Grayson Everett, Author at Yellowhammer News

Travis Hendrix is a familiar name in House District 55.

Democratic voters in the district will go to the polls Tuesday to make their choice among Hendrix and seven other candidates to fill a vacancy in the Alabama House of Representatives, following former Rep. Fred Plump’s indictment on federal conspiracy charges.

In 2022, Plump unseated a fixture of the House Democratic caucus in a close primary runoff election: Former Rep. Rod Scott, who represented District 55 since 2006.

Hendrix was also in the primary field.

Once votes were counted in the 2022 primary, Hendrix secured 18% of the vote, with frontrunner Scott, seeking a fifth term to the Legislature, pulling in 25%.

Scott is the director of planning for his former colleague, House Minority Leader Craig Ford, now mayor of Gadsden. After a nail-biting primary runoff and recount defeat, his successor, Plump, left a clean slate for the current field of candidates.

There is no Republican running in the district, meaning victory in Tuesday’s primary and potential run-off election will effectively be final.

Hendrix has led in fundraising while picking up the endorsements of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and House Minority Leader Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), as well as influential political groups at the state level, including BCA’s ProgressPAC, the Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Builders PAC, and AlabamaWorks PAC.

A sergeant with the Birmingham Police Department, Hendrix said on his website, “Growing up in this area exposed me to the harsh realities faced by many residents, but it also instilled in me the values of service, sacrifice, and the power of prayer, thanks to the strong influence of my grandmother.”

On Monday, Hendrix told Yellowhammer News he’ll be talking to voters until the very last minute.

“Look, it’s simple to me, I just want to serve my community that I’ve been serving as a police officer for over 15 years. A community that I was born in, the community that has raised me, help feed my family, and that has also supported me along the way.”

“I want to support them and fight for them in the same way,” Hendrix said.

In her announcement on why a special election was triggered in HD55, Gov. Kay Ivey said, “Those in public office must be held to the highest standard, and it is unfortunate that the good folks in House District 55 have been left without representation due to poor decisions made by the individual who formerly held this seat.”

“I encourage everyone in this district to get out and vote during this special election to ensure you have a strong voice advocating for you in the Alabama Legislature going forward.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama’s GOP delegation to Washington continues to keep a focus on the southern border as illegal crossings spike and the White House promotes spending priorities that ‘manage the border’ as opposed to ‘securing the border.’

Since President Biden took office, there have been more than 7 million illegal crossings at the southern border, including more than 1.5 million known “gotaways.”

Last week, Sen. Katie Britt joined GOP colleagues at a press conference to depict that reality from their perspective on the Homeland Security Subcommittee for the all-powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

“What’s happening is we’ve created an environment where human traffickers, drug cartels, and terrorists rule the day,” Britt (R-Montgomery) told reporters.

“We’ve got to do more. You heard Senator Capito talk about 6 million people being in our interior right now under ICE. We only have 6,000 ICE agents. That’s where we need to be investing our money, not in NGOs, where we create a shinier object for the drug cartels to use to lure people here,” Britt said.

Britt and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) are signed onto the priority solution proposed by lawmakers who say inaction by the Biden Administration is dangerous: the Secure the Border Act.

Britt also shed light on the devastating impact of drugs, particularly fentanyl, across communities nationwide.

“You look at the drug cartels and what they’ve done with fentanyl in every community around this great nation. Last year alone in Alabama, we had to use Narcan 15 times the first two months of our school year because of overdoses on campus,” Britt said.

“There is a mom, a dad, a brother, a sister, a cousin who is sitting around a dining room table tonight who is missing somebody because President Biden will not do his job.”

According to NBC News, U.S. border agents have encountered a “growing number of individuals” on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist trying to enter the country illegally through the southern border.

Britt says that’s a national security nightmare.

“The numbers here don’t lie, guys. Look at the last administration,” she said. “The last administration, in that total time span of those four years, do you know how many people we found on the wanted terrorist watch list at the border? Eight. Do you know how many people on the terrorist watch list that we have caught at the border in the [current] fiscal year alone? And we’re not finished yet. 244.

“We must do something, and I commend my colleagues for standing here, once again, and we just hope our other colleagues on the other side of the aisle will wake up, join forces, and do something for the American people. Our children are counting on it.”

After a gritty win to Ole Miss on Saturday, Jalen Milroe shared where he credited the win – and where he received the strength to pull it off.

Milroe started in the SEC home opener against Ole Miss after a week on the bench against USF. Especially after a second-half rally, Milroe’s 225 passing yards, 28 running yards, one touchdown, and only one interception, the progress was evident.

After the game, here’s what he said:

Jalen Milroe said Phillipians 4:13 is his favorite Bible verse, which says “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (NIV)

Said Milroe: “I can always lean on my Lord and Savior. I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/1Hw00qeAl2

— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) September 23, 2023

“I get my strength through my Lord and Savior. I surrender my throne to Him, and I know I can lean on Him no matter the circumstances. I put my trust in Him no matter what,” Milroe said.

“I can always lean on Him, so I’m good.”

The University of Alabama is upping its Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) game.

Big time.

UA Athletics is expanding a long-time partnership with sports technology company Learfield to open The Advantage Center in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The duo are building a real home for the Crimson Tide’s more than 650 student-athletes across 21 sports programs. The center will showcase local and national NIL brand/sponsor relationships as they look to maximize their NIL opportunities.

🚨 NOW OPEN! 🚨

Alabama Athletics and LEARFIELD open The Advantage Center at Bryant-Denny Stadium – a unique NIL facility to provide resources, education & support to Crimson Tide student-athletes.

Read More: https://t.co/Y8HO8bWgPa #RollTide | @Learfield pic.twitter.com/hJ2ycL7Y8t

— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) September 22, 2023

“We’ve been looking forward to opening the doors of The Advantage Center from the day we started discussing this concept,” said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “Having a dedicated, multifunctional space for our student-athletes to do things like record podcasts, film videos in a green room, engage with brand partners and participate in educational workshops was very important to us, and we’re appreciative of Learfield for taking this idea and making it come to life.

“The University of Alabama offers a great academic, athletic and social experience and provides a stage and, now with the addition of The Advantage Center, a structure around it to support our student-athletes at the highest level when it comes to NIL.”

The center will feature Learfield staff helping student-athletes create original content for their NIL activities. There will also be access to social media content specialists, a production studio and meeting spaces for brand engagement and planning, along with other amenities to enhance the NIL experience.

The center was designed and built by Alabama-based firms Davis Architects and Harrison Construction, which was recently recognized by the Alabama State Chapter of the Association of Builders and Contractors with the 2023 Excellence in Construction Award for its work on the Advantage Center.

“The University of Alabama is a long-time Learfield partner, and it’s been an honor to collaborate with Greg and his team to deliver one of the most innovative NIL resources in college athletics,” said Learfield President and CEO Cole Gahagan.

“NIL is evolving by the day, and the launch of the Advantage Center is just one more example of how the Learfield team is leading on practically every front – creating more opportunities for student-athletes, school partners, and brand sponsors.”

Last week, Alabama-based marketing and advertising agency Telegraph Creative announced that its CEO and majority owner, Cliff Sims, had sold his stake in the company to a group of Telegraph executives, led by new CEO Brian “BJ” Ellis. Sims will maintain an active role with the firm as its chairman.

For Telegraph, the sale was a milestone moment after rapid growth and expansion that started when Sims took control of the company in 2019.

For Sims, it was also a milestone moment after a whirlwind decade that included the founding and sale of Yellowhammer News, top jobs in the White House and the office that oversees the U.S. intelligence community, a New York Times bestselling memoir, and the explosive growth of Telegraph, whose revenue quadrupled in his four years at its helm.

This week, Yellowhammer News caught up with Sims for a Q&A on the latest news and what he plans to do next.

Yellowhammer: Why was now the time to make that move?

Sims: We’ve been planning this for over a year now, but it’s a mix of business and personal reasons. Business-wise, we had been approached with several different opportunities, ranging from private equity investments and mergers, to acquisitions and new partners. Ultimately, we chose to maintain continuity within the leadership team and to give them the opportunity to control the company’s destiny. Simultaneously, my strategic advisory business, which had always been complimentary to Telegraph, was exploding to a point that it made sense for BJ, who’s been my right-hand during my tenure as CEO of both Yellowhammer and Telegraph, to take over the CEO role and allow me to focus more on my consulting work.

My wife and I also adopted a little boy from Colombia and this move has freed me up to spend as much time as possible with him during these early years that we can’t ever get back. So it’s a win for everyone.

When we took over Telegraph, it was deeply in debt and frankly on the verge of bankruptcy. I put my own money into it to keep the company afloat and ensure we could save everyone’s job. Then we fought and clawed our way out, shifted the company’s business strategy, acted decisively and actually grew during the pandemic while everyone else was cutting back, got completely debt free, and basically quadrupled the company in the process. The leadership team that went through all of that with me is still in place, so I have a lot of confidence in their ability to continue growing.

Yellowhammer: What kind of work and clients does your strategic advisory firm focus on?

Sims: The way I usually describe it is, I try to leverage my experience from the Oval Office to the corner office, and from the Situation Room to the board room. I’ve seen crises and been involved in decision-making that had both PR stakes and national security stakes. So most of what I do now is at the intersection of risk and brand management, crisis communications, and national security. And the clients range from major corporations, to top government leaders, to prominent media figures.

Yellowhammer: Is President Trump one of those clients?

Sims: President Trump isn’t a client, but he’s definitely a friend and I’m supporting his re-election. I helped him and his team pull together his slate of endorsements in Alabama, which we were very happy included our entire Republican House delegation. We text fairly often and I’m in daily contact with his team, most of whom I know well going back to the 2016 campaign. And I’m still close with the family, especially Don Jr., who I talk to pretty much every day.

Yellowhammer: How would you assess the state of the 2024 presidential race, both the primary and looking ahead to the general?

Sims: Trump is so strong it’s really hard to envision anyone else being the Republican nominee. Part of that is based on the issues he champions which, in spite of his success, are still under-represented within the party – especially when it comes to trade and foreign policy. Part of it is also his unique personality and willingness to take on the media, the Democrats, establishment Republicans, the federal bureaucracy – anyone and everyone. And part of it is blowback to the Biden Administration’s unprecedented weaponization of the justice system against a political opponent.

No sane person wants the stakes of our elections to be “win or go to jail.” It’s so destructive for the country.

I’d give Trump the edge in a general election against Biden, with the primary variables being how things are going in the economy next fall, what’s going on with the war in Ukraine, and how these legal cases play themselves out from a timing perspective. There’s just so much we don’t know right now. Are they seriously going to try to interfere in the electoral process with trials and things like that?

Are the Democrats going to come up with a way to nudge Biden aside but not be stuck with Kamala Harris as the backup plan? Do the investigations into the Bidens’ shady international business dealings end up ensnaring the president and not just his family members? There are going to be a lot of plot twists and turns before next November.

Yellowhammer: In your job as Deputy Director of National Intelligence, you had what’s often called “above Top Secret” clearance, so you’ve presumably seen a lot of things that people would be very curious about. In recent months, there seems to have been an increased focus on UFOs, including the government releasing various reports, congressional testimony from members of the military and intelligence agencies, and speculation in the media. What can you tell us about UFOs, the prospect of alien life, and why this topic has re-emerged as a point of such fascination?

Sims: Well, there’s not a lot I can say about it all, but John Ratcliffe, who was director of National Intelligence and my direct boss, has noted that there are definitely some things out there that will make you raise your eyebrows.

Sightings by Navy and Air Force pilots, objects picked up by satellite imagery or other types of sensors, movements that are hard to replicate or explain given our current technological capabilities, or things that seem to defy the laws of physics, like exceeding the sound barrier without making a sonic boom.

Whatever the explanation, these things raise significant national security concerns that have to be addressed. That’s about all I can say about that.

Yellowhammer: What did he see or learn in your job helping to oversee the Intelligence Community that you’d most want people back home here in Alabama to know?

Sims: The main thing that comes to mind is that Chinese espionage is a massive threat to us here in numerous ways. There are biotech companies in Birmingham that are a target because China wants their intellectual property. There are aerospace companies in Huntsville that are a target because China wants their technology.

There are defense companies in the Wiregrass that are a target because China wants to understand our defense industrial base and military preparedness. Chinese companies that build giant crane systems for ports are becoming platforms for spying – and Alabama is home to a major port. The FBI has warned about Chinese nationals getting busted trying to get on to U.S. military bases, and of course Alabama is home to several. I could go on and on.

The head of counterintelligence while we were in office spent a disproportionate amount of his time trying to alert private sector companies to these threats. They aren’t just isolated to D.C., Silicon Valley, and places like that. Alabama companies need to take this stuff seriously, too.

Yellowhammer: There’s been a massive migration of people from states like California and New York to states like Texas and Florida. This has enormous political and economic implications. What does Alabama need to do to set itself up for success at a time of significant cultural change, political upheaval and economic uncertainty?

Sims: Everything rises and falls on leadership and there are definitely some people here who have a vision for the future and are helping move Alabama in the right direction.

State lawmakers deserve a lot of credit for their focus on developing Alabama’s innovation economy. We’re cranking out brilliant college graduates – many of them from here, and an increasing number who come here from all over the country.

Unfortunately a lot of them haven’t viewed Alabama as a place to put down roots, to build a company and start a family – but it really is. We’ve got to retain them and attract more. And we’ve got the assets to do it: a favorable business climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation.

One thing I’ve always found interesting is how people’s view of Alabama changes so dramatically after visiting here.

You can go nearly anywhere on the planet and when someone finds out you’re from Alabama, they light up with either “Sweet Home” or “Roll Tide.”

I’ll never forget walking through the old city of Jerusalem and coming across a street vendor whose entire shop is dedicated to selling Alabama products.

They’re right down the street from the most historic sites on the planet and, even there, there’s still something magical about Alabama. We’ve got to preserve what’s great about this place and do a better job telling that story to the world.

A Wisconsin-based atheist group is attacking Auburn University for the role three of its coaches played in a worship event this week in which hundreds of students were baptized.

The “Unite Auburn” event Sept. 12 was held in the school’s Neville Arena. About 200 students were baptized after the event in a small lake on campus.

Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze even baptized one of his players that night.

A revival is happening tonight in Auburn. People are getting baptized at Red Barn with hundreds of people cheering them on. The baptisms started following an event at Neville arena tonight called Unite. @TheAUPlainsman @AUFAMILY pic.twitter.com/PzEza1UWKz

— Kristen Carr (@kristencarrau) September 13, 2023

Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote to university officials, opposing the event.

“Auburn University is a public university, not a religious one,” foudation attorney Chris Line said in the letter. “It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for university employees to use their university position to organize, promote or participate in a religious worship event.

“These ongoing and repeated constitutional violations at the university create a coercive environment that excludes those students who don’t subscribe to the Christian views being pushed onto players by their coaches.”

FFRF’s threats were dismissed Friday by Gov. Kay Ivey as “misguided” because they don’t know Alabama.

I am proud to stand in support of religious liberty at Snead State Community College and Auburn University.

As governor, I can assure you Alabama will never be intimidated by out-of-state interest groups dedicated to destroying our nation’s religious heritage. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/VrHDUlZ0GB

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 22, 2023

“As Governor of Alabama, I take seriously my responsibility to faithfully execute the laws—and that includes safeguarding the religious freedom of all Alabamians, religious and nonreligious alike,” Ivey wrote in a letter back to the foundation.

“But the facts described in your recent letters do not violate anyone’s religious liberty. Even according to your own account. These events all involved adults interacting with other adults, and no one faced any threat of adverse consequences or declining to participate.

“What is more, requiring college officials to entirely remove faith from their lives could well violate those officials’ own religious freedom. After all, the First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion just as much as it prohibits government establishment of religion.”

Last August, Pearl took Auburn’s basketball team on an immersive trip to Israel.

He said the journey was a sports trip as well as an educational experience. Players visited places of significant historical and religious importance, like the Western Wall and the Jordan River – where some were even baptized.

Last day in Jerusalem, made it count 😎#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/z0GFTlTc5q

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) August 3, 2022

The group is calling on Auburn to make changes, such as firing coaches and the reeducation of staff on their “constitutional duties.”

While Auburn has yet to formally respond, if the response from Ivey, an Auburn alumna, is any indication of the state’s intentions, that won’t happen.

In January, Ivey issued an executive order that sets forth well-established legal protections for all people of faith (and no faith at all) when interacting with state government. One provision requires state agencies to allow their employees to express their faith to the same extent they allow employee expression that is not religious in nature.

“The last thing I want is for Alabama college and university officials to be taking legal advice from an organization that does not recognize these points and whose self-avowed purpose is to promote a strict view of so-called ‘separation of church and state,'” she said Friday. “I hope you will someday come to know what makes the State of Alabama such a special place for so many of us. In the meantime, please understand that our state motto is ‘We dare defend our rights.’

“As Governor, I can assure you that we will not be intimidated by out-of-state interest groups dedicated to destroying our nation’s religious heritage.”

Alabama continued to experience an increase in average sales price and an overall slowdown in home sales last month, according to the Alabama Economic and Real Estate Report released by the Alabama Association of Realtors.

Home sales decreased compared to July, marking the second consecutive month of declining sales. the report said.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate continues to impact buyers and sellers alike, having peaked at 7.23% in August, its highest value in over 20 years, according to the Realtors.

“With mortgage rates surpassing the 7% mark throughout August, it is not surprising that we are continuing to experience a dip in sales compared to previous months,” said Realtors President RaJane Johnson. “The higher mortgage rates have understandably influenced the decisions of prospective homebuyers, prompting them to carefully weigh their options and timing.”

The combination of higher mortgage rates and limited supply is helping to support higher prices, which is ultimately benefitting sellers, the group said.

Alabama’s median and average sales prices continued to rise in August. Despite the increase in prices, the state remains one of the 10 most affordable states to own a home, according to a September report from Business Insider.

“In Alabama, the cost of homeownership is significantly less than the national average,” said Jeremy Walker, CEO of Alabama Realtors. “Alabama’s affordability and economic growth is what attracts buyers from other parts of the country and keeps our housing market resilient.”

The “Alabama Economic and Real Estate Report” is published monthly and annually. Click here to view the full monthly and annual reports.

Tuscaloosa was recently named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 best U.S. college towns. This week it was also selected as the first college town location for a new line of Sports Illustrated resorts.

The planned resort will be across the Black Warrior River from the University of Alabama. It looks remarkable:

Sports Illustrated is launching sports-themed resorts in top college towns — starting with Tuscaloosa, AL.

• Full-service hotel
• Vacation club
• Residential condos

It's set to open in late 2025. pic.twitter.com/p7gNEUSbHv

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 20, 2023

The resort will house world-class dining options, entertainment venues, a signature SI Fit Health/Wellness Center and more. Members of the Sports Illustrated vacation club will benefit from a flexible points-based system that enhances their overall resort experience.

Travel + Leisure Co. is leveraging its expertise in managing multiple brand partnerships for the development, distribution, and management for the Sports Illustrated vacation club product.

“We’re excited to be working with the Sports Hospitality Ventures team to create a custom club experience for passionate sports fans,” said Geoff Richards, chief operating officer of vacation ownership at Travel + Leisure Co.

“Our vision for this entirely new vacation club is to provide members a unique opportunity to totally immerse themselves in gameday life with a piece of their favorite college town, plus flexibility to travel away with their team and beyond.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

A protester poured water on the head of a former Alabama lawmaker at an Environmental Protection Agency public hearing today on coal ash storage.

Environmentalist Anne DiPrizio, who called herself a “crazy, unhinged lady,” poured a cup of water on former State Rep. Kyle SouthSouth, the president and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce.who was seated at the meeting in Montgomery. DiPrizio then shouted obscenities and claims about the proposed site, the EPA and Alabama Power.

A woman named Anne DiPrizio just poured water over the head of former Alabama State Rep. Kyle South at a Montgomery hearing about Alabama Power’s storage of coal ash. Story to come for @insideclimate pic.twitter.com/HSYjAhieGi

— Lee Hedgepeth (@lee_hedgepeth) September 20, 2023

It’s being reported this is not the first time DiPrizio has been arrested for her actions.

Abortion activist Anne Susan DiPrizio comes unhinged after the Alabama legislature votes to ban abortions.

She paints on the wall of the legislature and on security guards arresting her — shouting “This is dumb!” repeatedly at lawmakers.https://t.co/KIica2HtEb pic.twitter.com/Z38wv559b8

— LifeNews.com (@LifeNewsHQ) May 2, 2019

She defaced the Alabama State House by throwing paint in 2019. In 2018, DiPrizio was arrested by Hoover law enforcement for throwing Christmas ornaments at vehicles.

In 2015, DiPrizio was arrested for attempting to marry a lesbian couple inside the Autauga County Probate Office and causing a similar blow-up.

South, who was seated in the back row, was calm during the incident.

“I think her actions diminish the efforts she was supposedly there to speak on behalf of,” he said to Yellowhammer News. “Wish we lived in a world where we could voice our disagreements without the theatrics.

“I understand it can be an emotional issue but I was in no way going to give her the additional attention she so desperately wanted by reacting.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s net worth virtually doubled during the pandemic, from $7.6 million in 2019 to $12.6 million in 2021, according to official disclosures.

While Fauci retired as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in December of last year, it’s reported he continues to receive government protection, costing taxpayers $1 million every month.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong said that’s a wasteful expense because Fauci can easily afford his own security.

“When I discovered that Dr. Fauci still had a taxpayer-funded driver and personal guards after he stepped down, I felt that it was another example of Washington bureaucrats putting themselves above the American people,” Strong (R-Huntsville) said.

“Our country is $33 trillion in debt. Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying for Dr. Fauci’s security detail, especially when Fauci was one of the highest-paid federal employees in the U.S.”

Strong (R-Monrovia) introduced a bill Wednesday to accomplish that: “No Taxpayer Funded Detail for Anthony Fauci.”

“Biden’s bureaucrats, and Dr. Fauci himself, have lost sight of the fact that every dollar they spend comes from the pockets of hardworking Americans,” Strong said. “As your representative in Congress, I am committed to safeguarding the hard-earned dollars of American taxpayers and ensuring that our government operates with fiscal responsibility.”

Reports have shown Fauci technically remains on staff at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) so he keeps eligibility for a U.S. Marshals detail.

Strong said his bill will close this loophole.

“Public service is about exactly that, serving the American people,” Strong said. “Continuing to fund security details for retired government employees is an unnecessary burden on our already strained federal budget.

“The state of Alabama has always emphasized the importance of responsible financial stewardship when it comes to taxpayer dollars.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Congress is on track to trigger a government shutdown Oct. 1 if it fails to pass the required appropriations bills.

As the deadline approaches, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is advocating for a short-term solution to finance the government. But McCarthy’s plan faces internal resistance, with a segment of House GOP members opposing it – guaranteeing rejection in the Democratic-majority Senate.

On the Senate side, Sen. Katie Britt joined bipartisan group of 11 colleagues as a co-sponsor of Sen. James Lankford’s (R-Okla.) “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023.” The legislation would permanently end the practice of shutting down the federal government if Congress fails to enact spending bills by the start of the next fiscal year.

“The American people are tired of seeing critical government services being held hostage while Congress irresponsibly pushes to pass massive spending bills at the last minute,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to keep paying the price for this budgetary political brinksmanship.”

Federal agencies are prohibited from spending without congressional appropriation. If some, but not all, appropriations bills are passed, only the unfunded agencies will cease, resulting in a partial shutdown.

Historically, prolonged government shutdowns have occurred four times.

In 2013, a 16-day shutdown went into effect over Affordable Care Act funding and, most recently, a 35-day partial shutdown carried over from December 2018 into January 2019.

Britt said she wants to permanently prevent that from happening.

“This commonsense bill would ensure we have a fail-safe mechanism in place that will take these drastic options off the table, so members of the Senate and the House have time to draft the best bills possible in a transparent, accountable, and judicious manner,” she said.

Britt and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the bipartisan “No Budget, No Pay Act” this year. It simply states that if members of Congress don’t pass funding measures – they won’t receive a salary until they do.

With no clear path on how to fund the government past Sept. 30, Congress has less than two weeks to come to an agreement.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

As the possibility of reinforced government mask mandates grows, federal and state lawmakers in Alabama are trying to get out in front of the issue.

State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) filed a bill that would prohibit government-sanctioned mask mandates. The bill awaits lawmakers when they return to Montgomery in February for the next session.

“I do not believe government should mandate anything that encroaches on individual liberty,” Colvin said, adding that state health officials were wrong to impose such a mandate in 2020.

Colvin said the bill would specifically prohibit government entities and the state health officer from requiring face mask mandates to prevent the spread of diseases.

It provides exceptions for licensed medical facilities and state and local detention facilities.

“This bill will not prohibit private businesses from operating as they see fit,” Colvin said. “Rather, this bill prevents Big Brother from mandating restrictions on private citizens.”

Colvin’s assignments to House Commerce and Small Business, Insurance, and the Education Ways and Means committees have connected him with small business owners and leaders across the state who are worried about taking a hit from a reimposed mandate.

“There has been little scientific evidence that masks accomplished anything in preventing the spread of COVID,” Colvin said.

“We should be encouraging personal responsibility and empowering families as opposed to allowing government to control the way we move forward.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Hal Taylor shared a startling statistic about the roadways we drive every day.

“Unfortunately, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours in the United States,” Taylor said. “Many of the first responders across our state have responded to these tragic incidents and fully understand the lasting impact these events have on a family as well as the community.

“We encourage everyone to join our Agency in this national initiative and practice railroad safety not only during Rail Safety Week 2023, but every day of the year.”

ALEA is responsible for the safety and enforcement of Alabama roadways, but all drivers bear the ultimate responsibility.

Each year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) joins fellow law enforcement agencies and first responders across the nation and in Canada to participate in the annual “Operation Clear Track,” the single largest rail safety law enforcement initiative in North America.

HAPPENING NOW

Operation Clear Track is underway across the state as well as the nation!

Learn more about this nationwide initiative at: https://t.co/j6ldpKy1uz #ALEAProtects #TraintoDrive pic.twitter.com/S1FaPfdCGn

— Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (@ALEAprotects) September 19, 2023

Today, ALEA Troopers will be stationed at railroad crossings and other locations across the state to distribute educational materials to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to reinforce the importance of crossing and trespass laws.

Rail Safety Week runs through Sunday.

Included in this year’s campaign is a virtual “Train to Drive” video that allows users to make real-time safety decisions and put their knowledge to the test.

“The virtual driver training program is a great online tool provided by Operation Lifesaver that gives everyone a chance to get in the drivers seat and make real-time decisions, while also safely displaying the devastating consequences of the wrong decision,”

Whether you’re a veteran, inexperienced driver, or make your living behind the wheel of a bus or a commercial vehicle, staying safe around railway tracks is all about knowing the rules.

Quick Safety Tips for Drivers

Wait, Look Both Ways – Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear. They also can run on any track, in any direction at any time. Always look and listen for trains before proceeding through a crossing.
Cross Legally and Safely – The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks is at a designated crossing.
Don’t Get Caught in the Middle – Make sure you or your vehicle are not stopped in the middle of a grade crossing, waiting for traffic to move. Leave your vehicle if it stalls or gets stuck on the tracks and immediately call the railway or 911 to stop rail traffic.
You vs. Train – This is not a race! Never attempt to outrun or beat a train. Trains always have the right of way.
Stay Alert – Be aware of other road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles that may be required to stop at rail crossings. Avoid distractions and always stay alert while behind the wheel.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi demonized Western values, human rights, the media, and U.S. foreign policy while speaking Monday spoke from the pulpit of the United Nations General Assembly.

Last week, the U.S. Department of State authorized $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue assets to be unfrozen and sent to Iran in exchange for a prisoner swap that brought back five Americans. That deal was made public on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt has excoriated the Biden administration’s warmness to Iran as evidenced by recent dealings.

She took it a step further Monday, saying: “The safety and security of all Americans is gravely imperiled by President Biden’s continued blunders on the global stage.

“This disgraceful decision is the latest in a long line of dangerous appeasement by the Biden Administration. Just two days ago, Iran reportedly expelled several senior International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the country. Now, President Biden is sending a clear message to the world that the United States of America tolerates terrorism.”

Last week, Britt joined a group of four Republican colleagues in sending a letter reproaching Raisi’s visit last month to the home of Asadollah Assadi, a convicted, known terrorist. They urged the Biden administration to deny visas to Raisi and his staff.

“On the very same day that the Biden Administration hands $6 billion to the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, the president chooses to allow the unapologetic leader of this ruthless regime into our country,” Britt said.

“This weakness endangers our national security, insults the Americans and allies struck by Iranian-backed terrorism across the globe, and abandons oppressed people in Iran who hunger for liberty, peace, and safety.”

In the 1980s, Raisi took part in the mass executions that killed 5,000 dissidents in Iran. He was one of four judges to oversee tribunals that came to be known as the “Death Committee” by sentencing thousands to imprisonment and death.

Speaking from the pulpit of the UN on Monday, Raisi said, “The normalization of relations with the Zionist regime does not create security.”

Britt (R-Montgomery) has publicly stated the normalization of U.S. relations with Iran is the true threat to security.

“We achieve peace through strength, not placation. The safety and security of all Americans is gravely imperiled by President Biden’s continued blunders on the global stage,” she said.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

In a candid moment on “60 Minutes,” Deion Sanders said he might be the best coach in college football right now.

But he quickly shifted focus to Nick Saban.

The first-year University of Colorado head coach has led his team to a 3-0 start, one year after the Buffaloes finished 1-11.

When asked who’s the best coach in college football today, Sanders said:

“Let me see a mirror so I can look at it.”

Here’s what Coach Prime had to say about Nick Saban during his appearance on “60 Minutes” Sunday night.

🎥: “60 Minutes” pic.twitter.com/A7vKMCTC9b

— Tuscaloosa Patch (@TuscaloosaPatch) September 18, 2023

Sanders also had another legend in mind.

“I love and I adore and I respect, and every time I do a commercial with Coach Saban – it’s a gift,” Sanders said of their Aflac TV commercials. “Just sitting in his presence and hearing him, and throwing something else out there so I can hear his viewpoint on it.

“Because he’s forgotten more things than I may ever accomplish.

“So I’m a student looking up to this wonderful teacher, saying ‘just throw me a crumb of what you know.’”

Saban previously said he has “as much respect for [Sanders] as anyone in our profession.”

“We’re both interested in trying to improve our program, how we sort of motivate players, how we inspire people to do things at a high standard and a high level all the time,” Saban said this year. “So that interaction has been positive for me.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The road to safer highways in Alabama received a major boost with regional grant distribution from ADECA and Gov. Kay Ivey.

Three of the state’s regional traffic safety offices and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will use the funds to cover overtime for police officers, sheriffs’ deputies and state troopers to conduct extra patrols during peak travel times targeting speeding, seat belt violations and impaired driving.

“Anyone who chooses to drive impaired or disobey traffic laws is a danger to everyone on Alabama’s roads and highways,” Ivey said.

“These grants support our police officers, sheriffs’ deputies and state troopers who are working long hours to enforce the law and provide a clear message to drive safely and responsibly.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“ADECA supports Gov. Ivey in her efforts to ensure that our state and local law enforcement agencies have what they need to make Alabama’s roads safer for everyone traveling in our state,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

The grants are:

$1.58 million to the Franklin County Commission for the North Central Alabama Highway Safety Office. (Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Jackson, Madison, Marshall, Marion, Morgan, Pickens, Walker and Winston counties)
$1.2 million for the Southeast Alabama Regional Highway Safety Office at Enterprise State Community College. (Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Montgomery, Pike, Russell and Tuscaloosa counties)
$1.05 million to the Mobile County Commission for the Southwest Regional Highway Safety (Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties)
$1.54 million to ALEA whose state troopers cover the entire state. Funds will also be used for training officers in how to spot signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis and/or drug or medical disorders.
$189,869 to the Office of Prosecution Services for a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor who will assist law enforcement agencies across Alabama.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

More students from within the state and across the country were called to the “Alabama Experience” this fall at the University of Alabama than ever before.

Official enrollment data reports a headcount of 39,623 students.

That total includes 3,184 freshmen representing every county. It is the largest number of in-state freshmen since 2010 and the fifth consecutive year with an increase in in-state enrollment.

This year’s incoming class continues to be academically talented, with 43.4% boasting a 4.0 high school GPA, a record average high school GPA of 3.87, and 300 National Merit Scholars.

“Students – and their parents – are not only drawn to UA’s academic excellence but to what we refer to as the ‘Alabama Experience’,” said UA President Stuart Bell. “With over 600 student organizations, experiential learning opportunities like our remarkable entrepreneurship program, and boundless undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, students choose The University of Alabama to become well-rounded global citizens, ready to make a difference.”

In-state students are growing faster than the state’s population, increasing 1.5% overall and 6.6% among first-time undergraduates.

The university said it has a record enrollment of 9,342 ethnic and racial minority students, a 9.4% increase from 2022, and likely includes the highest number of under-represented minority students enrolled at any university in the state. This includes an all-time high of 4,579 Black students and 2,610 Hispanic students.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees froze in-state tuition for the 2023-24 academic year. Prior to the 2022-2023 school year, when tuition was increased marginally to account for inflation, in-state students did not see an increase for five consecutive years.

“We’re proud of our enrollment numbers – for all the new students, but also for those we are helping to thrive here and persist through graduation,” Bell said. “UA is a First-Generation Forward institution, which means we have dedicated programs and resources designed to support those who are the first in their families to go to college.”

With students from all 67 counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 92 countries, UA is educating and graduating more students than any university in the state.

According to its latest impact report, UA has a $2.8 billion economic impact on the state, spanning all 67 counties.

UA characterizes their enrollment growth as a deliberate aspect of a broader mission to meet the state’s workforce needs: Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees and, of the graduates that may be tracked since 2015, 52% remain in Alabama.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The next phase in the state’s official withdrawal of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) is an “Alabama-based solution” known as AVID, Secretary of State Wes Allen announced this morning.

Allen said the Alabama Voter Integrity Database is the culmination of eight months of collaboration between his office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

“Today, I’m here to announce that the establishment of the Alabama voter integrity database, AVID – is a four prong system that my team and I have spent the last eight months developing to help us maintain a clean and accurate registered voter list,” Allen told reporters.

Allen said the system is already producing names of voters who should no longer be on the rolls.

“Utilizing data provided by ALEA, our IT department has identified 8,041 voters as of today, who have received driver’s licenses from other states, while remaining listed as active voters on Alabama’s voter registration list,” he said.

That’s the first component of AVID. Allen said the second involves the U.S. Postal Service change of address file.

“We have identified more than 30,000 active registered voters who have notified the United States Postal Service that they have relocated to an address outside of the state of Alabama,” Allen said.

He said the hallmark piece of AVID involves securing agreements with neighboring states to identify Alabama voters who are also registered in another state. Currently, secretaries of state from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee have all signed an agreement with Alabama.

“The analysis of our voter list compared to that of Tennessee has already begun. And we have identified 8,501 voters who have more recently registered to vote or voted in Tennessee, but continue to appear on Alabama’s voter registration list,” Allen said.

“Data exchanges with the other four states will begin very soon. We are looking forward to entering into future agreements with even more states. Because of the development of AVID, we’ll be able to access the voter lists of every state that borders us. For the first time in history.”

Allen’s campaign promise to withdraw from ERIC involves a claim the group is funded in part by the Pew Charitable Trust, which he believes is “a Soros-funded, leftist group” that presents privacy concerns for Alabama voters.

So far, eight states have cut ties with the multistate system, decreasing its reach from 33 states to 25.

“The implementation of AVID to help maintain our voter rolls is incredibly important,” Allen said. “We are the first state in the nation to implement a system like this. And I am confident that we as a result of AVID will have the cleanest voter rolls that we have ever had.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, a celebration of wildlife and field sports through the arts, is set for November in historic downtown Wetumpka.

The Nov. 11 festival includes the first Alabama Wildlife Fine Art Competition with the winning artist receiving a $10,000 purchase award. There will also be $500 merit awards presented.

Next Wednesday, Tim L. Gothard, Alabama Wildlife Federation executive director, will present a $25,000 check to The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts on behalf of the federation and LIV Development for sponsorship of the competition.

To compete, the works of art must represent one or more native species of birds, ducks, or fish. The winning original artwork, including ownership and rights, will be presented to the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

Wildlife art will be for sale at Fitzpatrick Center during the Art Gone Wild Exhibition, Sept. 28 through Nov. 17. During the festival, artists will be on hand to meet the public.

Tony Veronese, a Montgomery native and lecturer of Foundations and Core with the Auburn University at Montgomery Fine Arts Department, will judge the competition. He earned master’s degrees in art and fine art in painting from the University of Dallas. Veronese worked with 500X, the oldest artists co-op in Dallas.

In addition to his solo exhibitions, Veronese’s works have been shown at the 20th Oso Bay Biennial in Corpus Christi, Texas; the fifth Dallas-Fort Worth Rising Star Invitational; and the Community Togetherness Project at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

For information about the festival, call Executive Director Jennifer Eifert at 334-478-3366.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Robert Aderholt are preparing to introduce a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Guntersville as the “Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic,” in honor of the Alabama native and Medal of Honor recipient.

The tribute has the support of the entire Alabama delegation, the Alabama chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

A native of Marshall County, Mize received the Medal of Honor while serving as a sergeant with Company K of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War.

On June 10, 1953, his unit was manning Outpost Harry near Surang-ni, Korea, when the outpost came under heavy enemy attack. Mize organized defensive positions, rescued wounded soldiers, and engaged the enemy until reinforcements arrived about noon the next day. He was subsequently promoted to master sergeant and, on Sept. 24, 1954, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Outpost Harry.

After the war, Mize joined the Special Forces and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired as a colonel in 1981.

“Colonel Ola Lee Mize was a true patriot who embodied the American ideals of courage, selflessness, and honor,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “He devoted his entire life to putting country ahead of self, and showed true bravery in the face of danger time and again.

“Alabama is proud to call him one of our own, and it is an honor to pay tribute to his legacy by naming the Guntersville VA facility in his honor.”

Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is sponsoring the House version of the bill.

“I am proud to introduce to the House of Representatives legislation that honors an American hero from Marshall County, Alabama,” Aderholt said. “Col. Mize embodied the long-standing American principles of service to country, dedication to family, and commitment to hard work.”

The members sent a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to officially begin the naming process.

Sen. Katie Britt is also in support of honoring Mize.

“Showing tremendous courage and remarkable valor on the battlefield, Colonel Ola Lee Mize exemplified what it means to be a true American hero,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “A Medal of Honor recipient that served in both Korea and Vietnam, he always went above and beyond the call of duty throughout his distinguished military career.

“Naming this VA facility in his honor will ensure that Alabama’s heroes today and those in the generations to come will continue to commemorate his service.”

It’s estimated 250,000 Alabamians served in the military during the Vietnam War era. Throughout all wars of the 20th century, Alabama’s men and women showcased their commitment to duty, honor, and country.

Stories of their bravery and sacrifice remain an essential part of the state’s proud history, including that of Mize.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Regions Bank has appointed Anna Brackin as chief compliance officer and Gary Walton as the business unit chief risk officer for its consumer banking and wealth management divisions.

Brackin joined Regions in 2020 as head of Corporate Banking Strategy and Administration.

She succeeds Doug Jackson who retired after a 34-year career at Regions. Brackin will report to Regions Chief Risk Officer Matt Lusco.

“Effective risk management is a strategic priority and a key component of our culture at Regions,” Lusco said. “Maintaining a strong compliance management system is a fundamental part of our risk framework.

“I am confident Anna’s experience, including her clear focus on compliance, plus her strong leadership skills, will ensure Regions’ enterprise approach to compliance risk management remains comprehensive and in consistent alignment with the complex laws, regulations, and guidance that are closely followed by our industry.”

Walton comes to Regions from Union Bank, where he served as Chief Credit Officer and Executive Risk Officer. His 34-year banking career also includes risk management roles at SunTrust, InfiLink and Bank of America.

“Regions associates throughout our company know that every one of us serves a crucial role in managing risks, and the addition of Gary to our team will help us build even further on our strong foundation of prudent risk management,” Lusco said. “In particular, his experience, advice and guidance will help Regions keep a clear focus on customer protection while managing current and emerging risks in the consumer and wealth management businesses.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding Alabama businesses they still have time to apply for working capital loans following the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that impacted the state last January.

The month saw Alabama ravaged by two tornado outbreaks, with one outbreak producing 13 strong tornadoes.

“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the Oct. 16 deadline,” said Ed Fears, acting director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Specifically, the disaster declaration is applicable to businesses in Autauga and Dallas counties. Additionally, the adjacent counties of Chilton, Elmore, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, and Wilcox in Alabama are also covered.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to provide relief.

These loans are intended for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses involved in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations to help Alabama residents meet their working capital needs that arose due to the disaster. The loan amount can be up to $2 million.

It’s important to note that EIDL assistance is available even if the business did not experience any physical property damage.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration # 17760.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

In just under six months, Alabama voters will head to the polls on Super Tuesday to make their pick in the 2024 GOP presidential primary.

In even sharper focus, an official GOP debate, still yet unconfirmed, is expected to be held in Alabama next month.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today a familiar official will be leading his campaign effort in Alabama: former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party Terry Lathan.

Lathan said DeSantis “is exactly who America needs at this important political crossroad in our nation. He can win in November.”

In 2020, Lathan served as the RNC Convention permanent deputy co-chair.

“As the longest serving chairman of the Alabama Republican Party since 1985, with decades of grassroots experience, I am proud to endorse Governor Ron DeSantis for our party’s nomination for President of the United States,” Lathan said. “Through his solid, focused leadership, he has strongly delivered for the people of Florida. Governor DeSantis epitomizes rock solid conservative principles in his actions while fighting insane liberal policies in a statesmanlike manner.

“His incredible results are not from words — they are from his actions.”

DeSantis made his only stop in Alabama in March, shortly before officially announcing his candidacy for president.

Lathan, who has guided many GOP candidates to victory in the state, now turns her focus to DeSantis, and has already started selling the ticket.

“While we have several gifted and talented candidates, Ron DeSantis is a time-tested warrior who has implemented conservative policy and understands the importance of our military needs,” Lathan said. “Ron served our nation honorably earning the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and the Iraq Campaign Medal in the Navy as a JAG officer.

“Tried. True. Tested. I encourage Republican voters to consider Gov. Ron DeSantis as they decide who to cast their most important votes for in our respective primaries.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama loves peanuts. It has for a long time. Alabama soil, especially in the Wiregrass region, is just right for growing.

And Alabama’s farmers make it possible.

In recognition of National Peanut Day, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville took the opportunity to highlight what he’s working on in Washington through his role as Alabama’s voice on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

As Congress prepares to pass the next five-year Farm Bill, today, Tuberville (R-Auburn) introduced the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act. This would make pecans and other tree nuts eligible for the USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

“I just spent the month of August with Alabama’s farmers to get ready to work on the next Farm Bill,” Tuberville said. “After listening to Alabama farmers all across our state, I’m introducing legislation to expand their access to customers all across America.

“My bill would help low-income seniors afford to make pecans part of a well-balanced diet. This bill would be a win for our seniors, our farmers, and a big win for Alabama.”

Celebrating this #NationalPeanutDay 🥜 with some boiled peanuts from Wiggins Farm in Andalusia, Alabama.

Thank you to all our state’s peanut farmers. Their hard work and dedication keep our state at the forefront of national peanut production. pic.twitter.com/ZIJ703xuSV

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) September 13, 2023

Organizations across Alabama as well as the nation have endorsed the bill.

“Alabama is pecan proud,” Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate said. “Adding pecans to the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program will allow our seniors to enjoy fresh Alabama-grown pecans and support our farmers.”

The Alabama Pecan Growers Association also voiced their support: “Pecans were named, in 1982, the official state nut. Since pecans are the healthiest tree nut you can eat, adding pecans to the senior nutrition program would be a win for the seniors and the local growers.”

In 2022, the state’s pecan growers harvested approximately 3 million pounds of pecans across 9,000 acres. The 2017 Census of Agriculture reported that Alabama boasted over 837 producers who managed 8,840 acres of pecan-bearing trees.

The nutrition program provides fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey to eligible low-income seniors. The recipients must be 60 years of age or older and have a household income of no more than 185% of the federal poverty level.

Eligible seniors can exchange coupons for program products at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270