News

The future beyond the newsroom’s rise of AI

The future beyond the newsroom’s rise of AI

Photo courtesy of Shahbaz Zaman on pexels.com One local editor says AI is helpful, but not enough to replace his own writing AUM Audio · Montgomery Independent Editor Brian Hodge is interviewed by AUM COMM student Brionna Crumpton By: Brionna Crumpler MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Like Superman faced Brainiac, journalists today face a similar challenge in navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in their work. Montgomery Independent editor Brian Hodge, in a recent interview, discussed how the news media works to maintain the human voice in its stories. Brian Hodge spent his childhood in Valley but lived in Millbrook in his…
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‘I do it every day because it’s helping somebody else’: Amanda Curran on being a meteorologist

‘I do it every day because it’s helping somebody else’: Amanda Curran on being a meteorologist

  AUM Audio · WSFA's Weather journalist Amanda Curran is interviewed by AUM student Seth Murdick By: Seth Murdick MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Award-winning WSFA 12 News meteorologist Amanda Curran sat down for an interview on Sept. 18 inside WSFA 12’s station to discuss her time as a weather forecaster, including the challenges of working in an extreme weather-prone state like Alabama and changes within the world of meteorology, such as artificial intelligence and how it could affect broadcast meteorology.  Before Curran made Alabama her second home and joined WSFA over a decade ago in 2014, she grew up in the northeast area of Litchfield,…
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For the love of the game: How Stephen Gunter went from reading stats to reporting stats

For the love of the game: How Stephen Gunter went from reading stats to reporting stats

Stephen Gunter filming warmups of an exhibition basketball game between AUM and Auburn at Neville Arena at Auburn.  By: Patrick Eiland AUM Audio · AUM multimedia specialist Stephen Gunter is interviewed by Patrick Eiland about his reporting days MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The late great Marvel Comics editor and publisher Stan Lee loved his job and once said, “If you do what you really want to do, you feel like you're playing." Everyone has their own passions and sometimes they take us places we could never imagine. Stephen Gunter working in his office in the Auburn University at Montgomery Ida Belle Younge…
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Brooke Myers: the pride and joy of Auburn radio

Brooke Myers: the pride and joy of Auburn radio

(photo credits pexels.com) By: Rodrecus Lewis   AUM Audio · Tiger Communications GM Brooke Myers is interviewed by student Rodrecus Lewis AUBURN, Ala. — Displaying her overwhelming southern charm and hospitality, Brooke Myers, the general manager for Tiger Communications, began our interview by setting up new office chairs.  The casually dressed radio host walked into the office, with a warm smile and paper building instructions, offering a seat while we prepared for conversation. “We ordered more chairs because for some reason the ones we have keep breaking,” she explained. “I’ve built every chair in here.”   With a radio station worked by only nine people,…
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Telling Selma’s story: A profile of Brent Maze

Telling Selma’s story: A profile of Brent Maze

photo courtesy of Pixabay on pexels.com Local news editor affirms community journalism matters and is worth the fight AUM Audio · Selma Times Journal Editor Brent Maze is interviewed by AUM senior Nichlos Cutrell For long-time journalist Brent Maze, success isn't measured in the number of awards he's won or the titles he's held. He measures the success in stories he's written connecting neighbors, holding local leaders accountable and giving voice to communities. “People sometimes think local news is small news,” Maze said. “But it’s the news that affects your life every single day. It’s the stories of your neighbors,…
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AUM squirrels: pizza thieves, trash can jumpers and campus celebrities

AUM squirrels: pizza thieves, trash can jumpers and campus celebrities

Squirrel rummaging around in leaves on AUM's campus (photo courtesy of Jordan White). Squirrels on AUM’s campus are not afraid to throw down a slice of pizza from the Warhawk Cafe or even jump scare students between classes. “They were jumping out of trash cans since I could remember being on campus,” said Kayla Smith, an AUM alumna. Data backs up what students notice on campus, as squirrels often thrive in urban settings. According to Fox Squirrel Survival in Urban and Rural Environments, a 2010 article from the Journal of Wildlife Management, studies of rural and urban mammal populations suggest…
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More than just news: News anchor and reporter of 23 years Sally Pitts shares her experience being a part of the WSFA family

More than just news: News anchor and reporter of 23 years Sally Pitts shares her experience being a part of the WSFA family

By: Tyreanna Causey ​​AUM Audio · WSFA-TV anchor Sally Pitts is interviewed by AUM student Tyreanna Causey MONTGOMERY, Ala.— For 23 years, Sally Pitts has worked for WSFA-12 News, where she reported and anchored for the state of Alabama, bringing viewers breaking news and heartfelt stories to watch. When she’s not in the studio, she’s playing tennis, running or spending time with her family or taking her daughters to soccer practice.  Sally Pitts is shown reporting live from Montgomery Whitewater to show off some behind-the-scenes footage of the location on July 7, 2023. (Photo taken by WSFA-12 News in 2023) Sally…
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Cap and gown to community sound: Wetumpka Herald reporter Ana Meyer, storyteller of local athletes

Cap and gown to community sound: Wetumpka Herald reporter Ana Meyer, storyteller of local athletes

Ana Myer poses in front of the Wetumpka Herald building. (photo courtesy of Ana Meyer) By: Alexis Taylor AUM Audio · Wetumpka Herald reporter and UT grad Ana Meyer is interviewed by AUM senior Alexis Taylor WETUMPKA, Ala. — Ana Meyer, a recent University of Texas graduate, got a fresh start in Wetumpka as she embarks on her journey as a sports reporter. Ana Meyer is pictured wearing a University of Texas stole in Austin, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Ana Meyer) “Going to journalism school was really one of the best decisions that I ever made,” said Meyer. The University…
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Angier Johnson: A voice of faith and resilience on Montgomery’s airwaves                            

Angier Johnson: A voice of faith and resilience on Montgomery’s airwaves                            

Uplifting listeners, Angier Johnson delivers heartfelt inspiration during her radio air shift. (Photo courtesy of Angier Johnson) By: Nicholas Drayton AUM Audio · WVAS 90.7 FM gospel show host Angier Johnson is interviewed by COMM senior Nicholas Drayton MONTGOMERY, Ala.— As the sun rises over Montgomery on a Sunday morning, families throughout the city will start waking up to the comforting, soothing sounds of Angier Johnson. With Angier's rich, energetic voice, her Sunday Morning Gospel show on WVAS 90.7 FM from 6 to 11 a.m. brings words of inspiration and worship into households throughout the city. Angier Johnson shines on…
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When headlines fade, faith remains: Former reporter Chris Searcy traded the newsroom for the pulpit, finding purpose beyond the press

When headlines fade, faith remains: Former reporter Chris Searcy traded the newsroom for the pulpit, finding purpose beyond the press

Pastor Chris Searcy poses for a picture with AUM senior Shaniece McGhee after their interview in the Communication Department office on Sept. 22, 2025. (photo courtesy of Nichlos Cutrell) AUM Audio · Montgomery's Pastor Chris Searcy is interviewed by COMM senior Shaniece McGhee By: Shaniece McGhee Chris Searcy reporting at night against a city skyline backdrop, showcasing his role as a journalist. Before Pastor Chris Searcy stepped in front of a newsroom camera, he never imagined his life going that way. His mind was first set on pursuing a career in politics, and he believed that campaigning would be his…
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Students and faculty reflect on AI, media and the future of creativity

Students and faculty reflect on AI, media and the future of creativity

Photo courtesy of Steve Johnson on unsplash.com By: Nicholas Drayton MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The impact of artificial intelligence on different professions is manifesting in different fields such as medicine and government, as well as technology, the arts and media fields. This advent of technology has created a level of excitement along with apprehension among students and educators at Auburn University at Montgomery. Sophomore nursing major Jewels Wolfe sharing her thoughts on artificial intelligence. (Photo courtesy of Nicholas Drayton) Jewels Wolfe, a sophomore nursing major from Phenix City voiced a cautionary stance. “I feel like it’s good for certain things, but…
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How one WSFA marketing producer is on a path of growth and creative fulfillment

How one WSFA marketing producer is on a path of growth and creative fulfillment

WSFA studio is shown where anchors deliver the news for the people of Montgomery and the surrounding area. (Photo taken by Devin Vaughn) By: Devin Vaughn “It’s important to know what draws eyes and ears and what people find appealing.” - Timothy Skipper, WSFA-12 Timothy Skipper smiles as he leans on a rail on Wednesday morning Sept. 17 for a photo after his interview. (Photo takn by Devin Vaughn) MONTGOMERY, Ala. – “That was a really fulfilling experience,” I thought to myself as I took the elevator down from WSFA’s news floor located in the RSA building downtown. Earlier, I’d had…
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Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Pike Road hold city elections, one runoff needed

Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Pike Road hold city elections, one runoff needed

Photo courtesy of pixabay on pexels.com Only one district in Wetumpka will require a runoff election due to no candidate receiving a majority in the River Region’s recent municipal elections that wrapped up last week, determining the leadership and direction of several fast-growing communities.  Despite their importance, local elections typically see low voter turnout. According to the National Civic League, turnout in local elections often averages just 20% to 30% of eligible voters, compared with around 60% in presidential elections. The WAKA elections results tracker stated that most incumbents held onto their seats, though a few notable shifts occurred, including…
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AUM officially welcomes new students to Warhawk Nation

AUM officially welcomes new students to Warhawk Nation

Auburn University Montgomery greeted its newest Warhawks last Friday during the university's annual New Student Convocation, where students learned what it means to be a Warhawk. The event started at 9:30 a.m. at the Taylor Center where students were grouped by college, including the College of Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the University College, giving new students an opportunity to mingle with other freshmen and transfer students from their college. At 10 a.m. students lined up for the official convocation…
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New goals, new deadline: AUMnibus kicks off fall semester with workshop for a focused, purposeful semester at the student newspaper

New goals, new deadline: AUMnibus kicks off fall semester with workshop for a focused, purposeful semester at the student newspaper

AUMnibus staff and classmates with Wes Sinor and Jacob Holmes for the AUMnibus Workshop (Photo courtesy of Katherine Irwin). MONTGOMERY, Ala.  (Aug. 19, 2025) – The week before fall classes began Auburn University at Montgomery’s student-run newspaper staff gathered for a fall workshop on campus to hear from two seasoned journalists AL.com’s Wes Sinor and Alabama Political Reporter’s Jacob Holmes about navigating the modern news world.  Wes Sinor speaking about his experiences at the AUMnibus Workshop (Photo courtesy of Nichlos Cutrell). “I had to become versatile in my work,” said Sinor, who has spent more than a decade at AL.com…
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6 ways to stay in the loop about AUM campus events

6 ways to stay in the loop about AUM campus events

Image courtesy of Zen Chung from pexels.com Whether you're a freshman trying to get involved on campus or a junior juggling classes and campus life, staying informed about what's happening at AUM can make a positive difference in your college experience. Here are six easy ways to keep up with events, updates and activities on campus: 1. AUM Events Calendar The AUM Events Calendar is a go-to source for upcoming events, lectures, student activities and more. You can filter events by category, date or audience to find the ones that match your interest. Many include registration links or details if…
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Montgomery enacts youth curfew as city officials voice concerns about downtown violence

Montgomery enacts youth curfew as city officials voice concerns about downtown violence

On July 1, the Montgomery City Council held a meeting where councilmember Marche Johnson asked the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) for more police “coverage” after 10 p.m. on weekend nights in downtown; as a result, on July 15, the city enacted a youth curfew in downtown. “There have been a series of incidents happening downtown, in the entertainment district...so I'm asking for Friday and Saturday nights after 10 p.m. to have a higher [police] presence downtown,” said Johnson, who is the representative for District 3, which includes the entertainment district. Johnson offered another solution that she had suggested last year,…
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Vatican elects first American Pope, following South American Jesuit legacy

Vatican elects first American Pope, following South American Jesuit legacy

Just one month after the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88 after 12 years of service, the Papal Conclave concluded with the election of the first-ever United States-born pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who assumed the name Pope Leo XIV. The new pontiff, who is of Haitian and Creole ancestry, will become the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, according to AL.com and NPR reports. According to usccb.org, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Papal Conclave is a secret assembly of cardinals that cast ballots to elect a new pope.…
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AUM’s CRCV summer seminar wraps up the final year with strong community impact

AUM’s CRCV summer seminar wraps up the final year with strong community impact

AUM faculty, staff and students volunteer at Mercy House for the CRCV Summer Seminar on June 25 (photo courtesy of CRCV Director Lynn Stallings). Auburn University at Montgomery’s Civil Rights and Civic Virtue Society (CRCV) concluded its third and final summer seminar in June, having had a significant impact promoting civic engagement and understanding of civil rights history, said its director. CRCV has successfully engaged the AUM campus by “bringing AUM faculty, staff and students together to learn about the community and its history… Also, finding ways to serve,” said Stallings, who is also the University Honors Program director.  The…
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