I-65 Widening: Could it Actually Happen?

Senator Katie Britt has been hustling up in Washington, folks, and she's got her sights set on something HUGE for Alabama: widening I-65! She chatted with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about it during an appropriations hearing this past week.

Trump's On Board!

Britt let Duffy know that the big man himself, President Trump, is supposedly all for expanding I-65. Apparently, Trump wants to see that highway beefed up to four lanes on each side – and he's committed to making it a reality, according to the Senator!

Why It Matters to Alabama

Britt emphasized just how crucial this expansion is for our state. "Anyone who wants to travel in Alabama gets stuck on I-65," she said. She highlighted how folks heading to our gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches or even the Florida Panhandle are bottlenecked on that very highway.

Duffy's Commitment

Britt directly asked Duffy to commit to seriously considering the project, emphasizing the need for a federal partnership to make Trump's promise a reality.

Good News!

Duffy's response? A big YES! "The president's priorities are also my priorities," he stated, promising to take a look. Looks like things are moving in the right direction, ChumCity!

Telegraph Creative Welcomes Zack Miskel as Chief Client Officer!

Big news from Telegraph Creative! They've just snagged Zack Miskel as their new Chief Client Officer and Partner. Zack's gonna be leading the accounts team and making sure all their key client relationships are rock solid. As a partner, he'll also be a driving force behind the agency's future growth.

Brian Conley Shifts to Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

Meanwhile, Brian Conley, a Telegraph veteran, is stepping into the role of Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. After building an amazing client service foundation, Brian will now be diving headfirst into boosting the agency's strategic game. Telegraph says his knack for turning vision into killer brand strategies is what makes them tick!

Excitement All Around!

"These are exciting days at Telegraph," says CEO Bj Ellis. "Zack brings the energy and leadership we need to level up. I'm stoked about the team we have and the rad clients we work with—and with Zack and Brian in these roles, the sky's the limit!"

Zack's Got the Goods

Zack comes packing over five years of executive-level experience, helping top brands make a splash. He's worked with heavy hitters like Thermo Fisher and AT&T, plus a ton of other cool companies across different industries, from healthcare to consumer goods.

A Client-Turned-Partner!

"My journey with Telegraph started as a client," Zack shared. "I knew right away this place was different. The passion, the talent, and how they show up for their clients? It's unmatched. Telegraph is building something special, and I'm stoked to be a part of it."

New Leadership Alert: ALM Elects Fairhope's Sullivan as President!

The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) just wrapped up its 90th convention at the Von Braun Center, and big news emerged! Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan is the new president, with Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup stepping into the vice president role. Over 800 city officials from across the state gathered for the three-day event.

A Voice for Local Government

ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran is pumped to have Mayor Sullivan and Mayor Jessup at the helm for 2025-2026. "We believe local government is closest to the people," he said. "These two will help us share that important message, strengthening relationships and building vibrant communities across Alabama!"

One-Year Terms, Big Impact

This nonpartisan organization champions local governments of all sizes with legislative muscle, legal know-how, and training for elected officials. The president and VP will serve for a year, representing ALM's 450+ cities and towns at meetings and events, making sure municipalities have a voice at every level.

Meet President Sherry Sullivan

Mayor Sullivan, elected in 2020, brings a wealth of experience, with almost 17 years working for Fairhope, plus a stint as director of governmental affairs and economic development for Riviera Utilities. She's already been active in ALM, serving on various boards and committees. Plus, she's involved with a ton of other organizations!

"I'm honored and humbled!" Sullivan exclaimed. "With over 450 communities, we have big issues to tackle. I'm committed to working with members and policymakers to ensure ALM remains a powerful voice in Montgomery."

Get to Know Vice President Rusty Jessup

Mayor Jessup has been leading Riverside since 2006. He's no stranger to ALM, with service on the Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation and the Committee on State and Federal Legislation. A former insurance agency owner, he's also heavily involved in St. Clair County.

"I'm grateful to be elected to represent the League as vice president," Jessup shared. "The League offers so many valuable resources, and I look forward to working with President Sullivan and officials from cities and towns of all sizes to improve our communities."

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Here are some of the other local leaders elected to the ALM Board of Directors:

First Congressional District:

• Ralph Hellmich, Mayor, Foley
• Katherine Breeden, Councilmember, Loxley
• Mike McMillan, Mayor, Spanish Fort
• Newton Cromer, Councilmember, Saraland
• Ruthie Campbell, Councilmember, Robertsdale

Second Congressional District:

• Marche Johnson, Councilmember, Montgomery
• Gordon Stone, Mayor, Pike Road
• Dexter McClendon, Mayor, Greenville
• Jason Reeves, Mayor, Troy
• Stanley Stallworth, Mayor, Evergreen

Third Congressional District:

• Joe Taylor, Mayor, Rainbow City
• Billy Pearson, Councilmember, Lincoln
• Ron Anders, Mayor, Auburn
• Michael Ellis, Councilmember, LaFayette
• Scott Reeves, Mayor, Hokes Bluff

Fourth Congressional District:

• Jennifer Williams Smith, Councilmember, Jasper
• Allen Dunavant, Mayor, Glen Allen
• Chuck Ables, Mayor, Geraldine
• Andrew Betterton, Mayor, Florence
• Mike Lockhart, Mayor, Muscle Shoals

Fifth Congressional District:

• Dana Henry, Councilmember, Athens
• Gary Livingston, Mayor, Eva
• Jim McCamy, Mayor, Scottsboro
• Tommy Perry, Councilmember, Priceville
• Connie Spears, Councilmember, Madison

Sixth Congressional District:

• Mike Oakley, Mayor, Centreville
• Ashley Curry, Mayor, Vestavia Hills
• Bobbie White, Mayor, Brent
• Michael Gay, Councilmember, Millbrook
• Theoangelo Perkins, Mayor, Harpersville

Seventh Congressional District:

• Bobby Scott Jr., Mayor, Center Point
• James Perkins Jr., Mayor, Selma
• Gwendolyn Rogers, Mayor, Linden
• Brian Puckett, Mayor, Helena
• Sheldon Day, Mayor, Thomasville

Executive Committee (Past Presidents):

• Mark Saliba, Mayor, Dothan
• Randy Garrison, Mayor, Hartselle
• Lawrence “Tony” Haygood Jr., Mayor, Tuskegee
• Gary Fuller, Mayor, Opelika
• Leigh Dollar, Mayor, Guntersville
• Ronnie Marks, Mayor, Athens
• Howard Rubenstein, Mayor, Saraland
• Phil Segraves, Mayor, Guin
• Sadie Britt, Councilmember, Lincoln
• Walt Maddox, Mayor, Tuscaloosa
• Charles Murphy, Mayor, Robertsdale
• Lew Watson, Mayor, Lincoln
• Johnny Ford, Councilmember, Tuskegee

Alabama Politics with Dale & Mecca!

Get your daily dose of Alabama's hottest political takes! Join radio host Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick as they dissect the stories everyone's buzzing about.

Who are These Political Pros?

Mecca Musick is the brains behind 256 Today, keeping you informed on all things Huntsville and beyond.

Dale Jackson, a Yellowhammer News contributor, keeps the conversation flowing on WVNN from 5-9 a.m. every weekday. Don't miss his insightful commentary!

College Baseball Magic in the 'Burn!

Auburn Tigers baseball pulled off an unforgettable moment this week that'll have Plainsman Park buzzing for ages! In a midweek game against Jacksonville State, with the Tigers comfortably ahead, something truly special happened.

A Moment to Remember

With the score at 18-0, Auburn got to shuffle the lineup and give some fresh faces a chance. For one player, it was his first game action all season! This wasn't just anyone, though. It was Andrew Dutton, a recent addition from the now-closed Birmingham Southern, where he starred and helped them to the D3 College World Series.

From Coach to Hero

This year, Dutton joined the Tigers as a graduate assistant and first base coach. But on Tuesday, he got his shot at the plate in an Auburn uniform. And did he deliver! Dutton absolutely CRUSHED a home run to right field! The dugout went wild, erupting in celebration for their beloved teammate and coach. It was pure joy and a testament to how much they respect him.

The Perfect Script

Seriously, you couldn't have written a better story! Dutton's first at-bat, a towering home run, is a moment he and Auburn fans will cherish forever. What a way to enter the game – pure baseball magic!

Alabama's Legislative Wrap-Up: Speaker Ledbetter Weighs In

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter recently chatted with reporters, giving his take on the 2025 Legislative session. His verdict? A thumbs-up! "I think we had a great session," Ledbetter declared.

Tackling Taxes: A Work in Progress

When it comes to taxes, Ledbetter expressed satisfaction with the progress made, while acknowledging there's still ground to cover. He's got his sights set on ditching the grocery tax entirely, noting that even a few cents saved can make a real difference for families.

Good news! Governor Kay Ivey signed HB386, which slashes the state's grocery sales tax from 3% to 2%. That's a win for Alabama shoppers!

What Didn't Make the Cut?

Ledbetter pointed out some initiatives that sailed through the House but stalled in the Senate, including expanded tax relief for senior citizens. "I think that’s something we can look at," he said, hinting at future efforts.

Overtime Pay: A Future Debate?

The potential extension of tax cuts on overtime pay proved to be a sticking point, with concerns about the impact on the Education Trust Fund (ETF). Ledbetter, a co-sponsor of the bill, believes there might be a way to revisit the issue, perhaps with a quarterly approach. "We need to look at it," he affirmed.

Overall Impression: Pride in Accomplishments

Despite the challenges, Ledbetter is proud of the legislature's work this year. "I’m proud of the body and proud of the accomplishments we’ve had," he stated, emphasizing that these achievements were made without compromising essential budgets. He added that it's their job to ensure the state has sufficient funds for crucial services. "At the end of the day, I think we've done a good job."

Senate Could See Rule Changes!

Alabama State Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is hinting at potential rule tweaks for the next session! Why? Turns out, a bunch of lawmakers were bummed when their local bills got stuck in the Senate, missing the deadline on the last day.

Local Bills Held Hostage?

Gudger told reporters he wants to ensure local legislation gets the priority it deserves. "We didn’t get all the local legislation passed, and that was a priority for me," he admitted. He's considering changes to prevent one person from single-handedly blocking everyone else's local bills. It sounds like a filibuster fix might be in the works.

Relax, Then Revamp

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, Gudger plans to de-stress with some golf. Smart move! Then, it's straight into leadership meetings to figure out if rule adjustments are needed to make the Senate function smoother for everyone. "We’re gonna start having leadership meetings immediately," he stated, "figuring out if there’s gonna be any rule changes."

Balancing Act

Gudger also touched on fairness. "You heard some people tonight saying they didn’t treat them fairly tonight," he noted, emphasizing the need to look at the whole session, not just one night.

Happy Overall

Despite some first-term challenges, Gudger is pumped about what the Senate accomplished this year. "I've been excited about this whole session," he shared, emphasizing the short runway he had upon becoming Pro Tem. Cannonball indeed! He's proud of the bi-partisan effort and the Senate's overall performance.

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