Mobile Bay Under Attack? Alabama Lawmakers Fight Back!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Two Alabama lawmakers are stepping up to protect Mobile Bay from what they're calling "mud dumping" caused by ship channel dredging.

State Rep. Rhett Marques and State Sen. Chris Elliott are joining forces to introduce legislation that aims to lessen the amount of dredge disposal going into the bay. They're holding a press conference today to announce their plan.

What's the Big Deal?

Basically, after a federal bill was passed requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to use dredged material for beneficial purposes (like restoring coastal habitats), the Corps allegedly started calling mud dumping "beneficial use" to get around the rules. Sneaky, right?

This new state legislation would make it clear that dumping dredged material in Mobile Bay does not count as beneficial use.

The Plan of Action

The Corps can keep dredging, but the feds would have to foot the bill for responsible disposal options for a big chunk of the mud. It's a win-win!

Rep. Marques says he's "committed to protecting Mobile Bay," calling the legislation a smart, science-backed way to use taxpayer dollars. Sen. Elliott agrees, emphasizing that protecting the Bay is good for business and the environment.

A Growing Trend

This bill is set to be filed on the first day of the 2026 legislative session, potentially putting Alabama in line with states like Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina that already have policies against mud dumping.

Who's On Board?

A whole slew of local leaders and organizations are backing the bill, including mayors from Bayou La Batre, Spanish Fort, Daphne, as well as the Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, local property owners associations, and numerous seafood industry groups. It sounds like everyone is ready to fight for a cleaner Mobile Bay!

Sewell's Stellar Stock Picks: Lucky or Loaded?

Alabama's own Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) might be having a very merry holiday season. Why? She's apparently crushing it in the stock market, according to a year-end analysis of congressional trades.

Top Trader Alert!

Unusual Whales, the market watchdog crew, dropped their 2025 Congressional Trading Report, and guess who landed near the top? Sewell's portfolio reportedly exploded with a +67.9% return! That puts her in third place among all members of Congress. Not too shabby, eh?

Smarter Than the Market?

To put that into perspective, the S&P 500 only saw a +16.8% jump during the same period. So, either Sewell's got some serious investing skills, or something else is at play.

Beating the Odds

Only two lawmakers managed to snag a higher return: Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) with a rocking +79% and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) at approximately +71%. Sewell's in good (and suspiciously profitable) company!

Active Trader in the House

The report also labels Sewell as an "active trader," meaning she wasn't just sitting on old investments. She was actively buying and selling stocks throughout 2025.

Tech Titan Gains

Public filings reveal some key buys: Apple (AAPL) and NVIDIA (NVDA). These two tech giants were major players in the market's AI boom in 2025. Coincidence? We'll let you decide.

Power Player

Sewell's a big deal on Capitol Hill, serving on the House Ways and Means Committee with choice assignments on Oversight, Social Security, and Trade. So, yeah, she's got influence...and apparently, a knack for picking stocks.

North Alabama Tower Bites the Dust!

Boom! The tallest tower in North Alabama, a former rocket-testing giant, went down in a controlled demolition. Residents across the region felt the earth shake! Talk about making an exit!

Trump Eyes Iran as Tensions Rise

President Trump's keeping a close watch on Iran, weighing options as things heat up. Meanwhile, a protest in California took a dark turn when a U-Haul plowed into the crowd. Cops are digging into whether it was a deliberate act of political terror. Yikes!

Dems "Shocked" by Pro-Hamas Chants? Please!

Liberal leaders are feigning surprise after a left-wing crowd in NYC started chanting for Hamas. Hochul, AOC, and Mamdani are all "disgusted," but their base isn't buying it. Seems like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Alabama Dems Self-Destruct?

Alabama Democrats are tripping over themselves to become irrelevant, with a congressional candidate going off the rails about ICE. The media? They're drooling over another billboard campaign that's about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.

Alabama's Economy is Cookin'!

The unemployment rate in Alabama dipped to a sweet 2.7%! Job growth is up across the board. Looks like the Yellowhammer State is flexing its economic muscles!

Alabama Legislature: Get In, Get Out!

Legislative leaders in Alabama are aiming for a speedy session, tackling the budget, education, and economic development lickety-split! Their goal? Wrap things up early and get that campaign season rolling!

ICE Deployments Spark Partisan Divide

After those "emergency protests" following the Minnesota incident, more ICE officers are heading to Minneapolis to round up illegal immigrants. Predictably, Alabama's congressional delegation is duking it out along party lines. Some things never change!

What's Cookin' in Montgomery? Rep. Kiel Serves Up Two New Bills!

Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) is kickin' off the 2026 legislative session with a bang, unveiling two bills aimed at shoring up voter privacy and beefing up state oversight. Let's dive into the details!

HB67: Protecting Your Voter Info

Tired of campaign spam? Kiel's got your back! HB67 is all about protecting your personal information on voter rolls. This bill proposes capping the cost of getting an electronic voter list at just $1,000 and shielding sensitive data like email addresses, phone numbers, and birthdays from prying eyes. Right now, a full statewide voter file could set you back around $38,000! This bill aims to make voter data more accessible but also more secure. Secretary of State Wes Allen is already on board, so this bill might have some serious legs!

HB94: Giving the State Auditor Some Muscle

Kiel's also setting his sights on making sure state-owned property is properly managed. HB94 would give the Alabama State Auditor's office some serious new investigative powers. State agencies would have to report lost or stolen property, and the auditor's office would get a brand-new Division of Property Investigations to sniff out any wrongdoing. Found some missing state-issued staplers? Time to fess up! If negligence is discovered, the auditor could demand repayment and even bring in the Attorney General. The bill also tightens up inventory procedures for secure facilities, making sure everything behind those security barriers is accounted for.

The Stage is Set!

Both bills are headed to the Alabama Legislature as the 2026 session gets underway. Will they pass? Only time will tell, but these proposals are definitely worth watching!

Iran: A Nation on the Brink

When the U.S. stepped into Venezuela, it sent ripples worldwide. In Iran, folks already dealing with a tough dictatorship saw a glimmer of hope – even long-standing powers could be challenged!

The Spark of Defiance

This sparked some serious courage among Iranians, inspiring them to demand their own slice of freedom. The message rang loud and clear: no leader is untouchable, and fighting for liberty is ALWAYS worth it.

"I stand with you," declared Trump, echoing the unwavering support.

A Lifeline in the Digital Dark

In a country where the regime shuts down the internet, staying connected is a matter of survival. Elon Musk's Starlink could be a game-changer for Iranians, helping them communicate, organize, and stay informed despite the government's silencing tactics.

It's a clear sign that America's got their back!

A History Lesson: Why This Matters

For over 40 years, the U.S. and Iran have been locked in a complicated dance since 1979, a year that changed everything. Iran's revolution brought in a radical regime hostile to the West. Remember the hostage crisis? The "Death to America" chants? It wasn't just talk; it was policy, fueling violence and decades of terror.

Gen Z's Perspective

Gen Z didn't live through that era. They didn't see the hostage crisis unfold, hear the chants, or watch Iran support terror groups. They learned about it from textbooks and social media, often without the emotional punch.

Social media speeds things up, but not always for the best. Young people are bombarded with slogans, one-sided stories, and moral confusion. Patriotism is mocked, borders dismissed, and even terrorism excused.

Remembering 9/11

The generational divide is clear when it comes to 9/11. Many young voters weren't even born then. But those of us who lived through it remember it vividly. We know radical ideology isn't just a debate; it kills. And the threats we face today are born from the same dangerous ideas. We can't afford to forget.

Iran's Breaking Point

Now, Iran is at a breaking point. Its people are rising against a regime that has ruled through fear, silenced women, and wrecked the economy. It's not just about minor disagreements. It's about freedom! The government's response? Arrests, bullets, and internet shutdowns.

The Bitter Irony

Here's the twist: While Iranians risk their lives to overthrow radical Islamic rule, some activists in the U.S. are protesting to weaken borders and excuse the same ideology Iranians are fighting to escape. Extremism is romanticized here, but in Iran, it's feared because it's ruled with brutality.

Re-Emerging Figures

Figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, represent a vision of a nation that once engaged with the world. His rumored presence at Mar-a-Lago this weekend signals that serious conversations may be happening.

A Global Impact

If Iran breaks free, the impact would be huge. Terror networks would weaken, regional conflicts could cool, and energy markets could stabilize. Persia could rise again as a force for good.

A Call to Action

There will likely be protests in the U.S. that misunderstand Iran's history. But ignorance doesn't change reality. What's happening in Iran matters deeply.

Pray for the people of Iran, for their safety, and for wisdom for leaders making decisions that could shape history. The world should be watching closely, because history is on the move.

Hometown Hero to Shine at State of the State!

Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! Huntsville's own Rodney Smith Jr., the inspiring force behind "Raising Men Lawn Care Service," is set to be a special guest at Governor Ivey's final State of the State Address tomorrow!

Celebrating Alabama's Best

Governor Ivey is making it a point to highlight the very best our state has to offer, also welcoming groups of high-achieving students from across Alabama. She believes these special guests, including Smith, are shining examples of success stories happening all over our 67 counties.

From One Lawn to a Nationwide Movement

Remember back in 2015 when Smith transformed one kind gesture for an elderly neighbor into a viral, 50-state sensation? His mission has touched countless lives, here and abroad.

A True Patriot

Governor Ivey plans to celebrate Smith's patriotism and dedication as Alabama gears up for the nation's 250th birthday.

The "50 Yard Challenge" Takes the World by Storm!

Smith's simple act of kindness blossomed into a massive effort providing free lawn care for veterans, military families, first responders, and anyone else needing a little help. The "50 Yard Challenge" went viral, challenging kids to mow 50 free lawns for those in need. It's estimated that over 5,000 young people have stepped up to the challenge so far!

Making a Difference, One Lawn at a Time.

And get this - Smith's movement has gone global! "In over 8 countries, we have thousands of kids signing up to make a difference," the group reports. Talk about humble beginnings making a huge impact.

National Recognition for a Local Hero

Smith's work hasn't gone unnoticed. Major news outlets have spotlighted his mission, and he's even been honored with his own day in Reno, Nevada!

Turning Schools Around

Alongside Smith, Governor Ivey will also recognize the amazing students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham, a "Turnaround" school that's making waves.