Meet Michael Mauldin: Pastor, Author, and Creative Visionary!

You might know Michael Mauldin as a pastor at Influence Church, or maybe as a key player on their leadership team. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! He's also an author, a film producer, and a true creative force!

Worship and Storytelling

Michael co-authored "It’s All About Worship" with his wife, Meredith, where he encourages us to dive deeper into our connection with God through heartfelt worship. As a documentary filmmaker, he's a master storyteller, sharing powerful narratives that shine a light on spiritual truths.

SongLab MSC and Beyond

Michael and Meredith also co-own SongLab MSC, a hub for worship leaders and artists creating songs that are changing the global Church. Before that, he was the Executive Director of the UPPERROOM movement in Dallas, where he fueled spiritual growth and innovation in worship.

Family First

Above all his accomplishments, Michael treasures his role as a dad to his three awesome kids, with Meredith by his side.

Hear Michael's Heart

In this episode, Michael opens up about his passion for seeing God glorified and how a life-changing encounter with Jesus set him on this path.

Get ready to be inspired and challenged to grow deeper in your relationship with Him!

Listen now – you won't regret it!

2026: Alabama's Political Palooza!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for Alabama politics. With the Governor's, Lt. Governor's, and Attorney General's offices all up for grabs, and maybe even a U.S. Senate seat, the political maneuvering is already in full swing!

The Attorney General Race Heats Up

The race for Attorney General is particularly interesting, attracting a host of qualified candidates. Current AG Steve Marshall is term-limited, leaving the door wide open.

Jay Mitchell: Supreme Court to AG?

State Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell is considered an early frontrunner. This Homewood resident, a Birmingham-Southern College alum and UVA Law grad, is well-respected and has a hefty campaign war chest. But the big question: why leave the prestige of the Supreme Court?

Arthur Orr Bows Out

Veteran State Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur, a powerful figure in the state Senate, has decided not to enter the race. As chair of the Senate Education Budget Committee, Orr controls a massive budget and likely prefers to stay where he reigns supreme.

Other Contenders Emerge

U.S. Attorney Jay Town of the Northern District of Alabama, a Trump appointee and former Marine JAG, is also considering a run. His tough-on-crime reputation could resonate with voters.

Then there's Katherine Robertson, current AG Steve Marshall's long-time General Counsel. A well-qualified and attractive candidate, she knows the office inside and out and could be the darling of the right wing. Her family ties to the powerful Alfa organization could also give her a boost.

Pamela Casey Already In The Fray

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey has officially thrown her hat in the ring! With 15 years as a working DA under her belt, she brings a wealth of practical experience to the table.

A Historic First?

If either Pamela Casey or Katherine Robertson wins, she would make history as Alabama's first female Attorney General!

Get Your Nature Fix at Decatur's Cook Museum!

Nestled in Decatur, Alabama, the Cook Museum of Natural Science isn't your average museum – it's a vibrant hub of discovery that sparks curiosity in everyone! Especially for the young'uns, it's all about hands-on fun, immersive exhibits, and getting up close and personal with live animals. It's a total celebration of Alabama's awesome outdoors.

A Personal Mission

For Brian Cook, the big cheese at the museum, it's personal. "I've always loved being outside," he says. He recalls learning about nature from his granddad and now wants to share that knowledge with others. The museum wants us all to stop and appreciate the cool stuff we usually walk right past!

Nature Comes Alive

The museum's mission is to help you see the world with fresh eyes. Think saltwater fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, adorable turtles, and vibrant live coral! Kids don't just look; they interact and connect with nature in a real way. That's the Cook Museum magic!

More Than Just a Museum

"Museums can be stuffy," Cook admits. "But we're all about being vibrant, tactile, and high-tech for everyone! Plus, we have live animals!" He adds that building the museum was just the first step. Now, they're rocking STEM labs, amazing school trips, and even caring for endangered critters!

Learning is an Adventure

The Cook Museum's got learning for every age! From toddlers to teens, there's a program to spark their interest. They're diving into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and encouraging kids to think, question, and discover through hands-on experiences.

Life is Amazing!

At its heart, the Cook Museum is about inspiring awe. "Our theme is Life is Amazing!" Cook exclaims. He hopes the museum will inspire people of all ages to be curious, look closer, and see that the world around them is incredible and worth exploring!

Unplug and Explore!

In a world of screens, the Cook Museum offers a real-world adventure. Kids can engage with animals, ecosystems, and all the amazing complexities of nature. They'll leave with a sense of wonder and a reminder that curiosity is the key to lifelong learning! It's a reminder that curiosity is the first step to lifelong learning.

Roll Tide, Savings High! UA Early College Slashes Tuition!

Calling all high schoolers! Want to get a head start on college without breaking the bank? The University of Alabama Early College (UAEC) just made it WAY easier!

Dirt-Cheap College Courses? You Bet!

Starting THIS FALL, tuition is dropping to a ridiculously low $33 per credit hour. Seriously! That means you can earn college credit while still rocking your high school hallways. Talk about a win-win!

Early College: Your Fast Track to Higher Ed

UAEC lets you snag those sweet college credits early, speeding up your academic journey and saving you some serious cash down the road.

What UAEC Director Lynette Campos Says:

"This rocks! We're leveling the playing field so more students can experience our awesome dual enrollment program. No more crazy financial hurdles—just opportunity!"

Tons of Courses, Total Flexibility!

With over 100 courses to choose from (online or on-campus!), UAEC's got something for everyone. It's designed to fit your busy schedule.

Are YOU Early College Material?

If you've finished ninth grade and have a 3.0 GPA (or better!), you're in! You'll kick things off with the FREE UAEC 200 College Readiness course to set you up for success.

Brought to you by our friends at The University of Alabama

Lulu's Back in the Swing of Things!

Remember Lulu Gribbin? Just a year ago, she faced a shark attack that changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her left hand and right leg. But guess what? This amazing 16-year-old isn't letting anything hold her back, especially when it comes to golf!

Teeing Off with Triumph

Lulu recently wowed onlookers at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am on the Greystone Founders Course. In a video shared by Rick Karle, Lulu was seen alongside her sister and golf instructor, MK Horton. She fearlessly teed off, holding her own with both amateur and professional golfers. It was a seriously heartwarming moment showcasing Lulu's incredible strength and resilience!

"Way Better Than Half the Pros"

That's what MK Horton had to say about Lulu's swing! Apparently, she's been crushing it since the attack, even more so now. Lulu uses a specialized prosthetic with a hook that acts as both a wrist and a hand, giving her amazing control and power. Her sister even chimed in, saying Lulu's been driving the ball straight "a million times!"

Summer Fun & Lulu's Law

When asked about her summer plans, Lulu shared that she's got trips planned, a three-week camp lined up, and, of course, lots more golf! Plus, she proudly announced that she got her driver's license!

And get this – because of Lulu's experience, Alabama lawmakers enacted "Lulu's Law" earlier this year. This new measure aims to improve beach safety by requiring alerts for swimmers when sharks are spotted nearby. Talk about making a difference!

Lulu's story is a true inspiration!

Space Command to Huntsville? The Saga Continues!

Hold your horses, ChumCity! The buzz is still strong about U.S. Space Command potentially landing in Huntsville. Senator Tuberville dropped a hint, mentioning the Secretary of the Air Force will be chatting with President Trump about it. Tuberville emphasized Huntsville has been the go-to choice for recent Air Force Secretaries, even under different administrations. "It's the obvious, right thing to do," he said.

Meet the New Air Force Secretary: Frank Kendall Meink III

Meink’s got the right stuff! Entering the Air Force via ROTC at South Dakota State in '88, he's got a degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD from Ohio State in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. This guy has flown KC-135s and designed ballistic missile test vehicles. He was also deputy undersecretary for space during Obama's term.

Huntsville: The Obvious Choice?

Trump tapped Meink in 2020 for a top spot at the National Reconnaissance Office, the brains behind our spy satellites. Rep. Dale Strong chimed in, stating Huntsville is the best spot for Space Command for national security reasons. "Everyone knows that U.S. Space Command headquarters should be in Huntsville because that is best for our national security," he proclaimed. Strong also assures us he's discussed Space Command with Trump and Vance. Stay tuned, ChumCity! This space race isn't over yet!

New Amphitheater Set to Rock Druid Hills!

Druid Hills residents are getting ready to welcome a new neighbor – the spectacular $46 million Coca-Cola Amphitheater! Edward Eaton, VP of the Druid Hills Neighborhood Association, is optimistic after a recent walk-through. "It’s going to be beautiful," he said, praising the developers' well-laid plans.

A Joint Effort for the Community

This exciting project, a collaboration between the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and Live Nation, is set to host its first show on June 22nd. With a capacity of 9,380, the amphitheater promises a vibrant mix of festivals, concerts, and community events.

Addressing Resident Concerns

Eaton is particularly pleased with the organizers' responsiveness to community concerns about parking, noise, and lighting. "Anything we’ve brought up, they’ve addressed it so far," he noted. Plans include shuttle services from the Uptown Entertainment District, utilizing BJCC parking decks, and potentially two additional parking decks near the former Carraway Methodist Medical Center campus next year.

More Than Just a Venue

On show days, 25th Street will be closed for pedestrian safety, and a free trolley service will connect popular hotels and restaurants to the venue. This is all part of the Star Uptown redevelopment of the long-idle Carraway hospital site.

Ready to Rock!

Jay Wilson of Live Nation envisions the amphitheater as the state's premier entertainment destination. With 31 shows planned for 2025 and an estimated 220,000 visitors, the Coca-Cola Amphitheater is poised to transform the Druid Hills area. Matt Rife kicks things off on June 22nd, followed by the Dave Matthews Band on June 24th! Get ready to rock!

Hot Off the Press: Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator Announces Spring 2025 Cohort!

Get ready to rumble, ChumCity! Five fresh, innovative startups are joining the Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator (BVIA) for spring 2025. That's right, these lucky founders are packing their bags and heading to Birmingham for an intensive 12-week program, each snagging a cool $100,000 investment to supercharge their growth. This isn't just about the cash, though; it's about plugging into Birmingham's vibrant entrepreneurial scene and forging connections that'll last a lifetime.

Meet the Game Changers:

So, who are these rising stars? Let's take a peek:

• Aleoop: Think revenue intelligence, folks! They're turning sales feedback into actionable product insights for B2B tech teams.
• BalanceAI: EnergyTech is here! This company is optimizing energy use in multifamily housing with AI-powered building system control.
• Feedcoyote: Calling all freelancers! This global collaboration platform already boasts over 105,000 users.
• NYAD: Goodbye, manual troubleshooting! This AI platform is automating the process in industrial wastewater treatment.
• Transition: Revolutionizing education! An AI agent for trade and career schools, automating student enrollment, support, and job placement.

gener8tor Power:

This amazing program is powered by gener8tor, a nationally recognized accelerator powerhouse with deep roots in Birmingham. Haley Medved Kendrick, senior managing director at gener8tor, is pumped about the new cohort, saying they're prime for further investment and growth.

What They're Saying:

"From climate tech to AI-driven education, this cohort brings market-ready solutions and impressive early traction," Kendrick exclaimed. "We’re excited to help them sharpen their strategies, secure major deals and raise the capital needed to grow."

VentureLab Partnership

The BVIA is a vital component of the Bronze Valley VentureLab, a partnership between Bronze Valley and gener8tor. They had over 450 applications this spring, showing the program's national buzz.

More Than Just Money:

Besides the cash injection, these founders are getting one-on-one coaching, over $1 million in perks, and access to gener8tor's network of over 100 mentors and investors. The whole thing culminates in a Founder Showcase and Investor Swarm in June!

Bronze Valley's Mission:

Neill S. Wright, president and CEO of Bronze Valley, emphasized their focus on under-resourced entrepreneurs. "We are unlocking opportunities others have overlooked – and proving that great companies can come from anywhere.”

Big Thanks to the Supporters:

This awesome accelerator is made possible by the generous support of Innovate Alabama, Alabama Power, Regions, First Horizon, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Spire, Pinnacle Bank, and PNC Bank.

Myrex Gets the Nod from Alabama Farmers Federation!

Cindy Myrex is riding high, folks! The Alabama Farmers Federation just gave her their official endorsement in the upcoming special election for Alabama House District 12! That seat opened up after Rep. Corey Harbison (R-Good Hope) stepped down.

Cullman County Roots

This lifelong Cullman County gal is a Cold Springs High School grad with a real estate license from Wallace State Community College. You can find her now at Lake Homes Realty, slinging properties around Smith Lake and Cullman County.

A Republican Stalwart

Cindy's not just selling houses; she's deep in the Republican game. She was a Trump Alternate Delegate at the 2024 RNC and sits on the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee, repping Cullman County.

Faith, Family, and Freedom!

“It's a real honor to have the support of our local farmers,” Myrex said. “We see eye-to-eye on what matters: faith, family, and freedom. I know we can work together to do what's best for everyone in HD 12.”

What's District 12?

District 12 covers the southern and western parts of Cullman County.

Words from the Farmers

Cullman County Farmers Federation President Lee Haynes is stoked about the endorsement: “Cindy Myrex is a real go-getter with our same work ethic and conservative values. She’ll be a strong voice for us in Montgomery!”

Federation's Grassroots

The Alabama Farmers Federation, with over 362,000 member families, uses a local, grassroots approach to these endorsements. They listen to their county boards!

Family First

Cindy and her hubby, Ricky, call the Smith Lake/Bremen area home. They're active members at Temple Baptist Church and are proud parents of two adult kids, plus four grandkids and two step-grandkids.

Mark Your Calendars!

Gov. Kay Ivey has set the special primary election for July 15. Don't miss it!

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