Get Ready to Tube the 'Hooch… er, Montgomery Whitewater!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Montgomery Whitewater is turning up the thrill factor with the debut of WHITWATER TUBING, just in time for a "Red, White, and Tube" July 4th celebration!

Forget lazy river floats – this is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that throws you headfirst into the rapids. Think of it as whitewater rafting's wilder, tube-toting cousin.

What to Expect?

Executive Director Jason Wilson says it best: "This is NOT a lazy river!" Get ready for a brand-new way to experience the raw power of the course. No experience? No problem! Just bring your adventurous spirit.

Two Ways to Tube!

• Full-Flow Whitewater Tubing: High-intensity action only on the Creek Channel (using official Montgomery Whitewater tubes).
• Low-Flow Whitewater Tubing: A more chill (but still active!) ride on both channels.

Either way, you'll be paddling with your hands, clinging to a specially-designed, whitewater-certified tube.

The Nitty-Gritty:

• Single Ride Pass: $25 for 90 minutes, with extra rides that day only $10 (if available).
• Day Pass Perk: Tubing is part of the day pass – ride all day long!
• Safety First: Helmet, PFD (life jacket), and a certified tube are included.
• Age Alert: Must be 8 years or older. Kids 8-11 need a parent/guardian in the water.
• Capacity: 25 tubes and duckies per trip.
• BYOT (Bring Your Own Tube): If it’s whitewater-certified, go for it. No conveyor belt privileges, though – you'll have to lug it yourself.

Duckies, Too!

Want even more ways to hit the rapids? Whitewater duckies are now available at the same single-ride price.

Montgomery Whitewater emphasizes that this is a fun, affordable way to jump into whitewater recreation. Get ready for adventure!

Alabama's Stance on Gender Transition: A Turning Point?

A recent report in The Atlantic suggests Alabama's legal defense of its ban on gender transition surgeries and procedures for minors marks a pivotal moment in the debate surrounding the practice. The article, titled "The Liberal Misinformation Bubble About Youth Gender Medicine," examines how some radical theories on transgenderism gained mainstream traction.

Challenging the Narrative

Helen Lewis writes that claims of extensive, personalized assessments for children before receiving blockers or hormones are "untrue." This assertion comes amidst the backdrop of the United States v. Skrmetti case, where the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s law restricting access to these procedures.

Alabama's Crucial Role

Lewis argues that Alabama's defense exposed the potential harms of these treatments. Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, criminalizing hormone and blocker prescriptions for those under 19, faced immediate legal challenges.

Unveiling the Truth

Attorney General Steve Marshall's swift action to dismiss a lawsuit led to extensive discovery, revealing that key medical organizations might have misled parents, promoted unproven treatments, and overlooked international concerns regarding sex-change procedures for minors.

Concerns within WPATH

Many of these treatments were backed by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Documents obtained by Marshall revealed that WPATH acknowledged "many gaps in research to back up our recommendations" but failed to make this clear publicly.

Victory for Alabama

Marshall declared victory after plaintiffs dropped their challenge to Alabama's law in May. "We fought back...What we found was devastating to the plaintiffs’ challenge: a medical, legal, and political scandal," Marshall stated.

Damning Admissions

Beyond the Atlantic's account, Alabama's litigation uncovered more concerning information. An ACLU lawyer conceded during Supreme Court oral arguments that there is "no evidence...that this treatment reduces completed suicide," undermining the claim that medical transition is life-saving.

Ripple Effects

Alabama's influence is spreading globally. The Cass Review in the UK found the evidence for puberty blockers "weak and inconclusive," showing no meaningful psychological benefit in some studies.

A Clear-Eyed Perspective

Marshall remains focused on the implications for families and children: "We uncovered the truth. We exposed the scandal. We won. Alabama led the way, and now all families are safer for it."

Is Uncle Sam Headed for Brokeville? Let's Talk Entitlements!

Our national debt is seriously HUGE, and it's only gonna get bigger. Some folks are saying we're doomed if we don't touch those "untouchable" programs like Social Security and Medicare. But can we actually rein in entitlement spending without causing chaos?

What's an "Entitlement" Anyway?

Hold up! Despite the name, you don't actually have a right to welfare, healthcare, or Social Security. "Entitlement" just refers to how the money gets spent. Basically, if you meet the rules, the Treasury pays you, without Congress having to OK it every time. So, yeah, changing those rules is how you cut spending.

The Big Three (and a Bunch of Others)

We're talking Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – the "Big Three" of entitlements. Last year, they ate up $4.1 trillion of Washington's $6.8 trillion total spending. Ouch!

The Gray Wave is Coming...

An aging population means more people drawing on Social Security and Medicare, and fewer people paying in. By 2035, experts are predicting entitlement spending will balloon, and the deficit will be bigger than everything else the government spends money on!

Hope on the Horizon?

Sounds grim, right? But there's hope! Let's start with work requirements. Remember welfare reform in the 90s? Adding a work requirement slashed the number of people on welfare without making poverty worse. Turns out, just asking people to prove they're looking for a job can make a big difference!

Showing Up Matters

Maybe we could do something similar for Social Security and Medicare. Just having people show up in person every so often. Apparently, there might be millions of dead or fake people collecting Social Security! We deserve to know benefits are going to real folks.

Medicaid Madness

Medicaid's a weird one – it's a combo of federal and state money. The feds give states a bunch of cash, which creates some goofy incentives. States get to play Santa Claus with our money, and they love spending Washington's cash.

Block Grants to the Rescue?

Block grants – they're a proven solution. Basically, the feds give states a fixed amount of money, no matter what. This stops the crazy spending and dodgy tax schemes.

Medicare Fixes

Medicare's all federal, so no grant shenanigans there. But more competition, especially for generic drugs, can help keep costs down.

Social Security: Ponzi Scheme or Cruel Scam?

Social Security is a tough one. It's not exactly a Ponzi scheme, but it's not great. Real pensions invest your money to build up a nest egg. Social Security just uses current taxes to pay current benefits.

A Bad Investment?

When Social Security started, it worked great. But now, benefits are outpacing taxes. The "trust fund" is running out of cash, and it offers a super-low rate of return.

The Younger Generation Gets the Short End

Think about a young couple starting out. They're paying a ton in payroll taxes that could be going into a house or savings. Instead, that money goes into Social Security, which might not even be there when they retire.

Tough Choices Ahead

Politicians always promise to protect Social Security, and they love to scare us with threats of cuts. But maybe there's a better way. An investment-based alternative could give us way bigger benefits down the road. Reining in entitlement spending is gonna be tough, but we can do it without destroying the system.

"One Big Beautiful Bill" Passes House: What Does It Mean for Alabama?

The House just gave the green light to President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," sending the $3.4 trillion package to the White House just in time for July 4th! The vote was a tight 218-214, with Alabama's Republican representatives cheering the victory. But what exactly is in this bill, and how will it impact the Yellowhammer State?

A Tax Cut Bonanza?

Republicans are calling it the "largest tax cut in American history!" The bill extends a whopping $4.5 trillion in Trump-era tax cuts, giving breaks to seniors, small businesses, and even exempting tips and overtime wages from income tax.

More Than Just Taxes

It's not all about taxes, though. The bill also pumps $350 billion into defense modernization, including that "Golden Dome" missile defense system. Plus, over $175 billion is earmarked for border security, funding a wall and hiring 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.

Alabama's Take

Our local reps are singing its praises! Rep. Barry Moore says it "puts American families first," while Rep. Dale Strong is excited about the benefits for North Alabama's space, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Expect to see $4.1 billion for those Artemis rockets and a cool $100 million for Marshall Space Flight Center improvements!

Rural Health Boost?

And hold on, there's more! Thanks to Senators Britt and Tuberville, Alabama could snag $500 million from a national rural health fund. That's about $9.26 million per rural hospital!

Dems Say "Hold On!"

Not everyone's thrilled, of course. Dems like Rep. Shomari Figures are calling the bill "trash," and Rep. Terri Sewell believes it's a "betrayal" of working families.

What's Next?

The bill is headed to President Trump for his signature. Get ready for some major changes to the tax code and social welfare programs!

Alabama Secretary of State Race Heats Up!

Get ready, folks! The 2026 Alabama Republican primary ballot is about to get even more interesting. Former congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson just threw her hat into the ring for Secretary of State, challenging Andrew Sorrell, who was previously running unopposed.

Sorrell's Strong Start

Sorrell, currently serving as State Auditor, isn't messing around. He reported a hefty $313,869.57 in the campaign war chest as of July 1st. June was a banner month, raking in $64,475.02. Since the fundraising window opened in mid-May, he's pulled in a whopping $114,502.02. Sorrell claims this pace nearly doubles what past successful Secretary of State campaigns managed.

Sorrell stated, "I was very pleased to raise $64,475.02 this month for my campaign. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received since entering this race. In just 43 days since the fundraising window opened we have brought in $114,502.02, which is unprecedented for a Secretary of State campaign." He also added, "There is no natural donor base for this office as there is for other offices such as Treasurer, Legislature, and Governor, making these fundraising numbers even more significant."

Dobson Enters with a Bang!

Dobson, a familiar face after her congressional run, isn't coming empty-handed. She kicked off her campaign with a $500,000 personal loan and reported $500,000 cash on hand as of July 1st. This fifth-generation cattle farmer from Monroe County is a Harvard and Baylor Law School grad. After practicing law in San Antonio, she returned to Montgomery in 2019. She currently serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition board, and is also a wife and mother of two.

Dobson's Platform: Integrity and Business

Dobson stated, “I felt led to take this job, not only because of my passion about election integrity, but also my professional background." She believes Alabama needs to crack down on election fraud and proposed modeling an election-crime division after Florida’s office.

But it's not all about elections. Dobson also wants to focus on the Secretary of State's business role. “I will reduce fees on Alabama businesses, streamline same-day services for small and rural enterprises, and make Alabama the number one choice for incorporation.”

She concludes, “With municipal contests on the horizon, no election is too small to protect,” Dobson said. “Every single ballot matters.”

The race is on, ChumCity! Who will Alabama voters choose?

A-Day's Future in Tuscaloosa Uncertain?

The annual A-Day spring game, a Crimson Tide tradition as old as time (or at least, as old as most of us can remember), might be facing some serious changes. This fan-favorite event, usually packed with supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the upcoming season's squad, has hit a snag.

From Game Day to Practice Day

Remember this past spring? New head coach Kalen DeBoer opted for an open practice format instead of the traditional scrimmage. It's a trend happening nationwide, supposedly to ward off transfer portal shenanigans and keep secrets from prying coaching eyes.

Smaller Crowds, Same Old Problems

While the stadium crowd was noticeably thinner this year, Tuscaloosa unfortunately still grappled with recurring issues of overcrowding and safety concerns, especially on the infamous Strip.

Mayor Maddox Weighs In

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has expressed some strong reservations. He stated that the city might actually prefer A-Day didn't happen anymore.

The City's Perspective

"Twenty years ago, if you would have asked me, 'Would you want to have A-Day?' I’d say, 'Yes'," Maddox explained. "Today…I think it’s better for us not to have A-Day and focus on the UA-generated events that don’t require so much security personnel and other logistical support."

A Change is Coming?

Hearing the Mayor's candid viewpoint is definitely a surprise. Considering the burden the event places on the city, it's understandable. The future of A-Day is up in the air, but one thing's for sure: it likely won't be the same old experience, inside or outside the stadium.

Alabama Politics: From Mule Day to Henager

Remember the good ol' days of Alabama politics? Back when candidates flocked to multiple "must-attend" events across the state? Well, these days, there's one event that reigns supreme: the DeKalb/Henager Ledbetter/Livingston 4th of July Breakfast!

Henager's Political Powerhouse

About a decade ago, two North Alabama powerhouses, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and State Senator Steve Livingston, started a small July 4th breakfast in their hometown. Now? It's the place to be for anyone serious about Alabama politics. This legendary gathering, held in Henager, DeKalb County (represented by both Ledbetter and Livingston), has exploded in popularity.

The Breakfast and Parade

Expect to see 400-500 folks chowing down around 7:30 AM, with a who's who of statewide candidates in attendance. After breakfast, the action moves to the Henager City Park for a parade featuring floats and, of course, those aspiring statewide leaders. Thousands line the streets for this patriotic spectacle.

Regulars and Rising Stars

You'll likely spot familiar faces like Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, and former Secretary of State John Merrill, alongside numerous Supreme Court Justices. With a big election year looming, this year's breakfast promises to be the biggest yet!

Remembering the Past: Terry Reunions and Mule Day

While Ledbetter's event is the current "go to", Alabama's political past boasts other iconic gatherings. The Terry Family Reunion, held every Labor Day near Tuscumbia, was legendary. This carnival-esque event featured incredible food – camp stew, BBQ, catfish, you name it! Senator Howell Heflin, a true BBQ aficionado, was a regular.

Then there was Mule Day in Winfield (Marion County). For 35-40 years, this Chamber of Commerce event honored the mule, a staple of Alabama agriculture. Governors like George Wallace, Big Jim Folsom, and many others made appearances. The parade was the main event, but there was also a beauty pageant, flea market, car show, and even a mule-judging contest! The festivities culminated in a Civil War-era ball.

Mule Day Memories

Locals still swap stories about politicians at Mule Day. One tale involves a frustrated woman stuck in traffic during a parade, only to be told that the Governor causing the jam was in the parade!

Until next time, that's your dose of Alabama political history!

The Olive Branch: A Last Gasp Before Revolution

250 years ago, a desperate plea for peace was penned: The Olive Branch Petition. Penned by Thomas Jefferson, it was the first attempt to explain to King George III why the American Colonies were, shall we say, acting out. Think of it as a "Can't we all just get along?" letter before things really went south.

Context is Key

Remember that "shot heard 'round the world"? It already happened! And Bunker Hill? Just a recent memory. It was crystal clear to the Second Continental Congress: things were spiraling… fast.

Hancock's Hail Mary

In a final, almost desperate, move to prevent total chaos, John Hancock gave the green light to draft a document that laid out the colonies' position, swore their loyalty to the King (yes, really!), and suggested a path to resolve the escalating conflict.

A Royal Misunderstanding?

The whole "revolution" started with a bit of a mix-up. Many colonists didn't quite grasp how much power Parliament had grabbed from the King. Their main connection was through the King, not Parliament. Most colonies were even established by royal charters. The King was the face of authority, not Parliament. Royal Governors ran things, enforcing British law in the King's name.

The King's Men... or Not?

Everything the colonists knew was filtered through the King's representatives. These Royal Governors were respected as if they were the King. What they didn't see was the rise of Parliament in Britain, snatching power from the King, especially regarding the big bucks (taxes!).

Growing Apart

While the King and Parliament bickered, the colonies were busy building their own system. Initially, they were left alone, adapting British customs into a local, self-governing structure. This system worked, and everyone was (mostly) happy.

Protection Money

Parliament only got involved when wars overseas started impacting the colonies. They stepped in to protect their economic interests – those lucrative trade routes! Looking for cash, they eyed the colonies as a fresh source of revenue. They spun it as "You gotta pay for your own protection!".

Taxes, Taxes, Everywhere!

Starting in 1764, Parliament piled on the taxes. Even though the King benefited, these taxes were issued by Parliament, not the King. The colonists blamed Parliament, thinking they were ruining the long-standing good vibes with the King. Surely, the King couldn't be responsible for this mess!

Stirring the Pot

Each tax made the colonists angrier. They dodged them with smuggling, boycotts, and even property destruction. But through it all, they hoped King George would see reason and rein in Parliament. They didn't realize the King was playing along with the taxes.

From Words to War

When soldiers were sent to disarm the colonial militias, things exploded. Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill weren't just skirmishes – they were battles. Desperate, the Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition, practically begging for a return to the old days.

Too Little, Too Late

Jefferson's first draft was a bit too fiery, so John Dickinson toned it down. But King George never even read it. Instead, he declared the colonies in rebellion, authorizing force and ordering the leaders to be... dealt with.

From Loyalists to Rebels

The Olive Branch Petition was a shot at peace, but by rejecting it, the King turned loyalists into rebels, a mistake he'd later regret. A year later, the Declaration of Independence sealed the deal.

Alabama News Round-Up!

Time Zones: A Bama Mystery!

Okay, so apparently the Montgomery Advertiser needs a geography lesson! They reported that ALL of Alabama is on Central Time. Newsflash: Phenix City, Valley, Lanett, and Smiths Station are waving their Eastern Time Zone flags high! Someone get them a map!

Tuscaloosa vs. The World (or at Least Alabama)

Mayor Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa's got opinions! He's hinting at dumping the A-Day game (ouch!) and, get this, SUING the state over online sales tax. Looks like a legal rumble's brewing!

Trump's Sunshine State Shout-Out

President Trump took a trip to Florida's Alligator Alcatraz (yep, you read that right) and gave a shout-out to Alabama and other red states, praising their governance. Guess he's a fan!

Mobile Immigration Bust

An unaccompanied minor was rescued during an immigration raid in Mobile, with 15 arrests. Just another day highlighting the border situation, right here in Alabama.

Wins for the Trump Team

July 3rd was apparently a lucky day for the Trump administration! A Supreme Court win on deportations AND a killer jobs report. Talk about a double whammy!

"Big, Beautiful Bill" Passes the House!

Alabama Republicans in the House are backing Trump's play! They helped pass his "Big, Beautiful Bill," supposedly a major step for his policies. We'll see what happens next!

July 4th: The Original "No Kings" Party!

Happy Independence Day, ChumCity! But let's be real, it was also the ultimate "No Kings" protest. 249 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, we told Britain to kick rocks, and some folks are still salty about it!

A word from Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN talk show host (weekdays, 5-9 a.m.).

Get Ready to Celebrate Independence Day, Alabama Style!

From the rolling hills of North Alabama to the sugar-white sands of the Gulf Coast, the Heart of Dixie is buzzing with excitement for America's birthday! Get ready for fireworks, festivals, and good times with family and friends.

Yellowhammer News has hand-picked 21 awesome events happening all across Alabama. Whether you're craving a lakeside jam session, a charming small-town parade, or a dazzling fireworks display under the stars, there's something for everyone.

North Alabama: Stars, Stripes & Southern Nights

• Smith Lake Park Fireworks and Music Festival (Cullman County): All-day fun from 9 AM to 9 PM on July 4th! Live music, local vendors, arts, crafts, and fireworks that'll light up the lake.
• Fireworks Over Lake Guntersville (Guntersville): Grab your lawn chairs and head to Civitan Park for music, food, and a spectacular fireworks show over the lake at 9 PM on July 4th.
• Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration (Florence): McFarland Park is the place to be from 3 PM to 9 PM on July 4th, with live music and a can't-miss fireworks finale.
• Red, White & Boom (Athens): Family fun starts at 5 PM at the Athens SportsPlex, ending with a fantastic fireworks display.
• Town of Gurley July 4th Celebration (Gurley): Fireworks, food trucks, and good vibes are on tap from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Charles Stone Park.
• Madison Star Spangled Celebration (Madison): On July 3rd, head to Dublin Park from 5 PM to 9 PM for inflatables, live music, food trucks, and fireworks!
• Midnight Ride at Rattlesnake Saloon (Tuscumbia): For the adventurous souls, hop on the Midnight Ride on July 4th at this one-of-a-kind saloon tucked under a bluff!

Central Alabama: Patriotic Parties

• Thunder on the Mountain (Birmingham): The Magic City's iconic fireworks show kicks off at 9 PM from Vulcan Park, visible from all over the city.
• UAB Summer Band Concert (Birmingham): 7 PM outside Bartow Arena. A free, family-friendly concert featuring patriotic tunes.
• Homewood 4th of July Festival (Homewood): 5 PM in downtown Homewood! Rides, kids' activities, and a primo view of Birmingham's fireworks.
• Independence Day at American Village (Montevallo): 11 AM–9 PM. Step back in time with historic reenactments, colonial games, music, and fireworks.
• Alexander City Fireworks Show (Alexander City): Fireworks at dark from the Benjamin Russell High School grounds, preceded by a community celebration.
• Clanton Fourth of July Celebration (Clanton): Fireworks at 9 PM at Clanton City Park. A family favorite with tons of space to enjoy the show.
• Opelika Independence Day Celebration (Opelika): Gates open in the afternoon behind Duck Samford Stadium. Fireworks start at dusk.

South Alabama: Beach Vibes & Boom

• Independence Day Street Party (Orange Beach): Get the party started early on July 2nd from 5 PM to 9 PM at The Wharf! Kids' activities, fireworks, and a laser light show!
• Orange Beach Fireworks (Gulf State Park Pavilion): A beachside fireworks display lights up the sky at 9 PM on July 4th.
• Gulf Shores Fourth of July Celebration (Gulf Shores): Watch the fireworks from the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier at 9 PM on July 4th – the perfect way to cap off a day at the beach!
• Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration (Mobile): Double the fun with fireworks launching from Cooper Riverside Park and Mardi Gras Park at 9 PM.
• Fairhope’s Fourth of July Celebration (Fairhope): Bring the family to Henry George Park for a concert at 7:30 PM, followed by fireworks over the bay at 9 PM.
• Troy Fireworks Celebration (Troy): Head to Veterans Memorial Stadium at 8:30 PM on July 4th for a big show in a classic college town setting.
• Monroeville Freedom Fest (Monroeville): From 4 PM to 10 PM on July 4th, Veterans Park will be packed with water slides, contests, music, and fireworks at dusk!

Alabama's Fourth of July celebrations are as diverse as the state itself, with big-city spectacles and charming small-town traditions. Pick your spot, pack a cooler, and get ready for a memorable Independence Day under the dazzling fireworks!