SoulGrown Alabama Celebrates the "Soul of the South" at Barber Museum!

Picture this: five floors packed with gleaming motorcycles, and in the middle of it all, a celebration of Alabama's finest! That's exactly what went down Thursday night at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, as SoulGrown Alabama hosted its third annual "Soul of the South" awards.

Honoring Alabama's Creative Powerhouses

This wasn't just any awards show. It was a tribute to the Alabamians whose passion, hard work, and generosity are reshaping the state's creative landscape. And honestly, what better place to celebrate innovation than surrounded by the world's largest motorcycle collection? Talk about a point of pride!

Showcasing Alabama's Best

"Great talent from Alabama shouldn't be a surprise anymore!" exclaimed SoulGrown Alabama. The night aimed to highlight the gifted individuals who pour their hearts into their craft, building a legacy of pride for the state.

Every detail of the event screamed Alabama pride, from the venue itself to the camellia-themed signage and a blackberry cocktail crafted with Redmont Vodka (distilled right in Birmingham!). Guests even indulged in locally sourced treats like Conecuh sausage and Wickles Pickles, surrounded by Alabama-grown blooms.

The Winners!

These folks aren't just skilled; they're putting their souls into their work, making a real difference. Here's a peek at the amazing Alabamians who took home awards:

• Food & Beverage: Jesús Méndez (Adiós Cocktail Bar; Salud Taqueria)
• Farming & Agriculture: Evan Nelson & Christy Nelson (Nelson Cattle & Hay)
• Residential Architecture: James B. Laughlin (Architectural Designer)
• Commercial Architecture: Kevin Bryant (Davis Architects)
• Artist: Liz Allison (Painter & Muralist)
• Maker: Jenna Collins (Prodigal Pottery at King’s Home)
• Sports & Outdoors: Daniel Wilson (Moultrie Mobile, PRADCO Outdoor Brands)
• Music & Entertainment: Drayton Farley (Singer-Songriter)
• Entrepreneurship: Macy Johnston & Slade Johnston (Trips4Trade)
• Innovation: Cori Fain-Forrest (Moxie Childcare)
• Interior Design: Anna Still & Marguerite Johnson (Still Johnson Interiors)

Investing in Alabama's Great Outdoors

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship shared some exciting updates on the state's outdoor recreation scene. He highlighted the incredible natural resources Alabama has to offer and the investments being made to enhance them. Think campground renovations, a new hotel, improved boating access, beach improvements, and trail upgrades!

A Night to Remember

After the awards, guests got to explore an exhibit of the winners' work and wander through the incredible Barber Museum. It was a night dedicated to celebrating Alabama's makers and ensuring they felt "seen and appreciated for all of their hard work."

Alabama Politics: This Week's Burning Questions!

What's the deal with crime in Montgomery? What moves will Alabama's top dogs make?

And seriously, when will this shutdown finally end?! We're all waiting!

Trump & The Nobel Prize?

Big question: If the Israel-Hamas conflict chills out, could former President Trump snag a Nobel Peace Prize? The possibilities are swirling!

Stay Tuned Across Alabama!

Catch Alabama Politics This Week on your TV, radio, and the web! We're covering the state from top to bottom.

Who's Who:

Mecca Musick: CEO of 256 Today.

Dale Jackson: Yellowhammer News guru and host of WVNN's morning talk show (5-9 AM weekdays). Get your daily dose of Dale!

Carl's "Lame Duck" Comment Raises Eyebrows

Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl stirred up some buzz at an Eastern Shore Republican Women’s forum on Thursday, suggesting that Donald Trump will soon be a "lame duck" president. Whoa!

Carl, aiming to reclaim his old U.S. House seat, told the crowd he’d return to key committees and be right there with President Trump if elected. But then came the kicker! He implied that Trump would be in his final two years by 2027.

The Event

The forum, hosted by the Eastern Shore Republican Women at the Fairhope Yacht Club, also featured State Rep. Rhett Marques, Carl's GOP primary rival.

A Bold Statement?

Calling Trump a "lame duck" is definitely unusual talk in a deep-red Alabama Republican primary. The 1st District is currently held by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, known as a staunch conservative.

The Backstory

Moore ousted Carl in a 2024 primary showdown after redistricting shook up Alabama's congressional map. Now, Carl's facing off against Marques, a newcomer who's already racked up some serious support, including endorsements from U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, and dozens of fellow state legislators.

Marques' Response

While Marques didn’t directly address Carl’s “lame duck” comment, he painted himself as a solid vote for Trump's agenda, touting his track record in the State House.

Marques Speaks Out

“I’m very proud of what we’ve done over the last seven years as a State Representative," said Marques, "and when I go to D.C. – I’m going to continue fighting just like I have at the State House for our families, our children, our military, our farmers, the economy, our education. I’m going to do that by supporting Senator Britt and the rest of the Alabama Republican delegation and passing President Trump’s agenda.”

ASMS Rockets to Top 20 in National Rankings!

Guess what, ChumCity friends? The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is making waves! Niche just dropped their rankings, and ASMS snagged the No. 19 spot among ALL public high schools in the U.S.! Talk about a mic drop!

Alabama's Shining Star

Not only that, but they're also reigning supreme as the No. 1 public high school in Alabama. For the second year running, ASMS is crushing it in multiple categories statewide! Niche officially dubbed them:

• 1 Best Public High School in Alabama

• 1 Best High School for STEM in Alabama

• 1 Best College Prep Public High School in Alabama

• 1 Best Magnet High School in Alabama

Dragon Pride is Real!

ASMS President Dr. John Hoyle is giving a shout-out to the students, staff, alumni, and community for this massive achievement. And Senior Emma Kate South couldn't agree more. "ASMS was something incredibly special," she exclaimed, adding that the recognition makes her "even more proud to be a dragon." She said the school has changed her life and "everything that happens here at ASMS is nothing short of extraordinary."

How the Magic Happens

These 2026 Niche rankings take a deep dive, considering everything from academic excellence and extracurricular activities to hard data and awesome feedback from students, parents, and alumni. Way to go, ASMS! You're making Alabama proud!

Orr Blasts Montgomery's Leadership Amid Crime Surge

State Senator Arthur Orr didn't mince words on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," slamming Montgomery's leadership and the state's response to the city's crime woes. He directly criticized Mayor Steven Reed, suggesting a failure to maintain law and order.

Mayor Reed's "Distraction"?

Following a particularly violent weekend in Montgomery, Orr addressed Mayor Reed's comments on state gun laws, dismissing them as a smokescreen. Orr believes Reed is trying to deflect attention from deeper issues within Montgomery itself.

"People Are Ticked"

"This is Steven Reed just grasping at straws," Orr stated, "trying to say anything, just to get people off his back." He continued, "People are ticked" and expressed widespread dissatisfaction with Reed's administration across Montgomery's diverse communities.

Borrowed Time for Reed?

Orr suggested that even the political clout of Reed's father, Joe Reed, a long-time figure in Alabama Democratic politics, may not be enough to shield the mayor from mounting local frustration. "People I talk to…they’re waking up to how they’ve got a very inept and ineffective leader," Orr declared, adding that Reed is "certainly on borrowed time."

State Funds Under Scrutiny

Orr also questioned the allocation of state taxpayer money to bolster law enforcement in Montgomery, particularly around the Capitol. He argued that cities like Huntsville and Mobile are effectively subsidizing services Montgomery should be providing itself. "It’s pathetic" that the city can't maintain basic law and order despite substantial state funding, Orr concluded.

Juvenile Arrested in Downtown Montgomery Shootout

A juvenile male has been apprehended and charged in connection with last Saturday's chaotic shootout in downtown Montgomery. The incident left two dead and a dozen others injured, officials announced Friday.

Charges Filed

The suspect, whose identity is being protected due to his age, is facing serious charges. Montgomery Police confirmed he's been booked on one count of capital murder, nine counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of second-degree assault. He was processed at the Montgomery County Detention Facility Friday.

More Arrests Expected

Detectives believe this isn't the end of the story. More arrests are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.

The Night of Chaos

The shooting erupted around 11:30 p.m. on October 4, near the intersection of Bibb and Commerce Streets. Rival gunmen unleashed a barrage of gunfire in the middle of Montgomery's bustling downtown entertainment district.

Victims Identified

The two victims who lost their lives have been identified as 43-year-old Shalanda “Rena” Williams and 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris, both from Montgomery. Tragically, seven of the wounded were under the age of 20, the youngest being just 16. Earlier in the week, five victims were reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives.

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