Happy Thanksgiving, ChumCity!

As families across Alabama huddle up for Thanksgiving, it’s hard not to think about Lincoln's classic words about gratitude. Seriously profound stuff!

He talked about recognizing those "gracious gifts" together, as one big, thankful nation. That sentiment still hits home today! Thanksgiving is a chance for all of us to vibe together with grateful hearts.

Justice, Mercy, and Humility

Micah 6:8 offers a great guide: "Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Imagine if our neighborhoods and nation actually lived by that. Pretty cool, right?

Togetherness Matters

As you gather 'round the dinner table, let's really soak in that feeling of togetherness. In a world filled with constant distractions and political squabbles, Thanksgiving reminds us that unity starts with us, at home. Let's be patient, forgive freely, and shower love on the folks God has put in our lives.

I'm super grateful to serve the awesome people of Alabama every single day!

Wishing you a Thanksgiving bursting with peace, joy, and all the good vibes!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Moore family to yours! May God keep blessing you always.

Barry Moore

Iron Bowl Showdown Looms for Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide is gearing up for a high-stakes Iron Bowl clash at Jordan-Hare Stadium. This year's game feels even bigger, with Alabama's season and playoff hopes hanging in the balance on notoriously tough turf.

Auburn's Defense a Key Challenge

The Tide, favored by less than a touchdown, faces a formidable Auburn defense while their own offense has sputtered recently. History suggests a brutal contest and potentially the biggest challenge yet for Kalen DeBoer.

DeBoer Embraces the Rivalry

DeBoer, however, seems to be welcoming the pressure. "I think every game is its own game," DeBoer stated. "I understand what the history of this rivalry is – home, away – doesn’t matter. It’s about this one game." He emphasizes focusing on preparation and mindset.

History in Jordan-Hare

Even the legendary Nick Saban faced struggles at Jordan-Hare, with four losses in nine games. The last two Iron Bowls there have been nail-biters, with Alabama barely escaping with wins. DeBoer is aware of the challenge.

Preparing for a Battle

"We’re gonna have to be at our best," DeBoer acknowledged. "That’s what you keep working for… One day at a time you put the game plan together…and Saturday will come and we’ll be ready to go."

Get Ready for a Classic

Expect another intense Iron Bowl battle under the lights at Jordan-Hare this Saturday!

Birmingham's Holiday Sparkle is Almost Here!

Get ready, ChumCity! The day after Thanksgiving means one thing: the dazzling Regions Center Christmas lighting! Families gather, food trucks roll in, and 5th Avenue North buzzes with holiday cheer.

This Friday, November 28th, around 5:15 p.m., prepare for the magic! The switch flips, and BAM! Downtown explodes with the glow of two 30-story Christmas trees, a giant wreath, and a stocking so bright, pilots can see it from the airport!

The Guy Who Makes it Glow

For Alexander Newell, this isn't just a tradition; it's his masterpiece. As the primary technician for Birmingham's tallest Christmas display, he spends months bringing the skyline to life.

Newell, a BGIS employee stationed at Regions Center for 13 years, meticulously installs thousands of lights, carefully coloring each window with red and green gel sleeves. It's precise work, easy to overlook, but crucial to Birmingham's holiday spirit.

He personally installs nearly 2,700 gel sleeves, ensuring every light is perfectly placed. "I enjoy brightening up the city," Newell says. "Seeing the kids’ faces when it lights up… you know it’s officially Christmas time.”

A Tradition That Shines

This iconic tradition began in the late 1970s. Regions Executive Vice President Deno Posey, who's been leading the switch-flip for years, says, "Every year since the 1970s, this building has celebrated the season... There’s a lot of work that goes into this." Months of planning ensures the lights shine bright.

Celebrate with Music & Merriment!

The fun kicks off this year around 4:30 p.m. Enjoy warm coffee, tasty treats from local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere!

The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir (from America's Got Talent fame!), will perform, led by Regions banker Aaliyah Ross. Local country/pop singer Marissa Luna, will also share her talent. Plus, Mason Music students will add even more local flavor! After the lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be ready for photos!

Let the Season Shine!

The display will shine through New Year’s Day, then transform into the giant golfer for the Regions Tradition.

While we celebrate the glow, remember the dedication of Alexander Newell. Thanks to his hard work and holiday spirit, Birmingham is ready to sparkle brighter than ever! Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama.

Cam Ward to Receive National Award!

Big news, ChumCity! Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward is set to snag the prestigious 2025 Pillar of Excellence Award from the Addiction Policy Forum! The ceremony takes place Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol.

Honored Among National Leaders

Ward will be recognized alongside other heavy hitters, like U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, at the Forum’s annual awards shindig.

A Pillar of Progress

This award shines a spotlight on leaders making serious strides in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery, and smart criminal-justice solutions for folks battling substance use disorders.

Ward's Humble Reaction

"We're bringing this award back to the Bureau with pride, representing Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey, and our amazing team," said Director Ward. He emphasized Alabama's support and his team's dedication to programs that lead to less crime and safer communities.

Key Programs & Initiatives

The Bureau highlights its Day Reporting Centers and the Perry County PREP Center as vital components of its reentry and rehabilitation efforts. The PREP Center boasts a zero percent recidivism rate and has helped over 400 participants since its 2022 launch!

Expanding the Model

Get this – the PREP model is slated to be rolled out in other locations across the state!

Reentry 2030: A Bold Goal

These efforts are linked to Alabama’s participation in Reentry 2030, a national initiative aiming to improve outcomes for people re-entering society after incarceration. Alabama's goal? To slash the state's recidivism rate in half by 2030!

A History of Reform

Before joining the Ivey administration, Ward championed evidence-based criminal justice policy reforms in the Alabama Legislature, including initiatives connected to the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

Senator Britt Champions Maternal Health Boost!

Alabama Senator Katie Britt is on a mission to tackle the maternal health crisis head-on! She's pushing for bipartisan support to improve maternal healthcare, making it clear that preventable pregnancy-related deaths in 2025 are unacceptable.

The NIH IMPROVE Act Returns

Britt recently reintroduced the NIH IMPROVE Act, a bold move to secure consistent federal funding for research into maternal care and mortality. We're talking about authorizing over $73 million each year for seven years! This investment is designed to strengthen scientific research and uncover the root causes of why so many moms are struggling.

Alabama's Struggle

Alabama faces a harsh reality: it's one of the most dangerous states for childbirth. Senator Britt points out that these risks disproportionately impact vulnerable women, especially those in rural areas and women of color (Black and Native American women). The Senator believes we have strong medical systems, these statistics aren't okay!

Maternity Care Deserts

Sadly, over a third of Alabama's counties are "maternity care deserts," lacking essential birthing facilities or OB-GYNs. Recent closures in Shelby and Monroe counties have only worsened the situation. With a maternal mortality rate of nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 births, Alabama needs serious help.

A Wider Effort

Senator Britt's push for maternal health is part of a larger initiative to expand women's health services, particularly in underserved areas. She's also backing the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer diagnostic tests, and the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act to improve urgent maternal care access in rural areas.

Backed by Experts

The IMPROVE Act has earned the support of major maternal health organizations like March of Dimes. The goal is simple: invest in solutions that save lives and ensure that women in Alabama and across the country receive the 21st-century care they deserve.

Britt's Commitment

"I’m committed to ensuring the NIH remains the gold-standard of research and provides solutions to improve health outcomes for women before, during, and after pregnancy,” Senator Britt says.

Get Ready to Shop Small, ChumCity!

Governor Kay Ivey is giving a shout-out to all Alabamians to show some love to their local businesses this holiday season! Mark your calendars, folks, because Saturday, November 29, 2025, is officially Small Business Saturday in Alabama!

Why Shop Local?

Ivey says our state believes that “small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the glue that holds communities together.” And she's right! These are the folks who make ChumCity, well, ChumCity!

Small Businesses: Big Impact

Did you know that a whopping 99.4% of all Alabama businesses are small businesses? They employ a huge 46% of our workforce! Plus, they're making waves in global trade, exporting billions of dollars worth of goods worldwide.

Alabama's Heart and Hustle

“Small businesses are the heart and hustle of Alabama," Ivey said. "They create jobs, carry forward family legacies, and bring life to every Main Street." Let's show them some support!

The Ripple Effect

Rosemary Elebash of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFI points out that shopping local has a huge economic ripple effect. It's estimated that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays right here in our community!

Season of Small

Janita Stewart from the SBA encourages us all to kick off the holiday season by supporting our local mom-and-pop shops. Let’s make this the "Season of Small!" Shop local retailers, eat at family-owned restaurants, and invest in services provided by your neighbors.

So, ChumCity, let's pack the house for our local shops, restaurants, and service providers on November 29th!

Alabama Delegation Throws Support Behind Redstone Arsenal for Microreactor Plant!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Despite political differences, Alabama's Congressional delegation is united in its mission: bringing a cutting-edge Microreactor Power Plant to Redstone Arsenal.

Project Janus: Powering the Future

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong led the charge, penning a letter to the Secretary of the Army, highlighting Redstone's prime qualifications for the Army's Project Janus. Strong stated that Redstone Arsenal has the right resources to ensure Project Janus is a surefire success.

Why Redstone?

According to the Army, Project Janus aims to provide secure, resilient, and reliable energy to support vital military installations and critical missions, independently from the commercial grid. The Alabama delegation stresses Redstone Arsenal's unique attributes, stating that Redstone Arsenal is a Federal Center of Excellence and selecting Redstone would benefit the U.S. Army, the Joint Force, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, FBI Redstone, and U.S. Space Command, among others. They cite the base's critical mission areas, including space operations, missile defense, and intelligence, emphasizing the importance of energy resilience.

Bipartisan Support

The letter boasts a powerful roster of signatures, including Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, as well as Reps. Robert Aderholt, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Terri Sewell, Shomari Figures, and Gary Palmer.

Redstone: A Top Contender

Redstone Arsenal is in the running against eight other installations to host the Micro-Reactor Power Plant. The Army is taking a phased approach to Janus technology, prioritizing safety and efficiency. The Army plans to start bending metal as quickly as possible!

Holiday Shopping Survival Guide: Don't Get Scammed!

The holidays are here, which means one thing: shopping! While online deals can be tempting, especially with rising costs and crowded stores, beware! Scammers are lurking, using sneaky AI tricks to fool you.

AI and Fake Deals: A Risky Mix

AI is making fake websites, social media pages, and ads super convincing. It's harder than ever to spot a scam. The internet's basically a fraud highway, and these guys are ready to pounce.

Stay Safe and Shop Smart

Here's your survival kit for safe online shopping:

• App Alert! Never download an app just for a discount. It could be malware stealing your info.
• Website Reality Check: Double-check retailer websites. Scammers create fake ones that look legit. If you're unsure, bail! It's not worth the risk.
• Too Good To Be True? Deals that sound amazing usually are scams. Go directly to the retailer's site, don't click ads.
• Imposter Alert! Imposter scams are huge. Watch out for fake Amazon or postal service texts about delivery problems. Track packages on the official websites or apps, not by replying.
• Payment Power: Use verified payment methods listed by the seller. Be super cautious if they want crypto, gift cards, or some weird payment method.
• Guard Your Info: Never give passwords, personal details, or financial info to strangers who contact you.
• Statement Sanity: Regularly check bank/credit card statements and your credit report. Spot anything fishy? Report it! Get free credit reports weekly at annualcreditreport.com.

Wise Words

"If something appears too good to be true, it is," says Amanda Senn, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC).

Stay Vigilant

Online shopping saves time, but dealing with fraud? A nightmare. Scammers are out to steal everything you've earned. Be careful, alert, and don't become a victim!

If you suspect fraud, contact the ASC at 1-800-222-1253. Report it!

Local Legend David Culberson Passes Away

Central Alabama will remember David Culberson as the guy in the black-striped ref uniform. For decades, he was a fixture at high school football games, officiating hundreds since the 1960s. A 25-year veteran of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, he was a Friday night lights legend!

From Sylacauga to the Gridiron and Beyond

Culberson, a Sylacauga native, sadly passed away at his Birmingham home at 83 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. But with him went a treasure trove of knowledge about the music of the 50s and 60s!

Music Man Extraordinaire

He wasn't just a ref; David was a key figure in the Magic City Boppers and the Birmingham Record Collectors. Their annual record show drew Oldies music fans from all over the Southeast! He really knew his stuff.

Growing Up in Sylacauga

David's journey began in Sylacauga, where he graduated from B.B. Comer High School. That's where his passion for music ignited back in the 50s! Check out that pic of the Sylacauga Dairy Queen in '59 – David's in the white #41 football jersey! Recognize any other locals?

A Life Well-Lived

From Jefferson State Community College to the Army Air National Guard, David eventually settled in Birmingham and had a 40 year career as a computer programmer for UAB. He was married to his wife Cheryl for 58 years and loved trips to the "Hangout" in Panama City, Florida.

Storyteller and Music Aficionado

"No one could tell a story better than David." His obituary said it best. "His mind was a vault of details... to knowing every Oldies song."

Farewell to a Legend

Services were held for David on November 16th. He was laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sylacauga. He will be missed.

Don't Get Got! Regions Bank's Fight Against Fraud

Regions Bank is serious about keeping you safe from scams! They're not just about prevention; they're here to help you bounce back if you've already been targeted.

Kimberly Reece, Regions Bank's Financial Crimes Customer Advocacy Manager, put it best: "Anyone can fall victim to fraud, but acting fast is key! Every second counts when it comes to protecting your hard-earned money, your identity, and your peace of mind."

The bank's team of Fraud Fighters are sharing some simple, but vital, steps to take if you've been scammed. Remember: the more details you can provide, the better chance law enforcement has of catching the bad guys. Jot down EVERYTHING – dates, transaction details, suspicious email addresses, the works!

Steps to Take After a Scam Attack

1. Secure Your Finances: Contact your bank or credit card company ASAP! Let them know what happened and ask for their help in shutting down the fraud.
2. Freeze Your Credit: Contact the big three – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Tell them you need a security freeze because you suspect something's fishy. It's free!
3. Change Those Passwords! Start with your bank and credit card logins. Then, don't forget your email password – it's often linked to your financial accounts.
4. Report It! Even if you think it's a lost cause, reporting to law enforcement helps them track these crimes, potentially solve cases, and protect others. Consider contacting:
   • Local Law Enforcement - Keep it local and help your community.
   • Federal Trade Commission - File a complaint online.
   • Internet Crime Complaint Center (FBI) - Report cybercrime to the feds.
   • Better Business Bureau - Help them alert others about scams via the BBB Scam Tracker.
   • Identitytheft.gov - Report identity theft to the government and get a recovery plan!

Regions Bank wants you to know you're not alone. If you've been a victim of fraud, they're ready to help. Give them a call or visit your local branch for assistance!