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Big Changes Coming for Alabama CDL Holders!

Heads up, truckers! The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is shaking things up for Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and hopefuls. Get ready for a new way to submit medical certifications and a totally revamped skills test hitting the road this summer!

No More Paper! Electronic Med Certs Starting June 23rd

Mark your calendars! Starting June 23rd, ALEA is going digital with DOT medical certifications. Authorized medical providers will submit everything electronically as part of National Registry II implementation. Say goodbye to paper medical cards and manual online uploads. It's all about efficiency now!

Modernized CDL Skills Test Rolls Out July 1st

Get ready to brush up on your skills! On July 1st, ALEA switches to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Version of the CDL Skills Test. The Road Skills portion stays the same, but the Vehicle Inspection (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS) sections are getting a major makeover.

What's Changing on the Test?

The updated VI section ditches the unnecessary steps and zooms in on the most important safety features. Plus, it uses modern terms to match today’s commercial vehicles. The BCS portion now includes four maneuvers, featuring a Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking. These changes reflect real-world crash data and are designed to ensure drivers are ready for anything!

Need to Update Your Info?

CDL holders can view or update their DOT medical card and self-certification information at ALEA's website under the “Commercial Drivers” tab. If your medical card is missing or incorrect, reach out to your medical examiner.

Get Prepared!

ALEA suggests reading Alabama’s CDL Supplemental Guide for Modernized Testing, available at ALEA Driver License Offices across the state, or grab it from their website.

SUSCC's Rosario Thomas: Alabama's Veteran of the Year!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! Southern Union State Community College's (SUSCC) very own Rosario Thomas has snagged the title of Military Friendly's Alabama Veteran of the Year! And guess what? He's in the running for the national award too!

The big announcement dropped on June 13th, hot on the heels of Memorial Day voting. This program, according to Military Friendly®, shines a spotlight on vets with serious character who've made a difference, whether in uniform or after their service.

From Student to Superhero

Thomas, a former SUSCC student himself, once leaned on the college's Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC). Now, he's paying it forward, offering vital support to over 350 veteran and military-dependent students at SUSCC. He's the go-to guy for navigating education benefits and making them work!

"We Just Need Someone Who Listens"

"I think all veterans are Veterans of the Year for the State of Alabama," Thomas humbly shared. He believes in offering a listening ear and helpful guidance so vets can thrive.

National Recognition on the Horizon

Thomas is now repping Alabama in the national Veteran of the Year competition for 2025. National winners get announced on September 11th. Let's cheer him on!

Alabama's Healthcare on the Brink?

Big news, ChumCity peeps! Our healthcare system is facing a HUGE challenge this summer. Hundreds of new medical residents are gearing up to start their training in Alabama hospitals and clinics, a tradition that keeps healthcare alive, especially in areas that need it most. But this year? A potential crisis could derail everything, hitting struggling communities hard.

The Role of International Doctors

Many Alabama residency programs, especially those focused on primary care and rural medicine, rely on International Medical Graduates (IMGs). These dedicated doctors train rigorously and come to the U.S. on visas, ready to serve where they're needed most. They fill critical gaps in underserved communities.

Visa Delays Threaten Disaster

This year, visa interviews for these incoming residents are being delayed or even suspended! This puts their July 1st start date in serious jeopardy. If this isn't fixed ASAP, many Alabama programs could be left without the doctors they've been recruiting for months, even years. This isn't just a big-city problem – it's a looming crisis right here in Selma, Dothan, Demopolis, Anniston, and other towns across our state.

Alabama: A Place to Call Home

One doctor shares their story of coming to Alabama from Canada to train in family medicine and finding a home here. Inspired by the state and the work that needs to be done, they and their wife chose to stay and build their lives here. However, Alabama is now at risk of losing the next generation of physicians who want to do the same.

The Numbers Don't Lie

According to recent data, nearly 22% of incoming residents are IMGs. Many others are osteopathic or U.S. medical school grads willing to work in rural areas. When even a few of these trainees can't start on time, it causes longer wait times, fewer services, and worsening health problems.

Real Impact, Real Soon

This isn't just a "what if" scenario. Some programs are already struggling. Patients in rural Alabama will be the first to feel the effects. With doctor shortages already a problem, we can't afford to turn away these bright, driven doctors because of bureaucratic issues.

Time to Act, ChumCity!

The U.S. State Department needs to fix these visa delays, pronto! Our state's leaders need to put pressure on them to resolve this before July 1st.

How YOU Can Help

If you're a patient, healthcare worker, or hospital admin, spread the word! Share your story, contact our elected officials, reach out to the media, and speak up in your communities. Let everyone know how losing access to vital healthcare will affect us all. Healthcare in Alabama is vulnerable. The resident doctors delayed today will be the missing providers in our clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms tomorrow. We can't afford to make our doctor shortage even worse. Time's ticking!

Dr. Kuntal Desai

Dr. Kuntal Desai is a family medicine doctor in Birmingham and is Chair of the Young Physicians Section of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.

Franklin County Gets a New Commissioner!

Big news from Franklin County! Governor Kay Ivey just announced that Grayson Murray is the new District 1 Commissioner. He's stepping into the role after the passing of his father, Michael Murray, back in May.

Following in Dad's Footsteps

Commissioner Michael Murray, Grayson's father, was a well-respected figure who took office in November 2024. Governor Ivey praised his service, saying the same dedication runs in the family. "It is clear the same spirit of service lives on in his son, Grayson. Grayson is driven, capable, and ready to continue the work his father began."

Young Blood, Big Heart

At just 20 years old and still studying at the University of North Alabama, Grayson felt the call to serve after seeing his dad's dedication. "I am honored to be appointed to continue what my dad started,” Murray said. “Dad was very passionate about Franklin County, and I was lucky to have learned that same passion from him.”

Ready to Get to Work!

Grayson's officially on board and eager to get started. Let's give him a ChumCity welcome and show some support!

Decatur Man & Venezuelan National in Hot Water!

A Decatur, Alabama man and a Venezuelan citizen are facing serious charges in Texas federal court. The charges? Violating U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, illegal smuggling, and a whole lot of money laundering, says the U.S. Justice Department.

What's the Deal?

Thomas Michael Fortinberry, 51, of Decatur, and Juan Carlos Cairo-Padron, 56, from Venezuela, allegedly cooked up a scheme to sell goodies like chemical catalysts and industrial equipment to Venezuelan companies that are on the U.S. sanctions list. We're talking steel mills and petrochemical giants!

Arrested!

These two were reportedly busted and arrested on Friday.

The Sneaky Scheme

Apparently, they used front companies in the U.S. and overseas to hide the fact that their goods were headed straight for those sanctioned entities. Foreign bank accounts allegedly moved money all over the place to keep things under wraps.

Millions Involved?!

From at least 2022, they allegedly sold millions in catalysts and equipment to a Venezuelan steel company, Complejo Siderurgico de Guayana S.A. (owned by the Venezuelan government and sanctioned by the U.S.), through their own companies like DRI Reformers and Reformer Technologies. Fortinberry is listed as a director of Reformer Technologies on LinkedIn.

China Connection

The Justice Department alleges they used Chinese suppliers to ship the goods directly from China to Venezuela. And in at least one case, they shipped right from the good ol' USA.

Money Shuffle

They allegedly moved millions between bank accounts in the U.S., Spain, and China, using companies in China, Germany, and Spain, all to keep the sanctions-busting operation going and hide who was really behind it.

Potential Prison Time

If convicted, Cairo and Fortinberry could each face up to 20 years in the slammer for the sanctions and money laundering charges, and another 10 for smuggling! The judge will decide their fate.

Who's Investigating?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are on the case.

Huntsville's Hot for Millennials Again!

After a bit of a dip, Huntsville's back on top! It's now ranked #4 in the U.S. for millennial living, thanks to its affordability, job market, and all-around awesome quality of life. Move over, everyone else!

Alabama GOP Chair Eyes Lieutenant Governor Run

John Wahl, the Alabama GOP Chairman, is gearing up for a possible 2026 run for lieutenant governor! He also weighed in on the Bruce Pearl-for-Senate chatter, mentioning the party's rules about supporting Democrats. Hmm, interesting!

Alabama Schools Show Improvement!

Good news for Alabama students! Reading readiness and high school graduation rates are up in 2024. The state's third-grade reading proficiency jumped 5%, and graduation rates hit a sweet 89%, all thanks to the Literacy Act's tougher standards.

Motives Murky in Minnesota Shooting

The reason behind Vance Boelter's shooting spree targeting Minnesota lawmakers remains a mystery. Authorities are calling it "politically motivated," but details are still fuzzy. Even Senator Mike Lee deleted some tweets! Meanwhile, Alabama's Anthony Daniels is preaching civility.

ICE and NYC Comptroller Clash!

Things got heated when ICE detained New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for allegedly interfering with immigration officials. Governor Hochul is furious, while Chicago's mayor compared ICE raids to "terrorism." It seems Democrats are raging, despite immigration issues polling surprisingly well.

Trump's Immigration Plan is Cooking!

President Trump has revived those worksite raids, which is creating a buzz. Some folks are worried about the census count and workers being scared (which, arguably, could be the point). One Texas farmer reported his entire workforce vanished! But Trump's strategy seems to be working, with only 95 illegal border crossings reported in the last 24 hours.

Alabama Senators Stand with Trump on Iran

Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Robert Aderholt are backing President Trump's demand for Iran's unconditional surrender amidst the tensions with Israel. Tommy Tuberville says America's a little "war-fatigued" about the whole thing.

Hear more from Dale Jackson, a thought leader for Yellowhammer News, weekday mornings on WVNN from 5-9 a.m.!

Alabama's Aerospace Edge: It's All About Brainpower, Baby!

From rocketing into space to designing the ultimate aircraft, Alabama's a heavy hitter in aerospace and defense. But what's the secret sauce? Our incredible network of research universities!

Universities: Fueling the Future

These aren't just ivory towers; Alabama's public universities are powerhouses for groundbreaking research, training the next generation of rockstars, and hooking up with federal agencies and private companies.

According to Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, "Alabama's research universities are invaluable partners in our aerospace and defense strategy." They're tackling tough problems, sparking innovation, and building the workforce of the future!

Huntsville & Auburn: Leading the Charge

Keep an eye on the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Auburn University! Both are heavily involved in boosting Alabama's aerospace, aviation, and defense scene.

UAH, practically next door to Redstone Arsenal and NASA, is all about cutting-edge research in everything from propulsion to cybersecurity. Robert Linquist, VP for Research and Economic Development at UAH, said "brainpower is what attracts businesses." UAH boasts a Top 10 national ranking for aerospace engineering expenditures and cranks out over 1,000 engineering and science degrees annually!

Auburn's got the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME), working with the Department of Defense and NASA on crazy-cool metal 3D printing for aerospace. Their Aerospace Engineering department is top-notch, and their cybersecurity and AI programs are vital for defense readiness.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers emphasizes Auburn's unique position: "That this will be the only university in the nation doing this incredibly important work reinforces the state of Alabama’s reputation as a leader in aerospace and defense research."

Community Colleges: Powering the Pipeline

Even our community colleges are in on the action! Drake State Community and Technical College just unveiled its Leidos Advanced Training Complex, a 50,000-square-foot facility for aerospace and advanced manufacturing training. President Dr. Patricia Sims calls it a "transformative investment in workforce education and regional economic growth."

Statewide Support

The University of South Alabama is boosting workforce development near Airbus in Mobile. Tuskegee University's NASA and Air Force partnerships are also helping to build Alabama's defense pipeline.

Collaboration is Key

These universities don't operate alone! They team up with each other, private companies, workforce agencies, and federal labs. Alabama's universities are driving innovation and giving companies access to top-tier talent and resources.

Bob Smith, Commerce's aerospace guru, sums it up: Alabama's leadership in aerospace isn't an accident. It's thanks to "decades of investment in education, research, and strategic collaboration!" Our universities are "shaping the technologies that will define the future of flight."

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