Decorated Fighter Pilot Charged in a Shocking China Training “Betrayal” Staff Reports February 27, 2026 11:27 am Aviation, Crime, Eglin Air Force Base, Military In Brief: A retired Air Force major and former F-35 simulator instructor was arrested on charges of training Chinese military pilots. Prosecutors say the training violated U.S. arms export laws and required State Department authorization. The case highlights ongoing concerns about China recruiting Western military expertise. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and contract F-35 instructor has been arrested and charged with illegally training Chinese military aviators — a case federal officials say poses serious national security concerns. According to an article written by Thomas Newdick at The War Zone, the allegations are particularly alarming given the former officer’s experience connected to the highly sensitive F-35 program. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that retired Air Force Maj. Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and charged by criminal complaint with providing — and conspiring to provide — defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. Brown, a former combat pilot who used the callsign “Runner,” served more than 24 years in the Air Force. During his career, he flew and instructed on multiple aircraft, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, and A-10. After leaving active duty in 1996, he later worked as a contract simulator instructor, training U.S. pilots on the F-35 Lightning II and A-10. Federal prosecutors allege that beginning around August 2023,... Read More

Country singer J.D. Graham is lucky to be alive after being involved in a serious car accident earlier this week. According to a GoFundMe page created by his family, on Tuesday, February 24, Graham was driving along the interstate when a semi truck struck his vehicle, which then slammed him into another semi. The aftermath […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Okaloosa and Walton Students Win Big at Regional STEM Staff Reports February 27, 2026 10:13 am Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education, Walton County In Brief: Who: Students from Okaloosa and Walton counties, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and professional scientist judges What: 2026 East Panhandle Regional Science and Engineering Fair When: Projects presented February 11; awards ceremony February 17, 2026 Where: Northwest Florida Fairgrounds and Beachside Community Church Why: To recognize student innovation, promote STEM excellence, and advance top projects to state competition Students from across the Okaloosa County School District and neighboring Walton County proved that the future of science is already here. Dozens of young innovators gathered on February 11 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds to present projects at the 2026 East Panhandle Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The competition culminated in an Awards Ceremony on February 17 at Beachside Community Church, where top performers were recognized for their achievements. Professional scientists and engineers volunteered as judges, conducting one-on-one interviews with each student. Beyond scoring projects, judges offered direct feedback and mentorship — giving students real-world exposure to scientific dialogue and methodology. “The quality and innovation of these projects highlight the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are proud of all the students who participated and inspired us with their ideas.” Awards were presented across multiple categories, with first-place winners required to meet specific scoring thresholds. State Finalists were selected based on overall scores, ensuring that only the top-performing students advanced to the... Read More

Latest Batch Of Songs From Aldean’s Next Album, ‘Songs About Us,’ Includes A Unique Cover And Duet With David Lee Murphy On Saturday, Feb. 28, chart-topping country artist Jason Aldean will be celebrating his birthday, turning 49. What better way for a recording artist to celebrate than to give back to his fans… In a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Starting Sunday, March 1, there will be a charge of $4 per car at the gate to enter Morrison Springs Park. Walton County commissioners approved the new charge, saying they need to reduce overcrowding and enhance public safety They hope the new fee will create a more enjoyable experience for […] Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – An animal sanctuary in the panhandle faces an uncertain future, and its supporters have stepped up to help in a big way. Just a few days ago, News13 told you the Seacrest Wolf Preserve had lost a legal battle with the property’s owner, leaving them forced to close and vacate. […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Can you tell a lie? That’s the name of the game at the Liar’s Challenge in Gulf County. You don’t have to lie, but most people do. Ten contestants got behind the mic to tell their best story in nine minutes or less. Dozens of crowd members listened while a […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County is looking at potential ways to widen County Road 2321 from two lanes to four lanes to keep up with the increased growth of the county. County staff organized a public workshop on Thursday evening, updating residents and answering their questions and concerns about the project, which is […] Read More

The Yellowstone Universe Begins A New Chapter Sunday (March 1) Premiering on CBS this Sunday (March 1), Marshals is set to expand the Yellowstone universe with a new chapter centered on Kayce Dutton. The series follows John Dutton’s son as he takes a decisive turn in his life, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals.  Actor Luke Grimes is […] More Country Music Nation  Read More