Four hundred years ago, Charles I was crowned King of England. He became king automatically upon the death of his father, James I, but his coronation was delayed for almost a year. Officially, the delay was attributed to an outbreak of plague which made public gatherings deadly when, in truth, the excuse masked another reality. […]

Two hundred fifty years ago on January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine published his influential pamphlet, “Common Sense.” In today’s word, its publication went “viral” as it was re-printed and distributed throughout the American Colonies. At the time of its circulation, the colonies were in a state of flux. British troops were engaged in active combat […]

Many folks think that Christmas trees cannot be grown in Alabama, that it takes the mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina and Northern Georgia. Well, here is my story of growing one of Alabama’s early Christmas tree farms — the Zeigler Christmas Tree Farm outside of Sylacauga. My father, Bloise Zeigler, was raised on an 80-acre […]

Last week, I and Dr Scott Harris, ADPH State Health Officer, were invited by Eli Lilly to attend the announcement of the largest single investment in Alabama’s history. Over the last couple of years Governor Kay Ivey, along with Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, have been working hard to get Lilly, the most valuable pharmaceutical company […]

Eighty-four years ago, in the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces surprised and killed 2,403 Americans and wounded more than 1,100. In a speech to the U.S. Congress the next day, President Franklin Roosevelt referred to December 7, 1941, as “a date which will live in infamy.” That prediction remains true on this observance of Pearl […]

Alabamians know how to stretch a dollar. We balance our checkbooks, pay our taxes, and work hard to take care of our families. But when it comes to the cost of prescription drugs, Big Pharma keeps moving the goalposts and Alabamians keep paying the price. Over the past decade, the cost of essential medications has […]

Following Saturday night’s deadly mass shooting in Montgomery, should Alabama do like the Trump administration is doing in Memphis, Portland, Chicago and other cities with serious crime epidemics? Should Alabama extend additional state law enforcement authority and resources into Montgomery? With an outbreak of violent crime in Montgomery, the state’s top law enforcement official says […]

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation that includes economic development professionals, company officials and community leaders from around the state on a mission to next week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, the aerospace industry’s premier business exposition this year. The trade event, which attracts decision-makers from the world’s biggest aerospace, aviation and defense companies, commences Monday, […]

As a prelude to this year’s Yellowhammer News Power & Influence Top 50 list, launching next week in its twelfth annual installment, we are proud to revive a tradition that asks an important question in the political landscape of Alabama: Who’s Next? Year after year, Power & Influence offers the most candid insight into the […]



2024 has been a big year for legends to announce their retirement. First, it was former University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, followed by radio icons Rick & Bubba. Now, another power player is hanging up the headphones. Veteran Alabama radio broadcaster, J. Holland, will sign off with his signature booming voice later this month […]

Welcome back to the fifth and final installment of the Yellowhammer Multimedia 2023 list of Alabama’s most powerful and influential political leaders. It’s been great to get your feedback all week on the rankings. This list is drawn from myriad conversations, as well as recent political and policy developments. It recognizes the top individuals in […]

Welcome back to Yellowhammer Multimedia’s 2023 list of Alabama’s most powerful and influential political leaders. Today is installment number four. Drawn from myriad conversations with insiders, as well as recent policy developments, the list recognizes the top individuals in government and politics who leverage their power and influence for those they represent and the Yellowhammer […]

Welcome to the third installment of Yellowhammer Multimedia’s peek behind the curtain into the most powerful and influential leaders in Alabama politics. Drawn from conversations with insiders across the state, and the most recent developments in politics and public policy, the list recognizes the top individuals in government and politics who leverage their power and […]

The peek behind the curtain continues. Welcome to the next installment of Yellowhammer Multimedia’s list of Alabama’s most powerful and influential political leaders. Drawn from myriad conversations with insiders, as well as recent policy developments, the list recognizes the top individuals in government and politics who leverage their power and influence for those they represent […]

Once again, Yellowhammer Multimedia is publishing its list of Alabama’s most powerful and influential political leaders. Drawn from conversations with political insiders, and the most recent developments in politics and public policy, the list recognizes the top individuals in government and politics who leverage their power and influence for those they represent and the Yellowhammer […]

Voters in Alabama are smart. Despite what you hear from certain circles in California, Washington, D.C. and beyond, the people of this state have a keen sense of what is best for their families, their quality of life and what will create the type of economic opportunity they seek. This is why it is time […]

Education is one of the most critical components of our society today. It is how we formulate opinions and perspectives, gain exposure to different ideas and cultures, and develop new skills. With the knowledge and understanding gained from a solid education, we are able to learn how to be successful in our careers, family lives, […]

We live in very dangerous and serious times. There is a multi-front battle raging for the soul and the future of our country. We have before us great opportunity, and also great peril. The stakes are very high, and I am uniquely qualified and prepared to represent and defend Alabama and American values in this […]

As reported earlier today, BCA Progress PAC Chairman Mike Kemp has resigned his position and withdrawn his membership from the group. Kemp was also set for installation as Chairman of BCA later this year. The Yellowhammer Multimedia Executive Board has obtained a copy of Kemp’s letter of resignation to BCA Chairman Perry Hand. The letter […]

The great U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf often remarked that far more danger lies in not making a decision than in the consequences that result from making a decision. Here is the point at which the executive committee of the Business Council of Alabama finds itself. The executive committee is scheduled to convene tomorrow to […]

At a time when the business community in Alabama should be enjoying a tremendous amount of influence with Republican supermajorities in the Legislature, strong economic development support from the governor, and the state’s lowest unemployment rate in history, its largest association, the Business Council of Alabama, is in the middle of a leadership crisis of […]

Last week saw the end of the 2018 legislative session in Alabama, with the final days providing this year’s fill of political drama and heated debate. Perhaps the most controversial bill was the Legislature’s passage of a bill that distinguishes the role of economic developer in the state from that of lobbyist. This might be […]

Yellowhammer Multimedia had the privilege this week to honor 20 incredible Alabamians during our inaugural Women of Impact award reception at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa in Birmingham. Amid a standing room only crowd, the accomplishments of a diverse group of women were celebrated for a simple reason — their stories are worth […]