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.

Jeremy DeVito: Congressional Pretender?

Is Jeremy DeVito really running for Congress? He's certainly claiming to be an expert on all things legal, even calling himself an immigration attorney. But whispers are flying around ChumCity – is it all just smoke and mirrors?

Vulgarity Over Facts?

DeVito seems a bit short on actual facts, but don't worry, he more than makes up for it with a healthy dose of outrage and, well, let's just say colorful language. Is this the kind of representation ChumCity deserves?

Dale Jackson's Take

For a different perspective, tune in to Dale Jackson! He's the brains behind Yellowhammer News' thought-provoking content and the host of his own talk show on WVNN, weekdays from 5-9 a.m. He's sure to have an opinion!

Rece Davis: Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Honor!

Crimson Tide fans, get ready to cheer! Every Saturday morning, we see Rece Davis grace our screens on ESPN's College GameDay, setting the stage for another amazing day of college football. But this Alabama alum is about to get some well-deserved recognition right here at home!

Distinguished Sportsman Award

Mark your calendars for May 9, 2026! Rece Davis will be honored as the 2026 Distinguished Alabama Sportsman at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame's 58th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony.

A Career to Celebrate

For over 25 years, Davis has been a familiar face on ESPN, from his work on the NFL Draft and SportsCenter to his iconic hosting duties on College GameDay since 2015. This Muscle Shoals native, a proud UA graduate with honors, continues to make waves in the world of sports broadcasting.

Joining Legends

Davis joins an impressive list of past Sportsman of the Year winners, including names like Bob Hope, former President George H.W. Bush, and many other influential figures in sports and business. He adds to the rich legacy of Alabama sports excellence!

Event Details

The ceremony will be held at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Want to be a part of the celebration? Reach out to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum for details.

Big Honor for Tuberville's Father in Dothan!

Word on the street (or, well, in Dothan!) is that a brand-new auditorium is set to be named after Senator Tommy Tuberville's father, Charles R. Tuberville Jr., a WWII veteran! How cool is that?

Groundbreaking News at Wiregrass!

The Senator, who's also eyeing the Alabama Governor's seat, was recently in Dothan for the groundbreaking of the new auditorium at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center (WPSC). He also swung by the Fort Rucker-Wiregrass chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). Talk about a busy day!

Funding Secured, Legacy Cemented

Tuberville played a key role in securing almost $8 million for this very auditorium in the FY2024 appropriations package. Now, Dothan city officials are giving a heartfelt nod to his father's service by naming the auditorium in his honor.

A Touching Tribute

"My dad was my hero, and a hero in the military too," Tuberville shared, reflecting on the honor. "For the City of Dothan to name something after him here at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center is a great honor for my family."

Supporting the Wiregrass Region

Tuberville added his commitment to supporting the Wiregrass Public Safety Center and the area's ongoing growth.

Talking Shop with Service Members

During the AUSA luncheon, the Senator chatted with around 600 service members, veterans, and local leaders, giving them the inside scoop on his work in Washington, D.C.

Alabama Football Legend Jimmy Perry Passes Away

Alabama's high school football community is mourning the loss of Jimmy Perry, a legendary coach and Hall of Famer, who passed away on January 10 at the age of 68 after a valiant fight with cancer.

A Titan of the Touchline

Coach Perry dedicated 44 years to shaping young athletes and building winning programs, earning immense respect across the state.

Saint James School Success

From 2012 until his 2023 retirement, Perry led Montgomery's Saint James School, achieving a historic milestone: the Trojans' first-ever state football championship in 2022. The school is set to honor him by naming its stadium after him in December 2025!

From Lee to Auburn and Beyond

Before Saint James, Perry spent 18 seasons at Robert E. Lee High School (his alma mater!), including five as head coach. He also contributed to Auburn University's football program under Coach Tommy Tuberville, serving as director of football operations and director of high school relations. He also spent time coaching the St. Paul Saints in Mobile (2009-2012).

Hall of Fame Recognition

Perry's remarkable career earned him induction into the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Hall of Fame in 2022. He wrapped up his impressive high school coaching career with a grand total of 157 wins.

Family and Remembrance

Coach Perry leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Judy, his children, Jana and Danny, and his brother, Scott. He passed away peacefully at his home in Dadeville, surrounded by his family.

Honoring His Legacy

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. at St. James School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to the Jimmy Perry Memorial Foundation.

Big News for Little Patients at USA Health!

USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital just got a huge boost thanks to a generous $50,000 contribution from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians! This incredible gift is all about making surgeries even safer and better for our young patients.

Cutting-Edge Equipment on the Way

This funding will go straight to purchasing brand-new, state-of-the-art pediatric monitoring equipment for the operating rooms. Think enhanced imaging and extra cool tools that will help doctors and surgical teams during procedures.

A Gift from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, personally presented the donation, showing their commitment to the community.

Safer Surgeries, Brighter Futures

Hospital leaders are super excited about the upgraded technology. They say it will make patient safety even stronger and lead to even better clinical outcomes. This aligns perfectly with USA Health's goal of delivering top-notch medical care to everyone in the region!

A Long History of Support

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Children's & Women's Hospital have a longstanding relationship. They're dedicated to supporting initiatives that help keep kids and families healthy all along the Gulf Coast. Awesome!

Alabama's Economy Rides the Rails

Alabama's heartbeat is powered by efficient systems. From bustling factories to family farms and small businesses like Ransom Recycling, our state thrives when goods move smoothly. The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger throws this into sharp relief.

A Merger Under the Microscope

This isn't your average deal. For something this huge, how the Surface Transportation Board (ST reviews it matters just as much as the final decision. We've got to give them credit for their deliberate approach.

No Rushing Allowed!

The STB shouldn't rush. They need to dig deep, ask the tough questions, and make sure the applicants clear the high hurdle set by federal law. It's not just about the railroads; it's about all of us.

Local Impact, National Stakes

Rail policy decisions hit Main Street fast. Service hiccups? That means production delays, missed opportunities, and higher costs for businesses, especially those with tight deadlines or few transport options.

Competition in Question

This merger could concentrate power, raising serious questions about service quality, prices, and the network's ability to bounce back from disruptions. We need solid answers, not just assumptions.

The STB's Role: More Than Just Saying "No"

The STB needs to do more than just prevent harm. Under their rules, applicants must prove this merger will actually boost competition, improve safety, and benefit the public. It's a high bar, designed to protect our economy.

Lessons from the Past

We've seen this before. Past mergers promised the moon but delivered service disruptions and left shippers with few choices. We can't afford to repeat those mistakes.

Alabama's at Risk

Here in Alabama, where rail supports a huge range of industries, a drop in competition would sting hard.

A Signal of Seriousness

The STB's cautious approach is a good sign. It tells businesses and workers that their concerns are being heard. It reinforces that competition and reliability are crucial, not optional. We need transparency to trust the process.

Stay the Course!

Let's encourage the STB to keep it up! Holding applicants to the highest standard isn't an obstacle; it's protection. A strong supply chain, a competitive rail network, and an economy that works for everyone depend on it.

Alabama Needs This

For Alabama and the whole country, a careful review isn't just appropriate, it's essential.

(Matt Armbruster, President and Founder of Ransom Recycling in Mobile, Alabama)

Ivey Calls on Lawmakers to "Let the Kids Play!"

Governor Kay Ivey made a bold statement during her final State of the State address, urging Alabama lawmakers to take action. The issue? The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and its policy of sidelining student-athletes who transfer using CHOOSE Act funds.

The CHOOSE Act Controversy

Remember the CHOOSE Act, signed into law back in 2024? It created education savings accounts for families, allowing them to use those funds for things like private school tuition. The AHSAA, however, decided to treat these funds as "financial aid." This triggered their existing rule forcing transfer students receiving financial aid to sit out a year before competing.

Ivey and Ledbetter vs. the AHSAA

Last year, Ivey and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter even took the AHSAA to court over this issue! They fought tooth and nail against a new rule that would've benched student-athletes transferring with school choice funds.

"The Let the Kids Play Act"

Now, lawmakers are ready to step up and reinforce the rules. According to Ivey, Representative Danny Garrett and Senator Clyde Chambliss will be championing "The Let the Kids Play Act" this session. The goal? To ensure that families benefitting from the CHOOSE Act aren't unfairly sidelined again. Garrett, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, and Chambliss, Chairman of the Senate Local Legislation Committee, are key players in this effort. Let's see if they can get this done and finally "Let the Kids Play!"