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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.

Brasfield & Gorrie Expands in the 'Ham, Adds Jobs!

Big news out of Birmingham! Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor powerhouse, just celebrated a major expansion to their headquarters right here in the Lakeview District. This isn't just any addition; we're talking a brand-spankin' new three-story, 28,500-square-foot space!

Investing in Birmingham

That's right, folks! This $18.9 million investment shows Brasfield & Gorrie's serious commitment to our city and has already brought 64 new jobs to Birmingham! The expansion, announced earlier this year, is a game-changer.

Hometown Pride

"I’m energized by the company’s growth, and we’re collectively committed to Birmingham, where we’ve been based since our beginning in 1964," said CEO Rob Blalock. It's awesome to see a company so dedicated to its roots!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Brasfield & Gorrie also noted that support from the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and the state of Alabama was key to making this expansion a reality. Looks like everyone's invested in seeing Birmingham thrive! They are already ahead of schedule to bring 85 headquarters jobs within five years, with 75% of those roles already filled.

Boomtown Birmingham

Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, chimed in, saying, “Brasfield & Gorrie’s continued growth in Birmingham is a great example of how Alabama-based companies can lead nationally while staying deeply rooted in their hometowns.”

What's Next?

This expansion supports the company's long-term strategic plan and helps support their 1,400 employees. Pylon Building Group, Brasfield & Gorrie’s subsidiary, led the project's construction. Recent projects in Alabama include Southern Research’s biotech center and campus renovations, work at UAB, Protective Stadium, Airbus facilities, and more. They've even opened a new Field Training Center to help employees level up!

Birmingham is booming, y'all!

Senator Britt Champions Trump's Tax Cuts Amidst Spending Bill Buzz

As the colossal spending bill rolls through Congress, Alabama's own Senator Katie Britt is putting her foot down: extending President Trump's tax cuts is a MUST!

House Proposal: A Promising Start

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has already tossed its hat in the ring, unveiling a plan that not only continues those crucial cuts but also sprinkles in tax relief for tips and overtime pay. It's a step in the right direction, but the real showdown awaits in the Senate.

Britt's Stance: "Absolutely Insanity" to Let Cuts Expire

Britt recently shared her thoughts on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," emphasizing the urgency. "We're talking about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Trump's landmark 2017 achievement," she stated. "Letting these cuts expire would be a $4 TRILLION tax hike on Americans in 2026. We simply can't let that happen!"

Alabama Impact: Wallet Watch Alert!

Senator Britt crunched the numbers, and the results are eye-opening for Alabamians. "If we don't extend these cuts, the average Alabama taxpayer will see their taxes jump by $2,192!" she exclaimed. "That is actual insanity. We need to lock these in and find even more ways to help hard-working folks."

Beyond Tax Cuts: A Call for Fiscal Responsibility

While protecting tax cuts is paramount, Britt stresses the need for serious spending cuts too.

"We're staring down the barrel of almost $37 trillion in debt... It's not just irresponsible; it's morally wrong," Britt declared. "We have a chance to rein it in through cutting waste, fraud, and abuse." She emphasized, "That money isn't ours. It's the hard-earned dollars of taxpayers who trust us to spend it wisely."

Backing Trump's Vision

Ultimately, Britt's mission is clear: to deliver on the promises made by President Trump.

"We're dedicated to executing the vision that President Trump laid out for the American people – a vision they embraced loud and clear," she concluded. "A secure border, safer streets, a strong defense, American energy independence, support for our farmers, and a tax structure that empowers those striving for the American dream – that's what this bill is all about!"