Alabama Senate Committee OKs Ten Commandments Bill

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity readers! The Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee just gave the thumbs-up to a bill that could bring the Ten Commandments back to school!

SB99: The Deets

Sponsored by State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston), SB99 would require local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, along with a historical context statement, in history classrooms (5th-12th grade) and common areas (5th grade and above).

Money Matters

Don't worry, schools aren't expected to break the bank! The bill allows them to accept donated displays or funds. The State Department of Education will even point out free resources to help them comply.

More Than Just Commandments?

Kelley says the displays will also include excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Alabama Constitution's preamble. Plus, a disclaimer will state that Alabama isn't establishing a religion.

"Historical, Not Religious"

Kelley argues that the Ten Commandments are a "historical founding document" that shaped our culture, laws, and nation. He believes misconceptions exist and that our rule of law is built on these principles.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Kelley tried this before! He introduced a similar measure in 2025, but it never made it to a Senate vote. This new version narrows the focus to 5th-12th grade and history classrooms.

What's Next?

SB99 is now headed to the full Senate for a vote. Will it pass this time? Stay tuned, ChumCity!

Solar Showdown in Stockton!

Folks in Stockton are fired up about a massive 4,500-acre solar energy complex proposed for their backyard! And State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) is standing with them, throwing his weight against the project.

Meta's Mega-Project

Nashville-based Silicon Ranch is behind the solar farm idea, aiming to power Meta's (that's Facebook's parent company!) new data center near Montgomery. The two facilities, dubbed Stockton I and Stockton II, would pump out a hefty 260 megawatts, all thanks to a 25-year deal with Alabama Power and ultimately, Dotier LLC, a Meta subsidiary.

"Alabama's Amazon" Under Threat?

Even though the project isn't technically in his district, Senator Elliott is rallying Baldwin County to present a united front. He's worried about the proximity to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, a.k.a. "Alabama's Amazon," a vital wetland area that supports our commercial fishing, shrimping, and crabbing industries. Plus, it's a major tourism draw!

Local Voices vs. Montgomery

Elliott declared his solidarity with the people, not the politicians, echoing a familiar sentiment. He emphasizes that Alabama is a big state, and there are plenty of other spots that wouldn't threaten the delicate balance of the wetlands.

Residents Rise Up!

A group called "Stop Solar in Stockton" has sprung up, and they held a packed community meeting recently. Turns out, many folks felt blindsided by the project, especially since the Public Service Commission (PSC) gave it the thumbs-up back in December.

Zoning Zoned Out?

The Baldwin County Commission claims its hands are tied when it comes to regulating land use in unincorporated, unzoned areas. But Elliott points out that residents can pursue local land use controls through a referendum.

Silicon Ranch's Stance

Silicon Ranch says they only plan to develop about 2,000 acres and keep the rest for conservation. They also claim they don't mess with wetlands and design projects to blend in with the natural environment.

Big Pharma Blues? Alabama's Prescription Price Plunge?

For ages, Alabamians and folks nationwide have been getting hammered by crazy prescription drug costs. We've tried to wrangle the Pharmacy Benefit Managers and insurers, but maybe we've been barking up the wrong tree.

TrumpRX: Could This Be The Cure?

Could Big Pharma be the real villain? There's buzz that TrumpRX might finally be the answer to our prayers!

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN, is keeping a close eye on things. Stay tuned, ChumCity citizens!

Tide Lands Another Seasoned Veteran!

The Crimson Tide's been swimming in eligibility talk lately, and the current keeps flowing!

Kedrick Bingley-Jones, fresh from Mississippi State, just got the green light from the NCAA for a SEVENTH season! He hit social media to thank the heavens after hearing the news.

From Tar Heel to Tide

Bingley-Jones started his career at North Carolina (2020-2023), then hopped into the SEC with the Bulldogs for a couple of seasons before making his way to Tuscaloosa for one last ride.

Injury Woes & NCAA Grace

His case rested on missing the 2020 COVID season, plus a whopping 10 games in 2023 and another 8 in 2024 due to injuries. In these wild times of NCAA eligibility debates, the folks in charge clearly saw enough in his injury history to grant him another year on the field.

Impact Player Alert!

With Alabama's D-line practically a brand-new crew, Bingley-Jones—who was a STARTER for Mississippi State last year—could be a HUGE piece of the puzzle this season. Roll Tide!

Officer-Involved Shooting in West Montgomery

Hold up, ChumCity fam! We've got news out of west Montgomery. An Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) SWAT agent was shot during a Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit operation Wednesday evening. Sadly, the suspect involved lost their life in the incident.

Update on the Agent

Good news on the injured agent! Governor Ivey chimed in Thursday afternoon, saying the agent's expected to bounce back completely. "We continue to pray for his healing," Ivey posted, "as well as for his family and fellow law enforcement officers."

How it All Went Down

So, here's the scoop. ALEA reports that MACS officers got a tip from Montgomery PD about a suspect wanted for first-degree robbery.

Around 5:51 p.m. on February 11, 2026, officers tried to pull over a vehicle near the 4000 block of Longleaf Drive. The vehicle wasn't having it and a short chase ensued.

Shed Showdown

Things got real when the suspect reportedly bailed from the vehicle, packing heat, and bolted into a nearby shed.

ALEA ID'd the suspect as 25-year-old Jadarrian O’Neal Clemons of Montgomery. Apparently, Clemons opened fire on the officers, who returned fire. Tragically, Clemons was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver? Uninjured.

Agent Down

During the whole shebang, an ALEA SWAT Team agent, backing up the MACS Unit, caught some bullets. He was rushed to a local hospital. We’re sending all the good vibes for a speedy recovery!

Alabama House Says NO to Sexual Abuse Hush Money!

The Alabama House just gave a big thumbs-up to SB30, affectionately known as Trey's Law! It's heading straight to Governor Kay Ivey's desk after cruising through both the House and Senate without a single dissenting vote. What's the buzz? This bill bans those nasty nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in civil cases involving sexual abuse.

No More Secrets

Basically, any agreement trying to silence someone about sexual abuse – whether it's a regular contract, a settlement, or whatever sneaky loophole someone tries to use – will be considered totally worthless under this new law.

When Does This Awesomeness Take Effect?

Mark your calendars! This law kicks in for agreements signed, created, or tweaked on or after October 1, 2026.

What Counts as Sexual Abuse?

The law has a broad definition, covering anything that would be a criminal violation under Alabama's sexual offense laws, no matter if charges were filed, a conviction happened, or anything else.

"Trauma Secrets" Beware!

State Senator Matt Woods, the bill's champion, quoted Trey's sister Elizabeth, slamming NDAs as "lawful hush money" and "institutional abuse on top of sexual abuse." He emphasized these agreements were meant for protecting trade secrets, not "trauma secrets."

Who is Trey?

Trey Carlock, originally from Texas but with deep Alabama roots, was tragically abused at a Christian sports camp. The abuser got locked up, but Trey's settlement included a gag order. Sadly, he died by suicide in 2019.

Trey's Legacy

His sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, started the "Trey's Law" movement to ban NDAs in these cases. Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, and California have already passed similar laws.

A Fresh Start

SB30 is Senator Woods' first bill. State Rep. David Faulkner sponsored the identical House bill and helped get SB30 through the House too.

Cupid's Got a Dark Side: Alabama AG Warns of Valentine's Day Scams!

Hey ChumCity citizens, love might be in the air, but so are scammers! Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is sounding the alarm about romance scams this Valentine's season. These digital dirtbags are lurking on dating apps, ready to break your heart and your bank account.

Don't Get Catfished!

Marshall warns that these con artists create fake profiles and reel you in with sweet nothings, only to hit you up for cash or your private info. They're master manipulators, building fake relationships to drain your funds and vanish.

How the Scam Works

These heartless hustlers pretend to be someone they're not, crafting an online persona to gain your trust. Once they've got you hooked, they'll invent sob stories – fake medical emergencies, urgent travel needs – to pressure you into sending money FAST.

Trust Your Gut & Report!

If something feels fishy, listen to that little voice in your head! And PLEASE report suspected scams. Many victims stay silent out of embarrassment, letting these creeps continue their dirty work.

Steer Clear of Scammers: Top Tips!

• Never wire money to someone you've only met online. Ever.
• Keep your passwords and banking details under lock and key!
• No celeb is gonna DM you for cash so you two can be together!
• Reverse image search their profile pics! See if they're using stolen photos.

Spotted a Scammer?

If you think you've encountered a scammer, report it to the Alabama Attorney General's Office at 1-800-392-5658. Don't let these love-leeches get away with it!

School Grades About to Get a Whole Lot Tougher in Alabama?

Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) is shaking things up! She's pushing for higher standards when it comes to how we grade our public schools here in the Yellowhammer State. Get ready for a potential academic challenge!

The Game Changer: HB396

Collins has introduced HB396, a bill that would revamp Alabama's K-12 school grading system. We're talking a serious makeover for the annual report card.

Raising the Bar, Literally!

Here's the kicker: if over 60% of our schools snag an A or B, the entire grading scale gets bumped up by 10 points the following year. Suddenly, that 90 you were so proud of? Now a B. Ouch!

Why the Tough Love?

"We owe it to taxpayers and families to know whether students are truly prepared," Collins told Alabama Daily News. It's not just about graduating; it's about succeeding afterward.

No More Resting on Laurels

The new system is all about continuous improvement. Even the top-performing schools won't be able to slack off. Collins wants to keep everyone striving for excellence.

The Trigger: 60% Rule

If 60% of our public schools and local education agencies are acing it with A's and B's, BAM! The grading scale gets a 10-point boost. Apparently, more than 60% hit that mark back in 2025, so buckle up!

Lifting the Bar, Finally

"We've never lifted our bar," Collins stated. "And I think our students deserve that." It's all about pushing our kids to reach their full potential.

More Changes on the Horizon

The bill synopsis reveals even more potential tweaks:

• Updating the grading system design and rethinking the weights and indicators used, taking into account whether a school includes 12th grade.
• Tasking the Alabama Workforce Board (with the State Department of Education's input) to create a system for tracking and analyzing student performance data related to college and career readiness.
• Establishing an Accountability Council to review and suggest revisions to the state's accountability system.

Shutdown Showdown: Senator Britt Blasts Dem "Political Theater"

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) isn't pulling any punches. She's calling out her Democratic colleagues for what she sees as stalling tactics that could trigger yet another partial government shutdown.

Homeland Security on the Brink

The Senate just whiffed on a two-week band-aid bill to keep the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) afloat. Funding runs dry this Saturday, folks! While most of the government's been funded through FY2026, DHS is dangling by a thread.

Britt's Frustration Boils Over

Britt, who previously played a key role in ending the 2025 shutdown, isn't feeling so optimistic this time around. She aired her grievances on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," pointing fingers at the White House...sort of.

White House Efforts "Walked Away"

"The White House has done a really great job," Britt admitted. "The White House has lead here in putting forth real solutions...and they walked away from this." Ouch!

Political Games?

Britt believes the Democrats are just playing games. "It's political theater," she argued, claiming they're sacrificing progress to appease their "leftist base." According to Britt, they'd rather walk away than compromise on reforms.

Shutdowns Hurt Real People

The senator emphasized the real-world consequences of shutdowns. "Every single one of these people depend on their paychecks," she said, noting the hardship it places on workers struggling to pay bills.

Fighting for a Solution

Britt took to the Senate floor, urging Democrats to pass a clean two-week stopgap to avoid a shutdown and keep frontline workers paid.

Unreasonable Demands?

She claims Republicans are ready to negotiate, but Senate Democrats are making "unreasonable demands."

Defunding What?!

Britt is worried that some of the Democrats demands are completely out of touch. "I am not holding my breath, because for them, this is all about politics," she said. "They're not thinking about the fact that they they're also coming up with plans of like, let's just defund ice all together."

"At some point you've got to lead," Britt urged. "That's certainly what the President's trying to do, that's certainly what Republicans are trying to do, is have a conversation and find a pathway forward."

SSUT Showdown: Alabama Cities Take a Breather

Hold up, Chumsters! A coalition of Alabama cities, spearheaded by Tuscaloosa and including heavy hitters like Hoover and Mobile, is pumping the brakes on their legal battle over the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT). Why the sudden cease-fire? Word on the street is lawmakers are cooking up a legislative solution!

Hoover Hits Pause, But Keeps Options Open

Hoover, one of the major players in this drama, has officially withdrawn its legal challenge. But don't think they're backing down! They're dismissing the case without prejudice, meaning they can refile if Montgomery doesn't deliver a "fair and timely resolution."

What's the Beef with SSUT?

Basically, these cities feel the current SSUT setup is robbing them blind. Hoover claims it's losing around $10 million every year in online sales tax revenue because of the way the money is divvied up.

A "Good Faith" Gesture?

Tuscaloosa's Mayor Walt Maddox calls this pause a "good faith effort" to work with the Legislature. They're hoping to get a faster fix without the court battle.

Mayor Derzis Speaks Up

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis says the lawsuit was meant to shine a light on a broken system. He'd much rather negotiate a solution, but he's not afraid to head back to court if things don't go their way. "We expect meaningful reform," he warned. "If the legislative path fails, we will promptly refile."

It's All About the Benjamins

The SSUT, launched in 2015, taxes most online purchases at a flat 8% rate. The problem? The money is split between the state and local governments, with the local share mostly based on population. These cities argue this is siphoning money away from the communities where the sales actually happen.

Who's Involved?

Besides Tuscaloosa and Hoover, the lawsuit had attracted a whole crew, including cities like Mobile, Montgomery, and Madison, plus several school systems.

From Courtroom to State House

Now, all eyes are on the Alabama Legislature. These cities are ready to play ball, but they're keeping their legal gloves handy just in case. Opponents of the lawsuit, including county governments, worry that changes to SSUT could hurt a valuable revenue stream for the state.