UAH President Charles Karr Announces Retirement

Dr. Charles L. Karr, the dynamic leader who's been at the helm of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) since 2022, will be retiring in May 2026, the university has announced.

Karr's journey at UAH began in November 2021 as interim president before officially taking the reins in September 2022. His tenure has been marked by vision, deep community ties, and a thriving campus vibe.

A Stellar Career in Higher Education

Before leading UAH, Karr spent 26 years at the University of Alabama, rising to the position of Dean of the College of Engineering. "Serving as president of UAH has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Karr stated, expressing pride in the accomplishments achieved with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Driving UAH Forward

During his time as president, Karr has championed UAH's academic mission, boosted research efforts, expanded campus facilities, and prioritized student success. University of Alabama System Chancellor Sid J. Trant praised Karr's leadership, saying he has "positioned UAH for an even brighter future."

Major Projects and Research Gains

Under Karr's guidance, UAH has launched major capital projects, like the new Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building and renovations to the Bevill Center, enhancing cybersecurity research capabilities. A new Track and Field Complex is on the horizon, and funding has been secured for the former Executive Plaza site.

UAH has consistently ranked among the top federally funded research institutions and boasts the largest mobile weather radar facility in the U.S., significantly impacting the weather industry.

Strengthening Community Connections

Karr is credited with reigniting Huntsville's connection to UAH, solidifying the university as a vital contributor to the city. He played a key role in establishing the Air Force/Space Force ROTC operating location and fostered relationships with Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and other key sectors.

Enrollment and Academic Excellence

Dr. Karr's passion for student recruitment has led to record-setting freshman classes in Fall 2024 and 2025, filled with high-achieving students. The university has also seen academic quality rise across all student populations, earning national recognition for its Colleges of Business, Engineering, and Nursing.

Athletics and Vibrant Student Life

Karr has overseen a renewed focus on athletics and student life, with UAH earning multiple Gulf South Conference championships. He's a regular at student events, from baseball games to NASA rover challenges, creating a warm and engaging campus environment.

A Lasting Legacy

Karr's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. He has served on various boards, making a significant impact on the community.

Trustee Jeff Gronberg, chair of the Board’s UAH Committee, noted, "Dr. Karr has built tremendous momentum that will allow the university to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead."

Karr and his wife, Jodie, will be retiring to Florida. The University of Alabama System will conduct a national search for his replacement.

Alabama Forestry Association Backs Gudger & Ledbetter!

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) is planting its flag firmly behind Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for their 2026 re-election bids!

Gudger's Got the Goods

Pro Tem Gudger (R-Cullman), a fixture in the Alabama Senate since 2018, snagged the Pro Tem title in 2025 thanks to unanimous support from his peers. When he's not legislating, Gudger and his wife Heather run Southern Accents, a cool architectural salvage biz in Cullman.

"The AFA's backing is a huge deal, considering their rock-solid conservative values," Gudger stated. "We're talking low taxes, traditional principles, and a government that knows its limits!"

Ledbetter Leads the Way

Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), representing District 24 since 2014, took the Speaker's gavel in 2022. Before leading the House, he made history as the first freshman Majority Leader back in 2017. With a background in the electrical co-op world and local Rainsville government, Ledbetter understands the needs of Alabamians. He and his wife Teresa are proud parents of two sons and grandparents to four.

"I'm truly honored to have the AFA's endorsement," Ledbetter emphasized. "Alabama's forestry industry is the lifeblood of our economy! I'm committed to boosting growth, protecting jobs, and delivering real results for this vital sector."

AFA's All In!

AFA President and CEO Chris Isaacson praised both leaders: "Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter are dedicated to making Alabama a better place for everyone. They've got the leadership skills to tackle our state's challenges. They support our industry, which is a major economic engine in rural Alabama. We are excited to offer this endorsement and look forward to our continued work together."

Mark your calendars! The primary election is May 19, 2026.

Forestry Facts

The AFA represents everyone from manufacturers to landowners, all working in Alabama's massive forestry sector. Forests cover over two-thirds of the state, making forestry the second-largest manufacturing sector, generating a whopping $36 billion annually!

Million Dollar Band Heads to NYC!

Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band is set to bring the Crimson Tide spirit to the Big Apple in 2026! They've been invited to perform in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – a huge honor!

A National Stage

Out of tons of applicants nationwide, the Million Dollar Band was chosen as one of only ten marching bands to strut their stuff. This isn't their first rodeo – they've marched in the parade before, and they're ready to make some noise again!

Thanksgiving Tradition

Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a Thanksgiving tradition, drawing massive crowds and millions of TV viewers. Think giant balloons, awesome floats, celebrity sightings, and pure holiday joy!

Roll Tide in the Big Apple!

"The streets of New York City will undoubtedly pulse with energy and excitement brought by the University of Alabama’s phenomenal marching band," says Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer. Dr. Ken Ozzello, University of Alabama Director of Bands, adds that the band is "deeply honored" to return to such an iconic American tradition.

Big Plans Ahead

Each selected band gets a $10,000 grant from Macy's to help with fundraising and prep. Get ready for the 100th march of this holiday tradition! It's gonna be epic!

Tuberville for Governor? Count Me In!

Folks, I've never seen this much buzz about a governor's race, especially this far out. And get this – it looks like we might have a shot at getting our guy right into the Governor's Mansion without a fight!

I'm talking about former Auburn coach and current Senator Tommy Tuberville. Just five years in the political game and he's already shaking things up!

Why Tuberville?

Coach T. didn't jump into politics for fame or fortune. He already had that! He felt a calling to serve, a cause bigger than himself. And since getting elected in 2020, he's been a rock-solid ally of President Trump. You see it – they're two peas in a pod.

Common Sense Crusaders

Both Tuberville and Trump aren't afraid to call it like they see it. They share those strong, right-leaning, Make America Great Again views and aren't afraid to go toe-to-toe with the woke crowd. They’ve both got a knack for explaining complex stuff in plain English. And they both know how to handle those pesky reporters with a sharp wit!

More Than Just Talk

But Coach Tuberville isn’t just a talker; he’s a doer! As your Commissioner of Agriculture, I've seen firsthand how he's fighting for Alabama farmers in the Senate. He's pushing for things like banning foreign entities tied to our enemies from buying up U.S. farmland, protecting our food security. He wants a Farm Bill that focuses on, well, farmers!

Standing Tall for Alabama

Traveling around the state, I've heard nothing but praise for the work Coach is doing. He’s standing tall in D.C. for our American values. Values like simple truths: men are men, women are women, and that’s that.

Montgomery Makeover

Now, Coach is ready to bring that leadership to Montgomery, just like Trump did in D.C. And I'm ready to help him!

Teaming Up for a Better Alabama

I'm running for Lieutenant Governor, and I plan to be Coach's biggest supporter in the State House. We're on the same page, share the same values. With us working together, the future of Alabama is looking brighter than ever!

Coach Tommy Tuberville has my full support for Governor. Let's work together to make Alabama an even better place!

• Rick Pate Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Candidate for Lt. Governor 2026

Tigers' Game Fuels Fury, Sparks Hilarious State Gov Comparison

The Auburn Tigers' Saturday night game was a pressure cooker of contentious calls, leaving fans simmering with frustration. While the halftime fumble fiasco grabbed headlines, Kirby Smart's curious "non-timeout timeout" also raised eyebrows. He claimed he was simply pointing out Auburn's defenders' illegal clapping, a delay-of-game no-no.

Senator Throws Shade at ABC Board, Cites Smart's Move

As social media lit up, State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) seized the moment with a zinger, comparing the SEC refs to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board amid debate over a possible central warehouse fee hike.

"Just Trying to Draw a Comparison"

"My frustration with the ABC board is them telling the legislature for the last two years or so we are gonna build this out of our operating revenue, and just how frustrating it is for them to go back on that," Elliot stated, drawing a parallel to Smart's denial. "For Kirby Smart to say 'I wasn't calling timeout!' was similar. We can't say one thing and do the other."

Elliot, laughing about his post, said he was "just trying to draw a comparison."

Legislators Unhappy With ABC Board

"This is not something that the Legislature has approved," Elliot said, referring to the ABC brouhaha. "Rather, it’s something they’re doing on their own through their rulemaking authority… Show me where they said they were going to do this prior to asking for approval."

Regions Bank & Alabama Athletics: A Winning Team!

Get ready to roar, Tide fans! Alabama Athletics and Regions Bank are teaming up for another five years of partnership, and it's bigger and better than ever! Regions is now a Champion Partner, showing some serious love for our Crimson Tide.

What's New?

This isn't just a sponsorship; it's an investment in our student-athletes. Regions is stepping up to provide groundbreaking support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Plus, they'll be boosting their presence at games and events.

Financial Know-How for Tide Stars

Regions is also committed to helping our athletes score off the field. They're rolling out more financial education resources and expanding access to personalized Regions Greenprint plans. This means customized roadmaps to help them crush their financial goals.

Regions: Investing in the Future

"Regions Bank is all about helping folks build financial confidence," says John Jordan, head of Retail for Regions. "We want to prepare these student-athletes for life after college." Sounds good to us!

Crimson Tide Everywhere!

Expect to see Regions' presence amplified all over campus and beyond. This Champion Partner deal includes:

• Gate signage at Bryant-Denny, welcoming you to the heart of Tide football!
• Exclusive access to the Football Radio Booth Cam for behind-the-scenes action.
• Title sponsorship of a Crimson Tide football game.
• Community events featuring Big Al and the cheer squad!

A Partnership Built to Last

"Regions and Alabama Athletics have been a team for many years, and we are proud to expand our relationship into a new era," said Paul Hodges, Senior Vice President, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing Manager for Regions.

Todd Kucinski, Director of Business Development for Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, added, "By investing in premium assets across our most visible platforms – and adding NIL for the first time – Regions is demonstrating its belief in Alabama Athletics, our fans, and our student-athletes in bold and meaningful ways."

Roll Tide!

Connecting Alabama: A Broadband Boom!

Remember May 3, 2018? Big day! It's when the USDA's ReConnect Program was announced right here in Alabama, launching a mission to connect rural America to the 21st-century economy.

The Digital Divide Before

Back then, almost a quarter of Alabamians lacked broadband, isolating students, small businesses, and families.

Fast Forward to Now: Huge Progress!

The latest numbers show only about 6% of Alabamians are without broadband. That's over a MILLION more residents now connected!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

This didn't happen by magic! It took a collaborative effort from federal, state, and local leaders to make it happen.

ReConnect's Role

The ReConnect Program has pumped over $3 billion nationwide into broadband grants, reaching areas private investment couldn't. Alabama's seen its fair share of these projects, transforming communities.

State Leadership Stepped Up

Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) have played a HUGE role, directing millions in state grants where they're needed most.

Federal and State Working Together

By matching federal dollars with state resources, every tax dollar stretches further, maximizing impact.

Real Results for Real People

Students can now study at home, businesses are reaching new customers, and telemedicine is connecting doctors and patients. Even farmers are getting in on the action!

Broadband: Essential to Modern Life

Broadband's as vital as electricity or running water now, and Alabama's pushing to get everyone connected.

The Work Isn't Finished!

That remaining 6% is still a priority. We won't stop until everyone's connected! The next phase might be tougher, but we'll get there through continued investment.

The Goal: Universal Broadband Access

Every Alabamian deserves affordable, reliable high-speed internet, no matter where they live. This will lead to stronger communities, new jobs, and a brighter future.

Alabama: A Model for Rural America

Alabama's story shows how federal and state collaboration can conquer seemingly impossible challenges.

The Future is Bright (and Fast!)

Back in that Hamilton warehouse, broadband was called the "electricity of the 21st century". Now we're closer than ever to making that a reality for everyone in Alabama!

Jordan Backs Moore in Alabama Senate Race

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The race to fill Alabama's U.S. Senate seat in 2026 is heating up! Congressman Jim Jordan, a big name conservative and Trump ally, just threw his support behind a familiar face.

Freedom Caucus Connection

That's right, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, the original Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has endorsed fellow Congressman Barry Moore for the Senate gig.

Words of Support

Jordan didn't mince words, calling Moore a "tested conservative champion." He believes Moore will stand strong for conservative principles, push the Trump agenda, and keep America strong. Sounds like he's exactly the type of fighter Jordan wants in the Senate!

Jordan's Background

For those just tuning in, Jordan's been a force in the House since 2006. He's a founding father of the House Freedom Caucus and currently chairs the powerful House Judiciary Committee.

Moore's Response

Moore, who's also a Freedom Caucus member and sits on the Judiciary Committee, was quick to thank Jordan for the endorsement. He's up against Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the race.

Moore's Gratitude

"I’m honored to have Jim Jordan’s support," Moore said. "He's been a rock in the House." Moore stressed that Jordan always stands for what's right and isn't a "weathervane politician." He promised to continue working with Jordan to achieve Trump's "MAGA Agenda" in the Senate.

Moore's Campaign

Moore launched his campaign back in August, promising to keep supporting President Trump and the "America First" agenda if he makes it to the Senate. This race is definitely one to watch, ChumCity!

Shutdown Showdown: Will it Ever End?

Okay, ChumCity citizens, let's talk shutdown. With our brave military folks still getting paid, it's tougher to spot the usual political theatrics. Could this mean we're staring down the barrel of a record-breaking government shutdown? Yikes!

Betting on Bureaucracy

The smart money says this shutdown's going to drag on for over a month. Thirty days! Think of all the things we could binge-watch in that time.

Johnson, Tuberville Turn Up the Heat

Speaker Mike Johnson and Governor-elect (and National Champ Coach, and Senator!) Tommy Tuberville are laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Democrats. They're saying Dem's are too scared of their own progressive base to compromise. Ouch!

The Voice of Yellowhammer

Keep an eye on Dale Jackson from Yellowhammer News, he's got the inside scoop. You can catch him weekdays on WVNN from 5-9 a.m.

Montgomery Tragedy: A Call for Action

Alabama's heart aches this week following the devastating shooting in downtown Montgomery. A weekend meant for football and fellowship turned into a nightmare for families ripped apart by senseless violence. As a dad and an Alabamian, my heart breaks with them. We can't let this become the norm.

When Streets Become Battlegrounds

Unsafe streets unravel everything. Businesses shutter, families retreat indoors, and kids grow up in fear, not opportunity. That's not the Alabama I know, and it's not the future we want. Government's fundamental duty? Protecting its people. Right now, some communities are wondering if their leaders are up to the task.

Backing Law and Order

I'm thankful for President Trump's leadership, emphasizing that law and order isn't optional, it's crucial. He's strengthening federal support for local law enforcement and empowering governors to deploy the National Guard when violence escalates, giving states like Alabama the tools we need to restore peace.

Beyond Government: Rebuilding Foundations

But government solutions alone won't heal our state. We need to return to the values that built Alabama: faith in God, respect for authority, and love for our neighbor. Rebuild those foundations, and our streets will be safer, our communities stronger. Programs are important, but they can't replace the moral compass that comes from faith and family.

Standing With Law Enforcement

We must stand firmly with our police officers and deputies who risk their lives daily. They deserve respect and the knowledge that their elected officials have their backs.

Justice, Not Revolving Doors

When violent criminals terrorize our communities, they must face swift justice – not lenient penalties.

A Safe Alabama for All

We owe it to every Alabamian, from Montgomery to every corner of the state, to ensure their neighborhoods are safe and their children can grow up free from violence.

I'll continue working with President Trump, our Governor, and local leaders to restore law and order. Alabama families deserve to live in communities where they feel safe, not scared to leave their homes.

Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. He is a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.