Dems & Dollars: A Winning Hand?

Affordability's the buzzword, and the Dems are playing it smart! The media's all ears, and Trump and the GOP? Not so much. Looks like they're feeling the pinch!

Online Sales Tax Showdown

Get ready for a brawl! How many cities are jumping into the online sales tax slugfest? It's gonna be a fight!

Dream Team Debate: Doug Jones vs. Jasmine Crockett?

Political fantasy booking alert! Who'd be a better candidate: Alabama's own Doug Jones or Texas firebrand Jasmine Crockett? Let the arguments begin!

Alabama Politics This Week: Your All-Access Pass

Catch all the juicy details on TV, radio, and online – Alabama Politics This Week is everywhere!

The Insiders

Mecca Musick heads up 256 Today.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and wakes up Alabama on WVNN from 5-9 a.m.

Space Command Officially Lands in Huntsville!

Get ready, Huntsville! The future is here, and it's stellar! A sign unveiling ceremony at Redstone Arsenal marked the official, permanent home for U.S. Space Command. High-profile attendees, including U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and a host of military leaders and Alabama's finest, were on hand to celebrate the monumental occasion.

"Common Sense" Prevails!

Hegseth, speaking on behalf of the former President, called the decision to bring Space Command to North Alabama a no-brainer. "It is common sense that this is precisely where Space Command should be," he declared. "It is common sense that we need to move rapidly and we will." This means full speed ahead for breaking ground and getting all the necessary personnel and equipment moved ASAP!

A New Era for National Security

The move isn't just about prestige; it's about protecting our nation. Senator Tommy Tuberville emphasized the importance of a state-of-the-art facility to safeguard the U.S. and its allies. Gen. Stephen Whiting added that this marks a major transition, expressing gratitude for the community’s support in relocating warfighters and families.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The move to Huntsville wasn't just a win for the Rocket City, but a testament to bipartisan cooperation and local leadership. Rep. Katie Britt celebrated how "Democrat, Republican, House and Senate" worked together to secure Space Command. Rep. Mike Rogers highlighted how Huntsville repeatedly won competitions for the headquarters, pushing past attempts to "subvert" the result.

Huntsville: Ready to Thrive!

Rep. Dale Strong said it best: "Space Command will not just exist here, it will thrive here!" The ceremony, hosted by Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, cemented the feeling of welcome that Space Command will find in the Tennessee Valley. It's not just a location change, but a strategic partnership set to bolster national security and drive innovation in the space domain.

Calhoun County Biz BOOMS!

Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! Bryant Machine Co., a local family biz with serious staying power, is going BIG! They're dropping a cool $3.26 million to expand, adding 12 new jobs to the Calhoun County scene.

Growth Spurt!

Bryant Machine is known for its top-notch turning, milling, and engineering services, and demand is through the roof! We're talking a whopping 250% sales increase in the last year alone! That's why they're building a brand-new, 22,000-square-foot facility packed with state-of-the-art equipment.

Family Values & Innovation

Started way back in 1979, Bryant Machine has always been about that small-town spirit with big ambitions. "We’ve carried that same spirit forward for more than four decades," says Kirklin Childs, COO and VP. This expansion helps them stay on top of the precision manufacturing game!

Calhoun County on the Rise!

Don Hopper, head honcho at the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, is stoked. He says Bryant Machine's success shows how important family businesses are to our local economy. Plus, it's another win for Calhoun County, hot on the heels of Wellborn Cabinet's recent plant opening in Oxford! Things are lookin' good, ChumCity!

Alabama Loves Local!

Ellen McNair from the Alabama Department of Commerce is also cheering Bryant Machine on, noting that Alabama's innovation culture and dedicated workforce help companies achieve amazing goals. Way to go, Bryant Machine! Keep making us proud!

Tubs' Toss: Senate Seat Scramble is ON!

Coach Tommy Tuberville's surprising leap from the Senate to the Governor's race in '26 has ignited a political bonfire! Forget the Governor's mansion—all eyes are now glued to who will fill his Senate seat.

The Main Event: May Primary Madness

Mark your calendars, ChumCity! The May 19th Republican Primary is practically the whole shebang. Think of it as a four-month political sprint after candidates officially qualify in January.

Frontrunners Duke It Out: Marshall vs. Moore

Attorney General Steve Marshall and Congressman Barry Moore are the perceived heavy hitters, battling to out-conservative each other. Good luck distinguishing those two! Both have seemingly spent their careers trying to impress Attila the Hun. Expect lots of moon barking.

Same Sausage, Different Grill?

Whoever wins – Moore or Marshall – will beeline for a FOX camera in the 2027 session, eager to flex their right-wing muscles. Frankly, it might not matter which right-wing ideologue wins this primary. Call it Twiddledee vs. Twiddledum.

The Money Chase: Follow the Dough

In any open Senate race, money talks. Loudly. It's all about name recognition, and that requires cold hard cash. Neither Marshall (27%) nor Moore (12%) has stellar name ID out of the gate, so they're fundraising like crazy.

Moore's Moneybags: Club for Growth on the Prowl

Marshall's early fundraising is looking a little anemic. Moore, on the other hand, is the darling of the "Club for Growth," a dark money machine ready to pump $10 million (or more!) into his campaign. Expect Moore to outspend Marshall big time.

Negative Nancies Incoming!

Prepare for the mudslinging, folks. High-priced D.C. consultants will unleash attack ads galore. By the time they're done, you might think both Marshall and Moore were responsible for all the world's problems.

Dark Horses: Hudson, Murphy, and Walker

Keep an eye on these three potential third-place contenders: Jared Hudson, Morgan Murphy, and Rodney Walker.

• Jared Hudson: Early entrant, conservative, religious, decorated Navy Seal, and photogenic. A $10 million investment would make him a willing participant.
• Morgan Murphy: A Jefferson County native, Navy Captain, diplomat, and advisor to Tuberville and Trump. Knows the ropes on day one.
• Rodney Walker: A Clay County businessman with the ultimate advantage: personal wealth! Money buys name recognition, and Walker is crisscrossing the state, spreading a positive message.

Buckle Up!

It's gonna be a wild ride, ChumCity! The 2026 Senate race is the must-see event of the year.

Alabama Hunters: Time to Share the Deer Bounty!

Alabama's got a HUGE white-tailed deer population – we're talking over a million! And now, hunters have an even bigger opportunity to help those in need through the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program. Let's turn that bounty into a blessing for families across the state!

Doe, a Deer, Two Does a Day!

Thanks to recent changes in hunting regulations, hunters in most areas can now harvest two does a day! This increase aims to help manage deer populations and boost donations to HHH. It’s a win-win!

From Field to Food Bank: How it Works

The HHH program is all about getting nutritious protein to those who need it most. Hunters donate their harvested deer to participating processors, who then prepare the venison for food banks. It’s completely free for the hunter!

Conservation Commissioner Says...

"It’s really great to take some of the bounty that God has blessed us with in Alabama to be able to provide protein to the people in need," says Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship. "I encourage people to find processors in their area that take part in the program and to drop those deer off."

More Than Just Food: Benefits All Around

Donating deer isn't just about filling bellies. It also helps manage deer populations, preventing overgrazing and crop damage (estimated at a staggering $11 million annually!). Plus, it gives hunters a chance to connect with their community and show the positive impact of hunting.

Calling All Processors!

HHH is looking for more processors to join the team, especially in South and Northeast Alabama. Want to get involved? Call (334) 242-3467 or contact Jennifer.dilly@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Join the Effort!

Let's work together to make a difference in Alabama! It’s a great program with ecological, social, and nutritional benefits.

Auburn's Alex McPherson: A True Champion!

Get ready to be inspired! Auburn kicker Alex McPherson has snagged the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. This isn't just about kicking field goals; it's about kicking Crohn's disease to the curb!

This Fort Payne native battled a tough illness for almost two years. Think multiple diagnoses, different treatments – the works! But he fought back, regained his strength, and got back on that field.

McPherson's Reaction

"It's hard to put into words," McPherson said about winning the award. "This season has been amazing, especially after wondering if I'd even play. This award is the cherry on top!"

He's stoked about the future, saying, "It's been a long road, but definitely worth it!"

Making History

McPherson is the FIRST SEC player to ever win this prestigious Courage Award.

An Incredible Season

During his redshirt freshman year in 2023, McPherson was PERFECT – 13 for 13 on field goals and a flawless 40 for 40 on extra points. He was also a Lou Groza Award semifinalist and an SEC All-Freshman team pick.

The Battle

It all started with what McPherson thought was a stomach bug. He was going to the bathroom a dozen times a day and lost 20 pounds. Turns out, it was ulcerative colitis. He even had a hospital stay and lost a total of 55 pounds, dropping to a mere 110 pounds!

A six-hour surgery removed his large intestine, requiring an ostomy bag. Even that didn't stop him! Then came another diagnosis: Crohn's disease. But with a new treatment plan, he persevered.

Back on the Field!

McPherson nailed his only field goal attempt and went 5-for-5 on extra points in Auburn's season opener against Baylor. Talk about a comeback!

"I knew I could get back to my old level," McPherson said. "By the end of the season, I was pretty much there."

Clutch Kicking

He was a hero in Auburn's win against Arkansas, making all six of his field goal attempts!

By the Numbers

This season, McPherson hit 20 of 23 field goal attempts and was perfect on extra points (35 for 35). He ranked among the SEC's and the nation's best in field goal percentage.

A Worthy Recipient

Former FWAA President Matt Fortuna praised McPherson's perseverance, stating that "everyone in college football could learn from" his journey.

Looking Ahead

With one year of eligibility left, McPherson plans to make the most of it. He's currently around 148 pounds and aims to get back to his pre-illness weight of 168 pounds.

"I was never sick growing up, and this has made me grateful for good health," McPherson said. "Every day when you feel good is a great day!"

A Team Effort

McPherson credits his wife, parents, brothers, and Auburn's head athletic trainer, Robbie Stewart, for their unwavering support.

He especially highlighted Stewart's role in connecting him with the right doctors and providing constant support. "I definitely wouldn't have been back this year without him," McPherson emphasized.

The Courage Award recognizes players who display courage on and off the field. McPherson will be honored during Capital One Orange Bowl week.

Courtesy of 256 Today.

Birmingham's Highland Park Golf Course Scores Big!

Highland Park Golf Course, right here in Birmingham, is making waves! They just snagged the "Troon Golf Facility of the Year – East" award at the Troon Global Leadership Conference in Scottsdale. Way to go, team!

National Recognition for Local Gem

Out of 209 affiliated facilities, Highland Park stood out for its top-notch performance and stellar service. The award was presented at the conference, which ran from November 18–20, bringing together over 520 Troon associates.

A Storied History

This isn't the first time Highland Park has earned some serious bragging rights. This local favorite, the oldest public golf course in Alabama, has also been featured on GOLF Magazine's list of the "30 Best Municipal Golf Courses in America." Owned by the City of Birmingham and managed by Troon, Highland Park Golf, LLC leases the property long-term.

Kudos from the Top

Troon's Executive VP of Operations, Matt Hurley, gave a shout-out to the Birmingham crew for their dedication to quality. "Highland Park continues to be a proud pillar in the Birmingham community, thanks to the culture of service and hospitality the team has created," Hurley said.

More Than Just a Game

The 2025 conference, under the theme "Building Greatness with Purpose," was packed with big names, including U.S. Open Champion JJ Spaun, training sessions, and company updates. Troon manages over 575 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe.

A Course with Character

Dating back to 1903 and originally designed by Nick Thompson, Highland Park has seen its fair share of upgrades, including a major renovation in 1998 and more recent updates in 2019–2020. Bobby Jones, Theodore Roosevelt, and even Tiger Woods have graced its greens!

Ready for a Challenge?

The par-70 course offers elevation changes, creeks, lakes, and demanding small greens, making for a challenging and rewarding experience. The new back tee on the 15th hole offers stunning views of the Birmingham skyline. Swing by and see for yourself!

Big News for Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Tuscaloosa!

Get ready, West Alabama! The University Medical Center (UMC) in Tuscaloosa is leveling up its specialty services. How? By welcoming one of Alabama’s largest private neurology practices into the fold! This is HUGE for improving access to neurological and sleep-medicine care right here in our backyard.

What's Changing?

Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine is becoming UMC-Neurology and Sleep Medicine starting December 12th. Don't worry, they're staying put at their Rice Mine Road Loop location. This means more resources for managing sleep disorders and enhanced services for neurological diseases.

Why is This a Game-Changer?

Dr. Richard Friend, from the College of Community Health Sciences, says this partnership is a vital boost for our community. Not only will it provide much-needed care, but it also creates amazing learning opportunities for future doctors and expands the clinical trials available at UMC.

Meet the Team

The practice is bringing a team of six talented neurologists and sleep-medicine pros, each with specialized training. Think neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, sleep medicine – they've got it covered! UMC will now offer even better services, including cool stuff like electrodiagnostics and nerve conduction studies to assess muscle disorders, nerve damage, and even brain activity.

Experts in the House

Dr. James Geyer, a seasoned neurologist and Sleep Program director, highlights the group's dedication to patient care, medical education, and research. These folks are top-notch!

By the Numbers

In 2024 alone, this group saw over 25,000 patients and performed over 3,000 sleep studies. They run a highly respected sleep center and even have one of the few accredited Behavioral Sleep Medicine training programs around. Pretty impressive, right?

UMC: Expanding Healthcare Horizons

UMC is already the largest multi-specialty medical practice in West Alabama, with clinics all over the area. Adding Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine strengthens their existing neurology services in Tuscaloosa and Northport.

A Commitment to Community

The College of Community Health Sciences (which includes UMC, the UA Student Health Center, and more) recorded a whopping 300,000 patient visits in 2024. This partnership is all about expanding healthcare access, research, and training – a win-win for everyone!

Huntingdon College President Elected to SACSCOC Board!

Big news, ChumCity! Huntingdon College President Anthony Leigh just snagged a spot on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees! This is HUGE, considering SACSCOC is the accrediting agency for over 750 institutions across the South.

Representing Alabama's Higher Ed Scene

President Leigh's appointment, announced at their annual meeting in Nashville, means he'll be an at-large representative for Alabama for the next three years. He's stoked to represent the diverse array of colleges and universities across the state.

A Voice for All

“I’m honored to represent all of our Alabama institutions," Leigh stated, highlighting his respect for the variety of two-year, four-year, public, and private schools. He's particularly excited for the private, faith-based sector to have a voice on the board!

Innovation on the Horizon

SACSCOC works to ensure educational quality, and Leigh sees exciting possibilities with new leadership. He's looking forward to collaborating on innovative approaches to accreditation, streamlining processes, and, most importantly, prioritizing students!

Student-Focused Leadership

Leigh, who became Huntingdon's president in 2024, is known for his student-centered approach. We're pumped to see what he brings to the table!

Stranded! But Not Really?

Picture this: Two dudes, shipwrecked on a deserted island. They've got the basics – water, a makeshift hut, enough grub to scrape by. Days are filled with coconut bowling tournaments, intense bocce matches, and the occasional tic-tac-toe showdown. Then, BAM! A massive storm washes a shipping container ashore. Is this their escape pod? A boat? Hope surges!

Nope.

Inside? Thousands of incredible books. Melville, Hugo, Tolkien – a literary jackpot! A mix of awe and utter disappointment washes over them. These books are useless, right? They won't get them rescued. So, they build a Jenga tower of literary genius, watch it crumble, and even spell out "H.E.L.P." with the spines. Still stuck.

The Unexpected Escape

But then...boredom strikes. One guy cracks open "Lord of the Rings." Suddenly, he's GONE. Transported to Middle-earth, hanging with hobbits, dodging orcs. The other dude? Still bored, stressed, and counting the waves.

We're All Castaways

This little story is less about island survival and more about...us. Modern life. We're the castaways! Our problem isn't lack of stuff. Even folks who are struggling have access to more than kings of old. Our real struggle? Not seeing the insane opportunities staring us in the face! We're bored, stressed, waiting for our ship to come in.

Get Off the Beach!

Like those guys on the island, we're missing the transformation potential right in front of us. The internet is a bottomless well of classes, talks, wisdom. Think of the potential!

So, how do you escape the island? Take a step. Paint. Read. Write. Teach. Film. Cook. Garden. Act. Collect. Restore. Mentor. Train. Study. Practice. Pray. Walk. Hate it? Try something else! It's not failure, it's freaking growth!

Fear and the Open Sea

We often chicken out. Why? Fear of failure, and even worse, fear of embarrassment. "Did you hear what he's doing?!" Ouch. Sometimes, we'd rather be bored than risk looking silly trying something new. Abundance is useless if you're too scared to grab it.

The Secret Ingredient

Every inspiring life I've seen had one thing in common: constant learning and growth. They weren't always amazing. They were just castaways on a beach who decided to pick up a paintbrush (or a microphone, or a running shoe...). Learning changes your perspective. Writers see stories everywhere, artists see colors, and people of faith see the sacred in the everyday.

Light a Match

Those books were their ticket off the island. They just couldn't see it. So, where do we start? Open a book, watch a video, take a class, take a step. Pay attention to what pulls you in. The smallest dose of attention can change everything. It's like lighting a match in a dark room. You just reveal what was already there. Abundance alone isn't enough. Attention is what makes life richer.