Multiple sources have told Yellowhammer News that Anna “Clark” Morris, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, will take over the Special Prosecutions Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
The announcement could be made as soon as Tuesday. Attorney General Steve Marshall accepted the resignation of Deputy Attorney General Matt Hart, who has led the division for years, on Monday morning.
Morris served as the acting U.S. Attorney for Alabama’s middle district last year, in between President Donald Trump firing former USA George Beck in March of 2017 and now-USA Louis Franklin being confirmed that September.
Even with Trey Glenn leaving his post as the EPA’s Region Four administrator, Alabama will still have strong ties to the leader of that office.
According to The Hill, Mary Walker was named by EPA acting administrator Andrew Wheeler to fill the vacant role in an acting capacity after Glenn resigned on Monday following his indictment on ethics charges in Alabama.
Walker is a native of the Yellowhammer State and had been serving as Glenn’s deputy.
The Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine,” a magical prom night experience for people with special needs, is coming to Birmingham.
Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church will serve as one of the nearly 500 churches around the world to host Night to Shine on February 8, 2019.
Night to Shine is an event for people 14 and older with special needs to receive royal treatment. Guests will enter the event on a red carpet filled with a crowd and paparazzi. Once they make it into the building, guests will be able to choose from an array of activities to partake in including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas and limousine rides. They can also choose their corsages and boutonnieres.
"Frontier Airlines will begin direct flights from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport on April 11, the airline announced today. Frontier Airlines will start by offering direct service to Denver, Orlando and Philadelphia from Birmingham. Introductory prices will start at $39."
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are hiring Crimson Tide defensive line coach Karl Dunbar as their defensive line coach, according to a source."
"This gets Dunbar back to the NFL, where the 50-year old had been for most of his coaching career before heading to Alabama in 2016 as the replacement for Bo Davis."
"It will be the fifth NFL team he's worked for after stints as the defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears (2004), Minnesota Vikings (2006-11), New York Jets (2012-14) and Buffalo Bills (2015)."
"At 87, Clint Eastwood is not only trying new things, he’s trying daring new things, and his new film 15:17 to Paris represents one of the most audacious gambits of his career. To dramatize the tale of three Americans who tackled and subdued a heavily armed Islamist terrorist on a train out of Amsterdam in 2015, Eastwood cast the young men, none of whom had professional acting experience, as themselves. It’s a decision with little precedent in the entire history of motion pictures."
Watch live WAAY-TV Election Night coverage — Yellowhammer News’ Dale Jackson, Jeff Poor joined by political scientist Dr. Waymon Burke
(YHN / Jeff Poor)
As Tuesday’s election results come in, watch Yellowhammer News’ Dale Jackson and Jeff Poor, who will be joined by Calhoun Community College’s Dr. Waymon Burke, offer news and analysis.
Not only is control of Congress on the line, but a full slate of state offices as well.
VIDEO: Immigration takes center stage, Democrats think Alabama is terrible, Alabama has its own fake news media problem and more on Guerrilla Politics…
Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and Dr. Waymon Burke take you through this week’s biggest political stories, including:
— Is the issue of illegal immigration a strong one for the president of the United States to close with for the 2018 midterms?
— Who is to blame for the tone of our political debate, President Donald Trump or the media?
— Why can’t Alabama Democrats get away from the “Alabama sucks” campaign strategy?
VIDEO: The “October Surprise” that wasn’t, George Soros dumps money into Alabama, Saudi Arabia creates an international incident and more on Guerrilla Politics…
Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and Dr. Waymon Burke take you through this week’s biggest political stories, including:
— Why is the Maddox campaign trying to win an election by claiming the Governor is sick?
— Why did George Soros dump $200,000 into Alabama elections?
— What in the world was Saudi Arabia thinking when they approved the killing of a U.S.-based journalist?
Joann Bashinsky has had one of the biggest hearts in Alabama, but most just know her as “Mama B.”
Her long history of being one of the state’s most generous philanthropists has been documented by Yellowhammer News before, and now she and the folks with the Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch are at it again.
On September 25, they unveiled a brand new boutique store made to look like a castle, which Bashinsky calls the “granddaddy of them all.”
Big Oak Ranch is an Alabama-based “Christian home for children needing a chance,” founded 44 years ago by John Croyle. Over 2,000 children have called Big Oak home, and the organization takes no state or federal money. Therefore, it relies solely upon the generosity of individuals like Bashinsky.
In 2006, she began personally planning and designing a boutique for the girls at the home, so that they could shop for clothing, make-up and accessories just like any other young child. In a short matter of time, the old Big Oak warehouse was revamped and converted into a shop.
“There’s not a place in Birmingham that you can find anything like it. It has everything: clothes, makeup, shoes, records, you name it,” she said.
The original store even includes a section for even younger girls, known as “Boutique Too.”
But there is a catch – the girls do not just get to go into the store just because they are a Big Oak resident. Bashinsky instituted a points system, wherein the children had to acquire points from good grades, good deeds and memorizing Bible verses to make their purchases with.
After the opening of the girls boutique, the boys immediately wanted one for themselves, so Bashinsky got right back to work. The boys got their own shop, which is called “Outfitters” and designed in the style of a Bass Pro Shop. There, the kids can use their points to buy toys, games and even outdoor items like Kayak boats.
Now, the new boutique is ready to shine.
Watch:
“This is the third boutique, and this is the grandaddy of them all, because I don’t think I’ll be here to build any more,” Bashinsky said.
She added, with a laugh, “I don’t mean I’ll be dead, I just won’t be building.”
Once a month Mama B and the Auxiliary open the boutique so the girls can come and spend their points on everything from shoes and clothes to toys and everything in between — really anything girls could want, the new store has it.
Brodie Croyle, the founder’s son and now Big Oak’s executive director himself, told Yellowhammer News that he is “very excited” about the new boutique and “pumped up” for the girls that will get to enjoy it.
“How it works is our girls earn points by getting good grades, doing chores, helping Mama with stuff that maybe she didn’t ask them to do, come in here learning bible verses, or doing the different things they have to do to earn these points,” Croyle said. “There is never money that swaps hands in here.”
This system teaches the girls that you only buy what you can afford, that you must earn the privilege of having it, and how to budget and save money.
Croyle praised the beloved Bashinsky for her longtime, genuine love of the kids at Big Oak.
“She’s been around so long, and she’s been a part of our family – and I don’t say that lightly – for such a long time,” he emphasized. “This is her heart, this is what she loves and she loves our kids just like she loves her own.”
Many people have supported Big Oak Ranch in various ways since it was founded in 1974, yet Mama B has reached a legendary stratosphere. In August 2006, Bashinsky and Phyllis DePiano felt God was calling them to organize a support mechanism for the home. After much planning, the Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch was formed and became a public 501(c)(3) non-profit. This means that the Auxiliary functions as a fundraising and volunteer service group for Big Oak, promoting and furthering its mission of helping children needing a chance.
At the end of the day, Big Oak exists to meet the needs of abused, neglected and abandoned children by giving them a solid, Christian home and a chance to realize and fulfill God’s plan for their lives. Their motto: “Our children are not bad kids, they just come from bad circumstances.”
Their cornerstone has remained fundamentally rooted in Isaiah 61:3 –
“And they shall be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.”
Bashinsky pointed to the importance of the religious pillar of the organization as crucial to its success and the wellbeing of the kids.
“One thing that I’m proud of is Big Oak Ranch takes no federal or state money and operates debt free. So they can’t tell us what we can and can’t do,” Bashinsky added.
Big Oak currently serves 140 children. For more information about Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary, click here.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn.
This report was compiled with the help of Yellowhammer Radio’s Ford Brown, who also produced the video content.
Listen to the Ford Faction on Yellowhammer Radio every day from noon to 3:00 p.m. on WYDE 101.1 FM.
VIDEO: Democrats get their FBI investigation, Doug Jones’ ‘no’ could be a big problem, Alabama Democrats’ statewide candidate cannot get traction and more on Guerrilla Politics…
Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and Dr. Waymon Burke take you through this week’s biggest political stories, including:
— Will any investigation into Judge Brett Kavanaugh be enough for his detractors?
— Should Senator Doug Jones consider renting in Washington D.C. or does he have a real chance to win re-election after a “no” vote?
— Will any statewide Democrats put up a real fight in November?
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Doug Jones, Kavanaugh investigation and more …
Ford Brown of “The Ford Faction” breaks down the topics of the day, October 1.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
– Doug Jones, whose office number is (202) 224-4124
– NASCAR’s newest course, “The Roval”
– French Rapper, Nick Conrad, has a new music video – “Hang White People”
– Brett Kavanaugh FBI investigation
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on third Kavanaugh accuser, Bill Cosby and more…
“The Ford Faction” host Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 26.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
– Brett Kavanaugh has another accuser
– Bill Cosby sentenced to three-10 years
– Alexander Titus
– College president praised and then apologizing for funneling beer
– Spirit week at a Louisiana middle school
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on second Kavanaugh accuser, Rosenstein and more…
“The Ford Faction” host Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 24.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
– Brett Kavanaugh has a list of accusers
– Trump VS Rosenstein Thursday
– Michigan High School gets rid of “Homecoming Queen”
– East AlabamaWorks!
– Kaepernick might be back in NFL
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on the ACLU suing Merrill, Doug Jones dodging questions and more…
Ford Brown of “The Ford Faction” breaks down the topics of the day, September 20.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
— the ACLU suing John Merrill because they don’t like his Twitter
— Corey Booker’s #MeToo history
— Doug Jones dodging questions
— more Kavanaugh
— Maryland shooting
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on ‘In God We Trust’ in Cullman County Schools, Brett Kavanaugh allegations and more…
Ford Brown of “The Ford Faction” breaks down the topics of the day, September 17.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
– Brett Kavanaugh allegations
– National motto “In God, We Trust” to be displayed in Cullman County Schools
– Launchpad Alabama to help Alabama entrepreneurs
– Industry coming back to the USA
– Tech making it hard to cheat
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Kavanaugh allegations, Tim Allen and more…
Ford Brown of “The Ford Faction” breaks down the topics of the day, September 14.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
– Brett Kavanaugh allegations
– Texas high schooler wearing makeup
– Tim Allen asked about President Trump
– Nikki Haley’s curtains as reported by the New York Times
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Hurricane Florence, Pope Francis cover-up and more…
“The Ford Faction” host Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 13.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
⁃ Hurricane Florence
⁃ Spain Park High School student racist video
⁃ Pope Francis, cover-up or investigation?
⁃ Victoria Secret model “insensitive”
⁃ Carlos Zetina emails every single girl named Nicole at his college for an awesome reason
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Woodfin’s new PAC, politicized hurricane and more…
The Ford Faction’s Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 12.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
– Political hurricane
– Apple’s new iPhone
– Reaction to Colin Kaepernick in Alabama
– Mayor Randall Woodfin new PAC
– AFF- Alabama Futures Fund that grants small businesses start up money
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Serena Williams, Mallory Hagan and more…
The Ford Faction’s Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 10.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
– Serena Williams’ meltdown
– Mallory Hagan trying to beat out incumbent Mike Rogers for the 3rd Congressional District seat in Alabama
– Tim Allen’s Show “Last Man Standing” is back on Fox
– CBS CEO Les Moonves gets #MeToo’d by 12 women
– Broadway Star Carol Cook on President Trump
– ‘Where’s John Wilkes Booth when you need him?’
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Ivey-Maddox audio, Roy Moore and more…
The Ford Faction’s Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 7.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
⁃ Gov. Kay Ivey cuts up part of Walt Maddox audio
⁃ Roy Moore Sues Sacha Baron Cohen’s show “Who is America”
⁃ NY Times’ “I Am Part of the Resistance, Inside the Trump Administration” op-ed
⁃ San Francisco now a drug users dream
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Trump-Sessions, Cory Booker and more…
The Ford Faction’s Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 6.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
– Did Trump really call Jeff Sessions a “dumb southerner?”
– NY Times’ “I Am Part of the Resistance, Inside the Trump Administration” op-ed
– Cory Booker tries a “GOTCHA” technique with Brett Kavanaugh
– Latest NFL poll
– Should parents be held accountable for their kids’ actions?
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Brett Kavanaugh hearing, #BoycottNike and more…
“The Ford Faction” host Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 5.
The show’s “Final thoughts” segment touches on:
– Brett Kavanaugh hearing
– Twitter and Facebook CEO get drilled for not noticing Russian bots during 2016 election
– Alabama Power takes on Tropical Storm Gordon
– #BoycottNike protest and how it will affect them
– Mike Hale’s plan for Jefferson County Schools safety
WATCH: The Ford Faction’s final thoughts on Kaepernick, Harvey Weinstein and more…
“The Ford Faction” host Ford Brown breaks down the topics of the day, September 4.
The show’s “Final Thoughts” segment touches on:
– Jon Kyl to fill Arizona’s Senate seat
– Colin Kaepernick
– NBC tries to kill Harvey Weinstein story from the top down
– Weight loss breakthrough
– Nascar in trouble
Yellowhammer presents: Living Life on Purpose with reporter Lauren Sisler
(Executive Lion)
In this episode of Executive Lion’s Living Life On Purpose, Matt Wilson and Andrew Wells sit down with Lauren Britney Sisler, an ESPN broadcaster, SEC Network commentator, AL.com contributor, and survivor.
Lauren talks with us about her success in broadcasting and the interesting conversations she has been able to have, as well as how she had to overcome adversity with the loss of both of her parents in the same day due to overdose. Her goal is to turn her pain into purpose.
1) What the enemy means for harm can be used by God for good. Lauren had a choice to make when she lost her parents. She could hide the story and suffer alone, or she could use her struggles to help someone walk out of the shadows. She has chosen to shed light on addiction and those left behind in order to encourage and strengthen others.
2) Life does not always go according to our plan but we can still walk forward in truth and fulfill our purpose in spite of facing trials. Lauren could have shut down and given up after she experienced such an awful tragedy. Instead, she picked herself up and now she is doing the same for others facing similar issues.
3) Success is relative. You can have all the fame and fortune in the world but if you aren’t making a difference in people’s lives, it will be unfulfilling. Helping others gives you a sense of purpose that you can’t find if you are only focused on yourself.
Living Life on Purpose with entrepreneur and Wifeology’s Dr. Kre Johnson
(Executive Lion/YouTube)
In this episode of Executive Lion’s Living Life On Purpose, Andrew Wells and Matt Wilson sit down with Dr. KT Johnson, an entrepreneur, family physician, mother, wife, author and follower of Christ.
Dr. Kre shares her story about juggling family, business and faith and how others can do the same.
1) The power of prayer should never be underestimated. Prayer has the ability to open doors and move situations forward that could not be done otherwise.
2) Priorities are so important. What you put first in life will determine the results you achieve. Putting God first will allow everything else to fall in the proper order.
3) Having 2 entrepreneurs in the family can be motivating, challenging, and stressful. It is important that you remain connected with your spouse regardless of your hectic schedules. You must be intentional in how you spend time with one another and your children
WATCH: Real estate investor Brian Trippe discusses overcoming lethargy to reach full potential
In this episode of Executive Lion’s Living Life On Purpose, Andrew Wells and Matt Wilson sit down with Brian Trippe to discuss life, business and overcoming lethargy to reach your full potential.
Brian Trippe is a successful real estate investor, author, family man, servant-hearted leader, and a follower of Christ. Brian has a passion for helping people learn and grow in life and in business through Alareia.
1) Brian was at a point where he did not want to work or grow. He had to break through that malaise and now he is seeing the fruits of his labor. We all have to overcome the laziness and push through whether we feel like moving forward or not. Breakthrough is on the other side of that.
2) Sometimes, we have early experiences that we can draw from that will help us in the future. Brian was a coach and now he loves to coach people in business to reach all they are capable of achieving. Try to figure out what experiences you have that you can draw from and teach others from your own trial and error.
3) Purpose is a driver in Brian’s life. When you have purpose, the daily grind becomes less difficult. You know why you are doing something versus simply focusing on what you are doing. Discover your purpose and life becomes fun!
