Latest news with #WIAT
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Iranian Trump Supporter Detained By ICE, Wife Shocked
An Alabama woman married to an Iranian immigrant says her family regrets supporting President Donald Trump and his aggressive immigration policies after ICE detained her husband over the weekend as part of a recent round-up of Iranian nationals. 'We believed in his [Trump's] immigration policies and were completely blindsided and truly believed that only criminals were being detained,' Morgan Gardner told Newsweek. Gardner's husband, Ribvar Karimi, was one of 11 Iranian nationals arrested Sunday and taken into the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security claimed the arrests reflect its 'commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities.' DHS has painted Karimi as a threat to national security, saying he served as a sniper in the Iranian army from 2018 to 2021 and had an Islamic Republic of Iran army identification card. Military service is compulsory in Iran for all men aged 18–49. Draft evaders face prosecution and may lose their social benefits and civil rights, including employment, education, and the ability to leave the country. Deserters face imprisonment. 'We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don't wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump's mandate to secure the homeland,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. Gardner told CBS affiliate WIAT that her husband 'never fought any American forces or our allies,' and said 'he actually fought ISIS himself and was captured at one point' during his service. According to the couple's wedding website, they first met online playing the video game Call of Duty: Mobile. 'He brought happiness back to me, and taught me what it is like to be loved correctly,' Gardner wrote on the site. 'He encouraged me, and still encourages me each and every day. He sees the best in me, and never has given up, despite how difficult I can be sometimes.' Gardner's cousin Cyndi Edwards wrote in a GoFundMe set up to offset legal fees that the couple spent years 'meeting in Turkey while navigating the complex immigration process.' 'Ribvar quickly became a beloved member of Morgan's rural Alabama community, supporting her family and friends, and caring for Morgan's father during a health crisis,' Edwards wrote. 'Most importantly, Ribvar helped Morgan find her self-worth and guided her toward a healthier, happier life.' DHS said Karimi entered the US legally in October 2024 under a K-1 marriage visa reserved for people engaged to American citizens. However, he never adjusted his status, which is a legal requirement, and not doing so can trigger a removal order. Gardner told WIAT that her attorney said previous administrations would not have let her husband be taken away and that he should have been protected because he is married to a US citizen. She added that she and Karimi put his green card application on hold after she found out she was pregnant and had pregnancy complications. 'I understand that they've got a job to do, immigration, but I just feel like he was specifically targeted because of what's going on where he's from, his home country,' Gardner told WIAT. Gardner is seven months pregnant, but remains hopeful that her husband will be with her when she gives birth. 'My heart is broken,' Gardner told the outlet. 'Our baby shower is going to be next weekend, and he's not going to be at home to go to that with me.' Giving birth alone is not Gardner's only fear. She told Newsweek that Karimi's family worries that if he were to be deported back to Iran, the government would kill him due to his open support for the US and opposition to the Iranian regime. 'My husband himself, even being from Iran, supported Trump, his immigration policies, and understood he was trying to protect the American people and was praying he helped free the Iranian people,' Gardner told Newsweek. While Morgan told the outlet she did not vote in the previous presidential election, her family has supported Trump in the past and now feels betrayed. 'Everyone feels like a fool and regrets the decision. I personally didn't vote in the last election, and neither did my parents. At this point, I believe there are bad people on the left and the right,' Gardner said.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers in Birmingham concerned about prices at the pump after Israel attacks Iran
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The price of crude oil rose on Friday in the wake of Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Concerns about escalating violence could impact the flow of crude globally. We talked with drivers in Birmingham to see how concerned they are about paying more at the pump. Gasoline at a Chevron gas station in Avondale was $2.89 for regular gas on Friday afternoon. Michael Hinkle, who drives a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, said he spends a lot of time behind the wheel playing the role of 'Uber dad': 'Taking my teenage daughter wherever she may want to go, and then my son, he's in sports, so you know, we got to get back and forth to his practice and his games,' Hinkle explained. If gas prices increase significantly, Hinkle said that may have to change. 'We'll probably have to start carpooling games and stuff like that, and I'll tell my daughter she'll have to cut back on going out with friends and everything, just hanging out at the house.' Evanescence coming to Tuscaloosa Sept. 11 Art Carden, who teaches economics at Samford University, explained how this might play out in terms of paying more at the pump. 'If we have a sustained conflict, then maybe we end up with slightly higher prices over the longer term,' Carden said. 'You might want to think about gas mileage the next time you buy a car. But this is anything but catastrophic.' Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis for GasBuddy, said you will be paying more at the pump. 'Diesel prices could go up 10 to 30 cents a gallon over the next week or two starting here and now,' he said. He said gas prices could jump 10 to 15 cents a gallon over the next week or so starting as early as this weekend. De Haan said these are just estimates that could change. He added that the good news at the end of the day is that gas prices are still about 31 cents lower than last year. He noted that if escalations continue and Iran shuts down the vital Strait of Hormuz, which sees a significant amount of crude oil flowing through it every day, the situation could change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Evanescence coming to Tuscaloosa Sept. 11
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Grammy Award-winning rock band Evanescence is coming to Tuscaloosa's Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in September, and tickets for the show are on sale now. The band has been active for more than 20 years, with their debut album, 'Fallen,' being released in 2003. During the 46th Grammy Awards, the band won Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for their song 'Bring Me To Life.' Evanescence will be making its stop in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, Sept. 11. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. The band will be accompanied by Poppy, as well as a second special guest that will be announced at a later date. Updates will be provided on Evanescence's social media pages. Tickets for the show are on sale now. More information can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama leaders react to proposed cuts at Dept. of Education
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said they are watching for any budget changes at the Department of Education. President Donald Trump's proposed education budget could result in cuts to some state programs. 'The changes are concerning on different levels,' said Dr. Corey Jones, Superintendent of Greene County Schools. Dr. Jones explained that those concerns have to do with federal education cuts. With less than 900 students in his school system, he said funding matters. 'You start looking at eliminating resources that will help any student assimilate and learn into our culture, you're not benefitting that student or their family,' said Dr. Jones. President Trump's proposal includes a $12 billion cut in education funding compared to last year's budget. Dr. Mackey said that would eliminate federal funding for English Language Learners (ELL). 'Again, if the federal funds were to go away. we would lose ground,' said Dr. Mackey. 'Because we would just be using state money to plug a federal hole. But, right now, it doesn't look like Congress is probably gonna do that.' Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announces changes for CDL holders State Education Budget Chairman, Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), said it's premature to be concerned. He said the state budget is in great shape. 'Our federal government has a $37 trillion operating deficit that is extensive,' said Sen. Orr. 'It's massive. And cuts are gonna have to happen somewhere.' But Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) said that funding is critical. 'Yes, the state should prepare for the worst-case situation. But members of Congress, especially those in the Alabama delegation, should do the right thing and support the U.S. Department of Education,' Rep. Ensler said. Dr. Mackey said they are watching the proposal closely. 'Congress is a kind of slow moving, large body,' he explained. 'And we think that when it's all said and done, we're probably gonna be looking at level funding. So, level funding in an age of inflation is not the best, but it's certainly better than cuts.' Dr. Mackey said the state is at record levels of support for English Language Learners when it comes to state funds. He said the state only relied on federal dollars for those programs five years ago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announces changes for CDL holders
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Driver License Division announced two updates concerning CDL holders and applicants across the state. Key information for CDL holders: Paper medical cards and online uploads will no longer be accepted. CDL holders can view or update their DOT medical card or self-certification by clicking here, and going under the 'Commercial Drivers' tab. ALEA says to check that your self-certification category is accurate. To make changes, use the Submit Self-Certification option under the Actions tab If your DOT Medical Card information is missing or incorrect, contact your medical examiner. Modernized CDL skills test begins July 1, 2025. Here are key updates to the skills test: Vehicle Inspection The revised VI section removes redundant steps and places greater emphasis on safety-critical components. Updated terminology and test items reflect the latest technological advancements in commercial vehicles Basic Control Skills The BCS test will now consist of four maneuvers, introducing Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These additions are based on crash data indicating high rates of frontal impacts and side swipes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The updated maneuvers will better assess a driver's ability to control a vehicle in real-world scenarios. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
