Collin Gaston

As our nation buried a president last week, it’s interesting to think about George Herbert Walker Bush

No way around it, the shootings at a local Birmingham mall have rocked our area to the core. Hoover city officials and police have vowed transparency.

Lives are being snuffed out at an all too frequent rate. Our children and our children’s children don’t deserve a world where hate rules. We must be stronger than hate.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, literally anyone. It is a crime and it is unacceptable. If you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, talk to the victim. You may have to try several times before they will confide in you. And remember, if you see something, say something.

Instead of turning something you already spent your own money on into ash, turn it into something positive by donating all that Nike gear to those in need. Just another way that as Americans we can deeply disagree, but turn that disagreement into something positive along the way.

There’s been quite an uproar this week following the posting of pictures of past "Cosby Show" cast member Geoffrey Owens bagging groceries. Please remember this before you speak ill of another: You never know, that friendly neighborhood grocer might just be the helping hand you need.

Whether you agreed with his policy or his person, he was a man who dedicated and devoted his entire adult life to our country with his service in the military and in public office. Both are deserving of high praise and respect. Rest in peace, sir.

What is it about being behind the wheel of a car that turns some people into raving lunatics? We all need to stay calm, take a breath and just let it go.

Children are dying each year because a motorist didn't abide by a very simple law – come to a complete stop when children are entering or exiting a school bus. Absolutely nothing is so important to risk the life and well-being of a child, so I plead with you, keep that phone out of your hands, your eyes on the road, and when you see those bus lights flashing, do that unsuspecting child a favor – STOP.

If you haven't seen this video yet, you're among a select minority who hasn't. It happens quickly, but it happens clearly. Ryan Cherwinski, a 31-year-old visitor from Florida, grabs the young woman in a way no one should ever grab anyone.

You have always counted on us to help keep you safe during severe weather, bring you breaking news reports and make sure to keep you and your family informed. Even though our company is growing, WBRC FOX6 News will remain committed to communities we serve across Alabama.

There are laws and regulations that allow for legal entry into our country. If someone tries to enter the United States illegally, there are consequences. Just like breaking any other law.

They say those with integrity do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Last week a high school baseball player in Minnesota put integrity on display with thousands watching live, and now hundreds of thousands watching online.

According to a report just released by the Centers for Disease Control, suicide rates have increased in all but one state over the past two decades, with half the states showing increases at over 30%.

Please do your part to make sure our nation's stars and stripes are treated with the respect they so duly deserve.

There's been some talk that the cancellation of Roseanne was an impediment to the First Amendment, but it's important to understand exactly what freedom of speech grants us.

The following is an editorial from WBRC FOX6 News General Manager Collin Gaston, which first aired on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

The following is an editorial from WBRC FOX6 News General Manager Collin Gaston, which first aired on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

As e-cigarettes and vapes become more popular with adult smokers trying to quit cigarettes, young people are also starting to use these devices. One device, that you may not be aware of, is becoming more and more popular with kids. It's called a JUUL. If you're a parent, you need to educate yourself.

United we stand, divided we fall: This phrase has permeated my thought after hearing about a local Birmingham African-American pastor showcasing divisive messages on each side of his church sign that read: "Black folks need to stay out of white churches" and "White folks refused to be our neighbors."

Our editorial earlier this week, commenting on the bullying experienced by our own WBRC FOX6 News reporter Melanie Posey on social media, prompted thousands of comments and shares on Facebook and numerous emails to me.

Recently it came to light that one of our own, WBRC FOX6 News reporter Melanie Posey, was targeted with mean and malicious comments in a Facebook post that was shared and commented on hundreds of times. I want Melanie to know that not only are we on her side, but we have her back!

Now, when you visit the Jefferson County courthouse, you'll see a black and white Lady Justice and bald eagles. These figures hover over black and white judges. There's an American flag along with the county's logo. Far more welcoming imagery that reflects a new South and our diversity.

I'm agreeing with our governor that if Birmingham continues its commitment to routing out corruption and those who perpetuate it, we will shine brighter and be more attractive to the business community looking to expand or begin operations in our area.

More people than willing to admit, based on my unscientific observation, are reading and typing on their cellphones while driving. A selfish choice that can and has resulted in the unnecessary death and injury of others.

Our editorial earlier this week, commenting on Governor Ivey's unwillingness to date to participate in debates with her political opponents, prompted the following feedback posted on our WBRC FOX6 News station Facebook page and emails sent directly to me.

Governor Kay Ivey has made it clear that during this gubernatorial campaign, she is just too busy to debate her competitors.

Here at WBRC FOX6 News we want our anchors focused on facts. Not opinions. That's how we battle fake news. Because you want news to be reported right down the middle. WBRC FOX6 News and Raycom Media take pride in the work we do for you. On Your Side is more than our slogan, it's our mission and promise to you. Nothing fake about that.

April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse.

Our editorial earlier this week commenting on the March For Our Lives marches last weekend and the young people leading them prompted the following feedback posted on our WBRC FOX6 News station Facebook page and emails sent directly to me.

The following is an editorial from WBRC FOX6 News General Manager Collin Gaston, which first aired on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

Our editorial commenting on guns in schools following the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida and here at home in Birmingham at Huffman High prompted the following feedback posted on our WBRC FOX6 News station Facebook page and emails sent directly to me.

Just because it's legal doesn't make it right. That's how I feel about Etowah County's Sheriff banking over $750,000 over the last three years with unused funds from his jail food program.

In February, we all watched in horror as the scene unfolded in Parkland, Florida as the tally of those killed rose to 17 on the grounds of Stoneman Douglas High School. Parents and family of those killed have been vocal that their children will not die in vain, and Florida has since passed legislation that would impose new restrictions on firearm sales and allow some teachers and staff to carry guns in school.

The headlines last week were horrifying. Again, our country is dealing with another mass school shooting. It's up to all of us to come up with sensible solutions that will keep us safe without violating our individual rights in a free society. There must be compromise. History is watching and so are our children.

There are times when the words shared by another need not be edited or expounded upon in any way, because the feelings conveyed are heartfelt, pure, and deserve sharing unadulterated. The following is from a Facebook post shared on Sunday at 5:36 a.m. from someone on the Bangor Maine Police Department.

Kudos to the Alabama State Senate for passing a bill last Tuesday that establishes stronger penalties for anyone found guilty of obstructing an investigation into human trafficking.

For the literally billions of us who are on Facebook, we do tend to wake up to a different world every day, as Facebook endlessly changes what happens on our feeds.

To all the "bullies" out there, your words hurt; your words can even kill. This is why I will continue to use this editorial platform at least once a year, every year to bring attention to the devastation wreaked by bullying.

As you look at your list of 2018 resolutions (if that's your thing), might I suggest you add one more, and that is make any place where you are, a better place because you're there.

Our editorial earlier this week commenting on the passing of legendary FOX6 newsman, Bill Bolen, and the soon-to-be dedication of our WBRC FOX6 Bill Bolen Studio, prompted an enormous amount of feedback on our WBRC FOX6 News station Facebook page.

"If you didn't like Bill Bolen, well - you probably couldn't like anybody." Those were the heartfelt words spoken by Mr. Bolen's longtime pastor at Brookwood Baptist on Saturday at his memorial, celebrating a life well lived.

With 2017 now behind us, I wanted to reflect on the year that was and to remind myself of the "big events" that took place. Here's a ranking of the top U.S. searches for 2017.

All of us lose sometimes. Even if we don't respect our opponent, we should show respect for how we as a society do things. There's no shame in losing, but there is in refusing to publicly accept it.

Pro athletes are often criticized in our increasingly polarized society, but many make a huge difference in our world and should be applauded.

Shopping locally supports our area's workforce and keeps money in our community. But, it's just as important to give locally. If you are able, make this the year that you help others who are less fortunate.

I've got to be honest with you, while the saga that is our Senate race lends itself to all kinds of commentary, I've been hesitant to weigh in. The reason - it's pure kryptonite.

Daylight saving time. Moving the clock up in the spring and back in the fall. Making that adjustment in time twice each year is at the least annoying and at the most, costly.

On any given day, there are nearly 428,000 children in foster care in the U.S. In 2015 alone, there were 670,000.

Maybe down the road, the loved ones of those who died needlessly in Las Vegas will be able to say that the night their loved ones died was the beginning of the solution to this problem.