Children's of Alabama: A Top Workplace!

Guess what, ChumCity? Children's of Alabama just snagged some serious bragging rights! Newsweek named them one of "America's Greatest Workplaces" and "America's Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare" for 2025. How cool is that?

What Makes Them So Great?

Apparently, Newsweek dove deep, analyzing over 400,000 employee interviews and millions of company reviews. They looked at everything from leadership and benefits to work-life balance and career growth. It's clear Children's of Alabama is doing something right!

More Accolades for Children's!

And get this: they were also recognized earlier this year as one of "America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women." Talk about a winning streak! They're known for offering awesome career opportunities, solid benefits, and a workplace that truly makes a difference in kids' lives.

A Word from the Top

Tom Shufflebarger, the big cheese at Children's, says it's all thanks to their dedicated employees. He's right – their compassion makes a huge impact on families.

Other Alabama Healthcare Champs

Big shoutout to other Alabama healthcare heroes making the list too, including Infirmary Health System, TruBridge, and UAB Medicine! It's awesome to see our local healthcare scene thriving.

ChumCity News Bites: Alabama Edition

Sheriff vs. Mayor: Word War Erupts!

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch is standing firm on his crime stats comments, even after Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner called them "reckless and dangerous." Sounds like "accurate" to us!

Britt Predicts a Conservative Future

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is looking ahead, forecasting a strong conservative to fill Tommy Tuberville's Senate seat in 2026. Get ready for the race!

"Big, Beautiful Bill" Boosts NASA

The Senate is working on a bill to restore funding for NASA's Artemis IV and V missions. This is a huge win for NASA employees in Huntsville! Go team!

Polling Shows Pro-Trump Sentiment

CNN's Harry Enten says the polls consistently show Americans siding with Trump and Republicans, especially on immigration. Take that, mainstream media!

Trump Deploys Troops to L.A.

President Trump has sent 700 Marines and 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles to stop anti-ICE riots. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing, but the people want law and order!

Alabama Dems Silent on Riots?

Alabama U.S. House Democrats are facing heat for allegedly not condemning the L.A. anti-ICE riots. Some are even claiming the photos are AI-generated, while others warn of civil war. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is calling it like he sees it.

Alabama Senators Slam L.A., While ICE Works in Baldwin

While California's governor tries to change the subject, Alabama's U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are blasting L.A.'s "anti-ICE" sentiment. Back home, ICE arrested 10 undocumented immigrants in Baldwin County.

Hot Takes from Dale Jackson

Catch Dale Jackson on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.! He's got the inside scoop and isn't afraid to share it.

E.O. Wilson's Legacy Lives On in Alabama's Delta!

Guess what, ChumCity Citizens?! Alabama's Mobile-Tensaw Delta just got a major upgrade! Nearly 8,000 acres of protected land are now officially the E.O. Wilson Land Between the Rivers Preserve, honoring the legendary biologist and Alabama native, Edward Osborne Wilson!

"America's Amazon" Gets a Wilson Stamp

This renaming is HUGE, y'all! The announcement, coinciding with what would've been Wilson's 96th birthday, celebrates his deep connection to the area. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta – aka "America's Amazon" because it’s bursting with life – is where Wilson's love for nature EXPLODED!

Delta Diversity at its Finest!

We're talking Delta sawbacks, red-bellied turtles, endangered Alabama sturgeon, and ALL the alligators! Plus, it's home to Alabama's last black bear breeding population and a vital migratory stop for our feathered friends. Basically, it's a biodiversity BONANZA!

Honoring a Conservation Icon

According to Paula J. Ehrlich, President & CEO of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Ed would've been over the moon to know this incredible habitat is protected. The Nature Conservancy snagged this precious land in 2024, with a boost from Patagonia's Holdfast Collective.

A Place of History and Future

This land wasn't just any old place. It was once home to the Naniaba people, "the fish eaters," who played a neutral role between the Choctaw and Creek tribes. The Nature Conservancy and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation are totally dedicated to keeping this land thriving for wildlife AND people! How cool is that?!

Allen Snags Major Endorsements for '26 Lt. Governor Run!

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is making waves early in his campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2026! He just announced a hefty endorsement from 39 Republican members of the Alabama House of Representatives. Talk about a power play!

Allen's Reaction

"I'm beyond grateful," Allen said. "These are folks who know me, my work ethic, and my dedication to Alabama. Having their public support means the world." Sounds like he's feeling the love!

Who's on Team Allen?

Here's a roll call of the Alabama House Republicans backing Allen:

• State Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster)
• State Rep. Bryan Brinyark (R-Samantha)
• State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Mobile)
• State Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City)
• State Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills)
• State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville)
• State Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens)
• State Rep. Brett Easterbrook (R-Fruitdale)
• State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Homewood)
• State Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Dozier)
• State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Odenville)
• State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Mathews)
• State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville)
• State Rep. Mike Kirkland (R-Scottsboro)
• State Rep. Bill Lamb (R-Tuscaloosa)
• State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan)
• State Rep. Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden)
• State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville)
• State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise)
• State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs)
• State Rep. Parker Moore (R-Decatur)
• State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville)
• State Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan)
• State Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy)
• State Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville)
• State Rep. Chad Robertson (R-Heflin)
• State Rep. Jeana Ross (R-Guntersville)
• State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg)
• State Rep. Mike Shaw (R-Hoover)
• State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne)
• State Rep. Ivan (Van) Smith (R-Clanton)
• State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) *House Majority Leader
• State Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle)
• State Rep. Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka)
• State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris)
• State Rep. Kerry (Bubba) Underwood (R-Tuscumbia)
• State Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads)
• State Rep. Randy Wood (R-Anniston)
• State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity)

Background on Allen

The 49-year-old Allen hails from Troy, and is the son of State Sen. Gerald Allen. He's got a master's from Troy University, and he's been Pike County’s Probate Judge AND a member of the Alabama House himself. This guy's got experience!

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election is set for May 19, 2026. It's gonna be a wild ride!

Tuberville Sounds Alarm on Chinese Financial Platforms

Senator Tommy Tuberville is on high alert, working to safeguard Americans' financial data from potential prying eyes in Beijing!

CCP-Linked Platforms Under Scrutiny

The senator is raising concerns about two stock trading platforms with ties to China, Webull Financial and Moomoo, Inc., questioning whether they're playing by U.S. rules.

Letter to SEC Highlights Concerns

In a recent letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman, Tuberville and Senator Jim Banks underscored the potential risk. They argue that if these platforms aren't following the guidelines, sensitive information could end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, paving the way for exploitation of American citizens.

Concerns Over Webull's Operations

The senators expressed "disappointment" at the SEC's earlier approval of Webull to proceed with a transaction, which allows Webull to fully exploit U.S. markets. They cited troubling connections between Webull and the CCP.

Tuberville: China is Biggest Threat

Tuberville didn't mince words, calling communist China the "biggest threat facing our country today."

Protecting American Data

"The United States must protect the personal data of our citizens from falling into the hands of our greatest adversary," he asserted.

Banks Calls Out Webull's Track Record

Banks specifically highlighted Webull's history of collecting sensitive data, including Social Security numbers. He insisted the SEC must ensure all foreign platforms comply with American regulations to protect citizens' data.

Golden Dome Caucus Launches to Boost National Defense!

Rep. Dale Strong just dropped some exciting news: the bipartisan Golden Dome Caucus is officially a GO! This crew is laser-focused on beefing up America's national defense and supercharging our space-based capabilities. Think next-level protection, folks!

What's the Plan?

These dedicated members are diving headfirst into supporting crucial policies and championing the funding needed to make sure we have those next-gen defense assets ready and raring to go. It's all about being prepared!

"Immediate and Decisive Action"

According to Strong (R-Huntsville), the current global landscape demands nothing less. He emphasized the need to make President Trump's vision of next-generation missile defense a reality. He believes that the Golden Dome Caucus signals a major congressional commitment.

North Alabama's Vital Role

Strong also pointed out North Alabama's significance: "North Alabama has played a key role in every former and current U.S. missile defense program and will undoubtedly be pivotal to the success of Golden Dome."

Bipartisan Power!

Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado is right there with Strong, co-launching this initiative. Crank stressed the importance of sticking to President Trump's timeline for Golden Dome's success, urging members and stakeholders to collaborate effectively.

Huntsville's Expertise

Strong is clearly confident in his district’s ability to lead on these kinds of projects, referencing the critical role it played in the tech behind Iron Dome. He highlighted the incredible talent of local scientists and engineers, hinting at a significant contribution to the Golden Dome project.

Following Trump's Lead

This all comes after President Donald Trump's executive order to create a large-scale, layered missile defense system. The goal? A defense against nuclear attacks, and a policy that stays ahead of rogue-nation threats and accidental launches.

Working with the Senate

The House Caucus will be teaming up with the Senate Golden Dome Caucus, led by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), to make this a reality. It's a team effort!

College Football's Wild Ride: Pay-for-Play Era is HERE!

Hold on to your helmets, ChumCity folks! College football has been turned upside down in the blink of an eye! We're talking full-on free agency fueled by NIL deals and the transfer portal. Teams are being rebuilt faster than you can say "Touchdown!"

The House v. NCAA Settlement: Show Me the Money!

Get this: the NCAA's settlement in the House v. NCAA case is a game-changer. Players are about to get a slice of the pie, including revenue from TV deals, ticket sales, and merchandise. Retroactive payments are even on the table! Is this real life?

Finebaum Sounds the Alarm: Football Wins, Everyone Else...Not So Much?

But is it all sunshine and roses? SEC analyst Paul Finebaum dropped some truth bombs on the Dan Patrick Show. He thinks fans won't feel a direct impact, but the downstream effects could be brutal.

The Fallout: Women's Sports and the Olympics in Trouble?

Finebaum's take? "Women's sports will be hurt, Olympic sports will be crushed, football wins, basketball – other than maybe the Big East – takes a slight back seat." Ouch.

He went on to say this is going to primarily benefit the big boys and girls. "This is only going to help the rich."

What does it all mean for the average college sports fan? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the game is changing, and ChumCity will be here to cover every snap, tackle, and touchdown!

Longshore & McKnight Hit Episode 200!

Can you believe it? Longshore and McKnight just dropped their 200th episode! John and Barry marked the big day with a killer mix of sports talk, laughs, and love for their listeners. They reminisced about the show's journey, poking fun at old mistakes while giving a huge shout-out to the amazing fans who've made it all possible. "Seriously, we thought we'd be done after ten," John quipped.

Troy Baseball Snub and College Football's Future

The guys then dove into the frustration surrounding Troy baseball's NCAA Tournament snub, despite their solid RPI and weekend series wins. Barry and John called out the growing bias towards power conference teams in the postseason. From there, they speculated on the future of college football, debating if the SEC and Big Ten might just break off and create their own playoff. "If that happens," John warned, "a lot of what makes college football special will be lost."

NBA Playoffs: Star Power Enough?

Finally, they tackled the NBA Playoffs, weighing in on star power, TV ratings, and whether the league can keep the energy up. They talked about some amazing performances but wondered if the drama can match the intensity of college football – especially with the growing gap between the elite programs and everyone else.

Catch Longshore and McKnight every day on YouTube, Spotify, and Yellowhammer News! 🎙️🔊

HB 445: No Need to Puff Up the Confusion!

Okay, ChumCity citizens, let's talk HB 445. Seems some folks are playing dumb, pretending this law is harder to grasp than a greased piglet at the county fair. But fear not, it's actually pretty straightforward.

What's the Deal?

According to Alabama State Rep. Andy Whitt (the guy who actually knows what's up), HB 445 slams the door on smokable and inhalable hemp goodies like vapes, buds, and flowers packin' THC. Plus, it lays down the rules for who can sell what's left.

The Real Question

The big, juicy question isn't about understanding the law—it's whether anyone's actually gonna enforce it. Will they? Should they? That's the million-dollar chum burger!

(Brought to you by Dale Jackson, the brain behind Yellowhammer News and your morning wake-up call on WVNN from 5-9 a.m.)

Another Arrest in Massey's Cleaners Robbery!

Remember that shocking robbery and assault on local businessman Jim Massey, III, owner of Jim Massey's Cleaners, back in early March? Well, the case is heating up!

Second Suspect Apprehended

Police have nabbed a second suspect in connection with the crime where thieves allegedly made off with $6,000 to $8,000 and the company vehicle.

Prattville Man Nabbed in Vegas

Spencer Thomas, 57, of Prattville, found himself in cuffs in Las Vegas, Nevada this week. He's been charged with armed robbery and carjacking.

First Arrest Earlier

This follows the previous arrest of 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes, charged with armed robbery, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The arrests are the result of a collaborative effort by the FBI, Montgomery Police Department, ALEA, MACS Unit, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Court Dates Set

Sykes’ trial is set for August 11, 2025, while Thomas is scheduled to be arraigned in Montgomery on June 17, 2025.

Potential Prison Time

If convicted on all counts, both Thomas and Sykes could each be looking at a hefty 25 years in federal prison. Ouch!