Local Gridiron Star Kicking for a Cause!

An Alabama high school senior is using his football prowess to champion families facing the difficult journey of dementia.

Rob Ashworth's Inspiring Mission

Rob Ashworth, a senior and kicker at The Montgomery Academy, is turning his on-field kicks into crucial support for those touched by memory loss, inspired by his grandmother's struggle with dementia.

Kicking for a Cause: A Touchdown for Respite for All

Rob launched "Kicking for a Cause" earlier this year, a fundraiser benefiting Respite for All, a dementia care ministry that started locally and now serves communities nationwide. This organization offers vital care, support, and community for individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia.

How It Works: Pledge Your Support!

Through the campaign, folks can pledge a one-time donation or contribute based on Rob's performance each Friday night. Different giving tiers – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – are linked to the type of kick. For example, at the Gold level, donors give a certain amount per extra point, touchback, or even those extra-long field goals! Every dollar goes directly to Respite for All.

A Winning Season On and Off the Field

Rob's fundraising efforts have already topped $5,000 thanks to generous supporters! He's nailed over 27 extra points and booted at least three field goals this season. And the Montgomery Academy Eagles are soaring with a 7-1 record, heading into the playoffs with serious momentum.

Respite for All: Growing Strong

Respite for All began in 2012 at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery as a humble two-day-a-week program. It's blossomed into a national model for dementia care, emphasizing meaningful engagement through activities like art, music, exercise, shared meals, and worship.

More Than Just a Kicker

Rob isn't just a football star; he's deeply involved in campus life. He's the Student Government Association president, a member of the school's state championship soccer team, and an all-around awesome guy!

A Montgomery Institution Changes Hands!

Big news, ChumCity peeps! Chris' Famous Hot Dogs, a downtown Montgomery landmark for 108 years, has been sold. The Katechis family, who've owned and operated it since 1917, are passing the torch. But don't worry, the chili dogs aren't going anywhere!

More Than Just Hot Dogs

Chris' isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's a political and business hub. Situated near the State Capitol, it's seen countless deals hashed out over lunch, happy hour, and even late-night cravings. And let's not forget the music!

A Family Legacy

Founded by Chris Katechis, the legacy continued with his son Theo, Theo's wife Angia, and their son Gus. They've kept the place running, serving up deliciousness and Southern hospitality for over a century. Theo was known for his generosity, helping employees and even providing meals for those in need.

A Century of Alabama History

Three generations of the "First Family of Hot Dogs" - it's amazing! And their secret recipe? Undisclosed, but trust us, it's legendary. You HAVE to try it. Plus, their unique burgers and sides are a must!

A Political Powerhouse

Chris' Hot Dogs has fueled some serious movers and shakers. We're talking Presidents (FDR, Truman, the Bushes), every Alabama governor since 1917, and countless politicians. The walls are a veritable museum of Alabama politics!

Rock 'n' Roll and Country Royalty

Elvis Presley himself grabbed a bite at Chris'. And country legend Hank Williams Sr. was a regular, even inspiring the classic hit, "Hey Good Lookin'," right at the bar!

Business is Booming!

Chris' should be in the Hot Dog Hall of Fame! They cater everything, from conventions to concerts, and even ship their dogs out of state! Remember the 100th-anniversary bash that shut down Dexter Avenue? Epic!

More Than Just a Restaurant

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Stewart, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald were also patrons. Chris' has seen it all: the Selma-to-Montgomery March, King's ministry, Rosa Parks' historic act.

From the Aegean to Alabama

The journey of Christopher Anastasios Katechis from a small island in Greece to Montgomery is a true American success story. Now, a new chapter begins, but the legend of Chris' Hot Dogs lives on!

Auburn Faces "Must-Win" Showdown Against Missouri

The Auburn Tigers are staring down a pivotal game against Missouri after a heart-wrenching loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. The pressure is on!

A Tumultuous Week on the Plains

It's been a wild week for Auburn, marked by the unexpected departure of a team captain amidst swirling rumors, along with whispers surrounding the future of their head coach.

Arnold Rallies the Troops

Despite the off-field noise, quarterback Jackson Arnold says the locker room is united and focused. He emphasized the team's determination ahead of their nighttime battle at Jordan-Hare.

Belief Remains Strong

Even with a three-game losing streak, Arnold has faith his team can snag a victory this week. He's making sure everyone's on board!

Arnold's Mindset

"Look, it sucks having three losses in a row," Arnold stated. "But for us, if you don’t wanna be here, then don’t be here. For those guys that wanna stay hungry and stay in the fight, they’re gonna come back to work and go out and try to get a win. That's our mindset every week, to go out and dominate and try to get a win."

Still Got That Tiger Spirit?

Whether Arnold's optimism translates to a win remains to be seen, but the team's unwavering belief suggests Coach Freeze still has a firm grip on the team.

Trump: The Ultimate Dealmaker?

So, the other day I was pondering Trump's seemingly endless involvement in everything from the Ukraine conflict to hostage negotiations and those pesky tariff talks. And it hit me: this guy's doing what he's always done, just on a much, MUCH bigger stage.

From Real Estate Mogul to Global Negotiator

Trump built his empire on striking deals, often the kind that seemed downright impossible. He had this uncanny ability to turn "no way" into "done deal." Now, he's applying that same skill set to international relations.

A New Approach to Foreign Policy

Let's be honest, Biden, Obama, Bush, Clinton, and even the other Bush? We didn't exactly see them as master dealmakers, did we? Foreign policy felt more like...well, policy, not deal-making. Maybe they just didn't see the opportunities, or maybe they weren't as comfortable hammering out agreements.

Trump Time is Now

Can you even imagine those previous presidents trying to pull off the deals Trump is pursuing? It's a whole new ballgame. It's Trump Time, baby! Daily, we're seeing new developments in negotiations affecting everything from world peace to your wallet.

The Art of the Deal, IRL

Donald Trump has turned the world stage into a real-life version of The Art of the Deal. Seriously, his book from way back in '87.

A Blast from the Past

I read that book in the '90s and was blown away by Trump's deal-making genius. Never in a million years did I think he'd use those skills to tackle global issues. Looking back, duh! His deal-making prowess helped him get elected, and now it could revolutionize everything from the Middle East to trade imbalances.

A Broker for Peace (and More!)

As president, Trump's not just a real estate mogul anymore. He's a broker for peace, a broker for lower drug prices, a broker for national security, a broker for... well, everything!

Deal, Deal, Deal!

He's diving in headfirst, with three more years to keep hammering out agreements. Plus, he's got folks like JD Vance and Marco Rubio watching and learning. The deal-making shouldn't end when Trump's term is up. We can't afford to go back to a time when other countries took advantage of us.

Trumpism Forever!

When Trump leaves office, his style of deal-making needs to continue. Re-reading Art of the Deal was a revelation. It's available everywhere if you want a dose of inspiration, too!

Think Big!

"I like thinking big. I always have. To me it’s very simple: If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big." - Donald J. Trump

Young at Heart, Winning Gold!

When it comes to the National Senior Games, Eric Young proves that age is just a number! This Alabama Power cable splicer traded his tools for weights and brought home the gold in powerlifting from Des Moines, Iowa!

More Than Just Muscle

But wait, there's more! Eric also snagged a bronze medal in cornhole! This powerhouse isn't just about strength; he's got skills. What started as a way to stay active with his wife, Treba, through tennis and cycling, blossomed into a full-fledged Senior Games adventure.

Discovering New Passions

After attending the 2022 Games, Eric realized his competitive spirit was yearning for more. "I finally found something I could do, that I’ve done all of my life," he said about powerlifting. From there, he and Treba dove into training, qualifying, and dominating in multiple events.

State to National Glory

The journey wasn't easy. They conquered the Alabama Senior Olympics qualifiers before making the 14-hour trek to Des Moines. But the reward was well worth the effort. Eric and Treba participated in everything from track and field to pickleball, showcasing their incredible athleticism and zest for life.

A Champion's Advice

Eric encourages everyone, no matter their age, to stay active. "I used to think just coming to work was physical enough. It’s not," he says. His dedication and hard work prove that it's never too late to pursue your passions and push your limits.

Future Games

Keep an eye out for the Alabama Senior Olympics qualifiers in 2026 for the National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2027. And mark your calendars! The National Senior Games will be right here in Birmingham in 2029! Let's show them some ChumCity support!

Feeling Lost? Grab the Wheel!

Ever hopped in one of those driverless cars and felt... adrift? No destination, no control, just bumping along. It's like life sometimes, right? Feeling lost and out of control. But guess what? You can steer yourself back on course.

Five Pillars to Get You Back on Track

When the world feels like a runaway robotaxi, focus on what you can control: the five pillars of happiness.

1. Faith, Family, Friendship & Service

Forget chasing riches and fame. Author Arthur Brooks nails it: lasting happiness comes from strong connections and helping others. These are your anchors when life gets stormy.

2. Spend It Now (Wisely!)

Life's not a dress rehearsal! Don't hoard your experiences for a "someday" that may never arrive. Start creating those unforgettable memories now, before Metamucil becomes your signature cocktail.

3. Hang On 'Til Your 40s

Feeling down? There's hope! Happiness often dips in your younger years but starts climbing again in your 40s. You start appreciating the good stuff and realize life's not so bad after all.

4. Delay, Delay, Delay Gratification

Resist that instant urge! Those who can manage their impulses thrive in all areas of life. It's tough, but so worth it. Don't let impulse control lead you down the wrong path.

5. Embrace the Quiet

Shut out the noise! The constant chatter of news, social media, and everything else drowns out your own thoughts. Seek solitude for reflection, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of yourself. Even Jesus, Moses and Mohammed knew the value of a long walk.

So, ditch the driverless anxiety and take control! Focus on meaningful connections, make memories, hang in there, resist instant gratification, and embrace the quiet. You've got this, ChumCity!

Truth: An Unwelcome Guest in Today's World

We're living in a time where the truth seems to be actively avoided. Leaders, especially in politics, often shy away from it, fearing the changes it might force upon them and the potential consequences for their careers.

The UN: A Case Study in Lost Truth

The United Nations offers a prime example of how truth gets lost in the shuffle of ideologies. Originally founded to foster peace and resolve conflicts peacefully, the UN now struggles to live up to its charter.

Hijacked by Ideologies

Honest debate has been replaced by ideological battles aimed not at finding truth, but at pushing agendas based on, let's be honest, lies and deception. Much of this seems aimed at undermining the United States, its motives, and its interests.

Propaganda and Misrepresentation

Early on, the UN was manipulated to promote a global communist agenda, using the language of freedom to mask their true intentions. The US was consistently painted as imperialistic and elite, a narrative that, despite being false, took root and continues to influence perceptions today.

The World Needs American Benevolence

The world needs the United States, whether it wants to admit it or not. Without our commitment to free trade, our military presence, and our humanitarian efforts, the world would be a much darker place.

A Reluctant Superpower

The US didn't seek global dominance; it stumbled into it. We've accepted our role reluctantly, even with a touch of embarrassment. Our goals are simple: a stable world order where nations can thrive under the rule of law, promoting peace and reciprocal trade.

A Call for the UN to Reclaim Its Purpose

The United Nations stands at a crossroads. It can join the US in creating a stable world, fulfilling its original charter. This means calling out bad actors, curtailing their influence, and sanctioning their economies. Otherwise, it risks becoming an irrelevant forum for complainers, validating failed ideologies.

A New Birth of Purpose

The UN needs a new mission, inspired by freedom and guided by honest brokers, to ensure peace and stability. The United States can help liberate the UN from ideology, promoting realpolitik and the rule of law through fair tribunals that resolve disputes and stabilize free trade.

CHOOSE Act Shines a Light on Alabama Family

Governor Kay Ivey is spotlighting another Alabama family whose life has been positively impacted by the CHOOSE Act, the state's awesome education savings account program.

Meet the Carbonells

Say hello to Francisco and Itzel Carbonell from Birmingham! They're the proud parents of five amazing kids: Maria (8th grade), Anna (5th grade), Amalia (1st grade), Juan (K5), and adorable baby Emma. Four of the children are currently rocking it at St. Rose Academy, and the CHOOSE Act is playing a major role in making their education possible!

Governor Ivey's Take

“For Francisco and Itzel, the CHOOSE Act is a game-changer, allowing their children to thrive in an environment that aligns with their family's values and aspirations,” Ivey shared. “Alabama families deserve to have real choices when it comes to their children's education. The CHOOSE Act empowers families like the Carbonells to find the perfect fit for their children's future – and that's something to celebrate!”

A Perfect Fit at St. Rose Academy

The Carbonell family emphasized that their Catholic faith, commitment to strong morals, and dedication to high-quality education were key factors in choosing St. Rose Academy. After moving to Alabama in 2021, they discovered a school that mirrored their values. When financial challenges threatened their ability to continue at St. Rose, the CHOOSE Act stepped in, ensuring their children could remain enrolled and even planning for their youngest to attend in the future!

A Family's Gratitude

“We had no idea it would be this wonderful – thank God! – we are completely blown away,” exclaimed Francisco Carbonell. “This has been an incredible relief for our family, and now we can invest in new laptops and other resources to support our children's continued growth.”

Each Child's Unique Spark

Each of the Carbonell children brings their own special flair to the family. Maria, the eldest, is passionate about piano and musicals. Anna has a deep love for animals, while Amalia loves to dance and hang out with friends. Juan enjoys adventures with his dad, and Emma, the youngest, is just beginning her journey of discovery.

A Bright Future

“This is the real deal for Alabama families! We now have a clear path forward, especially when we think about our youngest, thanks to the education we can provide with the help of the CHOOSE Act,” added Carbonell.

Expanding Impact

The Carbonells are just one of the many families benefiting from this program. Governor Ivey plans to continue shining a spotlight on how the CHOOSE Act is transforming lives across Alabama!

The CHOOSE Act Deets

The CHOOSE Act provides refundable income tax credits through education savings accounts for eligible K–12 students. Families can use these funds for tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers.

Since applications opened in January 2025, over 36,000 students statewide have applied for the program. Funding includes $7,000 per eligible student in a participating school and $2,000 for students in home education programs, with a $4,000 family cap.

According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, which oversees the program, over 23,000 students have been approved this year, representing more than $124 million in education savings accounts.

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in January 2026.

Alabama Library Showdown: Kids' Books & Gender Ideology

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is stirring up some dust, folks! Board Chairman John Wahl is on a mission to ensure books pushing radical gender ideology are shelved strictly in the adult sections of our state's public libraries.

Wahl's Stance

Wahl, who also helms the Alabama Republican Party, sent a clear message earlier this year: the APLS Board is standing tall with President Trump’s order to block federal funds from being used to promote gender ideology.

Closing the "Loophole"

Speaking on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," Wahl pointed out that some libraries are allegedly exploiting a "loophole" to keep these books in the children's sections. He explained that while the APLS board previously mandated moving sexually explicit material, some libraries argue that transgender content doesn't automatically fit that description.

Upcoming Changes

But hold on, change is coming! Wahl says they're in the midst of making sure all books promoting radical gender ideology get moved to the adult sections.

"We're going to close that loophole," he declared. "Unelected bureaucrats shouldn't be deciding what your kids are exposed to when it comes to pushing transgender stuff." A public comment period just wrapped up, and a public hearing is on the horizon.

Parents' Rights

Wahl emphasized that this is about giving power back to the parents. "This should be the parents' decision," he asserted, "and we're going to make a rule that says all of it has to be moved to the adult section, so parents decide what their children see."

School Choice Program a Win for Alabama Families?

State Senator Chris Elliott is singing the praises of Alabama's new school choice program, and he's not alone! Recent reports show a dip in public school enrollment, with over 5,000 students exploring alternative options thanks to CHOOSE Act funds.

Why the Shift?

While some worry about the impact on public schools, Elliott sees a silver lining: parents are empowered to find the best fit for their kids. He highlighted that many families are utilizing the program to access specialized support for children with unique learning needs.

Meeting Individual Needs

"They may have dyslexia or something like that," Elliott stated, "and so they’re going to a school that really focuses on that. Isn't that exactly what we should be doing?" He believes this targeted approach is a more efficient and effective way to support students.

Freedom to Choose

Elliott champions the program as an example of increased freedom for Alabama families. "Let’s let them go seek that help where they can and have the freedom. What a novel idea to go do that!" He's eager to see the program expand further by removing income restrictions.

Kids Come First

Addressing concerns about potential teacher reductions, Elliott emphasized that the focus should always be on the children. "The school system doesn't exist for them [teachers]. It exists for the kids." He believes the school choice program provides parents with the flexibility to make the best decisions for their children's education.