Senator Britt Hits the Coast to Boost Marques!

Senator Katie Britt rolled into Alabama's Gulf Coast Friday, throwing her support behind State Rep. Rhett Marques' bid for Congress! The dynamic duo made waves at The Wharf in Orange Beach, revving up excitement for Marques' campaign.

"America First Winner!"

Britt didn't hold back, hailing Marques as the "America First winner" conservatives need in D.C. She emphasized his dedication to Alabama's values and his commitment to working with President Trump.

Local Leaders Sound Off

Before rallying supporters, Britt and Marques hosted a roundtable with Baldwin County leaders. They tackled key issues like the economy, infrastructure, and public safety – making sure local concerns are front and center.

Britt's All-In for Marques

This stop marks Britt's first in-person campaign event with Marques since her early endorsement. She's putting her money where her mouth is, backing Marques as the strong voice Alabama needs!

Team Trump

Britt says it's all about building a reliable team around President Trump. She highlighted Marques' leadership during COVID and his focus on cutting red tape for small businesses. It's about teamwork making the dream work, ChumCity style!

From the Peanut Fields to the Beaches

Marques, a Baldwin County native and Wiregrass businessman, says he's uniquely positioned to represent the re-drawn district. He's ready to "scale up" his conservative wins from the state level to D.C. – cutting taxes and supporting small businesses!

Marques Feeling the Love

Marques says Britt's endorsement gave his campaign a HUGE boost! He calls her a "rock star" and appreciates her fighting spirit. It's clear these two are ready to shake things up in Washington!

Alabama's Senate Race: A Political Chess Match!

Next year's big race centers on our open U.S. Senate seat, triggered by Coach Tommy Tuberville's gubernatorial bid. This Senate opening has pulled in one of our U.S. Congressmen, leaving his seat up for grabs in the Heart of Dixie.

Gerrymandering: The Eternal Political Game

Congressional districts are usually drawn by state legislatures, often favoring the majority party – a classic case of partisan gerrymandering! While politicos love to decry it, the U.S. Supreme Court has historically stood firm, arguing that you can't simply eliminate politics from redistricting. "To the victor goes the spoils," right?

A Legal Curveball

But hold on! Two years ago, Federal Judges in Alabama shook things up. They ruled that the 1965 Voting Rights Act trumped the Supreme Court's precedent. This led to a gerrymandered district designed to create a majority-minority Democratic seat, shifting Alabama's congressional makeup to five white Republicans and two black Democrats.

The Shomari Figures Factor

Shomari Figures of Mobile won in that new district. But, this also forced two incumbent Republican Congressmen into the same district for the 2024 election. This district mashed together the Wiregrass with Mobile and Baldwin Counties, which, to put it mildly, isn’t the neatest fit.

Moore vs. Carl: Round Two?

Jerry Carl from Mobile/Baldwin was expected to win but lost to Barry Moore. Now, Moore is eyeing Tuberville's Senate seat, reopening that oddly shaped First District.

A Republican Showdown Looms

Since it’s a Republican district, it'll likely be a battle between a candidate from Mobile and one from the Wiregrass. Jerry Carl is back, representing the Mobile/Baldwin area and its pro-business leanings.

Rhett Marques: The Wiregrass Hopeful?

The Wiregrass candidate is likely to be State Representative Rhett Marques. He's respected in the legislature. Fort Rucker and agriculture are vital to the region. The Wiregrass rallied around Barry Moore a couple of years ago. Can they do it again with Marques? Marques has a bit of a hidden advantage. Born and raised in Baldwin County, which is the biggest county in the new First District.

A Short-Lived District?

The winner of this race might only be around for a term. There's buzz that the U.S. Supreme Court might dismantle Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, potentially leading to the restoration of the original district configurations.

Huge News From Hale County!

Get ready, folks! The M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area just got a major upgrade! Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), and his wife, Allyson, were stunned at the unveiling of the brand-new Blankenship Event Center. Talk about a surprise!

The Blankenship Event Center: A Game Changer

This isn't just any old building. The 5,000-square-foot Blankenship Event Center solidifies the Field Trial Area's spot as the place for sporting dog events in the nation. Located on ADCNR's State Lands Division property, this spot used to be the State Cattle Ranch. Now it's a sprawling 3,342 Forever Wild Land Trust acres and 998 adjacent State Lands acres.

More Than Just Dogs!

While sporting dog events are huge, the Field Trial Area offers SO much more! We're talking youth deer, dove, and duck hunts, plus fishing events, hunts for folks with physical disabilities, and ADCNR Campus Conservation Program activities. Last year alone, over 30 sporting dog events took place here, including two national championships.

What's Inside?

The Blankenship Event Center is versatile! It can transform into an open-air meeting space and boasts bathrooms and a handy kitchen. Plus, there's a shiny new 4,000-square-foot pavilion right next door. The best part? Everything is ADA accessible!

A Hub for Everyone

"The Field Trial Area is a special place," Commissioner Blankenship exclaimed. "Nearly 4,000 visitors enjoy this multi-purpose area each year." And get this – over 2,700 dogs participated in trials and hunt tests this year alone!

From Southeast to Nation's Best!

Commissioner Blankenship thought the Field Trial Area was the premier spot in the Southeast. A veteran field trial handler corrected him: it's the best in the country! "I was shocked," said Commissioner Blankenship.

Big Thanks!

The Commissioner gave shout-outs to the Alabama Legislature, Innovate Alabama, and ADCNR funds for making this all possible. State Representative Curtis Travis chimed in, calling the improvements "fantastic" and a source of "great economic opportunities."

More Goodies!

The upgrades don't stop there. A horse barn got bigger, new field restrooms popped up, and camping sites now have electrical hook-ups. Plus, there's new paving and road improvements.

Kudos to the Team

Commissioner Blankenship praised Director Patti McCurdy for her vision, and former Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley was recognized for making the Field Trial Area a reality in the first place.

Black Belt Boost!

McCurdy highlighted the positive economic impact on local communities in the Black Belt. "That means so much," she said.

Top-Notch Management

She also commended her staff and conservation enforcement officers, who manage everything from land management to youth hunts.

Horse Heaven

State Lands Chief Enforcement Officer Jeremy Doss emphasized the horse barn expansion, which can now accommodate 48 horses. He also noted the new fencing and camping sites.

What Makes It Special?

Doss pointed to the vast acreage and habitat management as key factors. "Everybody is trying to hold their events here," he said. "It shows that we are moving in the right direction!"

Bama Gets You Flying Faster! TSA PreCheck® On Campus!

Heads up, travelers! The University of Alabama is now offering TSA PreCheck® enrollment services right here in Tuscaloosa! Yep, you heard right. Thanks to CLEAR, an official TSA PreCheck® provider, you can now breeze through airport security like a VIP.

Beat the Airport Blues

Starting December 3rd, students, faculty, staff, and even Tuscaloosa peeps can zip over to the UA Passport Acceptance Facility to complete their enrollment. Find 'em open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Roll Tide, Ride Faster

"This is super cool for our campus and the whole town!" says Campus Mail Executive Director Stacy Vaughn. "Having TSA PreCheck® right here makes travel way easier and shows everyone UA is always looking ahead."

Skip the Line, Keep Your Shoes On!

TSA PreCheck® members get to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Plus, electronics and those little liquids can stay in your bag. Best part? You'll fly through security – most folks wait less than 10 minutes!

Easy Peasy Enrollment

You can kick things off online before swinging by the UA passport place to wrap it up. Don't forget your passport or other accepted ID. No appointment needed, so just walk on in!

UA: Always Ahead of the Game!

UA joins a select group of schools offering this service, proving once again it's a real hub for the community. Get ready to travel smarter, Tuscaloosa!

Powering Up the Next Generation!

Alabama Power recently threw open its doors to high school students from across central Alabama, giving them a firsthand look at careers in the exciting world of utilities!

Lineworker Career Days: A Real Jolt of Inspiration!

Held at the General Services Complex in Calera, Alabama Power's Lineworker Career Days gave over 200 students a taste of what it's like to work with power every day. This annual event, running since 2018, is a total spark for future lineworkers!

Hands-On, Minds-On Learning!

Students from six schools rotated through six awesome learning stations, diving into everything from basic electricity and mechanical equipment to welding and linework fundamentals. It was all about getting hands-on and exploring different career paths!

Lunchtime Learning Extravaganza!

Lunch wasn't just about eating; it was a chance to check out even more cool stuff, like fiber training, a defensive driving simulator, drone demos, and vegetation management. Knot-tying and rubber glove use? Absolutely!

Building Alabama's Bright Future

"We want to show students what we do at Alabama Power," said Eric Boykin, Southern Division general manager for Power Delivery. He hopes these kids will see the value Alabama Power brings to its customers and want to be part of that picture someday. It's all about investing in the future workforce and showing students practical career options right here in Alabama!

Attracting the Best and Brightest

"We're really trying to show these young kids the opportunities that we provide," Boykin said. The goal? To attract them to the industry and encourage them to seek out these opportunities after graduation. Now that's a powerful plan!

Big Bucks and Bragging Rights in Alabama's Black Belt!

Heads up, hunters! The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is calling all champion buck-baggers to show off their skills in the 14th annual Big Buck Photo Contest! They're shouting from the rooftops (or maybe deer stands?) that the Black Belt is the place to be for trophy whitetails.

Strike a Pose with Your Prize!

"We love seeing the photos roll in each year," says ALBBAA director Pam Swanner. "It just proves what we already know – Alabama's Black Belt is still a top-notch destination for bagging that dream buck. If you've harvested a beauty in the Black Belt, we want to see it!"

Win Cold Hard Cash (and a Cool Book!)

The online voting contest is officially ON! It's running 'til Feb. 13, 2026, so plenty of time to get your best shot submitted. This year's lucky winner walks away with a $100 gift card and a copy of "Black Belt Bounty," a stunning coffee-table book celebrating the region’s hunting and fishing heritage. Talk about bragging rights!

The Nitty-Gritty

The contest is open to any buck legally harvested in the Black Belt during the 2025–26 deer season (think late October bow season to February gun season, including those special youth hunts). Get your entries in pronto! Remember, it's one vote per day, per entry, per IP address. Previous winners (past two years) gotta sit this one out.

Play Fair, Hunt Ethically

ALBBAA will be keeping a sharp eye out and auditing votes to ensure everything's on the up-and-up. They reserve the right to reject any photos that depict unethical behavior or paint hunting in a bad light. Let's keep it classy, folks!

Why the Black Belt?

"Alabama hunters have incredible outdoor opportunities in the Black Belt," Swanner emphasizes. "Deer hunting is a huge draw for visitors. This contest is all about celebrating the abundance of wildlife in the Black Belt's 23 counties and honoring the hunting traditions that have been passed down for generations."

Important Reminders!

Don't forget to grab your valid hunting license from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. And Game Check is a must for reporting all harvested deer! The Black Belt counties include: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox. Get out there and bag a beauty!

Gobble, Gobble, Pardoned!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Two Alabama turkeys just scored the ultimate Get Out of Jail Free card. Forget cranberry sauce – these birds are headed for sunshine!

Instead of becoming Thanksgiving dinner, these plump protagonists received a full pardon from Governor Kay Ivey at the state's annual Turkey Pardoning ceremony. It's a tradition as old as your grandma's stuffing recipe!

Naming the Lucky Duo

But before the pardon, there was a crucial task: naming the feathery fellas! Alabama's bright young minds stepped up, suggesting patriotic monikers.

After a statewide vote, the winning names were announced: drumroll, please…Fil & Buster! Yep, a clever nod to the political term "filibuster."

Freedom Flight

Governor Ivey celebrated this fowl feat with a video posted on her social media! Students from Montgomery Christian School and Riverchase Day School were there to witness the historic moment, watching Fil and Buster bask in their newfound freedom.

From Farm to Forever Home

These lucky birds hail from Bates Turkey Farm in Fort Deposit, the official pardoned turkey supplier since way back in 1949!

Now, instead of ending up on your Thanksgiving table, Fil and Buster are retiring in style, enjoying the sweet Alabama life. Talk about a happy ending!

UAB Nursing School & UAB Medicine Score Big with Men in Nursing!

Woo-hoo! The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and UAB Medicine are killing it! They've just been recognized by the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) as a 2025 "Best School for Men in Nursing" and a 2025 "Best Workplace for Men in Nursing," respectively.

Seven Years Strong!

This is the seventh year in a row the School of Nursing has snagged the "Best School" title, and UAB Medicine is celebrating its third consecutive year as a "Best Workplace"! Talk about consistency!

Kudos from the Dean

"Our school is all about leveling up the nursing profession and supporting everyone," says Dean Maria R. Shirey, Ph.D. "These awards show that we're walking the walk!"

AAMN Leadership & Awards

But wait, there's more! Curry Bordelon, DNP, is the president-elect of the AAMN itself! Plus, Gregory Eagerton, DNP, just snagged the AAMN President’s Award! "I'm so grateful," Eagerton said, shouting out his supportive colleagues who are boosting men's health through education and community service.

Health Equity Champ!

And let's give a round of applause to Adam Kinsaul, DNP, for receiving the AAMN Daisy Foundation Health Equity Award! "The school empowers my clinical work, and I appreciate the support," Kinsaul shared. "This award highlights the amazing work of everyone here."

Shaping the Future of Nursing

These awards underscore UAB's dedication to being awesome and leading the way in nursing and healthcare. Go Blazers!

Blast Off with STARBASE Maxwell!

Get ready for some seriously cool STEAM action! STARBASE Maxwell, located right here at Maxwell Air Force Base, is lighting up young minds with hands-on science, tech, engineering, arts, and math. They're talking thousands of students every year diving into awesome, immersive learning experiences.

Bridging Worlds, Building Futures

This amazing program is doing more than just teaching; it's connecting our military and civilian communities! Plus, it's opening doors to some seriously exciting technical careers that boost both national defense and Alabama's booming industries.

STEAM Powerhouse

Part of a nationwide initiative, STARBASE programs are popping up on military bases everywhere to get kids excited about STEAM careers. As Ted Welch, STARBASE Maxwell's director, puts it, "STARBASE is about sparking curiosity!" They want kids to see that science and engineering are more than just textbooks – they're about thinking, creating, and solving problems that shape the world!

Hands-On Fun & Real-World Connections

Partnering with local schools, STARBASE Maxwell provides fifth graders with a jam-packed week of STEAM education. Think building robots, studying space, and exploring nanotechnology – all totally free! Even better, they bring in real-life service members – pilots, firefighters, and even Space Force guardians – to show how STEAM powers their missions.

Growing Bigger & Better

Since 2004, STARBASE Maxwell has exploded in popularity! They reached over 3,200 students this year alone and are planning to reach over 4,000 next year! They are currently the biggest Starbase worldwide, and the only one in Alabama! And guess what? They've even got a robotic dog named Astro helping kids learn coding and problem-solving!

Shaping the Future

STARBASE Maxwell's impact stretches far beyond the base. By getting kids hooked on STEAM early on, they're prepping them for amazing careers in Alabama's growing industries. From aerospace to automotive, these skills are in high demand! So get ready, ChumCity, because STARBASE Maxwell is building the next generation of innovators!

Birmingham's Rock & Roll History Gets a Visual Blast!

Ever seen Birmingham's music scene painted in vibrant, gritty detail? Now you can!

Sealegs Press is dropping A History of Birmingham Rock & Roll this month – a stunning hardback art book showcasing Craig Legg's epic exhibition. Remember that show at East Village Arts that blew everyone's minds last year? Yeah, this is that good!

A Sonic Story Preserved

Craig Legg, a true Birmingham creative (think art, music, poetry – the whole shebang!), dove headfirst into researching and painting the city's rock & roll story. This self-taught artist and history buff brings wit and passion to uncovering the people, places, and moments that made Birmingham's sound unique.

Imagine a visual timeline charting over 70 years of Birmingham music history – from garage bands to legends, dive bars to iconic venues, handbills to unforgettable hairstyles. That's what you'll find inside!

From Gallery to Coffee Table

Legg's bringing the exhibit to the masses. “Putting these paintings into book form will take the project to another level, granting access to many more viewers,” he says.

He adds, “The history is what is important here, and this helps spread the word. It’s a solid history of which folks from Birmingham can be proud."

The editors call the book a celebration and a record – art meets documentary. One early reader raved, "It is a love letter to Birmingham, and to rock and roll, and to Birmingham rock and roll."

Get Your Copy!

A History of Birmingham Rock & Roll hits shelves mid-November – just in time for the holidays! Look for it at local bookstores, specialty shops, and CraigLegg's website.

Don't miss the book launch and signing on Saturday, November 15, from 2–5 p.m. at Workplay. Come celebrate Birmingham’s amazing music heritage with art lovers and music fans alike!

For a city with a hard-working spirit and a penchant for cranking up the volume, Craig Legg's new book is more than just art – it's an archive, a tribute, and a reminder that Birmingham's music scene deserves all the love!

(Source: SoulGrown Alabama)