Calling All Art Lovers: The Loyola Art Show is Back!

The South is bursting with artistic talent, but finding places to experience it can be tough. Enter The Loyola Art Show, Mobile's answer to a fine art drought! Happening on the 22nd and 23rd of this month, prepare to be wowed by 60+ of the Southeast's most inspiring artists.

Inspired by Community

Kimberly Zukley, artist and the driving force behind the show, dreamed of bringing that big-city art fair vibe back home. "I was blown away by the sense of community at events around the Southeast," she says. "Mobile is so deeply rooted in art; I saw an opportunity for Southern artists to do the same thing here."

More Than Just a Show

Forget stuffy galleries! The Loyola Art Show is all about fostering connection. It's designed to be a catalyst for the community.

Coastal Chic Vibes

Think New York City loft meets Southern beach – that's the vibe! This is one of the Gulf Coast's only fine art shows, and they're aiming for must-attend status. Every detail, from the venue to the curated artwork, screams intentionality.

Meet the Featured Artist: AK Hardeman

This year's spotlight shines on Alabama native AK Hardeman! Working with acrylics and oils, AK creates stunning abstracts that use color to spark a connection. "I am interested in the use of color and aesthetic freedom... My goal is for viewers to invent and unravel their own meaning," AK shares.

A Diverse Range of Talents

Get ready for a beautiful mix of styles and experience! Artists from Arkansas to the Carolinas were hand-picked by a panel of jurors, bringing their unique vision to Mobile. Last year's show drew in interior designers, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike.

Making Magic Happen

"It was exciting to see people get excited about art," says the team. "To see people find an artist that really spoke to them... To see the light and joy in their eyes, bringing something home that is just theirs – that was really special."

The Loyola Art Show is all about creating something lasting, something that resonates deeply and cultivates community. After a killer first year, they're hoping to recapture that magic this month.

Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama

Birmingham's "Home for All" Initiative Moves Forward!

Big news, ChumCity! Birmingham City Council just gave the green light to the final phase of the "Home for All" plan – a 2023 initiative aimed at tackling homelessness head-on! This crucial step will fund the construction of 14 much-needed micro-shelters and an on-site office at the Faith Chapel Care Center, right in the heart of downtown.

A Safe Place to Land

Remember when Mayor Randall Woodfin first introduced the plan? He emphasized providing safe and dignified shelter for our homeless neighbors, along with resources for a transition to permanent housing. This isn't just about a place to sleep; it's about offering a pathway to a better future.

Funding Secured, Concerns Addressed

The council approved an agreement for up to $1,224,125.77 to support the project with Faith Chapel Christian Center. During a recent committee meeting, Councilor Valerie Abbott raised concerns about potential exploitation of the vulnerable population. Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas, Birmingham’s Director of Community Development, reassured the council that the 24/7 presence of wraparound service providers and security measures will deter unwanted activity.

More Than Just a Roof

These aren't just basic shelters, folks! Each micro-shelter will come equipped with a bed, desk, microwave, and climate control. Plus, there will be a communal area with bathrooms, showers, a kitchen, and a place to eat. The Faith Chapel Care Center will also be offering educational assistance, laundry service, help with IDs, mental health support, and job training.

A Milestone for Birmingham

The "Home for All" plan is a multi-year commitment to moving people from homelessness to stable housing, all while connecting them with vital resources. City leaders are calling this final phase a major milestone in Birmingham's approach to addressing homelessness. It's about immediate relief and long-term solutions!

Alabama News Nuggets: Quick Bites for Your Day!

Teen Tragedy in Decatur

A 16-year-old's life ended in a Decatur police chase, leaving his grandfather heartbroken. He remembers the teen as "just a good kid," but let's face it, good kids typically don't lead officers on wild goose chases. Seeking answers remains the priority.

Trump's Alabama Idea

Former President Trump envisions an Alabama-based military "reaction force" to quash urban violence. Think rotating National Guard soldiers and airmen, ready to deploy at a moment's notice. Interesting concept!

Texas Dem Debacle

Remember those Texas Dems who bolted to stall GOP redistricting? Well, they're trickling back to the Lone Star State, but their options are dwindling, and the fight is pretty much lost. Ouch!

Moore's Senate Bid

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is throwing his hat in the ring for the U.S. Senate. His mission? "Time to make Washington a little more like Alabama." Buckle up, D.C.!

Leeds Police vs. aldotcom

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin is firing shots at aldotcom, accusing them of peddling a bogus narrative about an ICE arrest. Irwin claims the outlet's editor supposedly learned a lesson. Based on recent reporting, some doubts linger.

Immigration Sweep in Escambia

The FBI swooped into Escambia County, making six arrests in an immigration enforcement operation. They snagged some "dangerous individuals," including an illegal immigrant who apparently enjoys multiple border crossings.

Inflation Update

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) says consumer prices climbed 2.7%, lower than anticipated. So those predicted price hikes? Still a figment of some "experts'" imaginations, apparently!

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and a talk radio titan on WVNN from 5-9 a.m. weekdays, keeps you in the know.

From Pratt City to President: Joe Hampton's Inspiring Journey

Growing up just outside downtown Birmingham, young Joe Hampton learned the value of giving from his parents, who always helped their Pratt City neighbors, even when times were tough. "I come from humble beginnings," says Hampton, now president of Spire Alabama, Gulf Coast and Mississippi. His father was a coal miner, his mom a salon worker, but their generosity knew no bounds.

Lessons Learned, Leadership Inspired

Those early lessons shaped Hampton's leadership style. "It's an honor to lead an organization in the same state where I've grown up," he says. He strives to mentor young talent and ensure families have access to reliable energy. "My daily goal is to show up with enthusiasm and intentionality to serve."

Rising Through the Ranks

Hampton's journey with Spire (formerly Alabama Gas Corporation) began in 1992 as an intern. He absorbed wisdom from every interaction, from the janitor to the CEO. "Each interaction left an impression," he recalls.

Investing in Alabama's Future

Hampton prioritizes workforce development, launching the "Get into Energy" program with Lawson State Community College. This hands-on training equips students with skills for entry-level jobs in the natural gas industry. The first graduates earned valuable certifications and many received job offers. "I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful," Hampton states.

More Than a Utility: A True Neighbor

Community investment is a way of life for Hampton. His mother's kindness – picking up strangers and ensuring they had a warm meal – instilled in him a passion for serving the community. Spire supports students, nonprofits, and underserved neighborhoods, providing everything from school supplies to energy assistance. "At its core, community investment is using your resources to cultivate positive impact," he emphasizes. In 2024 alone, Spire invested $6.5 million in its communities.

Staying Connected

Spire's external affairs team keeps the company connected, working with organizations serving underserved populations, engaging with local leaders, and communicating with the Alabama delegation in D.C. to address critical issues. This engagement helps residents understand Spire's programs for bill assistance, rebates, and more.

A Bright Future Ahead

After 30+ years, Hampton is energized by the positive impact Spire makes daily. "It’s hard not to be excited about working for a company that provides our customers a reliable and affordable energy source and shows up every day to make the communities where we live and work a little bit better," he says. He believes Spire's future lies in the leaders it develops, the relationships it builds, and the lives it touches. "Through my actions, I want my team to understand that caring for others is the best part of becoming a leader everyone deserves.”

Alabama Gets Judicial Love: Trump Nominates Three

President Trump is looking to fill some judicial vacancies in Alabama, and he's tapped three folks with serious legal chops! Word is, these nominations came highly recommended by Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville.

Who's On the List?

The potential judges are: the state's Solicitor General, a well-respected attorney, and a current Justice on the Alabama Supreme Court. Sounds like a solid bunch!

Britt & Tuberville Sound Off

Senator Britt seems stoked about the nominees, emphasizing their commitment to interpreting the law as written. She made a statement about ensuring that federal judges uphold the Constitution. Senator Tuberville went even further, saying the White House "knocked it out of the park" with these selections. He hopes they'll bring some balance and prevent judicial activism.

ALGOP Chimes In

Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl also gave a thumbs-up, praising Trump for sticking with conservative judicial picks.

Meet the Nominees:

• Edmund LaCour (Northern District): Currently Alabama's Solicitor General, with experience in D.C. law. He's a Dothan native, a Birmingham-Southern grad, and a Yale Law School alum.

• Harold Mooty (Northern District): A partner at a Huntsville law firm, specializing in business litigation. He's got Alabama roots and went to school at the University of Alabama.

• Bill Lewis (Middle District): Currently on the Alabama Supreme Court, with prior experience on the Court of Civil Appeals. He's a lifelong Alabamian from Wetumpka, attended the University of the South and Cumberland School of Law.

From Snooze to Sizzlin': Prime Time's Epic Escolar Catch!

A sleepy night aboard the "Prime Time" turned into a fishing frenzy at the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club's annual Billfish Limited tourney! What started as a chill drift morphed into a record-breaking showdown with a deep-sea denizen.

The Awakening

Around 4 a.m., Taylor Guidry, 27, noticed something fishy (pun intended!). Line was mysteriously peeling off the reel, but no clicker alarm! Investigation revealed a heavyweight surprise was on the line. Dad Chad, cousin Justin, and Captain Steve Pixley jumped into action, ready to wrangle whatever lurked below.

The Deep-Sea Duel

This escolar wasn't playing games! It ripped off nearly 2,000 feet of line before the crew could gain an inch. The underwater battle hit a "thermocline," a sudden temperature change, leading to a tug-of-war standoff. This was no casual fishing trip!

The Grand Finale

Once aboard, the escolar went wild! One angler joked its tail could've broken a foot! The weigh-in revealed a jaw-dropping 161.6 pounds! This beat the existing Alabama state record of 102 lbs, 10 oz, caught in 2023! Boom!

Science Over Souvenirs

After the official weigh-in and paperwork, the "Prime Time" crew generously donated their record-breaker for scientific research. Its rarity and size made it a valuable specimen for study.

Instead of a traditional mount, Guidry commissioned a cool ink print from local artist Harley Van Hyning. He wanted to capture the memory without needing a massive trophy.

Congrats Prime Time!

Barker Boat Works celebrated the crew's achievement on Facebook, hailing it as an awesome start for their new 40 HPC!

Tide's QB Answer is Finally Here!

Alright, ChumCity crew, the countdown is ON! Alabama's 2025 season opener against Florida State is just around the corner, and the BIGGEST question mark of the off-season? Officially answered!

Word dropped Monday night, and Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb confirmed it Tuesday: Ty Simpson is your starting quarterback!

Why Ty?

When asked, Grubb kept it real. Simpson had the BEST command of the offense, plain and simple, compared to Austin Mack and that five-star freshman phenom, Keelon Russell.

Grubb's Take

"Hey guys. Ty Simpson is our starter." Straight to the point! Grubb emphasized Simpson's ball security as the winning factor.

"Ty did a really nice job taking care of the football," Grubb said. "He is an incredible playmaker on the move... Ty didn’t throw any picks last week. He’s thrown one all of camp, we’ve thrown four total all of camp. I think at this time last year, he had thrown like 15."

He continued, "the guys are understanding the concepts and control of the offense a lot better as a room, and Ty was the best at that. His ability to command and create out of the pocket, I thought was the best. He made great decisions, and he’s just much cleaner on some of the things that you expect an older quarterback to be able to do."

Loyalty Pays Off

Simpson, a former five-star recruit himself, joined the Tide back in 2022. He patiently waited behind Bryce Young, Jalen Milroe, and then Milroe again. Four years in the program without a start is a testament to his dedication. With players jumping ship left and right, Simpson stuck it out, waited his turn, and now he's got his shot to lead the Tide! Roll Tide!

Cullman's Cindy Myrex Clinches GOP Nod for House District 12!

Get ready, Cullman! Local realtor Cindy Myrex is heading to the general election after snagging the Republican nomination for Alabama House District 12! This political newbie powered past Cullman City Councilman Clint Hollingsworth, racking up 3,048 votes to Hollingsworth's 2,160 in the runoff.

Myrex's Victory Message

"Thank you!" Myrex exclaimed in a video message, thanking voters for their support. "I asked you to show up for me, and I’ll show up for you in Montgomery!" She emphasized the importance of collective voice, saying “when I head to Montgomery, your voice is going with me and I won’t forget it.”

A Word from the Alabama GOP

Shannon Whitt, Alabama Republican Party Chief of Staff, applauded both candidates for their dedication to public service.

Hollingsworth's Gracious Response

Hollingsworth issued a statement, thanking his supporters and congratulating Myrex. “I wish her the best of luck in Montgomery and encourage her to listen and represent our district with faithfulness, integrity, and honesty.”

What's Next?

Myrex will now face off against Democrat Matt Glover, a former Good Hope City councilman, in the general election on October 28. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting campaign!

NIL, Transfers, and Washington: College Football's Off-Field Drama

For the past five years, the chatter around college football hasn't just been about touchdowns and rivalries. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the ever-spinning transfer portal have grabbed headlines, sometimes overshadowing the gridiron action itself.

Uncle Sam Steps In?

It's a whole new ballgame, and the feds are trying to figure out the rules. President Trump recently signed an Executive Order aimed at setting national NIL standards. Plus, there's the bipartisan SCORE Act in the House, looking to bring order to the chaos.

Tuberville's Take: A Return to the Old Ways?

Senator Tommy Tuberville, former Auburn coach, has been vocal about the situation. He recently hopped on Sports Talk The Ball to dish on NIL and more. He admitted progress is slow and the issue is a real head-scratcher.

The Transfer Portal Solution?

Tuberville suggests a throwback: make players sit out a year after transferring. "That would quit probably about 70 or 80 percent of the transfers because people aren’t gonna pay a kid to sit on the bench for a year," he argued. He believes education should come first and slammed the NCAA for lacking "backbone" and accountability. He emphasized the need for fairness, allowing players to make money, but finding a balance that prioritizes education and responsible behavior.

Working with Trump

Tuberville says he's working with Trump to explore how those old transfer rules could be brought back. Will anything change? Only time will tell, but Tuberville is probably right that it would definitely slow down the transfer frenzy – something many fans would cheer for.

Allegiant Returns to Huntsville!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Allegiant is BACK at Huntsville International Airport (HSV) with some sweet new nonstop routes to Florida! Get ready to soak up the sun in Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, and Orlando.

Sunshine on a Budget

After taking a break back in '08 (remember when they bailed on Orlando and Fort Lauderdale?), Allegiant's ready to make things right. And to celebrate, they're offering fares as low as $39*!

Where You Can Fly

Here's the lowdown on those new routes:

• Fort Lauderdale: Starting November 19th, get to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with fares from $39*.
• St. Petersburg/Clearwater: Beginning March 5, 2026, head to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, also starting at $39*.
• Orlando (Sanford): Fly to Orlando Sanford International Airport starting February 12, 2026, with those same rock-bottom fares of $39*.

Huntsville's Winning Streak Continues

Allegiant's VP of Planning & Revenue, Kristen Schilling-Gonzales, said they're stoked to be back and see the "remarkable spirit and potential of Huntsville."

Airport CEO Butch Roberts is also pumped, calling Allegiant an "award-winning airline" joining an airport that's been voted the best small airport in the U.S. a whopping three times! Talk about a power couple!

So, ChumCity, pack your bags and get ready for some affordable Florida fun!

*Seats and dates are limited, and fares aren't available on all flights. Restrictions apply, so check the fine print!