Latest news with #WIAT
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Congressman says Space Command weeks away from moving to Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) says it could only be a matter of weeks before the decision to move the nation's Space Command headquarters to Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal becomes official. A report released by the Government Accountability Office stated the '…. Command's posture is not suitable long term…' in Colorado, among other findings. But Colorado lawmakers have vowed to fight moving the Space Command HQ to Alabama. Congressman Aderholt said that President Donald Trump has announced plans for Golden Dome — an effort to defend the U.S. against missiles. He said the President can't move forward with that project fully until a decision is made on Space Command. 'Without Space Command, President Trump really can't move forward in a meaningful way with Golden Dome,' said Aderholt. 'So, getting this to Huntsville, getting this set up, I think it is imperative for the President's mission with Golden Dome to move forward.' Completed Northern Beltline expected to increase business, save lives in Jefferson County Congressman Aderholt said he and his colleagues are in constant contact with the White House about Space Command. 'We feel like that the President made that commitment to move Space Command from Colorado, and it wasn't a political decision,' he said. 'It was a decision based on the facts.' State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) said the move adds to the state's footprint on defense. 'Huntsville is known for its legacy in space exploration, its rockets, and the aerospace industry,' Whitt said. 'But, with our current innovation with the defense industry here in Huntsville, it's just a natural fit.' Whitt explained Huntsville is well prepared for the move, and its impact will be far reaching on the state overall. 'We have over four hundred defense contractors in our city here ready to go to work for the U.S., and our safety,' he said. 'So, we're very excited about it. I think it will bring jobs, an economic boom here for the town.' Congressman Aderholt said, ultimately, it will be President Trump's decision on where the headquarters will end up. He said to stay tuned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney retires
ALABASTER, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney is retiring following a 12-year run leading the department and 34 years total with the city. Rigney, who started with the department as a patrol officer in 1991, served his last day as chief Thursday, where he was honored at City Hall for his contributions to the city. 'Chief Rigney, thank you for leading and growing our department over the years while serving and protecting the Alabaster community,' a post on the city of Alabaster's Facebook page read. 'We'll miss you, and we hope you enjoy your retirement!' The search is underway for a new chief. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
LifeSouth celebrating National EMS Week, National Trauma Awareness Month with blood drive challenge
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — During National Trauma Awareness Month and EMS Week, blood donors can show support for local heroes also. Blood donors who donate with LifeSouth from May 18 through June 27 will have an opportunity to donate toward police or fire, and the organization with the most donors will be announced during the 2025 World Police and Fire Games. Donors will also receive a t-shirt and a $25 e-gift card. If you would like to partner with LifeSouth for the event, call 205-597-7388. Donors can give blood with LifeSouth at the following locations: Birmingham Center – Monday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Trussville Center – Monday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pelham Center – Monday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuscaloosa Center – Monday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Pop the Balloon Birmingham' holding casting call for locals
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A local version of the popular online dating show 'Pop the Balloon' is filming in Birmingham and looking for people to take part in its first season. The show, 'The Krush Edition: Pop The Balloon,' is hosted by Koko Dennis, red carpet correspondent for the Stellar and Trumpet Awards, and TV personality with People TV, BeeTV, and Mawh Productions. 'We're bringing love, laughs, and surprises to the screen with 'Pop the Balloon,'' a press release stated. 'Cast members ask revealing questions to find a match—but if the spark's not there, the balloon gets POPPED!' Cast who have already taken part in the show are reportedly from Birmingham, Norway, Nashville, Chattanooga, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, and beyond. To apply for an audition or to learn more information, click here or email contact@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas man pleads guilty to kidnapping child in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A Texas man pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping a 3-year-old girl in 2021, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. Steven Holguin, 42, of El Paso, TX, pleaded guilty on conspiracy to commit kidnapping charges. A Birmingham police officer responded to a call regarding the kidnapping of a child on Nov. 4, 2021, according to the plea agreement. Family members said they believed that the child's uncle, Elis Salgado-Galindo, planned to take her to Mexico, where her father lives, or Honduras, where her father's family is located. 3-year-old girl found safe in Mississippi after being kidnapped from Ensley, 2 men charged After taking the child and leaving, an Amber Alert was issued along the Alabama/Mississippi State line. Rankin County and Mississippi Sheriff's Department issued a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of Holguin's vehicle. Holguin, who was the driver, was instructed to exit the vehicle, and the other individuals along with the toddler were removed. Both men were taken into custody. Holguin was convicted in 2020 for conspiracy to transport aliens. He was sentenced to six months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Salgado-Galindo, a citizen of Mexico, was turned over to ICE custody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
