Crimson Dynasty's New Chardonnay Has Arrived!

Alabama pride meets Napa Valley finesse! Crimson Dynasty, the wine label blending tradition with exceptional winemaking, just dropped its highly anticipated 2024 Chardonnay! This latest release adds another layer to their already impressive lineup.

More Than Just a Wine

Joining the celebrated 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon and the limited-edition 2024 Pinot Noir, the Chardonnay solidifies Crimson Dynasty's dedication to crafting world-class wines. This isn't just wine; it's a story.

Crimson Tide in a Glass

The founders' vision is clear: to create a portfolio that honors legacy and the pursuit of excellence. Each bottle tells a story, connecting Southern roots to Napa Valley craftsmanship.

What's on the Menu?

• 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold, structured, with dark fruit and cocoa notes.
• 2024 Pinot Noir: Elegant, vibrant, with red cherry and a silky finish.
• 2024 Chardonnay: A harmonious blend of crisp green apple, ripe pear, and a touch of vanilla.

Crafted with Care

Crimson Dynasty collaborates with acclaimed winemaker Jean Hoefliger, ensuring each wine reflects varietal purity and signature balance.

A Southern Story in Napa

Crimson Dynasty's rise is gaining attention for its quality and its unique Southern narrative. The Chardonnay is a testament to the brand's long-term vision.

Support the Tide

A portion of every purchase directly supports The University of Alabama Athletics, making each sip even more meaningful.

Limited Availability

Crimson Dynasty wines are available online, but quantities are limited.

Big White Shark Visits Alabama's Gulf Coast!

Hold on to your swim trunks, ChumCity citizens! We've got a fin-tastic story brewing down on the Alabama Gulf Coast. "Ernst," a whopping 1,000-pound great white shark, has decided to extend her vacation in our waters.

Who's Ernst?

This 12-foot sub-adult female isn't your average tourist. Tagged back in October 2023 off Nova Scotia by the OCEARCH research team, she's been on quite the road trip.

Ernst's Epic Journey

Ernst has clocked over 3,200 miles in about 90 days! She cruised down the East Coast, circled Florida, and splashed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Why Is This News?

Typically, great whites prefer hanging out in deeper waters. Ernst's pings show her cruising unusually close to shore, even as close as four miles. Scientists are super interested in her behavior.

What's She Up To?

Probably grabbing a bite! Experts believe Ernst is likely on the hunt for some delicious tuna and mackerel. After she's had her fill, she'll likely head back to the deep blue.

Good News for Alabama

Ernst's presence is actually a great sign! It indicates that Alabama's marine ecosystem is thriving, offering plenty of food to support such a magnificent creature. Talk about a healthy ecosystem!

Stay Tuned

We'll be keeping a close watch on Ernst's adventure in and around Alabama waters. Keep checking back for more updates!

Tuberville Taps Top Talent: Alabama Students Headed to Service Academies!

Senator Tommy Tuberville just dropped some seriously awesome news: 47 bright and dedicated Alabama students have snagged nominations to our nation's prestigious service academies! We're talking the U.S. Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy. These future leaders are aiming to join the Class of 2030, and we couldn't be prouder!

A Word From The Senator

"I’m stoked to nominate such a powerful group of young, patriotic Alabamians to rep our state in the class of 2030," said Senator Tuberville (R-Auburn). "Their passion for serving in our nation’s military is seriously inspiring and gives me mad hope for the future of our country. I can't wait to see all the amazing things they'll accomplish!"

Meet the Future Leaders

Check out the list of nominees below. These rockstars are about to embark on an incredible journey, and we're here to cheer them on every step of the way!

Air Force Academy Nominees

• James Michael Alford: Helena, AL
• Stella Marie Gallaspy: Theodore, AL
• Campbell Christian Hooks: Auburn, AL
• Antonio Damar Little: Madison, AL
• James Davis Mazzei: Hoover, AL
• Brody Alexander McConnell: Madison, AL
• Richard Joe Raleigh: Huntsville, AL
• Mark William Sergey: Prattville, AL
• Zoey Alexis Smith: Daphne, AL
• Jimmie Ray Sosa: Clanton, AL
• Ryan Christopher Spann: Helena, AL
• Zackery Scott Thurber: Marion, AL
• Bella Frances Tumminello: Mobile, AL
• John Cason Williams: Chelsea, AL
• George Henry Youngblood: Decatur, AL

Military Academy Nominees

• Taylor George Aboud: Mobile, AL
• Olivia Rose Carroll: Vestavia, AL
• Thompson Brooks Coker: Fairhope, AL
• Brody McQuate Davis: Enterprise, AL
• Ryanne Elise Ezekiel: Birmingham, AL
• Joshua Oladele Hahn: Vestavia, AL
• Sequoah Eugene Hicks Jr: Birmingham, AL
• Cayden Walker Hofbauer: Mountain Brook, AL
• Stanley Hawkins McConnell: Mobile, AL
• Jason Parker Love: Chelsea, AL
• Joseph Wallace Porter: Birmingham, AL
• Kai Moseley Price: Orange Beach, AL
• Kate Madison Seidel: Vinemont, AL
• Molly Shilo Seidman: Auburn, AL
• Cammi Emma Tillery: Enterprise, AL

Naval Academy Nominees

• Simone Margaret Bermudez: Birmingham, AL
• Rayner Michael Brom: Mountain Brook, AL
• Dominick Diesel Clausen: Piedmont, AL
• Christopher Boyd Cooper: Birmingham, AL
• David Ronald Guthrie Jr: Satsuma, AL
• Maggie Christine Mae Ingram: McCalla, AL
• Truman Benson Lee: Mountain Brook, AL
• Braden Newton Little: Mountain Brook, AL
• Jay William Merchant: Vestavia, AL
• Isaac Aiden Meyers: Newton, AL
• Jonathan Avery Meyers: Newton, AL
• Lane Michael Mitchell: Alabaster, AL
• Layton Matthew Towery: Auburn, AL
• Savannah Grace Trejo: Auburn, AL
• John Franklin Wilhite: Auburn, AL

Merchant Marine Academy Nominees

• Lillian Yasmin Moreno: Daphne, AL
• Caleb Scott Shultz: Huntsville, AL

College Hoops Gone Wild: Bediako's Bama Return!

You think you've seen it all in college sports? Think again, Chumsters! The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team is serving up a seriously spicy storyline.

Remember Charles Bediako, the towering center who dipped for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year in 2023? Well, he's trying to come back to Tuscaloosa after a couple of seasons in the G League. Wild, right?

Court Victory!

Word on the street (and the internet) is that Bediako is already enrolled in classes! And guess what? He snagged a temporary restraining order that grants him immediate eligibility to play! Boom!

What's Next?

This temporary order is only good for ten days, until a hearing on January 27th. If the court says no to a longer injunction, Bediako can only suit up for one game: this Saturday against Tennessee. Ouch!

NCAA's Grip Loosens

It's another example of the NCAA's authority fading fast. Bediako's camp says he regrets leaving early, especially with the changes in NIL and athlete compensation. He saw others return from the G League and NBA draft, and figured, why not him?

Big Boost for Bama?

Bediako was a defensive beast, a rim-protecting machine on that SEC-winning team. Alabama has struggled to fill his shoes. If this return sticks, it's a massive upgrade for Coach Oats' crew.

Floodgates Open?

The NCAA initially blocked Bediako's return, leading to the court battle. Is this a sign of things to come? Will other athletes jump back and forth between college and the pros? Stay tuned, ChumCity, because this is just getting started!

Wiregrass Watch: Big Business Backs Money in House Race!

The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) is making waves in the Wiregrass! They're throwing their support behind David Money in the 2026 election showdown for House District 85.

Money vs. Rehm: The GOP Primary Battle

Money, the former Henry County Probate Judge, is taking on incumbent State Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan) in what's shaping up to be a heated GOP primary. Money stepped down from his probate position in January 2025, after serving as Henry County Commission Chairman for 12 years.

BCA's ProgressPAC Weighs In

Kevin Savoy, ProgressPAC Chairman, says Money's local experience and "action-oriented approach" are exactly what the district needs.

Savoy's Take

"David Money gets that good government means listening and then doing," Savoy stated. "His local leadership experience gives him a real grasp of Alabama issues, from jobs to efficient government. He'll be a strong, practical voice for pro-growth policies in the State House, no doubt!"

BCA Praises Money's Record

The BCA highlights Money's long service in Henry County – Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman from 2013 to 2025. They claim he's known for integrity, accountability, and a hands-on leadership style, working closely with folks to tackle challenges and find opportunities.

A Word from the Top

"The Wiregrass can trust David to bring the kind of steady, service-driven leadership that boosts Alabama's economy," added BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. "He knows how smart policies impact businesses, workers, and families, and he's got the record to prove it. ProgressPAC is thrilled to back a candidate who will be a solid pro-business ally in Montgomery."

The Clock is Ticking!

Candidate qualifying closes two days from now, on Friday, January 23, at 5 p.m. Right now, it's Rehm vs. Money in the GOP primary on May 19, 2026.

Rehm's Support System

Rehm isn't without his backers. He kicked off his re-election bid with House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) by his side back in October. The Alabama Farmers Federation also announced their support for his second term in November.

Alabama Library Drama! Trigger Warnings & Funding Fights!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Things got WILD at a recent Alabama Public Library Services (APLS) meeting. Chairman John Wahl started reading excerpts from "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," and a reporter, clearly feeling the heat, actually asked for a trigger warning due to the book's supposedly vulgar content.

Same Book, Same Fight

Yep, this is the same "Perks of Being a Wallflower" that's causing all the fuss down in Fairhope! The Fairhope Public Library is facing potential funding cuts because they refuse to yank the book from the kids' section. Talk about sticking to your principles!

Read Freely Alabama Takes a Hit

Sadly, it seems Read Freely Alabama took another L, and the residents of Fairhope are feeling the pinch with lost library funding. Ouch!

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Keep an ear out for Dale Jackson, thought leader at Yellowhammer News and host of a talk show on WVNN from 5-9 a.m. weekdays. He's sure to have some strong opinions on this unfolding saga!

Alabama Kids Count: Data Book Goes Digital!

VOICES for Alabama’s Children just dropped the 2025 Alabama Kids Count Data Book, but here's the twist: it's going fully digital! Get ready for a year-round data party focusing on kids' mental health.

Thirty-Two Years of Data!

For 32 years, VOICES has been keeping tabs on Alabama's kiddos. But instead of just one big release, they're switching to continuous updates, analyses, and briefs all through 2026!

Why the Change?

“The Data Book has been crucial in understanding our kids' well-being,” says Dr. Tracye Strichik, head of VOICES. “But things change fast, especially when it comes to mental health. This new approach means we can give you data that's always fresh and relevant!”

Mental Health Takes Center Stage

The 2025 Data Book shines a big spotlight on mental health and its impact on education, family life, safety, and even the economy.

Data Drives Decisions

Apreill Hartsfield from VOICES emphasizes the need for continued mental health support. “Timely data will help guide smart decisions that boost outcomes for kids and their families,” she says.

The Good News...

Alabama's kid population is growing, infant mortality is down, and early intervention programs are helping more children than ever before! Education is improving, too, with rising reading and math scores, and less absenteeism than before the pandemic.

...And the Challenges

Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect rates are up, affecting over 38,000 kids. Plus, child poverty is climbing among the youngest Alabamians.

Year-Round Focus

“We need to pay attention year-round if we really want to make a difference in children’s mental health and their future,” Strichik concludes.

Vets in the Classroom? Governor Ivey Says "Aye!"

Governor Kay Ivey is pushing for a new bill that could bring military veterans into Alabama classrooms without the typical bachelor's degree requirement. That's right, folks, Senate Bill 149 aims to let qualified vets share their unique skills and experiences with the next generation.

What's the Deal?

Sponsored by State Senator Matt Woods and State Rep. Rick Rehm, this bill would allow the Alabama State Department of Education to hand out temporary teaching certificates to vets who meet specific criteria. Think service record, education achievements, and passing certain tests.

Ivey's Got Their Back

"Veterans bring a perspective we need," Ivey said, highlighting the bill in her recent State of the State address. She believes it's a win-win: boosting teacher numbers while giving veterans a chance to shine in new careers.

The Details

So, what does it take to get one of these temporary teaching certificates? Applicants will need to:

• Prove 48 months of active duty with an honorable discharge.
• Pass a background check.
• Get a thumbs-up from a local superintendent or school administrator.
• Rack up at least 60 college credit hours with a 2.5 GPA.
• Ace the Praxis test.

A Veteran's Perspective

Representative Rehm, himself a U.S. Army vet, sees this as a way to tap into the valuable skills that military personnel bring to the table. He's stoked about the possibilities for both students and veterans.

More Teachers, More Options

Senate Bill 149, if it becomes law, is another tool in the toolbox for getting more qualified educators in Alabama schools. Could this be a game-changer? Only time will tell!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (in Alabama!)

At the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), we're always buzzing about collaboration and partnerships. But what does that REALLY mean for our state?

Think about it: workforce development, infrastructure, smart tax policies, even childcare. These all fuel Alabama's economic engine! Tackling them requires everyone to pull in the same direction.

"Working for Alabama" to the Rescue!

That's why the BCA championed the "Working for Alabama" legislative package. Big thanks to Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for making it happen!

This package revamped the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce. This transformation? Years in the making, forged through partnerships between public and private sectors, and now led by Secretary Greg Reed.

Game-Changing Collaboration

Remember the Alabama Growth Alliance Act? Sponsored by Greg Reed (when he was Senate Pro Tem), it's ALL about collaboration. We're talking better coordination between businesses, educators, and state agencies.

Policymakers and businesses working together? That's the recipe for results. And the new Department of Workforce is already proving it!

Department of Workforce: Speeding Up Success

This isn't your typical slow-moving government agency. Secretary Reed and his team are moving at the speed of BUSINESS.

They're laser-focused on boosting education and training, streamlining state government, cutting red tape, and spreading the word about available resources.

Data-Driven Decisions & Brand New Career Centers

The Department just launched a central data hub to track regional workforce trends. This means a more targeted approach to attracting businesses and addressing workforce needs.

Plus, the Athens-Limestone Career Center at Athens State University just opened! It’s a game changer for connecting job seekers with employers in a fast-growing area.

Real Projects, Real Results

The Department also played a key role in securing an $11 million federal grant for the Hallmark Farms project. This initiative will reclaim abandoned mine land, create jobs, and boost the Jefferson County economy.

At the BCA, we're all about making a real difference for businesses and hardworking Alabamians. These relationships are built on successful collaboration among business leaders, educators, and policymakers.

The Future is Bright!

The Department of Workforce is showing us what's possible when we work together. We're excited about what's next for Alabama!

Get Involved! Be a Poll Worker in 2026!

Hey ChumCity citizens! Election year is gearing up, and that means it's time to step up and help make the democratic process hum. With the May 19, 2026, primary election just around the corner, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is calling on all residents to consider becoming poll workers. They're the unsung heroes of Election Day!

Why Be a Poll Worker?

According to Allen, "Poll workers are essential members of the elections administration team. They work hard from sun up to sun down on Election Day at every polling place across our state." Basically, they keep the whole show running smoothly.

Calling All Heroes: Veterans Needed!

The state's "Heroes at the Polls" program specifically encourages Alabama veterans to apply. Allen emphasizes, "Our veterans have defended our constitutional right to vote time and again. This makes them uniquely qualified to safeguard election integrity." Talk about a perfect fit!

Are You Eligible?

To qualify, you need to be a registered voter in the county where you want to volunteer. The county appointing board (probate judge, sheriff, and circuit clerk) makes the final call. Plus, don't worry, you'll get trained up by your county probate judge before each election.

Ready to Sign Up?

If you're ready to get involved and make a difference, you can find a poll worker application through the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Let's make this election the best one yet!