Pro-Life Rally Coming to Birmingham!

Heads up, ChumCity! Pro-life advocates are rallying in Birmingham this Saturday to support the rights of the unborn.

Prayer Vigil & Witness for Life

Get ready to join leaders and citizens from across the city at the annual Prayer Vigil & Witness for Life, taking place this Saturday, January 17th, at 10:45 AM. The gathering will be in front of Planned Parenthood, located at 1019 1st Ave N. Attendees will unite in prayer and prepare for renewed pro-life efforts.

Alabama's Strong Stance

As you know, Alabama boasts some of the nation's strongest pro-life laws, thanks to the Human Life Protection Act enacted after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

More Work To Be Done

Attorney Eric Johnston, the author of the Human Life Protection Act, will be speaking at the vigil. He believes that there is still more to be done to protect unborn children in the state. While abortions are down, concerns remain about unsupervised abortions via mail-order abortifacients.

Fighting for Life

Jim Pinto, a key organizer of the vigil and a long-time pro-life champion, echoes Johnston's sentiments. He emphasizes the need to remain vigilant against "workaround chemical abortions" happening in Alabama. The pro-life community hopes to continue its work to support women's health and save the lives of the unborn.

Join the Movement!

The Prayer Vigil is co-hosted by Birmingham March for Life, United for Life, and CEC For Life, along with other pro-life organizations and local churches. Expect a time of worship, celebration, and special prayers for unborn children. Fr. Terry Gensemer of CEC For Life will be emceeing the event.

Rocket's Back, Baby!

Remember that awesome Saturn 1B rocket at the Alabama welcome center? It's back! After the old one was retired, everyone missed it, so they built a shiny new replica. Road trip, anyone?

Opioid Fight: Alabama's Winning

Good news, y'all! Alabama's prescription opioid dosages are still dropping. Looks like the state's cracking down on the opioid crisis with better rules, monitoring, and promoting alternative pain relief. Keep up the good work!

Library Funding Fight!

Drama alert! The Alabama Public Library Service board just cut state funding to the Fairhope Public Library because they refused to move or hide "The Handmaid's Tale." What do you think about that?

Machado & Trump: Venezuelan Vibes

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado chilled with President Trump and even brought him a Nobel Prize (for US efforts in Venezuela!). All this amidst ongoing struggles in Venezuela.

Tough on Crime: Alabama Bills Advance

Alabama lawmakers are getting serious about crime! Judiciary committees just gave the thumbs-up to bills increasing penalties for crimes with multiple victims, organ theft, banning NDAs in sexual abuse cases, and hitting harder on assaults against lawmakers.

Tuberville Takes on Child Care Fraud!

Senator (and former Coach!) Tommy Tuberville is fired up about child care fraud. He introduced the Stop Fraud by Somalia Act, calling the scandals one of the biggest rip-offs of American taxpayers EVER. He wants accountability!

Minnesota Mayhem: Trump, Walz, and Protests!

Things are heating up in Minnesota! President Trump threatened to use the Insurrection Act after the ICE shooting unrest. The White House slammed Gov. Tim Walz, impeachment articles were drafted against him, and Rep. Tom Emmer wants him GONE! Minneapolis is protesting hard.

Tune In!

Get more of this kind of insight from Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN talk show host (weekdays 5-9 a.m.)!

Hoover Scores Big with Mine Land Revitalization Funding!

Get ready for some exciting changes, ChumCity! Hoover is about to get a major boost thanks to a whopping $11,751,607.34 in federal funding from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program. This awesome news translates to big wins for our community through two super innovative projects.

What's in Store for Hoover?

The funding will fuel Broad Metro’s Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 Project and Signature Homes’ I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension. Both initiatives are all about cleaning up old environmental hazards, keeping us safe, and sparking some serious economic growth right here in coal-impacted communities.

A Partnership That Pays Off

Workforce Secretary Greg Reed couldn't be happier! He calls this investment a "major win" for Alabama, emphasizing how it delivers jobs, breathes new life into unused land, and creates a space that will benefit the community for years to come. He highlights the power of combining strong partnerships with federal support to achieve rural economic growth.

Stadium Trace Village: A Revitalized Hub

Broad Metro's CEO, Will Kadish, expressed gratitude for programs like AMLER, which continue to deliver results for Alabama, especially in a time when federal infrastructure investments can be uncertain. Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 will transform about 121 acres of undeveloped land into a vibrant space featuring a state-of-the-art surgical plaza, hotel, retail shops, and plenty of green space. This project will create hundreds of construction jobs and permanent positions, while respecting our natural environment.

I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension: Connecting Communities

Jonathan Belcher, CEO of Signature Homes, is thrilled about the AMLER grant supporting the I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension. This investment allows them to reclaim historic mining areas, protect the Cahaba River watershed, and create vital infrastructure supporting tons of jobs. The parkway provides essential connectivity, ensuring long-term economic growth for Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Building a Brighter Future

The AMLER Program focuses on transforming old, abandoned coal mining sites into productive assets for our local economies. These projects are all about creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and opening up new development opportunities right here in Jefferson and Shelby counties. It's about taking our past and turning it into a foundation for a brighter future!

Huntsville Doc in Hot Water Over Bizarre Claims!

A new lawsuit filed in Madison County is making some seriously eyebrow-raising accusations against a Huntsville doctor, Edward Witt, D.O., and two healthcare companies, ARC Healthcare LLC and QC Kinetix LLC. Buckle up, ChumCity citizens, because this is a wild ride!

Shaving Shenanigans?

The lawsuit, brought by plaintiffs Jane Doe and Mary May, alleges that these women were repeatedly asked to shave Dr. Witt's thighs and calves! Yep, you read that right. And the plot thickens...

Fired by Text?!

After attempting to put the brakes on being alone with the doctor at the office, both women claim they were unceremoniously fired via text message. Talk about a digital "you're out!"

Legal Bombshell

The complaint cites Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and includes claims of invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and plain ol' negligence. Mastando & Artrip, LLC, a Huntsville law firm, is representing the plaintiffs.

The Allegations

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Witt, who allegedly held a supervisory role at both ARC Healthcare and QC Kinetix, engaged in a pattern of totally inappropriate and sexualized behavior. We're talking unwanted touching, explicit chats, and those...leg-shaving demands.

What's Next?

The lawsuit claims that ARC Healthcare and QC Kinetix failed to step in and stop the alleged misconduct. It's important to remember that these are just allegations at this point. No one has had their day in court yet, and no responses from the defendants were included in the initial filing.

Big News! Alabama Technology Network Gets a Makeover!

The Alabama Technology Network is sporting a fresh new look! Say hello to the Alabama Training Network – a name that totally nails what they're all about! Think workforce solutions, beefing up businesses, and generally making Alabama awesome!

Same Mission, Even Better Name!

Don't worry, folks! While the name’s snazzier, their commitment to a strong Alabama workforce is still the same. They're doubling down on supporting industry!

Hear it From the Top!

"This change really shows who we are and what we do," says Keith Phillips, Executive Director. "Training is always the answer. We're here to help Alabama businesses level up their workers, crush their goals, and stay on top in today's crazy world!"

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration!

ATN threw a party to celebrate their new name! Partners, leaders, and friends all gathered for a ribbon-cutting shindig with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Good times!

What's ATN's Deal?

Since way back in 2004, ATN's been part of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). They're also Alabama's go-to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), partnering with manufacturers to provide training, technical help, and business smarts.

The Stats Don't Lie!

With a team of 61 pros statewide, ATN offers over 240 courses in areas like industrial stuff, safety, food services, and leadership. In just the last year, they helped 255 Alabama manufacturers, delivering 464 training sessions, and logging over 32,000 instruction hours. Whoa!

Experts in Your Corner!

Backed by a whopping 1,200+ years of manufacturing experience, ATN's experts work directly with companies to create training programs that are just right. They get your unique needs!

Making Alabama Stronger!

Together with ACCS, ATN is the biggest workforce training network in the state. Since day one, they've helped create and keep over 22,000 jobs and pumped over $4.6 BILLION into Alabama's economy! Talk about a power couple!

Alabama House OKs Post-Election Audits!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Alabama House just gave the green light to a bill requiring audits after every countywide and statewide general election. Yep, you read that right!

What's the Buzz?

State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) spearheaded HB95, standing strong against a two-hour filibuster attempt by House Dems. The bill mandates probate judges in each county to audit ballots in at least one randomly chosen precinct and one countywide or statewide race after each general election.

The Vote

The bill cruised through the House with a 72-25 vote, with only Democrats opposing. So, what does this mean?

Audit Deets

Probate judges will call the shots on the audit’s date, time, and location, and they'll appoint poll workers to run the show. Alabama's Secretary of State Wes Allen is totally on board, saying he's always supported election transparency.

More Audits? Maybe!

The bill makes it clear that probate judges can order even MORE audits if they want. Talk about double-checking!

Manual or Machine?

Audits can go the old-school route with manual tallies or use ballot counters. But, if machines are involved, at least 30 randomly picked ballots have to be manually checked against the machine results. Just to be sure, you know?

What's Next?

HB95 is now zooming over to the Alabama Senate, hot on the path to becoming law! Stay tuned, ChumCity, this one's moving fast!

Alabama Opts In: Feds to Boost School Choice!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! Governor Kay Ivey just signed an executive order locking Alabama into the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program! This brand-new program, a piece of President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," promises even more educational options for our families.

Ivey Doubles Down on School Choice

This move comes hot on the heels of Ivey's State of the State address, where she boldly declared her aim to make Alabama "the most school choice friendly state in the nation." Talk about commitment! And with National School Choice Week kicking off January 25th, the timing couldn't be better.

More Options, More Resources

"Alabama has been a trailblazer in offering parents and students options," Governor Ivey stated. She highlighted the success of the Alabama Accountability Act and the CHOOSE Act, emphasizing that this new federal program is another step in the right direction.

How it Works

Think of it like the Alabama Accountability Act, but on a federal scale! The Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit offers tax credits for donations to approved scholarship organizations. These organizations then use the funds to provide scholarships for students at all levels, covering tuition, books, tutoring, and more! Even families already participating in the CHOOSE Act or benefiting from the Alabama Accountability Act may be eligible.

What's Next?

Ivey's order officially greenlights Alabama's participation and tasks the Alabama Department of Revenue with managing the program and certifying the scholarship organizations. Get ready, though – this awesome opportunity won't be available until January 2027!

Alabama Politics: Hot Takes and Fresh Takes!

Kay Ivey's State of the State: Visionary leap or nostalgic trip down memory lane? We're dissecting every detail!

Mind-Blowing Connection: Minnesota & Montgomery?!

Sounds crazy, right? Find out what these two M-named locales have in common. Prepare to be surprised!

Legislative Lowdown: What's Cooking in Alabama?

This year's agenda is PACKED. We're breaking down the key issues hitting the Alabama Legislature.

Get Your Fix: Alabama Politics This Week

Catch the show on TV, radio, and online – we're EVERYWHERE in Alabama! Your one-stop shop for all things political.

The Experts Weigh In:

Mecca Musick, CEO of 256 Today, keeps you in the know.

Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN radio host (weekdays, 5-9 a.m.), brings the heat.

Cornfield Creation? Ag Candidate Shares TMI at Forum

Christina McInnis, vying for Alabama Ag Commissioner, raised a few eyebrows during her closing remarks at a recent public forum in Auburn. Let's just say she went a little off-script and into the weeds... or maybe the corn stalks?

A Tale of Struggle and... Well, You'll See

McInnis was discussing the importance of family farms and the "next generation" when she veered into a personal anecdote about her parents.

"My parents in 1979 lived in a single wide trailer in Alberta, Alabama. They rubbed pennies together to be a farmer," she explained. Disaster struck when Hurricane Frederick demolished their trailer, leaving them homeless.

The Plot Thickens (Literally)

"The bank wouldn’t lend them any money for a mortgage – and they thought it was a good idea to create Christina in the cornfield that day — and here I am."

Whoa there, Christina! That's a bit more information than we bargained for!

The Race is On!

McInnis, a fifth-generation farmer from Baldwin County, is competing against State Sen. Jack Williams and Douglas Mayor Corey Hill for the Ag Commissioner gig. With current Commissioner Rick Pate term-limited, the GOP primary on May 19th promises to be a real barn burner.

Remembering Lurleen: Alabama's Trailblazing Governor

Hey ChumCity Citizens! Did you know that 59 years ago today, January 16, 1967, Alabama made history? Lurleen B. Wallace became our state's first female governor! She was only the third woman ever elected as chief executive of a state in the U.S. Talk about a groundbreaker!

A Crowd for the Ages

Lurleen's inauguration was huge. We're talking potentially the biggest in Alabama history! Estimates say a whopping 150,000 people showed up to watch. The parade was legendary, clocking in at a solid five hours thanks to all the bands, floats, and participants. Can you imagine?!

A Sober Celebration

Showing true class, Governor Lurleen decided to skip the traditional inaugural ball. Her reason? Out of respect for the Alabama troops serving in Vietnam. What a thoughtful gesture.

Alabama Memories

I've noticed something interesting when talking to Alabamians who are a little older. When they find out I used to be Gov. George Wallace's spokesman, two things are sure to happen. First, they have to share every single time they met the Governor. Second, they almost always tell me they were either at or marching in Lurleen's inaugural parade!

Pieces of History

Here’s a peek into the archives! Check out this rare ticket for the main inaugural platform and a button that was sold to attendees at Lurleen Wallace's big day. These are some fantastic historical artifacts.