Alabama REALTORS®: More Than Just Houses, It's Community!

The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) is all about real estate pros who are passionate about helping folks buy and sell homes right here in our state. But it's way more than just deals—they're invested in the communities they serve, making sure you're confident and informed when making huge decisions, like buying a home!

Alabama REALTORS® are the heart of the profession, working to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of Alabamians, no matter what the market is doing.

Local REALTORS® Weigh In

Alabama REALTOR® Karol Kirby is super dedicated to her community, seeing her job as a way to empower and support it. "We want to help neighbors find housing, and we also want to see our community thrive," she says, witnessing the impact of homeownership firsthand.

REALTOR® Rusty Glines, with a decade of experience in Guntersville and Marshall County, feels the same. "Guntersville is home. I grew up here, graduated here, and now I get to give back by helping others put down roots," Glines says. "That connection matters. You build trust when people know you’re invested in the same place they are.”

Numbers Tell a Story, But People Tell the Real One

Last year, Alabama's real estate scene saw its share of ups and downs. But even with challenges, the market showed resilience. What matters most is how real estate fuels community development and enriches lives. Each home sold in Alabama makes a big economic impact, supporting everyone from builders to local shops.

Karol Kirby sees it every day. "Being an Auburn native, I have seen homeownership in our area creates a thriving community and school system,” Kirby shares. “Part of our property taxes go directly to our schools, and it helps us have some of the best in the state. This revolving effect has created an area so desirable that we are outgrowing our city."

More Than Just Agents

Alabama REALTORS® aren't just advisors—they're volunteers, mentors, and advocates.

"REALTORS® are advocates and servants at heart,” Kirby says. “We connect with our communities by being present and looking for areas of need. We volunteer at our schools, our churches, and our local REALTOR® association to support community projects."

Rusty Glines emphasizes it's about the people. "Helping first-time buyers is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job," he says. "There’s nothing like seeing the joy on their faces at closing, knowing I helped them through the entire journey."

Guiding First-Time Homebuyers

Helping first-time homebuyers, especially in today's market, is a huge deal. "It is an honor and joy to help homebuyers with their first purchase,” Kirby says. “This is one of life’s big events. First-time buyers are nervous and excited. We get to help calm them and be the steady ship, and we often become an extended member of the family because we become so personally involved in their life."

Real estate in Alabama is more than just an industry; it's a driving force for community growth. From boosting local economies to improving schools, REALTORS® help Alabamians build lives, not just find houses.

Alabama Headlines You Need to Know!

Here's the lowdown on what's buzzing in Alabama:

Sorrell's Campaign Blitz!

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell's already gearing up for a 2026 run for Secretary of State, raking in $50,000 in just 12 days. His focus? Election integrity, of course!

Waffle House Controversy!

Did a Waffle House worker get canned for refusing service to a Trump supporter? Workplace discrimination debate ignited!

Nate Silver Sounds Off!

Data whiz Nate Silver says young men are ditching Democrats due to cultural and economic gaps. Mental health is a key factor, shaking up national politics!

Trump Demands Deportation!

Trump wants the Boulder attack suspect, Mohamed Soliman, deported ASAP. He's blaming Biden for the "terror attack."

Tuberville's Residency Rumble!

Senator Tommy Tuberville is waving off claims he's a Florida resident. He's still aiming for the governor's mansion in 2026, y'all!

Trump's Space Budget Blues!

Trump's proposed 2025 budget could slash funding for Huntsville's Space Launch System. Local aerospace jobs on the line!

Space Command Standoff!

Alabama officials are rallying behind the GAO report, saying Alabama's the only place for U.S. Space Command. They're blasting Biden's Colorado pick as a political and financial blunder!

Local Opinion

Get your daily dose of Alabama perspective with Dale Jackson on WVNN, weekdays 5-9 a.m. He's a Yellowhammer News thought leader giving it to you straight.

Alabama's Senate Race: Marshall Leads the Pack!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The race for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat is heating up, and Attorney General Steve Marshall is currently sitting pretty, according to a recent poll.

Marshall vs. The Field

Our state's top law dog seems to be ahead of the game in several different potential matchups. Names like former congressional hopeful Caroleene Dobson, Congressman Barry Moore, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, and even Auburn's basketball guru Bruce Pearl are all in the mix.

The Numbers Don't Lie (Maybe)

In a face-off against Dobson and Moore, Marshall snagged a solid 28% of the polled peeps.

• Steve Marshall: 28%
• Caroleene Dobson: 13%
• Barry Moore: 10%
• Undecided: A whopping 48%!

Even when Ainsworth and Pearl threw their hats in the ring, Marshall still came out on top:

• Steve Marshall: 21%
• Will Ainsworth: 13%
• Caroleene Dobson: 9%
• Bruce Pearl: 9%
• Undecided: Still 48%!

And if it's just Marshall versus Moore? Marshall crushes it with 37% to Moore's 11%!

The Fine Print

This juicy info comes from a Remington Research Group poll conducted May 12-13, surveying 505 likely Republican primary voters. The margin of error is ±4%, so keep that in mind. The primary election isn't until May 19, 2026, so plenty of time for things to change. So far, it's Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson officially in the running.

Huntsville Hospital Claps Back at "F" Grade

Huntsville Hospital isn't taking a recent "F" grade from Leapfrog lying down! The hospital is calling the survey an "affront" to its hardworking staff and first responders.

What's the Deal with Leapfrog?

Twice a year, the Leapfrog Group dishes out grades (A through F) to nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide, based on a 32-category evaluation focused on preventing medical errors and patient harm.

Hospital Says "Hold Up!"

In a fiery statement, Huntsville Hospital argues that the Leapfrog survey is "not an accurate measure of patient safety." They point out that they didn't even complete the massive 353-page survey, yet Leapfrog went ahead and published a rating anyway using incomplete data.

More Than Just a Grade

The hospital emphasized that completing the survey would pull valuable staff away from patient care, but they couldn't stand by while someone suggested they don't prioritize safety. Ouch!

Huntsville Hospital's Got Receipts

They tout consistent rankings as the second-best hospital in Alabama by US News, accreditation by the Joint Commission (the gold standard!), and accolades as a top employer by Forbes and Newsweek. Plus, recognition for their stellar cardiac surgery programs and certifications as a stroke center.

It's Complicated

The hospital also highlights that they treat the sickest patients in the region, and those complex cases aren't always reflected fairly in mortality ratings. They are also adding the resources to complete Leapfrog's survey in the future, the hospital will be "Going forward, Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital will add the significant resources that are required to complete a survey of Leapfrog’s scope.”

ChumCity Heads to Chickasaw State Park!

Alabama's State Parks are awesome all year round, and we're stoked to highlight another gem: Chickasaw State Park! This beauty is stop #15 on our Alabama State Parks Passport tour.

What's the Buzz?

Think chill vibes and Black Belt adventures! According to Alabama State Parks, this 520-acre park is a sweet spot off U.S. 43. It's got campsites, pavilions, a playground, and tons of green space—perfect for a family shindig or basecamp for exploring.

Nature Calls!

Want to spot some cool critters? Chickasaw State Park is the spot! Keep an eye out for Eastern wild turkey, Bobwhite quail, and white-tailed deer. Plus, it's a low-key amazing stop on the Black Belt Birding Trail. Bird nerds flock here during migration to peep palm warblers, white-eyed vireos, and more!

Picnic Time!

As the temps climb, this park is made for family fun. They've got four big pavilions and tons of picnic tables and grills for parties of all sizes. The park even has a super-popular pavilion with a built-in BBQ pit – make sure you reserve it!

Sleep Under the Stars (or in Your RV!)

Hunters dig Chickasaw State Park 'cause it's close to the David K. Nelson Wildlife Management Area and Turnipseed-Ikenberry Place Physically Disabled Hunting Area.

But it's not just for hunters! Everyone can enjoy the RV and camping sites. Three RV sites have 30-amp service and water, and primitive sites offer water, electricity, and nearby restrooms.

Beyond the Park

Wanna explore? Chickasaw State Park is near a bunch of cool spots: the Alabama Black Belt Nature & Heritage Trail, Old Cahawba Archeological Park, and more! Downtown Demopolis is just a quick 20-minute drive away.

Content courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama

Pool Contractor Sinks Deep: 20 Years for Scamming Customers!

Hold on to your pool noodles, folks! Former pool contractor Gregory Kirk of Muscle Shoals is taking a 20-year dive behind bars after being found guilty of swindling customers out of over $600,000! Attorney General Steve Marshall dropped this bombshell earlier today.

Guilty Plea Leads to Lengthy Sentence

Kirk, once operating as a pool contractor with Pristine Pools in Madison County, copped a plea deal with the state. Madison County Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall wasn't messing around, slapping him with a two-decade sentence for his dirty deeds.

Forgery and Fraud Galore!

The charges were piling up! Kirk was accused of pocketing customer payments, faking a contractor's license, using phony building permits, and even racking up charges on a customer's credit card. We're talking 14 counts of first-degree theft, plus a whole laundry list of other offenses like forgery and credit card fraud.

AG Marshall Speaks Out

"Imagine handing over your life savings for your dream pool, only to get ripped off," said a furious Attorney General Marshall. "Kirk betrayed that trust and stole hard-earned money. We hope his victims find some comfort knowing he's finally facing the music."

Justice Served!

Marshall added, "This should send a clear message: mess with Alabama families, and you'll pay the price. We're dedicated to protecting consumers from fraud and deceit!"

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (of Justice)

The Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division prosecuted the case. Marshall is extending gratitude to the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison Police Department, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their help in nailing this case shut.

Mayor Reed Addresses MMFA Controversy!

Mayor Steven L. Reed tackled the buzz around the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) head-on during his recent press briefing. He aimed to clear up any confusion about the city's involvement and squash those pesky rumors flying around.

What's the Deal?

This all comes as the Montgomery City Council gears up to vote on a new ordinance that could shake up the museum's board and how it's run. Think of it as the climax of a long-running drama between the city and the museum's non-profit Association, with control and oversight being the main characters.

Reed Shuts Down the Noise

Straight up, Reed denied any whispers of the city wanting to shut down the museum or snatch control. "The museum's not closing, folks! And we're not trying to take it over," he declared. The goal? To make sure MMFA thrives for generations to come.

Why the Review?

Turns out, a lawsuit earlier this year, which included the City of Montgomery, kicked off a deep dive into the museum's operations. What they found? Some legal compliance gaps due to how things have been run historically.

It's All About Compliance, Baby!

Reed pointed out that for years, a private association has been managing things in ways that don't quite jive with Alabama law. The city's focus isn't about grabbing power. It's about being good stewards.

Addressing the Worries

Reed also reassured the community that the city's involvement won't put the art collection or programming at risk. "The museum's not closing its doors! We're all about keeping it a vibrant space for art, learning, and community," he emphasized.

Association's Role Stays

The Association isn't going anywhere. They'll still be key players in fundraising, supporting programming, and engaging with the community. The ordinance just aims to clarify roles and make sure everything aligns with public governance standards.

What's Next?

Keep an eye on the Montgomery City Council meeting on June 3rd. They'll be discussing the ordinance and a related governance agreement.

Hall of Fame Hopefuls!

The College Football Hall of Fame nominee list drops around early June every year, and this year's got some serious SEC flavor! Two legends from Alabama and Auburn are in the running, with one hitting the ballot for the first time and the other making his second appearance.

Heisman Heroes

What's even cooler? Both of these gridiron gods snagged Heisman trophies AND national championships...in back-to-back years! Talk about dominance.

Tide Pride

Mark Ingram II is leading the charge for the Crimson Tide, making his second bid. He's joined by the legendary DeMeco Ryans, the linebacker who's now coaching up the Houston Texans!

War Eagle Warriors

For the Auburn faithful, 2010 Heisman and national champ quarterback Cam Newton is FINALLY on the ballot, even though he's been eligible since 2021. We all know Cam's one of the greatest to ever sling it in college, but sometimes it takes a minute for Hall voters to come around. Newton joins former Tigers head coach (and current U.S. Senator) Tommy Tuberville, plus linebacker beast Takeo Spikes – both back on the ballot after last year.

Gridiron Glory Just Around the Corner!

College football season is almost here, and the buzz down South is reaching fever pitch! Everyone's talking about the playoffs, especially whether they'll expand even further this year.

Who's Got a Shot at the Big Show?

The folks over at ESPN crunched some numbers with their Football Power Index, giving us a peek at each team's playoff chances. And let me tell you, some of these projections are eye-opening!

SEC Playoff Probabilities

Texas is the favorite, sitting pretty with an almost 84% chance. Georgia's right behind them, clocking in at nearly 79%. The only other team with better than a 50/50 shot? That would be Alabama, sitting at 66%.

The Contenders

After the Tide, things get interesting. We've got a cluster of teams – Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and LSU – all hovering in the 30% range. Then comes Auburn with a respectable 21% chance.

Surprises Abound!

The Tigers are ahead of teams like South Carolina and Florida, even after those squads had killer seasons last year. Crazy, right?

Time Will Tell

It won't be long before the rubber meets the road, and we see how these predictions stack up on the field. Bring on the fall!

Brighton Council Member Arrested in Homicide Case

Hold the phone, ChumCity citizens! A Brighton City Council member found himself in hot water this week. Jerome Edward McMullin Jr., 54, got slapped with charges of evidence tampering and obstruction related to a chilling double homicide from December 2024.

Quick Trip to the County Jail

McMullin was booked into the Jefferson County clink bright and early Monday morning. But don't worry, he didn't stick around long! He posted bond and was back on the streets in about 90 minutes. He's been a Brighton City Council staple since way back in 2012.

The Crime Scene Video

So, what's the deal? Apparently, McMullin allegedly recorded security footage of the double homicide at the Brighton Community Center. We're talking about a really grim scene - two men fatally shot during a repast after a funeral. And get this: he allegedly leaked that footage to the media while the investigation was still cooking!

Taped Off and Troublesome

Word on the street is that McMullin snagged the video on his phone from inside the crime scene tape. Then, BAM! Sent it to news outlets without any green light from the authorities. Law enforcement is worried this could seriously mess with their investigation.

Investigation Continues

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is still digging into this case. Stay tuned, ChumCity, because this story is far from over!