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Rocket City Gets a Tech Guru!

Huntsville's known for its brains, so it's no shocker the city's doubling down on innovation. Just like they hired a music czar, now the Rocket City has snagged a Chief Innovation Officer!

Meet Dr. Larry Lowe

Dr. Larry Lowe, a local tech whiz and all-around smarty pants, is officially on board to lead the charge. He's kicking things off May 1st.

What's He Going to Do?

Think smoother city services and cutting-edge tech. Lowe's working with the city, Huntsville Utilities, and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority (yep, even trash!) to find smarter solutions.

Lowe's Take

"It's not just about gadgets," Lowe said. "It's about making things work better for everyone." He's stoked to help Huntsville get its digital groove on.

Local Boy Makes Good

Lowe, a Huntsville native, knows his stuff. He's a serial entrepreneur with a background in data science and innovation. He's already helped the city and Huntsville Utilities with data-driven solutions.

Mayor Battle's Buzz

Mayor Battle is pumped about Lowe's brainpower. "He'll help us use innovation for smart, inclusive growth," Battle said.

AI on the Agenda

Lowe's also leading the city's push into cool new tech, like artificial intelligence. The goal? Make things run smoother, without any robot uprisings (aka job losses).

Battle's Vision

"We want to stay ahead of the curve," Battle explained. "Make our city a little better, leaner, and more responsive."

STEM Boost

Lowe is part of the Mayor's AI Task Force which recently got a $50,000 grant to boost STEM education for the youth!

AI: Friend, Not Foe

"AI is a tool we need to understand," Lowe emphasized. "The technology is changing fast, but it's here to stay."

Backcountry Trail Strikes Gold Again!

Hold the phone, ChumCity citizens! For the third year in a row, our very own Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has snagged the top spot in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! That's right, the nation's best recreational trail calls Alabama home!

Year of the Trail, Year of the Backcountry Trail

Matthew Capps, Alabama's State Parks Director, is stoked, saying this win is especially sweet during the "Year of Alabama Trails." This 29-mile beauty connects Gulf State Park with our awesome Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, bringing nature and recreation together like peanut butter and jelly.

Beating the Competition

The Backcountry Trail didn't just win; it crushed the competition! It took the crown over nine other trails, including some real heavy hitters like the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Ohio and the massive Great Allegheny Passage.

What Makes it So Special?

Established back in '03, the Backcountry Trail is a mix of paved paths, boardwalks, and good ol' dirt trails. It's named after Hugh Branyon, a legend who served as Gulf State Park's superintendent for over 30 years. Think biking, hiking, wildlife watching, playgrounds, fishing, and even camping!

Alabama's Trail Game is Strong

Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner, noted that this award shines a light on the importance of outdoor recreation. And Alabama's packed with awesome trails! Chewacla State Park's got epic mountain biking, and the Perdido River Wildlife Management Area offers an 18-mile hiking adventure.

More Adventures Await

Want even more? Check out horseback riding at Wind Creek State Park or paddle down the Perdido River. And don't forget the 630-mile Alabama Scenic River Trail and the 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail!

Get Out There!

Blankenship urges everyone to celebrate the Year of Alabama Trails by exploring our diverse landscapes. From beginner-friendly strolls to hardcore adventures, Alabama's got a trail with your name on it. So, grab your gear and get exploring!

Huntsville's Rocket City Ready for Blastoff

While Elon's Doge coin grabs headlines, Redstone Arsenal's gearing up for a serious boom! Word is, it's more than capable of handling a major influx of federal and defense-related action. Our own Rep. Dale Strong believes it and is championing the cause!

Alabama Schools Might Get a Boost

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is singing the praises of Alabama's RAISE Act. This thing's supposed to pump up student results and give teachers the support they need, all through tweaked funding and (gasp!) accountability for our schools. Let's see if it works!

Decatur Street Name Drama?

Someone's suggesting renaming a street in Decatur after Steve Perkins. Remember him? The guy who had that unfortunate run-in with police after allegedly harassing a tow truck driver and brandishing a firearm. It's definitely stirring up some strong opinions around town.

Trump, the Pope's Funeral, and a Blue Suit?

Trump made an appearance at Pope Francis's send-off in Vatican City. Of course, the media focused on some nonsense about a blue suit (seriously?). Also, Trump and Zelenskyy supposedly chatted about wrapping up the Ukraine war. Take it with a grain of salt.

University of Alabama's Scholarship Scuffle

The University of Alabama College Democrats might be playing the role of the "resistance," but the university itself is in hot water. They're facing a civil rights complaint for scholarships exclusively for black students, which might violate federal laws. Ouch!

Tuberville's Governor Gamble

Tommy Tuberville's pretty much running for governor (let's be real). So, everyone else in Alabama's political scene is already jockeying for position to snag his U.S. Senate seat in 2026. The game is afoot!

"No One Is Above the Law?" (Except When They Are?)

"No one is above the law" used to be a Democrat talking point, but that apparently goes out the window when it's a Wisconsin judge getting nabbed by the FBI for interfering with immigration enforcement. The arrest is causing a nationwide uproar over judicial behavior and federal power, but another judge blocked deportations, because America.

Dale Jackson keeps it real on Yellowhammer News and WVNN weekdays 5-9 a.m.

Community College Month: Alabama's Hidden Gem!

Hey ChumCity citizens! Did you know April is Community College Month? Here in Alabama, it’s a HUGE deal! Governor Ivey and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) are shouting it from the rooftops, recognizing these schools as vital for our state's growth and future.

ACCS: Your Friendly Neighborhood Education Powerhouse

Think of the Alabama Community College System as the biggest, friendliest learning network in the state. We're talking 24 public community and technical colleges serving over 140,000 people every year! They're super accessible, with tons of locations (both physical and online!), making education a reality for everyone.

Big Impact, Big Bucks!

These aren’t just schools; they're economic engines! Governor Ivey’s official proclamation highlights that Alabama’s community colleges generate over $8.1 BILLION annually for our state, supporting a whopping 1 in 26 jobs. Plus, almost all students are Alabamians, and most choose to stay and build their lives here after graduation! Talk about investing in our community!

Real Students, Real Success Stories

Kayley Peebles, a student at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, raves about her experience in the esthetics program. She's gaining valuable skills and internship hours that will give her a major leg up in the future.

Kendall Galloway, a Bevill State Community College grad, agrees, saying career and technical education is a game-changer. Whether you're a student looking for a head start, someone wanting a fresh start, or a business needing skilled workers, community college is the answer!

Ready to Jump In?

These colleges offer hands-on training, internships, and dual enrollment programs, preparing you for the real world while earning college credit. You can even snag industry-recognized credentials in just a few weeks, boosting your career prospects FAST.

Investing in Our Future!

Let's celebrate the awesome work of Alabama’s 24 community and technical colleges! They're opening doors, fueling our workforce, and making a real difference in the lives of Alabamians every single day. The Alabama Community College System is a beacon of opportunity, paving the way for a brighter future for us all!

Alabama's Second Chance Bill: A Chance for Redemption

The Alabama Legislature has been actively shaping our state based on strong values this session. As things wrap up, there's one more vital step we can take: passing SB 156, the Second Chance Bill. This bill reflects core principles of compassion and justice, especially for those often forgotten.

What's the Big Deal About SB 156?

SB 156, a part of Gov. Ivey's plan, provides a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to addressing issues within our prison system. It aligns perfectly with Biblical teachings, offering a pathway towards rehabilitation and showing mercy. It aims to correct moral and financial burdens caused by incarcerating aging Alabamians.

Justice, Mercy, and Humility in Action

This bill truly embodies Micah's call to action: doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly. Each case is carefully reviewed by a judge, and victims are notified and given a chance to be heard. The bill's reach is modest, affecting only a small group who meet specific criteria, ensuring no one with a history of physical harm is eligible.

A Second Look, Not a Free Pass

It’s important to understand: this isn't about automatic release. It simply allows a select group to request a review, where the judge, considering input from the District Attorney and victims, decides if a life sentence is still warranted. This is a chance to show mercy to individuals who have already served over 25 years in harsh conditions.

Faith in Action

The Second Chance Bill is a chance to put our faith into action, reflecting values Christians hold dear. Just as Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth, we can actively show mercy and forgiveness, as emphasized throughout scripture.

A Story of Hope

Consider John Manley, sentenced to life without parole for burglary decades ago. He harmed no one, never even saw a victim. His elderly mother still hopes for justice. SB 156 offers the only path for that hope to become a reality.

From Despair to Hope: Embracing Second Chances

SB 156 embodies the spirit of St. Francis's prayer, bringing hope where there is despair, light where there is darkness, and pardon where there is injury. This bill helps us embrace rehabilitation and redemption. Let's urge the Alabama House to pass SB 156, demonstrating that Alabama hasn't abandoned mercy and forgiveness.

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