Big News for the Women’s Foundation of Alabama!

Get ready, ChumCity! The Women’s Foundation of Alabama just announced Kimberly L. Jackson as their new President and CEO, starting June 16th! She's stepping into the shoes of Melanie R. Bridgeforth, who rocked the role for seven years.

A Round of Applause for Bridgeforth!

Under Bridgeforth's leadership, the foundation became a statewide powerhouse, diving into research, shaping public policy, and strategically giving grants to boost women's economic game. LaShundra Pinkard held down the fort as interim leader during the search.

Jackson Brings the Heat

Jackson's no newbie – she's got over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, community investment, and nonprofit governance. She was most recently a big deal at Alabama Power Company, managing partnerships across multiple counties. Plus, she’s the current Board Chair of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce!

What They're Saying

"Kimberly’s leadership and dedication are unmatched," said Yvonne Essix, a Board member. "Her community spirit and economic development smarts are exactly what Alabama needs to push women and the economy forward. She's the perfect mix of experience and innovation!"

Big Goals Ahead!

The foundation's aiming to move 10,000 women into the workforce and toward economic mobility by 2027. Ambitious? You bet!

Jackson's Ready to Roll

"Alabama is home, and this mission is vital!" said Jackson. "I'm ready to shape policy, influence philanthropy, and deliver economic strategies that reach women where they are. Let's partner with communities, invest in solutions, and make sure progress is felt across the entire state!"

The Board is Thrilled

Elizabeth Goodrich, Board Chair, gushed, "Kimberly's the right leader to accelerate economic opportunity for women. Her results-driven leadership will strengthen our statewide impact in both proven and innovative ways.”

About the Women's Foundation of Alabama

Founded in '96, they're the only public women's foundation in Alabama focused on economic opportunity through grantmaking, research, and advocacy. Let's give Kimberly Jackson a big ChumCity welcome!

Birmingham's Tourism Scene is BOOMING!

Big news, ChumCity folks! The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCV just dropped a bombshell during National Travel & Tourism Week: Jefferson County's tourism scene is hotter than ever, clocking in at a record-smashing $2.57 billion in economic impact for 2024!

Numbers Don't Lie!

During their annual luncheon, the GBCVB revealed that Birmingham's tourism sector is flexing some serious muscle. We're talking over 51,000 jobs supported, a whopping $302 million in tax revenue generated, and over 4 million overnight visitors – the most we've seen since 2017! Looks like people are lovin' our city!

Hall of Fame Honors Local Legend

But the celebration didn't stop there! The GBCVB officially launched their new Tourism Hall of Fame, and the first inductee is none other than Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner! The man's a legend, having dedicated decades to boosting our region's tourism.

Celebrating Senator Waggoner's Legacy

GBCVB President and CEO John Oros, along with Executive Sports CEO Gene Hallman, couldn't sing Waggoner's praises enough. They pointed out he was instrumental in creating the Convention and Visitors Bureau way back in 1969. Plus, he's been a board member since '93, even serving as chair twice! From bringing major sports events to helping develop UAB and the BJCC, Waggoner's been a true champion.

A Humble Hero

Waggoner, clearly moved by the honor, expressed his gratitude and reminisced about his time with the bureau, calling it one of his most cherished affiliations. He promised the Hall of Fame award would have a place of honor in his office and home.

Farewell to a Leader

The event also served as a heartfelt send-off to GBCVB CEO John Oros, who's retiring later this year after a decade of awesome leadership.

The Future is Bright!

The GBCVB is committed to making Birmingham an even bigger tourist hotspot, while always remembering and celebrating the amazing people who helped build this city up!

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Get Ready to Boat Safe, ChumCity!

National Safe Boating Week is almost here, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is hitting the water with a statewide campaign to keep everyone safe this Memorial Day weekend. Think of it as a heads-up to avoid crashes, injuries, and the worst-case scenario by focusing on learning, sticking to the rules, and working together on Alabama's awesome waterways.

Boating is Big, Safety is Bigger

We all love a day on the water! But with tons of people boating nationwide, safety's gotta be top of mind. Sadly, around 650 folks die in boating accidents each year in the U.S., with drowning being a major factor. ALEA's campaign is all about boosting awareness of what causes these accidents and how we can avoid them.

Smart Boating: It's All About You!

Most boating mishaps aren't due to equipment problems or bad weather; it's usually human error or just plain bad decisions. Often, simple steps could have made all the difference. So, what can you do to stay safe?

Boating Safety Checklist:

• Wear a Life Jacket: Keep it on! A life jacket's useless if it's stowed away. Kids under 8 in Alabama must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, unless they're below deck or in a cabin.

• Take a Boating Course: Learn the ropes! A safety course gives you vital knowledge and real-world experience.

• Check Your Gear: Make sure everything's there, working, and in good shape.

• Float Plan: Let someone know your itinerary. Boat details, passenger info, where you're going – share it all.

• Engine Cut-Off Switch: Use it! It's the law, and it can save you from serious injury if you're thrown overboard.

• Watch the Weather: Check the forecast before you go, and keep an eye on conditions while you're out there.

• Stay Alert: Don't get distracted! Operator inattention is a major cause of accidents.

• Know the Area: Follow speed limits and local waterway rules.

• No BUI: Never boat under the influence! It's a factor in a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

• Stay Connected: Bring waterproof communication devices like a VHF radio, satellite phone, or emergency beacon.

National Safe Boating Week: Your Reminder!

National Safe Boating Week happens May 17–23, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council, and agencies like ALEA. Time for us Alabamians (and visitors!) to take those easy steps for a fun, safe summer on the water!

Regions Tradition Kicks Off with Star-Studded Pro-Am!

Birmingham's buzzing because it's Regions Tradition week at Greystone Golf and Country Club! But before the Champions Tour action, the annual celebrity pro-am is teeing things off with a BANG!

Tuberville's Tee Time Trio

The pairings are always a fun read, and this year's got some serious star power. Senator Tommy Tuberville is hitting the links with country music legends Jamey Johnson and Riley Greene. Oh, and their pro? None other than the iconic John Daly!

Gridiron Greats & Hoops Heroes

The fun doesn't stop there! Nick Saban is teaming up with Sir Charles Barkley and pro Stewart Cink. Plus, Kalen DeBoer is making his Regions Tradition debut alongside Ernie Els. And former QB stars Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron will be golfing with Tom Lehman.

SEC Showdown on the Green

Adding to the excitement, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is hitting the course with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Davis Love III!

It's shaping up to be an unforgettable week in Birmingham, folks, and the celebrity pro-am got the party started bright and early this morning!

Overtime Pay Getting a Break? Trump's Tax Plan Takes Center Stage!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Republicans just dropped a bombshell: Trump's big priority of NO TAXES ON OVERTIME PAY is making waves in their budget and tax bill!

"One Big, Beautiful Bill" - For Real This Time?

This whopping 389-page bill, dubbed "One Big, Beautiful Bill," includes the tax cut, but there's a catch. These deductions are set to expire at the end of 2028. So, enjoy it while it lasts, folks!

Trump's Take: Main Street Wins!

Trump himself took to Truth Social, proclaiming, "We are going to do NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON SENIORS’ SOCIAL SECURITY, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, and much more! It will be the biggest Tax Cut for Middle and Working Class Americans by far, and it is time for Main Street to WIN.” Is this the break working folks have been waiting for?

Tuberville's on Board, But Alabama's Conflicted!

Senator Tommy Tuberville is singing the same tune. He even introduced a bill in the Senate to make this overtime tax deduction a reality! He argues Alabamians working extra hard shouldn't be penalized with higher taxes.

But here's where it gets sticky. While D.C. is all for it, Montgomery lawmakers let a state income tax cut on overtime pay expire this year!

Alabama's Budget Woes: Classrooms vs. Overtime

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter explained the decision, pointing out the huge fiscal note attached to the overtime tax cut. He said it would drain money from classrooms, affecting students, teachers, and schools across the state.

Grocery Tax Cut Instead?

So, what did they do instead? Lawmakers opted to cut the state's grocery tax from 3% to 2%, effective September 1, 2025. Is this a better deal for Alabamians? The debate rages on, ChumCity!

Alabama Legislature Nears End of Session: What's the Holdup?

It's crunch time in Montgomery! Today marks the last day of the 2025 regular legislative session, and things are... interesting. The Alabama House is taking a decidedly chill approach – no special order calendar, and no big bills hitting the floor just yet.

House on Standby

The House gaveled in around 1 p.m. Wednesday, but quickly recessed. Word is they're playing the waiting game, watching the Senate wrangle a hefty stack of legislation. Reps are ready to jump in if any final bills need their stamp of approval before everyone heads home.

Senate Swamped with Local Bills

Across the hall, the Senate is plowing through a 10-page calendar, mainly packed with local bills that originated in the House. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is emphasizing the importance of getting these local measures – we're talking around 50! – across the finish line. The Senate started using cloture to try and speed things up.

Contentious Bills Still in the Mix

But it’s not all smooth sailing. A few thorny bills are still causing headaches.

One to watch is HB202, part of Governor Kay Ivey’s anti-crime package. This bill aims to beef up legal protections for law enforcement, but it's facing strong opposition from Democrats, including State Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro), who’s hinting at more amendments.

Governor Ivey's Priorities

HB202 is a big deal for Governor Ivey, along with HB188 – a less controversial proposal that would create a scholarship program for law enforcement officers and their families. HB188 is still waiting for that final Senate vote.

Archives Board Battle

Another sticking point is SB5, which proposes changes to the Alabama Department of Archives and History Board. The House tweaked the bill, removing Senate confirmation for board appointments, and now it's back in the Senate, where a filibuster could be brewing.

House's Strategy: Wait and See

The absence of a special order calendar from the House suggests they're not planning to push through any new legislation unless absolutely necessary.

Cloture Commences

Around 2:30 p.m., the Alabama Senate started invoking cloture on the first bill of the day, which is a one-bill-at-a-time type of process.

Here's a fresh take for ChumCity:

Holding Illegal Immigrant Killers Accountable

Should American laws be tougher on illegal immigrants who commit murder within our borders? It's a question stirring up debate. What's your take on ensuring justice and safety in these tragic cases?

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Sharing his perspective is Dale Jackson, a prominent voice from Yellowhammer News. You can catch Dale's insights and commentary on his talk show, weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN. Tune in and join the conversation!

Overtime Tax Cut Axed in Montgomery?!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Alabama Policy Institute (API) is throwing shade at our lawmakers in Montgomery for ditching the overtime pay tax cut in the upcoming 2025 session.

Grocery Tax Cut Instead?

Instead of extending the overtime break, the powers-that-be decided to slice the state's grocery tax share from 3% to 2%, starting September 1, 2025. API's not happy, arguing this move ignores the massive savings Alabamians enjoyed thanks to the overtime cut.

"Game-Changer" Lost?

API argues the overtime tax exemption was a "game-changer," boosting work volume and easing the labor shortage. They claim it saved taxpayers over $230 million in just nine months, with annual savings hitting over $300 million.

Money Matters and Education

Opponents worried about the revenue hit to the Education Trust Fund (ETF). But API counters that the shortfall wouldn't have been a deal-breaker. They point out that the $320 million in overtime tax cuts was just a tiny slice (3%) of the ETF's $10.65 billion revenue pie.

Following the Lead

API believes Alabama should be more like other Republican-led states when it comes to tax relief. They highlight how Mississippi and Georgia have used surplus revenue for significant income tax cuts, while Alabama has been slow to give taxpayers meaningful relief.

Alabama Plugs Into the Future with "Powering Growth"

Governor Kay Ivey just gave Alabama's energy future a major boost, signing the "Powering Growth" package into law! This comprehensive initiative aims to secure Alabama's energy dominance, rev up economic development, and tackle those pesky supply chain challenges that have been holding us back.

What's in the Package?

Think of it as an energy supercharge! The legislation, championed by state leaders and business bigwigs, creates the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank. It's all about boosting our energy capacity, streamlining the permitting process, and making Alabama industrial sites irresistible to companies looking to create jobs.

Powering a Stronger Alabama

"We've got to make sure we have the power to support it," Governor Ivey declared, emphasizing the importance of a robust energy infrastructure that can handle the demands of new industries and jobs. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Alabama Growth Alliance's strategy, focusing on getting sites ready and investing for the long haul to help both urban and rural areas land those high-impact industrial projects.

Cutting the Red Tape

Goodbye, bureaucratic bottlenecks! "Powering Growth" cuts through regulatory red tape, speeding up energy infrastructure projects and making Alabama more appealing to businesses that need things done quickly and efficiently. It tackles those long wait times for essential energy components and reduces government delays in site prep and approvals. Funding will be allocated to make more industrial sites "power ready," removing a major hurdle for companies considering a move to Alabama.

The Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank

At the heart of the plan is the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank, offering flexible financing to fund power infrastructure tied to job creation. It's also designed to ensure a reliable grid and attract private and federal investment without raising taxes.

Why This Matters

Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair points out that energy demand is skyrocketing and is a top consideration for companies choosing where to locate. By investing in our energy infrastructure and addressing those supply chain weak spots, we're setting the stage for long-term economic success and ensuring Alabama remains a top destination for businesses.

A Visionary Plan

State Senator Arthur Orr calls it a "visionary plan" designed to meet tomorrow's energy needs today. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter sees it as a strategic investment that balances growth with sustainability, protecting our citizens without raising taxes. Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger emphasized that a significant portion of this investment will benefit rural Alabama.

"Powering Growth" represents a bold move to position Alabama as a leader in industrial recruitment and infrastructure readiness.