Alabama Game Wardens Face Trespassing Lawsuit!

Looks like some serious drama is brewing in Northwest Alabama! Three locals are battling the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) over accusations of warrantless entry onto private land.

The Heart of the Matter

Dalton Boley and Regina Williams from Killen, plus Dale Liles from Muscle Shoals, teamed up with the Institute for Justice to file a lawsuit back in May. They're claiming DCNR game wardens have been repeatedly crossing onto their property without permission. These residents say the law allowing game wardens to "enter upon any land…in the performance of their duty" flies in the face of the Alabama Constitution. They're even seeking nominal damages – a symbolic $1 per alleged trespass! Oh, and nobody's been charged with any hunting violations.

DCNR Strikes Back

But wait, there's more! DCNR officials aren't backing down. They've filed a motion to dismiss the whole thing, arguing that the plaintiffs don't have a leg to stand on.

The Open-Fields Doctrine

According to court docs, DCNR's lawyers are leaning hard on something called the "open-fields doctrine." Basically, they're saying that long-standing legal precedent allows game wardens to enter open land without stepping on anyone's constitutional rights. Plus, they're arguing that the officers are entitled to immunity under state law and were just doing their jobs. They reckon that because the plaintiffs can't reasonably expect privacy in open fields, and because the officers had legal backing, the lawsuit should be thrown out.

What's Next?

A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for August 27 in Lauderdale County Circuit Court. Stay tuned – this one's sure to get interesting!

Faith and School: A New Proposal in Alabama

Get ready for a potential shake-up in Alabama schools! State Senator Shay Shelnutt is pushing for a change that could give students elective credit for attending private religious instruction during school hours.

The "Alabama Released Time Credit Act"

This isn't just talk – Senate Bill 4, aka the "Alabama Released Time Credit Act," is already on the books for the 2026 session. Filed back in May, it's officially slated for Senate review in January. Will it pass? The Senate Education Policy Committee will be the judge of that!

What's the Deal Now?

Currently, Alabama schools can offer elective credit for religious instruction, but it's up to each local school board. Shelnutt's bill would make it a requirement, giving every district the option to tailor the policy to their own needs.

The Nitty-Gritty

So, what does "released time" actually mean? It's time carved out during the school day for a student to attend religious classes off-campus, run by a private organization. Parents have to sign off, and the private group handles attendance, liability, and transportation. Schools can't use public funds (beyond minimal admin costs) or let students skip core subjects.

Earning Credit

Students could potentially earn elective credit equivalent to a regular elective course. The State Board of Education will set the attendance standards. And, importantly, released-time counts as part of the official school day!

What About Existing Programs?

Districts that already have released-time policies can keep them (or tweak them) as long as they align with the new rules. The clock starts ticking July 1, 2026!

Mobile's New Airport Terminal: Get Ready to Fly in Fall 2026!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! The Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) just dropped some news about the shiny new terminal at Mobile International Airport (BFM). Mark your calendars – we're looking at a grand opening in Fall 2026, with the inaugural flight taking off hopefully by November! This slight schedule tweak ensures the project stays right on track with its $381 million budget.

On Budget and on Point

MAA bigwigs are super focused on delivering a top-notch terminal without breaking the bank – a smart investment that will benefit Mobile and Baldwin Counties for years to come.

"We were really pushing for a super-fast timeline," said MAA Chairman Luckett Robinson. "We had to decide what was more important, staying on budget or being perfectly on time. We decided that keeping to the budget was the biggest deal."

Construction Continues Full Steam Ahead

Construction is still humming along, with the terminal expected to be mostly done by September 2026. The massive 1,250-space parking garage and fancy elevated roadway should be ready by March 2026, with the rest of the area wrapping up before the final touches inside.

More Than Just a Building

This terminal is designed to meet all the international standards, which means better deals on flights, more direct routes, a boost in tourism, and tons of new business opportunities for our region. Remember, construction kicked off in 2022 to bring commercial airline services closer to downtown Mobile, making travel way more convenient.

Smart Choices for the Future

To keep things financially sound, the team made some smart adjustments to the original plans, like tweaking the number of cameras and some of the interior finishes.

"It's an exciting time," said Robinson. "We're confident the terminal will be a huge success, offering an awesome gateway for business and leisure travelers."

Ready for Takeoff

The terminal will start with five gates, but it can easily expand to twelve as we grow. When it opens, Delta, United, and American Airlines will be moving their operations from Mobile Regional Airport to this awesome new facility. Get ready to fly, ChumCity!

Valley's Own Debbie Wood Announces Retirement!

Big news out of Valley! State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) recently revealed she's hanging up her hat in the Alabama House of Representatives. The announcement came during a Chambers County Commission meeting - a meaningful spot, considering it's where she first broke ground as the Commission's first female chair!

A Sentimental Goodbye

Word is, things got a bit emotional as Wood shared her decision. She explained how her husband's new job down in Pensacola meant they'd been spending too much time apart during the legislative session. Family first! After 35 years of marriage, she just wasn't willing to sacrifice that precious time any longer. "It has been an honor," she said, visibly moved.

A Legacy of Service

Wood's political journey began back in 2002 on the Commission, where she served for 16 years before heading to the state legislature. She's known for being a champion of family-friendly policies. Remember her push for paid parental leave for teachers and state employees? That was her! Plus, she worked to ensure families could visit loved ones in hospitals during health emergencies. She always stood up for what she believed was best for her district.

What's Next?

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter praised Wood's dedication, calling her a "tireless advocate." Wood, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the House County and Municipal Government Committee, will officially step down on July 31st. Expect Governor Ivey to call a special election to fill the void.

The Race is On!

The buzz is already building for the upcoming regular election! Kristin Nelson of Lanett and Micah Messer of Smiths Station have already thrown their hats in the ring.

ChumCity News Flash!

Senator Tom Butler Calls It Quits!

After years in the political arena, Alabama State Senator Tom Butler (R-Madison) is hanging up his hat in 2026. That's a wrap on a truly epic, multi-party run!

Homewood Shooting Sparks Heated Debate!

The tragic death of Jabari Peoples in a police shooting has ignited a political firestorm. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), the brains behind Alabama's body cam law, is clashing with the family's lawyer over transparency and alleged threats. Ouch!

UAW Sets Sights on Huntsville!

The United Auto Workers are revving up for a unionization vote at a Huntsville powertrain plant. Can they break through in the South after a recent Alabama setback? Stay tuned!

Trump Gets a Nobel Surprise!

Remember that time Benjamin Netanyahu formally nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize? Yeah, that happened at a White House pow-wow where Trump wondered aloud if a two-state solution was even realistic. Wild!

Alabama Mourns Texas Flood Victims!

Alabama hearts are heavy after the devastating Texas floods. We're mourning the loss of a precious eight-year-old from Mountain Brook and holding hope for the missing Mobile family. One member was rescued!

Senator Elliott Cracks Down on Immigration!

State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) is pushing for tougher state and federal laws to make it harder for undocumented immigrants to find work in Alabama. Get ready for some policy changes!

Tuberville Takes on Los Angeles!

Governor-elect Coach Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is throwing shade at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for opposing a federal immigration raid. He claims she's putting criminals before citizens. Touchdown for controversy!

Dale Jackson's Take

Want more fiery takes? Check out Dale Jackson, the thought leader from Yellowhammer News, weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

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