CAB Meeting Recap: Wildlife Wins!

Last weekend's wild weather may have thrown a wrench into travel plans, but the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CA still managed to convene at Troy University for their second meeting. Although shy one member for official biz, they dived headfirst into updates from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Legislative Lowdown

Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship gave props to Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos and ADCNR's legal eagles for their stellar work during the recent legislative session. Key bills were on the table, including HB1, tweaking seafood dealer license fees. Good news: the extra dough will now boost the "Sweet Grown Alabama" program, giving our local seafood a leg up!

HB437, the shark warning system bill, got a makeover thanks to ADCNR's input. A workable system is on the horizon to keep beachgoers safe after verified attacks. SB64 tackled aquatic nuisance plants, making sure folks who chop 'em up also haul 'em out. Plus, SB171 puts the brakes on motorized vehicles tearing up submerged lands, like creeks and streams. Not cool, folks.

Deer Drama

HB509, dealing with deer breeders, sparked major opposition. But thanks to ADCNR and a chorus of conservation groups, compromises were struck. No random deer testing in CWD zones, plus a task force to figure out how to move deer safely from those zones. Big shoutout to the CAB members, hunters, and groups like the Alabama Wildlife Federation for standing up for our wildlife!

Budget Bonanza!

The news wasn't all wrestling legislation. Commissioner Blankenship cheered the passing of HB186, which gives ADCNR a record-breaking $458.7 million budget! That includes cold, hard cash for sprucing up shooting ranges, state lakes, and State Parks. Plus, a million bucks for the State Wildlife Action Plan. Indigo snakes, rejoice!

Boating Bliss

Boaters, get ready! Plenty of access projects are afloat. Weeks Bay Ramp parking is getting a makeover, and ribbons were cut at the fancy new County Road 6 Ramp in Baldwin County. More ramps are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Trailblazing Alabama

Get your hiking boots ready! Alabama Tourism is declaring the next two years the "Year of Alabama Trails." With hundreds of miles of trails in State Parks and Forever Wild properties, ADCNR is ready to show off our state's natural beauty.

Hunting Leases Up for Grabs

State Lands Director Patti McCurdy let folks know about hunting leases available on 140 properties across 32 counties! Get your bids in and snag some prime hunting real estate.

Farewell, Chuck Sykes!

Commissioner Blankenship bid adieu to Chuck Sykes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director, who's taking on a new gig. Sykes brought us the Special Opportunity Area hunts, extended deer season (thanks to science!), and boosted public hunting land. He always put the resource first, and we're grateful for his service.

Turkey Talk

During public comment, turkey season timing was debated. Sykes stood firm, saying hunting pressure, not the calendar, is what silences those gobbles. "Put personal preferences aside and do what’s best for the resource," he urged.

Mark Your Calendars!

Another CAB meeting is set for May 29th at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in Montgomery. Hunting seasons, bag limits, and saltwater fishing rules will be on the table.

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Soak Up the Sun Safely: Alabama Power's Lake & River Reminders!

Hey ChumCity crew! As the temperature rises and summer vibes kick in, Alabama Power wants everyone to have a blast at our gorgeous lakes and rivers. They manage 12 major reservoirs (that's over 157,000 acres!) with almost 3,500 miles of shoreline. Boating, swimming, fishin', picnic-ing – it's all happening! Plus, don't forget The Preserves, 74 protected spots perfect for soaking up nature.

But hold up! Fun comes first, then safety. Alabama Power dropped some essential tips to keep everyone happy and healthy out there.

Boating & Water Wisdom

• Boat check! Make sure your vessel is ship-shape before hitting the water. Safety gear? Mandatory!
• Be a courteous captain! Drive defensively and share the lake love.
• Life jackets are a must! U.S. Coast Guard-approved for every passenger. Period.
• No swimming near boats, docks, or marinas! Stray electrical current is a major buzzkill.

Beat the Heat & Weather Woes

• Dress smart! Loose, light-colored clothes, shades, and a hat are your sun-fighting squad.
• Sunscreen's your BFF! SPF 15 or higher, and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Storm's a-comin'? Get to shelter ASAP! Avoid high ground.
• Weather watch! Local news and NOAA radio are your weather gurus. Pay attention!

Alabama Power wants you to have the best time ever, safely!

The American Dream: Still Alive, Still Evolving!

Everyone's got their own take on the American Dream, right? It's as unique as we all are! Generally, it's that belief that anyone can make it big in the US with enough hard work.

What Does Success Really Mean?

A recent survey dove deep into this, asking folks to rank 61 different aspects of the American Dream – from piles of cash to the white picket fence. Turns out, a whopping 56% of us believe it's all about hitting milestones that personally matter.

Impact Over Income?

Get this: making a positive difference in other people's lives is our NUMBER ONE measure of success! This held true across the board – gender, age, income, you name it. Any job can fit the bill, as long as you can see how it helps others.

Character Counts!

By a mile, Americans value good character above all else. They realize that who you are as a person is what really matters.

Forget Being Rich (Kinda...)

Most folks aren't chasing mountains of gold. Financial independence, security, and peace of mind? Now that's the dream.

College? Not Always the Answer

For the first time, a four-year degree is no longer seen as a key to success! It ranked 54th out of 61.

Trades are Hot

Meanwhile, having a professional certification in a skilled trade (electrician, plumber, etc.) jumped to #15. Boom! Skilled trades are now seen as a bigger win than being a doctor or lawyer!

Marriage and Kids

Marriage is still important (#19), but it's not essential for a fulfilling life. On the other hand, having kids landed at #4! So, single parenting is now seen as a bigger success factor than tying the knot.

We're Misunderstanding Each Other!

Here's the kicker: 63% of us incorrectly think others define the American Dream as purely "financial prosperity through hard work." Nope! Only 37% actually think that way.

What if...We All Want the Same Thing?

Most people just want a good life. They're not stressing about being famous or rich. They're aiming for meaningful work, saving for retirement, raising kids, and becoming debt-free.

What if we're wrong about a lot more than just this? What if our values are closer than we think? What if we all want the same things deep down?

Doing Good is Key

The stuff that truly matters boils down to: making a positive impact, loving what you do, being a good person to be around, having a purpose, and getting involved in your community.

This means the American Dream is up for grabs for everyone, regardless of background. That's the American Dream today!

Ainsworth Takes a Pass on '26 Governor's Race

Hold up, ChumCity! Big news from Montgomery. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth just dropped a bombshell, announcing he WON'T be throwing his hat in the ring for the 2026 governor's race.

Family First, Politics Later

In a statement released Wednesday, Ainsworth explained the decision, saying, "After much prayer... I will not be a candidate for governor during the 2026 election cycle." Looks like family time is the priority! He and his wife, Kendall, want to focus on their kids' final years in high school and transition into the private sector.

Still On the Job, For Now!

But don't think he's checking out early. Ainsworth emphasized that he'll continue fighting for Alabama during his remaining time in office. "Serving as Alabama's Lieutenant Governor has been the honor of my lifetime," he said, promising to keep working hard for Alabamians.

Ainsworth's Legacy?

He also highlighted some of Alabama's recent wins, including tax cuts and support for school choice and veterans. "We led the effort to remove the state sales tax on groceries and enacted the largest tax cut in Alabama's history," he stated proudly.

What's Next?

Ainsworth made it clear that even after leaving office, his heart will remain in Alabama. "My passion is in helping people, and neither of those truths will ever change." So, even without a run for governor, expect to see Ainsworth continuing to make waves in the Yellowhammer State.

ChumCity Daily Buzz

Golden Arches Get a Boost!

McDonald’s is on a hiring spree, and guess who showed up to cheer them on? None other than the Trump administration's U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. Talk about a power play at the drive-thru!

Star Wars Level Defense?

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just dropped a bombshell: a $175 billion missile defense system called Golden Dome. We're talking hundreds, maybe even a thousand, satellites zipping around, blasting missiles out of the sky. Is this real life, or did we step onto the set of a sci-fi flick?

Alabama's Redistricting Rumble Continues

Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall is digging in his heels, appealing the federal court's rejection of the state's redistricting map. He insists it’s all above board, but the courts clearly disagree. This one's far from over, folks!

Judge Lewis Joins the Alabama Supreme Court

Gov. Kay Ivey just appointed Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Supreme Court, filling a spot left vacant by Justice Jay Mitchell. While conservative news outlets played it cool, aldotcom, predictably, had to make a big deal about Lewis' race. Shocker.

Dems Defend Their Own... With Caveats?

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is standing up for U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, calling the ICE assault charges against her "baseless." But some are pointing out the hypocrisy, given the Democrats' stance on Trump, the Jan. 6th defendants, and their constant mantra of "no one is above the law." Awkward!

Ainsworth Out, Senate Dreams In?

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has bowed out of the governor's race. So, what's next for him? All eyes are on a potential run for the United States Senate. Get your popcorn ready; things are about to get interesting!

Trump Questions Biden's Timing

President Trump is back in action, questioning the timing of documents signed via auto-pen by former President Biden after his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. He's implying some shady dealings might be afoot. Is this a legitimate concern, or just more political posturing? You decide.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader and talk show host on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.

Mobile Bay Dredging Drama: What's Going on Under the Surface?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is busy making Mobile Bay's ship channel bigger and deeper. But not everyone's thrilled! Concerns are bubbling up from state lawmakers, environmental groups, and our local commercial fishermen about where all that dredged-up sediment is going, and what it's doing to our precious bay.

Sediment Sludge Saga

Mobile Baykeeper has been using drones to keep an eye on things, and they're reporting sediment being released right into the bay! This is raising serious red flags about the health of our marine life and water clarity. State Senator Chris Elliott is pushing for the Corps to use established disposal sites like Gillard Island instead of just dumping it in the open water.

Massive Mud Moves

The goal is to make room for larger ships at the Port of Mobile. While guidelines say a good chunk of the dredged material should be used for good stuff like wetland restoration or fortifying Dauphin Island, the rest is getting "thin-layer placement" in the bay. Critics are calling this method experimental and potentially risky.

Mobile Baykeeper is sounding the alarm, reporting that up to 90 million cubic yards of dredged material could end up in the bay over the next 20 years. That's like covering 42,000 football fields with muck! They argue this is the largest open-water dump ever attempted, with uncertain consequences for our ecosystem.

Fishermen Feeling the Pinch

Local fishermen are already seeing the impact. Members of the Alabama Commercial Fishermen Association are saying that the dumping is messing with shrimp and oyster industries. Silt is damaging nets, changing the seabed, and making historic shrimping areas unusable. Oyster reefs are reportedly being buried, wiping out future generations. Some fishermen say areas are unusable for up to two years after dredging!

Senator Britt Weighs In

Senator Katie Britt supports the port expansion but emphasizes responsible management of dredged material. She helped include provisions in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act requiring at least 70% of suitable dredged material to be used beneficially and mandating consultation with local stakeholders. She also secured funding for beneficial-use projects and sediment flow studies.

Corps Stands Firm

Despite the concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers insists that thin-layer placement is a safe and accepted method. They see it as a "cornerstone" of their strategy for maintaining waterways while protecting the environment.

Want to Get Involved?

Mobile Baykeeper held a town hall on May 15th. There is another coming up on May 22 from 60 – 7:30 pm at Fairhope United Methodist Church (155 S Section St) to discuss the ongoing federal mud-dumping in Mobile Bay. This is your chance to voice your concerns and ask questions of fishermen, oystermen, charter captains, and scientists!

Bluff Park Teacher Drives Away With Top Honor!

Katie Collins, a phenomenal first-grade teacher from Bluff Park Elementary, just snagged the title of Alabama's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year! The big reveal happened at a school assembly that went absolutely WILD!

A New Ride for a Shining Star

Picture this: Kids chanting "Mrs. Collins!" as Jimmy Parnell, president of Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation, hands over the keys to a brand-new 2025 Chevy Traverse. Talk about a perk! Alfa is even covering the insurance, so Mrs. Collins can cruise around the state in style as Alabama's education ambassador.

A Dream Come True!

"What an honor!" exclaimed Collins. "Never in her wildest dreams would the 6-year-old version of myself, who wholeheartedly knew she was destined to be a teacher, dream up being here today as Alabama Teacher of the Year."

Two Decades of Dedication

Collins isn't just some newbie; she's a 20-year education veteran. Before inspiring young minds at Bluff Park, she taught French and English at the middle and high school levels. She even co-founded the Communities Family Literacy Program, which started small and now helps ESL families all over Hoover City Schools.

Tending the "Garden" of Education

Collins sees her school as a "garden," where she and her colleagues nurture students' growth. "We show up, weathering the harsh conditions and true difficulties that come with this garden," she said.

Championing Student Well-being

As Teacher of the Year, Collins will travel the state advocating for public education. She plans to shine a light on student mental health and promote classroom experiences that build independence and resilience. "I believe student engagement is the heartbeat in the joy of learning,” Collins stated.

A Statewide Celebration!

Out of over 150 applicants, Collins stood out! State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey praised Collins as a model educator. "She is a true advocate for education," Mackey said.

Collins will now represent Alabama in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Way to go, Mrs. Collins!

Alabama Housing Market: A Mixed Bag in April 2025

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity residents! Alabama's real estate scene is serving up a fascinating mix of trends, according to the Alabama Association of REALTORS®. While some numbers dipped slightly from March, the overall picture for April 2025 shows impressive year-over-year growth.

Home Sales: A Little Less, But Still Strong

Alright, so 5,791 homes found new owners in April. That's a 6.8% nudge downward from March. But don't fret! Compared to April 2024, sales are up a solid 10.8%, proving the long-term housing hype is still going strong.

Prices: A Slight Dip, But Big Gains Overall

The median home price was $224,967 in April, a mild 2.2% slip from March. However, when we zoom out, we see a whopping 13.3% jump from last year! The average sale price also climbed to $265,232, representing a 17.8% year-over-year surge.

Total Sales Volume: Still Booming

The total sales volume landed at $1.54 billion for the month, a 3.1% decrease from March. But guess what? That's a massive 30.5% increase compared to April 2024! Cha-ching!

Inventory: More Homes to Choose From!

Good news for buyers! There were 19,144 active listings by the end of April, a fantastic 27% increase from the 15,072 available last year. More options for everyone!

Homes Selling Quicker!

Homes were on the market for about 57 days in April, which is four days faster than in March. Things are moving!

Mortgage Rates: Easing Up a Bit

As of mid-May, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered around 6.81%, a welcome drop from 7.13% last year. Fingers crossed this trend continues!

Alabama's Economy: Solid as a Rock

Alabama's unemployment rate stayed steady at a low 3.3% for the seventh month in a row, below the national average. Plus, the labor force participation rate is at its highest since early 2019. Go, Alabama!

UAB's Star Keeps Rising, Thanks to Senator Britt!

UAB's reputation is soaring, and we've got Senator Katie Britt to thank for helping shine a national spotlight on the Magic City's powerhouse university!

UAB: Alabama's Biggest and Brightest

Did you know UAB isn't just a top-tier research university and medical center? It's also the largest employer in Alabama, with over 35,000 folks!

Senator Britt Champions UAB on Capitol Hill

Senator Britt recently paved the way for UAB's O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Director, Dr. Barry Sleckman, to testify before a Senate committee about UAB's impactful research. UAB's Vice President for Research, Dr. Chris Brown, expressed major gratitude for Britt's support, emphasizing her understanding of UAB's vital work in fighting diseases.

HHS Secretary Kennedy Gives UAB a Shout-Out!

UAB got another big boost when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the university as a prime example of responsible use of federal research funds. He stressed UAB's need for continued funding to fuel its cutting-edge research.

Dialogue Leads to Action!

Senator Britt and Secretary Kennedy are having ongoing discussions about NIH research funding, and Kennedy admitted Britt's input is making a real difference, especially for state schools like UAB that rely on federal support for their groundbreaking work! Looks like Brum's making waves in Washington!

Kayak Eufaula Sets Sail at Lakepoint State Park!

Get ready to paddle! A brand-new outdoor adventure program, "Kayak Eufaula," is making a splash this summer at Lakepoint State Park, thanks to an awesome team-up between the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, Alabama Power, and Innovate Alabama.

Lake Eufaula: Your Kayaking Playground

Imagine gliding across the beautiful Lake Eufaula! "Kayak Eufaula" will offer guided tours, rentals, and cool educational stuff for everyone, no matter your skill level. Lakepoint State Park, with its gorgeous lakeside setting, is the perfect home base for all the fun.

A Park Director's Perspective

"Lakepoint State Park is thrilled to welcome 'Kayak Eufaula'," says Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. "Kayak Eufaula at Lakepoint State Park opens up an exciting new way for people to enjoy Eufaula and the great outdoors."

Fueling the Adventure

Innovate Alabama is backing the project with a grant to purchase kayaks, safety gear, and provide top-notch guide training.

Alabama Power: A Key Partner

Alabama Power is also playing a vital role, showing their commitment to protecting the environment and creating awesome recreational spots for communities.

Local Coordinator Sounds Off

Rick Thorne, with the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, is stoked about the launch. "We’re thrilled to introduce this program... We truly appreciate the support and collaboration of Innovate Alabama, Lakepoint State Park, and Alabama Power.”

Mark Your Calendars!

The official launch event is June 2nd, featuring a ribbon-cutting and fun community activities with demonstrations for all ages. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!