ASFA: Where Art Meets Awesome Academics!

Birmingham's Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) is where bright minds get a creative boost! This public school, serving grades 7-12, is smack-dab in downtown and open to all Alabama students. Live a bit further out? Boarding options are available!

Unleash Your Inner Artist (and Genius!)

ASFA isn't your average school. It's a launchpad for creative writers, dancers, math whizzes, musicians, actors, and visual artists! The extended school day means diving deep into your passion. Get ready to hone your craft and find your unique voice!

Math-Science: More Than Just Numbers

Don't think this is just an art school. ASFA's Math-Science Department is HUGE and seriously impressive. It's a place where exploration, innovation, and critical thinking reign supreme. Expert mentors and hands-on research prep students to KILL IT in the STEM fields.

Mission: Impossible? Nah, Just Excellence!

ASFA's Math-Science Department is all about setting students up for life's wins. A challenging, advanced STEM curriculum? Check! Expert faculty? Double-check! You'll uncover your potential through labs, competitions, workshops, and deep-dive research projects.

Tech-Savvy Learning

Think coding, robotics, and all the coolest tech stuff! Exploration, critical thinking, and creativity are the name of the game. Get ready to explore topics that are actually happening in science and engineering RIGHT NOW.

Real Research, Real Impact

Research is HUGE at ASFA. Students work with pros from universities and research institutions across Alabama and beyond. They're getting experience in scientific writing, data analysis, and talking about complex stuff.

Senior Symposium: Proof is in the Projects!

Every year, seniors showcase their research. We're talking AI for cancer diagnosis and smart fluids for shock absorbers! Some students even get to go to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)!

Results That Rock

ASFA students are constantly racking up awards. National Merit Finalists? Presidential Scholar Candidates? Check and check! They're killing it at science fairs, Olympiads, and Bowls. And grads? They're headed to top universities, ready to conquer the world.

For all the deets on Alabama School of Fine Arts, check them out!

Pentagon Eyes Auburn U for Military Programs

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Pentagon is shaking things up in military education, and Auburn University might just be the next big thing. Word on the street is that War Secretary Pete Hegseth is looking to partner with institutions that really get what America is about.

Shaking Up the Status Quo

Hegseth's recent memo, dubbed "Aligning Senior Service College Opportunities with American Values," basically says "so long" to Pentagon funding at some of those fancy-pants schools like Harvard and Yale. He thinks they're pushing an anti-military agenda. Ouch!

Auburn to the Rescue?

Enter Auburn University, one of 21 universities being considered as a "value-aligned" alternative. While there's no official deal inked yet, this could mean a flood of new graduate fellowships and officer education opportunities for Auburn.

Auburn's Already a DoD Darling

This isn't totally out of left field. Auburn already has a major bromance going on with the Department of Defense:

• Their engineering college snagged a record $117.7 million in research awards in FY2024, with the DoD as a major backer.
• They landed an $11.4 million contract to build a radiation-hardening test facility tied to Redstone Arsenal.
• Their Applied Research Institute is practically neighbors with Army commands, working on intel and defense tech.
• Plus, they're a "Military Friendly School" with a strong ROTC program and a Veterans Resource Center.

What Could This Mean?

If Auburn and the Pentagon do make it official, expect the focus to be on hard sciences and tech – space, missiles, cyber, and intel – rather than just talking strategy. Get ready to see some real action, folks!

Auburn Bests LSU, Tournament Hopes Still Bubbling!

The Auburn Tigers roared to an 88-74 victory over the LSU Tigers on Senior Night at Neville Arena! This win was much needed and keeps their NCAA Tournament dreams flickering as they head into the regular season finale.

Pressure Off, But Challenge Remains

That W definitely eases some pressure after a rough patch (seven losses in the last eight games!), but the road ahead isn't getting any smoother. One regular season game left, and it's a big one...

Road Trip to Tuscaloosa

The Tigers are heading to Coleman Coliseum to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. Beating LSU (not exactly a powerhouse this year) kept their bubble hopes alive. Snagging a win against Bama on the road – that'd be their sixth Quad 1 victory – could punch their ticket to the Big Dance.

Win or Go Home?

If Auburn falls on Saturday, their March Madness hopes will likely need a miracle run in the SEC Tournament to stay alive.

Bama Bouncing Back

Meanwhile, Alabama's looking to rebound after losing to a solid Georgia Bulldogs team that's tourney-bound too.

No Guarantees

Auburn hasn’t exactly been inspiring confidence lately, so nothing’s a lock. But let's be real: Wednesday is HUGE. Win-or-else against Alabama, trying to avoid getting swept by those rivals!

Upset or Bust

The Tide will be favored, no doubt. If Auburn can't bring the fire for a major upset, it could mean season over.

Tournament Drought?

A loss would also mean year one of the Steven Pearl era ends without a tourney bid. (That hasn't happened in nearly a decade, except for the self-imposed ban year.)

Huge Showdown Ahead

Get ready for a massive clash at Coleman! Auburn needs to throw everything they've got into getting that win. Their whole season hangs in the balance!

Bama Bites the Dust in Athens

The Crimson Tide got Bulldog-ged Tuesday night, falling to Georgia 98-88. Sound familiar, Bama fans? Sadly, the loss followed a script we've seen too many times this season: out-hustled on the boards and struggling on D.

Oats Sounds Off

Coach Nate Oats has been hammering home the importance of defense, stressing that effort is key. But for some reason, the team's struggled with that intensity for the past couple of seasons.

Wake-Up Call Needed?

Following the game – which precedes a massive season finale against Auburn at Coleman Coliseum before the SEC Tournament – Oats didn't hold back. He practically issued a challenge to his team, suggesting this level of play won't cut it in March Madness.

Oats implied that the team's mindset wasn't right from the tip-off, and you can't afford a slow start against a team like Georgia.

He touched on the potential impact of coming off a big win against Tennessee with Auburn looming, but made it clear that such lapses are unacceptable.

Grow Up or Go Home

Oats emphasized that his team needs to mature quickly, especially with the postseason looming. And with a chance to potentially ruin Auburn's season on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Can they turn things around? Only time will tell.

No Ballot Box Blues for Tuberville and Wahl!

Looks like Senator Tommy Tuberville and ex-ALGOP head honcho John Wahl are safe and sound when it comes to staying on the ballot.

Wanna See 'Em Gone?

So, you're not fans? The way to dethrone them is crystal clear: Beat them fair and square at the ballot box!

Dale Jackson Says...

Dale Jackson, the brains behind the scene at Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN, bringing the heat.

Moore Gains Ground with Veteran Endorsements!

Alabama's U.S. Rep. Barry Moore is racking up support from some serious heavy hitters! Three fellow members of Congress, all military veterans with a combined 57 years of service, have thrown their hats in the ring to endorse Moore for U.S. Senate.

"True American Patriot"

Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson, an Army Ranger, called Moore a "true American patriot." Davidson emphasized Moore's dedication to freedom, border security, and a strong economy. "We need Barry in the United States Senate!" Davidson exclaimed.

Backing the Blue

Texas Congressman and Iraq War vet Troy Nehls, a former Sheriff, slammed attacks on law enforcement. He stated, "Barry Moore is the man I trust to stand with police and demand law and order." Nehls is "proud to endorse" Moore.

A "Real Fighter"

Another Texan, Congressman and Green Beret Keith Self, declared Alabama "deserves warriors." After 25 years in the U.S. Army, Self knows a fighter when he sees one. "I'm proud to join President Trump in giving Barry Moore my complete and total endorsement."

Moore's Response

Moore expressed his gratitude, saying he's "grateful" for the endorsements. He pledged unwavering support for the military and law enforcement. "With our troops once again under fire...let us all take a moment to pray for their continued safety."

The Race is On!

Moore is battling it out in the Republican Primary against a field that includes Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, former Navy Seal Jared Hudson, and former Trump official Morgan Murphy. It's going to be a wild ride!

Alabama's Sports Betting Showdown Continues!

The battle to legalize sports betting in Alabama rages on, a hot topic that's got everyone talking! The Sports Betting Alliance, a powerhouse group featuring giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Bet365, and Fanatics, is leading the charge to bring regulated sports betting to the Yellowhammer State.

What's at Stake?

Joe Maloney, CEO of the Alliance, recently chatted with "Longshore & McKnight" about their mission and the current situation in Alabama. He emphasized that Alabamians are already gambling, but it's happening in the shadows.

Millions on the Table?

Maloney argues the state is missing out on serious cash by not regulating and taxing sports betting. "It's tens of millions of dollars and potentially... up to $100 million annually," he estimates! He pointed to North Carolina, which rakes in $150 million a year, using the funds for public health and boosting the local economy with tourism-driving events.

The Fight Goes On

The Sports Betting Alliance isn't backing down. They're determined to get this issue back on the ballot, despite decades of roadblocks. Stay tuned, ChumCity will keep you updated!

School Choice Shenanigans in North Alabama?

Last week, during a "State of the Schools" shindig in North Alabama, education honchos from Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County schools cranked up the drama. They wailed about the CHOOSE Act expansion and universal school choice supposedly "costing" them a cool $100 million. But hold up – that $100 million figure? Sounds like a ghost number conjured to protect a monopoly, not a real reflection of the financial landscape.

Time for a Reality Check

Let's ground this in facts, folks. Calling parental freedom a "cost" to the bureaucracy? That's a major misunderstanding. Education funding belongs to Alabama's kids, not the systems dictated by their zip codes!

"Draining" Public Education? Not So Fast!

The claim that school choice is bleeding public education dry doesn't jive with the state budget. For Fiscal Year 2026, Alabama's Legislature dropped a record-breaking $12.2 BILLION on education. We're talking:

• $9.9 billion in the Education Trust Fund (ETF), a whopping $560 million jump from last year.
• $419.7 million for immediate needs like keeping schools safe and upgrading vehicles.
• $1.12 billion in the Advancement and Technology Fund for sprucing up facilities.

Where's the Deficit?

So, while school leaders are crying foul, the state's practically overflowing with taxpayer dollars. The ETF spending's up over 56% since 2016! If the system's struggling with nearly $10 billion in the bank, the problem isn't money – it's leadership.

Debunking the Myths

The CHOOSE Act isn't robbing the K-12 Foundation Program. False! The $180 million for CHOOSE this year is a mere 1.4% of that $12.2 billion education pie. Plus, it's not pilfered from teacher paychecks or classrooms. It's funded by the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund, a savings account just for transformative education stuff.

The Phantom Student Exodus

That $100 million "loss"? It assumes a student stampede that's just not happening. These districts are basically saying they're losing money on kids they weren't even educating anymore!

Funding Follows, But Stays Put Too

Here's the kicker: When a student switches to private or homeschool, the local property tax revenue (huge in booming areas like Madison County) STAYS with the local district. They keep the local funding without the cost of educating that student. The kids staying in public schools often end up with MORE funding per-pupil!

The Missing Piece: Participation

What's really revealing? These complaining districts aren't jumping on the CHOOSE Act bandwagon. Public schools can register as Education Service Providers (ESPs), snag out-of-district students, and keep the $7,000 ESA. They can even offer special labs/courses to homeschoolers for ESA funds. But these three districts? Zero participation. It looks like Huntsville/Madison leaders see the CHOOSE Act as a threat, not a chance to win over new students.

Short-Sighted? You Bet.

Huntsville's a global innovation hub! We don't dig monopolies in our economy, so why let them run our kids' classrooms? Why aren't Huntsville/Madison leaders embracing education freedom? That's what district leadership needs to answer.

The Real Cost

The real question is: what's the cost of a child stuck in a school that's not working? The real cost is their potential, lost in a turf war between adults who benefit from keeping kids stuck.

We at ChumCity believe Alabama's kids are worth every single penny!

Deadly Weekend in Montgomery

Montgomery saw a tragic Sunday as two separate domestic shootings claimed the lives of three people, a somber conclusion to the weekend in our capital city.

Early Morning Tragedy

Police responded to a call just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, where they discovered a man already deceased. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Deanthony Payne. Authorities are investigating this as a domestic incident.

Evening Brings More Heartbreak

Later that evening, another domestic-related shooting rocked a different part of town.

Second Shooting Details

Around 6:38 p.m., officers arrived on the scene to find an adult male with a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. They also discovered 38-year-old Shanita Lewis with life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to a hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries.

Investigation Ongoing

Police are treating this incident as domestic-related as well. If you have any information that could help, please contact CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP or the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2831. Both cases are still under investigation.

Alabama Scores Big Win Against Vanguard!

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall just announced a $29.5 million settlement with The Vanguard Group! This victory is part of a larger multistate battle against Wall Street giants accused of pushing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing at the expense of good ol' American energy.

What's the Deal with ESG?

For those not in the know, ESG investing involves asset managers factoring in environmental and social issues alongside the usual financial stuff. Some say it's responsible investing; others, like AG Marshall, see it as a political agenda using YOUR retirement money!

Marshall: "No War on American Energy!"

According to Marshall, "Wall Street has no business using working people's retirement accounts to wage war on American energy!" He argues that folks trust investment firms with their family's future, not a political agenda. This settlement sends a clear message: prioritizing politics over investor returns won't fly!

The Lawsuit and the Settlement

This all stems from a Texas-led lawsuit filed back in November 2024. Alabama and other states claimed Vanguard, along with BlackRock and State Street, were using customer accounts to push environmental goals, ultimately hurting the coal industry, raising energy prices, and putting political agendas before profits.

What Vanguard Agrees To

So, what does Vanguard have to do now? They've agreed to back off on using their shareholdings to boss companies around, threaten to pull investments to force actions, or push their own directors or proposals. Plus, they'll offer proxy voting to investors in funds representing at least half of their U.S. equity fund assets! That means YOU get a say in how your shares are voted!

The Fight's Not Over!

But hold your horses, ChumCity! Marshall says the fight ain't over. BlackRock and State Street are still in the crosshairs. "I'm glad Vanguard has agreed to refocus on financial performance, not politics, but we still have work to do," Marshall stated. Stay tuned!