ife is better with friends. ?‍♀️?

Be the reason someone smiles today. 😊💛

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride. ?️?

Don’t wait for opportunities, create them. 🚀🛠️

Keep it simple, keep it real. ✌️🧘

Alabama Auditor Race Heats Up!

Get ready, ChumCity! The race for Alabama State Auditor is officially ON. Conservative attorney and activist Derek Chen is throwing his hat in the ring, promising major changes for the Yellowhammer State.

Chen's Core Message: Accountability!

Chen, a Vestavia Hills resident, isn't pulling any punches. He's vowing to bring serious accountability, transparency, and efficiency to Montgomery. "As Alabamians, we deserve transparency with our tax dollars," he declared. He wants government to be "accountable to the people first." Sounds good to us!

From Taiwan to Alabama: A Story of Freedom

Chen's story is pretty compelling. Born in the US after his parents legally immigrated from Taiwan in the 80s, he emphasizes the importance of informed citizens. He even took a shot at California, saying he "escaped socialist California for the free state of Alabama"! Talk about a bold statement!

Trump Supporter and...DOGE Fan?

Chen's a big supporter of Trump and his "America First" agenda. He's promising to put Alabama taxpayers first, too. And get this – he even referenced DOGE, saying Montgomery "could use a reality check." Is this the memeification of Alabama politics? We're here for it!

Educational Background & Vacant Seat

Chen holds degrees from Hope College, Cumberland School of Law, and the University of Alabama. He's also practiced law in Jefferson County. The seat is up for grabs because current State Auditor Andrew Sorrell is aiming for Secretary of State instead.

Mark Your Calendars!

The deadline to qualify is January 30, 2026. Primaries are May 26, 2026, with the big General Election on November 3, 2026. Get informed and get ready to vote, ChumCity! The future of Alabama is in your hands!

Second Chances: Transforming Lives in Alabama

As Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact of giving folks a second shot. Everyone who comes through our doors has a story – a past they're looking to learn from and a future they deserve to shape. Second Chance Month reminds us that with the right backing, individuals leaving incarceration can flourish and become valuable members of our communities.

The Urgent Need for Change

Alabama's recidivism rate hovers around 30%, highlighting the pressing need for programs that truly work. That's why we're so dedicated to rehabilitation efforts, like the Perry County PREP Center. It's a place where people gain essential life skills, get educated, learn a trade, and focus on personal growth.

Success Stories: Proof That It Works

Since opening in 2022, over 300 people have graduated from the PREP Center, and guess what? Not a single one has returned to prison! This just goes to show that when we invest in second chances, we're not just helping individuals – we're building stronger, safer communities.

Witnessing Transformation Daily

Every day, I see folks who once made poor choices now holding down jobs, supporting their families, and contributing positively to society. Their transformation isn't just about personal responsibility; it's proof that rehabilitation, when coupled with opportunity and support, actually works!

Reentry 2030: A Statewide Commitment

The Bureau is a proud partner in Reentry 2030, a statewide initiative that perfectly aligns with our belief in second chances. This effort aims to create a system that not only lowers recidivism but also provides individuals leaving incarceration with the support and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society.

A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future

Reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry isn't a solo mission; it requires everyone working together – employers, mentors, and communities. Employers need to be willing to hire folks with a record, mentors need to step up and offer guidance, and communities need to extend a helping hand. Together, we can create a safer and stronger Alabama.

Partners in Progress

We are so grateful for our partners in the private sector, in the legislature, and for the support of Governor Kay Ivey and the work of state departments.

Reaffirming Our Commitment

During Second Chance Month, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles reaffirms its dedication to providing Alabamians with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society.

Tough on Crime, Smart on Crime

Being tough on crime means being smart on crime. Through comprehensive rehabilitation programs and strong partnerships, we're working hard to break the cycle of crime, promote lasting change, and lessen the burden of incarceration on taxpayers. By continuing to invest in second chances, we can help build a brighter future for everyone in Alabama.

Cam Ward, Director, Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles

Troy Trojans Talk with Longshore & McKnight!

Hey ChumCity! Get ready for some Trojan talk! John Longshore and Barry McKnight recently sat down with Troy Trojans Head Coach Gerad Parker to get the inside scoop on the upcoming season.

Coach Parker's Perspective

Coach Parker shared his thoughts on the team's development as they head into year two. He's focused on beefing up the defense, nurturing those quarterbacks, and building incredible roster depth. The spring priorities? Sharpening ball skills for the secondary and ensuring the offensive line is rock solid.

T-Day is Coming!

Mark your calendars! Troy's T-Day is almost here, packed with on-field action, family fun, and the super cool "Trojan Triple Threat" fan contest. Coach Parker is stoked to reconnect with the fans and show off all the hard work the players have put in.

College Football's Wild Ride

Beyond Troy, John and Barry dove into the ever-changing world of college football, tackling tough topics like NIL, the transfer portal frenzy, and the potential fallout from the House v. NCAA settlement and possible scholarship limits.

Alabama, Auburn, and Augusta!

The guys also chatted about the quarterback showdowns at Alabama and Auburn, their spring game buzz, and the evolving economics of college athletics. Plus, they reminisced about The Masters and Augusta National's timeless traditions, sharing hilarious stories about old-school fax machines on National Signing Day and those iconic ceremonial first tee shots. Stay tuned to hear it all!

Nasty Mail Targeting Alabama Lawmakers!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Things got seriously weird down at the Alabama State House this week. Apparently, several Republican members of the House of Representatives were targeted with some seriously unpleasant mail. We're talking "expletive" and "pornographic" material, delivered right to their offices in Montgomery. Yikes!

What Went Down?

Word on the street is that State Reps. David Faulkner, Susan DuBose, and Ben Robbins were among those who received the unwelcome deliveries. Luckily, House officials reacted swiftly, alerting all members to be on the lookout for suspicious packages and not to open them.

State Investigation Underway

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is on the case, with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) taking the lead. Speaker Ledbetter has full faith in the agency's ability to get to the bottom of this mess. According to ALEA, they've already identified a person of interest, so hopefully, they'll nail the culprit soon.

Senate Spared... This Time?

Good news (sort of?) for the Senate: as of now, it seems like the upper chamber escaped unscathed. But who knows what tomorrow will bring in the wild world of Alabama politics? Stay tuned, ChumCity, because you know we'll be keeping a close eye on this one!

Alabama's Education Funding About to Get a HUGE Overhaul!

Hold on to your hats, folks! The Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee just gave a thumbs-up to the Renewing Alabama’s Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act – and it could completely reshape how our public schools get their funding! Think a hybrid model that keeps the good stuff while adding a much-needed boost for students who need it most.

What's the RAISE Act All About?

Imagine a system that doesn't just throw money at the problem, but actually focuses on the individual needs of each student. That's what RAISE aims to do! It's a hybrid system that combines the existing Foundation Program (which ensures basic resources) with a brand-new, student-based funding model.

Show Me the Money!

We're talking a whopping $375 million from the Educational Opportunities Fund to kickstart the RAISE Fund. The plan is to roll it out gradually: $100 million in 2026, $125 million in 2027, and $150 million in 2028. This should help our schools stay financially stable as they figure out staffing and programs.

Who Benefits?

This isn't just about throwing more money at schools; it's about targeting it where it's needed most. Think extra funding for:

• Students from low-income families (up to 20% extra!)
• Students with special needs (up to 150% extra for those needing the most support!)
• English language learners (15%, with an extra 5% in areas with lots of ELL students)
• Charter school students (10%)
• Gifted students (5%)

And guess what? Students can qualify for MULTIPLE funding boosts!

Cutting Red Tape and Keeping Things Accountable

The RAISE Act isn't just about cash; it's also about efficiency. They're developing a unified system to simplify applying for state and federal funds. Plus, schools will need to show how they're using the money and how it's helping students. Two new groups will even be keeping a close eye on things to make sure schools are meeting their goals!

What's Next?

The bill is now headed to the full Senate. If it passes there (and then the House), we could see these changes starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Keep your eyes peeled – this could be a game-changer for Alabama's students!