Alabama Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration

As the 2025 legislative session wraps up, Governor Kay Ivey has signed two new bills aimed at bolstering the fight against illegal immigration. These measures seek to eliminate any incentives for undocumented individuals to settle in Alabama.

New Laws Target Voting and Data Collection

Ivey signed SB158, strengthening Alabama's laws regarding noncitizen voting, and SB63, mandating law enforcement to collect fingerprints and DNA samples from undocumented immigrants already in custody.

Protecting Communities and Elections

"Alabama is stepping up to safeguard our communities and the integrity of our elections," Ivey stated. "These bills close a loophole in voter ID laws and enhance law enforcement's ability to identify undocumented immigrants with criminal records."

SB158: Fortifying Voter ID Laws

SB158, sponsored by Senator Will Barfoot, prohibits the use of foreign national driver's licenses as valid photo IDs for voting in Alabama. Previously, state law didn't explicitly exclude these licenses.

Secretary of State Wes Allen's Praise

Secretary of State Wes Allen applauded the bill's passage, stating it "codifies an important common-sense election integrity measure that will protect the vote of every Alabamian."

SB63: Streamlining Biometric Data Collection

SB63, introduced by State Sen. Lance Bell, requires law enforcement to collect biometric data from undocumented immigrants in custody.

Connecting Criminals to Crimes

Bell highlighted a case where DNA evidence linked an individual in custody to a murder in California. "Our Department of Forensic Sciences has a great system and database," Bell explained, "and this is just one more group of individuals to put into that that we already have available.”

Bipartisan Support

Both bills passed the Legislature with backing from both parties.

Alabama Tax Relief: Is It Enough?

As Alabama's legislative session wraps up, a $191 million tax relief package is hitting the books. Groceries will see a sales tax drop (3% to 2%), and baby/feminine hygiene products get a 4% sales tax nix. Plus, some retirees and low-income households are getting income tax breaks. But is that really enough?

Cullman Candidate Calls for Bigger Cuts

Health Allbright, a Republican vying for a House seat in the Cullman area, thinks Alabama can go much further. He's talking serious tax cuts, including gasp slashing the state income tax!

More Money in Your Pocket?

"Hardworking Alabamians deserve to keep more of their income," Allbright says. "Cutting the income tax empowers families to invest in their future and fuels our local economy." He wants District 11 families to have more control over their cash.

Targeting Business Taxes

Allbright is also aiming at the state's business privilege tax, arguing it hits small businesses hard and stifles growth. He believes cutting this tax will unleash local entrepreneurs, allowing them to hire more workers and strengthen communities.

Property Tax Pain

Personal property taxes used in business also get Allbright's attention. He points out that equipment and machinery are assessed at a hefty 20% of market value. For rural District 11, where agriculture and manufacturing are key, this can be a huge burden. He says that axing these taxes would let residents keep more of their hard-earned money.

Can We Afford It?

Allbright insists that tax cuts can be balanced with investments in education, infrastructure, and responsible fiscal management.

Who is Health Allbright?

Allbright owns Brighton Forestry Services and has served on the Cullman County Board of Education. He's pushing for tax cuts, slashing regulations for small businesses, and boosting support for public education. He's nabbed endorsements from big names like the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Business Council of Alabama.

Election Showdown

Voters in Alabama House District 11 head to the polls tomorrow to choose between Allbright and retired U.S. Army Colonel Don Fallin. The seat opened up after former State Rep. Randall Shedd took a new gig. This Republican stronghold in parts of Cullman and Blount counties will be one to watch!

Bee-friending the Planet: Why Bee Health Matters (and What We're Doing About It!)

Our buzzing buddies, honeybees and native bees, are facing some serious struggles. This isn't just a bee problem – it's a big deal for our food supply and the environment! Bees are super pollinators, helping grow so many of the crops we eat. But their populations are shrinking thanks to mites, pesticides, and vanishing habitats. Yikes!

Auburn's Bee Center: Buzzing with Solutions

That's where Auburn University's Bee Center comes in. We're on a mission to keep bees healthy and happy through groundbreaking research. We're teaming up with the USDA's bee experts to share knowledge, analyze data, and train the next generation of bee scientists. Together, we're developing new ways to fight bee pests, figuring out the best wildflowers to plant, and understanding how invasive plants affect bee food.

Tracking Bee Health Across the Nation

The Bee Center leads the U.S. Beekeeping Survey, keeping tabs on bee health nationwide. Our findings have revealed some pretty alarming colony losses, especially among beekeepers who pollinate specialty crops. This info is crucial for informing policymakers and guiding future research.

Global Bee Troubles: We've Got Your Back

We're also keeping an eye on a nasty parasitic mite, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, that's spreading in Asia and Eastern Europe. We're working to understand and manage this mite, so U.S. beekeepers are prepared if it ever shows up here.

Tackling Varroa Mites: A Team Effort

High colony loss and mortality, often caused by another mite called Varroa destructor, is a major concern. We're part of a large USDA-supported project, teaming up with researchers across the U.S. and Canada to find new ways to control these pesky critters. Our field trials are conducted in real-world beekeeping conditions, so we know our solutions are practical and effective.

More Than Just Research: Teaching and Outreach

We're also passionate about education and community involvement. We offer amazing hands-on learning experiences for students, letting them contribute to research, share findings, and engage in outreach.

We connect with local beekeepers and farmers through field days, meetings, surveys, and direct communication. We want to understand their needs and provide practical solutions. Our monthly webinar series and beekeeping videos are just a couple of ways we're supporting our bee-loving community.

The Future is Bright (and Bee-utiful!)

Our upcoming SEBees initiative will provide even more immersive pollinator research and outreach opportunities for students.

Our goal is to make a lasting impact on sustainable agriculture and bee conservation. By working with our partners, we aim to lead the way, providing solutions and inspiring the next generation of bee stewards.

Auburn's Bee Center is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and impact. We're driving change and making a real difference in the world of bee conservation!

Courtesy of Auburn University

Local Hero Alert! Senator Tubs Honors Auburn's Own Veteran of the Month!

Senator Tommy Tuberville has tapped Auburn's very own, U.S. Navy Captain Doug "Puck" Esposito, as his office's Veteran of the Month for May! This hometown hero, a former pilot with 30 years under his belt, dedicates his life to helping fellow veterans get the academic support they need, and even everyday necessities.

Tubs Says Puck's the Real Deal!

Tuberville (R-Auburn) is beyond impressed, calling Esposito a true example of dedication.

"Here in Alabama, we're super proud to honor and support our military heroes," the Senator said. "But it takes folks who are 100% committed, day in and day out. And nobody embodies that spirit more than Captain Puck Esposito!"

A Career of Service and Sacrifice!

Tuberville highlighted Esposito's incredible Navy career, "Following in his WWII and Korean War veteran dad's footsteps, Puck joined the Navy back in '86. Thirty years of active duty as a Navy Aviator – from Grey helicopters to an exchange gig with the Canadian Air Force, to eight years at sea – he's done it all!" The Senator added, "Nine long deployments, serving in every theater imaginable!"

More Than Just a Resource Center!

According to Tuberville, Esposito goes above and beyond for our veterans.

"His work at the Vets Resource Center is crucial for Auburn student-veterans. Sure, they offer academic resources, but Puck takes it deeper. He and his team tackle tough issues like veteran suicide, food insecurity, and even homelessness!"

Making a Difference, One Vet at a Time!

Esposito now helps over 2,000 student veterans succeed.

"Under Puck's leadership, the Auburn Vets Resource Center has exploded, going from supporting 600 students to over 2,100!" Tuberville exclaimed. "They put on awesome events like Project Iron Ruck and help Auburn honor our veterans at all the big games."

"We're stoked to have Puck as one of our own and are so grateful for everything he does for our veterans!"

Groceries Getting Cheaper in Alabama!

Governor Kay Ivey just made life a little easier for Alabamians! She signed HB386 into law on Friday, taking another bite out of that pesky grocery tax!

Relief on the Way

The Governor made the announcement while on her Rebuild Alabama Road Tour in Limestone County, promising reporters she'd sign the bill ASAP back in Montgomery. And guess what? She kept her word!

Ivey's Take

"When we can reduce taxes in Alabama and provide some relief to the hardworking people of this state, I am all for it," Governor Ivey declared. "I was pleased to sign House Bill 386 to take another notch off our state grocery tax.”

A Continuing Trend

HB386 is the latest step in a plan to gradually eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. It's all about giving folks a little extra breathing room, especially with those rising prices we've all been seeing! It's a bipartisan win for Alabama families!

Big News at Maxwell AFB: Enlisted Education Gets a Prime Spot!

Guess what, ChumCity? The U.S. Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) headquarters is movin' on up! They've officially relocated from Maxwell's Gunter Annex to Chennault Circle, right in the heart of the base's educational action.

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is now chillin' in Building 1400 on the main Maxwell campus. It's all about centralizing the learning!

Ribbon-Cutting Fun

They celebrated with a ribbon-cutting shindig on Friday, May 9th. Big wigs like Col. Damian Schlussel (Barnes Center Commander), Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi, and Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright (Curtis E. LeMay Center Commander) were all there.

What They're Saying

Col. Schlussel shared some thoughts on Facebook, saying the move "symbolizes the importance of enlisted education and the promotion of Airmindedness across the entirety of our force." He emphasized the crucial role enlisted airmen play, and how PME should reflect that teamwork.

Barnes Center Deets

The Barnes Center, named after Air Force legend Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Barnes, is in charge of some major enlisted development programs:

• Airman Leadership School
• Noncommissioned Officer Academy
• Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
• Chief Leadership Course
• Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course
• Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute
• Foundations courses

Chennault Circle History

Chennault Circle (previously Academic Circle), built back in the '50s, honors Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, the leader of the legendary WWII Flying Tigers. It's the main educational hub for Air University, housing cool schools like the Air War College and the Air Force Warrant Officer Training School.

Maxwell AFB is west of downtown Montgomery, with Gunter Annex off Congressman Dickinson Drive, near the Eastern Boulevard bypass.

ChumCity Headlines!

Alright Chumblers, get your fill of what's going down!

College Football Chaos?

Heard about the potential 16-team College Football Playoff? Sources say the SEC wants 4 guaranteed spots! Even without that, SEC and Big Ten are gonna feast. Score!

Mother's Day Mayhem?!

Seriously?! Some folks actually protested motherhood on Mother's Day. What in the world is going on?

Musk's Budget Blitz

Elon's axe is swinging! His Department of Government Efficiency just slashed $7.8 million in DEI and STEM grants from Alabama universities. Ouch!

Sewell Sounds Off

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) says Trump firing the Librarian of Congress is a "whitewash." Is this why the Dems are gonna get smoked in '26?

Space Command Boom

Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) says Space Command HQ in Alabama means 4,700 new jobs. Plus, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's overseeing a new rocket being built. To the moon, Alice!

Ainsworth's Out (For Now?)

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth says he's "pretty much" not running for U.S. Senate in 2026. So, who will step up?

Market Mania

Stock market's partying hard after Trump's drug pricing order and the tentative U.S.-China trade deal. Correction's over, baby! Big Pharma's smiling all the way to the bank.

Your daily dose of Alabama news from ChumCity!

OWA Gets a Glow-Up: Nighttime Kayaking Has Arrived!

Downtown OWA just got a whole lot brighter (literally!) with the grand opening of Aura Adventures. Get ready to experience the lake like never before with their awesome glow-in-the-dark kayaking!

Paddle into the Night!

Aura Adventures officially launched last weekend, and folks are already raving about the nighttime kayaking on OWA's lake. Imagine gliding across the water in a kayak that lights up the night! Besides the super cool kayaks, they also have pedal boats and paddleboards, with even more watery fun coming soon.

Making Waves at OWA!

"We’re stoked to bring this new vibe to OWA's waterfront," says Andrew White, owner of Aura Adventures. "Whether you want a chill paddle or a vibrant night on the lake, we're here to help you get active and have a blast outdoors."

OWA: More Than Just a Theme Park!

Aura Adventures is just one more reason to love OWA Parks & Resort! This massive 520-acre destination, owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians, boasts Tropic Falls theme park, the region’s biggest indoor water park, the Big Water Bay wave pool, the Coastal Curl wave simulator, and a bustling Downtown area packed with restaurants, shops, and events all year round. Get ready for some serious fun!

Brewton's Ken Lett Jr.: Never Letting Up!

Remember Ken Lett Jr., the T.R. Miller High School football player? Back in September 2024, he suffered a serious neck injury. Seven months later, his recovery journey continues, fueled by incredible community support!

Community Rallying Around

After Ken's injury during a game, he needed surgery. Coach Brent Hubbert shared that Ken's spirits were high, thanks to everyone's prayers. He's facing each day with a "winning mindset," as Hubbert put it.

"Come Ride with Ken" Parade

That determination is catching! Recently, Beatrice came together in a powerful way. Cathedral of Faith Christian Center organized a parade called "Come Ride with Ken"—a fundraiser and a huge boost of encouragement for Ken.

Riding for Recovery

WSFA 12 reported the parade was quite a sight! Golf carts, four-wheelers, even horses paraded through town, many sporting "Never Lett Up" shirts, Ken's personal motto. Supporters cheered and donated to help with Ken's transportation costs to Mobile for physical therapy.

Family Overwhelmed by Support

Ken and his family led the parade, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. His mom, Tonya Lett, says the constant support gives them strength as they navigate his recovery.

Faith and Perseverance

Ken still has a road ahead, but he's committed to getting better, crediting his faith and perseverance for the progress he's made.

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