Birmingham Buzz: CBP's Hiring Event is Coming!

Hey ChumCity! Looking for a career that's more than just a job? U.S. Customs and Border Protection is rolling into Birmingham next month for a multi-day recruitment extravaganza!

Where & When?

Mark your calendars for May 5th-7th, from 9 AM to 4 PM (CT) each day. Head over to the Alabama Works Birmingham Career Center at 3216 4th Ave S.

What's the Deal?

This is your chance to chat with recruiters, learn about awesome career paths, and discover the perks of federal employment. Plus, hear about incentives up to $60,000 for those who qualify!

Border Security & Beyond

CBP is on the lookout for passionate folks to join their team in border security, trade enforcement, and immigration operations. They say a career with them offers "rewards far beyond great benefits." Don't miss out!

Bama Keeps Coaches Locked Down!

Big news out of Tuscaloosa! The University of Alabama isn't messing around, handing out HUGE contract extensions to football's Kalen DeBoer and basketball's Nate Oats.

Top Dollar for Top Talent

We're talking top-five money in their respective sports! Bama's athletic department is clearly committed to splashing the cash to keep their coaching staffs among the elite, chasing championships across the board.

Stability is Key

Athletic Director Greg Byrne emphasized the need for stability when discussing the extensions. He highlighted the importance of these investments for the university's future.

Byrne's Take

"It is a significant investment...making sure we are competitive and have the right people," Byrne stated. "The importance of stability...gives us an opportunity to do that with the men and women that are leading our programs."

While it's a bold move, the message is clear: Alabama wants to maintain its dominance and isn't afraid to pay to keep its stars in place!

Big Changes Coming to Lowndes County?

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! A massive industrial project, potentially one of the biggest ever, is brewing in our very own Lowndes County. Picture this: U.S. Highway 80 and Alabama Highway 21, a wooded corner, and a Houston-based developer with BIG plans.

Project Red Clay: What's the Deal?

This hush-hush project, code-named "Project Red Clay," is being spearheaded by Cloverleaf Infrastructure. We're talking about a sprawling 800+ acre site aimed at attracting a data center tenant – but who? That's still under wraps! The company's been chatting with the Lowndes County Economic Development Board, local leaders, and the County Commission.

Neighbors Worried About the Impact

Judge Adrian Johnson, a longtime Lowndes County resident, lives a stone's throw from this potential mega-project. He says the site's appeal is its easy access to power. But it's not some isolated spot; it's smack-dab in the middle of a rural community. According to Johnson, hundreds of folks live within a few miles radius. Will this bring new jobs or disrupt the peace?

Cloverleaf's Role: The Middleman

Cloverleaf doesn't actually build or run data centers. They find the land, secure power, and then sell to a big operator who'll handle the rest. Some locals worry that decisions made with Cloverleaf might not reflect what the final company actually does.

Community Pushback

Word's spreading like wildfire! Over one hundred concerned residents packed a local cafe for a recent community meeting. Facebook groups are popping up, united in stopping the data center. People from all over Lowndes County are voicing their concerns.

Commissioners Clash Over Tax Breaks

At a recent county commission meeting, sparks flew! One commissioner moved to deny tax abatements before a formal request was even made, citing potential impacts on residents' health, property values, and overall quality of life. Another commissioner argued for waiting until an official request.

What's Next?

The Lowndes County Commission is gearing up for its next meeting, and residents are planning to show up in force. A public hearing will have to be scheduled eventually, giving everyone a chance to speak their minds. Stay tuned, ChumCity - this is far from over!

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If you run a gaming business or plan to start one, chances are you’ve looked into digital payment solutions. One of the most talked-about platforms is Cash App. But how does it really work? And more importantly—how can you use it safely and effectively? Let’s break it all down in a simple, human way.

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Fighting for Alabama Families in D.C.

Up in Washington, things can get pretty noisy with all the political grandstanding. But back home in Alabama, folks are focused on what really matters: making ends meet, keeping our communities safe, and making sure our tax dollars are used wisely.

Those are the values I fight for every single day in Congress, and that's why I support an America First agenda, working alongside folks like President Trump.

Putting Alabama First

Every bill I support starts with one simple question: How does this help Alabama families?

Take the Stop Secret Spending Act, for example. I introduced it to require the government to report billions in federal spending to the taxpayers. Alabamians deserve to know exactly where their hard-earned money is going!

If families in our state have to balance their budgets every day, then Washington should be held to the exact same standard. More transparency means less waste and more accountability, and I'm proud it passed out of the Oversight Committee with a unanimous vote last month!

Standing Up to Foreign Influence

I've also been pushing back against foreign influence from adversaries like China. I'm a cosponsor of bills like the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, and I support funding for cybersecurity and infrastructure modernization to protect our ports and supply chain.

Alabama's farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses shouldn't have to compete against unfair practices from hostile governments. Protecting our system helps level the playing field for Alabama workers.

Investing in Our Future

But it's not just about introducing bills; it's about what Congress actually passes. I voted for Fiscal Year 2026 bills that invest in our national defense, strengthen border security, and support law enforcement.

For Alabama, that means more resources for military installations like Fort Rucker and Redstone Arsenal, better equipment for our law enforcement, and safer communities.

These bills also include funding for infrastructure and water systems that directly impact our rural communities. Reliable infrastructure is essential for economic growth, public health, and our overall quality of life.

Putting Money Back in Your Pockets

We're also putting more money back in American families’ pockets through the Working Families Tax Cuts, which I proudly supported. This legislation paired tax relief for Alabama families with real spending restraint to help lower costs. The average tax cut American taxpayers received through this legislation was around $3,500 this tax season!

I show up every day in Washington, taking the hard votes and having the tough conversations, because this job is about results. It's about making sure Alabama families thrive, our communities stay strong, and our future remains bright!

About Barry Moore

Barry Moore represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. He was born and raised on a family farm in Coffee County. He is a small business owner and a veteran who served in the Alabama National Guard and Reserves. He is also a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Battles Continues Senate Run as Independent!

Jesse Battles isn't giving up! After a bump in the road that saw him removed from the Republican primary ballot, he's announced he'll be running for Alabama State Senate District 10 as an independent candidate this November.

Why the Switch?

Battles was removed from the Republican primary ballot earlier this year, but he's not letting that stop him. He says the decision to run independent came after "much prayer and many heartfelt conversations with the hardworking people of Northeast Alabama."

What Battles Says

"This campaign was never built in back rooms," Battles wrote. "It was built by you: neighbors, friends, and families who care deeply about the future of our community. This moment is bigger than any one setback."

Signature Scramble!

To get his name on the November ballot, Battles needs to gather a hefty number of signatures - about 3% of the voters who cast ballots for governor in the last general election within his district. That's thousands of names!

Battles' Plea

"Together, we can gather the signatures needed to secure ballot access and move this campaign forward," he wrote.

What's Next?

If Battles succeeds in gathering enough valid signatures, he'll be on the November general election ballot. This could mean a three-way race for the District 10 seat! Stay tuned, ChumCity, things are heating up!

Alabama Families Facing Affordability Crisis

Alabama families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze of rising costs everywhere they turn. From buying a home to starting a business on Main Street, affording life's essentials is becoming increasingly difficult. While inflation gets the blame, there's another culprit: overregulation of our banking sector.

Banks: On the Front Lines of Economic Opportunity

Banks are crucial for helping Alabamians build wealth and create jobs. They provide mortgages, auto loans, and small business financing – the keys to a thriving local economy. But excessive regulations act like a "hidden tax," driving up borrowing costs.

The Hidden Cost of Overregulation

A recent report showed that compliance requirements have cost U.S. consumers an estimated $369 billion since 2011! When compliance costs rise, banks have to pass those costs onto consumers through higher interest rates, fees, and reduced access to credit.

Housing Market Hit Hard

Federal mandates can add over a thousand dollars to the cost of a typical home mortgage, making it even harder for first-time buyers to achieve their dream of homeownership. Outdated capital requirements also hurt competition among mortgage lenders.

Community Banks Suffer the Most

Local banks don't have the resources to handle massive regulatory overhead. One-size-fits-all rules from Washington force smaller institutions to spread costs across fewer customers, resulting in higher costs for everyday Alabamians.

Credit Access Restricted

Excessive regulation is also limiting access to credit, especially in rural areas. Data-collection mandates discourage relationship-based lending – the "handshake loans" that are vital for local entrepreneurs.

Senator Britt Championing Common-Sense Reform

Thankfully, Alabama has leaders like Senator Katie Britt, who are pushing for common-sense solutions. She's fighting to modernize regulatory thresholds, recalibrate capital requirements, and ensure federal oversight reflects the realities of Alabama banks.

Addressing Regulatory Bracket Creep

Senator Britt is also tackling the problem of "regulatory bracket creep," where banks are subjected to heightened regulations simply due to growth, not increased risk. This can strip them of revenue that could be reinvested in fraud prevention and consumer services.

The PROTECTED Act and Affordable Housing

Senator Britt has introduced the PROTECTED Act to reform small-business data collection rules and supports the ROAD to Housing Act to streamline housing regulations. These initiatives aim to reduce costs, protect privacy, and encourage lending.

A Call for Smarter Regulation

Alabama banks are committed to responsible lending and consumer protection. However, regulation works best when it's tailored and targeted. Every unnecessary compliance dollar is a dollar that could be used to lower loan rates and expand credit. Let's support a smarter approach that strengthens our financial system without stifling the institutions that fuel growth and opportunity across Alabama!

Alabama Primary Election: Are You Ready to Rumble at the Ballot Box?

Hey ChumCity citizens! Alabama's Secretary of State Wes Allen wants to make sure you're all geared up to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming primary election! The clock is ticking, with the registration deadline hitting on May 4th.

Mark Your Calendars!

The primary election is slated for May 19th. Polls will be buzzing from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. statewide. Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard!

Sec. Allen Sounds the Call

"The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy!" says Allen. He's urging every eligible Alabamian to register or double-check their registration status.

Get Registered, Get Ready!

It's easy peasy to register! You can do it online through the state's voter portal or by sending a paper application to your local Board of Registrars.

Are YOU Eligible?

To vote in Alabama, you gotta be a U.S. citizen, an Alabama resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. There are also rules about felony convictions and mental competency, so make sure you're in the clear.

Show Some ID!

Don't forget your valid photo ID when you head to the polls or cast an absentee ballot.

Stay Tuned for Results!

Election results will be posted on the Secretary of State's website after the polls close.

Big Props to Local Election Heroes!

Secretary Allen also gave a shout-out to local election officials for their hard work getting ready for the big day.

Need Help?

Got questions about voter registration? Hit up the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office or your local Board of Registrars. Get informed and get ready to vote, Alabama!

Ethics Official Steps Down Amid Scholarship Fund Controversy

Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton has resigned from the Mabel Amos Memorial Fund board. A court continues to monitor allegations of misused scholarship funds.

Court Intervention

Montgomery County Circuit Judge Greg Griffin accepted Albritton's resignation. Griffin also appointed a new board. The court aims to ensure the fund sticks to its original mission: helping deserving Alabama students.

The Fund's Purpose

Mabel Amos, former Secretary of State, established the fund in 1999. It aims to provide scholarships to "deserving young men and women" based on character, academics, and financial need.

From Humble Beginnings to Millions

The fund started with $500,000. When oil was discovered on Amos' land in 2010, royalties boosted its assets significantly. It jumped from under $600,000 in 2003 to around $6.6 million by 2024, with total assets over $8.2 million!

Allegations of Mismanagement

Since 2014, over $4 million has been given out. But lawsuits claim the money didn't always reach underprivileged students. Instead, scholarships allegedly went to those connected to board members.

Scrutiny of Payments

A particular point of contention? The $135,000 in scholarships awarded to Albritton's children. Lawsuits also question contributions to the Auburn University Foundation and the Crimson Tide Foundation. The fund's financial management is also under the microscope.

Transparency Concerns

The fund's transparency is being questioned. Scholarship recipients' names stopped appearing on IRS filings after 2013.

The Legal Battle

The legal drama started in 2023 with a lawsuit from Conecuh County student Tyra Lindsey. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall quickly stepped in. The Alabama Supreme Court later backed part of a lower court's decision to appoint a special fiduciary.

Albritton's Statement

Albritton stated that his resignation was due to not wanting to "continue serving in that role under the circumstances." He also stated he hopes his resignation "will end this matter."

Unresolved Issues

Attorney Byron B. Mathews notes that unresolved issues remain. These include whether trustees will have to repay money to the fund. Settlement talks are underway while the court oversees the fund.