Governor Ivey Tackles Montgomery Crime with Alcohol Regulation Review

Governor Kay Ivey is taking action to curb crime in Montgomery and other Alabama hotspots. Her strategy? Asking the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to tighten up the state's alcohol rules.

This move comes after that scary downtown Montgomery shooting on October 4, where several people were hurt.

Cracking Down After Dark

Ivey wants ABC Administrator Curtis Stewart to dive deep into Alabama's alcohol laws, especially for businesses slinging drinks after 5 p.m. in busy areas and at special events in Montgomery.

"Public safety comes first," says Ivey. "We're gonna make sure our communities are safe." She backs Stewart's plan to explore "commonsense steps" in entertainment districts and is ready for some serious policy changes.

ABC's Action Plan

Stewart responded with a plan that includes both immediate and long-term fixes. The goal is crystal clear: boost public safety through adjustments to ABC policy.

Proposed Rule Changes:

• No more selling cups or ice in package stores in entertainment zones – cutting down on that sneaky off-premises boozing!
• Limits on how much alcohol special retail licensees can sell for drinking elsewhere.

Legislative Changes Needed:

• Curfews for minors in entertainment districts.
• No free alcohol giveaways at big events in entertainment districts.
• The power to shut down an entire entertainment district if it doesn't meet public safety standards.

Stewart says he's been talking to all kinds of folks to make sure these changes will actually work across Alabama. He's also keen to work with lawmakers who want to push these reforms during the 2026 legislative session.

Building on Past Efforts

These ABC actions build on past attempts to reduce violent crime. Efforts such as the ALEA-led Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit and the 2025 Safe Alabama legislative package have been key to the Ivey administration's goal to make Alabama safer for everyone.

Alabama Man Nabbed for Synagogue Threats!

A Choctaw County dude found himself in cuffs Tuesday night after allegedly making some seriously scary threats against synagogues in Alabama and neighboring states. Law enforcement also says he had political officials in his sights. Yikes!

The Suspect

The man in question is Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker from Needham, a small town in Choctaw County.

The Investigation

The FBI, along with the local District Attorney and the Special Response Team, got tipped off that Shoemaker was allegedly threatening houses of worship and government bigwigs. Not cool!

The Raid

A search warrant was executed at Shoemaker's place, and what they found was alarming. Cops say they discovered several firearms, a suitcase full of ammo, body armor, and other stuff that suggests he was planning some serious mayhem.

Prevented Attacks?

Law enforcement officials claim Shoemaker didn't want to be taken alive and may have had plans to attack public figures. Authorities believe his arrest nipped multiple acts of violence in the bud. Close call!

Feds Involved

"This investigation is just getting started and involves a bunch of federal agencies," officials said. "Expect to see multiple federal charges coming."

Local Charges First

Shoemaker is currently facing local charges for resisting arrest and illegally possessing a firearm. These charges will be reviewed at the federal level.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The 1st Judicial Circuit Special Response Team, made up of deputies and officers from various agencies, played a key role. Agencies like the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Jackson, Grove Hill, Thomasville, and Butler all pitched in.

Moore Gets Big Endorsement for Senate Run!

Rep. Barry Moore's Senate bid just got a major boost! Another big name in the conservative world is backing him to fill the seat Senator Tommy Tuberville will be leaving in 2026.

Senator Daines Throws His Hat in the Ring

Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), former head honcho of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, officially endorsed Moore on Wednesday.

Daines' Take on Moore

"Barry Moore is a conservative force who actually delivers," Daines said. "He's exactly the kind of reliable leader we need in the Senate. I'm stoked to endorse him and eager to collaborate on pushing President Trump's agenda forward. Barry will be a fantastic successor to Senator Tuberville, fighting alongside us to cut government size, slash taxes, and boost the economy for everyday families."

Joining the Chorus of Support

Daines is now part of a growing group of heavy hitters supporting Moore, including Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

Moore Responds

"I'm deeply grateful for Senator Daines's support," Moore stated. "His leadership at the NRSC was instrumental in reclaiming the Senate for our party. As a Senator, he's been a tireless champion for freedom and economic growth. If elected, I'm ready to join him in that fight!"

Bryant-Denny Ready to Rock!

Bryant-Denny Stadium, a hallowed ground for Crimson Tide glory, is about to experience a different kind of roar! For decades, it's been the epicenter of college football's most dominant dynasty, but get ready for a change of pace.

Morgan Wallen Comes to Town

Country superstar Morgan Wallen is bringing his "Still the Problem Tour" to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 18, 2026! He's bringing along Ella Langley, Vincent Mason, and Zach John King for what's sure to be an epic night.

History in the Making

Believe it or not, this will be the first concert inside Bryant-Denny in a whopping 34 years! The last major show on that legendary field was back in April 1992, when the band Alabama rocked the house after the A-Day spring game, celebrating 100 years of Crimson Tide football. Remember the "Bama Blast" shows in the early '80s with Hank Williams Jr. and Jerry Lee Lewis? Good times!

Huge Crowd Expected

Get ready for a massive party! Bryant-Denny's official capacity is already over 100,000, and with a concert floor, this show could draw an even bigger crowd than a typical game day! It's shaping up to be one of the largest concert audiences in Alabama history! This is also the first full-stadium show since the field was formally designated Saban Field.

Ticket Info Coming Soon

Ticket details are still under wraps, but you know this will be a hot ticket. Wallen's played sold-out shows at Neyland Stadium and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, so get ready! Presale tickets launch on November 5, according to Wallen's website, and general public tickets go on sale November 7 at 100 a.m. Mark your calendars!

Heads Up, ChumCity! Scammers are Getting Sneaky!

Fraudsters are always trying new tricks, but don't worry, Regions Bank is on it! They're joining forces with the American Bankers Association (ABA) and their awesome #BanksNeverAskThat campaign to help you spot those scammy red flags. Remember, a real bank won't call out of the blue asking for your super-secret info.

Awareness is Key!

Kimberly Reece, a fraud-prevention whiz at Regions Bank, says knowing how to spot a scam is your best defense. Plus, sharing that knowledge keeps your loved ones safe, too!

Phishing: The Lowdown

Phishing's a HUGE problem, costing Americans billions. These scams can pop up in emails, texts, and phone calls. So, how do you fight back? Spot the signs!

Regions Stands Strong Against Fraud

Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics, says Regions is all about keeping you informed. Campaigns like #BanksNeverAskThat are crucial for spreading awareness.

Scam-Spotting Tips from the ABA:

Email Scams:

• Weird Email Address: Does it look fishy? Legit banks have legit addresses.
• Misspellings: Real banks use spell check. Poor grammar = impersonator!
• Scare Tactics: Urgent warnings? Probably a scam.
• Suspicious URLs: Never click links in emails from your bank! Go directly to their website.
• Unexpected Attachments: Big no-no! Banks don't send unsolicited attachments.

Text Scams:

• Strange Number: Banks usually use short codes (4-5 digit numbers).
• Urgent Warnings: Don't panic! Banks won't threaten account suspension via text.
• Odd Grammar: See above!
• Info Requests: Never give personal info in response to a text!
• Suspicious Links: Skip 'em! Visit the bank's website instead.

Phone Scams:

• Unusual Caller ID: Be skeptical if it doesn't look right.
• Scare Tactics: Hang up! Call the number on your bank card. Remember Regions bankers often call to thank customers and see how they can help, feel free to ask for branch number and call the representative back directly.

Payment App Scams:

• Unexpected Requests: Strangers asking for money? Scam alert!
• "Safe" Account: 100% a scam! Banks never ask you to move money like that.
• Overpayment Claims: Don't send refunds! It's a trick.
• Suspicious Links: Avoid them! They lead to fake login pages.
• Pressure & Urgency: Ignore emergencies, prize winnings, and account suspension threats!

Spread the Word!

Share these tips with your friends, family, and co-workers. Let's keep each other safe!

Remember: #BanksNeverAskThat

Stay vigilant and stay safe, ChumCity!

West Alabama Celebrates Construction's Rising Stars!

Big news, ChumCity! The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama just celebrated the first graduating class of its West Alabama Future Leaders in Construction (FLIC) program! This is a huge deal for our local construction scene.

Investing in the Future

According to Tim Harrison, ABC Board Chairman, FLIC is all about investing in the next generation of leaders. He emphasized that these grads are "the future of Alabama's construction workforce." This program helps ensure the industry stays strong and innovative.

What's FLIC All About?

FLIC is designed to empower emerging professionals in the commercial construction world. It gives them the tools, the right mindset, and the confidence to lead effectively. Program Coordinator David Salters calls it a launchpad! He wants to build more than just skills; he wants to build confidence and connections.

Building Skills, Building Leaders

Participants, from project managers to superintendents, get the chance to sharpen their business skills, build their personal brand, and master communication and conflict-management. Each session is designed to boost both professional expertise and leadership character.

The West Alabama FLIC Class of 2025

Here are the amazing individuals who make up the inaugural West Alabama FLIC graduating class:

Max Holcombe (Harrison Construction Co., Inc.) Sam Maughan (Harrison Construction Co., Inc.) Ross Reed (Harrison Construction Co., Inc.) Heather Mitchell (HPM) Justin Burkhalter (Premier Service Company, Inc.) Brodey Caldwell (Premier Service Company, Inc.) Charlie Gibson (Premier Service Company, Inc.) Cager Weeks (Premier Service Company, Inc.) Travis Cunningham (Remmert & Company, Inc.) Destyni Hall (Remmert & Company, Inc.) Jared Crocker (Tusco, Inc.) Tom Traylor (Tusco, Inc.) Charles Cobb (University of Alabama) Samantha Lockett (University of Alabama) Russ Logan (WAR Construction, Inc.) Slayton Thompson (WAR Construction, Inc.).

Construction: A Cornerstone of Alabama's Economy

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama is a vital part of our state's economy. The construction industry creates 200,000 jobs and accounts for 5% of Alabama's economic output! Congrats to all the FLIC graduates – you're helping build a brighter future for ChumCity and beyond!

Auburn vs. Kentucky: A Must-Win on the Plains!

The Auburn Tigers have a golden opportunity this Saturday night against the Kentucky Wildcats: string together consecutive SEC wins for the first time all season!

After a strong start with victories over Baylor, Ball State, and South Alabama, things went south with four straight losses. Last week's 21-10 halftime deficit against Arkansas had many fearing the worst for Coach Freeze and his staff.

Momentum Shift?

But an incredible second-half comeback has Auburn entering a softer part of their schedule. These upcoming games are crucial for Freeze and his team to build momentum.

Facing a struggling Kentucky squad, the Tigers have a chance to secure their first home conference win. Even as heavy favorites, this game is HUGE.

No Room for Error

Why? Because losing to what some consider the SEC's weakest link could spell major changes on The Plains. Heads will roll, plain and simple.

The pressure is ON. But the Tigers have a path ahead with games against Vanderbilt, Mercer, and, of course, the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare.

These are all winnable. And they might have to be won for Freeze to stay put. Dominating Kentucky is the perfect way to kickstart a positive trend.

8 Wins Still Possible?

Believe it or not, a path to 8 wins is still visible. Most fans would've taken that before the season. But the margin for error? Gone.

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Original reporting from Yellowhammer News

Montgomery Mourns Loss of WSFA News Director

ChumCity joins Montgomery in mourning the passing of Desmond Wingard, a beloved figure at WSFA-TV 12 News. Wingard, just 43, dedicated half his life to bringing the news to River Region viewers.

A Life Dedicated to News

Known as "Des" to his friends, Wingard passed away on October 30th after battling cancer. His colleagues and the countless viewers who relied on the news he directed are feeling the loss deeply.

From Intern to News Director

Wingard’s journey at WSFA began in 1999 as a 19-year-old Troy University student. He rose through the ranks, serving as assistant news director for 11 years before achieving his dream of becoming news director in 2022.

Remembering Des

WSFA published a touching tribute to Wingard, highlighting his dedication and impact. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

About the Author

Jim Zig Zeigler, a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News, covers the bright side of Alabama, celebrating its people, events, and significant lives. He's a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner.

Brrr! Don't Let High Power Bills Haunt You This Fall!

As the leaves change and the nights get nippy, are you worried about your power bill creeping up like a zombie? Fear not, ChumCity residents! Alabama Power is here to debunk some scary myths about energy efficiency and help you keep those bills from giving you a fright. These tips are cheap (or even free!) and can make a HUGE difference.

Myth #1: Turning Off the Heat When You're Gone Saves Energy? NOT!

The Creepy Truth: When your heater kicks on, it's not just warming the air; it's warming EVERYTHING – furniture, walls, even your creepy porcelain doll collection. Turning the unit completely off forces it to work OVERTIME to reheat everything when you get back. Talk about a monstrous energy hog!

Myth #2: Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Helps? Wrong-o!

The Chilling Facts: Your heating system is designed to work best when ALL vents are open. Think of it as a delicate balance. Partially closing vents can help direct airflow, but shutting them completely throws the whole system out of whack. Keep that warm air flowing!

Myth #3: Unplugged Electronics Don't Use Power? Energy Vampires are REAL!

The Mysterious Truth: Beware of "phantom energy!" Even when turned off, plugged-in devices like TVs, lamps, and coffee makers can still suck up electricity. Unplug them when not in use to avoid those sneaky charges. An easy fix? Use a power strip to switch off multiple devices at once!

Myth #4: Saving Energy While Cooking is Impossible? Boo!

The Eerie Facts: Fall is the PERFECT time to get energy-efficient in the kitchen! Grilling outdoors avoids using your indoor oven, which is a serious energy guzzler. Also, consider using smaller appliances like slow cookers or toaster ovens. Let's keep those bills down while we whip up some tasty treats!

Tools to Fight the Bill Monsters!

• Alabama Power Mobile App: Manage your account, monitor usage, set alerts. It's like having a ghost hunter for your power bill!
• Online Payment Options: Securely pay your bill online with tools like Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Bill Explainer, Rate Advisor, and Energy Assistant: Understand your bill, explore rate options, and find energy assistance. All free and ready to use!

Windy City Mayhem: Dem Candidate in Hot Water!

An Illinois Dem congressional hopeful is facing serious heat after an anti-ICE protest turned into a full-blown brawl. We're talking felony charges for alleged assault and property damage. Looks like some officers got hurt, and federal buildings took a beating in Chicago. Yikes!

Tuberville Torches "Blue Communist Judges"!

Hold on to your hats! Governor-elect, National Champ Coach, and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) just unloaded on "blue communist judges" and supposedly corrupt Dem politicians in Dem-run cities. Tuberville warned these policies will doom urban areas while praising red-state governance.

Ivey's Got Jokes for Colorado's Space Command Plea!

Gov. Kay Ivey is throwing some serious shade at Colorado's legal battle to keep U.S. Space Command HQ. She's basically saying "Bless their hearts" to their "desperate" move. Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal is where it belongs, according to Ivey, based on cost and, get this, merit!

Mo Brooks Slams Fellow Republicans Over Citizenship Bill?!

Former Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) is calling out three Alabama Republicans - Wes Allen, Donnie Chesteen, and Rhett Marques. Why? For pushing a bill that would bar anyone who isn't a natural-born citizen from holding federal office. Brooks is worried the media and Dems will use this to make Republicans look bad.

SNAP Benefits Gone: Alabama Rallies to Feed Families!

Fear-mongering is in full swing now that SNAP benefits are ending. Churches and officials are stepping up across Alabama! Food pantries, emergency distributions, and community drives are kicking into high gear. They're partnering with non-profits to help bridge the gap during this shutdown.

Birmingham to the Rescue: $1 Million for Food Relief!

Mayor Randall Woodfin is putting Birmingham's money where his mouth is! He's promised $1 million from city reserves for emergency food relief as SNAP benefits dry up due to the government shutdown. He's "launching an emergency food relief fund and a citywide food drive, partnering with the United Way, Christian Service Ministries, and community groups across Birmingham's 99 neighborhoods!"

Tuberville: Filibuster Nuclear Option?!

Tuberville's not messing around! He warned Republicans might nuke the filibuster if the Democrats don't play ball on opening the government. He sees it as a power play that's blocking essential services and thinks it's time to pull out all the stops.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.