After more than 50 years of calling bids across Alabama and the Southeast, J.M. Wood Auction Co. is entering a new chapter — and bringing its legacy along for the ride.

The family-run Montgomery-based auction house has been acquired by global industry leader Ritchie Bros., in a move that companies say aligns with their shared values and customer focus.

According to the two companies, the acquisition by Ritchie Bros., a wholly owned subsidiary of RB Global, combines J.M. Wood’s extensive experience in heavy equipment auctions with Ritchie Bros.’ global reach and technology.

“We’re keeping the people, the service, and the experience our customers expect, while adding more ways to deliver value,” said Bryant Wood, President of J.M. Wood.

Founded in 1973 by Malcolm and Brenda Wood, J.M. Wood has evolved from a family-run operation into a leading auction house in the Southeastern United States. The company is recognized for its exceptional customer service and consistently strong results.

“One of the main reasons we’ve been successful for more than 50 years is that we never lost sight of what matters. You do what you say, you treat people right, and you deliver results. That’s how you build lasting trust,” said Russ Wood, Vice President of J.M. Wood. “Our customers come back because they know we’re consistent, we’re honest, and we care about doing the right thing — not just making the sale.”

When the family considered the company’s future, they sought a partner who shared their approach to business.

“Ritchie Bros. was the clear choice,” said Bryant. “They started small, just like we did. They’ve built trust over time and stayed focused on their customers. That felt familiar to us — it felt right. We’re still J.M. Wood — just stronger, faster and ready to grow even more.”

According to the companies, J.M. Wood will maintain its Montgomery headquarters, live auction format, and leadership team. Upcoming auctions will proceed as scheduled, with additional support from Ritchie Bros.’ network and technology.

“J.M. Wood has earned a reputation for performance, integrity and strong relationships,” said Jim Kessler, Chief Executive Officer of RB Global. “They’ve built a business that reflects our own values – honest work, great service and long-term trust. With our combined strengths, we’re raising the standard in this region and beyond.

“This is a bold step forward, not a change in direction,” Kessler added. “With J.M. Wood’s regional expertise, sectoral strength, and customer relationships, and Ritchie Bros.’ scale and technology, we’re bringing together the best of both worlds to create even more opportunities and deliver even more value for our customers.”

Kessler said the partnership builds on a shared commitment to integrity, relationships and customer service.

“Both Ritchie Bros. and J.M. Wood have spent decades building trust through integrity, relationships and a deep understanding of customers’ businesses,” he said. “We’re thrilled to welcome their team and collaborate to preserve their deep industry expertise, regional and sectoral strength, and customer-focused legacy while also tapping into Ritchie Bros.’ global network, digital capabilities and suite of value-added services.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The raid at an Alabama high school construction site had illegals rappelling off the roof, in California, an illegal died trying to flee ICE, and these situations will continue as long as people lie about what ICE is doing.

Resisting law enforcement while they conduct operations is a dangerous thing to do; it is time to arrest the people who are being violent.

The concerns over the quality of the construction being done by companies that do not follow the law are legitimate, as well.

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

As Mexican cartels continue to profit from smuggling red snapper and tuna into the domestic market, U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are working to ensure that international crime organizations can no longer undercut American fishermen.

On Wednesday, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, backed by both legislators, passed the U.S. Senate. The bill calls for the development of a field test kit to be used to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in U.S. or foreign waters. The bill will give federal and state law enforcement officers the ability to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna before it is imported back into the U.S.

“Senate Republicans are committed to putting America first, which requires legislation that protects hardworking Americans, including our tremendous Gulf of America red snapper fishermen and food producers in Alabama,” said Britt (R-Montgomery).

“These Alabamians deserve fairness when fishing and selling their products in the market. The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act is a first step to protecting Alabama’s fishermen and putting cartel-backed poachers on notice for their illicit activities in the Gulf. I look forward to seeing the House pass this important legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk.”

Tuberville (R-Auburn) also noted the bill’s importance for the American fishing industry.

“This is great news for our hardworking fishermen who have worked overtime to compete with Mexican cartels flooding our markets with illegal red snapper,” said Tuberville. “It’s also a win for every American because it cuts off the cash flow to cartels, which have been terrorizing our communities.”

“I’ll continue standing up for our fishermen and fighting to preserve the outdoor activities Alabamians enjoy.”

According to the lawmakers, if successful, the use of a field test kit method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.

Each year, about 100,000 red snapper are harvested off of Alabama’s coast, accounting for almost a third of the total recreational harvest in the Gulf of America. The state’s fishing industry currently employs approximately 12,000, and has an annual statewide economic impact of $1.1 billion.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Alabama U.S. Senator Katie Britt was spotted having a heated conversation from the floor of the Senate chamber on Thursday.

In a video posted to social media by a Capitol Hill reporter, Britt was really letting Democrat U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) have it. Take a look:

https://x.com/metzgov/status/1946225890347630676

It’s unclear what the exchange was about, but the reporter who caught the clip speculates, “Britt is the chair and Murphy is the ranking member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Approps Committee, and it’s approps season, so perhaps something related to that?”

Murphy is strident on a number of mainstream liberal issues like gun control and immigration. But whatever it was that drew the ire of Britt — she clearly wasn’t backing down.

Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz chimed in with a quip about his own experience. “Every woman I know from Alabama has this gear,” Gaetz posted. “Good for @KatieBrittforAL”.

https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1946227398095126946

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt is continuing her efforts to advocate for and provide the “proper guardrails” for adolescents using social media. In a panel discussion on Wednesday hosted by Semafor, the lawmaker spoke about the need to protect younger users from the threats created through unchecked social media usage.

Britt (R-Montgomery), joined by fellow U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), explained the bipartisan approach to dealing with the issue that has gone on unabated for over two decades

“We think about our children, and knowing what we know now versus what we did when we passed the first piece of online legislation, which, by the way, Myspace wasn’t even a thing the last time we passed legislation on this,” said Britt. “I think we came to the table not as Democrats or Republicans, but truly as concerned parents that are looking at the data and then are also looking at what’s happening within our own homes or with our friends and realize the struggle that’s happening with young people.”

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1945554426762076421

Britt relayed statistics, painting a dire picture of the youth mental health crisis currently taking place across the country.

“The CDC said that one in three high school young women last year actually considered death by suicide. 25% of high school young women made a plan to take their own life. 13% of young women actually attempted death by suicide. When you add in young men, it’s 9% of our high schoolers in this nation attempted death by suicide last year.”

The senator emphasized the need to take action on the issue, calling it a responsibility of lawmakers in both parties.

“Whether it’s depression, whether it is being sucked into algorithms, whether or not it’s sextortion. The list goes on and on,” Britt continued. “I think John and I believe that doing nothing is not an option, that our kids deserve better. Putting up the proper guardrails, the proper safety nets to allow them to continue to explore. But to do so in a more responsible manner is incumbent on us as legislators.”

Studies have shown a strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. From 2019 to 2021, overall screen use among teens and tweens (ages 8 to 12) increased by 17 percent, with tweens using screens for five hours and 33 minutes per day and teens using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is joining with other states in the fight against harmful lawsuits that he believes will hurt energy production in the U.S.

Marshall announced the filing of a multistate brief opposing lawsuits that would impose massive liability on energy companies based on allegations of climate change. Three local governments in Maryland are seeking to use their courts to regulate the production, sale, and use of oil and gas anywhere in the world.

“Maryland law cannot control energy production and environmental policies in Alabama,” Marshall said in a statement about the brief. “Baltimore’s concerns about emissions cross state lines, creating a federal issue that must be resolved federally, not by cities and counties seeking to line their pockets.”

“Maryland law cannot control energy production and environmental policies in Alabama. Baltimore’s concerns about emissions cross state lines, creating a federal issue that must be resolved federally, not by cities and counties seeking to line their pockets.”

Read more below 🔽 pic.twitter.com/cMf7v3Sidq

— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) July 16, 2025

Filed in the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Alabama-led brief urges dismissal of the three cases, which pose a direct threat to Alabama’s sovereignty and economic success.

“Maryland law cannot resolve an interstate dispute without breaking fundamental principles of federalism as articulated by the U.S. Supreme Court,” the brief argues.

Marshall believes the attempts to regulate the global atmosphere invade the basic power of every other state to regulate for the health and well being of their own citizens.

“One State or local government cannot impose its environmental agenda on any other State as a matter of constitutional law,” Marshall added. “These cases must be dismissed.”

Other states’ attorneys general supporting the brief include Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

On a call with reporters Thursday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville was asked if Republicans should renew enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies as midterms approach. The lawmaker has previously acknowledged the significant number of Alabamians who could lose health coverage if the subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of the year.

“You start cutting that out, we’ve got big problems,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said recently. “Eliminating those taxes “might lose some folks.”

“My state of Alabama, it would really decimate, you know — 3 out of 5 kids in our state are on Medicaid. It’ll be a tough situation. We’ve got to find our way around it.”

As the next expected Governor of Alabama, Tuberville will be holding the state’s highest political office when the changes could take effect.

“That will all be evaluated. All of those things we did in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ whether it was social security, Medicare, or Medicaid. It’s really not cuts. It’s more reforms,” said Tuberville. “There are some equations on how states get less money or more money. That will be evaluated.”

The senator noted that he has examined the impact of the legislation on Alabama both on a federal and state level.

“We looked at all that from a senator’s standpoint when this bill was being processed. Also, from a governor’s standpoint, knowing that we will hopefully go into that role here in about a year and a half. We will have more on that probably sometime this fall when all of it shakes out.”

According to Tuberville, ‘there’s no way around’ states having to individually contribute to the subsidies.

“Some money is going to have to come from the state,” he said. “Every state is going to have to pick up a little, some more, some less. I think we are on the low end of that in the state of Alabama, but we’ll know more about that sometime in September or October.”

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, increases health insurance coverage for the uninsured and implements reforms in the market. The subsidies from the ACA help to make health insurance more affordable for thousands of Alabamians through the lowering of monthly premium costs.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

For more than a decade, the City of Clay, Alabama has operated under what local officials refer to as a “mayor and city manager” model. But new legal concerns suggest that Clay may have sidestepped state law by creating the powerful city manager position without a public vote.

In 2012, the Clay City Council voted to consolidate the duties of city clerk and treasurer into a newly created “city manager” role, and hired Ronnie Dixon, which shifted day-to-day oversight of city operations to an unelected official.

According to a 2025 legal bulletin, that decision would be unlawful unless the city formally changes its form of government through a referendum.

Dixon is listed as Clay’s “City Manager” on its official website.

Legal experts argue under current Alabama law, a municipality like Clay – which uses a mayor-council form of government – cannot simply install a city manager and transfer executive powers from the elected mayor without voter approval.

“This issue has been squarely addressed by the Alabama Supreme Court,” the bulletin states, citing a December 2024 ruling that struck down a similar maneuver in Tarrant, where the city council attempted to create a city manager position and transfer authority away from the elected mayor. The court ruled that a council cannot “strip the mayor of all or virtually all of his rights, duties, responsibilities, and powers” by ordinance alone.

To legally adopt a council-manager form of government, Alabama law requires a public vote under Title 11, Chapter 43 of the state code.

Clay, which remains under a mayor-council structure, has held no such vote.

During a recent mayoral candidate forum in July, Mayor Charles Webster repeatedly invoked Dixon’s name, 21 times in total, as the point person for overseeing city operations.

In a final question near the end of the forum, candidates were asked directly about the “mayor and city manager situation.”

Webster defended the current arrangement and endorsed Dixon’s wide-ranging responsibilities. He suggested that “if you had a nameplate and a plaque for everything that he does and put it on his door, it would reach from the top of the door to the bottom.”

Dixon, who was originally hired to fill the outgoing city clerk’s position in 2012, told AL.com a year later that Webster had considered changing the city’s form of government and asked for recommendations for a city manager.

“He was thinking about changing the form of government,” Dixon said in the 2013 interview. However, no formal transition ever occurred.

In practice, Dixon functions as the top executive for the city, overseeing departments, negotiating contracts, and playing a deciding role in situations like the takeover of the Clay Public Library Board.

With municipal elections approaching next month, whether the issue gains traction in the 2025 local election cycle remains to be seen.

However, by our analysis, the city’s current setup may be vulnerable to public or judicial review.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

A Decatur City Councilman is accusing a fellow councilman of claiming a condemned house as his legal residence on election paperwork.

Councilman Hunter Pepper alleges that mayoral candidate Billy Jackson listed a property that is “structurally unsafe” and uninhabitable as his qualifying address.

According to FOX54, Pepper claims Jackson hasn’t lived at the home for some time and is using it only to meet residency requirements. He said the city should have forced Jackson to either fix the property or face demolition, per local ordinances.

Pepper also says he filed a complaint with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office and suggested city staff may have been pressured to avoid documenting the home’s condition.

“Clearly someone is trying to cover up their tracks,” he told FOX 54. “No one, and I mean NO ONE, is above the law.”

City officials pushed back on the accusation when confronted by news media. Dane Shaw, Decatur’s Director of Development, confirmed the property is in an ongoing legal dispute with an insurance company and said the city is engaged on the matter.

Mayor Tab Bowling, who is not running for re-election, distanced himself from the situation.

“This is being handled by our Community Development Department. I have not provided direction regarding this matter because I have confidence in our Community Development Department to properly manage,” Bowling told FOX54.

As of Friday, Jackson has not issued a public response.

The Alabama Policy Institute (API) says a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court should result in parents taking action in the Yellowhammer State.

The court ruled in June that parents have a right to opt their children out of classroom instruction involving LGBT-themed books. In a 6-3 decision the justices sided with a group of religious parents affiliated with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.

“Today, we hold that the parents have shown that they are entitled to a preliminary injunction. A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses ‘a very real threat of undermining’ the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill,” said Justice Sam Alito in the majority opinion.

In a press release Thursday, API called on parents to take action on behalf of their kids.

“Parents of public school children can now expect their local districts to allow opt outs concerning instruction about sex and gender,” said the release. “The ruling should act as a directive to every American school district. To that end, every school district should notify parents of controversial materials and provide them the opportunity to opt their children out – especially if there is a provision for opt-outs for other curriculum or other reasons, but exclude opt-outs for religious objections.”

API also provided a template letter for parents to use to contact their local school districts over the summer to request adherence to the recent decision.

“It is the right of religious parents to opt their children out of sex and gender-focused curriculum – regardless of when, where, and how it might introduced during the school day,” the release concluded.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

7. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs, and has had tests done on his heart because of this.

6. Activists in Homewood are demanding the release of body camera footage from the shooting of Jabari Peoples, warning of potential protests if their demands are not met.

5. Authorities in Birmingham are investigating reports of a deadly batch of methamphetamine circulating in the area, raising concerns about public safety; some might suggest people should not being doing meth if they are concerned.

4. An Auburn restaurant owner surrendered following the execution of federal search warrants at multiple locations as part of a broader investigation into immigration and financial crimes; he could face up to 30 years in prison.

3. Protests under the “Good Trouble” label, inspired by former Congressman John Lewis, took place Thursday across the United States and, by all photos, it appears that old white women made up most of the folks who attended.

2. ICE raids in Alabama targeting “bad hombres” were applauded by Governor-elect Coach U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), while he also logically noted that U.S. citizens detained during these operations, apparently for interfering, should not have put themselves in that situation.

1. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has voiced support for obtaining transparent and credible answers regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, emphasizing the importance of accountability, and while President Donald Trump continues embarrassing himself over this matter, he has ordered the release of grand jury testimonies.

Listen here:

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

Tuscaloosa Academy graduate Russell Cole has been named to the prestigious 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction. This honor recognizes the nation’s top high school scholar-athletes for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.

Cole was selected as the lone honoree from Alabama and one of just 82 players across the country chosen from a pool of more than 3,500 scholar-athletes nominated through the NFF’s nationwide chapter network. Each chapter was allowed to nominate only one individual, highlighting Cole as the top scholar-athlete from the University of Alabama Chapter’s region.

“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer — young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning in the national announcement.

The 2025 Team of Distinction includes honorees from 40 states, with an average GPA of 4.15. Among them, 74 served as team captains, 54 are members of the National Honor Society, and 10 were their class valedictorians.

At Tuscaloosa Academy, Cole distinguished himself in the classroom and beyond. He graduated with a 4.14 GPA and was a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and the Computer Science Honor Society. He was also a member of the school’s 30+ ACT Club and was named “Mr. Tuscaloosa Academy” for his leadership and character.

Cole balanced his academic excellence with leadership in athletics and student life. A multi-sport athlete, he played varsity football and baseball, serving as captain for both teams. He was also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, TA Ambassadors, Key Club, and served as Treasurer of the Student Government Association.

Reflecting on his time at TA, Cole listed his favorite memory as defeating Sulligent in the playoffs to earn a berth in the state championship game.

Cole plans to continue his academic journey at the University of Alabama, where he will join the Honors College as a Presidential Scholar. He plans to major in accounting and finance.

The National Football Foundation, which has promoted amateur football and recognized top scholar-athletes since 1954, called this year’s class of honorees “a shining example of character and excellence.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Authorities and harm reduction advocates are warning of a suspected dangerous batch of methamphetamine circulating in Birmingham after several deaths and hospitalizations were reported over the past week.

According to a Facebook post from the Recovery Resource Center (RRC), multiple people in the downtown Birmingham area experienced severe, unusual symptoms after injecting meth, including chills, body aches, violent vomiting and diarrhea, and a burning sensation at the injection site. These symptoms reportedly escalated quickly to life-threatening complications. The RRC cautioned that these cases did not resemble typical fentanyl overdoses, and fentanyl testing strips—commonly used by people who use opioids to detect fentanyl contamination—may not detect the contaminant responsible in this situation.

As reported by AL.com, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed it is investigating five suspected overdoses that occurred between Saturday and Tuesday. At this time, the coroner’s office has stated the number of incidents does not constitute a significant increase over historical overdose patterns, and preliminary autopsies have not yet confirmed or ruled out the suspected contamination. Full results from toxicology and autopsies are expected to take four to six weeks.

The suspected batch of meth has been described as brown in color and rock-like in form, and it is believed to be injected. According to AL.com, the RRC advised avoiding meth that matches this description and recommended that individuals who inject drugs never use alone.

According to WSB-TV, methamphetamine continues to be a significant contributor to drug-related deaths nationwide, with tens of thousands of Americans dying each year from meth use. The situation in Birmingham underscores the dangers of contamination in street drug supplies and the challenges public health officials face in identifying and addressing such risks promptly.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The U.S. Army officially restored the name Fort Rucker to its Wiregrass installation Thursday during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

In June, the Secretary of the Army directed the change to honor Capt Edward W. Rucker Jr., a World War I aviation pioneer and Army Air Corps pilot.

The installation, originally named after Confederate soldier Edmund Rucker, was renamed Fort Novosel in 2023 to honor Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Novosel Sr., a Medal of Honor recipient who served in World War II and the Vietnam War, as part of an initiative to remove Confederate names from military bases.

Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, commanding general of the Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, welcomed attendees with a heartfelt message. He called the event a unique moment for the Wiregrass, noting that while the name returns to something familiar, it now honors a different individual.

Gill highlighted Rucker’s remarkable legacy as a pioneer who “flew above the best in one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history.” Rucker began his service in the Missouri National Guard in 1915, later serving on the Mexican-American border before choosing to attend flight school instead of pursuing a regular Army commission. After training in Toronto and Texas, he deployed with the 27th Aero Squadron in June 1918, where he engaged enemy forces in France in a daring mission that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. His citation praised his courage and skill in driving off enemy aircraft and protecting reconnaissance planes despite being outnumbered deep inside enemy territory. Rucker also earned the French Croix de Guerre with a palm leaf for his extraordinary valor.

Gill noted that Rucker’s heroism and the images of brave World War I aviators inspired generations to pursue a career in aviation. He reflected on the installation’s legacy.

“They say that home is where the heart is, and our home once again has a familiar moniker, Fort Rucker. The heart of this home will forever belong to aviation warfighters like Edward Rucker, Mike Novosel, and all those who call and will call this place home.”

As Birmingham heads into a pivotal municipal election on August 26, voters will have no shortage of concerns they hope candidates will work to address if elected.

The City of Birmingham released the full list of qualifying candidates for every race on the ballot, from mayor to school board. Meanwhile, residents attending a candidate forum hosted by the Alabama New South Alliance made clear their top priorities: reducing violence and repairing the city’s crumbling streets.

A crowded field for mayor, city council, and school board

Eight candidates have qualified to run for mayor: Jerimy Littlepage, Brian K. Rice, David Russell, Lashunda Scales, Juandalynn Givan, Marilyn James-Johnson, Frank Woodson, and incumbent Randall Woodfin.

Voters in all nine city council districts will also select their representatives:

District 1: Tara Nix, Clinton Woods, Dr. Willie C. Goldsmith, Priscilla Edwards
District 2: Hunter Williams
District 3: Josh Vasa, Ryan Jones
District 4: Darryl T. Williams, Brian Gunn, Joseph Jordan Holt, J.T. Moore
District 5: Darell O’Quinn
District 6: Keith O. Williams, Crystal N. Smitherman
District 7: Lonnie Franklin Malone, Wardine Towers Alexander
District 8: Eric Delk, David Rivers, Susan Palmer, April Myers Williams, Adlai M. Trone, Jonathan Hatten, Sonja Q. Smith, Justin M. Smith, Joe May
District 9: Richard E. Franklin, Jr., Beatrice Collins, Latonya Tate, John Hilliard

Voters will also choose members of the Birmingham Board of Education in all eight districts:

District 1: Patricia “Pattie” Reasor, “Brother Walter” Umrani, Sherman Collins
District 2: Anthony Jones, Neonta Williams, Terri Michal
District 3: Mary D. Boehm
District 4: Rodney Huntley, Derrick L. Billups
District 5: James A. Sullivan
District 6: Leticia Watkins Harvill, Yancey Williams Sr.
District 7: Walter “Big Walt” Wilson, Robert H. Young Sr.
District 8: Antwon Bernard Womack, Pamela L. Bass, Sybil Y. Washington, Brandon E. Parnell, Yamika Foy, Eric Hall, Olivia T. McGaha

Voters call for safer streets and smoother roads

At Tuesday’s candidate forum, residents expressed a deep frustration with ongoing violence and poor infrastructure. According to interviews by CBS42, several attendees voiced fears about walking through neighborhoods plagued by gun violence, saying it has become far too common to hear of shootings every few days. One resident said it was no longer possible to enjoy a simple walk with children without worrying about their safety.

Others noted that while police are making an effort, addressing crime requires cooperation between law enforcement and the community, and some attendees called the current crime rate “out of control” and “ridiculous.”

Road conditions were another frequent complaint. Residents said the potholes and damaged streets were costing them time, money, and patience, with one describing local streets as being in nearly as bad shape as the interstate. Others singled out areas like Airport Hills as being in particular need of attention.

Candidates have just over a month to persuade Birmingham residents they are the right choice to tackle these long-standing issues.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Thursday marks the final day of this year’s edition of SEC Media Days, one of the most anticipated weeks of the summer with regards to the college football offseason calendar.

For four days, this time in the city of Atlanta, coaches from every team gathered with some of their star players to talk about the upcoming season, controversies, wacky topics, and whatever else might come up as the unofficial start of football season begins.

After four long days of coverage, there were some coaches and players that clearly stood out from the rest, as the victors of what is known as “talking season.”

Here are some of the biggest winners of the week:

Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers Head Coach

LSU has lost their opening game in five straight seasons going back to before Kelly even arrived, and this year’s edition is their toughest opener yet with a road game at Clemson. The Bayou Bengals are not letting that discourage them though, and Kelly got out ahead of the narrative by saying how his team is embracing it instead of hiding from it as they get ready for the season.

He also mentioned the word “championship” about a million times during his monologue, and after a huge offseason in the transfer portal for his team and the return of star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, that is the expectation in Baton Rouge. Things have to play out on the field, but Kelly certainly sounded confident.

Hugh Freeze, Auburn Tigers Head Coach

Someone who perhaps was not expected on this list after the way the last couple of months have gone, Freeze knocked it out of the park on Tuesday in Atlanta. Instead of continuing to push the “look what I inherited” roster wise narrative that fans have gotten tired of, Freeze spent the day talking about how much he loves this team and how he believes they are capable of competing for a playoff spot.

Whether or not that’s actually true remains to be seen, but Freeze has won the confidence of his fanbase back after a rough offseason by speaking with conviction and confidence for the first time in a very long time at Auburn.

Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns Quarterback

There has not been a player this anticipated at media days maybe ever, and the crowd surrounding Manning reflected that fact. Under more pressure than perhaps any other quarterback in the country to perform this season in his first year as a starter, Manning was cool, calm and collected as he introduced himself to the rest of the country.

Manning Mania is very real, and the young gunslinger did not collapse under the pressure.

Deontae Lawson, Alabama Crimson Tide Linebacker

Lawson might have had the quote of the week when he was asked about the wild comments made by Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos ahead of their week one showdown. Despite coming off a 2-10 season, Castellanos several weeks ago said he does not see Alabama stopping him and that Nick Saban is not there to bail them out.

Asked about the comments, Lawson kept a cool head and calmly talked about it coming down to preparation. Then, admitting that the comments fire up the Tide a bit, he uttered the epic phrase: “All disrespect will be addressed accordingly.”

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) officially endorsed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in his bid for Governor of Alabama in 2026 on Thursday.

ALFA, which speaks for more than 350,000 member families across all 67 Alabama counties, is responsible for its political and grassroots influence through FarmPAC, backing Tuberville (R-Auburn) today.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said unanimous support by Alabama FarmPAC trustees reflects farmers’ appreciation for Tuberville’s representation in Washington and confidence in his ability to lead state government.

“The Farmers Federation was among the first groups Coach Tuberville met with when deciding to run for Senate, and he has never forgotten the support he received from Alabama farmers and rural families,” Parnell said. “He sought an appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee and has been a champion for Alabama farmers and Southern agriculture.”

Sen. Tuberville reciprocated that appreciation on Thursday.

“I’m grateful for the support of the Alabama Farmers Federation. As Alabama’s representative on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’ve been fighting tooth and nail for our farmers. Joe Biden’s inflationary policies took a real toll on our farmers – input costs were up, diesel was through the roof, and 25,000 farmers and 150,000 farms were forced to shut their doors,” Tuberville said.

“Thankfully, President Trump is back and working hard to lower prices and put American farmers first. When I’m Governor, I’ll work with President Trump to help our farmers thrive.”

Parnell said Tuberville led efforts to bring relief to farmers reeling from low commodity prices, high production costs and natural disasters.

“Farmers are facing the worst financial crisis since the 1980s,” Parnell said. “When Congress failed to pass a new farm bill, Coach Tuberville stepped forward with other farm-state lawmakers to secure $10 billion for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program in the American Relief Act of 2025. He then worked to preserve updates to commodity reference prices and base acres in President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’”

As Alabama’s first elected senator in over 20 years to serve on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Tuberville has pushed for crop insurance, disaster relief, rural broadband, and emergency aid. According to his office, he helped secure $10 billion for farmers in 2025 and backed efforts to cut input costs and expand trade access.

“Coach has been a strong and consistent voice for lower taxes, smaller government, regulatory reform and conservative values,” Parnell said. “We are convinced he will bring the same business-minded approach to state government.”

Also according to today’s announcement, FarmPAC will announce additional endorsements for 2026 elections in the coming months.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville joined their Republicans colleagues in passing targeted spending cuts that were recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“This is a common sense approach,” Britt (R-Montgomery) told Fox News before the final vote.

“This money was way outside of the mission of what it was intended for. We’ve got to rein that in. We have to cement our values and our opportunity for our people. To your point, this is the easy stuff and the American people deserve better. This is their money, this is not ours and we’ve got to treat it like such and we’ve got to be more responsible.”

By a 51-48 vote early Thursday morning, the Senate passed President Donald Trump’s rescissions package that includes $9 billion in cuts for global aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

After the vote, Britt gave credit to U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) for leading the effort in getting the bill passed.

“Last night, Senate Republicans delivered on a promise to root out waste, fraud, and abuse,” Britt posted on X, “by ensuring American taxpayers dollars are spent accountably and judiciously, and it would not have been possible without Eric’s leadership.”

A huge congratulations and thank you to @SenEricSchmitt for getting this across the finish line!

Last night, Senate Republicans delivered on a promise to root out waste, fraud, and abuse by ensuring American taxpayers dollars are spent accountably and judiciously, and it would… https://t.co/xPJnhTaTTk

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 17, 2025

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said he hopes this is just the beginning when it comes to cutting spending.

“We are cutting Democrats’ wasteful spending and ending the abuse of YOUR taxpayer dollars,” Tuberville said. “And we’re just getting started.”

We are cutting Democrats’ wasteful spending and ending the abuse of YOUR taxpayer dollars.

And we’re just getting started. https://t.co/NMnk3n9Bcb

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 17, 2025

The legislation now heads to the House for their final approval.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, John and Barry are on Day 4 of SEC Media Days, and kick it off criticized the event’s scheduling, arguing it lost momentum by ending with lower-profile programs like Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas A&M. The hosts renewed calls for SEC Media Days to be shortened from four to three days, citing declining attendance and lack of energy. They moved on and predicted the final-day coaches, including Mark Stoops and Sam Pittman, may be nearing the end of their respective tenures due to performance declines. The segment also highlighted Kentucky’s drop-off since the departure of assistant coach Jon Sumrall and questioned the school’s quarterback situation, with Zach Calzada — a journeyman with a brief stint at Auburn — expected to start.

Catch live episodes of Longshore and McKnight daily on YouTube, Spotify, and on Yellowhammer News🎙️🔊

Coverage then turned to broader issues in college athletics, beginning with Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons’ arrest on charges of domestic violence, drawing comparisons to former teammate DJ Barber’s swift dismissal for drug offenses. Jason Caldwell of AuburnUndercover joined to explain Auburn’s No. 78 national recruiting ranking, attributing it to a smaller class size and a shift in strategy emphasizing roster retention and NIL flexibility. Caldwell also referenced SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s comments supporting structured NIL guardrails amid growing financial influence in college sports. The hosts agreed that entitlement and poor off-field decisions among athletes are becoming a serious issue, with NIL money and unstructured free time amplifying behavioral risks.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore has a “BIG” announcement set for August 14. If this is what reports have been indicating for months now – it’s expected to be U.S. Senate caliber big.

It’s unlikely Moore would host an event across the state from his Enterprise district-hometown to do anything other than announce a campaign that’s bigger than the federal office he now holds.

Still about a month away from that date, it’s prime time to take stock of one question: Who might run for his seat?

Jerry Carl

Carl seems ready to roll again in 2026, insiders say. His fundraising operation and name ID are preparing to be repurposed less than two years after a narrow loss to his former freshman House GOP colleague in 2024.

Carl is reportedly confident that his base hasn’t gone anywhere, and the lessons he learned in the new parts of the district are expected to be essential to his ground game this time around. After raising more than double his opponent in 2024, with $2.2 million in total, his financial infrastructure reportedly remains in place as well.

While Carl doesn’t seem at all likely to announce a bid before Moore announces his – he actually already did the paperwork.

Rhett Marques

State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) not only represents the profile of a rising GOP star who has positioned himself to fill Moore’s shoes – it’s rumoured that he’s interested in it. And it wouldn’t be the first time he’s done so. When Moore first ran for Congress in 2018, Marques ran for and won the seat he held in the Alabama House.

His tire and automotive shop is a staple small business in Coffee County. He has strong ties across Geneva and Dale counties. But he’s also a native of Spanish Fort in Baldwin County. All of these areas are now entirely within the boundaries of the newly-drawn 1st Congressional District.

We hear that regional dynamism is being taken into account, but remains just a rumor for now.

Heather Moore

Speaking of that event Barry Moore is hosting across the state, Sylvania happens to be his wife Heather Moore’s hometown.

It is well-established Heather is not only Barry’s wife, she’s also his closest political advisor and #1 campaign surrogate. That co-authorship of her husband’s political brand – going back to their days at the Alabama State House – is what we are hearing to expect more of.

“I was on the road for weeks and weeks over in the other side of the district – Escambia, Baldwin, and Mobile Counties – where we were lesser known,” Mrs. Moore told Yellowhammer News earlier this year.

If her husband started covering more ground in a statewide campaign, it would be a force multiplier if she held down the fort across their South Alabama congressional district while he made new friends across the state.

After all, it’s hard to beat an incumbent’s name on the ballot.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

An Auburn restaurateur accused of fraudulently obtaining federal pandemic relief funds and misusing them has surrendered to authorities following a multi-agency search at several of his businesses.

Federal prosecutors say 52-year-old Cesar Campos-Reyes is facing charges related to misusing federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Alabama’s Middle District, Campos-Reyes is accused of submitting false information to secure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for his restaurants, then spending the money on unauthorized purposes. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant Tuesday at multiple El Patron Mexican restaurant locations owned by Campos-Reyes in Autauga, Elmore, Crenshaw, Lee, and Baldwin counties. Although he was not found during the searches, officials confirmed he surrendered later that night.

As part of the operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 48 individuals at the restaurants who are accused of working without proper documentation.

Three additional arrests were made during the coordinated effort. Two individuals were charged with harboring undocumented immigrants, and another person was charged with a controlled substance violation, officials said.

The investigation and enforcement involved a wide array of agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Gulf of Mexico Homeland Security Task Force. This joint unit includes the FBI and HSI. ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Marshals Service also assisted, along with the Alabama Department of Corrections, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Prattville Police Department, Wetumpka Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Douglas Howard, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, confirmed the details of the operation and charges on Tuesday.

The case remains under investigation.

A recent court filing by the Internal Revenue Service could have sweeping implications for churches across Alabama, potentially allowing them to openly endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.

The filing, first reported by ABC News, formalizes the agency’s long-standing practice of not enforcing the 1954 Johnson Amendment against churches. That amendment prohibited all 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches, from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office if they wished to maintain tax-exempt status.

In the filing, the IRS said it would not revoke the tax-exempt status of two Texas churches — Sand Springs Church and First Baptist Church Waskom — after they endorsed political candidates. At a White House Faith Office summit this week, former President Donald Trump praised the filing as a victory for religious freedom and free speech.

“God is once again welcomed back into our public square,” Trump said, according to ABC News.

The president has long opposed the Johnson Amendment, claiming during his first campaign that it unfairly silenced pastors and religious leaders on political matters.

Religious leaders and legal experts have expressed mixed reactions to the decision.

Supporters argue it restores free speech to religious leaders and allows them to address moral and political issues from the pulpit without fear of government retribution. Rev. Robert Jeffress of Dallas called it a win for free speech, while Iowa pastor Cary Gordon said it would allow churches to speak more directly about political and moral issues that concern their congregations.

Pastor Jamal Bryant of Georgia told ABC News he would “absolutely” consider endorsing political candidates from the pulpit during future elections.

Critics, however, warn that the change could open churches to misuse and undermine their role as moral and spiritual leaders.

Ellen Aprill, a tax law expert at Loyola Marymount University, warned that the lack of enforcement could lead to campaign money being funneled through churches to avoid taxes and disclosure requirements. Unlike other nonprofits, churches already enjoy fewer reporting obligations and qualify automatically for tax-exempt status.

Rev. Thomas Bowen, a former White House faith liaison, expressed concern that churches could become “campaign surrogates,” saying moral authority “must never be sold for access.”

The IRS filing does not force churches to endorse candidates, nor does it change Alabama state law — but it does clear a significant legal barrier at the federal level.

In Alabama, where churches have long played an influential role in community and civic life, the decision could encourage some pastors to speak more openly about specific candidates in upcoming elections, including the 2026 midterms.

Even among Alabama church leaders, opinions about the change are divided.

“I don’t think that churches should endorse political candidates as a matter of principle,” said Justin Spurgin, a minister from Rainsville. “The church’s mission is to glorify God and preach the gospel, and not telling our church members how they should be voting.”

But Reverend Gary Don Kirk, also of Rainsville, disagreed.

“Why not allow churches to endorse political candidates?” he said. “We are the government and have as much right as anyone. I do believe churches should be allowed to endorse candidates.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) had an opportunity to tout the experience and qualifications of Dr. Brian Christine of Mountain Brook to his colleagues in the Senate Wednesday.

Tuberville introduced Christine during his nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP). President Donald Trump nominated the prominent Alabama urologist earlier this year to be the next Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“It’s an honor to introduce my friend and constituent, Dr. Brian Christine,” Tuberville started. “Also thrilled to welcome today his wife, Helena, and sister, Kathleen. Thank you for being here.”

Christine earned his MD degree from Emory University and completed his medical residency in Urology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Following residency, he joined a large private practice urology group, Urology Centers of Alabama.

“If confirmed, Dr. Christine will oversee critical public health programs, regional health offices and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps where he has pledged to accept a commission and lead with a Main Street medicine approach,” Tuberville added. “His top priorities include addressing chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, pediatric obesity, mental health, and the nation’s physician shortage crisis. He is particularly focused on expanding access to primary care and improving health in rural and underserved communities. With deep medical expertise, leadership experience, and a clear vision for reform, he is well equipped to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health, and I hope my federal colleagues will support his nomination – Dr. Christine.”

During the hearing, Christine said one of his main priorities will be to restore institutional trust from the American people.

“The loss of trust that we have seen in our healthcare institutions and the healthcare policies emanating from this city are the worst that I’ve seen in over three decades of practice,” Christine said. “People feel that during the pandemic particularly they were led astray, some people feel they were lied to. We have to work to restore that trust. Secretary Kennedy is 100% committed to doing that, as is President Trump.”

Christine was candidate for the Alabama Legislature in 2022. In the Republican Party primary, he earned 41% of the votes in a head-to-head race with now-State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). In 2023, he also ran for Jefferson County Commission, but eventually left the race to endorse Republican Mike Bolin.

“Well, we know that Secretary Kennedy is absolutely committed to the Make America Healthy Again agenda to remove toxins from our foods, to make sure that all have access to clean water, that we focus on not just treating chronic disease, but finding out what causes chronic disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and work to not only cure those diseases, but really prevent and eliminate those diseases. Secretary Kennedy is always wanting to approach things from the foundation of science,” Christine added during the hearing. “He truly believes in that. I agree with the Secretary on all of those things. I intend to support him. I intend to work diligently if I have the privilege of being confirmed. To support him in that quest to make Americans healthier than they’ve ever been.”

His brother is a former U.S. Attorney appointed by President Trump.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

State Sen. Gerald Allen is officially running for reelection to the Alabama State Senate. First elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994 and the state Senate in 2010, the lawmaker is billing himself as a “trusted conservative leader” with a “record rooted in results.”

In a campaign announcement issued Wednesday, Allen explained why the people of District 21 should consider supporting his candidacy for another term.

“I’m running for reelection because I believe in the people of West Alabama and the future of our great state and country,” said Allen. “Over the years, we’ve made real progress-creating jobs, stabilizing the Education Trust fund, protecting our conservative values, and standing up for families and small businesses. But our work is not done. I remain committed to serving with honesty, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the people of Alabama.”

“I’m running for reelection to continue protecting our conservative principles, growing our economy, and being a strong voice for West Alabama. I’ve spent my entire career fighting for our people, and I’m not done yet.”

Allen has built a reputation on being easily accessible to his constituents.

“I’ve always believed public service is about listening, learning, and leading with conviction,” he said. “West Alabama deserves someone who shows up, fights hard, and keeps their word-that’s exactly what I’ve done, and will continue to do.”

Since joining the state legislature, Allen has made a consistent effort to support pro-growth policies, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of what Allen refers to as “traditional values.” The Tuscaloosa native’s campaign is also emphasizing his depth of community involvement and strong Christian faith as prime reasons why Allen has been a successful legislator throughout his career.

Alabama Senate District 21 includes parts of Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten