30A Breaking News

From Interim to In Command: Hurry Takes the Helm at AFMC Staff Reports February 6, 2026 11:21 am Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Military In Brief: Lt. Gen. Linda S. Hurry was confirmed as AFMC Commander effective Jan. 30 She oversees 89,000 personnel and $81 billion in annual budget authority A new AFMC Deputy Commander has not yet been announced WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Lt. Gen. Linda S. Hurry has been confirmed as the new Commander of Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), following her nomination by the President and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Her appointment became effective Jan. 30. Hurry previously served as AFMC’s Deputy Commander beginning in January 2024 and assumed duties as Interim Commander in July 2025 after the retirement of Gen. Duke Z. Richardson. Her confirmation formalizes leadership of one of the Air Force’s largest and most complex major commands. As AFMC Commander, Hurry oversees installation and mission support, research and development, test and evaluation, life cycle management, and sustainment for nearly every major Air Force weapon system. The command employs approximately 89,000 civilian and military personnel and manages roughly $81 billion in annual budget authority. A 1991 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Hurry holds a Master of Science in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. She brings more than three decades of experience across logistics, maintenance, and operational leadership roles, including both... Read More

Weapons Loaders Clash in a High-Stakes Battle for Q4 Supremacy Staff Reports February 6, 2026 10:32 am Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Military In Brief: Who: 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue and Red teams What: Fourth-quarter weapons loading competition When: Jan. 30 Where: 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations Why: To test readiness, reinforce skills, and strengthen teamwork Precision, speed, and teamwork took center stage Jan. 30 as the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s Blue and Red teams went head-to-head in a fourth-quarter weapons loading competition. Armed with bombs and missiles, weapons loaders from both teams showcased their technical expertise and coordination in a high-stakes test of skill designed to mirror real-world operational demands. The competition challenged Airmen to execute complex loading procedures safely and efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to Air Force standards. Events like the fourth-quarter competition play a vital role in maintaining readiness, reinforcing best practices, and strengthening unit cohesion. By placing teams in a competitive environment, the squadron encourages excellence while sharpening the skills required to support mission-critical aircraft operations. Beyond the technical aspects, the competition also fostered camaraderie and pride among participants, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the Airmen responsible for ensuring aircraft are mission-ready at a moment’s notice. The Jan. 30 showdown underscored the importance of weapons loaders within the maintenance enterprise and served as a reminder that behind every successful sortie is a highly trained team working with precision on the flight line. Imagery from the competition was captured by Samuel King Jr., Matt... Read More

Kid Rock Announces “Freedom 250 Tour – The Road To Nashville” On Friday (February 6), Kid Rock surprised his fans by announcing he’s going on tour in 2026. The Freedom 250 Tour – The Road to Nashville will kick off on May 1 in Dallas, Texas. The summertime trek, billed as “A celebration 250 years […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Where Wildlife and Wonder Merge in the Heart of Freeport Staff Reports February 6, 2026 9:55 am Emerald Coast, Freeport, South Walton, Walton County, Wildlife In Brief: Who: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, community members, families, supporters What: Biophilia Night Hike and Under the Moonlit Pines Gala When: March 7, 2026, and March 28, 2026 Where: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, Freeport, Florida Why: To celebrate nature, support conservation, and fund environmental education programs The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is inviting the community to step into nature after dark this March with two immersive events designed to celebrate Florida’s wildlife, environmental education, and community connection. On Saturday, March 7, the Center will host its Biophilia Night Hike, a guided evening experience running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family-friendly program offers guests a rare opportunity to explore Florida’s nocturnal ecosystem while learning about native wildlife and conservation efforts. Participants will journey along scenic trails leading to the Center’s bat house, where native Florida bats can be observed as they emerge at dusk for their nightly insect hunt. Along the way, educational activity stations will showcase nocturnal adaptations, local species, and the importance of protecting natural habitats. Food vendors will be on site, offering refreshments available for purchase throughout the evening. Admission to the Night Hike is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12, with VIP access available for E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center members. Guests may also opt into the Fireside Owl Experience, a $5 add-on featuring a... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) invites the community to trade the Gulf breeze for a Parisian breeze this March. The professional theatre company recently announced the return of its annual fundraiser, “La Vie en Rouge,” a night dedicated to French-inspired elegance and the continued growth of local arts education. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Edward F. Hickey Jr. Memorial Trust presents a large donation of $100,000 to build a scholarship for the newly established FSU Panama City Nursing Program. These funds will be available for nursing students entering the undergrad program beginning in 2027. This program was announced back in September 2025 and […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Testimony continued Thursday in the murder trial from last year’s deadly shooting outside a Panama City Beach Waffle House. 19-year-old Ja’zai Mitchell is accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old Ja’Dion Love Hughes. Two other teenagers were arrested in connection with the crime; 17-year-old Julian Zavala testified Wednesday, and 19-year-old Kiydre McCullough […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a call regarding a Darlington house engulfed in flames Thursday afternoon. According to WCFR, first responders from Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Highway 2 West after a passing motorist reported the fire. The owner […] Read More