Cullman's Clint Hollingsworth Eyes State House Seat!

Cullman business owner Clint Hollingsworth is throwing his hat in the ring for the District 12 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, promising fresh leadership and a strong voice for the community!

A Local Leader Steps Up

"I believe our community deserves an experienced leader who will fight to get us a seat at the table," Hollingsworth stated. This isn't his first rodeo – he's currently serving his fourth term on the Cullman City Council. He's pumped about making a real difference in Cullman County through teamwork, open communication, and good ol' fashioned consensus-building.

"Ready to Get to Work!"

Currently, Hollingsworth is the owner of D-1 Motor Cars. He's making it clear he's dedicated to boosting the quality of life for everyone in Cullman County.

Small Business Savvy

“As a small business owner, I understand the challenges our families and businesses face," he shared, emphasizing his commitment to being a strong, conservative voice in the legislature and working on solutions for Cullman County residents.

Integrity and a Conservative Voice

Hollingsworth vows to learn the ropes and listen to his constituents before making any decisions. "I commit to serve the people of Cullman County with integrity and be a strong conservative voice in Montgomery," he added, "I care deeply for this community and will always put the needs of my constituents first.”

Local Roots

A Cullman High School grad, with time spent at Wallace State and a degree from Athens State, Hollingsworth has deep roots in the community. Before owning D1 Motor Cars, he managed College Tire in Hanceville.

Family Man

Clint and his wife, Leslie, have five children, with one remembered always, and are excitedly awaiting their first grandchild this month. They're also actively involved in Grace Chapel church.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Republican primary special election is happening July 15. Get out there and vote, ChumCity!

(Courtesy of 256 Today)

Bipartisan Effort Aims to Protect Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Heads up, ChumCity! In a move that's got folks on both sides of the aisle cheering, U.S. Reps. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) are back at it again, championing a bill to safeguard those veteran-owned small businesses we all love!

What's the Deal?

Remember that bill from October 2024 that didn't quite make it? Well, Moore and now Britt are giving it another shot! It's all about amending the Small Business Act so that if a service-disabled veteran sadly passes away, their kids can temporarily take the reins of the business for up to three years.

Why This Matters

Congressman Moore, a veteran and former small business owner himself, gets it. "Businesses are the lifeblood of families and communities," he said, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition. Sewell chimed in, thanking Moore for his dedication to veterans and their families. "We must do all that we can to support our Veterans," she stated.

Local Businesses Step Up

And it's not just politicians talking! Dr. Alfred Seawright, CEO of Medical Place in Montgomery, is stoked about this initiative. His family's business has been serving veterans for over 40 years, and he calls the proposed amendment "critically needed."

The Bigger Picture

Did you know that in 2023, veterans owned over 1.9 million businesses, employing nearly 5.5 million Americans? This bill is a big deal for our veteran entrepreneurs!

Way to go, Moore and Britt!

"High Stepper" Ivey Updates Rocket Center's Future!

Gov. Kay "High Stepper" Ivey recently made a splash, signing legislation aimed at revamping the statute governing our very own U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

A Name Change and a Flight Jacket!

At a ceremony held right at the Rocket Center, Ivey declared her signature on House Bill 1593 would rename the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission – a move she believes will set it up for even greater success. To top it off, she even received a snazzy, personalized flight jacket boasting the call sign "High Stepper," a nod to her famous campaign saying.

Space Command: It Belongs Here!

Never one to miss an opportunity, Ivey also reiterated that Alabama is the "rightful home" of the U.S. Space Command. "Alabama is the rightful home for Space Command." she stated firmly.

A Modernized Statute for a Soaring Future

Rocket Center CEO Dr. Kimberly Robinson highlighted the significance of signing the bill under the Saturn V rocket on the 64th anniversary of Alan Shepard's historic space mission. "Today's legislation is another step in that tradition, ensuring that Alabama's leadership in space will soar for generations to come," she said. The original statute, passed way back in 1965, definitely needed a refresh!

What's New?

Besides the name change for the board, the updated statute modernizes procedures and protocols. Dr. Robinson clarified, "We're now officially calling it the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission, which is much more in line and let's everyone know what their job is exactly." Plus, it provides greater flexibility overall.

Protecting Our Treasures

Another key update ensures that our precious artifacts, like the Saturn V, are treated with the respect they deserve, similar to how state archives are handled. No more slapping an Alabama property tag on a piece of space history!

A Bright Future Ahead

Dr. Robinson praised state leadership for their continued support, stating that this reworked legislation "strengthens the foundation beneath us and prepares us for the future that's unfolding, one where Alabama's leadership in the space economy will continue to grow.”

Governor Ivey Signs Tough New Crime Bill!

Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey just signed a major public safety bill aimed at tackling gun violence, especially in our urban areas! SB119 is now law, folks, and it's bringing some serious changes.

What's in SB119?

This bill, backed by State Senator Will Barfoot and State Rep. Cynthia Almond, amps up the rules around owning firearms and cranks up the consequences for shooting into buildings when people are inside. Plus, it gives judges more power to hold potentially violent offenders before their trial. This is a big piece of Ivey’s “Safe Alabama” plan to boost law enforcement and stop violent crime.

Big Support from Mayors

The Alabama Big 10 Mayors, representing the state's largest cities, are all for it! They say it'll help law enforcement and the courts better protect us from repeat violent offenders.

Tougher Penalties and Pre-Trial Detention

Under the new law, if you've been convicted of a felony in the last five years (or three felonies ever), owning a gun is a Class C felony. Also, if you're out on bail for certain violent crimes, you can't have a firearm. Plus, it'll be easier to crack down on probation and parole violations when a gun is involved.

Expanding Aniah's Law

Aniah’s Law is getting bigger too! It now includes “shooting into an occupied dwelling” and conspiracy to commit murder. These pre-trial detention changes kick in once SB118 (the constitutional amendment) is ratified. Everything else? It's effective October 1, 2025.

Ivey Speaks Out

Governor Ivey announced the bill signing, emphasizing how it'll "help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities." More safety measures are on the way!

Prescription Drug Prices: A National Crisis?

From Alabama hamlets to bustling California cities, sky-high prescription drug costs are a worry uniting folks across state lines and political divides. The Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance (PRA) is on a mission to shine a big, bright light on the financial strain these prices place on American families.

Sticker Shock at the Pharmacy Counter

According to the PRA, we're often shelling out way more for life-saving meds than our friends overseas. We're talking potentially 30 times more for essentials like inhalers! The PRA points to a growing gap between what drug companies charge and what they actually spend on research and development – less than 20% of their budget. Ouch!

Choosing Between Medicine and Groceries

Millions depend on daily meds to keep chronic conditions like asthma, ADHD, diabetes, and heart disease in check. The PRA argues these costs are forcing families to make impossible choices – filling a prescription or putting food on the table.

It's Not Just an Uninsured Problem

Even if you have health insurance, you’re not immune! PRA spokesperson Emily Lampkin explains that inflated prices, shortages, and ever-climbing out-of-pocket costs are impacting everyone. She shares stories of families cutting back on kids' activities or household essentials just to afford vital meds like inhalers or EpiPens.

Taking on the Pharmaceutical Industry

Lampkin is calling on lawmakers to take a long, hard look at the pharmaceutical industry's pricing games and demand more accountability. She argues that working families shouldn't bear the brunt of inflated prices, and policymakers need to act with urgency and transparency.

The Numbers Don't Lie

• A staggering 25 million Americans battle asthma; nearly 1 in 5 are kids.
• 1 in 10 adolescents has been diagnosed with ADHD, and treatment costs are skyrocketing amidst national shortages.
• 1 in 3 women report financial insecurity, often grappling with health expenses for their families.

A Systemic Problem, Not Just a Few Bad Apples

Lampkin and the PRA believe this isn't a series of isolated incidents. This is a systemic challenge facing millions, no matter where they live or what they earn.

Time for Transparency?

The Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance is all about bringing transparency to what they see as anti-consumer shenanigans in the pharmaceutical industry. They believe many price hikes are totally unjustified, often outpacing inflation, and that the current system benefits corporate profits over public health.

They're urging citizens and elected officials to dig deep into how drug prices are set – and who's really profiting.

University of Montevallo President to Step Down

After almost 15 fantastic years, Dr. John W. Stewart III has announced he's hanging up his presidential hat at the University of Montevallo this July. That's quite a run!

A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

Stewart, who became the university's 15th president back on October 14, 2010, is the second-longest serving president in its 129-year story. His time in charge has been all about shaking things up academically, growing the campus, and getting students even more involved.

A Heartfelt Farewell

“Cindi and I are incredibly grateful for the UM community and all the amazing years we've shared," Stewart shared. "We truly value the wonderful relationships we've built with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We wish the whole UM family nothing but the best going forward!"

Key Accomplishments

During his presidency, Stewart really doubled down on the university's core mission. He expanded both academic and athletic programs, encouraged everyone to work together across different fields of study, found more money for faculty salaries and growth, and even oversaw the building of some awesome new campus facilities. Plus, more and more freshmen and transfer students have been applying, and more students are choosing to live on campus!

Standout Programs

One of the coolest things Stewart launched was the Outdoor Scholars program, which includes a bass fishing team that's won four straight Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles. How cool is that?! He also kicked off the Montevallo MADE program, which is keeping students engaged, as it boasts a seriously impressive 90 percent retention rate.

Wider Recognition

Stewart's influence reached beyond the campus, too. In 2015, the Birmingham Business Alliance recognized him as a CEO of the Year Finalist and gave him the Vulcan’s Community Award for Outstanding New Leadership.

Before Montevallo

Before leading the Falcons, Stewart was the vice president for institutional advancement at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, a master’s from Washington College, and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.

What's Next?

The University of Montevallo Board of Trustees will soon begin the search for Stewart’s replacement. The university is sure to be looking for someone ready to continue the outstanding work of Dr. Stewart.

The Great Public Media Debate: Catastrophe or Cut?

Okay, ChumCity folks, let's dive into a spicy debate! Some say NPR and PBS are relics that should fade away. Yet, whenever someone suggests trimming government funding, it's treated like the apocalypse for media. What gives?

Dale Jackson's Take

Adding fuel to the fire is Dale Jackson, a sharp mind over at Yellowhammer News. You can catch his opinions live and unfiltered weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN. He's not afraid to stir the pot!

Uncle Sam Says "Bye Felicia" with Travel Stipends?

The Department of Homeland Security is rolling out a new program that could raise some eyebrows: offering a sweet $1,000 travel stipend plus free flights to illegal immigrants who choose to self-deport. Is this the government's version of "going out of business" sale?

Cheaper Than Kicking 'Em Out?

The feds are betting this incentive will drastically cut deportation costs for us taxpayers, potentially saving up to 70%. Lawmakers are hoping a little nudge (and some pocket money) will encourage those in the country illegally to pack their bags voluntarily.

Senator Tuberville Weighs In

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) recently chimed in, estimating the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. is closer to a whopping 30 million. He suggested President Trump might be dangling a "bait" of sorts, explaining that the stipend is likely far cheaper than the current process of tracking down, transporting, and deporting individuals.

Saving Money, Saving Face?

According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, this financial assistance isn't just about saving dough. It's also meant to protect those enforcing immigration laws. Noem emphasized that self-deportation is the "best, safest, and most cost-effective way" for illegal immigrants to leave the U.S. and avoid getting arrested. Using the CBP Home App, they can apply.

Skip the Line (and the Handcuffs?)

Illegal immigrants who show intent to self-deport will get a temporary pass on detention and removal while they get their affairs in order. DHS claims it costs over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport someone. With the stipend, that price tag drops to a much more palatable $4,500.

Numbers Game

The Trump Administration has deported around 152,000 individuals since January 20th. Will this new program boost those numbers and lighten the load on our wallets? Only time will tell.

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