Alabama Submits Final Broadband Plan – High-Speed Internet for Everyone!

Get ready, Alabama! The state's final plan to bring high-speed internet to every eligible location has officially been submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This is a huge step towards connecting over 101,000 homes and businesses across the state!

Governor Ivey's Big Push for Connectivity

Governor Kay Ivey is super pumped about this, saying that expanding internet access has been a top priority. She even gave props to the Trump Administration for helping to form the plan! According to Ivey, this plan secures broadband for everyone and saves taxpayers over $800 million! Win-win!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Governor Ivey emphasized the years of hard work and collaboration between state leaders, ADECA (that's the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs), local partners, and the providers themselves. It sounds like a real team effort!

Full Coverage on the Horizon

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell echoed the excitement, emphasizing the goal of giving every Alabamian access to reliable, high-speed internet. The plan relies on a mix of wired connections (about 75% of locations) and LEO satellite service (around 25% in areas where wired connections aren’t the best option).

Saving Money and Ensuring Success

ADECA snagged some serious savings through competitive bidding and negotiations, securing commitments averaging just $5,100 per location – that's over $800 million less than the original allocation! The plan also includes a monitoring program to make sure everything stays on track, meets federal standards, and delivers awesome internet to the people of Alabama for years to come.

Kudos to Alabama for getting closer to bridging the digital divide!

Big Ten Could Be Cashing In Big Time!

Hold onto your helmets, folks! Word on the street (via ESPN) is the Big Ten conference is eyeballing a massive cash injection. We're talking potentially $2 billion (yes, with a "B") over the next two decades!

What's the Deal?

The buzz is around extending the league's grant of rights for a decade, locking things down until 2046. The idea? Solidify the Big Ten's position amidst the college football chaos and avoid the dreaded "super conference" takeover by the Big Ten and SEC.

But...There's a Catch?

Interestingly, while most teams seem on board, heavy hitters like Ohio State and Michigan are still mulling things over. Seems they're hesitant to commit if further realignment shakes things up. Smart move!

Business Development...With a Twist?

A Big Ten source told ESPN that the conference isn't selling off a piece of itself. Traditional duties like scheduling and officiating would remain in-house. This new deal focuses on business development with an outside investor holding a small financial stake. Hmmm...

Vote Incoming!

With three private equity proposals on the table, a vote is expected soon. This decision could be a major sign of where college football is headed. Buckle up!

Big Ten Speaks!

According to a Big Ten spokesperson, the league is committed to "modernizing" its operations to stay ahead of the curve and ensure its members can maintain athletic and academic excellence. They're exploring partnerships to secure financial stability and expand opportunities for student-athletes. Stay tuned, ChumCity citizens!

ChumCity Scoop: Longshore & McKnight Breakdown!

Catch Longshore and McKnight's hot takes daily on YouTube, Spotify, and Yellowhammer News! 🎙️🔊 Here's a taste of today's fire:

Today's Highlights Reel

• 005:27 – Is Freeze on thin ice? Debate erupts: Auburn's fate tied to Georgia?
• 00:100 – 8-Year Losing Streak! Can Auburn break the Georgia curse?
• 00:15:24 – Bama Love? Fans shift focus from Auburn to Vanderbilt.
• 00:180 – Pavia's Got Game: Diego Pavia stokes the flames for Alabama–Vandy!
• 00:213 – Dinich's Bold Claim: Two losses won't sink Alabama?!
• 00:26:40 – Purdy Down! Mac Jones steps up for the 49ers.
• 00:31:19 – Caldwell's Critique: Auburn's offense lacks identity – find the run!
• 00:35:44 – Penalty Problems: Is indecision, not noise, killing Auburn?
• 00:39:28 – Defensive Dominance: Xavier Atkins is a star in the making!
• 00:41:29 – Up the Tempo! Speed it up, Auburn offense!
• 00:530 – Belt Battle! Troy vs. South Alabama – the rivalry heats up.
• 01:100 – Orr's Insight: Bama's offense still a work in progress.
• 01:200 – Legacy Talk: Saban's future in the spotlight after Vanderbilt buzz.
• 01:300 – Phantom's Picks: Where trash talk meets smart betting.
• 01:400 – Recruiting Wars: Auburn and Bama fight for future QB stars.
• 01:500 – Caldwell's Deep Dive: Auburn's rebuild faces the Georgia gauntlet.

Alabama AG Joins Fight to Protect Kids

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is throwing his weight behind a push to beef up protections for children. He's calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider a past decision he believes weakened the fight against child predators.

Marshall, who's also got his eye on a U.S. Senate seat in 2026, has teamed up with 20 other attorneys general in a joint effort. They're aiming to get the Supreme Court to revisit its 2008 ruling in Kennedy v. Louisiana, which took capital punishment off the table for child rape cases at the state level.

A Vital Tool, Gone?

The group argues that the Kennedy decision took away a crucial tool states need to punish and deter predators who commit the worst kinds of sexual assaults against kids. They believe the ruling downplayed the lasting harm done to victims, comparing their lifelong trauma to lesser offenses, and hindering states' ability to protect their most vulnerable citizens.

Alabama Stands Up for Children

"Alabama has always been a leader in upholding the rule of law and protecting children," Marshall stated. "I'm proud to stand alongside President Trump and my fellow attorneys general in supporting laws that reflect the severity of this evil and deliver justice for its victims."

Renewed Focus on Child Protection

This issue has gained renewed attention following the disturbing discovery of a child sex trafficking ring in Bibb County, where authorities believe at least 15 children may have been victimized.

No Hesitation to Protect

"We must use every tool at our disposal to protect children, deter predators, and ensure just punishment," Marshall emphasized. "Alabama will not hesitate to do its part."

The coalition stresses that states have both the power and the responsibility to create well-defined laws that can withstand legal challenges and allow for the ultimate punishment in these horrifying cases.

Alabama Under Fire Watch!

Hey ChumCity, heads up! The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) just dropped a Fire Danger Advisory for the whole state. Yep, you heard right. We're talking dry, dry, DRY conditions thanks to a serious lack of rain.

Why the Worry?

The AFC says this advisory sticks around until Alabama gets some serious rain – especially Central Alabama, which is parched. Think hot weather, low humidity, and tinder-dry landscapes. Basically, wildfire paradise.

One Spark is All it Takes

Officials are serious – one little spark could turn into a big ol' problem fast. We're talking property damage, endangered nature, and potential danger to people.

Watch Out for Hidden Dangers

Those debris piles you burn? They can smolder for DAYS and spread like crazy. And fires in the ground – those sneaky ones in decaying leaves – can burn for ages and even kill trees! Plus, just driving through tall grass or using equipment like bush-hogs could start a fire.

How You Can Help

Listen up, Chums! The AFC wants everyone to follow these guidelines:

• Hold off on burning if you can.
• Need to burn? Get a permit for prescribed burns.
• Have the right gear and people ready BEFORE you light anything.
• NEVER leave a fire alone.
• Check on your burn sites for days afterward to make sure nothing reignites.
• If you're burning in your yard, keep a hose handy and SOAK those piles until they're stone cold.
• Avoid driving in tall grass or using spark-generating machinery.

Stay Tuned!

The AFC is keeping a close eye on things and might bring in even tougher rules if the dry spell gets worse. Stay safe out there, ChumCity!

South, Get Ready to Rock Decatur!

"Rock the South," the self-proclaimed "Biggest Party in the South," is shaking things up! They're ditching Cullman and heading to Decatur to bring the party to even more folks. New digs and amenities mean they're promising an experience that's gonna blow your mind!

ALGOP Triumphs: Common Sense Wins?

Alabama GOP Chair John Wahl is feeling pretty good! He's crediting recent local election victories to the power of "common-sense policies." He claims those policies stand in stark contrast to the "radical left agendas" pushed by national and Alabama Democrats.

Alabama Senate Maps: Judge Orders Redraw...Again!

Hold on to your hats, folks! A Trump-appointed judge has ordered another redraw of Alabama's State Senate maps before the 2026 election. This is all part of ongoing Voting Rights Act litigation, and Governor Ivey wanted to wait for the Supremes to weigh in. Looks like the judge had other plans!

Mayor Reed's Media Blitz: Taxpayers Footing the Bill?

Here's a head-scratcher: Montgomery taxpayers are reportedly shelling out $5,000 a month to get Mayor Steven Reed booked on TV, podcasts, and radio! This comes even though the mayor and his staff often decline interview requests. What's up with that?

Coach Tuberville: Hamas Should Take Trump's Deal!

Senator Tommy Tuberville (yes, the football coach) is weighing in on international affairs! He's urging Hamas to jump on President Trump's Gaza peace plan, warning them it's their last chance to avoid getting wiped off the map and sparking a bigger war. Heavy stuff!

Tuberville Wants National Guard in Cities: Crime Solution?

While some pols are hesitant, Senator Tuberville is all for deploying the National Guard to combat crime in Alabama's urban centers. He says if he were governor (which, he's confident he will be!), he'd seek federal help for cities like Birmingham and Montgomery.

Government Shutdown Drags On: Whose Fault Is It?

Day 3 of the government shutdown and the blame game is in full swing! Republicans, like U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, are pointing fingers at Democrats for refusing to support a "clean" funding resolution. Meanwhile, the media and Dems are supposedly whining about memes and healthcare for illegals. Stay tuned, folks!

Wake Up, Alabama! Temps at Dawn

Check out these early morning temps across the state just before sunrise!

• Gadsden: 52
• Jasper: 52
• Haleyville: 54
• Courtland: 54
• Chelsea: 54
• Oneonta: 56
• Anniston: 57
• Moody: 58
• Fort Payne: 59
• Huntsville: 59
• Cullman: 59
• Demopolis: 59
• Muscle Shoals: 60
• Troy: 60
• Birmingham: 61
• Decatur: 61
• Montgomery: 63
• Dothan: 64
• Mobile: 67

Sunshine Ahead!

Dry air's got Alabama in its grip this morning, meaning wall-to-wall sunshine is on the menu today. Expect highs in the balmy 78-84 degree range for most of us. More of the same tomorrow – soak up that sunshine with highs in the low to mid 80s.

Weekend Outlook

Sunday brings a little twist! Moist air starts creeping northward, bringing a chance of showers to the southern part of the state (mainly south of U.S. 84).

Next Week's Forecast

The shower chances linger in South Alabama on Monday, with only isolated sprinkles elsewhere. Don't get your hopes up for a widespread rain event – we're looking at spotty showers daily with highs holding steady in the 80s. BUT! Some good news, global models suggest cooler air pushing in late in the week, potentially bringing highs in the 70s for North Alabama on Friday! Fingers crossed!

Tropical Update

Heads up! A tropical wave is expected to drift off the African coast soon. It might mingle with another disturbance in the Atlantic, and there's a 30% chance of slow development as it heads west-northwest at a steady pace.

Closer to home, keep an eye on a potential low-pressure area forming near the Bahamas and South Florida. Development is slow, but we'll be watching as it moves northwest across Florida and into the Gulf. Only a 10% chance of anything major, and no tropical storms or hurricanes are expected in the Gulf for the next week or so.

Football Weather!

• UAB vs. Army (Tomorrow, 11 a.m. Kickoff): Mostly sunny, temps rising into the mid 80s at Protective Stadium.
• Alabama vs. Vanderbilt (Tomorrow, 2:30 p.m. Kickoff): Mostly sunny in Tuscaloosa, mid 80s at kickoff, cooling to around 80 by the end.
• Troy vs. South Alabama (Tomorrow, 6 p.m. Kickoff): Clear skies, temps dropping from the low 80s at kickoff into the 70s during the second half.

Weather History

• 1903: A late-season tornado tore through St. Charles, Minnesota, causing devastation and loss of life.
• 1979: An F4 tornado ripped through Connecticut, causing massive damage and even impacting a flight at Bradley International Airport.
• 2002: Hurricane Lili made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 1 storm.

Jackson Hospital Facing Another Financial Cliffhanger!

Just months after dodging bankruptcy, Jackson Hospital & Clinic is once again teetering on the edge. This time, the clock is really ticking, with only weeks left to secure a plan to stay afloat.

The Situation

Hospital bigwigs told the Montgomery City Council that without an infusion of cash, the hospital could close its doors by the end of October! Right now, they've got about $2 million on hand, which won't even cover the next month's bills.

A Temporary Lifeline?

Jackson Healthcare and its parent company, Jackson Investment Group, are stepping up again with a loan of $3-4 million to keep things running through October. They're hoping this buys local and state leaders some time to figure out a long-term solution.

Looking for City Help

Hospital officials are now asking the city for a hefty $20 million loan. This would cover payroll and other operating costs while they continue to restructure.

A Tough Decision for the City Council

City council members are in a tight spot. They have to weigh the importance of keeping a vital healthcare provider open against their responsibility to protect taxpayer money.

Compassion vs. Caution

Councilmember Andrew Szymanski said it's a "delicate balance between compassion and caution," given the hospital's role in providing care for those who can't afford it.

A Year of Turbulence

This latest crisis follows a rocky year for Jackson Hospital, which defaulted on a bunch of bonds and declared bankruptcy earlier this year.

Previous Rescue Efforts

Back in February, Jackson Healthcare and Jackson Investment Group stepped in with a loan to keep the hospital running while it tried to get its finances in order.

Still in Jeopardy

Despite those efforts, rising costs and low revenue have put Jackson Hospital in a tough spot once more, forcing them to seek even more help to stay open.

What's Next?

The Montgomery City Council hasn't made a decision yet. In the coming weeks, they'll be looking closely at the hospital's financial proposals to see if backing the loan is the right move for the city.

An Uncertain Future

Until a decision is made, the future of Jackson Hospital hangs in the balance, and local leaders are under pressure to act fast before time (and money!) runs out.

Alabama Loses a Barbecue Legend: Dobbs Closes After a Century!

Road trips to Panama City just got a little less flavorful! For over 100 years, Dobbs Famous Bar-B-Que in Dothan has been THE spot for countless Alabamians making their way to the beach. Sadly, this legendary eatery served its last plate this past Sunday.

End of an Era

Located at the corner of Ross Clarke Circle and Highway 231, Dobbs was more than just a restaurant; it was a piece of Alabama history. Owner Art Mayo made the announcement, bringing an era to a close.

A Storied Past

Barbecue aficionados claim Dobbs was the second-oldest BBQ joint in the state, just behind Irondale's Golden Rule BBQ. Euell Lee Dobbs Sr. first fired up the pits in Tallassee back in 1910 before moving the operation to Dothan in 1948.

More Than Just BBQ

The news of Dobbs' closure has sparked an outpouring of memories from loyal customers.

Dothan local Alva Lambert fondly remembers Dobbs' unbeatable camp stew and owner Lee Dobbs, always clad in his signature blue coveralls, greeting everyone with a smile. He also recalls Dobbs' legendary "Hooie-Sooie Stick," a quirky, handmade gadget that delighted generations of diners.

Fond Memories

Ron Creel, Sr., of the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation, reminisced about the drive-up curb service Dobbs offered back in the day, along with what he considers the best strawberry shortcake ever.

What's Next?

As of now, there's no word on what will become of the Dobbs property, or if the restaurant might find a new home. One thing is for sure: Dobbs Famous Bar-B-Que will be deeply missed.

Alabama Lawmakers Say "No Pay, No Way!" During Shutdown

As the government shutdown drags on (thanks, gridlock!), three Alabama representatives are putting their money where their mouths are. Senator Katie Britt, along with Representatives Barry Moore and Dale Strong, have all announced they'll be refusing their salaries until the Democrats decide to play ball and get the government back up and running.

Holding the Line

These three aren't just talking; they've formally requested their paychecks be stopped until Congress manages to hash out an agreement and restore government operations. Britt even sent a letter to the Senate Financial Clerk, Ted Ruckner, specifically asking for her pay to be suspended during the funding fiasco.

"Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," They Say

"Since Democrats have decided to shut down the government… I have requested the Financial Clerk of the Senate to do the same with my pay," stated Senator Britt, throwing down the gauntlet. "I encourage my Democratic colleagues to do the same."

Moore and Strong are echoing that sentiment. They both made their official requests to go without pay public, blasting the Democrats for hurting Americans with the ongoing shutdown.

Symbolic Stand

While members of Congress technically can't legally refuse their pay outright (thanks to some constitutional and statutory loopholes), they can request their checks be withheld. It's a symbolic gesture, sure, but it's a way for these Alabama lawmakers to show solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of federal employees facing delayed paychecks and furloughs.