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Small-town politics, Mike Gurspan, Rick & Bubba: Down in Alabama

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Small-town politics, Mike Gurspan, Rick & Bubba: Down in Alabama


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More Tarrant turmoil

Tarrant politics are something else, folks.

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Since Mayor Wayman Newton came into office in the small town north of Birmingham, there has been friction between him and members of the city council. One time to the point where, after a contentious meeting about Newton’s firing of the fire chief, Councilman Tommy Bryant punched Newton. He was found innocent at trial because the punch was in retaliation to what Newton had just said about the councilman’s wife.

The punching episode happened in November 2022, but it has to come up as background in any “Tarrant politics are something else” stories.

This week, Mayor Newton has suspended police chief Wendell Major for the third time, reports AL.com’s Joseph D. Bryant.

The mayor is accusing the chief of professional misconduct such as downgrading serious offenses and soliciting outside work as an attorney.

Both the mayor and the chief are lawyers, by the way. Chief Major said he will appeal the suspension, which is unpaid. In the past, the council has ultimately overruled the mayor and returned Major to work.

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Passing of a news veteran

Newsman Mike Gurspan has passed away only around two months after being diagnosed with brain cancer, reports AL.com’s Howard Koplowitz.

Gurspan spent more than 30 years reporting and anchoring news and sports in the Wiregrass area, since 2018 at WDHN in Dothan and before that at WTVY in Dothan. During that time he’s covered stories such as the ‘94 Elba floods, the deadly ‘07 tornado at Enterprise High School and the McLendon murder spree in Geneva County.

In the late ‘80s, early ‘90s you might’ve got your news from him during stints at the two Panama City TV stations.

Gurspan had the work ethic to match his experience.

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“He would start reporting at 9 in the morning, then make his way to the station by noon, put together his stories in the afternoon, then anchor the evening newscasts,” WDHN News Director Glen Horn said. “He talked about slowing down, but never could. He absolutely loved this business.”

Mike Gurspan was 66 years old.

Radio duo will stay in it one more year …

The guys on “The Rick & Bubba Show” have announced that program will finish its long run on radio at the end of the year, reports AL.com’s Mary Colurso.

Hosts Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey have been doing the show for 30 years. They’re syndicated nationally and based at Birmingham’s WZZK-FM. Bussey said they’re healthy and remain friends. He did say doing the show a few more years would’ve been nice in some ways, but “we don’t always get to pick how things end.” Burgess said ending the show after another year seemed like their best option.

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But they’re on through December, and the show’s not going out with a whimper. They’re still on more than 60 radio stations in 18 states. And, of course, these days you add podcast and YouTube numbers to that.

The radio show airs on weekday mornings.

… and recent Alabama-celebrity exits have people nervous about someone else

With Nick Saban having retired and Rick & Bubba ending their radio show, Alabamians are reaching out to check on meteorologist James Spann’s plans for the near future.

Because that could lead to way too much change for some folks.

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Spann addressed it on social media: “After this morning’s Rick and Bubba announcement… I’m seeing some social media posts stating that ‘James Spann will be making his retirement announcement later this week.’ That is as far from the truth as it gets. I’m just getting started… I feel better now physically than when I was in my 20s, and my mental cognition is better than ever thanks to being in good physical condition. Some people slow down as they get older… I speed up.”

He can speed up. Just as long as he doesn’t roll up his sleeves too much this spring.

(If you know, you know.)

By the numbers

$98 billion

That’s 2022 economic impact of the Port of Mobile, according to a report from the Alabama Port Authority.

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Born on this date

In 1982 U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Enterprise.

On the calendar

Today is Groundhog Day. So rise and shine, campers, and let me know if that big rat predicts anything useful — such as the spring pompano run.

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Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

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Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine


As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

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Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a likeFollow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions



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Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

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Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran


Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

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“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

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“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

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“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”



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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28

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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28


Labaron Philon’s No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-7, 11-4 SEC) hit the road to match up with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers (20-8, 10-5 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET.

We have more details below, including how to watch this matchup on ESPN.

Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s college hoops action.

Tennessee vs. Alabama: How to watch on TV or live stream

  • Game day: Saturday, February 28, 2026
  • Game time: 6 p.m. ET
  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

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Tennessee vs. Alabama stats and trends

  • Tennessee ranks 78th in the nation with 80.5 points per game so far this year. At the other end, it ranks 62nd with 69.1 points allowed per contest.
  • The Volunteers are thriving when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (39.9 per game) and second-best in rebounds allowed (25.9 per contest).
  • So far this season, Tennessee ranks 30th in college basketball in assists, averaging 17.1 per game.
  • With 11.8 turnovers per game, the Volunteers are 257th in the country. They force 10.7 turnovers per contest, which ranks 224th in college basketball.
  • This season, Tennessee is making 6.9 threes per game (271st-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.7% (139th-ranked) from three-point land.
  • With a 30.2% three-point percentage allowed this season, the Volunteers are 22nd-best in the country. They rank 182nd in college basketball by giving up 7.8 three-pointers per contest.
  • Tennessee has taken 67.3% two-pointers and 32.7% three-pointers this year. Of the team’s buckets, 75.8% are two-pointers and 24.2% are three-pointers.

Tennessee vs. Alabama Odds and Spread

  • Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-4.5)
  • Moneyline: Tennessee (-222), Alabama (+179)
  • Total: 164.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 4:11 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.



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