Big Win for Birmingham: Fannie Mae Heading to Alabama!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Birmingham is making waves again, and this time it's HUGE! Senator Katie Britt says it's no surprise that the Magic City is snagging another major corporate win.

Fannie Mae Packs Its Bags for B'ham

That's right, folks! Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance giant, is relocating a chunk of its San Francisco workforce to Birmingham, Alabama! Word is this move got the green light from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and President Donald Trump.

Britt Celebrates Jobs Boost

Senator Britt is understandably stoked about the news. She says it's going to bring tons of high-quality jobs – we're talking finance, servicing, and accounting – to the Yellowhammer State in 2026. Get ready, Birmingham!

What This Means for Alabama

"This move will not only boost economic growth in our state but will also contribute to meeting the housing needs of families across the country," Britt exclaimed. Senator Tommy Tuberville also chimed in, estimating "hundreds of jobs" headed our way!

Britt's Role in Housing Development

As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee’s Housing Subcommittee, Britt has been working hard with Director Pulte to tackle challenges in American housing. Sounds like her efforts are paying off, right here at home!

Director Pulte Praises Britt

Director Pulte gave a shout-out to Senator Britt, recognizing her as a "tireless advocate for Alabama." He also acknowledged Senator Tuberville, making Alabama a place they're proud to be.

Fannie Mae: A Key Player

Fannie Mae plays a massive role in the U.S. housing finance system. They buy mortgages and bundle them into securities, which helps keep money flowing in the market and ultimately makes homeownership more accessible.

Alabama: The New Homeownership Hub?

Looks like a piece of Fannie Mae’s mission will be operating right here in Alabama starting next year. Exciting times for ChumCity and the entire state!

Heroes Emerge from Alabama Crash

A tragic car accident in Morgan County, Alabama, took a heartbreaking turn Sunday night, but a glimmer of hope shone through thanks to the quick thinking of two strangers. A young couple pulled a 7-month-old baby from a burning car, saving the infant's life.

A Deadly Wreck Turned Miraculous

The accident occurred when 29-year-old Kayleigh Page tragically veered off Alabama 157 and struck two trees. Sadly, Page did not survive the crash. But little LJ, in the back seat, had angels watching over him in the form of Zoie Campbell, 21, and her boyfriend, Samuel Brooks, 25.

Act of Bravery Amidst Flames

Sheriff Ron Puckett reported that deputies arrived to find the baby already safe, rescued from the burning Tesla. He wholeheartedly praised the couple, stating, “You saved a child," emphasizing the lasting impact on the baby's father and family.

Electric Vehicle Fire Danger

First responders emphasized the extreme danger involved. Electric vehicle fires burn intensely and release hazardous gases, making them exceptionally perilous. Decatur Fire and Rescue's Brandon Sivley described the intensity as "normal fire, you know, times 100." Zoie and Samuel didn't hesitate.

Beyond the Rescue

Sheriff Puckett expressed immense gratitude for their heroism and encouraged others to help when it's safe. Amazingly, the night of the crash was only the couple's second date! Their third date? Continuing to support the family by collecting breast milk donations for baby LJ. Thankfully, officials reported LJ is expected to make a full recovery.

Cullman's Christkindlmarkt Just Got Even More Magical!

Get ready to be amazed! Cullman just unveiled a breathtaking new addition to its already amazing Christkindlmarkt: a massive walk-on Christmas arch that's bigger than Dresden's famous Schwibbogen!

A Symbol of Heritage and Wonder

Mayor Woody Jacobs says this incredible arch is more than just a structure. It's "a symbol of who we are," honoring Cullman's German roots and creating a sense of wonder for everyone who visits.

Bigger and Better!

Standing over 20 feet tall and spanning over 47 feet wide, this arch is truly a sight to behold. You can even walk on it for panoramic views of the market!

Built with Pride

Local talent from Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST) brought this vision to life. They worked with German artisans to craft the figurines and candles, ensuring an authentic touch.

A Truly American Christmas Experience

Executive Director of CPRST, Nathan Anderson, says this arch blends German tradition with American ingenuity, creating a unique experience for families.

A Holiday Hotspot

Located at the south entrance of Depot Park, this arch is expected to attract even more visitors to the Christkindlmarkt, with projections topping 400,000 attendees!

Making Memories for Years to Come

City Council member David Moss Jr. believes this arch will become a cherished annual tradition, drawing families to Cullman to celebrate Christmas together.

Defining the American Christmas Market

Anderson says Cullman is helping define what European-style Christmas markets can look like in the United States.

A Permanent Holiday Fixture

The arch will be back every year, joining the Christmas pyramid, ice rink, and other holiday delights! The market is open all season long, offering festive food, artisan gifts, and live entertainment.

Courtesy of 256 Today.

North Alabama Gets Elf'd Up!

Forget the usual holiday hustle – Forest Hills Elementary in Florence, Alabama is taking a unique approach to boost student attendance, and it's all thanks to a mischievous elf!

J.R., the Resident Elf

Assistant Principal Jon Ray “J.R.” Russell has transformed into the school's very own elf, complete with pointy hat and curly shoes. He pops up in the most unexpected places around campus each morning, greeting students with festive cheer.

Spot the Elf, Win the Day!

This isn't just about holiday fun; it's part of Forest Hills' "Arrive Early and Spot the Elf" challenge. The school's December initiative encourages students to arrive early and find the elf before the bell rings. Think of it as a daily dose of holiday hide-and-seek with an educational twist!

Why Attendance Matters

The message behind the elf hunt is simple: showing up every day helps students learn, connect, and start their day with a positive attitude. The school emphasizes the benefits of consistent attendance, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Serious About School

Forest Hills' approach aligns with a statewide effort to reduce chronic absenteeism. The Alabama State Department of Education highlights the importance of regular attendance, noting that missing too many school days can put students at academic risk. By making attendance fun, Forest Hills hopes to build lasting habits that keep kids in school.

Bama in the Playoff, But Michigan's Calling?

Roll Tide! Alabama's back in the College Football Playoff, and Kalen DeBoer's got the team prepped for a major clash at Oklahoma. But hold on, is that the sound of Michigan coaching rumors swirling again?

Oklahoma Showdown Looms

DeBoer's boys are hitting the road next Friday night for a huge game against the Oklahoma Sooners. This one's crucial – win, and they're off to face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl!

Coaching Carousel Buzz

However, just like during Iron Bowl week, there could be distractions. The Michigan Wolverines just lost their head coach, Sherrone Moore, creating a prime coaching vacancy.

Even after DeBoer shut down Penn State rumors before the SEC title game, his name's popping up for the Michigan job.

Finebaum Weighs In

SEC guru Paul Finebaum didn't exactly dismiss the possibility when asked. "I don’t have any doubt that [Michigan] will [go after DeBoer], the question is, does he take it?" He even joked that a loss to Oklahoma might make the move more appealing!

Kiffin's Wild Ride?

Finebaum even threw Lane Kiffin's name into the mix, playfully suggesting he might be having second thoughts about LSU!

Stay Tuned...

DeBoer's likely staying put, and Kiffin's probably happy in Baton Rouge. But hey, in this crazy coaching world, you never know what's next!

Sweet News, ChumCity! Edgar's Bakery Expanding Big Time!

Get ready for even more deliciousness! Edgar’s Bakery is doubling down on Pelham with a massive $13.1 million expansion! They're building a brand new production and distribution center to keep up with their growing empire.

Baking Up a Storm

This isn't just any bakery expansion, folks. We're talking a 30,000-square-foot facility at the corner of U.S. 31 and Alabama 119. And the best part? It's projected to bring around 40 new jobs to Pelham by December 2027!

From Pelham to the Nation!

The new hub will be the heart of Edgar's baking operations for all their Alabama locations, plus handle the production of goodies shipped nationwide. It's a bigger, better version of a plan they previously shared, showing they're serious about sweet treats!

Pelham Loves Edgar's!

Fresh off the heels of their new Pelham storefront opening in October near the library, this expansion shows how much Edgar's is investing in our community. To help make it happen, the City Council even voted to support the project with some tax breaks!

Edgar's: A Birmingham Baking Legend

Founded back in 1998, Edgar's (named after founder Terry's dad!) has exploded in popularity, with locations all over, from Greystone to Huntsville and everywhere in between.

More Than Just Cake!

While famous for its cakes, Edgar's offers a full menu of deliciousness, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and specialty drinks. This expansion in Pelham means they'll be able to bake even more yummy things for all of us! Keep your eyes peeled, ChumCity!

Shifting Gears: From Gridiron to Hardwood!

Okay, ChumCity fam, we know football still has a serious grip on your hearts (especially with the Tide eyeing that W against Oklahoma!). But peep this: hoops season is heating up, and Coach Oats is cooking up something special down here in the South.

Oats' Recipe for Success: Tough Schedule, Tougher Team

You know Oats isn't afraid of a challenge. His brutal non-conference schedule might sting early on, but trust the process! It's all about prepping for those grueling SEC battles and, ultimately, a deep postseason run.

Bama's Ballers: An Impressive Start

The Tide's already rockin' a 7-2 record with some HUGE top-ten victories, including wins against St. John's and Illinois. The only blemishes? Losses to Gonzaga and Purdue. But hold up, because a massive showdown against No. 1 Arizona is brewing in Birmingham!

Guard U? Oats' Most Talented Backcourt EVER?

Get this: some folks are saying this might be Oats' most stacked backcourt ever. Coming off Mark Sears' reign, that's saying something!

The Dynamic Duo: Philon and Holloway

Mobile's own Labaron Philon, fresh off testing those NBA waters, is leading the charge with a blistering 21.4 points and 5.4 assists per game.

And then there's Aden Holloway, the Auburn transfer, dropping 18.2 points and dishing out 4.3 assists while nailing almost 43% of his three-pointers. Boom!

Depth for Days

But wait, there's more! Latrell Wrightsell is back for another year, plus Houston Mallette and Jalil Bethea round out a guard rotation so deep and talented, it might just be the best Bama's ever seen.

Final Four Dreams

The 2025-26 season still has some hurdles, but Oats and the crew are laser-focused on getting back to the Final Four and snagging that elusive first national title. And if they do it, you can bet those electrifying guards will be leading the charge.

West Alabama Corridor Sparks Heated Debate!

Alabama's Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is once again taking aim at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), this time focusing on the West Alabama Corridor – a massive project aiming to create a continuous four-lane route between Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Ainsworth's Beef? No Federal Funding!

Ainsworth argues that using $750 million in state funds for the Corridor without any federal match is a colossal waste of taxpayer money. He's long advocated for widening Interstate 65 instead, a project that would likely qualify for significant federal dollars. He didn't mince words, calling it the "biggest abuse of taxpayer funding in Alabama history."

ALDOT Responds

ALDOT defends the project, arguing that Rebuild Alabama funds are being used strategically to boost economic development and reduce congestion in underserved areas. They claim all available federal funds are already being matched on other projects and that simply spending state money doesn't magically unlock more federal aid.

Ivey and Local Leaders Support the Corridor

Despite the criticism, Governor Kay Ivey and local leaders in the region stand firmly behind the West Alabama Corridor, seeing it as a vital transportation improvement and a key driver for economic growth.

Full Steam Ahead?

Regardless of the ongoing debate, ALDOT has secured financing for the project and is moving forward. The West Alabama Corridor promises to be one of the state's largest highway investments in decades. Will it be a game-changer, or a costly mistake? Only time will tell!

Local Farmer's Group Backs John Roberts for State Senate!

Big news for Madison and Limestone counties! The Alabama Farmers Federation just threw its support behind John Roberts in the race for State Senate District 2.

Why Roberts?

Charles Butler, head of the Madison County Farmers Federation, says Roberts has "a strong work ethic" and will do a great job for locals and businesses. Limestone County farmers are equally stoked! Jerry Allen Newby, president of their federation, believes Roberts will be a dependable voice for agriculture in Montgomery.

Who is John Roberts?

Roberts is vying for the seat currently held by Tom Butler, who's stepping down. He's a real estate development manager at Freedom Real Estate & Capital LLC, and has a background at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association.

Roberts' Reaction

Roberts is honored to have the ALFA endorsement. He says he's ready to represent farmers, their issues, and everyone in District 2.

About the ALFA

The Alabama Farmers Federation is a major force in the state with over 360,000 member families. They use a grassroots process, relying on county boards to pick their candidates.

SEC Schedules Drop: 2026 Promises Gridiron Glory (and Gruel!)

Conference play is done and dusted for '25, meaning the SEC has unleashed the 2026 football schedules! Time to break out those calendars, ChumCity residents, and start dreaming of tailgates and road trips.

We knew the opponents were coming, but now we've got DATES, people! Next fall's Saturdays are taking shape, and with the jump to a nine-game conference schedule, it was never going to be a walk in the park.

Bama and Auburn: Brace Yourselves

The Crimson Tide and Tigers? Let's just say they're facing some BRUTAL stretches.

Alabama kicks off with a relatively tame five-game run: East Carolina (home), Kentucky (away), Florida State (home), South Carolina (home), and Mississippi State (away). Then, BOOM.

October 10th marks the start of a five-game stretch that's frankly terrifying. Georgia, a road trip to Knoxville, and Texas A&M at home precede a much-needed bye week. Post-bye? Road trips to LSU and Vanderbilt, followed by a breather against Chattanooga before the Iron Bowl. Ouch!

The Auburn Tigers aren't exactly sipping sweet tea either. They begin with Southern Miss and Florida at home, before their own five-game gauntlet. First, Vanderbilt at home (following that tough Florida game, mind you). Then, a trip to Rocky Top to face Tennessee. After a bye, they hit the road AGAIN for Georgia, then back home for LSU, followed by a trip to Ole Miss before a slightly easier close to the season.

Nine Games of Fury

A nine-game SEC schedule? Always going to be a meat grinder. But these stretches for Alabama and Auburn... this is uncharted territory. How they handle it? Stay tuned, ChumCity, because 2026 is going to be WILD!