Alabama

Alabama-based content creator reacts to possible TikTok ban

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2025

Alabama-based content creator reacts to possible TikTok ban

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Some social media users are bracing for a possible ban on the popular social media app TikTok.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to ban the social media platform by Jan. 19 if the Chinese-owned company does not sell the platform due to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

It’s a dilemma between free speech and national security.

“Many of the content creators on TikTok are Americans, so they are protected under the First Amendment, and it was also argued that TikTok could be seen as a public forum, and Americans have freedom of speech in a public forum,” Troy University Assistant Professor of journalism and communications Dr. Stefanie East said.

Montgomery-raised content creator Funmi Ford says this ban could affect many Americans financially, not only content creators, but also small business owners.

“There are entrepreneurs that have used TikTok not only to get income but to get new clients,” Ford said. “There’s so many people that use this app to feed their families that I think it’s going to be really hard for them.”

TikTok has provided Ford with a way to share her culture from Accra Ghana and interact with other cultures. She fears without this social media platform, it may be more difficult to make those global connections.

“I feel like TikTok is one of the few places, because it’s video and it’s short form, you got to digest a lot of information, whether good or bad, that either widened your horizon, made you think differently, made you want to travel,” said Ford. “So with it possibly being banned, which we hope it’s not, it’s going to close a window to somebody else’s life, a window to another part of the world that you would not see otherwise.”

TikTok, as well as some of its users, have sued to block the U.S. ban contending that it violates First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court is now faced with the decision between those claims and Congress’ concern the Chinese government may have influence over the social media platform.

President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief at the Supreme Court asking justices to temporarily block the law so he can “pursue a political resolution” once he takes office.

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Alabama

Alabama Completes Buzz Classic Sweep By Winning Saturday Double Header

Published

3 hours ago

February 8, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Completes Buzz Classic Sweep By Winning Saturday Double Header

Alabama softball (5-0) got the season started on the right foot, finishing the Buzz Classic in Atlanta with two victories on Saturday. The Crimson Tide hit six home runs on the afternoon from six different players, bringing their season total to 18, and struck out 17 opposing batters from the circle with four different pitchers.

The Crimson Tide overcame shaky starts from freshman pitchers Kaitlyn Pallozzi and Vic Moten, but both hung tough, settled in and gave Alabama strong outings in their first weekend in college softball.

Game 1: Alabama 9, Villanova 3

The Villanova Wildcats took advantage of two hit batters, a wild pitch, and a single to jump out to a 2-0 lead, but it was short-lived as Alabama’s Abby Duchscherer hit a game-tying two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning. Alabama starting pitcher Kaityln Pallozzi gave up a single and a double as the Wildcats retook a 3-2 lead in the third inning, but the Crimson Tide answered once again as Marlie Giles and Ana Roman hit back-to-back home runs for a 6-3 lead.

Alabama star pitcher Jocelyn Briski entered the game for her first action of the season in the fourth inning and went four scoreless innings without allowing a single hit. Briski struck out seven batters and allowed her only base runner by hitting Maddie Burrows in the fifth inning.

Salen Hawkins sacrifice flied in the fourth inning, for a run, and Audrey Vandagriff smacked the team’s fourth home run of the day with a two-run bomb in the sixth to settle the score at 9-3.

The Crimson Tide is up to 16 home runs in its first four games of the 2026 season with freshman Ana Roman leading the team with three.

Game 2: Alabama 7, Georgia Tech 2

The Crimson Tide capped off the weekend with a fifth straight victory to open the year. Junior infielder Salen Hawkins stole the show in the Crimson Tide’s second game as she went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBI and a home run (3).

Alabama opened the game with a Hawkins single and an Alexis Pupillo double to give the Crimson Tide a lead in the top of the first inning. Georgia Tech responded in the home half of the first with back-to-back solo home runs by Jayden Gailey and Gracyn Tucker off freshman starting pitcher Vic Moten. Moten responded with five shutout innings and ended with six strikeouts, five hits allowed and three walks in her third collegiate appearance.

Hawkins stepped to the plate in the third inning and smashed a two-run blast to left field, scoring Audrey Vandagriff and giving the Crimson Tide a 3-2 lead. Jena Young stepped to the plate in the fourth inning and hit a two-run blast, scoring Mari Hubbard, for her first home run of the season. Young notched her third RBI of the game in the sixth inning, scoring Larissa Preuitt with a double. Lauren Johnson tripled, scoring Young to wrap up the scoring and start the season undefeated.

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Alabama

Geneva’s Kiera Howell, 16, auditions for ‘American Idol’ season 24

Published

15 hours ago

February 7, 2026

Press Room

Geneva’s Kiera Howell, 16, auditions for ‘American Idol’ season 24

Kiera Howell, a 16-year-old from Geneva, Alabama, will be featured on an upcoming episode of “American Idol.”
Howell has been singing since she was young and performs a wide variety of musical genres.
The “American Idol” experience has helped the high school student grow in confidence.
A public watch party will be held in Geneva for her audition episode.

Kiera Howell of Geneva, Alabama, has been a singer since she could speak. When she turned 16, Howell decided to put her voice and confidence to the test.

She must be doing something right because the nation will get to watch her audition for season 24 of ABC’s “American Idol” when the Feb. 9 episode airs.

“I’ve been watching ‘American Idol’ since I was a little baby, since I could comprehend it,” said Howell. “It’s always been a dream of mine. I just didn’t know when the time was right. I turned 16, which is in the age limit, and I was like, ‘You know what? I might as well go for it.’ “

It was thrilling but being on the show wasn’t an easy experience. Still, Howell can’t wait for everyone to see her performance. Since she made it to the audition, one phrase has been going through her head.

“Whatever happens is in God’s hands,” she said. “I can’t complain about anything. It’s all just amazing, and being here is definitely in God’s plans.”

Home life for Howell in Geneva

Howell attends Geneva High School, and has a large family. Along with her mom, dad, sister and half-brother, Howell said she’s got a “bunch of grandparents and a bunch of cousins.”

Did Howell ever do home concerts for them when she was little?

“All the time,” she said. “I used to sing in our living room, and the TV would have karaoke in the back. I would never stop.”

For now, Howell said that she doesn’t have favor one particular musical genre.

“I literally do everything,” Howell said of her music style. “I’m so indecisive, I can never make a choice. I do anything from Journey to Adele, Lauren Daigle, to a little bit of Carrie Underwood, the Beatles. I’m indecisive.”

One thing Howell recently had to make her mind up about was being in the school band program, which she’d been a part of for years.

“This past year, I actually had to drop out of band,” she said. “My schedule is so full … Honestly, it was best for me to take one thing off of my plate.”

Teen singer is growing in confidence

Being a part of “American Idol” has improved her artistry, she said.

“It’s given me confidence,” Howell said. “It was a hard thing to audition in the first place. When I got there, I was terrified. I was really scared. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

The experience has also helped in areas outside of singing.

“I used to be afraid of posting to my social media account, but honestly I’ve become a lot more comfortable after meeting all these people who post all the time,” Howell said.

Not the only Alabamian on the episode

Howell will have a little bit of Alabama with her on the Feb. 9 episode: 25-year-old Montgomery artist Trew TheStar will also be auditioning.

“I am so excited. I got to meet Trew in our audition, and he is the nicest person,” Howell said. “I’m excited to watch his audition, because I didn’t get to see it. I can’t wait to see everything.”

Watch party in Geneva

Geneva will be gathering for a watch party for Monday’s episode at the Vintage Room, 512 S. Commerce St. It starts at 6:30 p.m., a half hour ahead of the 2-hour episode.

“It’s an open invite,” Howell said. “Anybody who wants to come is more than welcome to come.”

Come hungry. A food truck will be on site, Howell said.

“I can’t wait for everybody to come on down,” she said.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com. To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

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Alabama

Alabama Retail PAC announces 2026 endorsements up and down the ticket

Published

1 day ago

February 7, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Retail PAC announces 2026 endorsements up and down the ticket

The Alabama Retail PAC, the political action committee affiliated with the Alabama Retail Association, has announced its endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing candidates for statewide, judicial, legislative, and constitutional offices across Alabama.

According to the organization, its endorsements focus on candidates it believes understand the role retail plays in Alabama’s economy and support a pro-business climate.

“Retail is the heartbeat of Alabama’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of Alabamians and serving every community,” said Melissa Cross, chairman of the Alabama Retail Association. “We are proud to endorse candidates who recognize this vital contribution and will give retailers’ interests a fair hearing.”

Constitutional office endorsements include:

Tommy Tuberville — Governor (R-Auburn)
Wes Allen — Lt. Governor (R-Troy)
Caroleene Dobson — Secretary of State (R-Montgomery)
Young Boozer — State Treasurer (R-Montgomery)
Derek Chen — State Auditor (R-Montgomery)
Jack Williams — Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries (R-Wilmer)

Judicial endorsements include:

Justice Brad Mendheim — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 7 (R-Dothan)
Judge Greg Shaw — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 8 (R-Vestavia Hills)
Judge Ben Bowden — Court of Civil Appeals, Place 4 (R-Montgomery)
Judge Matt Fridy — Court of Civil Appeals, Place 5 (R-Montevallo)
Judge Mary Windom — Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4 (R-Mobile)
Judge Beth Kellum — Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 (R-Dothan)

State Senate endorsements include:

Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman)
Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence)
Sen. John Roberts (R-Mountain Brook)
Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur)
Sen. Matt Woods (R-Jasper)
Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia)
Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville)
Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro)
Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab)
Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre)
Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City)
Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston)
Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika)
Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield)
Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook)
Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills)
Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville)
Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham)
Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham)
Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison (D-Birmingham)
Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa)
Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Range)
Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma)
Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro)
Sen. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery)
Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road)
Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn)
Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Clayton)
Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva)
Sen. Clyde Chambliss Jr. (R-Prattville)
Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino)
Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine)
Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile)
Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay)

House endorsements include:

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville)
Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Killen)
Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont)
Rep. Kerry “Bubba” Underwood (R-Tuscumbia)
Rep. Parker Moore (R-Hartselle)
Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens)
Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest)
Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle)
Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Huntsville)
Rep. Heath Allbright (R-Huntsville)
Rep. Cindy Myrex (R-Cullman)
Rep. Greg Barnes (R-Rogersville)
Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley)
Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena)
Rep. Bryan Brinyark (R-Northport)
Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville)
Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville)
Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville)
Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville)
Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads)
Rep. Mike Kirkland (R-Scottsboro)
Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville)
Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville)
Rep. Jeana Ross (R-Guntersville)
Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City)
Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff)
Rep. Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden)
Rep. Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka)
Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga)
Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden)
Rep. Steve Hurst (R-Munford)
Rep. Randy Wood (R-Anniston)
Rep. Kristin Nelson (R-Dothan)
Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg)
Rep. Chad Robertson (R-Heflin)
Rep. Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana)
Rep. Van Smith (R-Clanton)
Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Birmingham)
Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville)
Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover)
Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook)
Rep. Mike Shaw (R-Hoover)
Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills)
Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster)
Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris)
Rep. Kelvin Datcher (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville)
Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Travis Hendrix (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Ontario Tillman (D-Bessemer)
Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham)
Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport)
Rep. Bill Lamb (R-Tuscaloosa)
Rep. Norman Crow (R-Montgomery)
Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley)
Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton)
Rep. Prince Chestnut (D-Selma)
Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville)
Rep. Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville)
Rep. Christopher England (D-Tuscaloosa)
Rep. Artis “A.J.” McCampbell (D-Demopolis)
Rep. Curtis Travis (D-Tuscaloosa)
Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham)
Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Mathews)
Rep. Patrice McClammy (D-Montgomery)
Rep. TaShina Morris (D-Montgomery)
Rep. Kenyatté Hassell (D-Montgomery)
Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn)
Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City)
Rep. Ed Oliver (D-Dadeville)
Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee)
Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika)
Rep. Berry Forte (D-Eufaula)
Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan)
Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan)
Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R-Hartford)
Rep. Jerry Starnes (R-Prattville)
Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy)
Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville)
Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dothan)
Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark)
Rep. Jennifer Fidler (R-Fairhope)
Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley)
Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne)
Rep. Adline Clarke (D-Mobile)
Rep. Napoleon Bracy Jr. (D-Mobile)
Rep. Sam Jones (D-Mobile)
Rep. Mark Shirey (R-Mobile)
Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile)
Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle)
Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile)
Rep. Margie Wilcox (R-Mobile)
Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollingers Island)

“These candidates are familiar with the challenges facing Alabama’s retail industry and the broader business community,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “These candidates know that when retail succeeds, communities thrive.”

The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers statewide and advocates on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].

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