Birmingham to Nashville Gets More Southwest Love!

Heads up, ChumCity travelers! Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport just dropped some sweet news: Southwest Airlines is hooking us up with a second daily nonstop flight to Nashville! Starting April 2026, getting to Music City just got way easier.

Double the Flights, Double the Fun!

Southwest already runs a daily nonstop flight to Nashville, but this extra flight means more options and flexibility. It's a total win for anyone connecting between these two awesome Southern cities.

Nashville Route a Big Hit!

Remember when the Nashville route was just a test run back in Fall 2024? Well, it took off (pun intended!) and became a permanent fixture. Airport gurus are saying the steady demand is part of BHM's overall passenger boom.

Southwest Loves Birmingham!

This new flight is just another sign of Southwest's commitment to Birmingham. They've been adding new nonstop destinations and boosting flight frequencies like crazy. Get ready for even more travel adventures!

Philip Rivers' Unbelievable Comeback!

Okay, ChumCity citizens, buckle up for a wild sports story! Remember Philip Rivers, the former Colts and Chargers QB? Well, he just pulled off a comeback for the AGES, suiting up for the Colts against the Seahawks in Seattle. Get this: He's 44 years old!

A Retirement Reversal

This isn't just your average comeback story. Rivers retired from the NFL back in 2020 – that's FIVE YEARS ago! He was even eligible for the Hall of Fame (though this appearance will delay that!). What QB do you know who returns to the field at 44 with ten kids AND a grandchild? Crazy!

Alabama Roots Run Deep

Speaking of family, it was practically "Alabama Night" in Seattle. Rivers, who played college ball at N.C. State (seriously, how did Alabama and Auburn miss HIM?), had his dad and son in the stands. By day, he's not just a football legend, he's also the head coach at St. Michael High School in Fairhope! His son, Gunner, is the star QB there.

The Perfect Storm (of Injuries)

So, how did this happen? The Colts suffered a QB crisis – one injury after another. Riley Leonard, who took over after starter Daniel Jones went down, was also injured. Anthony Richardson? Already on the injured list. The Colts, desperate, called up Rivers on his 44th birthday!

Back in the Saddle

He flew to Indy, worked out, signed a practice squad contract, and BOOM – he was starting on Sunday! It wasn't as jarring as you might think, surprisingly. Familiar faces and the same offensive coordinator from his Chargers days made the transition smoother.

Close But No Cigar

Unfortunately, the comeback didn't end with a victory. The Colts lost a heartbreaker, 18-16. Still, with three games left, can Rivers and the Colts pull off some wins? More importantly, can they snag a playoff spot?

Back to Alabama

Regardless of how the season ends, Rivers will be back coaching at St. Michael. Not a bad "day job" for a legend, right? Welcome back to sweet home Alabama!

PCI Government Services & Seekr: AI Dream Team!

Big news, folks! PCI Government Services, powered by the Poarch Creek Indians, is joining forces with Seekr. They're aiming to bring secure and transparent AI to Uncle Sam's agencies! Think streamlined mission operations and smart spending.

What's the Deal?

This power-up, announced Monday, is all about speeding up the adoption of "purpose-built AI" across the U.S. Department of War and other feds. The goal? Supercharge decision-making by blending Seekr's AI tools with PCI-GS's expertise in data, analytics, modernization, and cybersecurity.

AI Arsenal for the Gov

What will this partnership actually deliver? Check it out:

• AI data readiness assessments
• Fraud detection and investigations
• C4ISR modernization for SHIELD
• Supply chain vetting and optimization
• Acquisition strategy development
• System vulnerability identification
• Workforce development and training
• Intelligence analytics

Words From the Top

“This partnership gives federal leaders the best of both worlds," says Nick Dunn, President and CEO of PCI Government Services. "Seekr’s commercial AI innovation at scale and PCI’s deep expertise...Together, we are bringing trusted and transparent AI solutions to federal missions.”

Rob Clark, President of Seekr, added, “Seekr’s AI acts as a true force multiplier—accelerating performance, driving mission efficiency, and enabling trusted decisions at scale. Together with PCI, we’re helping agencies set a new benchmark for what an AI-empowered workforce can achieve.”

Heartbreak at Brown: Alabama Mourns Ella Cook

The ChumCity community is reeling after the tragic mass shooting at Brown University that claimed the life of Ella Cook, a bright 19-year-old from Alabama. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

A Rising Star Gone Too Soon

Ella, a sophomore at Brown, was a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham and the Vice President of Brown's College Republicans.

Condolences Pour In

Vice President J.D. Vance remembered Ella as a "beautiful young girl" with immense courage for her conservative stance on a liberal campus. He expressed deep sorrow for the loss of such a promising individual.

Alabama Officials Respond

Senator Tommy Tuberville shared his heartbreak, offering prayers to the Cook family and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. Representative Gary Palmer echoed this sentiment, describing Ella as a "special young woman" and urging prayers for her loved ones.

Remembering Ella

Back home in Alabama, friends and former co-workers, including those from Mountain Brook Creamery, are remembering Ella fondly. The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Barus & Holley building at Brown during exams, leaving two dead and nine injured. Brown University President Christina Paxson stated the suspect “is still at large.”

Tuberville Stands Firm Amidst "Anti-Muslim" Label

Senator Tommy Tuberville isn't backing down, folks! Despite being labeled "Anti-Muslim" and a "bigot" by some groups, the Alabama Senator is standing his ground on his comments about Radical Islamism.

CAIR's Accusations

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which bills itself as the biggest Muslim civil rights group, has added Tuberville to its list of "anti-Muslim extremists." They're steamed about his "hateful" rhetoric, especially his focus on Alabama Muslim school kids. Remember the Islamic Academy of Alabama wanting to relocate? That sparked some major controversy, and guess what? They withdrew their application!

No Sharia Act Sparks Further Ire

Tuberville, who's also eyeing the Alabama Governor's seat in 2026, recently introduced the "No Sharia Act" and the "Preserving a Sharia Free America Act." Needless to say, CAIR wasn't exactly thrilled.

Strong Words from CAIR

CAIR went full throttle, with a rep even comparing Tuberville to George Wallace blocking Black students! Ouch.

Tuberville's Response: "Badge of Honor!"

But Tuberville isn't flinching. He fired back, calling the designation a "badge of honor" and vowing to keep fighting for "AMERICANS and our Constitutional values."

Is CAIR a Civil Rights Group? Some Say...NOPE!

While CAIR waves the civil rights flag, states like Texas and Florida have branded them a Foreign Terrorist Organization! Texas Governor Greg Abbott has accused them, along with the Muslim Brotherhood, of aiming to impose Sharia law and achieve "Islam's 'mastership of the world.'"

Abbott's Strong Stance

Abbott declared that these groups are not welcome and are banned from owning property in Texas. Yikes!

Rocket City Roots for National Security!

Our own U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) just rocked a visit to the White House! He was there to chat about how Huntsville is blasting off as a major player in innovation and tech for America's national security.

Meeting at the Top

Strong shared a quick update on X, mentioning discussions about Space Command and the Golden Dome project.

Huntsville: Defense Hub

Turns out, Huntsville is a long-time hotspot for American defense and aerospace breakthroughs. A spokesperson for Strong's team told Yellowhammer News that with a bold vision for national defense systems, North Alabama is poised for exciting new roles in development and integration.

Championing Redstone Arsenal

Strong has been a major advocate for North Alabama's contributions, always highlighting the vital work happening at Redstone Arsenal. He also shared the excitement and pride felt across North Alabama for the region's growing role in our nation’s defense mission.

Space Command Stays Put!

Remember the fight over Space Command HQ? Strong stood strong against the previous administration's attempt to reverse the decision to move it to Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal. President Trump reaffirmed his initial choice, ensuring Huntsville remains the permanent home!

Golden Dome Gains

Huntsville is also expected to play a key role in the Golden Dome missile defense project. Senator Tommy Tuberville emphasized Redstone Arsenal's ideal location for designing, building, and operating this critical system, helping protect America!

Alabama Mourns Ella Cook: Flags to Fly at Half-Staff

The state of Alabama is in mourning after the tragic loss of Ella Cook, a bright 19-year-old college student from Mountain Brook. Ella was senselessly killed in a shooting at Brown University this past weekend, leaving the entire community heartbroken.

Governor Ivey's Orders

Governor Kay Ivey has directed that flags be flown at half-staff across Alabama, starting immediately and continuing until sunset on Friday, December 19, 2025. This is a mark of respect and remembrance for Ella, whose life was cut short far too soon. "As all of Alabama wraps our arms around Ella’s family in prayer, I also join in mourning her loss,” said Governor Ivey in a statement.

The Tragedy at Brown University

The shooting occurred Saturday evening in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building on the Brown University campus. Sadly, Ella was one of two victims killed. Nine others were injured.

Outpouring of Support

Since the news broke, the Alabama community has rallied around Ella's family and friends. The loss is deeply felt across the state.

Suspect Still at Large

As of Monday, the investigation is ongoing, and the suspect remains at large. Forensics teams are diligently working at the scene, but updates from law enforcement have been limited so far.

Fresh Faces & Familiar Friends: Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Leadership!

West Alabama's Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a stellar 2026 with a dynamic new lineup of board members and officers! Leaders from all corners of the community – business, industry, healthcare, finance, and even the non-profit sector – are joining forces to drive the organization's mission forward.

Meet the New Directors!

Get ready to welcome these incredible individuals to the board: Reese Brooks (Phifer Incorporated), Ashley Gill (Chick-fil-A Northport), Will Hewson (Hewson Foundation), Larry Howell (Hinton Lumber), Jacquie Johnson (Alabama ONE), Madolyn Kirby (Matrix LLC), Rohen Porbanderwala (Alpha Business Services), and D’Andre Wright (Warrior Met Coal).

Seasoned Leaders Return

Plus, a big welcome back to returning directors ready for another three-year term: Alyson Baxter (The University of Alabama), Elizabeth Beeker (Express Tuscaloosa), Bobby Bragg (JamisonMoneyFarmer PC), Katrina Keefer (DCH Health System), Ken Todd (McAbee Construction), Cade Warner (The Westervelt Company), and JacQuan Winters (Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation). Their experience will be invaluable!

Leadership Lineup Revealed!

The Chamber also announced its 2026 leadership team. Heyward Gould of BankFirst will take the helm as Chair, with Jill Stork of Alabama Power stepping up as Chair-Elect.

Executive Committee Powerhouse

The 2026 Executive Committee includes a who's who of West Alabama's finest: Carl Jamison (JamisonMoneyFarmer), Anwar Aiken (The Grand Event Design & Décor), Alyson Baxter (The University of Alabama), Bobby Bragg (JamisonMoneyFarmer PC), Chip Fuqua (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.), Lee Garrison (Mesirow), Chris Gunter (Buffalo Rock – Pepsi), Katrina Keefer (DCH Health System), David Pass (The Sealy Companies), and David Rains (Maynard Nexsen).

A Big Win for Alabama: How a Phone Call Led to a Pharmaceutical Giant Investing in Our State

Last week, I joined Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama's State Health Officer, at Eli Lilly's historic announcement – the largest single investment ever made in Alabama!

Years in the Making

Governor Kay Ivey and Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair have been tirelessly working to bring Eli Lilly, the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company, to our state.

It Takes a Village

Economic development is a team sport, much like the old African proverb says. Secretary McNair, known for the "Hyundai miracle" in Montgomery, assembled a stellar team. This included Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, State Senator Sam Givhan, and many others. This vision actually began in November 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic.

A Personal Connection

Back during the COVID crisis, I was feeling pretty down about the increasing number of deaths. Out of the blue, I got a call from an Eli Lilly executive. They had just received emergency authorization for a new monoclonal antibody treatment and needed help.

Trying New Treatments

At that point, I was working with Dr. Mike Saag at UAB on COVID treatment options. We'd tried Zithromax, vitamin D, even hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. None of those helped much, especially the last two!

Bamlanivimab

When I agreed to help Lilly, they flew down to Montgomery and introduced me to Bamlanivimab. It turned out Eli Lilly's VP, Dr. Carl Garner, had ties to Alabama – his in-laws were Poarch Creek Indians.

A Quick Solution

He worried about their health and asked if I'd use the new medication on them. I agreed, but we had a problem – it wasn't officially approved at the hospital yet. A quick call to Dr. Scott Harris fixed that. Since transportation was difficult, Dr. Garner even arranged an Uber to deliver the first 20 doses to Baptist Hospital in Montgomery.

The First Doses

That Saturday, I gave those first doses to Dr. Garner's in-laws. They were among the very first people outside of clinical trials to receive this treatment!

It Worked!

The next day, I was relieved to find that they were significantly better. Dr. Garner then promised to make sure Alabama got all the monoclonal antibodies we needed.

Statewide Infusion Centers

We quickly set up infusion centers across the state with help from Dr. Mike Saag at UAB, Dr. Bill Admire in Mobile, and the Medical Association.

National Attention

Our podcasts, led by Dr. Aruna Arora, even reached audiences across the U.S. and Europe!

A Patient From Afar

Later, I got a call from a doctor in North Carolina who'd seen our podcasts. He wanted me to treat a patient with the new medication. The patient flew in by private plane and was incredibly grateful when, four days after the infusion, he was back at work.

Meeting Ken Langone

Turns out, that patient's partner was Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot! He called Eli Lilly, concerned about his partner being sent to Alabama. Eli Lilly told him he was sent to "the Covid guy" and ADPH had provided the infusion to more individuals per capita than any other state. We had patients from all over, even Wyoming and Switzerland.

Operation Warp Speed Compliments

Operation Warp Speed then asked us to be spokesmen to other states slow to embrace the therapy. Mr. Langone even sent me his autographed book!

Dr. Garner's Dedication

Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Garner and Eli Lilly generously supplied us with lifesaving doses. He wanted to give back to his home state. Raised in Decatur and educated at Auburn, he rose to become Senior VP at Eli Lilly. Not only did he oversee the invention of Bamlanivimab, but also treatments for Alzheimer's and GLP-1 drugs!

A $6 Billion Partnership

That successful treatment of Dr. Garner's in-laws with Covid led to a $6 billion partnership with Alabama.

Alabama: A Pharmaceutical Giant?

Dr. Garner envisions Alabama becoming a pharmaceutical powerhouse, just like it is with automobiles. Over 300 sites were considered, but Huntsville was the winner.

A True Alabamian

Thank goodness we had an insider on our side! I believe Dr. Garner will be remembered as someone who forever changed healthcare in Alabama.

D.C. Crime Stats Under Scrutiny!

Uh oh! Is the D.C. police fudging the numbers? A House Oversight Committee is saying they reclassified THOUSANDS of violent crimes as "miscellaneous" to make crime rates look lower. Now the U.S. Attorney's Office is taking a look, and some cases might even get tossed out! Sounds like it's time for Uncle Sam to step in.

Van der Sloot's Prison Drama

Joran van der Sloot, the guy convicted in the Natalee Holloway extortion case, was found in his Peruvian prison cell after what looks like a suicide attempt. Word is he's saying he can't handle being separated from his family. He's getting medical treatment while the authorities investigate. Stay tuned...

Alabama's Academic Antics!

Alabama Dems are throwing a fit over the University of Alabama canceling some magazines, claiming it's a First Amendment thing. Meanwhile, students and professors are begging lawmakers to ditch the state's anti-DEI law. Campus drama, y'all!

Strong's Space Talk with Trump!

Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) had a pow-wow with Trump about keeping U.S. Space Command in Alabama. They even chatted about a "Golden Dome" missile defense system, like Israel's Iron Dome, to protect us from bad stuff.

Tuberville's "Badge of Honor"!

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is calling his "anti-Muslim extremist" label a "badge of honor." He's standing by his criticism of an Islamic school wanting to move to Hoover and blaming radical Islam for the Brown University shooting. Tell 'em, Tommy!

Tragic Loss at Brown University

Ella Cook, who hailed from Mountain Brook, was tragically murdered at Brown University because of her conservative beliefs, according to the College Republicans of America founder. Vice President JD Vance and Alabama officials are paying tribute to Cook.

Trump vs. Reiner: Twitter Tirade!

Republicans are saying President Trump went too far with his comments. Trump's not backing down, calling Rob Reiner a "sleazebag" and "crybaby" and saying he's "very bad for our country." This feud is just getting started!