Crimson Tide Meets the White House: Saban & Sankey Sound Off

Alabama icons Nick Saban and Greg Sankey took their concerns straight to the top! They joined President Trump and other bigwigs to push for federal rules that would bring order to the wild world of college sports. With court rulings and state laws causing chaos, they're hoping for a level playing field for everyone.

Selma's Jubilee: Hope and Hurt

During Selma's Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Congressman Shomari Figures called for unity and stronger leadership to heal our nation's divides. But the weekend was also marred by violence, with reports confirming eight people were injured in shootings. A stark reminder of the challenges we still face.

Fear Grips Irondale's Immigrant Community

An Irondale grocer reports a worrying trend: many of his regular customers, who are undocumented immigrants, are now too scared to leave their homes. This comes after increased ICE enforcement targeting criminals, leaving many fearful under the Trump administration.

Gadsden Gets a Giant: Minth Group's $430M Investment

Get ready, Gadsden! The old steel mill is about to get a HUGE makeover! Minth Group Limited is dropping a whopping $430 million to transform the abandoned site into a state-of-the-art auto parts manufacturing facility, creating over 1,300 jobs in the process. Talk about a comeback story!

Alabama GOP Gets a New Boss: Stadthagen Takes the Helm

The Alabama Republican Party has a new leader! Rep. Scott Stadthagen from Hartselle is the new state party chairman, replacing John Wahl. The vote reflects a shift within the party toward a more establishment-aligned leadership.

Senate Race Shakeup: Moore Surges, Marshall Slips

The 2026 Senate race is already heating up! A new poll shows Attorney General Steve Marshall falling behind, with Congressman Barry Moore taking the lead thanks to a big endorsement from President Trump. But with many voters still undecided, it's anyone's game!

Global Turmoil: Rising Tensions and Economic Pain

Tensions are spiking overseas, with another American soldier killed in the conflict between the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Oil prices are soaring past $100 a barrel, and Mojtaba Khamenei has been named Iran's next Supreme Leader after his father's death. Strikes continue, and Iran's threats of more attacks are causing serious economic repercussions.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

UAB Soars in Global Rankings!

UAB's making waves again! The University of Alabama at Birmingham just snagged the No. 137 spot in TIME's freshly released World's Top Universities of 2026 rankings. That puts UAB in the top 5 percent of public schools in the Southeast!

What's the Big Deal?

As UAB's own Janet Woodruff-Borden puts it, this ranking proves the incredible talent of UAB's students, faculty, and staff. It shows UAB's globally recognized excellence in everything from academics to research, and all the innovation that boosts the economy and betters lives locally and around the world.

How'd They Do It?

TIME looked at over 500 institutions, judging them on academic oomph, innovation & economic impact, and global engagement. UAB shone brightly!

Top Marks for Academics!

Under the "academic capacity and performance" category, UAB landed in the top 3 among public universities in the Southeast! TIME considered things like spending per student, research income, and those all-important faculty-to-student ratios.

More Accolades!

UAB's been raking in the awards lately. Their online programs are top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and they just got a big thumbs-up on their accreditation.

Record-Breaking Enrollment!

Get this: UAB welcomed its biggest freshman class ever this fall! Over 2,500 new Blazers flooded campus, a 25 percent jump from last year! Looks like the word's out about UAB's awesome academic programs, cutting-edge learning spaces, and the oh-so-vibrant campus life. And guess what? A whopping 37% of the freshman class are first-generation students! Go Blazers!

Selma's "Bloody Sunday" Anniversary Marred by Violence

The 61st anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama, was overshadowed this weekend by two separate shootings that left eight people injured. The incidents occurred during the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, a major event commemorating the pivotal 1965 voting rights march.

Mayor Condemns Violence

Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III expressed his dismay following the shootings. "Jubilee weekend is one of the most important moments for our city," he stated, emphasizing its importance for reflection and recommitment to justice, unity, and progress.

Details of the Incidents

Local reports indicate the first shooting took place Friday evening on Alabama Avenue, a popular gathering spot during large events. Multiple shooters were involved, resulting in six people being hospitalized. Authorities clarified that this incident wasn't directly related to the official Jubilee festivities.

The second shooting occurred Saturday evening near Water Avenue, close to the main vendor area. Two 18-year-olds were injured, and police have identified a suspect and anticipate an arrest soon. Police believe both incidents were targeted.

A Personal Impact

Mayor Moss shared the personal impact of the violence, revealing his daughter was nearby during one of the shootings and had to flee for safety. "As both Mayor and a father, I take this personally," he said.

A Strong Stance Against Violence

The city is taking a firm stance. "Selma will not tolerate reckless violence that puts our residents, visitors, and children at risk," Moss declared. He vowed to work with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Remembering "Bloody Sunday"

"Bloody Sunday," on March 7, 1965, saw peaceful voting-rights marchers brutally attacked by Alabama law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The Bridge Crossing Jubilee honors that event and the legacy of those who fought for voting rights.

A Weekend of Commemoration

Despite the violence, the Jubilee drew thousands of visitors for commemorations, speakers, and community gatherings. Maryland Governor Wes Moore was among the notable attendees, and the city proclaimed "Jesse Jackson Day" to honor the civil rights leader.

Thanks to First Responders

Mayor Moss thanked the police officers, firefighters, first responders, city employees, and community partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the event's safety.

The Spirit of Selma Endures

He stressed that the actions of a few should not overshadow the purpose of the historic commemoration. "Thousands of people came to Selma this weekend to honor courage, sacrifice, and the ongoing fight for justice," Moss said, "That spirit remains stronger than any act of violence."

Alabama Camps: A Call for Safety

For generations, Alabama summer camps have been cherished places for families. We're talking former campers, staff, and parents of current campers – people who've seen firsthand the magic of these experiences. We also had the distinct privilege of knowing Sarah Marsh.

Sadly, in July 2025, we had to break the news to our kids that their friend had tragically passed away in a camp flood.

Keeping Our Kids Safe at Camp

Now, as another summer approaches, the tough questions come: "Is my cabin safe? Is MY camp safe? Will my counselor know what to do?" That's why we are fully behind House Bill 381, the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Marsh family, advocating for crystal-clear safety expectations at every camp.

When parents voice concerns about their children's well-being, we MUST listen with open hearts and act. It's especially vital when families who have experienced such profound loss, like the Marshes, ask for our attention and the legislature's help to prevent future tragedies.

Upholding a Culture of Safety

Most Alabama camps already operate with integrity, making safety a top priority. They communicate openly about emergency preparedness and do everything they can to protect our children. But good intentions aren't always enough. We need outside experts reviewing and evaluating emergency plans. We want to turn awareness into extra safeguards for our kids and the camp communities we love.

Why HB 381 Matters

HB 381 isn't just about rules; it's pro-camp, pro-kids, pro-parent, and pro-safety! It brings standards up to date and makes our summer camps even stronger for future generations. The bill requires all camps to have:

• Annually updated emergency plans covering fire, flood, weather, illness, and other disasters.
• Background checks for all employees and volunteers.
• Clear safety notification protocols, including weather radios and camp-wide alert systems.
• Staff training for weather emergencies.

Building Trust and Confidence

We believe these commonsense regulations will boost trust among parents and the public. Kids will feel more confident going to camp to explore nature, learn new skills, unplug from social media, and build lifelong friendships. Trust is EVERYTHING in the camp experience.

Standing with the Marsh Family

Out of their unimaginable loss, the Marsh family is working tirelessly to create change in Sarah's memory. Let's stand with them to strengthen summer camp safety in Alabama.

Please support Alabama HB381. Contact your legislators and tell them to vote YES!

Melissa Powell, Camp Winnataska and Camp DeSoto alumna, parent of Camp DeSoto and Alpine Camp for Boys campers Ila and Jim Broyles, staff and camping alumnus of Camp Alpine Anne Miles Golson, alumna of Camp Mac; parent of Camp Winnataska camper Mary Meadows Livingston, friend of the Marsh Family Ginger and Josh Menendez, camping alumni of Camps Skyline and Alpine, staff alumni of Camps Desoto and Alpine, parents of current Alpine campers Anna Kate Prum, alumna of Camp Skyline Emily Schultz, alumna of Camp Winnataska and Camp Cosby; parent of current Camp Cosby campers Shannon Price, parent of Camp Winnataska and Camp Skyline campers Lauren Cole, friend of the Marsh Family Emily and Oscar Price, Alumnus of Alpine Camp and parents of current Alpine campers Ellen F Eaton, friend of the Marsh Family Ashlee Fulmer, parent of campers at Camp Sumatanga and Camp Seafarer, my daughter was friends with Sarah Kali Bennett, friend of the Marsh Family Jessica Ata Stacy Rockwell Gunn, parent of current Camp Mac and Camp Cosby campers Lauren Robinson Mary Louise Quinn, Alumna of Camp DeSoto, employee of Camp DeSoto and Alpine Camp for Boys, parent of current Camp DeSoto and Alpine Camp for Boys campers Lauren Amberson Laura Lumsden Kat Rinehart Loftin Rinehart Laura Van Pelt, parent of current Camp Winnataska camper Emily and Matthew Menendez, camping alumni of Camps Desoto and Alpine, staff alumni of Camp Alpine, parents of current Alpine campers Megan & Colton Houston, parents of current Skyline campers Anne Lynn Langloh, fellow parishioners at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Tara Davis, parent of Camp Laney camper and friend of the Marsh Family

Brian Kelly Sounds Off After LSU Exit!

So, remember that whole Brian Kelly/LSU thing? Yeah, well, the former Tigers head honcho has finally opened up since getting the boot this season. And guess what? He's not exactly hanging up his cleats just yet.

What's Next for Kelly?

During a chat with Sirius XM, Kelly dished on his LSU departure and whether the 64-year-old wants to keep coaching. While he's not rushing to grab a new gig, he definitely wants to stay in the game.

Staying Sharp

"I haven’t decided if I'm jumping back in, because I want to see some changes happen," he said. "While I wait, I need to work and stay in the game."

Road Trip!

So, what's he planning? Kelly's hitting the road! He's spending the next few weeks visiting spring practices to soak up the atmosphere and check out the football and operational sides of things. He's also keen on getting a feel for the NIL landscape, the transfer portal, and the new calendar.

Learning From the Best

But wait, there's more! In the fall, Kelly wants to shadow his former assistants, including four NFL head coaches and four Power Four assistant coaches. His goal? To learn from them, see their programs, and figure out how he can become even better.

The Future is Unwritten

Whether Kelly will return to the college scene remains a mystery. But one thing's for sure: this guy isn't fading into the sunset anytime soon. He's staying active, learning, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike!

Buttigieg in the 'Ham: Building Bridges or Political Posturing?

Blueprint Alabama rolled out the red carpet for former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Birmingham today. The ex-transportation head honcho joined Mayor Randall Woodfin for a "community conversation."

What's the Blueprint?

The event's being hyped as a mission to "build bridges" across Alabama. Sounds noble, right?

Doubts in the Air

But not everyone's buying it. Critics are scratching their heads, wondering why Buttigieg, considering his tenure under President Biden, is the chosen one. What's really on the agenda?

Dale Jackson's Take

For insightful commentary, tune in to Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader. He's on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.

GE Aerospace Supercharges Huntsville Operations!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! GE Aerospace is injecting a massive $55 million into its Huntsville-area operations. This isn't just pocket change; it's a huge commitment to expanding manufacturing and bolstering the entire aerospace supply chain!

What's the Buzz About?

The investment will fuel new, high-tech production equipment and spruce up the Huntsville facility itself. The goal? Crank up production and maintain tip-top quality as demand for aerospace goodies skyrockets. This Huntsville facility is a crucial player, churning out advanced materials used in today's cutting-edge aircraft engines!

Advanced Materials = Awesome Engines

Think super-lightweight, ultra-heat-resistant materials. We're talking Hi-Nicalon Type S silicon carbide (SiC) fiber and SiC pre-preg tape. These building blocks create ceramic matrix composite components. Get this: they're one-third the weight of traditional metals and can handle temperatures 500 degrees hotter! That means better engine efficiency and longer lifespans.

Huntsville: Aerospace Hub

Local leaders are pumped about this, saying it cements the region's rep as a booming hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Bethany Shockney from the Limestone County Economic Development Association sums it up: "This facility is producing cutting-edge materials that are literally changing how aircraft are built, and we're proud Huntsville and Limestone County is at the center of that innovation."

Bigger Picture, Bigger Investment

This $55 million is part of GE Aerospace's grand plan to pump a cool $1 billion into U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers in 2026. And guess what? It’s the second year in a row they're committing that level of funding nationwide!

More to Come!

This isn't a one-time thing, either. The Huntsville site has already seen over $93 million in investments over the past three years! Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly says it's all about economic momentum, making the area a fantastic place to live and work.

Sky's the Limit

Huntsville is part of a broader aerospace corridor in North Alabama, where defense, aviation, and advanced manufacturing companies are booming. GE Aerospace is also planning to hire 5,000 workers across the US in 2026. Talk about job creation!

Trump Talks College Sports Chaos!

President Trump recently gathered some heavy hitters for a roundtable about the wild world of college sports. NIL deals, the transfer portal... you name it, they talked about it!

Big Names in the Room

We're talking Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Greg Sankey... the room was packed with power players aiming to find a way forward. The goal? Let athletes cash in on their fame, but keep college sports special.

Congress to the Rescue?

Trump stressed that Congress needs to step up with some clear guidelines. He wants rules that make sense and are actually, you know, enforceable – something that's been missing for a while.

Saving College Sports?

According to Trump, if Congress doesn't act fast, college sports could be in serious trouble! He's not looking to block athletes from making money, but he is aiming to shut down the "pay-for-play" recruiting madness that's been going on.

Executive Order Incoming?

Trump hinted at an executive order coming soon. If it happens, it'd be the second time he's used that power on this issue. Will it actually fix anything? Only time will tell. But for the first time in a while, it feels like maybe some real progress is being made.

Huntsville's Role in "Operation Epic Fury"

Senator Tommy Tuberville dropped a bombshell at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber's Washington Update, revealing Huntsville's pivotal role in "Operation Epic Fury"!

North Alabama's Defense Sector Steps Up

According to Tuberville, North Alabama's engineers and defense contractors were instrumental in supporting weapons systems and technical advancements directly tied to the operation. He emphasized Huntsville's longstanding leadership in missile defense and military innovation.

"Most Lethal, Successful Air Campaign"

Tuberville boldly declared, "Operation Epic Fury is the most lethal, successful air campaign in world history. A lot of it was because of Huntsville, Alabama." He highlighted the region's contributions, from military hardware to the engineering brilliance that birthed systems developed at Redstone Arsenal.

Huntsville: The Brains Behind the Brawn

"We should all be immensely proud of our military," Tuberville stated, "But we also should be proud of our defense community in Huntsville, who were the brains behind a lot of this that is going on."

Reverse Engineering for Defense

He cited Huntsville's work with missile systems and drone technology, revealing how local engineers adapted foreign weapons designs into usable defense. "Our engineers were able to take Iran's missile design… we restructured it here in Huntsville, put it in process and production, and we use it against them," he shared.

Huntsville: A Defense Tech Powerhouse

Anchored by Redstone Arsenal and home to over 300 defense and aerospace companies, including giants like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Blue Origin, Huntsville remains a national defense technology powerhouse.

Strengthening its Position

With the expansion of federal agencies like U.S. Space Command and the FBI in the region, Huntsville's position as a defense hub is only getting stronger.

SBA Prioritizes Loans for American Citizens!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), under President Trump, is putting American citizens FIRST! They're making sure SBA-backed loans go where they should: to hardworking Americans.

No More Loans for Foreign Nationals!

The SBA just dropped a new policy notice that bans foreign nationals and non-citizens from grabbing SBA-guaranteed small business loans. To get those sweet SBA funds, you gotta be a U.S. citizen or national and live here full-time!

"American Citizens First!" Says SBA Administrator

"The Trump SBA is all about growing the economy and creating jobs for American citizens!" exclaimed SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "We're making it crystal clear: SBA loans are for Americans building businesses right here at home!"

Expanding the Policy

This latest move builds on earlier actions, expanding the "Americans Only" policy to include Surety Bond and Microloan Programs. Previously, it already applied to the big 504 and 7(a) loan programs.

Why the Change?

Loeffler explains, "Our lending authority is limited, and demand is through the roof! We have a duty to prioritize American citizens. They are the ones building businesses and making jobs right here in the USA!"

Putting America First

The SBA is committed to putting American small business owners first. Last year, they implemented citizenship verification across all loan programs to cut off access for illegal aliens. They've even talked about moving SBA offices out of sanctuary cities that don't play by the rules!