MACS Unit: One Year Later and Making Waves!

Governor Kay Ivey is singing the praises of the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit after its first year battling violent crime in Montgomery! Looks like this collaborative law enforcement initiative is really paying off.

Success Story in Montgomery!

"The results speak for themselves!" Ivey declared. "Violent crime is on the decline, and more criminals are behind bars!" Seems like focusing resources on increased surveillance and enforcement is doing the trick. Montgomery recently reported a whopping 30% drop in violent crime and a 19% dip in overall crime! Keep up the great work, MACS!

By the Numbers: MACS Unit's Impact

In the past year, MACS personnel have been BUSY! Check out these stats:

• 3,100 traffic stops
• 983 arrest warrants served (from traffic violations to Capital Murder!)
• 429 arrests (including 30 juveniles)
• 268 illegal firearms seized
• 164 machine gun conversion devices confiscated
• 69 stolen cars recovered

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

"Preserving public safety is essential," Ivey noted, emphasizing the importance of combining resources from state, federal, and local agencies to tackle violent criminals. She is proud to have supported the creation of the MACS Unit and continued funding during the legislative session. Sounds like MACS is a recipe for success!

Alabama Shines: Huntsville & Auburn/Opelika Snag National Economic Development Awards!

Get ready to cheer, ChumCity! Alabama is making waves on the national stage! Huntsville and the dynamic duo of Auburn/Opelika have just snagged the prestigious 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence from “Site Selection” magazine!

What's the Mac Conway Award?

Think of it as the Oscars for economic growth! Named after McKinley "Mac" Conway, the founder of "Site Selection," this award recognizes the top dogs in economic development. Judges looked at job creation, big-time investments, and successful corporate projects. They even consulted the experts at the Milken Institute and Heartland Forward.

Why the Hype?

This award proves Alabama is where it's at for companies looking to invest and create jobs. As Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, put it, "Alabama’s communities are delivering results!"

Auburn/Opelika: A Growth Powerhouse

Auburn is booming! Just last year, the city welcomed three new companies and celebrated six expansions, resulting in 350 new jobs and nearly $182 million in investments! Mayor Ron Anders credits Auburn University and the city's vibrant business community for creating an "ecosystem of innovation."

Opelika is right there with them, bringing in over $2.6 billion in capital investment and more than 5,700 new jobs in recent years, according to Economic Development Director John Sweatman.

Huntsville: Rocket City Reaches New Heights

Huntsville continues to solidify its status as an innovation hub, ranking No. 4 nationally on the Milken Institute's list of top-performing cities! From aerospace to life sciences, and even a thriving music scene, Huntsville is on fire!

Lucia Cape, from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, highlighted exciting growth in life sciences and the area's innovative music initiatives, like the Orion Amphitheater and the South Star Music Festival.

Alabama's Economic Boom is Real

Secretary McNair sums it up perfectly: "Alabama’s momentum in economic development is unmistakable!" These awards prove that strategic investment, a skilled workforce, and collaboration are the keys to creating a lasting economic impact across the state.

Big Splash! Birmingham Water Works Gets a Makeover!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Birmingham Water Works Board just pulled off a major change at their June 24th meeting. Get ready to say goodbye to the old name and hello to… Central Alabama Water!

The newly restructured seven-member board voted 5-2 to officially change the utility's name. The new name is City of Birmingham Regional Water Works, doing business as Central Alabama Water. Sounds official, right?

Legal Waters Getting Murkier

But the drama doesn’t stop there! Right after the name change, Central Alabama Water hired the law firm Capell & Howard. Why, you ask? Because Mayor Randall Woodfin is challenging the legality of the new state law that shrank the board from nine members down to seven. Looks like a legal showdown is brewing!

Central Alabama Water: A Regional Powerhouse

Did you know that Central Alabama Water is the biggest water utility in the whole state? They're serving around 770,000 thirsty folks across the region. That's a lot of water! Stay tuned, ChumCity, for more updates as this story develops.

Anthony Daniels & Wife: A Story of Faith and Kidney Donation

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels and his wife, Teneshia, are celebrating a huge win thanks to prayer, faith, and an incredible act of love! Teneshia donated a kidney to Anthony, saving his life. It's a seriously inspiring story of family, strength, and amazing community support.

Speedy Recovery for the Daniels

Anthony was released from UAB Hospital early, just days after his successful transplant. Teneshia, a dentist, also got the green light to head home ahead of schedule. They're now both recuperating in Birmingham.

Unexpected Health Scare

Before late last year, Anthony was living a healthy lifestyle with no hints of trouble ahead. But then, unexplained fatigue and other symptoms hit him hard. After a ton of doctor's visits, the diagnosis finally came: kidney failure. A transplant was needed, like, yesterday!

Teneshia Steps Up!

Finding a matching donor with Anthony's O-positive blood can be tough, but guess what? His perfect match was right by his side. Teneshia didn't hesitate for a second, jumping straight into the donor evaluation process. Talk about a superwoman!

Kids Lending a Hand

Their kiddos, Abigail (9) and Anthony (AG) (7), knew the stakes were high. While Mom and Dad were in the hospital, they became little rockstars, tackling chores, getting ready for summer camp, and keeping things running at home.

Road to Recovery & Huge Support

While Anthony's still got a long road to recovery and ongoing checkups ahead, this transplant is a massive step forward. The Daniels family has been flooded with love and support from all over Alabama. They've been drawing strength from the encouragement and their deep faith.

Love, Sacrifice, Perseverance

The Daniels' journey is far from over, but it's a potent reminder of the power of love, sacrifice, and not giving up, even when things get seriously tough.

Senator Britt Applauds DOJ's Fight Against Antisemitism

Alabama Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is giving props to the U.S. Department of Justice for stepping up to combat the alarming surge in antisemitism nationwide.

Justice Department Takes Action

Back in March, the Justice Department launched Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7). This initiative is laser-focused on bringing justice to the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and tackling the ongoing threat from Hamas and its pals.

Targeting Terrorism and Antisemitism

The program is also set to investigate terrorist acts and civil rights violations carried out by individuals and groups who are bankrolling and supporting Hamas, related Iranian proxies, and their affiliates, along with acts of antisemitism perpetrated by these groups.

Britt Thanks Attorney General Bondi

During a recent Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Senator Britt personally thanked Attorney General Pam Bondi for launching the Joint Task Force on October 7.

"I was heartened to see your memo creating the Joint Task Force on October 7," Britt stated. "Thank you for your commitment to getting justice for those victims, for addressing the threat posed by Hamas, and for combating antisemitism. We've seen a rise in that in the last two years, particularly on college campuses. I couldn't be more grateful that the Department of Justice is ensuring antisemitism, terrorism, and civil rights violations are properly adjudicated."

Bondi Responds, Emphasizing Safety

Bondi explained the necessity of the effort, emphasizing the need for Jewish students to feel safe expressing their faith on college campuses. She shared a concerning anecdote about a student who felt compelled to remove his Star of David necklace for safety reasons.

"We will continue to do everything through the October 7 task force to protect everyone in this country," Bondi affirmed.

Sewell Stands Up: War Powers Resolution Targets Iran Conflict

Alabama's own Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL07) is stepping up to the plate! She's cosponsoring a War Powers Resolution designed to bring our troops home from hostilities against Iran, unless Congress gives the official thumbs-up. What sparked this? Apparently, the Trump administration pulled a fast one by canceling a scheduled briefing for Congress about recent military moves in Iran. Talk about keeping secrets!

Keeping Our Troops Safe, Keeping Congress Informed

The resolution isn't about tying the hands of our brave men and women in uniform. It makes sure they can defend the U.S. and our allies from immediate danger. The focus is on reigning in broad offensive action that hasn't gotten the go-ahead from Congress.

Bipartisan Concern Over Lack of Transparency

Reps. Jim Himes, Gregory W. Meeks, and Adam Smith – heavy hitters on key House committees – originally introduced the resolution. Sewell's joining their call for transparency and congressional oversight.

Sewell Slams Administration's Actions

Sewell didn't mince words, criticizing the administration for sidestepping Congress and keeping lawmakers in the dark. "The American people deserve to know," she said, demanding answers about strategy, troop safety, and de-escalation plans. According to Sewell, keeping Congress in the dark suggests "he has no coherent plan."

Reasserting Congressional Authority

Sewell is urging Congress to "reassert its authority." The War Powers Resolution, she explains, aims to withdraw our forces from conflict with Iran, while still allowing them to defend us and our friends from imminent threats.

Operation Midnight Hammer: A Triggering Event?

The resolution comes on the heels of reports about Operation Midnight Hammer, a supposed military strike on an Iranian uranium enrichment site, allegedly using B-2 Spirit bombers and a whole lotta GBU-57 bombs. The Department of Defense is reportedly touting it as a major success, years in the making.

Alabama Bingo Busts!

Six bingo halls in Jefferson County got shut down for allegedly running illegal gambling ops! The Alabama Attorney General's Office spearheaded the raids. No more dabbers for now!

Hemp Shop Hullabaloo

Gubernatorial hopeful Chad "Chig" Martin is throwing shade at Gov. Kay Ivey over recent hemp shop raids. He claims it's an overreach, especially since he had to shutter his own shop early to dodge a potential raid!

State House Shenanigans

The Retirement Systems of Alabama hired a company with ties to an illegal immigration raid to build the new mega-expensive State House in Montgomery. Talk about a plot twist!

Tuberville's Tiff with Parliamentarian

Senator Tommy Tuberville wants the Senate Parliamentarian gone for blocking parts of Trump's "big, beautiful bill," but some provisions snuck back in anyway. Drama in D.C.!

Trump vs. Mamdani & Tuberville's Tirade

Trump calls NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani a "communist lunatic" after his primary victory. Tuberville chimed in, calling immigrants "inner-city rats." Yikes!

CAIR Invites Tuberville to Mosque

Alabama's CAIR extended an olive branch to Senator Tuberville, inviting him to visit a mosque after he warned Dems about bringing a "Communist, Islamic atmosphere" to the state. Will he take them up on it?

Hegseth Defends Iran Strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is standing by Trump's Iran strikes, claiming they delayed Iran's nuclear program. He's also calling out the media for backtracking on their "failure" claims.

Heard it Here First:

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News, breaks it all down on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.!

Madison City Council Races Taking Shape!

Qualifying is done, and the race is on for Madison's municipal elections! Looks like some familiar and fresh faces will be joining the council with no opposition.

Unopposed Winners

Incumbent Maura Wroblewski is running unopposed in District 1. Joining her are newcomers David Bier in District 2, Billie Goodson in District 3, and Alice Lessmann in District 5. Congrats to these future council members! Certificates of election are heading their way after the council's July 14th meeting.

Competitive Races Ahead!

Don't think the whole election is a done deal! The remaining three city council districts and the mayor's race are heating up with multiple candidates vying for your vote on August 26th.

• District 4: With Councilman Greg Shaw stepping down, Michael McKay and Rachel Homolak are battling it out for the seat.
• District 6: Incumbent Karen Denzine faces challenges from Scott Harbour and Erica White.
• District 7: City Council President John Seifert will be going head-to-head with Kenneth Jackson.

Mayor's Race: Wide Open!

The mayoral race is also shaping up to be a hot one! Ranae Bartlett, Steve Smith, and Margi Daly are all vying for the top spot since Mayor Paul Finley is not seeking reelection.

Your Voice Matters!

Secretary of State Wes Allen is reminding everyone that local elections are super important. "The right... to cast a ballot...is one of the hallmarks of our...republic," he says. "I would encourage all eligible Alabamians to exercise that right on August 26." Get out there and vote!

Rainsville: Where Southern Charm Meets Mountain Majesty!

Hey ChumCity friends! Ever heard of Rainsville, Alabama? Tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of DeKalb County, this isn't just another small town – it's a vibrant community brimming with history, hospitality, and a whole lotta heart!

A Glimpse into the Past

Rainsville's story started way back, first known as Parker Town. Then came Will Rains, whose general store became the spot to hang out. Fast forward to today, and this growing town of 5,500+ folks is still going strong!

Super Safe, Super Fun!

Did you know Rainsville was named the Safest City in Alabama for 2025 by SafeWise? That's right! Plus, it's not all quiet evenings – this town knows how to celebrate!

Remember the Super Outbreak

Let’s not forget that Rainsville faced tough times too. The EF5 tornado in 2011 was devastating, but the community showed incredible resilience, rebuilding stronger than ever. The memorial at the DeKalb County Coliseum is a powerful tribute.

Freedom and Fun in the Summer Sun

The annual Rainsville Freedom Run is legendary! This 10K/5K race has even been called "The Best Small Race in America!" And the Freedom Festival? Think live music, yummy food, kid-friendly activities, and a fireworks display that'll knock your socks off!

Play Ball! (and Disc Golf!)

Sports fans, rejoice! The Field of Dreams Sports Complex has been totally revamped with turf fields and overhead netting. Plus, they've got a killer disc golf course that draws players from all over the Southeast!

Agribusiness and Education

Get your rodeo on at the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center, where they host rodeos, bull riding, and all sorts of community events that celebrate Rainsville's agricultural roots. Education is a top priority here, with Plainview High School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, and Northeast Alabama Community College all playing key roles.

Your New Hometown?

Whether you're just passing through or looking for a place to settle down, Rainsville welcomes you with open arms. With its stunning scenery, safe streets, rich history, and lively community events, it's a town worth discovering!

Rogers Applauds NATO's Defense Spending Boost

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is giving props to former President Donald Trump this week, following NATO countries' commitment to beef up their national defense budgets.

A Win for National Security

During a recent NATO summit, most member countries agreed to hike defense spending to a whopping 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. Rogers, who heads the House Armed Services Committee, believes this move is key to keeping threats from nations like China and Russia at bay.

Standing Strong Together

"NATO's decision to boost its defense spending to 5% of GDP is a critical move," Rogers stated. He emphasized that front-line allies have been doing their part, and that these much-needed investments will make the Alliance way stronger.

Trump's Role in the Deal

The congressman credited Trump for getting everyone on board with the increased spending. "President Trump was spot-on in pushing our Allies to carry a bigger share of our defense, and his leadership was vital in making it happen," Rogers said. "A stronger NATO, with the U.S. leading the charge and everyone pitching in, will deter our enemies, keep the peace, and help America."

Not Everyone's Happy

Word on the street is that Spain was the only NATO member to object, citing concerns about cutting essential services to meet the new defense requirements.