Alabama GOP Celebrates Primary "Integrity" Bill

Alabama Republicans are popping the champagne! Party leaders and lawmakers in Montgomery are cheering the passage of a bill aimed at safeguarding the integrity of their primary elections.

Stadthagen's Take

"Republicans across Alabama have been asking for this for over a decade," exclaims ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen. "The message from the grassroots is crystal clear: Republican voters should choose Republican nominees!"

The SAVE Act

The Alabama House just passed the SAVE Act, a party registration bill that requires voters to register by party to participate in partisan primary elections. Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) championed the legislation.

Dems Influencing Primaries?

Stadthagen points to instances where Democrats have allegedly crossed party lines to influence Republican primary outcomes. "We've seen Democrats openly discuss voting in Republican primaries to sway the results—some even bragging about it in outlets like the New York Times," he claims. "That's unfair to Republican voters."

Pressure from Conservatives

Conservative groups put some heat on the legislature to pass the bill. Tom Fredricks even threatened a petition to replace Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter if he hindered the SAVE Act.

Fredricks Stands Down

Fredricks now says he's dropping the challenge. "This has been brewing for a while, but when Nathaniel Ledbetter's mic was hot, expressing things we knew in our hearts, it brought the issue forward," he said.

What's Next?

The measure passed 63-35 and now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) is carrying the banner. Fredricks is shifting his focus to rallying Alabama Republican senators.

Calling All Alabama Employers: Hire Our Heroes!

Governor Kay Ivey and Workforce Secretary Greg Reed are urging Alabama businesses to tap into the incredible talent pool of our veterans! How? Through the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program.

What's the HIRE Vets Medallion Award?

It's a national program run by the U.S. Department of Labor that recognizes employers who go above and beyond in hiring, retaining, and developing veteran employees. It's the only federal award of its kind!

Why Should You Participate?

Governor Ivey says it best: "We need our veterans in Alabama’s workforce... These extraordinary men and women deserve our very best!" It's a win-win: you get dedicated, skilled employees, and our veterans get great opportunities.

Alabama Leading the Way!

Last year, a whopping 48 Alabama companies snagged the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, joining 2,000 businesses nationwide. Nearly 160 Alabama businesses have been recognized since the programs begining. Let's keep that momentum going!

Secretary Reed on Honoring Veteran Employment

Secretary Reed emphasizes the state's commitment: "The HIRE VETS program honors the recruiting and employing of veterans across the state of Alabama.”

What Does it Take to Win?

The award considers factors like veteran hiring and retention rates, specialized resources, leadership programs, HR support, and even compensation and tuition assistance. Requirements vary by company size, but the best part? Applying is FREE!

Get Involved!

The application window is open from January 30th to April 30th, 2026. If you need assistance, Alabama's 57 Career Centers are ready to help!

Alabama Lawmaker Aims to Shake Up Sex Ed

Alabama schools could soon see a major shift in how sex education is taught, if a new bill gains traction. State Rep. Susan DuBose is championing legislation to keep abortion providers and pro-choice groups out of classrooms. Her focus? Protecting students from what she considers inappropriate content.

Planned Parenthood on the Outs?

DuBose is crystal clear: groups like Planned Parenthood "don't need to be teaching sex ed" in Alabama schools. Instead, she envisions partnerships with faith-based organizations.

Faith-Based Focus

These organizations, according to DuBose, can provide nurses and other presenters to tackle tough topics in an age-appropriate way. Think sexting, online pornography, and even bullying.

The "Success Sequence"

But there's more. DuBose is also pushing the "success sequence" – graduate high school, get married, then have a baby. She claims this formula gives individuals a "99% chance of being successful in life."

No Stranger to Controversy

DuBose isn't new to hot-button issues. She spearheaded the "What is a Woman Act," defining sex-based terms in Alabama law. She sees herself as the go-to person for these sensitive topics, joking that bills with the word "sex" in them are now dubbed "Susan bills." Why? Because, according to her, "men don't like discussing this stuff."

Ainsworth: Leaving a Conservative Legacy

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth recently shared his reflections on his time in office, emphasizing his commitment to steering Alabama in a firmly conservative direction. He's not shying away from the big battles, either!

Staying in the Fight

Even as his term winds down, Ainsworth is determined to keep the conservative flame burning bright with his newly formed coalition, Freedom First Alabama. He sees this group as absolutely vital to Alabama's future.

What He Hopes to Be Remembered For

Ainsworth hopes his tenure will be remembered for respect, character, and making a real difference from a conservative standpoint. He also stressed the importance of tackling tough issues head-on. He believes public service is a calling. "You got one life to make a difference!" he exclaimed.

Freedom First Alabama: A Conservative Counterweight

Looking ahead, Ainsworth highlighted his support for Freedom First Alabama, a coalition of conservative lawmakers and business groups. He views it as essential to counter what he describes as a well-funded liberal infrastructure pushing big-government policies in Montgomery. "Liberals and Democrats are well-organized," he noted, stressing the need for a strong conservative coalition to push back.

Two-Part Mission

Freedom First Alabama, according to Ainsworth, has a two-part mission: defending against the "woke agenda" and proactively pushing for conservative priorities. He sees himself as a key voice in articulating a message for getting things done.

Crimson Tide Stays Strong

Alabama basketball's Coach Nate Oats isn't turning his back on Aden Holloway after the recent arrest. Oats says now's the time to support a player he's built a connection with. He's making it clear that program standards are important, but the door's still open for Holloway's return.

Honoring Our Heroes

Alabama's Congressmen recently led a powerful tribute on the House floor honoring the airmen lost in the tragic Iraq plane crash. They paid their respects to the members of the Birmingham-based Vulcan refuelers unit and their grieving families, emphasizing the immense service and sacrifice made by these brave individuals.

Moore Sounds Off

Senate hopeful and Congressman Barry Moore has fired a shot across the bow at Democrats in a Yellowhammer News op-ed. He's claiming their DHS shutdown threat will have deadly consequences, weakening border security and immigration enforcement.

Primary Fight Heats Up

The Alabama State House just passed a bill that would effectively close party primaries. The move aims to stop crossover voting, but its fate in the Senate is still up in the air.

Pension Problems Looming?

Brayden Myers from the Reason Foundation is raising red flags about Alabama's pension system. He argues that overly optimistic investment return projections are creating a mountain of unfunded liabilities, posing a serious long-term fiscal risk for the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

Tuberville's "Deep State" Jab

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is calling out Joe Kent, the former National Counterterrorism Center Director, as a member of the "Deep State" after Kent's resignation over the Iran war. Tuberville accuses Kent of leaking information and undermining national security efforts.

Strait of Hormuz Escort

The UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the Netherlands are joining forces to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back against Iranian threats to disrupt traffic. Operation Epic Fury continues, with varying reports about its success and President Trump's role in the situation.

School Choice: A Small Slice of the Pie?

State Rep. Danny Garrett, Chair of the Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee, says Alabama's school choice initiative isn't breaking the bank! In an interview, Garrett emphasized that it's a modest investment compared to the state's overall education spending, and it's all about giving families more options.

Busting Budget Myths

Garrett's firing back at claims that the CHOOSE Act is sucking resources dry. He points out that the $100 million allocated to school choice is a drop in the $10.9 billion education bucket.

"It's not the big focus," Garrett said, suggesting folks should chill out about it.

Math Skills Questioned!

This comes after a North Alabama superintendent griped that school choice was costing his system a fortune. Garrett called those numbers into question. "I think somebody needs some remedial math," he quipped. Ouch!

Customization is Key

Garrett believes school choice reflects what Alabamians expect from their institutions. "Everybody in life today wants customization, flexibility and choice," he explained. "Open that school choice door!"

Getting Basic

Garrett also called out the legislature for having to step in on simple reforms. Cell phone bans, third-grade reading requirements? These should be no-brainers within school systems, he argued.

"Why did it take legislation to say you can't have cell phones in the classroom?" he asked. Good question!

Funding the Future

And how's it being funded? Garrett says school choice is responsibly financed from revenue growth, not by slashing public school budgets. "We decided to limit our budget growth, and the money that we get in excess of that goes into a waterfall," he clarified.

McCutcheon Throws Support Behind Allen for Lt. Governor!

Big news from Alabama! Former House Speaker Mac McCutcheon is officially backing Secretary of State Wes Allen in his run for lieutenant governor. McCutcheon, a Republican heavyweight from Huntsville, sang Allen's praises, citing his solid conservative record.

"He Fights the Good Fight!"

McCutcheon, who wrapped up his stint as Madison County Commission Chairman last month, didn't mince words. He stated Allen's dedication to conservative principles made the endorsement a no-brainer. "I saw firsthand his commitment... standing strong against efforts to bring the liberal agenda to Alabama's government," McCutcheon declared. "Wes Allen has my vote!"

Allen: "We're a Better State Because of It!"

Allen, clearly stoked about the endorsement, thanked McCutcheon and reminisced about their collaborative efforts on key legislation. He specifically mentioned the ban on transgender surgeries and hormones for minors, the state's abortion law, and Aniah's Law. Allen gushed that McCutcheon's "service to the state is a great example of servant leadership."

Primary Race Heats Up!

Allen's vying for the lieutenant governor gig while serving as Secretary of State. Mark your calendars, folks! The Republican primary is slated for May 19, 2026 – just around the corner!

DHS Shutdown: Is Washington Playing Games with Our Safety?

Folks, something's rotten in D.C. – and it could be putting your family at risk! The Democrats' shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is no joke. DHS is the backbone of our safety, guarding our borders, securing our airports, and supporting the brave men and women who keep us safe day in and day out.

Real Consequences for Real People

This isn’t just some inside-the-Beltway squabble. When DHS funding dries up, it hits real families, travelers, and communities hard. We're already seeing the effects at airports across the nation.

TSA Troubles: Longer Lines, Less Security

TSA officers are working without pay, and many are quitting due to financial strain. This means security staffing shortages, translating to longer lines and frustrating delays for travelers, especially during peak seasons.

Even Airlines Are Alarmed!

Major airline CEOs (think American, Delta, Southwest) are sounding the alarm, begging Congress to restore DHS funding immediately. They're worried about unpaid workers, staff shortages, and the reliability of our entire aviation system.

Politics Before People?

Our border agents, Coast Guard, TSA officers, and other DHS personnel are national security heroes. They show up to protect us, even when Washington can't get its act together. They deserve better than being pawns in partisan games.

House Republicans Step Up

House Republicans have twice passed legislation to fund DHS. But Democrats keep blocking it, prioritizing political maneuvering over responsible governance. National security should never be a bargaining chip.

Time to Act

The American people expect their government to keep them safe, secure our borders, and keep our transportation systems running smoothly. Washington needs to get its act together and prioritize public safety.

Barry Moore Alabama's 1st Congressional District (Candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026)

Honoring Fallen Heroes: Alabamians Among Six Servicemembers Lost

A somber ceremony unfolded at Dover Air Force Base this week, as President Trump, joined by Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with other dignitaries, attended the dignified transfer of six American heroes. These brave individuals lost their lives during Operation Epic Fury, a tragedy that hit Alabama particularly hard.

Remembering Major Alex Klinner

Among those honored was Major Alex Klinner, 33, of Trussville. An Auburn University alumnus and decorated Air Force veteran with 362 combat hours under his belt, Major Klinner served his country with unwavering dedication across four deployments. He leaves behind his wife, Libby, and their three young children, including seven-month-old twins. Senator Britt poignantly reflected on the "humbling and heartbreaking" experience, learning about Major Klinner's profound impact and devotion to family and country.

Loss Within the 117th Air Refueling Wing

Also tragically lost were Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, both serving in the 99th Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham. Capt. Savino bravely logged 348 combat hours in multiple deployments, while TSgt. Pruitt, a devoted wife and mother, accumulated an impressive 888 combat flight hours.

A KC-135 Crew's Sacrifice

These Alabamians were among the crew of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq. The loss also claimed the lives of three airmen based in Ohio: Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28.

"Exemplified the Very Best of What It Means to Be An Alabamian"

Senator Britt honored the two Birmingham-based servicewomen, stating, "Capt. Savino and TSgt. Pruitt were dedicated servicemembers whose lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to their nation... They were part of our community and exemplified the very best of what it means to be an Alabamian." She urged all Alabamians to join her in praying for the families and loved ones during this time of profound grief.

Alabama News Nuggets - Fresh Off the Press!

1. International Intrigue: Trump Tamps Down Tensions?

Word on the street is that Israel's pumpin' the brakes on hittin' Iran's South Pars gas field (whew, oil prices!), according to The Donald himself. But hold your horses! Trump's makin' it crystal clear: mess with Qatar's sites again, and Uncle Sam's gonna bring the thunder. Is this the end of the road for the conflict? Stay tuned, folks, 'cause things are still a little murky amidst all the saber-rattling, wobbly regional situation, and some real spin happening in the media.

2. Honoring Heroes: A Somber Return

President Trump, the Tubs (Tommy Tuberville), and Katie Britt all showed up to welcome home the remains of those brave Alabama airmen lost in that Iraq plane crash. They called it a "humbling" and "heartbreaking" moment, honoring the Vulcan refuelers and their families. A heavy day for the Yellowhammer State.

3. Tax Break Bonanza for Overtime Hustlers?

The Alabama House just gave a thumbs up to a bill that could mean up to a $1,000 tax deduction for hourly workers burnin' the midnight oil. It's all about givin' folks a little break for those extra hours they're putting in. But, of course, there's the whole balancing-the-state-budget thing to consider...

4. Airport Armageddon? Not So Fast, Huntsville!

The TSA's throwin' out a warning that smaller airports might be facing some tough times thanks to staffing shortages and budget woes. But hey, Huntsville's International Airport is bucking the trend, having its busiest February EVER!

5. Epstein Escapade: Dems Stage a Walkout!

Drama alert! Democrats stormed out of a briefing on the Epstein files after Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to spill all the beans. Accusations of stonewalling flew, while Bondi clapped back, saying the info was sensitive and the whole thing was just political theatrics.

6. Missing in Barcelona: Prayers for UA Student

A University of Alabama student has gone missing in Barcelona after a night out, and now there is talk of some possible foul play. Classmates are on edge, and the family is calling for some international help in the search. Let's hope this one has a happy ending.

7. Fair Play for All? Sports Bill Heats Up!

An Alabama Senate bill is makin' waves! This one would let CHOOSE Act students sue the AHSAA if they're denied the chance to play high school sports. It's all about makin' sure private and homeschool kids get a fair shot at extracurricular activities.

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Hear more from Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN talk show host (weekdays, 5-9 a.m.)!