Rep. Rex Reynolds Named RC&D Legislator of the Year!

Huntsville's own State Rep. Rex Reynolds (R) just snagged a major award! The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils (AARCD) has named him their 2025 RC&D Legislator of the Year.

Honored at Guntersville

The big announcement happened at the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys RC&D annual conference at Guntersville State Park Lodge. It was a gathering of RC&D rockstars from all over Alabama, celebrating the teamwork that makes our communities stronger through conservation and development projects.

A Champion for Communities

This award recognizes lawmakers who are seriously dedicated to community development, conservation, and those amazing grassroots partnerships. Reynolds, who's the chair of the House General Fund Committee, got the nod for his outstanding leadership and advocacy statewide.

"Boots on the Ground"

“What I enjoy most about what we do in the legislature is appropriating funds that get down to our non-profits and our community-based programs, like RC&D, doing the ‘boots on the ground’ work,” Reynolds said. He also thanked them for their work across the state.

Investing in Alabama's Future

The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils partners with the Legislature to put state funds back into local projects. Think outdoor classrooms, better internet in rural areas, farm innovation, helping out volunteer fire departments, and cleaning up the environment. It's all about making Alabama a better place to live!

Making a Difference

Katie Conner, executive director of the AARC&D Councils, praised Reynolds as an "incredible advocate" who truly cares about the people RC&D serves. Renona Seibert, executive director of the AMRV RC&D Council, also expressed gratitude for Reynolds's commitment to North Alabama, helping bring resources directly to the communities they serve.

RC&D: Making Alabama Better!

The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils (AARCD) helps coordinate nine local councils across the state, ensuring funds are used wisely for education, economic growth, conservation, and making our communities the best they can be!

Alabama GOP Chair: AEA Would "Slit Our Throats"

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens, because things are getting spicy in Alabama politics! State Republican Party Chairman John Wahl recently dropped a bombshell, agreeing "100%" with the idea that the Alabama Education Association (AEA) would figuratively "slit the throat" of Republican officials to help Democrats win. Ouch!

Wahl's Fiery Remarks

Wahl made the comments on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," responding to a rather pointed question about the AEA's allegiances. He didn't hold back, folks.

No Love Lost

Wahl was quick to point out that he isn't exactly buddy-buddy with the AEA. He even bragged about pushing through a rule banning the AEA from donating to school board candidates, aiming to reduce their influence on education. "This is not a love affair with the AEA, okay?" he declared.

Homeschool Concerns and Broken Promises?

However, Wahl also defended his recent dialogue with the AEA regarding regulations potentially targeting homeschool families. He claimed he secured a "no regulation" pledge from them, aiming to protect parental rights. His strategy? Call them out and hold them accountable!

Holding AEA Accountable

Wahl made it clear that if the AEA goes back on their word, he'll make sure every lawmaker in Montgomery knows they "lied to me." He emphasized that the Republican supermajority in the legislature boxes the AEA in, forcing them to play by the GOP's rules. Will the AEA keep their promise? Only time will tell, ChumCity!

Senator Britt Tackles Childcare Crisis!

Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) recently sat down with CBS Sunday Morning to chat with Tracy Smith about something HUGE: making childcare accessible and affordable for everyone! This is a cause near and dear to Senator Britt's heart, and she's making it a bipartisan mission in the Senate.

Childcare: Not Just a Family Issue, But an Economic One!

Alongside Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Britt highlighted the crippling economic effects of sky-high childcare costs. "Our economy loses a staggering $122 billion every year because of childcare's affordability and accessibility problems," she stated.

Smith pointed out the obvious, "This isn't just about families; it's an economic problem too!"

Britt wholeheartedly agreed. "Studies show that 59% of stay-at-home or part-time parents are itching to get back into the workforce. But the reliability, affordability, and accessibility of childcare are holding them back!"

Championing Change for Working Families

The segment shone a spotlight on Senator Britt's childcare wins within the Working Families Tax Cut Act. These updates modernize and expand long-standing tax credits, a move that hasn't been made in almost 25 years!

Smith noted these updates were part of a recently passed bill, updating childcare tax credits for the first time in a quarter century and increasing tax benefits.

Fighting for Solutions!

When asked what she'd say to families struggling with childcare costs, Britt passionately replied, "We're fighting for you! We're committed to working hard and delivering real solutions."

Beyond Tax Cuts: A Broader Vision

Britt isn't stopping there! She's also spearheading the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act, another bipartisan effort in the Senate. This bill would bring much-needed updates to programs like the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and others, some of which haven't been touched since 2001!

According to Senator Britt's office, childcare costs have skyrocketed by 263% since then! One program hasn't even been updated since 1986!

Supporting Moms and Families

Senator Britt's dedication extends to other vital measures like the MOMS Act, the NIH IMPROVE Act, and the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act. All these initiatives focus on boosting access to care and opportunities for women and children. Go, Senator Britt!

Troy Trojans Name New AD!

Big news coming out of Troy! Over the weekend, word dropped that Kyle George, the interim Athletic Director, is officially taking on the full-time gig! He's been holding down the fort since August 2025, and it looks like he's earned his stripes.

A Trojan Through and Through

George has been part of the Troy family since 2017. Before stepping into the interim AD role, he was the Deputy AD for external relations. This Hoover native also spent time at Southern Miss in their marketing department.

Success on the Field and Court

Since George joined Troy as the Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Sales, the Trojans have seen some serious success! Remember those back-to-back Sun Belt titles under Jon Sumrall in 2022 and 2023? And the basketball team's domination of the Sun Belt, landing them a spot in the NCAA Tournament? Talk about a winning streak!

From Samford to Troy

George got his start with a bachelor's degree from Samford University in 2011 before heading to Southern Miss for a master's in sports administration in 2013. Clearly, hard work pays off! Congrats to Kyle George on becoming the new AD!

SEC Stories You Gotta Hear!

Picture this: Peter Burns and Chris Doering under the bright sun, a familiar name emblazoned on the restaurant's marquee. What better place to kick off a college football podcast than with the Ol' Ball Coach himself?

"Who's the best storyteller you know?" Burns asks. Doering's quick reply? "Unquestionably, Steve Spurrier."

Inside the Mind of a Legend

Get ready to hear Steve Spurrier like never before! Burns, the SEC Network host, and Doering, former Florida star under Spurrier, team up for a no-holds-barred conversation. They trace Spurrier's journey from East Tennessee high school star to Heisman winner at Florida, to a Hall of Fame coaching career, reshaping his alma mater and South Carolina into national contenders.

What If?

Imagine a world where Spurrier stayed in Tennessee, or took Bear Bryant's offer to Alabama. But Spurrier, ever the maverick, told Bryant "no." Why?

"If you go to Alabama, what can you win that hasn’t happened before?" Spurrier explains. He wanted to break new ground, which he certainly did at Florida, both as a record-breaking QB and a visor-flinging coach.

More SEC Goodness to Come

The conversation is honest, hilarious, and insightful. And for Burns and Doering, this is just the beginning.

• Episode 2: The legendary Florida-Georgia rivalry.
• Episode 3: A deep dive into the intense Egg Bowl.
• Episode 4: Season one closes with stories from the Iron Bowl.

Your Guides to the SEC

Burns and Doering are the perfect guides, knowing the SEC's history inside and out and drawing out incredible stories.

Regions & the SEC: A Winning Team

It's an honor for Regions, the official bank of the SEC, to bring you this new podcast!

Game Day: Regions Style!

Think Game Day: Giveaways, Great Plays, and more! Regions is bringing relentless focus to SEC fans, creating memorable game-day experiences.

Extra Fan Fun!

Keep an eye out for the "Extra Fan Surprise and Delight Giveaway" at tailgate activations! Lucky attendees could score tailgate packs with coolers, tumblers, and more.

Stay Connected!

Follow Regions Social Media Channels for game-day coverage!

The South Gets Starry-Eyed: Michelin Guide Arrives!

Big news, y'all! The Michelin Guide, that uber-prestigious list of the world's best restaurants, has finally cast its discerning eye on the American South! And guess what? Alabama's culinary scene is shining bright!

SoulGrown's Holly Swafford was on the scene in Greenville, SC, to celebrate the unveiling of the inaugural American South list, recognizing 15 incredible restaurants. It's a HUGE moment for Southern food.

What's the Michelin Deal?

Born from a tire company's travel guide back in 1900, the Michelin Guide is now the ultimate culinary badge of honor. It's got layers, people!

Michelin Stars: The Holy Grail

Stars are the top tier! One, two, or three stars signify culinary excellence. This first American South list awarded ten restaurants one star and one two stars! Those one-star winners came from Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. And the two-star champ? None other than the legendary Emeril's in New Orleans! BAM!

Bib Gourmand: Value Kings

These spots offer seriously delicious food that won't break the bank. Think "good quality, good value cooking." Michelin inspectors apparently love hitting up these places on their own time! Five Alabama restaurants made the Bib Gourmand list!

Special Awards: Beyond the Plate

Beyond stars and Bib Gourmand, there are special awards, and Birmingham, Alabama snagged one!

Green Star: Sustainable Superstars

This newer award celebrates restaurants that are killing it when it comes to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and being kind to the planet. Often added on top of other awards, it's the ultimate seal of approval.

Recommended: Just Being on the List is a Win!

Even just being listed in the Michelin Guide is a massive accomplishment! It means your food is above average and caught the eye of those picky Michelin inspectors.

Alabama's Michelin Moment: The List!

Here's the rundown of the Alabama restaurants getting Michelin love:

Bib Gourmand

• Bayonet, Birmingham
• La Fete, Birmingham
• OvenBird, Birmingham
• Pizza Grace, Birmingham
• The Noble South, Mobile

Michelin Outstanding Service Award

• Pardis Stitt, Bottega

Recommended

• 1856 Restaurant, Auburn
• Automatic Seafood & Oysters, Birmingham
• Bottega, Birmingham
• Chez Fonfon, Birmingham
• Current Charcoal Grill, Birmingham
• Helen, Birmingham
• Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham
• Purveyor, Huntsville
• Rêve, Birmingham
• Salt Smokehouse, Huntsville

Hats off to all these incredible Alabama eateries!

Content courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama.

Fresh Faces & Familiar Friends: Mayor Cheriogotis Announces Leadership Crew!

Mobile, get ready! Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis just unveiled his team, a blend of seasoned pros and dedicated civil servants, ready to steer our city into a bright future. The lineup is designed to build on past successes while bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

Continuity & Change

Think of it as a remix! While many executive directors and department heads will continue their awesome work, Mayor Cheriogotis is shaking things up a bit with a new organizational structure. Say goodbye to the traditional Chief of Staff setup! Now, eight key cabinet members will report directly to the Mayor, offering a bird's-eye view of city operations.

Priorities: Public Safety, Growth, & YOU!

The Mayor's priorities remain laser-focused on the things that matter most: boosting public safety, fueling growth and development, making city services even better, and generally cranking up the quality of life for all Mobilians.

A Team Built for Success

"Mayor Stimpson built an incredible team, and I am excited to work alongside some of the exceptional leaders who helped him transform Mobile over the last decade,” said Mayor Cheriogotis. “We will also be implementing a new leadership structure that will allow me to have a complete view of what’s happening across every city department and better support the exceptional work already being done.”

Meet the Team!

Here’s a quick rundown of the folks who'll be working hard for you:

• Senior Advisor, Director of Civic and Cultural Affairs — Cory Adair: Policy guru and arts enthusiast.
• Chief of Operations — James Barber: Marine vet, former Police Chief, and seasoned leader.
• Chief of Building and Planning — Shayla Beaco: Urban planning whiz, dedicated to making Mobile thrive.
• Executive Liaison to City Council — Keysha Brown: Bridging the gap between the Mayor's Office and City Council.
• Executive Director of Public Affairs — Candace Cooksey: Communications pro and government relations expert.
• Executive Director of Public Safety — Curtis L. Graves: Championing trauma-informed policing for a safer Mobile.
• Chief of Administrative Services — Capt. Joseph H. Snowden (Ret.): Military leadership and administrative expertise.
• City Attorney — Ricardo Woods: Legal eagle with deep roots in Mobile.

Mayor Cheriogotis stepped into office after a historic election, succeeding Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Now, he's ready to write his own chapter in Mobile's story!

Rightside Radio Gets a Shakeup!

Big changes are happening over at conservative powerhouse Rightside Radio! With former State Senator Phil Williams tapped by President Trump for a U.S. Attorney gig, it's time for some fresh faces and voices to take the reins.

Meet the New Crew!

Rightside Radio isn't skipping a beat – they're bringing in not one, but three dynamic personalities to keep the conservative conversation buzzing. Get ready to welcome Allison Sinclair, Amie Beth Shaver, and in-studio host Justin "JP" Plott!

Who Are These Folks?

• Allison Sinclair: The brains behind LOCAL Alabama, a grassroots movement fighting for freedom and constitutional values at the local level.
• Amie Beth Shaver: A former Miss Alabama, speaker, columnist, and all-around media maven!
• Justin "JP" Plott: Rightside Media's whiz kid Production Manager and the voice of young American conservatism. He jumped aboard in late 2024 after WVNN talk radio.

What's the Buzz?

Williams shared, "As the President of Rightside Media...my time behind the microphone had to come to an end, [but] I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Starting in November 2025, Sinclair, Shaver, and Plott will be bringing their A-game to the daily broadcast. Sinclair and Shaver, who previously co-hosted "Alabama Unfiltered," are ready to "speak truth to power, mixing [their] conservative world view with laughter and a bit of mayhem.”

Shaver is quoted as saying, “Allison and I have been active in our own state and local issues for years. The opportunity to take the reins at Rightside is a dream come true."

JP's Take

Plott chimes in, "The mantra is that we’re ‘solid, conservative, and just plain right!’ and our audience has a great time...designed to educate, enlighten, empower and entertain folks on what it means to be a conservative in today’s crazy world."

Rightside's Rise

From its beginnings as part of the Alabama Policy Institute, Rightside Radio has become a force, reaching listeners across Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. These loyal listeners even call themselves "Rightside Ruffians"!

What's Next?

With podcasts, written content, and a thriving live show boasting over 360,000 downloads, Rightside Media is expanding its reach.

Williams sums it up: "From the moment we formed Rightside Media, the goal was to bring quality conservative input to the general public...The growth of Rightside and its message is reaching its next phase now with Allison, Amie Beth and JP."

Get ready for faith, patriotism, personal liberty, and the unwavering defense of the greatest nation on earth!

Alabama Dems: A Clown Car of Candidates?

Alabama's Democratic Party is shaping up to be... interesting. While the media's focused on the usual suspects with their pet issues, they're missing a golden opportunity.

Meet the Contenders

We've got "Chig" Martin, seemingly on a mission to legalize Alabama, one puff at a time. Then there's Will Boyd, a perennial candidate seemingly destined for electoral disappointment. But the real star of this show?

JaMel Jermaine Brown: The One to Watch

JaMel Jermaine Brown is where the real entertainment value lies. The media's sleeping on this one, folks! They NEED to be paying more attention! This campaign has serious potential for...well, let's just say it could get wild.

(Dale Jackson, a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and talk show host on WVNN, definitely thinks so!)

Alabama Steps Up Amidst Federal Shutdown

Governor Kay Ivey is throwing a lifeline to Alabamians in need, releasing $2 million in emergency funds to eight food banks across all 67 counties. This move comes as the federal government shutdown threatens crucial SNAP benefits for many residents.

SNAP Shortfalls Loom

With SNAP benefits scheduled to be issued starting on the 4th, some recipients are already facing delays. The Governor's office emphasizes that each day the shutdown continues, more families, seniors, and disabled individuals who rely on SNAP will be affected.

State Resources Mobilized

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is also redirecting $3 million to Feeding Alabama, bringing their total contribution to $9 million this fiscal year. Plus, families in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will receive an extra $300 per child to help bridge the gap caused by disrupted SNAP funding.

Governor Ivey's Plea

"There are real Alabama families who rely on SNAP to put food on their tables," Governor Ivey stated. "That is why I am directing $2 million in emergency funding to go towards food banks serving the people of our state." She stressed the unsustainable nature of state intervention, urging U.S. Senate Democrats to reopen the federal government.

USDA Guidance and Rainy Day Funds

While the USDA has issued guidance on partially funding SNAP during the shutdown, DHR is still reviewing the details, acknowledging that delays are inevitable. Despite inquiries, Governor Ivey has no plans to tap into the state's Rainy Day funds, citing legal restrictions. She reiterated that the only true solution is for Congress to end the shutdown.

Food Banks Receiving Aid

The emergency funding will benefit: Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Food Bank of East Alabama, Food Bank of North Alabama, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Heart of Alabama Food Bank, Selma Area Food Bank, West Alabama Food Bank, and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank.