Alabama Library Showdown: Kids' Books & Gender Ideology

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is stirring up some dust, folks! Board Chairman John Wahl is on a mission to ensure books pushing radical gender ideology are shelved strictly in the adult sections of our state's public libraries.

Wahl's Stance

Wahl, who also helms the Alabama Republican Party, sent a clear message earlier this year: the APLS Board is standing tall with President Trump’s order to block federal funds from being used to promote gender ideology.

Closing the "Loophole"

Speaking on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," Wahl pointed out that some libraries are allegedly exploiting a "loophole" to keep these books in the children's sections. He explained that while the APLS board previously mandated moving sexually explicit material, some libraries argue that transgender content doesn't automatically fit that description.

Upcoming Changes

But hold on, change is coming! Wahl says they're in the midst of making sure all books promoting radical gender ideology get moved to the adult sections.

"We're going to close that loophole," he declared. "Unelected bureaucrats shouldn't be deciding what your kids are exposed to when it comes to pushing transgender stuff." A public comment period just wrapped up, and a public hearing is on the horizon.

Parents' Rights

Wahl emphasized that this is about giving power back to the parents. "This should be the parents' decision," he asserted, "and we're going to make a rule that says all of it has to be moved to the adult section, so parents decide what their children see."

School Choice Program a Win for Alabama Families?

State Senator Chris Elliott is singing the praises of Alabama's new school choice program, and he's not alone! Recent reports show a dip in public school enrollment, with over 5,000 students exploring alternative options thanks to CHOOSE Act funds.

Why the Shift?

While some worry about the impact on public schools, Elliott sees a silver lining: parents are empowered to find the best fit for their kids. He highlighted that many families are utilizing the program to access specialized support for children with unique learning needs.

Meeting Individual Needs

"They may have dyslexia or something like that," Elliott stated, "and so they’re going to a school that really focuses on that. Isn't that exactly what we should be doing?" He believes this targeted approach is a more efficient and effective way to support students.

Freedom to Choose

Elliott champions the program as an example of increased freedom for Alabama families. "Let’s let them go seek that help where they can and have the freedom. What a novel idea to go do that!" He's eager to see the program expand further by removing income restrictions.

Kids Come First

Addressing concerns about potential teacher reductions, Elliott emphasized that the focus should always be on the children. "The school system doesn't exist for them [teachers]. It exists for the kids." He believes the school choice program provides parents with the flexibility to make the best decisions for their children's education.

Alabama AG Hopes Supreme Court Rethinks Voting Rights Act Provision

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is feeling optimistic that the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn a key part of the Voting Rights Act. This provision currently allows states to use racial gerrymandering when drawing their voting districts.

Louisiana Case Could Reshape Political Maps

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a major case with the potential to change the rules of the game for drawing political maps. This could directly affect Alabama's ongoing and future redistricting battles.

Marshall's Take on the Case

Marshall, who's also eyeing a U.S. Senate run in 2026, recently chatted about the case on "The Jeff Poor Show" on FM Talk 106.5.

"Yeah, very encouraged," Marshall said about the case. He highlighted the court's decision to specifically address the question of whether courts can order very specific, minority-majority districts, and whether that's constitutional.

Buyer's Remorse?

Marshall suggested some conservative justices might have "buyer's remorse" after a previous ruling against Alabama in a similar case. That ruling led to a court-appointed special master redrawing the district maps in 2023.

Marshall pointed to Justice Kavanaugh's stance on time limits for race-based remedial efforts, drawing parallels to the victories in college admission cases that rejected race-based preferences. He believes the same arguments apply to redistricting.

What This Means for Alabama

Marshall believes a ruling in the Louisiana case could send Alabama's case back for further review. "I will not be surprised at all based on what they ultimately do with Louisiana case, if our case is not sent back down for further consideration," he stated. He added that legal commentators and lawyers following the court seem encouraged about the direction things are heading for Alabama.

Alabama News Bites: What's Buzzing?

School Choice Success Story

Gov. Kay Ivey's highlighting another Alabama family thriving thanks to the CHOOSE Act! They're using it to access a private Christian education, aligning with their values and providing an alternative to what they felt was a morally lacking public school. Another win for Alabama parents!

CAIR-Alabama vs. Tuberville

CAIR-Alabama is calling foul on Senator Tommy Tuberville's proposed Sharia law ban, deeming it unconstitutional and a religious freedom violation. Tuberville's standing his ground, saying it's about preventing extremism.

GOP Chair Calls for Unity

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl's urging Democrats to join forces with President Trump against crime. He believes public safety should be a bipartisan issue, especially with rising violent crime.

Senate Race Shocker?

Hold on to your hats! A new poll has former Navy SEAL and small business owner Jared Hudson surprisingly leading the pack in Alabama's U.S. Senate race, ahead of big names like Attorney General Steve Marshall and Rep. Barry Moore. Could this be the upset of the year?

Gaza Tensions Flare

Tragedy struck as two IDF soldiers were killed in a ceasefire violation near Gaza, sparking fears of renewed conflict. Israel's retaliated, but claims they're still committed to President Trump's plan.

Britt Blasts Dems

Senator Katie Britt's accusing Democrats of playing political games by catering to the far left. She suggests their fear of losing radical group support is fueling the ongoing government shutdown.

"No Kings" Protests Hit Alabama

Thousands across Alabama joined "No Kings" protests, speaking out against capitalism and bigotry. However, reports are the crowds were predominantly white, older, and generally unenthusiastic, even in areas with diverse populations.

Hear More: Dale Jackson, a Yellowhammer News thought leader, hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

Standridge Garners Support from Farmers Federation!

State Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden) just snagged a major endorsement in his re-election campaign for HD34! The Alabama Farmers Federation is backing him all the way, folks!

Why Farmers Are Rooting for Standridge

Jeff Maze, president of the Blount County Farmers Federation, says it's all about Standridge being there for the community. According to Maze, Standridge's commitment and approachability sealed the deal. "He’s got a proven track record, listens to our needs as farmers, and genuinely cares about our district,” Maze stated.

A Man of Service

Standridge brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a background in law enforcement and public service, he's served as Blount County probate judge and commission chairman. He's also a retired captain from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and stays involved in local charities.

Shared Values Shine Through

Standridge emphasized the connection between his values and those of the farming community. "We share the same work ethic and conservative values," he said. "It's an honor to have their support as we work together to improve our district.”

Family Man with Deep Roots

David and his wife, Danna, have been married for 43 years! Both grew up on farms and continue the tradition by raising cattle in Blount County. They’re active members of First Baptist Church of Hayden and have three children and five grandkids.

Tide Rolls Over Vols in Third Saturday Showdown!

The Alabama Crimson Tide just flexed their muscle, snagging their fourth straight victory over a ranked opponent! This time, it was a sweet 37-20 beatdown of the Tennessee Volunteers in the legendary Third Saturday in October rivalry in Tuscaloosa.

Bama Blitzes Out of the Gate

Alabama came out firing, forcing a quick three-and-out on Tennessee's opening drive. Then, BOOM! An impressive 11-play, 91-yard drive culminated in a Simpson strike to Isaiah Horton, putting the Tide on top early.

Defense Steps Up Big Time

After trading punts and a Vols touchdown that briefly tied the game, the Alabama defense turned up the heat. A huge safety put the Tide back in front, and Jam Miller punched in a touchdown on the next possession.

Epic Pick-Six Seals the Half

But the play of the night? Absolutely Zabien Brown's incredible 100-yard interception return for a touchdown on the final play of the first half! Sloppy clock management by Tennessee gifted Alabama a 23-7 lead going into the break.

Tide Closes Out the Game

Tennessee fought back hard in the second half, but Alabama's offense answered every challenge. A monster 9-play, 99-yard drive ending in a Rico Scott touchdown put the Tide firmly in control. Daniel Hill's late touchdown iced the game.

Simpson Shines, Defense Dominates

Ty Simpson was solid, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Williams had a great day catching 5 passes for 87 yards! The Alabama defense was a force, racking up four sacks and holding a potent Tennessee offense to just 20 points. That’s what we call scary good!

Up Next: South Carolina

The Tide hits the road again next week to face struggling South Carolina before a well-deserved bye week.

Gulf Coast Pirates: Fact or Fiction?

Forget Johnny Depp! Think Alabama! When you hear "pirates," do you picture swashbucklers lurking off the Alabama coast? Probably not, right? But get this: Mobile's about to get a whole lot more interesting!

A Deep Dive into Gulf Coast Piracy

Maritime historian John S. Sledge is diving deep into the topic of pirates on the Alabama Gulf Coast, just a stone's throw from home. Ever wonder if pirates chilled near Bayou La Batre? Or maybe stashed some treasure near South Mobile County?

Jean LaFitte in Alabama?!

Did the legendary Jean LaFitte ever dock his ship in Alabama? And what's the real story behind "Pirates' Cove" in South Baldwin County - is it just a catchy name, or is it rooted in local pirate lore?

Red Beard's & Pirate Tales

Find out all this and more with John Sledge, Tuesday, October 21, at Red Beard’s Outfitters, 51 Kenneth Street, downtown Mobile. Red Beard's isn't just an outdoor shop – it’s a nod to owner Garrett Smith's fiery red beard.

Free Pirate History!

The event is "Pirates of the Gulf Coast," it’s free, and no RSVP is needed, but get there early, space is limited!

The Pirate Expert

John Sledge, a respected author of eight books (including "The Mobile River" and "The Gulf of Mexico: A Maritime History"), and former City of Mobile historian, will be sharing his expertise.

Could There Be A New Book?

Might this talk inspire Sledge to write a whole new book on Alabama's pirate history?

Catch the Hottest Takes with Longshore and McKnight!

Get your daily dose of gridiron goodness with Longshore and McKnight! You can find their electrifying episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and of course, Yellowhammer News. 🎙️🔊

Today's Highlights Reel:

• 002:27 - Victory Smokes! Chris Stewart celebrates Bama's win with a live cigar in the studio!
• 004:17 - War Eagle Woes: Auburn fans feeling the sting of another nail-biter loss.
• 005:22 - Coaching Carousel Commences! Who's next to lead the Auburn Tigers?
• 008:37 - Napier's Gone! Is Hugh Freeze heading to Florida?
• 009:54 - Freeze's Fate: Will he be on the sidelines for the Alabama showdown?
• 00:135 - Roll Tide Rolls On! Alabama crushes Tennessee 37-20, thanks to a game-changing pick-six!
• 00:16:21 - Bryant-Denny Goes Up in Smoke! The time-honored cigar tradition lights up the stadium.
• 00:24:44 - Feeling the Heat! Which coaches are sitting on the hot seat? Freeze, Kelly, and Napier under the microscope!
• 00:34:34 - Auburn vs. Florida: A Tale of Two Programs in Transition.
• 00:38:39 - One-Possession Peril: TCU as a cautionary tale.
• 00:40:12 - Bold Prediction: Vanderbilt...a CFP Contender?!
• 00:451 - Quarterback to the Rescue! Improved QB play masking Bama's rushing woes.
• 00:47:14 - Bama Run Game Reality Check: Is this the best it's going to get?
• 00:537 - Trouble in Jaguar Land: "Internal issues" plaguing South Alabama's offense.
• 00:573 - Bob's Backtrack: DeBoer's got the Tide back on track, says Pike Road's own Bob!
• 010:56 - By the Numbers: The stats don't lie...Bama's struggling to run the ball.

Southern Speakers Unite to Save Our Trees (and Jobs!)

Hold on to your hats, folks! Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter is teaming up with other Southeastern leaders to fight for our vital forestry industry! It's a coordinated effort to get Washington D.C. to step up and stabilize the U.S. forestry market.

Ledbetter, along with House Speakers from Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina, fired off a letter to their Congressional delegations on Monday. The message? "Immediate and urgent relief" is needed to help mills, loggers, landowners, and exporters across the South.

What's the Holdup?

According to Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), they're tackling "non-tariff trade barriers" that are impacting our $36 billion forestry industry. He praised President Trump's "America-first approach" and sees this as another chance to protect jobs and boost growth in one of Alabama's biggest industries.

What's the Ask?

These Southern lawmakers want the feds to pressure the European Union to let Southern yellow pine chips reach EU buyers ASAP! They're also asking for a 90-day heads-up before any new tariffs drop, to reopen Asian markets to U.S. logs and chips, and to clarify the rules on shipments to ensure US-made wood products keep their tariff exemptions, even if they go through other countries.

Why This Matters

These Speakers say they represent a HUGE chunk of the nation's forestry production and are urging support for these priorities. Forestry isn't just about trees; it's a $36 billion economic powerhouse in Alabama, directly employing over 54,000 people, and many more indirectly. Alabama's forests cover about 23 million acres – that's two-thirds of the state! This is a BIG DEAL, ChumCity readers!

Alabama Politics: Remembering "Big Jim" Folsom

With the 2026 elections already buzzing, the political scene can feel a little…sterile. Endless TV ads, mailers, and robocalls – remember when campaigns were actually FUN? Let's throw it back to the mid-20th century, when Alabama politics were a form of entertainment, and no one embodied that more than Gov. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom.

The Legend of "Big Jim"

Folsom's rallies were legendary. Picture this: a bluegrass band called "The Strawberry Pickers" warming up the crowd, then "Big Jim" – a towering 6'8" figure with size 16 shoes – stepping up.

The Barefoot Ritual

Before each rally, Folsom had a unique ritual. As the Montgomery Advertiser once reported, he'd announce he was tired and needed to rest. Then, he'd remove his shoes (making sure everyone saw he wasn't wearing socks!) and stretch out on the ground. After a while, he'd sit up, brush the dirt from his toes, put his shoes back on, and get ready to work the crowd.

A Speech Like No Other

Then came the speech! It was a mix of praise for the "pretty women" in the audience, stories about his "old mule," and, of course, memories of his mama's turnip greens. He'd also throw in some disapproval for the current state government, promising to shake things up.

Folsom explained his barefoot ritual simply: "Can’t think when my feet hurt, so I took off the shoes. Helps my thinkin’ to be able to wiggle my toes.”

Turnip Greens Wisdom

And those turnip greens? They were a recurring theme. Here's a snippet from one of Folsom's speeches:

"Turnip greens. I remember my mama who would be cookin’ turnip greens... hitting’ those turnip greens on her hand, put’em in water…I didn't know what she was hittin’ those turnip greens on her hand for until I turned 19... I was eatin’ turnip greens — the first store-bought turnip greens I ever ate, and I got into the turnip greens and tastin’ sand, and right then I knew what ma was hittin’ those turnip greens on her hand for. Black eyed peas, cornbread, turnip greens, throw that in that black iron pot. Mama’s old black iron pot didn’t do so bad.”

A Bygone Era?

Can you imagine a modern candidate launching into a speech about turnip greens? Probably not. But, wouldn't it be amazing if they did?