Local Lawmakers React to Hostage Release & Peace Plan

ChumCity is buzzing with news of the released hostages and the proposed Gaza peace plan! Our own Alabama House Co-Chairs of the Israel Legislative Caucus, Phillip Ensler and David Faulkner, have released a statement expressing their thoughts on these developments.

A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection

"Baruch Hashem – thank God – that the remaining living hostages...are safely back home in Israel," the lawmakers declared. They also offered a "refuah shlema – a healing of body and spirit" for those returning from captivity, acknowledging the "physical and psychological torture" they endured.

Mixed Emotions as Hostages Return

While celebrating the return of twenty living hostages on Monday, the representatives also shared a heavy heart. Remains of murdered hostages are expected to be returned, while others are still considered missing. "May their memories be for a blessing," they stated, extending comfort to the grieving families.

Trump's Involvement and the Path Forward

President Trump visited Israel, addressing their Parliament before heading to Egypt to sign the official Gaza peace plan, which includes a ceasefire.

Disarmament and Long-Term Peace

The lawmakers emphasized that Hamas must disarm to allow for a new governing body committed to peaceful coexistence to take over. "While there is still much work left to ensure a lasting peace, at least for this moment, we can exhale and rejoice."

The Peace Plan's Key Components

The peace plan outlines an immediate cease-fire, a full hostage exchange, a staged Israeli army withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government under international supervision.

Banana Ball Bonanza Coming to the 'Ham!

Get ready, Birmingham! The Savannah Bananas are bringing their wild and wacky Banana Ball to the Magic City in 2026!

A Whole New Bunch

The six-team Banana Ball league is adding some fresh flavor! Say hello to the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts, joining the OG Bananas, Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters, and Firefighters.

Dates to Circle

Mark your calendars! Montgomery gets the first taste on March 21st and 22nd when the Firefighters battle the Clowns at Riverwalk Stadium. Then, in September, the Clowns and Coconuts collide at the legendary Rickwood Field on the 19th and 20th.

Rickwood's Renaissance

Gerald Watkins, president of Friends of Rickwood Field, highlighted the buzz that surrounded the MLB game held at Rickwood. He said Mayor Woodfin even suggested that the MLB game was the best thing that has ever happened to Birmingham. The return of Banana Ball is another major step following Rickwood Field's $5 million facelift two years ago.

Banana-Mania!

Rickwood is becoming a hotspot for big events, and the arrival of the sensation that is Banana Ball promises to draw crowds from both near and far. Don't miss out on one of the hottest tickets in town!

God's Moving Mightily in '25!

Hey ChumCity fam, get ready for some inspo! God is absolutely CRUSHING it across the globe in 2025.

Warrior Retreat: Epic Transformations

Remember that Warrior Men's Retreat at Lake Martin a while back? Over 130 guys showed up, and let me tell you, lives were changed! Salvation, healing, deliverance – it was all happening.

Unity in Christ

Forget backgrounds, cultures, or appearances. These men connected through the undeniable love of God. Walls came down, and hearts opened up.

Healing and Repentance

Men bravely shared their deepest traumas, and the Lord poured out His healing touch. Bodies were healed from debilitating conditions, and guys repented from sins that had held them captive for far too long. Many made the ultimate decision to surrender their lives to Jesus!

Baptized and Bold

The whole thing culminated in baptisms in the lake, with men cheering each other on as they chose to lead by example and put aside their old selves.

Hope is on the Horizon

Hope is rising in America and all around the world! God's still on the throne, and He's ALWAYS victorious. Get encouraged, ChumCity!

UAH President Charles Karr Announces Retirement

Dr. Charles L. Karr, the dynamic leader who's been at the helm of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) since 2022, will be retiring in May 2026, the university has announced.

Karr's journey at UAH began in November 2021 as interim president before officially taking the reins in September 2022. His tenure has been marked by vision, deep community ties, and a thriving campus vibe.

A Stellar Career in Higher Education

Before leading UAH, Karr spent 26 years at the University of Alabama, rising to the position of Dean of the College of Engineering. "Serving as president of UAH has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Karr stated, expressing pride in the accomplishments achieved with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Driving UAH Forward

During his time as president, Karr has championed UAH's academic mission, boosted research efforts, expanded campus facilities, and prioritized student success. University of Alabama System Chancellor Sid J. Trant praised Karr's leadership, saying he has "positioned UAH for an even brighter future."

Major Projects and Research Gains

Under Karr's guidance, UAH has launched major capital projects, like the new Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building and renovations to the Bevill Center, enhancing cybersecurity research capabilities. A new Track and Field Complex is on the horizon, and funding has been secured for the former Executive Plaza site.

UAH has consistently ranked among the top federally funded research institutions and boasts the largest mobile weather radar facility in the U.S., significantly impacting the weather industry.

Strengthening Community Connections

Karr is credited with reigniting Huntsville's connection to UAH, solidifying the university as a vital contributor to the city. He played a key role in establishing the Air Force/Space Force ROTC operating location and fostered relationships with Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and other key sectors.

Enrollment and Academic Excellence

Dr. Karr's passion for student recruitment has led to record-setting freshman classes in Fall 2024 and 2025, filled with high-achieving students. The university has also seen academic quality rise across all student populations, earning national recognition for its Colleges of Business, Engineering, and Nursing.

Athletics and Vibrant Student Life

Karr has overseen a renewed focus on athletics and student life, with UAH earning multiple Gulf South Conference championships. He's a regular at student events, from baseball games to NASA rover challenges, creating a warm and engaging campus environment.

A Lasting Legacy

Karr's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. He has served on various boards, making a significant impact on the community.

Trustee Jeff Gronberg, chair of the Board’s UAH Committee, noted, "Dr. Karr has built tremendous momentum that will allow the university to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead."

Karr and his wife, Jodie, will be retiring to Florida. The University of Alabama System will conduct a national search for his replacement.

Alabama Forestry Association Backs Gudger & Ledbetter!

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) is planting its flag firmly behind Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for their 2026 re-election bids!

Gudger's Got the Goods

Pro Tem Gudger (R-Cullman), a fixture in the Alabama Senate since 2018, snagged the Pro Tem title in 2025 thanks to unanimous support from his peers. When he's not legislating, Gudger and his wife Heather run Southern Accents, a cool architectural salvage biz in Cullman.

"The AFA's backing is a huge deal, considering their rock-solid conservative values," Gudger stated. "We're talking low taxes, traditional principles, and a government that knows its limits!"

Ledbetter Leads the Way

Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), representing District 24 since 2014, took the Speaker's gavel in 2022. Before leading the House, he made history as the first freshman Majority Leader back in 2017. With a background in the electrical co-op world and local Rainsville government, Ledbetter understands the needs of Alabamians. He and his wife Teresa are proud parents of two sons and grandparents to four.

"I'm truly honored to have the AFA's endorsement," Ledbetter emphasized. "Alabama's forestry industry is the lifeblood of our economy! I'm committed to boosting growth, protecting jobs, and delivering real results for this vital sector."

AFA's All In!

AFA President and CEO Chris Isaacson praised both leaders: "Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter are dedicated to making Alabama a better place for everyone. They've got the leadership skills to tackle our state's challenges. They support our industry, which is a major economic engine in rural Alabama. We are excited to offer this endorsement and look forward to our continued work together."

Mark your calendars! The primary election is May 19, 2026.

Forestry Facts

The AFA represents everyone from manufacturers to landowners, all working in Alabama's massive forestry sector. Forests cover over two-thirds of the state, making forestry the second-largest manufacturing sector, generating a whopping $36 billion annually!

Million Dollar Band Heads to NYC!

Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band is set to bring the Crimson Tide spirit to the Big Apple in 2026! They've been invited to perform in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – a huge honor!

A National Stage

Out of tons of applicants nationwide, the Million Dollar Band was chosen as one of only ten marching bands to strut their stuff. This isn't their first rodeo – they've marched in the parade before, and they're ready to make some noise again!

Thanksgiving Tradition

Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a Thanksgiving tradition, drawing massive crowds and millions of TV viewers. Think giant balloons, awesome floats, celebrity sightings, and pure holiday joy!

Roll Tide in the Big Apple!

"The streets of New York City will undoubtedly pulse with energy and excitement brought by the University of Alabama’s phenomenal marching band," says Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Associate Producer. Dr. Ken Ozzello, University of Alabama Director of Bands, adds that the band is "deeply honored" to return to such an iconic American tradition.

Big Plans Ahead

Each selected band gets a $10,000 grant from Macy's to help with fundraising and prep. Get ready for the 100th march of this holiday tradition! It's gonna be epic!

Tuberville for Governor? Count Me In!

Folks, I've never seen this much buzz about a governor's race, especially this far out. And get this – it looks like we might have a shot at getting our guy right into the Governor's Mansion without a fight!

I'm talking about former Auburn coach and current Senator Tommy Tuberville. Just five years in the political game and he's already shaking things up!

Why Tuberville?

Coach T. didn't jump into politics for fame or fortune. He already had that! He felt a calling to serve, a cause bigger than himself. And since getting elected in 2020, he's been a rock-solid ally of President Trump. You see it – they're two peas in a pod.

Common Sense Crusaders

Both Tuberville and Trump aren't afraid to call it like they see it. They share those strong, right-leaning, Make America Great Again views and aren't afraid to go toe-to-toe with the woke crowd. They’ve both got a knack for explaining complex stuff in plain English. And they both know how to handle those pesky reporters with a sharp wit!

More Than Just Talk

But Coach Tuberville isn’t just a talker; he’s a doer! As your Commissioner of Agriculture, I've seen firsthand how he's fighting for Alabama farmers in the Senate. He's pushing for things like banning foreign entities tied to our enemies from buying up U.S. farmland, protecting our food security. He wants a Farm Bill that focuses on, well, farmers!

Standing Tall for Alabama

Traveling around the state, I've heard nothing but praise for the work Coach is doing. He’s standing tall in D.C. for our American values. Values like simple truths: men are men, women are women, and that’s that.

Montgomery Makeover

Now, Coach is ready to bring that leadership to Montgomery, just like Trump did in D.C. And I'm ready to help him!

Teaming Up for a Better Alabama

I'm running for Lieutenant Governor, and I plan to be Coach's biggest supporter in the State House. We're on the same page, share the same values. With us working together, the future of Alabama is looking brighter than ever!

Coach Tommy Tuberville has my full support for Governor. Let's work together to make Alabama an even better place!

• Rick Pate Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Candidate for Lt. Governor 2026

Tigers' Game Fuels Fury, Sparks Hilarious State Gov Comparison

The Auburn Tigers' Saturday night game was a pressure cooker of contentious calls, leaving fans simmering with frustration. While the halftime fumble fiasco grabbed headlines, Kirby Smart's curious "non-timeout timeout" also raised eyebrows. He claimed he was simply pointing out Auburn's defenders' illegal clapping, a delay-of-game no-no.

Senator Throws Shade at ABC Board, Cites Smart's Move

As social media lit up, State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) seized the moment with a zinger, comparing the SEC refs to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board amid debate over a possible central warehouse fee hike.

"Just Trying to Draw a Comparison"

"My frustration with the ABC board is them telling the legislature for the last two years or so we are gonna build this out of our operating revenue, and just how frustrating it is for them to go back on that," Elliot stated, drawing a parallel to Smart's denial. "For Kirby Smart to say 'I wasn't calling timeout!' was similar. We can't say one thing and do the other."

Elliot, laughing about his post, said he was "just trying to draw a comparison."

Legislators Unhappy With ABC Board

"This is not something that the Legislature has approved," Elliot said, referring to the ABC brouhaha. "Rather, it’s something they’re doing on their own through their rulemaking authority… Show me where they said they were going to do this prior to asking for approval."

Regions Bank & Alabama Athletics: A Winning Team!

Get ready to roar, Tide fans! Alabama Athletics and Regions Bank are teaming up for another five years of partnership, and it's bigger and better than ever! Regions is now a Champion Partner, showing some serious love for our Crimson Tide.

What's New?

This isn't just a sponsorship; it's an investment in our student-athletes. Regions is stepping up to provide groundbreaking support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Plus, they'll be boosting their presence at games and events.

Financial Know-How for Tide Stars

Regions is also committed to helping our athletes score off the field. They're rolling out more financial education resources and expanding access to personalized Regions Greenprint plans. This means customized roadmaps to help them crush their financial goals.

Regions: Investing in the Future

"Regions Bank is all about helping folks build financial confidence," says John Jordan, head of Retail for Regions. "We want to prepare these student-athletes for life after college." Sounds good to us!

Crimson Tide Everywhere!

Expect to see Regions' presence amplified all over campus and beyond. This Champion Partner deal includes:

• Gate signage at Bryant-Denny, welcoming you to the heart of Tide football!
• Exclusive access to the Football Radio Booth Cam for behind-the-scenes action.
• Title sponsorship of a Crimson Tide football game.
• Community events featuring Big Al and the cheer squad!

A Partnership Built to Last

"Regions and Alabama Athletics have been a team for many years, and we are proud to expand our relationship into a new era," said Paul Hodges, Senior Vice President, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing Manager for Regions.

Todd Kucinski, Director of Business Development for Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, added, "By investing in premium assets across our most visible platforms – and adding NIL for the first time – Regions is demonstrating its belief in Alabama Athletics, our fans, and our student-athletes in bold and meaningful ways."

Roll Tide!

Connecting Alabama: A Broadband Boom!

Remember May 3, 2018? Big day! It's when the USDA's ReConnect Program was announced right here in Alabama, launching a mission to connect rural America to the 21st-century economy.

The Digital Divide Before

Back then, almost a quarter of Alabamians lacked broadband, isolating students, small businesses, and families.

Fast Forward to Now: Huge Progress!

The latest numbers show only about 6% of Alabamians are without broadband. That's over a MILLION more residents now connected!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

This didn't happen by magic! It took a collaborative effort from federal, state, and local leaders to make it happen.

ReConnect's Role

The ReConnect Program has pumped over $3 billion nationwide into broadband grants, reaching areas private investment couldn't. Alabama's seen its fair share of these projects, transforming communities.

State Leadership Stepped Up

Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) have played a HUGE role, directing millions in state grants where they're needed most.

Federal and State Working Together

By matching federal dollars with state resources, every tax dollar stretches further, maximizing impact.

Real Results for Real People

Students can now study at home, businesses are reaching new customers, and telemedicine is connecting doctors and patients. Even farmers are getting in on the action!

Broadband: Essential to Modern Life

Broadband's as vital as electricity or running water now, and Alabama's pushing to get everyone connected.

The Work Isn't Finished!

That remaining 6% is still a priority. We won't stop until everyone's connected! The next phase might be tougher, but we'll get there through continued investment.

The Goal: Universal Broadband Access

Every Alabamian deserves affordable, reliable high-speed internet, no matter where they live. This will lead to stronger communities, new jobs, and a brighter future.

Alabama: A Model for Rural America

Alabama's story shows how federal and state collaboration can conquer seemingly impossible challenges.

The Future is Bright (and Fast!)

Back in that Hamilton warehouse, broadband was called the "electricity of the 21st century". Now we're closer than ever to making that a reality for everyone in Alabama!