Fin-tastic Catch! Black Belt Kid Reels in Photo Contest Win!

Nine-year-old Fin Rittenberry, a true local legend from Sweet Water School in the heart of Alabama's Black Belt, has snagged the top prize in the Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association's (ALBBAA) 2025 Best Fish Photo Contest!

"Fishing Fin" Strikes Gold!

This fourth grader, known as "Fishing Fin" to his adoring family, has become famous for his deep love of fishing. According to his grandfather, Ricky Ault, "He'd fish 24/7 if we'd let him!"

The Winning Moment

Fin's mom, Lauren Ault, captured the winning shot during a July fishing trip at a family friend’s pond in Clarke County's Tallahatta Springs community. The instant they arrived, Fin was all in, casting his line like a pro.

A Natural Angler

"As soon as we stopped, Fin was out of the car with a pole in his hand," Ricky Ault explained. "He doesn't waste any time when he goes fishing, and he's pretty good at picking the right spots where the bass will be."

Memories Made

For Fin, the memory is etched in pure joy: "I had a lot of fun, and it put up a big fight!"

Victory!

His photo hooked over 1,000 online votes, landing him a sweet $100 gift card.

Celebrating Outdoor Adventures

The photo contest celebrates the amazing fishing spots in the Black Belt and encourages anglers of all ages to enjoy them!

A Word From ALBBAA

"We are so fortunate in the Black Belt to have countless lakes, streams, and rivers to fish," said Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association. "Outdoor recreation is available to people of all ages.”

Exploring Alabama's Black Belt

The Alabama Black Belt region spans 23 counties between the Appalachian Foothills and the Coastal Plain.

Sweet Sippin' Weather, Chumsters!

Mornin' folks! Feeling that crisp air? Some spots in Alabama are rockin' the 40s this AM, but most of us are chillin' in the 50s. Get ready for a serious warm-up though! Sunny skies mean we're headin' for the low to mid 80s this afternoon. And guess what? This dry, delightful weather is stickin' around all week! Highs in the 80s, lows mostly in the 50s. Ahhh, perfect!

Weekend Forecast: Rain is a' Comin'!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! Moisture's movin' in Saturday, but most of us should stay dry with temps hangin' around 80. Keep an eye out for a few isolated showers in the southwest corner of the state Saturday afternoon. Then, BOOM! Saturday night and Sunday, expect showers and thunderstorms statewide ahead of a cold front. We're talkin' about half an inch of rain for most, maybe an inch in a few spots. Won't end the drought, but it's a start, right?

And after the rain? Cooler, drier air swoops in! Looks like smooth sailin' weather-wise for the first half of next week. But word on the street (from the global models, that is) is we might see another chance of rain by Friday, October 24th.

Tropical Tidbits:

Tropical Storm Lorenzo's churnin' in the Atlantic, way out there about 1090 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Winds are at 45 mph, movin' northwest at 17 mph. Looks like it'll stay below hurricane strength and veer north into the open ocean. No worries for us!

The rest of the Atlantic's chillin' – no tropical storms or hurricanes expected in the Gulf for at least the next 7-10 days. Phew!

Weather History Flashback!

October 15, 1954:

Hurricane Hazel tore through the Bahamas with 100 mph winds! It strengthened even more, making landfall on the North Carolina/South Carolina border as a Category 4 hurricane. Whoa!

October 15, 2006:

An early season lake effect snowstorm buried Buffalo, New York! Downtown got a whopping 15 inches, while Depew and Alden saw a crazy 24 inches! Talk about an October surprise!

Tide Roll Over Missouri in Thrilling Road Victory!

The Alabama Crimson Tide just snagged another HUGE win, this time on the road against the #14 Missouri Tigers! Plenty of folks were betting on a Missouri victory, but Coach DeBoer and the Tide had other plans.

Early Morning Mayhem in Missouri

Facing a tough team in an 110 a.m. kickoff in front of a roaring crowd presented a serious challenge. But the Tide weathered the storm and left Columbia with a nail-biting 27-24 victory!

Bama Answers Mizzou's Early Punch

Missouri came out swinging, scoring in under three minutes on their opening drive. The Tigers' ground game was as advertised, but Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense responded in kind. A fantastic 11-play drive ended with a touchdown pass to Kevin Riley, and the Tide were off and running.

Simpson Shines, Defense Delivers

Following a defensive stop, Simpson launched a beauty to Isaiah Horton in the back of the end zone, giving Alabama the lead. The teams traded field goals to close out the half, with Bama heading to the locker room up 17-10. A Simpson fumble to start the second half allowed Missouri to tie the game, but the drama was just getting started.

Fourth Down Heroics Seal the Deal

The Tide reclaimed the lead with a field goal, but a missed kick kept the game close. Then, on 4th and 8, DeBoer kept the offense on the field and Simpson connected with Lotzeir Brooks for a clutch 29-yard gain! He followed that up with a TD pass to Daniel Hill, again on fourth down, for what proved to be the game-winning score. A late interception by true freshman Dijon Lee iced the game.

Stats and Next Up

Simpson finished with 200 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Jam Miller led the rushing attack with 85 yards before exiting with a concussion. Lotzeir Brooks led all receivers with 58 yards.

Next up? A revenge game against Tennessee in the Third Saturday in October next Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium!

Trump Hails "New Beginning" After Hostage Release

President Trump addressed the Knesset earlier today, celebrating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. In a landmark exchange, 20 hostages held in Gaza for over two years were freed and reunited with their families. In return, nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, some convicted terrorists, were released. Trump declared it a "new beginning" and a "historic dawn" for the Middle East.

Montgomery Shooting: Juvenile Charged

In the wake of the horrific mass shooting in Montgomery, a male juvenile faces serious charges. He's been slapped with capital murder, nine counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of second-degree assault. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate more arrests are on the horizon.

Alabama Cops as "Mini-Immigration Officers"?

Looks like some Alabama law enforcement agencies are stepping up their involvement with ICE. They're now participating in the 287(g) program, effectively acting as "mini-immigration officers," according to reports. This collaboration is resulting in more undocumented immigrants being detained across the state.

Military Paychecks in Jeopardy?

With the government shutdown dragging on, President Trump has reportedly tasked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with ensuring military service members get paid. Hegseth says they'll redirect research and development funds to make it happen this Wednesday. But with failed Senate votes, federal worker layoffs, and disrupted services already plaguing the country, it's a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Britt Blasts Dems Amid Shutdown & Protests

U.S. Senator Katie Britt is laying blame at the feet of Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, for the ongoing government shutdown. She suggests they might be deliberately prolonging it to coincide with the nationwide "No Kings" protests. These protests are slated to take place in several Alabama cities, including Florence, Fairhope, Guntersville, Huntsville, and Auburn, among others.

Alabama's Population Boom!

Alabama's got some new residents! The state's population jumped by 49,231 in 2024, bringing the total to 5.16 million. Madison and Baldwin counties saw the biggest growth, fueled by folks moving in from other states and international migrants. Interestingly, the growth happened despite more deaths than births!

Trump: Trade War? No Biggie!

President Trump is playing it cool when it comes to potential trade war drama with China. Despite his own talk of slapping 100% tariffs on Chinese goods after China's rare earth mineral restrictions, he's assuring everyone that "it will all be fine." Time will tell!

Dawgs Dominate Tigers Again: 8-Straight Win!

The Georgia Bulldogs clawed their way to a 20-10 victory over the Auburn Tigers, marking their eighth consecutive win in the rivalry. Jordan-Hare Stadium was rocking, but it wasn't enough to fuel the Tigers.

An Auburn Uprising, Briefly

Auburn came out swinging, dominating the first quarter. Jackson Arnold capped off a monster drive, plunging into the end zone from two yards out. The Tigers were up 10-0, and the Dawgs looked lost. The Auburn defense was bringing the heat, sacking Gunner Stockton and stifling the Georgia offense.

Controversy Strikes!

Early in the second, Auburn added a field goal. Then, right before halftime, chaos erupted. Arnold appeared to score a touchdown, but the ball was punched out just as he crossed the plane. Fumble! After a lengthy review, the refs stuck with the call. Georgia got the ball, Auburn went ballistic, and the Dawgs managed a field goal before the half, making it 10-3.

Second-Half Shutdown

Georgia seized momentum in the second half. The Tigers couldn't find the end zone, and Georgia's defense tightened its grip. The Dawgs took the lead with a third-quarter field goal. A late rushing touchdown by Stockton, capping off a grueling 16-play drive, sealed the deal.

Stats and What's Next

Arnold went 19-31 for 137 yards and led the team in rushing with 55 yards and a TD. Stockton also led Georgia in rushing, but with a measly 29 yards in a defensive game. Auburn now faces Missouri at home, desperate for Freeze's first SEC win.

Ivey Touts Southern Auto Boom at Southern Automotive Conference

Governor Kay Ivey pumped up the crowd at the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC) last week, declaring that the auto industry is roaring ahead in the South, fueling both economic growth and job creation!

"Made in the South" is More Than Just Words

Ivey, referencing the conference's catchy "Made in the South" slogan, emphasized that Southern cities are proving to be the prime real estate for industrial expansion, especially in the automotive sector.

Alabama: More Than Just Rockets

The three-day SAC, which rotates between Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, showcased the Southern auto industry's leadership in innovation and transformation. Ivey welcomed everyone to Alabama's "Rocket City," reminding them that Huntsville is also a key automotive hub.

Huntsville: Space Tech and Auto Ace

She highlighted Huntsville's success in both space technology AND automotive manufacturing, mentioning the Mazda-Toyota joint venture and Toyota's massive engine-producing factory. "Whether it's engineering space vehicles or cutting-edge cars, Alabama is proud to be part of the South's auto manufacturing revolution!" Ivey exclaimed.

Alabama's Auto Industry: A Powerhouse

Ivey celebrated the scale of the industry in Alabama, where five global automakers have poured over $15 billion into state-of-the-art facilities. These operations have churned out more than 15 million vehicles, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce!

Impressive Numbers

Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, and Mazda-Toyota plants boast a combined annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles, and the sector supports over 53,000 direct jobs statewide.

From Textiles to Tailfins

Ivey noted Alabama's rapid rise in the auto world. "Twenty-eight years ago, the first Alabama-built car rolled off the assembly line near Tuscaloosa," she said. "Back then, we were just emerging as an auto manufacturing state. Thirty years ago, textiles dominated our economy. Now, auto manufacturing underpins Alabama's economy!"

Building Momentum

Ivey added that Alabama's support system for the auto industry is only gaining speed, with state agencies, universities, and community colleges teaming up with manufacturers to drive expansion.

SAC Highlights

Last week's SAC featured a panel of representatives from Alabama automakers and a presentation on the future of electric vehicles. Other events included an innovation pitch competition and a session on collaboration between the automotive and aerospace industries, with experts from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Thursday included sessions led by Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce, and a panel discussion on "Reinventing Work."

Blazers Part Ways with Dilfer

The UAB Blazers are shaking things up! In a move that's got Blazer Nation buzzing, Head Coach Trent Dilfer has been shown the door, just six games into his third season.

Disappointing Tenure

Let's be honest, things haven't exactly been rosy. After a 4-8 record in 2023 and a 3-9 showing last year, fans were already calling for a change. Dilfer got another shot, but the leash was clearly short.

Enough is Enough

Following a tough loss to Florida Atlantic, the UAB administration decided to pull the trigger. "We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer," announced UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "Our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program."

Interim Coach Named

Offensive coordinator Alex Mortenson will be stepping up to the plate as interim head coach.

Looking Ahead

Ingram thanked Dilfer for his contributions, noting that his players will be better people for having played for him. The big question now: what's next for UAB? Dilfer never quite won over the fanbase, and this next hire is absolutely crucial. UAB has proven it can be a winning program with the right leader at the helm, making this a pivotal moment for the Blazers.

Big Changes at Vulcan Materials!

Alabama's own Fortune 500 giant, Vulcan Materials, is shaking things up! Get ready for a leadership transition happening January 1, 2026.

From COO to CEO: Ronnie Pruitt Takes the Reins

Current Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Pruitt is stepping up to the big chair as Chief Executive Officer. Tom Hill, the current CEO, is moving to Executive Chairman of the Board.

A Smooth Handoff in the Works

Vulcan says Hill and Pruitt have been working side-by-side on strategy, so expect a seamless transition. Hill calls Pruitt "the ideal person" to lead Vulcan's future.

Pruitt's Got the Experience

Pruitt, a building materials vet with 30+ years under his belt, came to Vulcan via the U.S. Concrete acquisition in 2021. He's been COO since 2023 and will also join the board.

"The Vulcan Way"

Pruitt's been instrumental in Vulcan's growth strategy, focused on enhancing their core business and expanding their reach, all while championing "The Vulcan Way."

Board Approval & Gratitude

Lead independent director Grayson Hall calls Pruitt "the right leader" and thanks Hill for his service, saying they'll benefit from his continued guidance as Executive Chairman.

Pruitt's Ready for the Challenge

Pruitt himself is "honored" to lead Vulcan, citing its talent, disciplined approach, and proven strategy. He's excited to build on the foundation laid by Hill and drive value for everyone involved!

Vulcan: An Alabama Success Story

Vulcan, based right here in Birmingham, is the top dog in construction aggregates and one of only two Fortune 500 companies calling Alabama home!

Senator Slams ABC Board Over Warehouse Costs!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) is throwing some serious shade at the Alabama ABC Board. He's accusing them of pulling a fast one on legislators regarding the price tag and funding strategy for their shiny new warehouse and offices.

Did the ABC Board Mislead Lawmakers?

According to Elliott, the board allegedly assured everyone that no fresh funds were required for this project. Hmm, sounds fishy, right?

Could This Spark a Liquor Law Revolution?

Here's where things get interesting. Some lawmakers are already itching to get Alabama out of the liquor business entirely. This whole warehouse kerfuffle could be the perfect ammo to push for that dramatic change. Stay tuned, folks!

What's Next?

Dale Jackson, the brain behind Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN, is likely keeping a close eye on this brewing storm. Will Alabama's liquor landscape be shaken up? Only time will tell!

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Today's Biggest Bombshells:

• 001:11 – Hold the phone! Troy pulls off an INSANE overtime comeback against Texas State!
• 005:27 – Auburn faithful are SEEING RED after that Georgia loss. Ouch!
• 006:30 – Officiating nightmare and a crazy 40-minute delay? Fans are RIOTING.
• 008:17 – Was Kirby Smart's timeout GENIUS or madness? The debate rages on!
• 00:107 – Auburn's flaws EXPOSED in the Georgia showdown. Can they fix it?
• 00:12:23 – Bama squeaks by Missouri with a nail-biting 27-24 victory on the road.
• 00:14:32 – Coaching carousel CRAZY! Franklin, Bray, and Dilfer making headlines.
• 00:15:25 – Auburn won't axe Hugh Freeze mid-season. Is that the right call?
• 00:180 – Penn State FIRES Franklin after a playoff run?! Did NOT see that coming!
• 00:210 – Is Alabama's running game still missing that explosive spark?
• 00:23:33 – Tide climbs to No. 6 in the AP Top 25! Keep an eye on them.
• 00:24:49 – Texas A&M hailed as the SEC's most PHYSICAL team. Bring on the bruises!
• 00:31:55 – Luginbill drops truth bombs: "Franklin's record against the big boys finally caught up."
• 00:35:17 – Indiana vs. Oregon felt like a championship sneak peek!
• 00:37:20 – An Auburn touchdown MISSED by millimeters could have changed EVERYTHING. So close!