From Jersey to 'Bama: A Cullman County Baby Boom!

Caitlin and Robert Gum traded New Jersey for North Alabama, seeking a simpler life. Little did they know, their move would bring major changes! While scouting the perfect community, fate had a surprise in store: twins!

Small Town, Big News

Craving a return to Southern roots and closer family ties in Chattanooga, the Gums initially considered Madison County. But Cullman stole their hearts! Then, BAM! A month before moving day, Caitlin discovered she was expecting two bundles of joy. Healthcare access suddenly became a huge priority.

Ditching the City Myth

Being 37 and with a history of pregnancy complications, Caitlin needed top-notch care. "Everyone told us to go to Birmingham or Huntsville," she recalls. Then, a chance encounter! Robert met Dr. Taylor Massengill, an OB-GYN at Cullman Regional, who urged them to consider delivering in Cullman.

Dr. Massengill's take? "We need to lose the idea that big cities equal better care." She and her partners are dedicated to providing exceptional, evidence-based care right here in Cullman.

Double the Joy, Local Style

Dr. Massengill delivered the twins at 34 weeks. Both babies needed NICU care, which Cullman Regional conveniently offered. Visiting them daily was a breeze, unlike a hospital in a distant city. "It made those two weeks easier for our four-year-old son, too," Caitlin remembers.

Hometown Heroes

Now settled in, Caitlin and Robert are thrilled with their move and grateful for Dr. Massengill. She hopes sharing their story will show other families that local hospitals can deliver the birth experience and advanced care they need. "I had doubts at first, but they all disappeared after the experience with Dr. Massengill and the NICU," she admits.

Community Hospitals: More Important Than Ever

While Cullman Regional expanded its maternity services, other Alabama hospitals faced OB program closures. That's a real problem!

"Access to maternal-fetal care is even worse now," says Cullman Regional CNO Charna Brown. Thankfully, programs are emerging to provide much-needed funding and stabilize local healthcare.

A 20-Minute Miracle

"We live only 20 minutes from the hospital," Caitlin says. "Imagine the stress of an hour-long drive for every prenatal appointment!" Community hospitals are vital. They save lives, improve quality of life, and boost the economy. Losing services hurts.

Standing Up for Local Care

The Alabama Alliance of Community Hospitals is fighting to reverse hospital closures and service losses. Let's support our community hospitals! They're essential for a healthy Alabama.

Tide Lock Down DeBoer with Massive Extension

Alright, ChumCity fam, let's talk some football! The Alabama Crimson Tide just threw down the gauntlet, inking Coach Kalen DeBoer to a contract extension that keeps him in Tuscaloosa until 2033. We're talking a cool $12.5 million average annual salary, putting him right up there with the big dogs of college football coaching.

Market Madness

Let's be real, this is the market talking. DeBoer was a hot commodity, with programs like Michigan and Penn State reportedly drooling over him. To keep your guy, you gotta pay up, right? So, the extension itself isn't exactly earth-shattering.

The Eye-Popping Buyout

What's truly raising eyebrows is the sheer size of the buyout. If Alabama decides to part ways with DeBoer after this season, they're on the hook for a staggering $67 million! That pretty much guarantees his job security for the foreseeable future, barring a total implosion.

A Calculated Risk?

You gotta give Greg Byrne credit for showing commitment, especially coming off the Saban dynasty. DeBoer led the Tide to the SEC Championship game and a playoff road victory. But let's not forget those head-scratching losses as huge favorites against unranked teams, and that Rose Bowl beatdown.

Fans on Edge

Some fans might be itching for a change, but they'll need to pump the brakes. However, if those inexplicable losses continue, the pressure will definitely mount. Byrne's clearly betting big on DeBoer, but an 8-4 season with no playoff appearance could trigger some serious second-guessing about this extension.

The Verdict's Out

This contract guarantees DeBoer at least five years to prove himself. Whether that's a stroke of genius or a potential blunder remains to be seen. It's a high-stakes gamble that could pay off handsomely, or leave the Tide wishing they'd played their cards differently. For now, one thing's certain: Alabama is all-in on DeBoer.

Alabama Politics: What's Cooking?

Can Trump score a win on the Iran situation? It's a hot topic!

Godfather in Alabama?

Seriously, what's with the "Godfather" ad from Garlan Gudger's camp? We're diving deep.

Ivey's Popularity: Explained!

Governor Kay Ivey is crushing it in the polls. What's her secret sauce? We've got the answers.

All this and more on Alabama Politics This Week! Catch us on TV, radio, and online statewide.

Mecca Musick, CEO of 256 Today, always brings the heat.

Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN host (5-9 a.m. weekdays), drops knowledge bombs.

Roy Moore's Defamation Verdict Tossed!

Remember Roy Moore? Well, the former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice just took another hit. An $8.2 million defamation verdict he won has been overturned by a federal appeals court. Ouch!

What Happened?

The court decided Moore didn't prove a political ad defamed him during his 2017 Senate run. It all boils down to "actual malice." Moore needed to show the Senate Majority PAC knew their ad was false or recklessly disregarded whether it was.

The Ad in Question

The ad referenced those pesky news reports alleging Moore’s past sexual misconduct with underage girls. A lower court sided with Moore initially, but the appeals court said, "Nope!"

The Gist of the Appeal

The appeal focused on the ad implying Moore solicited sex from a 14-year-old girl dressed as a Santa's helper. Moore argued this specific claim was bogus and never appeared in the original reports.

PAC's Defense

The Senate Majority PAC claimed any such implication was accidental, just clumsy wording. They also said their fact-checking showed they were trying to be accurate.

Backstory Refresher

Remember, the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced in a Washington Post article. Nine women accused Moore of inappropriate behavior decades ago when they were teenagers.

Moore's Legal Losing Streak

This isn't Moore's first rodeo. He's lost three other defamation lawsuits related to these same allegations.

What's Next for Moore?

Moore's legal team is thinking about taking this all the way to the Supreme Court! His lawyer mentioned some justices are itching to revisit the "actual malice" standard. Stay tuned, ChumCity, this legal drama might not be over yet!

Alabama's Election Bonanza: Senate Showdowns!

Get ready, folks! Alabama's political scene is heating up with a major election year. Every constitutional office is up for grabs, but the real action is in the State Senate and House. We're talking all 35 Senate seats and a whopping 105 House seats!

Red State Realities

Being a deeply red state, Alabama's legislature is, unsurprisingly, dominated by Republicans. The Senate boasts a supermajority with 27 Republicans compared to just 8 Democrats. Don't expect huge shifts this election cycle.

Incumbent Advantage

Prepare for familiar faces! Over 80% of legislators are running unopposed. Incumbency is a powerful force here, making these seats almost like congressional gigs – tough to crack, even tough to challenge. Only two Senate seats are truly open due to retirements.

Open Seats and Hot Races

Veteran Senator Tom Butler's retirement in Madison/Limestone paves the way for Republican John Roberts, who snagged early endorsements and waltzes into office unopposed. Talk about a smooth ride!

The real battleground is Senate District 34 in northern Mobile County. Senator Jack Williams is gunning for Agriculture Commissioner, leaving a vacancy. It's a two-horse race between Republican heavyweights.

The District 34 Donnybrook

Former lawmaker Rusty Glover, a Republican stalwart and ex-teacher backed by ALFA and AEA, might have a slight edge. But businessman Doug Harwell, a concrete mogul and former school board member, will make him sweat. This race promises fireworks!

Incumbents Under Fire

Senator Andrew Jones (R-Cherokee) faces a tough ALFA-backed challenger, Amy Minton (currently on the Alabama Public Library Service Board). But with $500,000 in his war chest and diligent district work, Jones might weather the storm.

Other Challenges: Token or Ticking Time Bombs?

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) have opponents, but they're not exactly raising alarms.

Senator Chris Elliott (R-Baldwin), representing the state's fastest-growing district, battles a local issue challenger.

Senator Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) is in for a rematch! Having snatched the win four years ago by a single vote, he faces a serious challenge from Lee County Commission Chairman Doug Cannon. This is likely to be a nail-biter.

And in East Alabama, incumbent Senator Randy Price will be challenged by Gerald Dial, who is a former state senator.

District 15 Duel

Senator Dan Roberts faces businessman Scott Ortis in District 15, covering Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and parts of Jefferson and Shelby counties. Both hail from Mountain Brook and are successful businessmen, and Roberts is seeking his third term.

Money Talks

Senate races are where the big bucks flow. The average incumbent senator? Over $400,000 in campaign funds. It's no wonder incumbency reigns supreme.

Stay Tuned!

Next week, we'll dive into the few open House seats!

See you then!

Lake Lurleen State Park: Reopened and Ready for Fun!

Get ready, ChumCity! Lake Lurleen State Park in Tuscaloosa County is officially BACK! After a year-long makeover, the park is sporting a fresh new look, and Commissioner Chris Blankenship couldn't be happier to cut the ribbon.

What's New at Lake Lurleen?

This isn't just a touch-up; it's a full-blown renovation! Think:

• Upgraded RV camping: 67 sites with all the modern hookups.
• Spruced-up entrance: A snazzy new check-in area.
• Beach bliss: A refreshed swimming and sunbathing area.
• Playground paradise: A brand-new play zone for the kiddos.
• Pavilion power: Seven new pavilions for gatherings and events.
• Bathhouse bonanza: Nine new bathhouses with private suites!
• Camp store central: A new spot for all your essentials.
• Boat launch boost: Improved access to the water.
• Wi-Fi everywhere: Stay connected throughout the park.
• Smooth sailing: Completely repaved roads.

Community Love

Commissioner Blankenship emphasized the incredible community support. "The people who love Lake Lurleen State Park really love it!" he said, noting the passion of the Friends of Lake Lurleen State Park.

Big Investment, Big Impact

The $18 million investment included crucial water and sewer upgrades, ensuring the park's long-term viability. State Representative Ron Bolton, a local, reminisced about growing up fishing at the lake, highlighting its importance to families.

More Than Just a Park

As Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports President Kelsey Rush put it, these renovations are "investments in the quality of life." Lake Lurleen is poised to become a destination for Alabamians and visitors alike.

Ready to Explore?

Park Manager Dee White reports a flood of excited visitors. The campground is full, the beach is buzzing, and everyone is thrilled! Lake Lurleen is BACK and better than ever. Get out there and explore!

Montgomery Ignites Community Trust with Fire/Rescue Citizens Academy!

Montgomery just turned up the heat on community engagement! The city proudly announced the graduation of the first class from the Montgomery Fire/Rescue Citizens Academy.

A Peek Behind the Flames!

City officials cooked up this program to give residents, civic leaders, and community partners an exclusive, firsthand look at the department's daily grind, emergency superpowers, and mission to keep everyone safe.

Elite Firefighters!

Montgomery Fire/Rescue isn't just any fire department. They're boasting some serious accolades, and they launched this academy to build bridges of transparency and trust with the public.

Hands-On Heroics!

The inaugural class spent weeks side-by-side with fire personnel, diving into hands-on demos and interactive sessions. They tackled everything from fire prevention to emergency responses and rescue ops, getting a real taste of what it's like to be a firefighter and paramedic.

Mayor's Take: Trust Through Understanding

"This program is all about building trust through understanding," said Mayor Steven L. Reed. "Seeing the intense training and dedication of our firefighters firsthand builds confidence in our city's safety net. It's an investment in a safer, more informed Montgomery!"

Growing Stronger!

The Citizens Academy arrives as the department continues its growth streak. Fire Station 10, a super modern facility, opened just last year!

Chief Collier: Strengthening Bonds

Fire Chief Russell Collier emphasizes that this initiative strengthens ties between first responders and the community.

"This inaugural class is a huge step in opening our doors," Chief Collier stated. "We want to show exactly what we do, how we do it, and why it matters. Understanding leads to a stronger partnership between our department and the community!"

More Academy Sessions on the Horizon?

Due to high demand, get ready for more Citizens Academy sessions! The city is dedicated to expanding public safety education and outreach!

Crimson Tide's Winter Academic Champs!

Roll Tide, scholars! A whopping 56 student-athletes from the University of Alabama have snagged spots on the Southeastern Conference Winter Academic Honor Roll. Time to give a cheer for brains AND brawn!

Basketball Stars Lead the Pack

Our Crimson Tide basketball teams are proving they're just as sharp off the court as they are on it! Five players from the men's team made the list, including Mobile's own Labaron Philon Jr., who's about to be a hot pick in the NBA draft. The women's team is bringing the heat too, with seven players recognized!

Splash! Swimming & Diving Dominance

Hold your breath, because the swimming and diving teams are making a HUGE splash with a total of 34 athletes earning honors! They're killing it in the pool AND the classroom.

The Honor Roll: A Roll Call of Excellence

Check out the full list of these amazing student-athletes and their majors. These folks are crushing it in everything from Kinesiology to Finance.

Men’s Basketball

• Aiden Sherrell – Sport Management
• Aden Holloway – Human Environmental Sciences
• Jacob Martin – Kinesiology
• Labaron Philon Jr. – Sport Management
• Houston Mallette – Sport Management (MS) – Social Media Marketing (Graduate Certificate)

Women’s Basketball

• Leah Brooks – Studio Art
• Diana Collins – Public Health
• Reychel Douglas – Kinesiology
• Naomi Jones – Kinesiology
• Eris Lester – Real Estate
• Ta’Mia Scott – Studio Art
• Jessica Timmons – Public Relations

Gymnastics

• Love Birt – Political Science
• Ryan Fuller – Management
• Kylee Kvamme – Marketing
• Chloe LaCoursiere – Neuroscience
• Gabby Ladanyi – Kinesiology
• Lillian Lewis – Kinesiology
• Natalia Pawlak – Criminal Justice
• Rachel Rybicki – Economics and Finance (double major)
• Jamison Sears – Sport Management
• Paityn Walker – Hospitality Management

Men’s Swimming and Diving

• Drayden Bell – Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Nigel Chambers – Finance
• Brendan Conners – Accounting
• Colin Cosgrove – Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Colten Cryer – Chemical Engineering/Chemistry
• Toni Dragoja – General Business
• Tommy Hagar – Mechanical Engineering
• Lance Johnson – Consumer Science
• Tim Korstanje – Finance/Economics
• Ethan Otten – Consumer Science
• Jarrett Payne – Accounting
• Noah Saylor – Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Mark Underwood – Finance/Economics
• Adam Varga – Civil Engineering
• Zarek Wilson – General Business
• Cole Witmer – Finance

Women’s Swimming and Diving

• Sydney Blackhurst – Accounting
• Mackenzie Brandt – Communicative Disorders
• Kate Christian – Human Development Family Study
• Rin Drudge – Sports Management
• Ella Jones – Public Health
• Emily Jones – Sports Management
• Ella Menear – Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Brooklyn O’Day – Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Victoria Raymond – Finance
• Maggie Ella Robbins – Communication Studies
• Ryleigh Rodgers – Marketing
• Charlotte Rosendale – Accounting
• Sydney Sanders – Accounting
• Jada Scott – Sports Management
• Emma Sundermeyer – Biology
• Gaby Van Brunt – Psychology
• Cadence Vincent – Sports Management
• Stella Grace Watts – Consumer Science

More to Come!

Alabama now boasts 185 SEC Academic Honor Roll selections for the 2025-26 academic year. We're expecting even MORE Crimson Tide scholars to be recognized after the spring and first-year academic lists are released. Way to go, Tide! You make us proud!

From Heartbreak to Hope: How Alabama is Fighting Breast Cancer

What started as one family's way of coping with a tough diagnosis has blossomed into a powerful force for breast cancer research right here in Alabama. For over 30 years, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has been making a real difference.

A Personal Mission

In 1996, Dolly O'Neal and Bruce Sokol, bonded by their own experiences with breast cancer, founded BCRFA. Back then, talking about breast cancer wasn't common, resources were scarce, and families often felt lost.

For Bruce, it all started at home. His wife's diagnosis was a shock. A nurse who always took care of herself, they never expected it. This sparked a determination in him to fight back against the disease he suddenly had to understand.

A Golf Tournament with a Purpose

It all clicked for Bruce at a Race for the Cure. He realized this disease impacted whole families, not just the individuals diagnosed. By the end of that race, he had an idea: a golf tournament to raise money for breast cancer research. He quickly connected with Dolly O'Neal, and together, they turned that idea into reality.

Their first tournament in 1996 raised a whopping $86,000! The community was ready to help.

Investing Locally, Impacting Globally

BCRFA made a conscious decision from the start: keep the impact local. They've invested over $17 million into Alabama breast cancer research, funding projects at places like UAB, HudsonAlpha, Auburn, and Tuskegee.

Bruce emphasizes that all the money stays in Alabama, allowing people to see the difference their contributions make in their own communities. This local focus actually amplifies their reach. BCRFA provides early-stage "seed" funding, which helps researchers gather data to secure bigger national grants, often multiplying the initial investment tenfold.

From Curiosity to Discovery

Dr. Anindya Dutta, holder of the O'Neal-Sokol BCRFA Endowed Chair at UAB, studies the genetic mechanisms behind cancer. He appreciates how BCRFA support enables scientists to explore ideas that could lead to transformative discoveries. He's currently researching how cancer cells replicate and evolve, looking for ways to interrupt those processes.

Thirty Years Later: Progress and Hope

BCRFA has come a long way. Bruce notes the statistics are moving in the right direction, fueling a sense of optimism. Researchers like Dr. Dutta are driven by the potential for a single discovery to change a patient's life.

Beth Davis, President and CEO of BCRFA, highlights their comprehensive approach, funding research to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately eradicate breast cancer. She emphasizes that although funding stays in Alabama, the impact is worldwide.

BCRFA stands as a testament to turning personal loss into action, nurturing scientific curiosity, and uniting a community to push for progress. It's a bittersweet story, but one filled with meaning.

Get Involved!

Even after thirty years, BCRFA believes everyone can contribute to advancing research.

Join the Drive-Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament at Old Overton Club on May 18th, a cornerstone event that funds crucial research across Alabama.

Another way to show your support is with a Breast Cancer Research specialty tag for your car. Seen on over 15,000 vehicles, these tags are a visible and consistent funding source, generating over half a million dollars annually.

Every tag, donation, and action helps continue this important work.

Moonshot Momentum: Artemis III Rocket Stage Rolls Out!

Hold onto your helmets, ChumCity! NASA's making giant leaps back to the Moon, and the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis III mission is officially on the move!

Big Rocket, Big Dreams

This behemoth, the largest part of the SLS, just rolled out of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. Next stop: Kennedy Space Center! There, it'll get all the final touches before a planned launch in 2027.

Building on Success

Fresh off the heels of the successful Artemis II test flight, this move brings NASA one step closer to putting boots back on the lunar surface after over half a century. As Lori Glaze from NASA put it, "This is the backbone of Artemis III."

Powerhouse Specs

Once fully assembled, this 212-foot tower of awesome will house over 733,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and oxygen. During launch, four RS-25 engines will unleash over 2 million pounds of thrust, blasting the Orion spacecraft and its astronaut crew into orbit. Seriously impressive!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Boeing leads the design and assembly of this incredible machine, while L3Harris Technologies cranks out those mighty RS-25 engines.

Next Steps

Once in Florida, teams will complete outfitting and stack the rocket’s components.

Artemis III: A Crucial Test Flight

Artemis III is set to launch astronauts into Earth orbit to test critical rendezvous and docking maneuvers needed for future lunar missions. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for Artemis IV, which is aiming for a lunar landing in 2028!

The Big Picture

The Artemis program isn't just about revisiting the Moon; it’s about establishing a long-term human presence and paving the way for future adventures to Mars.

Rocket City Pride

Huntsville continues to be a leader in propulsion and spaceflight systems, with the SLS rocket managed at Marshall Space Flight Center.