Alabama House Says "Yes!" to Prayer and the Pledge

Get ready, ChumCity! The Alabama House just gave the thumbs-up to HB511, a bill that could bring some big changes to our K-12 schools. Now, it's headed to the Senate!

What's the Deal?

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require every public school to start the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a voluntary time for prayer. State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) is the champion behind this one.

Ingram stated, "It is past time we get prayer back in Alabama’s schools...the people of Alabama want no part in states moving away from the beliefs this country was founded upon."

Next Stop: The Senate!

If the Senate gives it the okay with a supermajority vote, it'll be up to Alabama voters to decide whether to add this to the state constitution. Talk about a big decision!

A History of Faith-Based Legislation

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) is cheering this on, too. He reminds everyone that he passed a bill in 2019 that mandated the Pledge and also allowed public schools to offer Bible study courses in grades six through twelve.

Ledbetter shared, "We should be teaching our children to take pride in being American and to boldly share their faith, which is why prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance belong in our schools."

The Clock is Ticking!

With only 10 legislative days left, will the Senate give this bill the green light? Stay tuned, ChumCity, things are about to get interesting!

SEC Tournament Time, Y'all!

Nashville's buzzin' because the SEC Tournament is HERE! Wednesday kicks off the hardwood mayhem, with teams hungry for a championship banner and a sweet NCAA Tournament bid. Some squads NEED a killer performance just to sniff the Big Dance.

Who's Battling It Out Early?

Wednesday afternoon is gonna be WILD! Those teams who didn't snag a bye are throwin' down. The top four seeds? They're chillin' 'til Friday's quarterfinals. Seeds five through eight get their tourney started on Thursday.

Landing a Wednesday game? Ouch. That means you finished ninth or worse in the conference. Poor Auburn Tigers need a miracle (or at least a couple of wins) to hear their names called on Selection Sunday.

Auburn's On the Bubble

Auburn's facing Mississippi State on Wednesday, fightin' for a shot at Tennessee. They practically gotta WIN the whole thing to guarantee an NCAA bid after their February meltdown. Two wins would definitely ease the tension.

Bama Waitin' in the Wings

Meanwhile, No. 2 seed Alabama's kickin' back until Friday night, waitin' to see who wins between Georgia and the Ole Miss/Texas showdown. If the Tide rolls on Friday, a rematch with Arkansas is lookin' likely after that insane overtime game a few weeks back.

Can Anyone Topple the Gators?

Let's be real, Florida Gators are the team to beat. Regular season champs and reigning national champs, they're lookin' just as dominant as last year. They'll face the winner of Missouri and the LSU/Kentucky battle on Friday. Saturday could bring a showdown with Tennessee, Auburn, or Vanderbilt.

Sunday's the grand finale at 120 p.m. CST! The big question? Can anyone dethrone Florida? Iron Bowl fans might be bummed, as the only way for a third Auburn/Bama matchup is in the championship.

Pride vs. Survival

For the top seeds, it's mostly about bragging rights. But those Wednesday teams? A win in Nashville might be their ONLY shot at the NCAA Tournament.

Get ready for some intense basketball action! This SEC Tournament's gonna be a wild ride.

Alabama Execution Halted!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Alabama Governor Kay Ivey just pulled the brakes on a scheduled execution. Yeah, you heard right! Despite years of appeals and upheld convictions, the execution is off... for now.

What's the Point?

This sudden move is stirring up a hornet's nest of questions across the state. Folks are wondering: if the legal process played out, what's the purpose of having these laws in the first place if they aren't ultimately enforced?

Dale Jackson Weighs In

For some hot takes on the situation, tune into Dale Jackson! He's a big brain over at Yellowhammer News and the host of a talk show on WVNN, weekdays from 5-9 a.m. He's sure to have some thoughts!

Shoals Ready to Rock (and Roll!) Again!

Big news, ChumCity! The Shoals area is about to play a HUGE role in bolstering America's defense. This announcement? Years in the making, and a belief I've held tight: Northwest Alabama is ready to LEAD!

Remember When...?

Alabama's ALWAYS stepped up. WWI nitrates, TVA power during WWII, rockets to the moon - we’re no bystanders! And the Shoals? It's where our awesome past meets a future brighter than ever.

Music to Our Ears (and Industry!)

For ages, The Shoals' sound has captivated the world. FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound? Iconic! Artists flocked here for that special "Singing River" magic - craftsmanship, grit, pure excellence.

That same magic fuels our industry: innovative, tough, and built to LAST. Think American-made weapons, sturdy railcars - that spirit's still kickin' as we forge ahead.

No More Playing Small

For too long, we heard "overseas savings" were the only way. I NEVER bought that decline was inevitable. With my Alabama crew and the Appropriations Committee, I've fought to make sure Alabama – ESPECIALLY the Fourth District – is a PRIORITY when America rebuilds.

Shoals Got What It Takes

That means fighting for defense investments, supporting maritime dominance, and steering major resources to communities ready to lead. Guess what? The Shoals checks ALL the boxes!

• Skilled workers? Check!
• Available space? Check!
• River access & location? Check!
• A "build it to last" culture? HUGE check!

Anchors Away!

That's why I'm thrilled to announce the U.S. Navy is cutting the ribbon on a new defense facility in Muscle Shoals! This massive 2.2 million sq ft site will anchor shipbuilding and maritime production right here. Major investment in security AND our future!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Massive shoutout to AE Shoals for their role in developing this project. Also, big thanks to the Retirement Systems of Alabama for investing in this site to bring new economic opportunity. Super excited to welcome Hadrian, the company handling the advanced manufacturing!

This is Just the Beginning

This project didn't happen overnight - six years of hard work! This is a transformative step! Thousands of manufacturing jobs and renewed American strength are coming our way!

The Future is Here

I'm dedicated to expanding the Shoals into a collaborative hub for national and international partners with the Navy and Department of War.

National security? It's not just uniforms. It's welders, engineers, machinists, the next generation of skilled workers powering America's comeback.

Think advanced manufacturing, automation, digital engineering, and cutting-edge tech.

The Sound of Industry is Coming

Just like The Shoals once blew the world away with its music, we're ready to do it again. Strengthening America's maritime power and securing good-paying jobs!

When America calls, The Shoals answers! And I'm proud to help write this next great chapter!

Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) represents Alabama’s 4th Congressional District. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Alabama AG Slams Filmmaker's "Publicity Stunt"

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall isn't holding back! He's fired back at a left-leaning filmmaker who recently took aim at the state's justice system.

The Oscar "Invitation" Heard 'Round the State

Andrew Jarecki, who plugged his film "The Alabama Solution" on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," claimed he invited Marshall to the Oscars. But Marshall's having none of it.

Marshall's Rebuttal

According to Marshall, just before Jarecki's late-night appearance, an aide showed up at the AG's office practically demanding a staffer sign an "invitation" for Marshall to join the director at the Oscars. Marshall calls it a blatant "publicity stunt" for a "biased" film, supposedly made by sneaking contraband cell phones to inmates.

Soft on Crime?

Marshall argues Jarecki is pushing a "soft on crime" agenda. "It is radicals like Jarecki and Fallon who are simply soft on crime," he stated, adding they seem more concerned with releasing prisoners than ensuring public safety. He questioned why the film didn't include perspectives from victims' families.

Not Backing Down

Marshall, who's also vying for a U.S. Senate seat, made it clear he won't be changing Alabama's approach to justice. "I’m not going to be intimidated by any kind of Hollywood insiders," he declared. "Keep your Oscars. We’ll keep our values: protecting victims and not celebrating criminals."

Epic Fury Escalates: Middle East on Edge

The U.S. and Israel are ramping up strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury, sparking serious concerns. Iran’s firing back threats, even hinting at shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Get ready for potential pain at the pump – they're predicting oil could skyrocket to $200 a barrel! Retired Gen. Petraeus is calling it "missile math," and Trump's hinting at a possible wrap-up. Buckle up, ChumCity, this is getting intense.

Tuberville's Filibuster: Ready to Talk for Days

Senator Tommy Tuberville is gearing up for a marathon talking filibuster to get the SAVE America Act passed. He's promising to hold the Senate floor for days, if needed, to push for border and election reforms. Looks like the former coach is ready to play hardball!

Britt Blasts Dems: Border Security Standstill?

Senator Katie Britt isn't holding back, accusing Democrats of refusing to negotiate on DHS funding amidst shutdown threats. She claims they won't even come to the table to discuss border security. Is bipartisan cooperation dead, leaving us heading for chaos?

Alabama AG Fires Back: "Alabama Solution" Slammed

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is blasting the Oscar-nominated documentary "The Alabama Solution," calling its director soft on crime. He’s making it clear the state will stick to its values, despite prison reform pushes. The criminal justice debate is raging on!

Power to the People Act: Utility Rate Overhaul?

Alabama Senator Clyde Chambliss and others are pushing for a massive overhaul of the Alabama Public Service Commission. The goal? To give consumers more control over those pesky utility rates after recent price spikes. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger's "Power to the People Act" is aiming to freeze rates and put ratepayers first. Will this finally give us a break?

Alabama Schools: Prayers and Pledges Return

The Alabama State House just passed a bill to bring prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance back into public schools. Students can now have moments of silence or lead faith-based and patriotic expressions, but the bill prohibits school-sponsored coercion.

California Gas Prices: Newsom Blames Trump?

California Governor Gavin Newsom is catching heat for pointing the finger at President Trump for California's sky-high gas prices. Meanwhile, Californians are already paying around $2 more per gallon than the rest of the country. Ouch!

Watch Out, ChumCity! Scammers Are Getting Crafty!

In today's lightning-fast financial world, crooks are moving even faster! They're taking advantage of technology and our trust to pull off some seriously slick scams. Regions Bank's Jeff Taylor is dedicated to fighting these fraudsters, and he's got some warnings we all need to hear.

The Key? They Build Trust... Then Pounce!

Whether they're targeting big businesses or your personal piggy bank, scammers rely on tricking you into lowering your guard. Taylor's highlighting two particularly nasty scams: the "Evolving Trusted Partner Scam" and the "Spoofed Website Scam."

"Evolving Trusted Partner Scam": Impersonation Masters

Imagine getting a call, email, or text from someone pretending to be a government official, your bank, or even the police! They'll claim there's a "fraudulent transaction" or a "data breach" and pressure you to act fast. Armed with stolen info, they sound super legit!

Taylor warns that believing these scammers can lead you to willingly handing over your passwords or clicking malicious links. It's like giving them the keys to your kingdom! The FBI says scams like these racked up billions in losses last year, and they're only getting more sophisticated.

The Solution? STOP-CALL-CONFIRM! Hang up, end the message, and call the REAL number you know for the organization they're pretending to be. Legit places will NEVER ask for your passwords over unsolicited calls!

"Spoofed Website Scam": Fake Sites Look REAL

These tech-savvy scammers create near-perfect copies of websites you trust, like your online banking portal. Even worse, they buy ads on search engines so their fake site shows up FIRST when you search for "online banking login"!

Taylor says NEVER search online for your bank's login page! Always type the official URL directly into your browser or use a bookmark. A spoofed site will look convincing, but the URL might be slightly off. Entering your info there gives the bad guys everything they need.

These Scams Work Together to Maximize Damage!

Taylor points out that these scams often team up! A fake website can steal your login info, and then a "Trusted Partner" call can trick you into approving a fraudulent transaction. It's a one-two punch of deception!

How to Protect Yourself in ChumCity:

• Verification is Key: Always double-check unsolicited requests through trusted channels.
• Safe Surfing Habits: Bookmark legit sites, scrutinize URLs, and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive stuff.
• Training and Awareness: Learn the red flags of phishing and scams. Remember, banks won't call you out of the blue asking for your private information!
• Technical Defenses: Use multi-factor authentication and advanced email filtering.

Stay Vigilant!

These scams thrive on speed and trust. Counter them by slowing down, verifying everything, and staying educated. By following these tips, we can all protect ourselves from these digital crooks!

Pringle Talks New State House, Workforce Needs

House Pro Tem Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) gave the Business Council of Alabama a peek behind the curtain Tuesday, covering everything from the new state house's beefy bomb-resistant walls to the pressing need for a skilled workforce.

Inside the New Digs

Pringle, who's been steering the transition, dished out the most detailed info we've seen on the new state house's design, how it's being paid for, and when we can expect the big move.

The Retirement Systems of Alabama is building the place and will own it under a sweet 25-year rent-to-own deal. Alabama fronted about $150 million, letting RSA invest those funds and cutting the state's yearly payments from around $50 million to a cooler $30 million.

Bigger and Better (and More Secure!)

The new chambers will be 30% larger, with the House and Senate right next to each other. Get this: every official meeting room will be live-streamed, and the Wi-Fi? Finally, good!

Security's getting a major upgrade. Think single entry point with scanners, instant lockdown capabilities, and even a fast-pass system for the regulars. Plus, there's more State Trooper presence around the Capitol complex.

Members have until July 31 to clear out their old offices.

Old Capitol Flashback?

Pringle even floated the idea of a quick visit to the original state capitol before the session wraps up. That'd make Speaker Ledbetter the only speaker to preside in all three buildings!

Workforce Woes and Mobile's Massive Need

On the workforce front, Pringle pointed to Mobile as a prime example of why Alabama needs to invest in career and technical education now. Mobile's asking for $30 million from the CTE package because they're expecting 15,000 jobs – many high-paying welding jobs tied to Navy submarine expansion – to pop up soon.

"We've got a real problem to train the workforce we need," Pringle said. "The Navy is coming to Mobile. It's expanding and growing all over the state."

Infrastructure: Not Sexy, But Essential

Pringle emphasized that infrastructure investment – things like grid capacity, water, sewer, and highways – is the unglamorous but crucial foundation for economic growth.

"It's not sexy," Pringle said. "It doesn't make for good TV commercials. But it's the responsible thing to do."

Budgets on Deck

Pringle said passing the budgets is still priority number one. The Education Trust Fund budget sits at $9.9 billion, and the General Fund at $3.7 billion.

"We need to take our number one primary responsibility and get these budgets passed."

With only 10 legislative days left, time's ticking!

Lipscomb City Hall in Chaos: Mayor Sued!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Lipscomb is serving up some serious small-town drama. The City of Lipscomb has officially slapped Mayor Robin Sims II with a lawsuit, and things are getting spicy!

What's the Beef?

The lawsuit, filed March 10th, is all about who's really running the show – specifically, who's the actual police chief and which city officials get to do their jobs. Lipscomb wants a judge to force Sims to recognize Lanita Neal as the rightful police chief and let the council-approved folks, well, govern.

A Timeline of Turmoil

This isn't some overnight feud; this has been brewing since 2024! It started with disagreements over personnel, the council's power, and who controls City Hall's daily grind. Remember when Chief Neal got suspended back in September 2024? The council overturned it, but she stayed sidelined. Fast forward to September 2025, and rumor had it the city was paying two police chiefs while the general fund was scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Residency Woes & Reinstatements

Then, in December 2025, a judge ruled some council members weren't living where they were supposed to! This temporarily left the council unable to function properly. But the drama didn't stop there. This February, after the members were reinstated, the council voted to boot the Interim Chief and bring Neal back.

The Battle Spreads

The fight has spread beyond the police department. Sims allegedly told City Clerk William Baylor he wasn't the clerk anymore! So, the council held an emergency meeting, reaffirmed Neal and Baylor, stripped Sims of bank account access, appointed a new treasurer, and authorized the lawsuit.

What's Next?

The lawsuit wants the court to stop Sims from interfering with the council's choices and make him sign the paperwork that makes Neal officially recognized by state law enforcement. The city claims Sims' actions are disrupting everything. They are asking the court to force him to comply. Stay tuned, ChumCity, because this saga is far from over!

Chuck's Chatter Heads to Podcasts!

Get ready, ChumCity! Sir Charles Barkley, the Auburn legend and king of courtside commentary, is diving headfirst into the podcast game!

"So U Think U Can Sports?" is Coming!

Barkley's Round Mound Media is teaming up with ChangeUp Productions and Lemonada Media for a brand-new show called "So U Think U Can Sports?" Joining him will be none other than Justin Hartley, of "Tracker" fame.

Comedy Meets Competition

The podcast will be hosted by comedian Eliot Glazer, who hilariously admits to knowing next to nothing about sports. He'll be interviewing athletes, including the Round Mound of Rebound himself, to get their unfiltered perspectives. Expect laughs and maybe even some head-scratching takes!

Everyone's Pumped!

Justin Hartley is thrilled to be part of the project, saying that "Comedy and sports go hand in hand, and Eliot is the perfect host to bring these two worlds together." Glazer playfully added a mixed-sport metaphor about the whole team effort. Round Mound Media co-founder Marc Perman believes this show fills a gap in the sports media landscape with a host who provides a unique and entertaining perspective.