Alabama Stands with Law Enforcement

Barry Moore, representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District and a U.S. Senate candidate for 2026, and Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, a dedicated law enforcement pro for over 20 years, know what dedication looks like. Sheriff Byrd even joined Rep. Moore at the 2026 State of the Union address!

Real-World Impact in Coffee County

Here in Coffee County and across Alabama, we see firsthand that law enforcement isn't a 9-to-5 gig. It's all about nights, weekends, holidays, and those urgent calls that simply can't wait.

Trump's Overtime Policy: A Win for Our Heroes

That’s why we're so stoked about President Trump's "no federal tax on overtime" policy. It’s already making a HUGE difference for the brave men and women in blue.

Deputies Go the Extra Mile

Our deputies at the Coffee County Sheriff's Office ALWAYS step up, responding to everything from severe weather and drug busts to violent crime and the daily needs of our growing community. These heroes sacrifice time with their families, working holidays, extra hours, and extra shifts. They deserve to be compensated fairly for that dedication!

More Money in Their Pockets

Now, thanks to President Trump’s policy, they get to keep more of their hard-earned cash. Simple, right? Work more, take home more!

A Boost for Alabama Families

For deputies in Coffee County and beyond, every extra shift is now a chance to bring more income home to their families. This isn’t some crazy new government program; it’s just common sense – rewarding hard work instead of taxing it.

Recruiting and Retaining the Best

This policy is also a game-changer for recruitment and retention. Law enforcement agencies across Alabama are always on the hunt for qualified officers. When deputies know their overtime isn't going to be eaten up by federal taxes, those extra shifts become much more appealing. Trump’s policy is a shot in the arm for keeping experienced officers on the job and attracting fresh talent.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Backing the blue takes more than just lip service. It takes real action that supports our officers, their families, and the sacrifices they make.

Recognizing Sacrifice

President Trump's "no tax on overtime" does just that. It acknowledges sacrifice, rewards hard work, and makes sure our law enforcement officers see a real benefit at home when they put in the extra hours to protect our communities. He showed his commitment this week at the State of the Union Address, and we proudly stand behind him!

Standing Together for Alabama's Finest

Together, we are committed to making sure Alabama’s law enforcement officers are supported, valued, and able to keep more of what they earn while protecting the communities we love.

Mississippi Shrimp Industry in Crisis?

Shrimpers in Mississippi are feeling the pinch after a recent Supreme Court decision blocked those massive Trump tariffs. Seems like those shrimp boats are stuck at the docks, folks!

Uneven Playing Field?

According to local news, Leann Bosarge, COO of Bosarge Boats, says it’s an "unfair trade system" that favors international businesses over hard-working Americans.

Serious Concerns

Bosarge alleges some overseas operations are using "slave labor and child labor" and even putting banned chemicals in their shrimp. "That unsustainable, unethical fishery overseas is what’s putting us out of business," she claims. Yikes!

Leveling the Playing Field

Bosarge saw those tariffs as a way to "level the playing field," emphasizing they're not afraid of competition. She believes folks would choose American shrimp if given a fair choice.

A Fair Fight

"We’re perfectly fine with competition from overseas, as long as it’s a fair fight," Bosarge stated. "You give us a fair fight in this country as fishermen, and we’ll win every day."

What's Next?

After the SCOTUS ruling, Trump slapped on a temporary import duty under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. But without a permanent fix, many fear they'll have to shut down their shrimping businesses for good!

Alabama GOP: Setting the Record Straight

Hey ChumCity readers! The Alabama Republican Party is all about electing Republicans and keeping our state strong. That means more than just catchy slogans—it requires strong standards and sticking to the rules, even when it's tough.

Recent Ballot Access Chatter

Lately, there's been some chatter and misinformation floating around about who gets to run as a Republican. Some folks who were denied access are now questioning the whole process. Let's be clear: these decisions weren't personal. They were based on rules that our State Executive Committee—over 400 members strong—voted on and approved.

The Rules of the Game

These rules weren't dreamed up overnight. They were debated, tweaked, and given the thumbs-up by elected reps from all corners of Alabama. So what's the deal?

• If you've recently voted or ran in another party's primary, or publicly supported other parties, you can't just waltz into ours.
• Lose a Republican primary and then run against the Republican nominee? You can't come back and run as a Republican later.
• Want to switch parties? There's a process, but you gotta complete it before qualifying to run.

These are common-sense rules to protect our primary process and Republican voters.

Who Makes These Decisions?

Our State Executive Committee and County Executive Committees are elected by you, the Republican primary voters, every four years. These grassroots leaders then choose the Steering Committee to represent them and uphold the rules they created. It's a team effort, not a one-person show.

Changing the Rules

Think the rules should be different? Any member of the State Executive Committee can propose changes. The same representative body debates and votes on those proposals. Work through the process, don't attack the system when the rules are applied fairly.

Upholding Standards

Our Steering Committee carefully reviewed each case, following the rules to the letter. These decisions aren't easy, but the rules are there to protect Republican voters—not political insiders.

Serving Republican Voters

Emotions can run high, but leadership means upholding the Party's standards, even when it's uncomfortable. The Alabama Republican Party is here to serve Republican voters and advance conservative principles.

Integrity Matters

The rules matter. Integrity matters. And protecting the Republican primary process? That really matters. That's our job, and we're sticking to it!

College Football Needs a Boss!

Texas A&M's Coach Mike Elko says college football is a billion-dollar beast with NO SINGLE RULER! With conferences switching teams like crazy, NIL deals causing chaos, and rules all over the place, he thinks it's time for someone to take charge!

Alabama Church Bill Sparks Free Speech Fight

Rep. Juandalynn Givan is calling foul on a new Alabama bill that makes disorderly conduct in a church a FELONY. She says it's a shady attack on free speech, specifically targeting folks like Don Lemon. Ouch!

Epstein Guest at the SOTU?!

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna brought a real eyebrow-raiser to the State of the Union: someone who calls herself a former associate of Jeffrey Epstein! She even claims she recruited underage girls for Epstein. Talk about awkward!

Data Center BOOM in Birmingham! Trump Tells Big Tech: Build Your Own Power!

Birmingham's getting a massive, multi-billion dollar data center! Meanwhile, Trump is telling Big Tech to build their own power plants to keep up with AI demands. Sounds like things are about to get electrifying!

Alabama Senate Wants More Cops in Montgomery

An Alabama Senate committee is pushing a bill to force Montgomery to boost its police force. They're saying it's the only way to tackle the city's crime problem. Will it work?

Trump's SOTU: A Roaring Success?

President Trump gave a State of the Union address that was longer than a Nick Saban press conference! He touted a big economic turnaround, delivered some strong warnings, and outlined his plans for the future. High-energy stuff!

Alabama Republicans LOVE Trump's SOTU

Alabama Republicans are singing President Trump's praises after his State of the Union address. Senators like Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are pumped about what he's done and excited for what's to come.

Hear More with Dale Jackson!

Get your daily dose of Alabama news and commentary with Dale Jackson, weekday mornings on WVNN. He's got the inside scoop!

Alabama House Passes Firearm Tax Holiday

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Alabama House of Representatives just passed HB360 in a 73-29 vote, meaning a sales tax holiday on firearms, ammunition, and hunting gear is on the horizon! Republicans shut down a Democratic filibuster to get this done.

What's the Deal?

Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville) sponsored the bill, which would give shoppers a break from state sales and use taxes on guns, ammo, and hunting supplies from the last Friday in August at 121 a.m. through the following Sunday at midnight. Local governments can even jump on board by passing a resolution by June 1st, potentially waiving local sales taxes, too!

Gear Up for Savings!

Think archery equipment, firearm cases, hearing protection, holsters – even suppressors are on the list!

The Cost of Freedom?

The state's Education Trust Fund might see about $386,000 less in sales tax revenue per year starting in 2026. If local governments join in, they could lose another $506,000 combined annually.

A Win-Win-Win?

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter calls it a rare triple threat, hitting conservative sweet spots: protecting the Second Amendment, cutting taxes, and boosting small businesses. He thinks it’ll support responsible gun ownership and boost Alabama’s economy.

Sells agrees, contrasting Alabama with states he believes are weakening gun rights.

Not Everyone's Thrilled

House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) wonders if this is really what struggling Alabamians need, pointing out people are struggling at the grocery store.

Economic Boost or Budget Bust?

Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) thinks the holiday will actually generate more spending, with folks needing more ammo the following week.

What's Next?

HB360 is heading to the Senate next. Stay tuned, ChumCity!

Lifesaver 5 Chopper Down in Evergreen!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! A Lifesaver 5 helicopter went down in Evergreen Sunday afternoon, sparking a flurry of emergency activity and setting off federal and state investigations.

Quick Response After Crash

Evergreen Fire Rescue raced to the scene on South Main Street around 3:12 p.m. after reports of the crash. Turns out, Lifesaver 5 was headed back after a medical transport when things went sideways.

Miraculously, No Fatalities!

The good news? Evergreen PD confirmed everyone survived! Multiple emergency crews swarmed the area, and they're keeping the site secure while investigators piece together what happened.

Crew Update

Conecuh County Emergency Management says three crew members were onboard. One was patched up at Evergreen Medical Center and released, while the other two are getting treatment at a hospital further away. Thankfully, all crew members are reported to be doing okay.

House Hit, Homeowner Safe

Sadly, a nearby house suffered some minor damage. The homeowner was taken for evaluation and then moved to another facility after something unrelated happened during the chaos. They're also in stable condition, thank goodness.

Feds On The Case

Investigators from the FAA and NTSB are all over this, doing their own thing to figure out what caused the crash. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation even mapped the crash site from above.

Minimal Fuel Spill

The silver lining? Officials say the fuel spillage was minimal. The area's off-limits until the investigation wraps up and cleanup begins.

Still Under Investigation

The Lifesaver 5 crash is still a big question mark, and no one's saying what they think caused it just yet. We'll keep you posted as we learn more, ChumCity!

Smiths Station Scare: School Threat Leads to Arrest

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! A recent scare at Smiths Station High School underscores Alabama's push to get tough on school threats. An 18-year-old former student, Dontae Deshawn Ford, found himself in hot water after allegedly posting a threatening message on social media suggesting a school shooting.

From Social Media to Detention Center

The Lee County Sheriff's Office acted quickly, arresting Ford at his home after investigators identified him as the source of the threat. Reportedly, Ford confessed to making the post. He's now facing charges of making a terrorist threat in the first degree.

Bond and Restrictions

Ford is cooling his heels in the Lee County Detention Center, held on a $15,000 bond, with a $2,000 cash requirement. As part of his bond conditions, he's barred from all school and educational facility property. Talk about a time out!

HB7: Cracking Down on Threats

This incident comes as Alabama lawmakers are pushing forward with HB7, a bill designed to clarify what constitutes a credible threat and boost penalties for those who disrupt school operations or threaten violence. State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) is championing the bill.

Protecting Schools and Students

State Sen. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) believes stronger deterrence is key to keeping students and teachers safe. "We need our students and school employees focused on learning, not lockdowns," Woods stated. "Threats to schools and churches are serious and must be treated as such."

School Safety a Priority

HB7 is making its way through the legislature, signaling Alabama's commitment to prioritizing school safety measures. Let's hope this bill brings some peace of mind to students and educators across the state!

Data Centers: Powering Alabama's Future?

Data centers are the unsung heroes powering everything from emergency services to banking and the cloud. They're vital and could be huge for Alabama, but we need to step up our game!

Alabama's Opportunity in the Digital Age

As someone who's seen data centers drive local infrastructure projects, I know they can boost transportation and backbone infrastructure. We can snag these opportunities while tackling any concerns along the way.

Truth is, Alabama isn't yet a major data center hub like Northern Virginia or Atlanta. These booming businesses are going elsewhere, but they don't have to!

The AI Boom and Energy Needs

Cloud services and AI are fueling data center growth. They already gobble up a hefty chunk of the nation's electricity, and projections show that's only going to rise! This growth sparks discussions about energy costs and grid capacity, but it's also a golden opportunity for states ready to plan smartly.

Think of data centers as the new utilities – essential for businesses, hospitals, schools, and public safety.

Playing Catch-Up Responsibly

We need to plan for the huge computing loads these data centers bring. Otherwise, everything from business operations to emergency response could suffer. Alabama can't afford to watch from the sidelines while other states build the next-gen economy!

This means responsible leadership. Growth must prioritize consumer protection, reliable service, and long-term resource planning that protects residents and communities. Growth should benefit everyone.

Key Ingredients for Success

Utilities need to be involved to strengthen the grid without hurting consumers. Clear, consistent standards and predictable permitting give companies confidence to invest big.

Sustainability is crucial too! Alabama should demand water-efficient designs, prioritize non-potable water, and be transparent about water usage with local contingency plans.

Liquid Cooling and Responsible Growth

We're already seeing promising tech like liquid-to-chip cooling, which cuts down on water waste. Clear standards don't stifle growth; they attract responsible, long-term investment.

Already Seeing Investment

Google has already poured over $1 billion into Alabama since the Jackson County data center opened. And they've helped train thousands of Alabamans in digital skills. These efforts can expand as our tech scene grows!

Tech output in Alabama is booming, projected to reach over 5% of our GDP by 2030! These projects generate big tax revenues for schools, roads, and public services. Meta's Montgomery expansion, for example, is projected to bring in millions in state taxes and payroll over three decades.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

This growth means real, meaningful jobs for Alabamians. Data centers bring permanent roles in operations, security, and facilities management. Plus, they support a whole ecosystem of contractors, maintenance, and logistics work. Construction alone employs thousands of workers!

Embracing the Future

Data centers can be the foundation of our modern tech economy, setting us up for success for decades. Let's embrace the future, create jobs, generate revenue, drive innovation, and make sure this growth benefits all Alabamians.

With the right plan, Alabama can keep attracting big investments while protecting its people. We should be leading the charge into the future.

Ed Hauser is the board chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama

Hockey Gold & Presidential Honors!

President Trump's State of the Union got a serious dose of awesome this week, thanks to the presence of our victorious U.S. Men's Hockey team! Fresh off their nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat 2-1 overtime win against Canada, these guys were the real stars of the show.

Hellebuyck: A National Hero!

Let's hear it for Connor Hellebuyck, the goalie who basically turned into a brick wall against those Canadians! His 41 saves were legendary, securing the gold and etching his name into hockey history alongside the '80 "Miracle on Ice" squad.

Medal of Freedom!

And the accolades keep coming! Trump announced that Hellebuyck is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

"Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best," Trump said, emphasizing unanimous support for the decision. "I thought he deserved it. I did take a vote – every single one of them. I said, ‘I’m not giving it if anybody goes no,’ and every single one of them rapidly put up their hand. So, I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are."

Joining Legends

While Hellebuyck snagged the NHL MVP last season, this gold medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom definitely take the cake. He's joining an elite crew of athletic legends like Ali, Jordan, Ruth, and Woods. This goalie's performance will be talked about for years, and he's got some serious bling to show for it!

Alabama's About to Get a Little Less Neighborly?

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! A legislative dust-up is brewing in Montgomery that could shake up how our counties and cities play together.

The Bill That's Got Everyone Talking

Senator Tim Melson's SB91 is causing quite a stir. This bill would give cities and counties the power to bail out of regional authorities with a simple vote. The kicker? They could then create their own authority to handle the same work within their borders.

EDAA Sounds the Alarm

The Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) isn't thrilled. They argue this move could throw a wrench in regional cooperation – the kind that attracts big projects, builds essential infrastructure, and prevents neighboring areas from working against each other.

What's in the Fine Print?

If SB91 passes, a county or city could withdraw from a multi-jurisdiction authority as long as there's no outstanding debt. They'd even get a slice of the authority's leftover funds based on their past contributions. Plus, they could adjust local tax rates (within certain limits) after the split.

EDAA's Executive Director Speaks Out

Robin Ricks, the head honcho at EDAA, isn't mincing words. She says her organization is dead set against SB91, warning of its potential damage to economic development and regional governance.

Why They're So Worried

According to Ricks, this bill could set a dangerous precedent. Allowing a city or county to ditch contractual obligations and raise taxes without broader agreement "undermines stability, accountability, and trust."

What's Next?

SB91 is set to take effect October 1, 2026, if it makes it through the Legislature and gets signed into law. Will it pass? Only time will tell!