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McConnell's Alabama Roots

Did you know the Senate's longest-serving party leader, Mitch McConnell, spent his early years right here in Alabama? Yep, before he was synonymous with Kentucky bourbon and the Derby, "Mitchie" McConnell called Sheffield home for the first eight years of his life.

A Childhood Challenge

Life took a turn when, at just two years old, McConnell was diagnosed with polio. This was a scary diagnosis back then, before the vaccine was available. Fortunately, a treatment center in Warm Springs, Georgia, was within driving distance, and his mother took him for weekly checkups.

Warm Springs and a Mother's Dedication

For two years, McConnell's mom was a rockstar. She kept him in bed, guiding him through leg exercises multiple times a day. Her dedication and belief in his recovery were unwavering.

A Turn for the Better

Miraculously, doctors noticed improvement within months! McConnell remembers his last visit at age four when they told his mother he'd likely have a normal childhood. No leg brace needed!

From Baseball to Politics

While he enjoyed Little League, McConnell realized he wouldn't be a baseball star. That's when politics sparked his interest, a passion that's stayed with him ever since.

The Spark of Politics

Oddly enough, no one really knows where McConnell's political interest came from. A great uncle was a probate judge, but his immediate family wasn't involved. He just knew he needed to find something else to excel at!

Overcoming Adversity

Some believe his childhood battle with polio contributed to his success. Experts say polio survivors often possess traits like being hard-driving, competitive, and overachieving – qualities McConnell embodies.

Health Concerns and the Future

Recent health concerns, like a fall in 2023, have been attributed to weakness in his leg, likely related to the long-term effects of polio.

McConnell on Alabama's Senators

Over the years, McConnell has worked alongside several Alabama senators. He spoke fondly of Richard Shelby and sees great potential in Katie Britt. He also mentioned talking football with Tommy Tuberville.

Heading for the End Zone

Now, at 83, McConnell is stepping away from Senate leadership, focusing on defense and foreign policy. He is not seeking an eighth term, he’s "heading for the end zone," as he put it. What's next for the former Senate leader? Only time will tell!

Sinkhole Strikes Again on U.S. 231!

Heads up, ChumCity drivers! That pesky sinkhole on U.S. 231 near Alabama 174 north of Pell City is back for round three! Yep, you read that right. This road hazard has reappeared, causing closures and general driving mayhem.

A Recurring Nightmare

Remember that sinkhole that popped up in late July, shutting down the highway? Well, even after crews patched it up, it's back... again! After another repair in early August, it quickly reappeared. And as of Thursday, it's opened up for the THIRD time in under a month.

Local Concerns

Local residents are understandably worried, telling WBRC that they're concerned for their safety and frustrated with the repeated problem. Some worry that if the issue isn't properly fixed, a serious accident is just around the corner.

ALDOT's Response

WVTM 13 reports that ALDOT is aware that the sinkhole is still settling, which they expected after the initial temporary repairs. They're investigating the situation and prepared to do more work. ALDOT notes that sinkholes are common in Alabama due to dissolving limestone deposits underground.

Alabama's Soul Shines Bright: The 2025 Soul of the South Awards!

ChumCity, get ready to celebrate! The Soul of the South Awards are back, and this year's nominees are absolutely incredible! Think culinary wizardry from the likes of Chef Frank Stitt, architectural brilliance inspired by Jeffrey Dungan, and entrepreneurial spirit championed by John Cassimus – Alabama's finest are raising the bar!

SoulGrown believes Alabama is the Soul of the South, overflowing with talent that enriches our nation's culture. We're talking about the folks who cherish our land, grow our food, create our art, design our spaces, take care of our neighbors, feed us phenomenal meals, clothe us, entertain us, tell our stories, and guide us through the most beautiful corners of our state.

This year's awards are set to be the most inspiring yet, a testament to artistry, innovation, grit, and hometown pride.

Meet the 2025 Winners!

Hand-picked by esteemed Honored Guests, these award winners represent the very best of Alabama's future. Drumroll, please...

• Jesús Méndez | Food & Beverage (Nominated by Chef Frank Stitt)
• James B. Laughlin | Residential Architecture (Nominated by Jeffrey Dungan)
• Kevin Bryant | Commercial Architecture (Nominated by Courtney Pittman, Davis Architects)
• Anna Still & Marguerite Johnson | Interior Design (Nominated by Betsy Brown)
• Drayton Farley | Music & Entertainment (Nominated by Johnny Grimes)
• Liz Allison | Artist (Nominated by Carrie Pittman Hill)
• Jenna Collins/Prodigal Pottery | Maker (Nominated by Chris Richardson)
• Evan & Christy Nelson/Nelson Cattle | Farming & Agriculture (Nominated by Sweet Grown Alabama)
• Daniel Wilson/Moultrie | Sports & Outdoors (Nominated by PRADCO)
• Slade & Macy Johnston | Entrepreneurship (Nominated by John & Lexi Cassimus)
• Cori Fain-Forrest | Innovation (Nominated by Estes Hughes)

A Celebration of State Pride

A massive thank you to all the Honored Guests who submitted nominations! And huge congratulations to the 2025 Soul of the South winners! We can't wait to celebrate your hard work and creativity at the awards celebration on October 9th. Expect hand-crafted awards, locally sourced ingredients, and live music - an evening dedicated to celebrating Alabama's incredible talent!

All Aboard! New Amtrak Route Connects NOLA and Mobile!

Get ready to ride! After 30 long years, you can hop on an Amtrak train between New Orleans and Mobile again! The brand-new Mardi Gras Service launches tomorrow, Monday, August 18th.

Gulf Coast Connection is Back!

This route will be making the four-hour trek twice daily, reviving a vital Gulf Coast connection that's been MIA since the '90s.

Where Will It Stop?

You can hop off (or on!) in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Tickets start at just $15 each way. This launch comes just before the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Amtrak and local leaders are betting this route will spark tourism and business along the coast!

Train Times You Need to Know:

New Orleans to Mobile:

• Morning departure: 7:35 a.m., arriving at 11:18 a.m.
• Evening departure: 5:31 p.m., arriving at 9:14 p.m.

Mobile to New Orleans:

• Morning departure: 6:30 a.m., arriving at 10:30 a.m.
• Evening departure: 4:30 p.m., arriving at 8:13 p.m.

Day Trip? Plan Ahead!

Thinking of a day trip? A morning ride from New Orleans to Bay St. Louis gets you there by 8:59 a.m., but you’ll need to wait 'til the 6:42 p.m. train to head back.

Heads Up!

Amtrak says some travel times might be affected by ongoing infrastructure work.

Getting to NOLA from Baton Rouge:

Take a Greyhound bus from Baton Rouge to New Orleans’ Union Passenger Terminal. Departures are at 5:35 a.m. (arriving 75 a.m.) and 20 p.m. (arriving 4:45 p.m.).

Ready to Ride?

Whether you're heading to a special event or just looking for a chill way to travel, the new Mardi Gras Service is hitting the rails soon. Get ready to experience the Gulf Coast by train!