Big Win for Farm Country! Senate Passes Key Bill

Hold on to your hats, folks! The U.S. Senate just gave President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill" a thumbs-up, bringing much-needed relief and a hefty tax cut boost to our hardworking farmers.

This game-changing bill, squeezed through with a tight 51-50 vote, is now headed back to the House for final touches.

A Lifeline for Struggling Farmers

Mitt Walker, Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director, called it a financial lifeline, especially crucial during these tough economic times – the worst we've seen since the '80s! With previous farm bill extensions fading in the rearview and a new farm bill still a distant hope, this couldn't have come at a better time.

"This bill is a chance to make a real difference for Alabama farm families," Walker said, highlighting boosted reference prices and increased base acres. He also gave a shout-out to Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, thanking them for their unwavering support. "They've repeatedly gone to bat for Alabama farmers and landowners," Walker added, expressing hope the House will act quickly before President Trump's July 4th deadline.

What's in the Bill?

This legislation pumps around $66 billion into farm bill programs, including $50 billion through Price Loss Coverage for row crops, with adjustments made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to balance the budget. Plus, lower crop insurance premiums and fresh funds for trade promotion, ag research, animal health, and disaster assistance are on the way.

Key Ag Provisions:

• Beefed-up Reference Prices: Commodities see a 10-20% jump.
• New Base Acres: A one-time allocation of 30 million new base acres.
• Higher Payment Limits: Title 1 payment limits go from $125,000 to $155,000, adjusted annually for inflation.
• Black Vulture Relief: Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) now covers 100% of predation losses caused by black vultures (those protected birds causing havoc!)
• Drought Aid: Easier qualification for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).
• ELAP Expansion: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) now covers catfish and honeybees more effectively.
• Poultry Insurance: A pilot program is launching for contract poultry growers hit by extreme weather.
• Feral Swine Control: $15 million per year is dedicated to the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program.

A Word from the Wise

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, celebrated the bill's progress. "Passage of this legislation is critical to delivering the promises made to the American people by President Trump," he said, emphasizing the common-sense reforms to SNAP and the long-overdue support for hardworking farmers.

"Our investments...will support the long-term success of family farms and America's agriculture industry," Boozman concluded, "providing desperately needed and improved risk management tools, as well as a modernized farm safety net."

Courtesy of ALFA Farmers

Trump Visits "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida

President Trump made a stop this week at a brand-new migrant detention facility down in South Florida, which has already earned the nickname "Alligator Alcatraz." He gave props to Alabama and other Republican-led states for getting similar projects off the ground.

Inside the Facility

This Everglades installation, located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, is designed to hold undocumented migrants who are being moved from local jails. According to reports, it’s running out of repurposed FEMA trailers and some temporary structures. Initial plans are to house around 3,000 detainees, but it could potentially hold up to 5,000. With mobile units handling water, sewage, and power, the annual price tag is expected to be around $450 million.

Praising Red States

Trump toured the facility with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He specifically highlighted Alabama and Louisiana as examples of states following Florida's lead. Trump pointed out that Republican-run states are stepping up where Democratic-run states seem to be lagging.

"We have Louisiana doing it. Alabama is doing it," Trump said, suggesting that "red states" are handling security better than "blue states."

Part of a Larger Plan

This Florida facility is intended as a "completely self-contained" part of a broader deportation effort, which the Trump administration claims is aimed at discouraging illegal immigration. Reports also indicate that two companies in south Alabama have recently landed federal contracts to expand detention bed capacity nationwide for Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The project has drawn legal challenges from environmental groups.

Representing West Alabama in Montgomery!

Hey ChumCity! Just wrapped up my second legislative session representing House District 16 – that's Fayette, northern Tuscaloosa, and western Jefferson Counties, y'all! Since winning this seat in '24, I've been laser-focused on bringing more jobs, opportunity, and a better quality of life to our 48,000+ West Alabama neighbors.

Jobs, Roads, and Education!

Everything I do in Montgomery is about creating high-wage jobs, ensuring safer roads and bridges, and funding quality education for our kids. Every vote I cast reflects those commitments, and I'm proud to say the 2025 session saw the passage of conservative, common-sense policies that will move House District 16 – and Alabama – in a positive direction.

Election Integrity: Keeping it Real!

Even with the 2026 presidential dust settled, Alabama's still serious about election integrity. I was honored to sponsor House Bill 479, at the request of Secretary of State Wes Allen, kicking Alabama permanently out of the Electronic Registration Information Center System (ERIC). Why? Well, voter rolls contain super-sensitive data, and we need to know it's secure. When Sec. Allen asked ERIC simple questions about data storage and access, they clammed up. Turns out their "headquarters" was just a virtual workspace! My bill, now law, ensures Alabama can never re-enroll, protecting our elections!

Supporting Our Farmers!

Another big win this session was creating a new, affordable healthcare option for our family farms and the agriculture industry. By making healthcare more accessible and affordable, we can keep this vital industry healthy and preserve Alabama's farm tradition for generations. I also made sure to attach an amendment ensuring that no farmer could be dropped or denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition!

Local Bills, Big Impact!

Things got a little wild towards the end of the session, with a nearly 12-hour filibuster in the Senate that held up my local bills for Fayette County. These bills were crucial for the Fayette County Revenue Commissioner and Sheriff. Local bills might not be flashy, but they directly impact the people we represent!

Always Working for You!

During the 2026 session and beyond, I'll keep fighting for the values, needs, and priorities of the folks I serve. Whether it's strengthening our elections, supporting agriculture, or improving local government, I'm all about practical, principled policies that help our communities thrive.

State Representative Bryan Brinyark, representing the awesome people of District 16 (Fayette, Tuscaloosa, and Jefferson counties).

Get Ready to Tube the 'Hooch… er, Montgomery Whitewater!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Montgomery Whitewater is turning up the thrill factor with the debut of WHITWATER TUBING, just in time for a "Red, White, and Tube" July 4th celebration!

Forget lazy river floats – this is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that throws you headfirst into the rapids. Think of it as whitewater rafting's wilder, tube-toting cousin.

What to Expect?

Executive Director Jason Wilson says it best: "This is NOT a lazy river!" Get ready for a brand-new way to experience the raw power of the course. No experience? No problem! Just bring your adventurous spirit.

Two Ways to Tube!

• Full-Flow Whitewater Tubing: High-intensity action only on the Creek Channel (using official Montgomery Whitewater tubes).
• Low-Flow Whitewater Tubing: A more chill (but still active!) ride on both channels.

Either way, you'll be paddling with your hands, clinging to a specially-designed, whitewater-certified tube.

The Nitty-Gritty:

• Single Ride Pass: $25 for 90 minutes, with extra rides that day only $10 (if available).
• Day Pass Perk: Tubing is part of the day pass – ride all day long!
• Safety First: Helmet, PFD (life jacket), and a certified tube are included.
• Age Alert: Must be 8 years or older. Kids 8-11 need a parent/guardian in the water.
• Capacity: 25 tubes and duckies per trip.
• BYOT (Bring Your Own Tube): If it’s whitewater-certified, go for it. No conveyor belt privileges, though – you'll have to lug it yourself.

Duckies, Too!

Want even more ways to hit the rapids? Whitewater duckies are now available at the same single-ride price.

Montgomery Whitewater emphasizes that this is a fun, affordable way to jump into whitewater recreation. Get ready for adventure!

Alabama's Stance on Gender Transition: A Turning Point?

A recent report in The Atlantic suggests Alabama's legal defense of its ban on gender transition surgeries and procedures for minors marks a pivotal moment in the debate surrounding the practice. The article, titled "The Liberal Misinformation Bubble About Youth Gender Medicine," examines how some radical theories on transgenderism gained mainstream traction.

Challenging the Narrative

Helen Lewis writes that claims of extensive, personalized assessments for children before receiving blockers or hormones are "untrue." This assertion comes amidst the backdrop of the United States v. Skrmetti case, where the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s law restricting access to these procedures.

Alabama's Crucial Role

Lewis argues that Alabama's defense exposed the potential harms of these treatments. Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, criminalizing hormone and blocker prescriptions for those under 19, faced immediate legal challenges.

Unveiling the Truth

Attorney General Steve Marshall's swift action to dismiss a lawsuit led to extensive discovery, revealing that key medical organizations might have misled parents, promoted unproven treatments, and overlooked international concerns regarding sex-change procedures for minors.

Concerns within WPATH

Many of these treatments were backed by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Documents obtained by Marshall revealed that WPATH acknowledged "many gaps in research to back up our recommendations" but failed to make this clear publicly.

Victory for Alabama

Marshall declared victory after plaintiffs dropped their challenge to Alabama's law in May. "We fought back...What we found was devastating to the plaintiffs’ challenge: a medical, legal, and political scandal," Marshall stated.

Damning Admissions

Beyond the Atlantic's account, Alabama's litigation uncovered more concerning information. An ACLU lawyer conceded during Supreme Court oral arguments that there is "no evidence...that this treatment reduces completed suicide," undermining the claim that medical transition is life-saving.

Ripple Effects

Alabama's influence is spreading globally. The Cass Review in the UK found the evidence for puberty blockers "weak and inconclusive," showing no meaningful psychological benefit in some studies.

A Clear-Eyed Perspective

Marshall remains focused on the implications for families and children: "We uncovered the truth. We exposed the scandal. We won. Alabama led the way, and now all families are safer for it."

Is Uncle Sam Headed for Brokeville? Let's Talk Entitlements!

Our national debt is seriously HUGE, and it's only gonna get bigger. Some folks are saying we're doomed if we don't touch those "untouchable" programs like Social Security and Medicare. But can we actually rein in entitlement spending without causing chaos?

What's an "Entitlement" Anyway?

Hold up! Despite the name, you don't actually have a right to welfare, healthcare, or Social Security. "Entitlement" just refers to how the money gets spent. Basically, if you meet the rules, the Treasury pays you, without Congress having to OK it every time. So, yeah, changing those rules is how you cut spending.

The Big Three (and a Bunch of Others)

We're talking Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – the "Big Three" of entitlements. Last year, they ate up $4.1 trillion of Washington's $6.8 trillion total spending. Ouch!

The Gray Wave is Coming...

An aging population means more people drawing on Social Security and Medicare, and fewer people paying in. By 2035, experts are predicting entitlement spending will balloon, and the deficit will be bigger than everything else the government spends money on!

Hope on the Horizon?

Sounds grim, right? But there's hope! Let's start with work requirements. Remember welfare reform in the 90s? Adding a work requirement slashed the number of people on welfare without making poverty worse. Turns out, just asking people to prove they're looking for a job can make a big difference!

Showing Up Matters

Maybe we could do something similar for Social Security and Medicare. Just having people show up in person every so often. Apparently, there might be millions of dead or fake people collecting Social Security! We deserve to know benefits are going to real folks.

Medicaid Madness

Medicaid's a weird one – it's a combo of federal and state money. The feds give states a bunch of cash, which creates some goofy incentives. States get to play Santa Claus with our money, and they love spending Washington's cash.

Block Grants to the Rescue?

Block grants – they're a proven solution. Basically, the feds give states a fixed amount of money, no matter what. This stops the crazy spending and dodgy tax schemes.

Medicare Fixes

Medicare's all federal, so no grant shenanigans there. But more competition, especially for generic drugs, can help keep costs down.

Social Security: Ponzi Scheme or Cruel Scam?

Social Security is a tough one. It's not exactly a Ponzi scheme, but it's not great. Real pensions invest your money to build up a nest egg. Social Security just uses current taxes to pay current benefits.

A Bad Investment?

When Social Security started, it worked great. But now, benefits are outpacing taxes. The "trust fund" is running out of cash, and it offers a super-low rate of return.

The Younger Generation Gets the Short End

Think about a young couple starting out. They're paying a ton in payroll taxes that could be going into a house or savings. Instead, that money goes into Social Security, which might not even be there when they retire.

Tough Choices Ahead

Politicians always promise to protect Social Security, and they love to scare us with threats of cuts. But maybe there's a better way. An investment-based alternative could give us way bigger benefits down the road. Reining in entitlement spending is gonna be tough, but we can do it without destroying the system.

"One Big Beautiful Bill" Passes House: What Does It Mean for Alabama?

The House just gave the green light to President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," sending the $3.4 trillion package to the White House just in time for July 4th! The vote was a tight 218-214, with Alabama's Republican representatives cheering the victory. But what exactly is in this bill, and how will it impact the Yellowhammer State?

A Tax Cut Bonanza?

Republicans are calling it the "largest tax cut in American history!" The bill extends a whopping $4.5 trillion in Trump-era tax cuts, giving breaks to seniors, small businesses, and even exempting tips and overtime wages from income tax.

More Than Just Taxes

It's not all about taxes, though. The bill also pumps $350 billion into defense modernization, including that "Golden Dome" missile defense system. Plus, over $175 billion is earmarked for border security, funding a wall and hiring 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.

Alabama's Take

Our local reps are singing its praises! Rep. Barry Moore says it "puts American families first," while Rep. Dale Strong is excited about the benefits for North Alabama's space, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Expect to see $4.1 billion for those Artemis rockets and a cool $100 million for Marshall Space Flight Center improvements!

Rural Health Boost?

And hold on, there's more! Thanks to Senators Britt and Tuberville, Alabama could snag $500 million from a national rural health fund. That's about $9.26 million per rural hospital!

Dems Say "Hold On!"

Not everyone's thrilled, of course. Dems like Rep. Shomari Figures are calling the bill "trash," and Rep. Terri Sewell believes it's a "betrayal" of working families.

What's Next?

The bill is headed to President Trump for his signature. Get ready for some major changes to the tax code and social welfare programs!

Alabama Secretary of State Race Heats Up!

Get ready, folks! The 2026 Alabama Republican primary ballot is about to get even more interesting. Former congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson just threw her hat into the ring for Secretary of State, challenging Andrew Sorrell, who was previously running unopposed.

Sorrell's Strong Start

Sorrell, currently serving as State Auditor, isn't messing around. He reported a hefty $313,869.57 in the campaign war chest as of July 1st. June was a banner month, raking in $64,475.02. Since the fundraising window opened in mid-May, he's pulled in a whopping $114,502.02. Sorrell claims this pace nearly doubles what past successful Secretary of State campaigns managed.

Sorrell stated, "I was very pleased to raise $64,475.02 this month for my campaign. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received since entering this race. In just 43 days since the fundraising window opened we have brought in $114,502.02, which is unprecedented for a Secretary of State campaign." He also added, "There is no natural donor base for this office as there is for other offices such as Treasurer, Legislature, and Governor, making these fundraising numbers even more significant."

Dobson Enters with a Bang!

Dobson, a familiar face after her congressional run, isn't coming empty-handed. She kicked off her campaign with a $500,000 personal loan and reported $500,000 cash on hand as of July 1st. This fifth-generation cattle farmer from Monroe County is a Harvard and Baylor Law School grad. After practicing law in San Antonio, she returned to Montgomery in 2019. She currently serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition board, and is also a wife and mother of two.

Dobson's Platform: Integrity and Business

Dobson stated, “I felt led to take this job, not only because of my passion about election integrity, but also my professional background." She believes Alabama needs to crack down on election fraud and proposed modeling an election-crime division after Florida’s office.

But it's not all about elections. Dobson also wants to focus on the Secretary of State's business role. “I will reduce fees on Alabama businesses, streamline same-day services for small and rural enterprises, and make Alabama the number one choice for incorporation.”

She concludes, “With municipal contests on the horizon, no election is too small to protect,” Dobson said. “Every single ballot matters.”

The race is on, ChumCity! Who will Alabama voters choose?

A-Day's Future in Tuscaloosa Uncertain?

The annual A-Day spring game, a Crimson Tide tradition as old as time (or at least, as old as most of us can remember), might be facing some serious changes. This fan-favorite event, usually packed with supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the upcoming season's squad, has hit a snag.

From Game Day to Practice Day

Remember this past spring? New head coach Kalen DeBoer opted for an open practice format instead of the traditional scrimmage. It's a trend happening nationwide, supposedly to ward off transfer portal shenanigans and keep secrets from prying coaching eyes.

Smaller Crowds, Same Old Problems

While the stadium crowd was noticeably thinner this year, Tuscaloosa unfortunately still grappled with recurring issues of overcrowding and safety concerns, especially on the infamous Strip.

Mayor Maddox Weighs In

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has expressed some strong reservations. He stated that the city might actually prefer A-Day didn't happen anymore.

The City's Perspective

"Twenty years ago, if you would have asked me, 'Would you want to have A-Day?' I’d say, 'Yes'," Maddox explained. "Today…I think it’s better for us not to have A-Day and focus on the UA-generated events that don’t require so much security personnel and other logistical support."

A Change is Coming?

Hearing the Mayor's candid viewpoint is definitely a surprise. Considering the burden the event places on the city, it's understandable. The future of A-Day is up in the air, but one thing's for sure: it likely won't be the same old experience, inside or outside the stadium.

Alabama Politics: From Mule Day to Henager

Remember the good ol' days of Alabama politics? Back when candidates flocked to multiple "must-attend" events across the state? Well, these days, there's one event that reigns supreme: the DeKalb/Henager Ledbetter/Livingston 4th of July Breakfast!

Henager's Political Powerhouse

About a decade ago, two North Alabama powerhouses, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and State Senator Steve Livingston, started a small July 4th breakfast in their hometown. Now? It's the place to be for anyone serious about Alabama politics. This legendary gathering, held in Henager, DeKalb County (represented by both Ledbetter and Livingston), has exploded in popularity.

The Breakfast and Parade

Expect to see 400-500 folks chowing down around 7:30 AM, with a who's who of statewide candidates in attendance. After breakfast, the action moves to the Henager City Park for a parade featuring floats and, of course, those aspiring statewide leaders. Thousands line the streets for this patriotic spectacle.

Regulars and Rising Stars

You'll likely spot familiar faces like Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, and former Secretary of State John Merrill, alongside numerous Supreme Court Justices. With a big election year looming, this year's breakfast promises to be the biggest yet!

Remembering the Past: Terry Reunions and Mule Day

While Ledbetter's event is the current "go to", Alabama's political past boasts other iconic gatherings. The Terry Family Reunion, held every Labor Day near Tuscumbia, was legendary. This carnival-esque event featured incredible food – camp stew, BBQ, catfish, you name it! Senator Howell Heflin, a true BBQ aficionado, was a regular.

Then there was Mule Day in Winfield (Marion County). For 35-40 years, this Chamber of Commerce event honored the mule, a staple of Alabama agriculture. Governors like George Wallace, Big Jim Folsom, and many others made appearances. The parade was the main event, but there was also a beauty pageant, flea market, car show, and even a mule-judging contest! The festivities culminated in a Civil War-era ball.

Mule Day Memories

Locals still swap stories about politicians at Mule Day. One tale involves a frustrated woman stuck in traffic during a parade, only to be told that the Governor causing the jam was in the parade!

Until next time, that's your dose of Alabama political history!