Big Boost for Marques!

State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) just snagged a major endorsement in his bid for Alabama's 1st Congressional District! Manufacture Alabama, the voice of our state's manufacturers, is backing Marques all the way.

Why Manufacture Alabama Chose Marques

"Representative Marques gets it," says Manufacture Alabama President Jon Barganier. "He's a champion for our manufacturing industry, working hard in the Legislature to create a business-friendly environment."

Marques Responds with Gratitude

Marques is pumped about the endorsement. "It's an honor to have Manufacture Alabama's support," he said, reaffirming his commitment to Alabama manufacturing. "I'm ready to fight in Congress to bring back those good-paying jobs!"

A Record of Support

Marques, a small business owner and state legislator since 2018, has consistently supported Alabama's manufacturers. He's been a strong advocate for workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and pro-growth reforms.

About Manufacture Alabama

Manufacture Alabama is the go-to association for manufacturers in the state, representing everyone from global giants to your friendly neighborhood family-owned shops.

What's Next?

Marques is set to face off against Jerry Carl in the Alabama Republican Party primary election on May 19, 2026.

Hilltop Public House: Montgomery's Coolest New Hangout?

Forget leaving town to find your scene. Two friends in Montgomery decided to build their own! Hilltop Public House, nestled in historic Cottage Hill, is an all-day coffee shop, bar, and community hub that's breathing new life into the neighborhood.

A "What If" Moment

Co-owner Andrew Szymanski was on the verge of packing his bags back in 2019, seeking that elusive "pulse" found in other cities. But a conversation with his buddy Will (now his business partner) changed everything. The question? "What if we stayed and created some of that right here?"

More Than Just a Bar

That simple question sparked a revitalization project and a pedestrian infrastructure non-profit. The pair acquired a historic property in Cottage Hill, ready to roll in early 2020... then boom, the world shut down.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

But they didn't give up! Facing major repairs and no utilities, they got to work, rebuilding and restoring the space during the pandemic. After months of hard work, Hilltop opened its doors, modeling its vibe after cozy English public houses.

A Hub for Everything

Open morning to midnight, Hilltop is the spot for run clubs, roller derby teams, rugby fans, and anyone looking for a cool place to hang. English Premier League games? Check. Trivia nights? Check. Open mic Wednesdays? You betcha!

Honoring History

The building itself has some serious history, dating back to the 1920s. It was once a neighborhood convenience store, and during the Voting Rights March, the owners courageously opened their doors to sell cold drinks to the marchers. Talk about community spirit!

Community Collabs

Hilltop is all about partnerships. Instead of building a kitchen, they partnered with a local food truck, creating a perfect match.

Changing the Narrative

For Andrew, Hilltop is about more than just business. It's about rewriting Montgomery's story. "Montgomery is often thought of for what it can't be or what it isn't," he says. "But I find that exciting, because it means it can be anything."

The iPhone Effect: Are We Really Happier?

Remember life before the iPhone? Seriously, try to picture it! Planes without constant connectivity, bathroom breaks sans phone, and conversations with loved ones free from the lure of cat videos. Those were the good old days, right?

Convenience vs. Contentment

We love the convenience of our phones, but have we become slaves to them? It's like the '70s smoker who adored cigarettes but hated the smell clinging to everything. Back in 2012, the US ranked 11th on the World Happiness Report. Now? We're down to 24th. What gives?

The Productivity Paradox

We used to lose ourselves in hobbies without guilt. Now, even leisure feels like a failure. Did we accomplish enough? What emails are waiting? The to-do list never ends! I track everything from heart rate to body fat, all in the name of "health." But let's be real, a bus could still get me.

Here's the kicker: with all this "efficiency," we waste MORE time than we did in 2012. That endless doomscrolling doesn't feel wasted, somehow. Screen time's up almost an hour since then!

The Frantic Pace

The faster we go, the less we seem to accomplish. We've lost the ability to pause, to be still. We feel guilty for doing nothing, even when that's exactly what we need. Reaching for the phone is automatic, like a smoker reaching for a cigarette.

True leisure requires trust – that our value doesn't need to be earned every second. But that trust is fragile when everything feels urgent. We ignore the thing causing us trouble, like the smoker. Everybody's got an elephant on a leash.

Reclaiming Joy

Maybe joy lives in the unhurried moments, not the texts and to-do lists. Most of us yearn for that kind of time – the kind you can't measure. Joy only needs to be experienced. But after running at top speed, slowing down feels like failure. How ironic.

The real danger? We no longer see downtime as a GIFT, something to savor, not optimize. Life's a digital scoreboard now, tracking every step. But the things that matter most happen in the margins.

What do you think? Has the iPhone improved our lives or made them worse?

Autism in Alabama: A Call to Action

Did you know that roughly 1 in 35 kids here are diagnosed with autism? It's a staggering number, and yet, so much about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains unknown.

The Need for Answers

We're talking about tens of thousands of Alabamians yearning for reliable information, right here in a state known for top-notch medical research. It hits home, knowing how many incredible children and their loving parents are navigating this.

Every Journey is Unique

ASD affects everyone differently, so each family's path is unique. But the common thread? A deep desire for their children to live their best lives.

Focusing on Impact and Solutions

As a society, and as a government, we must prioritize understanding how autism affects each child. What strategies, therapies, and support systems can we provide to empower families?

Unleashing Research and Expertise

Let's dive into innovative medical research and unlock the answers that are still hidden. More research, more medical expertise dedicated to ASD. Alabama should be leading the charge!

A Promise to Alabama Families

As Lt. Governor, I will champion ASD research. I will work with Alabama's world-class medical researchers to make ASD a priority when it comes to research and resources. Our families deserve nothing less.

Chilly Start, Then Sunshine!

Alabama woke up to some crisp air this morning, with temps in the 30s and 40s up north. But don't worry, sunshine is on the way! We're looking at a beautiful, bright day with highs cruising into the 66-74 degree range.

Mid-Week Warm-Up!

Get ready for some seriously mild weather! By Wednesday and Thursday, we're talking highs flirting with the 80s - potentially record-breaking temps for this time of year! And for now, the forecast looks dry as a bone through Thursday.

Rain's Return & Weekend Outlook

Keep your umbrella handy! Clouds will be rolling in Friday, bringing the chance of some scattered showers Friday afternoon and night. Don't expect anything too wild – severe storms aren't on the radar. A few lingering showers are possible Saturday morning, but Saturday afternoon and Sunday should be mostly rain-free with just a sprinkle here or there.

The weekend will be a bit cooler, with highs settling into the upper 60s and low 70s.

Thanksgiving Week Teaser

Looking ahead to Thanksgiving week, expect highs mostly in the 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s. Things could get a little active weather-wise! Current models hint at some showers on Wednesday, a dry Thanksgiving Day (hooray!), and then the potential for some stronger thunderstorms on Friday. Following that, brace yourselves for a blast of much colder air the following weekend.

Keep in mind this is still a ways out, so we'll have a much clearer picture of Thanksgiving weather later this week. Stay tuned!

Tropics Update

All's quiet on the tropical front. Hurricane season officially ends in two weeks!

Flashback: November Tornadoes in '57

On this day in 1957, eastern Mississippi was hit by a series of tornadoes, claiming two lives near Macon. Later that afternoon, a violent tornado touched down near Jasper, Alabama, devastating a family's new home and tragically killing three people. Another life was lost along its short path.

Just a reminder that November tornadoes in Alabama are nothing new. Our tornado season stretches from November all the way through May, so always be prepared!

Rep. Randy Wood Announces 2026 Re-Election Bid!

Longtime Alabama State Representative Randy Wood is throwing his hat in the ring for re-election in 2026! Representing District 36 (parts of Calhoun, St. Clair, and Talladega Counties) since 2002, Wood's a familiar face in the State House.

A Record of Conservative Leadership

Wood's campaign highlights his commitment to conservative principles and dedication to Alabama families. "It's been an honor representing the hardworking folks of District 36," Wood stated. "We've accomplished a lot together!"

Focused on Alabama's Future

Wood emphasized the importance of the state's general fund and education trust fund, stressing their direct impact on local communities and schools. But he also made it clear that he believes there's more work to be done. "I'm running to continue fighting for Alabamians and ensuring our state remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Champion for Key Issues

The East Alabama lawmaker has also been a vocal advocate for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, strong schools, Alabama veterans, and law enforcement.

Local Roots

Before his time in the State House, Wood served on the Calhoun County Commission and built a career as a small-business owner. He's a graduate of Saks High School and Southern Union College and owns Wood's Auto Body Shop in Anniston. Plus, he's a former Deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and served six years in the Alabama National Guard!

Powerful Voice in the House

Wood currently sits on important House committees, including Economic Development and Tourism, Military and Veterans Affairs, and the influential Rules Committee.

Mark Your Calendars!

Wood will be on the ballot again in the May 19, 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election. His campaign encourages residents of HD36 to support his re-election bid. Get ready for the 2026 election season!

ChumCity Daily Digest: What's Buzzin' in 'Bama?

1. Trump Backs "Epstein Files" Release

Donald Trump's suddenly all about transparency! He's pushing House Republicans to spill the tea (or, uh, the files) on the "Epstein Files." Speaker Johnson's feeling the heat, as even the GOP's onboard with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Looks like this one's about to drop!

2. Not-Quite-THE-Epstein-Files Drops

Hold your horses! We've got Epstein files, but not those files. This batch of emails and texts shows Epstein dishing dirt on Trump, calling him a "maniac," and even influencing a Dem during a House hearing on Trump. Juicy, but still waiting for the big reveal.

3. Figures Flips on Dems

Montgomery's own Rep. Shomari Figures is NOT happy with Senate Dems. He's accusing them of being "porch puppies" for caving on the government funding bill. Ouch! Affordable healthcare's on the line, and Figures says the Dems just didn't have the bite.

4. Finebaum to Run for Senate?

Paul Finebaum in the Senate? Rumor has it the radio legend might be throwing his hat in the ring! But watch out, Paul, because Fox News says the GOP's already calling him a "Trump-hating RINO." Sounds like a smackdown in the making!

5. SNAP Crackdown!

Get ready for some paperwork, folks! The USDA's saying everyone on SNAP needs to reapply after a ton of fraud surfaced. Dead people, double-dippers, and TikTok bragging... it's a mess! Millions could lose benefits, and states are gonna be swamped.

6. ICE Bust at Nori Thai!

Lunchtime turned into a nightmare at Nori Thai and Sushi in Birmingham. ICE swooped in and detained a bunch of employees. The owners are crying foul, but with over 2,500 immigration arrests this year in Alabama, it's just another day at the office.

7. Johnson FUMING Over Senate Bill

Speaker Mike Johnson is seeing red! He's furious about a sneaky Senate provision that lets senators sue the FBI for spying. Johnson's vowing to repeal it. Things are heating up on Capitol Hill!

Alabama Gov. Ivey Weighs In on APT's PBS Dilemma!

Governor Kay Ivey is jumping into the fray surrounding Alabama Public Television's potential split from PBS! In a newly released letter, she's urging the folks in charge to pump the brakes, follow the rules, and, most importantly, listen to Alabamians before making any drastic moves.

A Balancing Act

Ivey's message to the Alabama Educational Television Commission is clear: she gets the conservative concerns about PBS but believes a rushed, unilateral break is a bad idea without a solid plan and the support of the voters.

Upholding Alabama Values

"It is imperative that APT’s programming align with Alabama values," Ivey stated in her letter, while also emphasizing the need for "deliberation and collaboration among stakeholders."

What's at Stake?

The commission is currently debating whether Alabama should ditch its PBS partnership. This move could mean saying goodbye to beloved shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, NOVA, and PBS NewsHour on both the airwaves and streaming platforms.

Ivey's Plan of Action

So, what does Ivey suggest?

• Survey Says! She wants a thorough survey of Alabama voters to gauge their opinions. She wants to know not just the policy reasons for disaffiliation but also on likely next steps for APT should disaffiliation occur.
• Show Us the Plan! Before any vote, Ivey wants the commission to develop a written plan identifying the reasons for such a move and specific ways to ensure that the Commission will continue fulfilling its legal duty.
• Public Review: Any disaffiliation plan should be available for public review “for a considerable length of time” and said the panel could even take the proposal to focus groups around the state.

A Question for the Legislature?

Ivey acknowledges the argument that public television might not be a core function of government. However, she believes that until the legislature changes the law, the commission must fulfill its current duties responsibly.

Funding Fallout

Some commissioners have pointed to past cuts in federal funding stemming from the well-established liberal bias in national NPR and PBS news programming.

What's Next?

If APT cuts ties with PBS, it'll need to replace a whopping 90% of its programming! The Commission’s next meeting is being held tomorrow in Birmingham. Stay tuned!

Hey ChumCity Citizens! Get your daily dose of Longshore and McKnight dishing the realness on all things sports! Find them spitting fire on YouTube and Spotify, and catch their insights on Yellowhammer News! 🎙️🔊

Today's Hottest Takes:

• 002:48 - BOOM! Oklahoma shocks Alabama 23–21: What in the crimson tide just happened?!
• 0036 - Statistically Dominated...and Still Lost?! Alabama's bizarre beatdown.
• 004:11 - Turnovers, sacks, and general mayhem: The dark side of Alabama's defeat.
• 00:122 - Ty Simpson Watch: Are Tide fans losing faith after another tough outing?
• 00:139 - Iron Bowl Showdown! Alabama's playoff dreams hinge on surviving Jordan-Hare.
• 00:13:31 - High Stakes, Y'all! Beat Auburn or kiss the playoffs goodbye.
• 00:205 - DeBoer's Goalpost Punch: Gimmick or pure passion? The debate rages on!
• 00:23:32 - SEC Coaching Carousel?! Whispers of a HUGE job opening up unexpectedly!
• 00:25:25 - Could DeBoer Ditch After One Year?! The rumor mill is spinning!
• 1:27:14 - Kirby Knows All! Smart claims he saw Texas' onside kick coming.
• 1:28:30 - Mizzou Mania! Missouri drops 49, crushes the Vegas O/U.
• 1:405 - NFL Blitz! Jags are shining, Chargers are flopping, and the Panthers are...heating up?!
• 1:415 - Bryce is Nice! Young sets a Panthers record with a monster 448-yard game!
• 1:587 - Sideline Smackdown! Trooper elbows a player in a moment gone viral!
• 1:59:44 - Rodgers' Woes Continue! Aaron Rodgers suffers another injury as the Bengals spiral.

Wes Allen Gets the Green Light from Alabama Forestry Association

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen's campaign for Lieutenant Governor just got a major boost! The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has thrown its support behind Allen, citing his solid history of public service and his dedication to Alabama's vital timber industry.

A Friend to Forestry

Chris Isaacson, AFA president and CEO, sang Allen's praises, emphasizing their past collaboration. He noted Allen's work as a Probate Judge, helping improve road access, and his fiscally conservative stance in the House. "Wes understands and supports our industry," Isaacson said, making the AFA's endorsement a no-brainer.

Allen Responds

Allen, currently serving as Alabama's 54th Secretary of State since 2023, expressed his gratitude. "I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association," Allen stated, acknowledging the sector's importance to Alabama's economy. He emphasized his commitment to cutting red tape and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Forestry: A Big Deal in Alabama

The AFA reminds us that forestry isn't just trees; it's a powerhouse! It generates a whopping $36 billion annually, impacting manufacturers, landowners, and countless forestry professionals across the state. With forests covering over two-thirds of Alabama, it's a huge deal!

The Road Ahead

Allen, a University of Alabama and Troy University grad, served in the Alabama House and as Pike County probate judge. He and his wife, Cae, have two kids. Allen is vying for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor in the May 19, 2026, primary.