The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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December 1, 2025 - MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced Alabama will reach a major early-literacy milestone this December as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library surpasses two million books mailed to children across the state since its statewide rollout. "Alabama is putting our children first. Our parents are our first teachers, and by supporting early learning at home, we are helping families build strong foundations long before a child ever enters the classroom," said Governor I...
Freight spot rates plunge on both coasts going into Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday amid weak imports Last week, the global trade policy landscape saw a mix of slowing down and reactivation. The U.S. administration, while maintaining its broader tariff agenda, indicated a pause or delay in the imposition of large semiconductor import tariffs, reflecting sensitivity to supply-chain disruption, consumer pricing and the U.S.–China trade truce. Meanwhile, Canada and India moved to reset...
Financial stress in the workplace: How it's crushing employee productivity and what employers can do about it In an uncertain economy, workers are losing more than just purchasing power, but also their peace of mind. Early reports are showing how financial stress in the workplace is harming employee productivity. This issue is something all employers should be concerned with, as employee health must be of paramount importance. Wysa looked at the data on financial stress and how it affects...
How to review your renters policy for 5 hidden coverage gaps Renters insurance is a necessity, but simply paying the premium doesn’t guarantee full protection. The uncomfortable truth is that most policies have hidden coverage gaps, financial sinkholes that appear when you need coverage most. Your life changes, but your policy doesn’t. That outdated policy is likely an ineffective security blanket. Reviewing your renters insurance annually is an essential move to safeguard your possessions and...
How AI is helping companies sell to Millennials who hate sales calls The Generational Shift in B2B Buying The B2B sales playbook that worked for decades is colliding with a fundamental shift in buyer demographics—and losing. For this reason, ZoomInfo examined how companies are adapting to the preferences of Millennial buyers as part of its new Go-to-Market Intelligence report. Millennials now represent the largest group in the American labor force, and they're bringing consumer-grade e...
The 6 security mistakes businesses need to fix before 2026 As the year winds down, many U.S. organizations turn their attention to payroll, inventory, and holiday staffing — while security quietly slips down the priority list and under the radar. Yet this is precisely when businesses are most vulnerable. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns that “crime continues to be a major problem for businesses large and small across the U.S,” with “56% of small businesses reporting theft and 53% saying...
November 28, 2025 – The man who ambushed U.S. troops in D.C. worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Lakanwal reportedly underwent extensive counterterrorism vetting by both the National Counterterrorism Center and the CIA. Rahmanullah Lakanwal served in an elite CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary unit known as NDS-03, part of the so-called "Zero Units," where he conducted counterterrorism operations alongside U.S. Special Forces in southern Afghanistan. NDS-03 operated primarily in K...
What is the difference between arbitration and litigation in financial services? Arbitration and litigation are two ways to resolve legal disputes. Arbitration is a private process in which the parties present their cases to one or more arbitrators who make a final decision. It is often faster and less formal than litigation. In investment fraud cases, arbitration is required by brokerage firms under their contracts. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) also requires its members...
November 20, 2025 – MONTGOMERY – Democratic gubernatorial candidate JaMel Brown appeared on the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast, where he addressed his campaign for governor, his stance on major issues, and the internal challenges he faces within the Alabama Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 primary. Speaking with Brandon Moseley, Lead Reporter and Content Manager for the Alabama Gazette, and Alabama Political Contributor Publisher Chris Peeks, Brown expressed confidence in his cam...
Best practices for using AI in financial planning Financial planning has constantly evolved with technology. Now, the rise of artificial intelligence marks a more disruptive leap. It has already started to change how plans are built and reviewed. Today’s AI tools aim to synthesize sets of data, make recommendations based on spending patterns, automate long-term projections and summarize estate plans. These capabilities have the potential to save time and improve clarity. But like any tool, AI ha...
November 25, 2025 - MONTGOMERY - In a move to defend Alabama's high-skill workforce, State Representative Napoleon Bracy, Jr. announced the introduction of the Alabama Professional Workforce Protection Act, a bill designed to formally recognize and protect a range of licensed, workforce-critical occupations that the federal government may soon exclude from its definition of "professional degree programs." The legislation comes in response to a proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of...
As people around our nation gather around dinner tables with friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am reminded of President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation. In 1863, the United States was in the middle of the Civil War. Even when division was at an all-time high, President Lincoln called upon the nation to celebrate a day of thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. He believed that a grateful nation was a stronger nation, and that acknowledging God's provision...
Be ready to shine before guests arrive: 4 most common home maintenance mistakes to avoid this holiday season The air’s getting crisper, the leaves crunch underfoot, and every park stroll leaves you in awe at Mother Nature’s artistic side. You need to put on a sweater in the morning and evening, and the scent of cinnamon and pine is already in the air. Yes, the signs are clear: winter is coming. But while the season brings cozy dinners, twinkling lights, and classic tunes, it also has a way of...
Why timeless fine jewelry is the most sustainable choice Fine jewelry has long symbolized commitment, personal milestones, and emotional significance. Today, it carries another layer of meaning: conscious, sustainable consumption. While the fashion industry increasingly pushes high-turnover accessories and trend-based purchasing, fine jewelry invites consumers to slow down, invest in lasting quality, and choose pieces meant to endure. In this article, VRAI explains why sustainability is not...
Private jet bookings increased during the government shutdown as commercial flights were cut back The recent U.S. government shutdown left tens of thousands of planes grounded and travelers scrambling to find last-minute solutions to reach their destinations. Some chose other modes of transportation, such as trains and cars, while the ones who could afford it splurged on private flights. The reason this was possible has to do with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emergency order that...
A conservative group based out of Central California known as the 805 Patriots, due to the area code for their region being "805", is organizing an event termed, "Patriots in the Park" on February 28th, 2026. The event is to encourage likeminded MAGA supporters who want a "return to American roots and classic values" to spend a day in Disneyland in Anaheim California to "Make Disney Great Again". Founded by Charles DiMauro during the covid-era lockdowns, 805 Patriots, is a conservative group...
What is an automated valuation model home appraisal? Whether you’re considering refinancing, taking out a home equity loan, or curious what your home may be worth, waiting weeks for an appraisal can feel painfully slow. That’s where automated valuation models (AVMs) come in. An AVM is an algorithm that estimates a property’s value by analyzing large datasets, including comparable sales, property characteristics, tax assessments, and neighborhood trends, to generate a near-instance value estim...
November 18 – CHAMBERS and LEE COUNTIES – Republican voters go to the polls today to select their representatives in House District 38. Farmer Garrett Dixon is running against homemaker Kristin Nelson in the special Republican runoff. In the October Republican primary, Kristin Nelson led with 1,226 votes, winning 46.7% of the total. Garrett Dixon followed with 874 votes (33.3%). Micah Messer received just 526 votes (20%). Messer previously ran for the seat in 2022 against former Rep...
November 210, 2025 – Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks) urged raising U.S. defense spending to 5% pf the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). That would effectively raise defense spending from its current level of $1 trillion a year to $1.4 trillion. Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee which has oversight over the nation's armed forces. Rogers made his comments during an address to the Etowah County Republican Party's annual Reagan-Martin Dinner in Gadsden. Over 300 e...
Government shutdown, trade wars hit farmers’ bottom line hard For Wendy Johnson, a livestock and organic grain farmer in Charles City, Iowa, October is usually the time she visits her local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. There, she sits down with one of their employees and goes over the practices she implemented on her farm over the past year, along with documentation that proves she met the requirements of whichever U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contract she w...
Credit card debt hits $1.2T and shows no signs of stopping At first glance, credit card debt numbers in the United States look enormous. Consumers owe an astounding $1.233 trillion on their credit cards, according to the Federal Reserve, and the average American credit card debt balance is $6,523, according to TransUnion, a major credit bureau. Debt is climbing even as wages struggle to keep up. There’s no sign that credit card debt will meaningfully reduce any time soon. Rising credit card d...
States hope to use rural health money to keep doctors, combat chronic disease In their competition for rural health care dollars from a new federal fund, states are seeking money to bolster emergency services, address chronic diseases, and recruit and train more doctors and nurses. All 50 states submitted their applications to the federal government in early November to get shares of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. Congress created the program in response to concern from rur...
Secured vs. unsecured loans: Understanding the differences You’ve got options for pizza. Options for cell phone service. Options for shoes. And yes, options for loans. The thing is, the loan you choose will affect your life far more than whether you go for peppers or onions on your pie. But some of the same rules apply—the one your friend thinks is perfect might not be the best for you. When it comes to loans, the best option for you depends on a few factors, including how you plan to use the...
November 17, 2025 - HUNTSVILLE - Despite a 43-day government shutdown that brought much of the federal workforce to a halt, NASA's Artemis II mission-the first crewed lunar flyby in over half a century-remains on course for its anticipated launch in early 2026. Thanks to strategic planning, essential mission designations, and the unwavering commitment of NASA personnel and contractors, the mission has weathered the disruption with minimal long-term impact. At the heart of this resilience is...
Inside the digital compliance gap: Why most small businesses don't understand their multi-factor obligations Every day, thousands of American small businesses operate under false assumptions about their compliance obligations. Many believe that being a U.S. business means following only federal law or that serving primarily domestic customers exempts them from international regulations such as, for example, the GDPR. In truth, digital compliance isn’t just about crossing borders; it’s also abo...
