Salmonella Scare: Oysters and Outbreaks - What's the ChumCity Scoop?

Alright, ChumCity citizens, let's talk oysters and a recent salmonella "outbreak" making waves. The CDC dropped a report on December 23rd, mentioning 64 people across 22 states catching salmonella.

The Good News (for Alabamians!)

Alabama, you're in the clear! No reported cases here.

Breaking Down the "Outbreak"

While headlines scream "outbreak," the CDC's report paints a slightly different picture. Cases popped up as early as June 2023, with a second wave in late November. They just released the info all at once.

Numbers to Know

• 20 people hospitalized (none in Alabama!)
• Zero deaths reported.
• 74% of those infected ate raw oysters. (Mystery surrounds the other 26%!)

Oyster Origins and Safety

No specific harvest area or brand is to blame yet, and NO RECALL has been issued.

Where's the Trouble?

The states affected are spread wide: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.

Most aren't big oyster producers, meaning these cases likely involve oysters shipped in from elsewhere.

Salmonella 101

Salmonella can be nasty, especially for kids, seniors, and those with weak immune systems. Symptoms usually hit 12-72 hours after eating contaminated grub: think diarrhea, fever, and belly cramps.

CDC's Safety Tips

No recall, but they're serving up some advice:

• Cook Those Oysters! Get 'em to 145°F for 15 seconds to zap the bacteria.
• Raw Oysters = Risky Business: Especially during this investigation!
• Hot Sauce? Lemon? Nope! They don't kill salmonella.
• High-Risk Groups: Kids under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, steer clear of raw oysters.

Stay Tuned!

The CDC is still digging into this, so we'll keep you posted.

Immigration: Beyond the Headlines

You know, the news is always pushing those heart-wrenching tales of Hispanic illegals caught by ICE. But let's be real, that's just a sliver of the whole pie, and honestly, it's often seasoned with a heavy dose of spin.

The Untold Story

What's really going on? People from all over the globe are being trafficked right into our own backyards! And forget the picture of them toiling on farms or in some chicken plant in Albertville for a shady character like Kilmar Abrego Garcia. There's a much bigger, darker game at play here.

Why the Smoke and Mirrors?

All those sob stories? Maybe they're not just accidents. Could they be intentionally distracting us from the real, messy truth?

Your Voice in the Conversation

Tune in to Dale Jackson, the sharp mind at Yellowhammer News, for his take on WVNN weekdays 5-9 a.m. He's not afraid to ask the tough questions.

Tide Rollin' into Rose Bowl Rumble!

The Alabama Crimson Tide's facing their toughest test yet this week, but don't tell defensive lineman Tim Keenan III they should be worried. Not even a little!

Underdog Status? No Sweat!

Bama's heading to the Rose Bowl to clash with the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers, and they're a touchdown underdog. But Keenan and the squad are unfazed.

Rain or Shine, They're Ready to Grind

The forecast's calling for rain, which could turn the game into a real brawl, something that could give a normally balanced Alabama team challenges on the ground. But the Tide believes they're ready to take on the challenge of playing the No. 1 team, regardless of the weather or anything else!

"We All We Got, We All We Need!"

Keenan addressed the challenge, pointing out that it feels like everyone's betting against Alabama. “It’s nothing new. Adversity is very familiar with us, as far as not having anyone root for us," Keenan III said. "We all we got we all we need. As long as we’ve got God on our side and the ones who really rock with us, then we’ll be just fine.”

Faith & Football

This team's leaned on faith all season, bonding through the ups and downs of a true rollercoaster. A trip out west isn't changing that.

New Year's Day Showdown!

Get ready for a tremendous game and a massive challenge come New Year’s Day, with a spot in the CFP semifinal up for grabs!

Barfoot Bolts for Different Senate Seat, Blames "No Sense" Court Ruling!

Alabama State Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) is shaking things up! He's ditching his current District 25 seat to run for District 26, and he's not shy about why. Barfoot says a recent court ruling is total "nonsense," and he's not letting it slide.

Fighting for Conservative Representation

Barfoot made the announcement Monday, declaring he couldn't stand by while Elmore County, a conservative stronghold, gets potentially misrepresented. He fears a Democrat taking the seat would be like "Bernie Sanders... representing Alabama," pushing liberal agendas.

Court Order Fuels the Fire

The drama stems from a U.S. District Judge's order to redraw State Senate maps, affecting Barfoot's district. He believes this is a case of racial gerrymandering, designed to unfairly elect liberal Democrats. "Bizarro World," he calls it, where everything's flipped on its head!

"Trump Republican" vs. "Woke Liberal"

Barfoot's not pulling any punches. He's running in District 26 to ensure conservatives are represented by a true "Trump Republican," not a "woke liberal Democrat" who'd fight against their values. He even pointed out that the new map was drawn by an 18-year-old using an online app!

What's Next?

While Barfoot is switching districts, he promises to still help his old constituents. The state is appealing the court ruling, hoping the Supreme Court will step in and maybe even overhaul how redistricting works under the Voting Rights Act. This whole mess is far from over!

Mobile Mourns the Loss of Cecilia Zoghby, Community Pillar

Mobile is saying goodbye to Cecilia Theresa Zoghby, a true matriarch of the well-known Zoghby family, who passed away at the remarkable age of 90. Cecilia's life was celebrated with a visitation and Rosary on December 29th, followed by a funeral Mass on December 30th right here in Mobile.

A Voice That Echoed Through Mobile

For years, Cecilia’s beautiful voice graced the cathedral choir, guided by the legendary Christopher Uhl. Beyond her musical talents, she was a vibrant community leader for nine decades, starting as a student leader and musician at the Cathedral School and Bishop Toolen High School, where she graduated back in 1954 – Eisenhower was President back then! She kept a tight-knit circle of friends from those years, cherishing those bonds throughout her life.

From Music to Business and Beyond

Born in 1935, Cecilia was the seventh child of George and Emma Zoghby and appropriately named after the patron saint of music, which was always present in her life. Following in her family's entrepreneurial footsteps, she opened Zoghby's Enterprises, a business that became a downtown staple. She was also a leader in the Business and Professional Women of America, she was busy and engaged.

A Devoted Daughter and Community Advocate

Cecilia's dedication extended to her family, particularly her parents, whom she cared for with unwavering love. She also spearheaded the Lebanese-American Club of Mobile, serving as its president in 1976 and establishing a scholarship program that continues to this day. Her involvement also reached the Southern Federation of Syrian-Lebanese American Clubs, where she served as Vice Chair.

A Lifelong Learner and Mardi Gras Enthusiast

Even in her later years, Cecilia continued to nurture her love of music, singing a cappella at daily Mass at Mobile’s Little Flower Catholic Church. A perpetual student, she earned her history degree from the University of South Alabama in 1977, followed by a Master's Degree in 1981. As a college student, she graced Europe with her voice, including a performance in Vienna, Austria. She was committed to learning.

Cecilia and the Zoghby family were also well-known for their Mardi Gras celebrations, using her downtown store as a prime parade-watching headquarters.

Remembering Cecilia's Legacy

Known for her glamorous jewelry, captivating stories, and enchanting singing voice, Cecilia held a special place in the hearts of her nieces and nephews. She had a strong voice and loved her family and heritage and those memories will last forever. She baked Lebanese butter cookies for weddings and family events! Through her brother, the late Judge Michael Zoghby, she also had ties to the legal community.

Cecilia Zoghby leaves behind a rich legacy of music, community leadership, and unwavering love for her family and heritage. Mobile has truly lost a cherished piece of its history.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Lebanese-American Club of Mobile, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Visitation Monastery.

Ring in the New Year (Early!) at the Birmingham Zoo!

Get ready for some purr-fectly awesome family fun! The Birmingham Zoo is throwing not one, but TWO cougar-themed "Zoo Year's Eve" parties on December 31st! Forget staying up till midnight – we're celebrating early, ChumCity style!

Cougar Countdown Extravaganza!

Both celebrations feature a massive, glowing "2025" lantern display (courtesy of the Glow Wild and Hanart geniuses!), complete with cougars, that drops in a thrilling countdown to...2026!

Daytime Fun: 1-3 PM

Join the daytime crew for a New Year's Eve countdown drop at 2 PM in the plaza! Chat with cougar keepers at the awesome Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing (Alabama Wilds) at 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM. Plus, educational activities and a super fun cougar scavenger hunt will be happening all afternoon!

Nighttime Glow: 5-7 PM

The party continues after dark with another countdown drop at 6 PM! Enjoy educational activities and photo ops in the plaza, and explore the mesmerizing Glow Wild exhibit with over 300 illuminated animal lanterns!

Big Cat Adventure After Dark!

Since the real-deal Alabama Wilds will be closed for the night (gotta let those critters rest!), a special big-cat lantern scavenger hunt will guide you through the exhibit. Roar!

It's Included!

Both Zoo Year's Eve events are included with your regular zoo admission or Glow Wild entry. The Red Diamond Express train and VR experiences will also be available for an additional fee.

Shout Out!

Huge thanks to Glow Wild sponsors Chase, Alabama Power, and UAB Callahan Eye!

Celebrating 70 Years of Awesomeness!

These celebrations highlight the zoo's brand-new Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing habitat, a paw-some addition for the Birmingham Zoo's 70th anniversary in 2025! Big thanks to donors Larry and Phyllis Wojciechowski and all community partners!

Meet the Cats!

The habitat is home to Juniper and Spruce (orphaned cougars rescued from Montana and California) and Boomer and Baxter (bobcats rescued from San Diego). FedEx helped get them here safely!

Schedule Rundown:

DAYTIME CELEBRATION: 10 to 30 PM

• 1:15 PM – Cougar Zookeeper Chat at Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing (Alabama Wilds)
• 20 PM – NYE Countdown Drop in the Plaza. Photo opportunities!
• 2:30 PM – Cougar Zookeeper Chat at Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing (Alabama Wilds)
• 10 to 30 PM – Educational activities (Plaza) and a cougar scavenger hunt!

NIGHTTIME CELEBRATION: 50 to 70 PM

• 50 to 70 PM – Educational activities in the Zoo’s Plaza
• 60 PM – Cougar Countdown Drop in the Zoo’s Plaza. Photo opportunities!
• 50 to 90 PM – Big Cat Lantern Scavenger Hunt throughout Glow Wild!

Get Social!

Find the Birmingham Zoo on Facebook (@BirminghamZoo) and Instagram (@bhamzoo)!

New Group Aims to Tackle "Lawsuit Abuse" in Alabama

Get ready for a rumble! A new group, Alabamians for Legal Reform (ALR), is gearing up to fight what it calls "lawsuit abuse" in our state, and they're setting their sights on 2026.

Who's Leading the Charge?

Harrison Proctor, a seasoned governmental affairs pro and former lawyer-lobbyist, is stepping up as ALR's full-time executive director. He's ready to champion a fairer legal system for all Alabamians.

Why Should You Care?

Proctor says an unpredictable legal system hurts communities, impacts jobs, and stifles economic growth. ALR believes a balanced system is key to protecting workers, strengthening local businesses, and boosting Alabama's economy.

What's ALR All About?

This group, backed by small businesses, associations, and grassroots folks, is focused on tackling the economic challenges caused by lawsuit abuse. They're eyeing key areas like economic development, small business costs, healthcare, and insurance rates. They even argue those massive "nuclear verdicts" end up hitting consumers in the wallet.

Tort Reform on the Horizon?

Tort reform is a hot topic in Montgomery, and ALR's emergence could shake things up. While previous reform efforts stalled, ALR could bring a fresh push for policies that promote fairness and balance in Alabama's legal landscape.

Proctor's Ready to Lead

Jeremy Walker, an ALR Board Member, says Proctor's experience makes him perfect for the job. He's described as calm, measured, and passionate about helping Alabama thrive.

Fighting for a Fairer System

D. Franklin III, another ALR stakeholder, emphasizes the real costs of lawsuit abuse. Every dollar spent on avoidable legal fees is a dollar that can't be used to support local communities. Proctor's ready to be a strong advocate for a system that treats everyone fairly. Get ready for some action, ChumCity!

Homewood to Hollywood: Patriot Band Takes on Rose Parade!

From Alabama's Homewood High to Pasadena's prestigious Rose Parade – that's quite the journey for the Patriot Band! This year, the 375-member ensemble is set to dazzle the nation as they march in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

A Rose Parade Veteran

This isn't the Patriot Band's first rodeo – or should we say, parade? They've graced the Rose Parade three times before, proving they're a crowd (and judge) favorite! Getting invited back is a surefire sign that this band brings the A-game.

Crimson Tide Connection

But this year is extra special! The University of Alabama Crimson Tide is battling it out in the Rose Bowl against the Indiana Hoosiers at 3 p.m. CST. The stakes are HIGH: a College Football Playoff semi-final berth hangs in the balance!

Catch the Patriot Band Early!

Set your alarms! The Rose Parade kicks off bright and early at 10 a.m. CST on Thursday. The Patriot Band is the second band to march, so don't miss their performance!

Why Not #1?

Even though they've held the coveted #1 spot in past parades, this year the Patriot Band is letting another group shine in that prime position.

Coffee & Patriotism!

Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready to witness the Homewood Band's dazzling performance as they round the corner onto Colorado Boulevard. It's a New Year's Day tradition you won't want to miss!

How to Watch

Tune in to ABC or NBC, or stream it live on Peacock from 10 a.m. to noon Alabama time. Plus, the first hour streams on TikTok starting at 10 a.m. Some networks even have pre-parade coverage starting an hour earlier. Then, get ready for the Rose Bowl at 3 p.m. CST!

The Patriot Band: A Homewood Tradition

Founded in 1972, the Homewood Patriot Band is a source of pride for their community. Their timeless red, white, and blue uniforms and iconic tricornered hats have become a familiar sight in parades across America and Europe.

Alabama Day in Pasadena!

As the largest high school band in Alabama, and with the Crimson Tide playing in the Rose Bowl, it's officially Alabama Day in Pasadena! Two of America's most-watched attractions will be there. What a win for our state!

'Fedneck' Sounds the Alarm: Burger Rankings Spark Outrage!

An Alabama dude is on a mission: to prove the USA still reigns supreme in the burger world! This Birmingham gent, who goes by the name "Well-fed Redneck" or "Fedneck," recently lit up social media with a rant about Food and Wine magazine's list of the top 25 burgers.

American Burgers: Where's the Beef?

The Fedneck was cheesed (pun intended!) to see that the first American burger on the list clocked in at a measly number 13. He even filmed a video in front of the White House, making it clear that, in his opinion, the best burgers are born and bred in the good ol' US of A.

Rigged Rankings?!

"We invented the burger, we perfected it, and we’re letting some Euro burger review get in here and take over these rankings?!" he exclaimed. According to him, the list is biased toward European patties. "This list is rigged!" he declared, noting that the UK, where the list originated, had seven of the top 25 burgers. "Laughable!"

A Call to Burger Arms!

The "Fedneck" argues that America needs to step up and set the record straight. "We dominate burgers in all shapes and forms!" He urged small businesses to promote their local burger joints and called for a new, American-based ranking system.

Help Make American Cheeseburgers Great Again!

The Fedneck is ready to lead the charge, but he needs backup. He's calling for burger reviews and lively debate to help him on his quest. Are you ready to help reclaim America's burger crown?

Hank Williams Remembered: A New Year's Day Tradition

Some faces are fresh, drawn by legend; others, familiar, marking decades of remembrance. Locals mingle with those from afar, all gathered to honor Hank Williams, Sr., on the anniversary of his passing.

Alabama's Musical Son

Born in Butler County in 1923, Hank Williams learned guitar in Greenville and launched his career in Montgomery. A true Alabama superstar!

A Legacy Cut Short

His life and career tragically ended on New Year's Day, 1953. At just 29, Hank's influence on music continues to resonate.

Commemorating 73 Years

Join the annual graveside wreath-laying and memorial service at Montgomery’s Oakwood Cemetery Annex this Thursday, January 1st, at 10 a.m. No tickets needed - everyone's welcome! The forecast promises sunshine and a high of 62. Perfect weather for a Hank tribute.

Dress the Part (Optional!)

Expect a mix of attire: funeral garb, blue jeans, and maybe even a Hank-inspired country getup! There's usually at least one respectful look-a-like in the crowd.

A Funeral for the Ages

Almost 73 years ago, thousands of Alabamians mourned at his standing-room-only funeral at Montgomery's City Hall. It should've been held at Cramton Bowl!

"I Saw The Light"

The service concludes with a heartfelt rendition of Williams' classic, "I Saw The Light."

A Gravesite Worth Seeing

The gravesite of Hank and Audrey Williams is truly unique and powerful. You really need to see it for yourself to fully appreciate its aura. A worthwhile visit any time of year.

The Legend Lives On

Williams died en route to a New Year's Day concert in Ohio. His restored Cadillac is on display at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery.

Humble Beginnings

The first memorial service in September 1954, included a young Hank Williams Jr. and former Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis.

A Gala Celebration

That evening, a concert at Cramton Bowl featured music icons like Jimmie Davis, Roy Acuff, and Minnie Pearl. The event unveiled the massive marble monument at Williams' grave.

Hall of Fame Legend

Hank Williams is a rare inductee in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, leaving behind 11 number-one hits during his short but prolific career.

Remembered Forever

"Praise the Lord, I saw the light."