Changing the rules because of public pressure sets a dangerous precedent: nobody's property rights are safe! Today it's one thing, tomorrow it could be your farm, your family business, or even your home!

Stand Your Ground (and Your Property!)

We need leaders who will defend our principles, even when it's easier to just go with the flow. If we want to keep our freedoms, we gotta stand by the idea that the rules shouldn't change after someone's already invested in their property based on those rules!

All Rights Matter!

Our rights are precious. Losing property rights could lead to losing other freedoms, and that's a road we don't want to go down.

(Written by Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth. Sharing his two cents for the good of the state!)

Tide Rolling to the Big Dance!

Nate Oats is taking the Alabama Crimson Tide back to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time! Selection Sunday revealed a No. 4 seed for the Tide in the Midwest Region.

Oats' Unprecedented Run

Get this: Oats has guided Alabama to a No. 4 seed or higher for the fourth straight year – and the fifth time in the last six! Before Oats, this program only managed that four times in its entire history! Talk about a turnaround!

First Round Foes

Alabama tips off on Friday afternoon against No. 13 seed Hofstra. Fresh off a CAA Conference title, these Pride boast a 24-10 record, so they're no pushover.

Potential Matchups

If the Tide advance, they'll face the winner of No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 12 Akron. Win that, and a Sweet Sixteen showdown with No. 1 seed Michigan could be on the horizon.

SEC Domination

The Midwest Region is loaded with SEC talent! Tennessee (No. 6), Kentucky (No. 7), and Georgia (No. 8) are all in the mix!

SEC Tournament Invasion!

A whopping TEN SEC teams made the bracket this year! Florida snagged a No. 1 seed in the South, while Vanderbilt grabbed a No. 5 seed and Texas A&M a No. 10. Arkansas is a No. 4 seed in the West, with Missouri sneaking in as a No. 10.

March Madness is Here!

Texas faces North Carolina State in the First Four for a shot at the No. 11 seed in the West. It’s going to be a wild ride, and the SEC is ready to make some noise!

Huntsville's Rocket Legacy Fuels Artemis

When NASA's Artemis astronauts gear up for the Moon, they'll be soaring aboard a rocket born and bred in Huntsville! As David Beaman from Marshall Space Flight Center puts it, "This is America's rocket...and with our partners, it's the world's rocket!"

The Heart of Artemis: SLS

At the core of this ambitious venture is the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever, managed right here in Huntsville. Its mission? To propel humanity further into space than ever before.

More Than Just a Job

For Beaman, Artemis is a family affair, continuing a legacy his father started during the Apollo era. For those not immersed in space policy, Artemis represents America's bold return to deep-space exploration, reaching for the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

It's About the Science!

Forget symbolic gestures; Artemis is all about groundbreaking science. As Beaman emphasizes, "It's not about the journey, it's about the science!" From medical breakthroughs to harnessing lunar resources, Artemis aims to answer questions impossible to solve on Earth.

Apollo vs. Artemis: A New Era

While Apollo comparisons are inevitable, Beaman points out a key difference: "The Moon's the same. We're different!" Our technologies and objectives have evolved.

A Campaign, Not Just a Mission

Artemis isn't a one-shot deal; it's a sustained campaign, building capabilities mission by mission.

Taking Incremental Steps

Artemis I successfully circled the Moon with an uncrewed Orion in 2022. Next up, Artemis II will send four astronauts on a lunar flyby.

No Room for Error

Testing systems thoroughly is paramount. "We can’t afford to reboot in space," Beaman states. "Our stuff has to work every time.”

Looking Ahead

After Artemis II, comes Artemis III, a crewed docking mission. Then comes Artemis IV, the mission slated to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time since '72. "We’re not going to fly by and drop them," Beaman assures. "We’re going to land!" The ultimate goal? A permanent lunar presence and a launchpad for Mars.

Huntsville's DNA

Huntsville, as the propulsion development leader since Apollo, is key. Beaman recalls watching Saturn V launches as a kid, a legacy he now helps continue. "It’s Huntsville’s DNA," he says, "We gravitate toward things that challenge us."

Discipline, Not Dysfunction

Artemis' timelines prioritize getting it right. "We have to do it right," Beaman insists. Engineers are validating every aspect, imagining the unimaginable to mitigate risk. NASA aims to increase launch frequency, unlocking more science and learning.

A Team Effort

While Huntsville leads, Artemis is a global effort. International partners contribute vital components. The Rocket City remains central: "We’re a small part of a very big thing,” says Beaman, "Being a small part of a real big thing is pretty cool.”

More Than Footprints

For Beaman, Artemis is about pushing boundaries. "It’s about doing hard things," he explains. "When you challenge yourself...you learn so many other things that benefit us here on Earth.” As lunar exploration continues, Huntsville remains the heart of America's lunar return.

Auburn Accepts NIT Bid, Set to Face South Alabama

The dream of March Madness is over for the Auburn Tigers, who unfortunately missed the cut on Selection Sunday after a rocky patch in February and an early SEC Tournament exit. But don't despair, Tiger fans!

NIT Bound!

Auburn has accepted a bid to the NIT and will enter as the overall No. 1 seed! That's right, they're hosting the South Alabama Jaguars in a rare in-state postseason showdown!

Game Details

Get ready to roar, because the game tips off at Neville Arena on Tuesday night at 90 PM CST. If Auburn wins, they'll face the winner of No. 4 Seattle University and No. 5 St. Thomas (MN), also at Neville Arena.

About the Jaguars

South Alabama finished their season with a 21-11 record (11-7 in the Sun Belt Conference). They missed out on an NCAA Tournament bid after failing to win their conference tourney.

Fresh Start for the Tigers

Auburn wraps up the year at 17-16 overall (7-11 in conference play). While it wasn't enough for the Big Dance, the NIT offers a chance to regroup, gain momentum for next season, and give Coach Pearl some valuable experience.

Get Ready for Some Hoops!

This Tuesday night clash between the Tigers and Jaguars promises to be a good one. Get your orange and blue on and get ready to cheer!

Alabama's Up-and-Comers: The "Who's Next" List!

Get ready to meet the future of Alabama! In anticipation of Yellowhammer News' 15th anniversary Power & Influence Top 50 list (dropping April 1st!), we're spotlighting the next generation of leaders poised to shape our state.

Power & Influence always provides an honest look at the top 50 movers and shakers in Alabama, impacting business, politics, and public service. But who's ready to step into those roles?

Meet the Future

We've tapped into the insights of current leaders to showcase eleven exceptional individuals who are already making waves and are well on their way to leading Alabama.

Emory Cox

Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Relations

"Emory's dedication to public service and his love for our great state will continue to bring about meaningful results." – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn)

Maggie Oliver

Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority

"Maggie has a presence that commands a room, but more importantly, she pairs that presence with thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to Alabama’s future." – Zeke Smith, Chairman, Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors

Harrison Adams

Alabama Department of Workforce

"Harrison continues to impress me and many in our state as his impact through dedicated and effective public service continues to grow.” – Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce

Kristin Hellmich

Director of External Communications, Poarch Creek Indians

"Kristin approaches her work with respect for our history and a clear eye toward the future, ensuring our voice is represented accurately and authentically." – Stephanie Bryan, Chairwoman and CEO of Poarch Creek Indians

Phillip Johns

Chief Financial Officer, Alabama Farmers Federation

"Phillip is already building a legacy of leadership within our organization and certainly is deserving of recognition." – Paul Pinyan, Executive Director, Alabama Farmers Federation

Lindsey McAdory

CEO and Chief Strategist CBG Strategies, LLC

"His eyes are fixated on building a better Birmingham.” – Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

Saylor Cuzzort

Communications Director + Alabama Senate Republican Caucus

"Her love for this state and insatiable work ethic are exceeded only by her ability and her integrity." – Caroleene Dobson, 2026 candidate, Alabama Secretary of State

Annie Dunne Meissner

Director of Finance and Events, Alabama Republican Party

"Annie is absolutely a rising leader in Alabama politics." – Shannon Whitt, Chief of Staff, Alabama Republican Party

Anna Grace Gamble

External Affairs Manager, Alabama Rural Electric Association

"She reflects the values and character of our members and has cultivated invaluable relationships with legislators and policymakers." – Sean Strickler, Chief Operating Officer, Alabama Rural Electric Association

Scott McClintock

Vice president of Policy and Public Affairs, Business Council of Alabama

"His leadership has strengthened BCA’s advocacy efforts and helped ensure the voice of Alabama’s job creators is heard clearly in Montgomery and beyond." – Helena Duncan, President and CEO, Business Council of Alabama

Justice Smyth

Executive Director, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority

"Justice represents the very best of what a young leader in this field can be, and I am confident his impact on our state will only continue to grow.” – Tim Parker, III, President & CEO, Parker Towing Company

ChumCity Hot Takes!

Here's the lowdown on what's got us buzzing:

Bama Baller Bust!

Alabama basketball's star, Aden Holloway, got popped for weed just before the 2026 NCAA Tournament! Talk about a distraction for the Crimson Tide.

Vegas Drama & Boston Blunders!

A Las Vegas sheriff defied a judge to keep a repeat offender locked up. Meanwhile, in Boston, anti-ICE protesters accidentally helped a child rape suspect stay on the lam for weeks. Yikes!

Trump's Iran Intel Laugh

Word is, President Trump chuckled after getting intel about Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and his rumored lifestyle. Awkward!

Tuberville Stands Firm

Governor-elect and former coach Tommy Tuberville is firing back at Dems who are upset about his tweets criticizing Islam. He's not backing down and says he meant every word!

Gambling on Alabama?

Looks like gambling interests made some big bets on Alabama legislative races. And guess what? Those bets are about to pay off!

Trump and NATO in the Hormuz Strait!

President Trump is still pushing NATO to get involved in the Strait of Hormuz, causing friction with our allies. He wants them to help escort ships and stand up to Iranian threats.

Iran's Fury and Failed Truce!

Iran's rejecting any talk of peace while "Operation Epic Fury" continues. They're still allegedly attacking their neighbors, and top Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and General Abdolrahim Mousavi, are rumored to be dead!

Dale Jackson Says: Tune in to Dale Jackson on WVNN, weekdays from 5-9 a.m., to hear more!