Gators Coach Sounds Off on Bediako Saga

Florida Gators' head basketball coach Todd Golden isn't pulling any punches regarding the Charles Bediako situation. The Alabama player, after a couple of years in the G-League, is potentially returning to college ball thanks to a temporary restraining order.

Golden's "Gator Talk" Rant

Golden addressed the controversy on "Gator Talk," questioning the logic of allowing someone who declared for the NBA draft so long ago to return to the NCAA. He's not just whining about an unfair advantage, though. He's calling out what he sees as a problematic precedent.

Slippery Slope Alert?

"They were able to finagle the situation to where they got a judge in Alabama that is actually a donor to write a temporary restraining order," Golden stated. He emphasized that Bediako knew what he was giving up when he declared for the draft, calling this a "slippery slope."

Bold Prediction for the Tide Matchup

When questioned about the upcoming game against Alabama, Golden made it crystal clear that Bediako's presence wouldn't faze his team. "We're gonna beat them anyways," he declared. "If he plays, we'll beat them anyways."

The Clock's Ticking

Bediako's eligibility beyond the January 27th hearing is still up in the air. However, he is cleared to play against Tennessee this weekend, instantly adding some major heat to an already crucial SEC showdown.

AHSAA Under Scrutiny: Senator Steps In!

State Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) is throwing down the gauntlet, folks! He's pushing to make sure the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is actually listening to the folks who matter – parents, coaches, and school administrators.

The Bill That Shook Things Up

Chesteen introduced SB73, a bill aiming to revamp the AHSAA's structure. It basically says public schools can't be part of an athletic association with a governing body that operates outside the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. Ouch!

Why All the Fuss?

The AHSAA landed in hot water by treating CHOOSE Act funds as "financial aid." This meant transfer students using those funds would be sidelined for a year, thanks to a longstanding AHSAA policy. Governor Ivey even called for action on this!

Chesteen's Strategy: Get Their Attention

Chesteen admitted he filed the bill to grab the AHSAA board's attention. Apparently, he'd been trying to chat with the executive director for ages, but got the cold shoulder. "No conversation," he said. Until the bill dropped!

The Floodgates Open

Suddenly, everyone wanted to talk! Chesteen said he was swamped with calls from coaches, superintendents, and private school reps. The senator said there are concerns about the makeup of the AHSAA's central board. Coaches feel like their voices aren't being heard, and private schools too.

Public vs. Private? Another Hot Topic

Expect the debate over splitting public and private schools for championship games to heat up. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth isn't happy, suggesting the AHSAA is "extinguishing the flame of competitiveness."

The Bill Isn't Dead Yet!

Chesteen says he's pumping the brakes for now, but the bill's not gone for good. He's hoping for productive conversations that benefit Alabama's student-athletes. Stay tuned, ChumCity, this ain't over!

Alabama GOP Primary Field is Set for 2026!

Alright, folks, the stage is set! Candidate qualifying for the Alabama Republican Party in the 2026 election cycle has officially wrapped up. The deadline horn has sounded, and the lineup is complete!

The Alabama GOP just dropped the official list of candidates ready to rumble in the primary. If you want to cast a ballot, mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 19, 2026!

Here's a rundown of who's in the running for everything from U.S. Senate to the Alabama House. Get ready to do some research!

Federal Races

• U.S. Senate: Seth Burton, Dale Shelton Deas Jr., Jared Hudson, Steve Marshall, Barry Moore, Morgan Murphy, Rodney Walker
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 1: Jerry Carl, James “Jimmy” Dees, Rhett Marques, Joshua McKee, John Mills, James Richardson, Austin Sidwell
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 2: Hampton Harris
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 3: Terri LaPoint, Mike Rogers
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 4: Robert B. Aderholt, Tommy Barnes
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 5: Dale W. Strong
• U.S. House of Representatives, District 6: Case Dixon, Gary Palmer

Statewide Offices & PSC

• Governor: Ken McFeeters, Thomas Tuberville, Will Santivasci
• Lt. Governor: Wes Allen, George Childress, Pat Bishop, Dean Odle, Rick Pate, Nicole Jones Wadsworth, John Wahl, Dr. Stewart Hill Tankersley
• Attorney General: Pamela L. Casey, Jay Mitchell, Katherine Robertson
• Secretary of State: Caroleene Dobson, Glenda S. Jackson, Christopher Christian Horn
• State Treasurer: Young Boozer, Steve Lolley
• State Auditor: Derek Chen, Andrew Sorrell
• Commissioner of Agriculture & Industry: Corey Hill, Christina Woerner McInnis, Jack Williams
• Public Service Commissioner, Place 1: Matt Gentry, Jeremy H. Oden
• Public Service Commissioner, Place 2: Priscilla Andrews, Chris Beeker, Brent Woodall, Jim Zig Zeigler, Jeffrey M. Boyd

Appellate Courts

• Associate Justice, Alabama Supreme Court, Place 7: Brad Mendheim
• Associate Justice, Alabama Supreme Court, Place 8: Greg Shaw
• Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Place 4: Benjamin M. Bowden
• Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Place 5: Matt Fridy
• Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4: Mary Windom
• Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5: Beth Kellum, Riggs Walker

State Board of Education

• State Board of Education, District 2: Tracie West
• State Board of Education, District 6: Cathi Bradford, Marie Manning
• State Board of Education, District 8: Emily Jones, William Matthews, Connie Spears

Circuit Judge

• Circuit 6, Place 4: Daniel F. Pruet
• Circuit 6, Place 7: Dennis Steverson, Sr.
• Circuit 7, Place 4: Peggy P. Miller Lacher
• Circuit 14, Place 1: Joeletta Barrentine
• Circuit 19, Place 5: Carol Cook Carter, Bradley Earl Ekdahl, Ali Patterson
• Circuit 20, Place 5: Todd Derrick
• Circuit 23, Place 2: Alison Strickland Austin
• Circuit 23, Place 4: Claude E. Hundley III
• Circuit 25, Place 1: Daryl Burt
• Circuit 28, Place 5: Laurie Hoyt
• Circuit 28, Place 7: Jeremiah Giles, Kristi Hagood
• Circuit 37, Place 4: Seth H. Donaldson
• Circuit 38, Place 2: Brent Benson

District Judge

• Baldwin County, Place 1: Grant Blackburn, Warren T. Harbison, William “Liam” Scully, Ashley W. Siebert
• Butler County, Place 1: Nicki Myrick McFerrin
• Cherokee County, Place 1: Wes Mobley
• Cleburne County, Place 1: Melody Walker
• Coffee County, Place 1: Josh Wilson
• Crenshaw County, Place 1: Jon M. Folmar
• Dale County, Place 1: Stan Garner, Jr., Samantha Rhoades Valenzuela
• DeKalb County, Place 1: Steve Whitmire
• Elmore County, Place 1: Ben Baxley
• Elmore County, Place 2: Desirae Lewis, Dwight “Tray” M. Richardson III
• Escambia County, Place 1: Eric Coale
• Jackson County, Place 1: Matt Mitchell
• Lamar County, Place 1: Jacob S. West
• Madison County, Place 1: Tim Douthit, Michael Tewalt
• Madison County, Place 4: John R. Allen
• Madison County, Place 5: Jeanne Dowdle Rizzardi
• Marshall County, Place 2: Zach Ross
• Mobile County, Place 3: C. Zackery Moore
• Morgan County, Place 1: Scott A. Slate
• Morgan County, Place 3: Kevin R. Kusta
• Pickens County, Place 1: John Morgan Owens, John Russell
• Shelby County, Place 3: Kendall Lee Cash, Ben Fuller, Jarred “Jay” Welborn, Mark Wilson
• St. Clair County, Place 2: Robert L. Minor
• Talladega County, Place 1: J. Scott Brewer, Huel M. Love III
• Talladega County, Place 2: Nicholas J. Beckham, Dale Price, Angie Walker Slaten
• Tallapoosa County, Place 1: Donald “Chad” Harrison
• Walker County, Place 1: Henry Allred

Alabama State Senate

• Alabama State Senate, District 1: Tim Melson
• Alabama State Senate, District 2: John Roberts
• Alabama State Senate, District 3: Arthur Orr
• Alabama State Senate, District 4: J.R. Bowling, Garlan Gudger
• Alabama State Senate, District 5: Matt Woods
• Alabama State Senate, District 6: Larry Stutts
• Alabama State Senate, District 7: Sam Givhan
• Alabama State Senate, District 8: Steve Livingston
• Alabama State Senate, District 9: Wes Kitchens
• Alabama State Senate, District 10: Jesse Battles, Andrew Jones, Amy Dozier Minton
• Alabama State Senate, District 11: Lance Bell
• Alabama State Senate, District 12: Keith Kelley
• Alabama State Senate, District 13: Gerald Dial, Randy Price
• Alabama State Senate, District 14: April Weaver
• Alabama State Senate, District 15: Scott Ortis, Dan Roberts
• Alabama State Senate, District 16: Nate Carlson, J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner
• Alabama State Senate, District 17: Shay Shelnutt
• Alabama State Senate, District 21: Gerald Allen
• Alabama State Senate, District 22: Greg Albritton, Terry L. Waters
• Alabama State Senate, District 23: Thayer “Bear” Havard Spencer
• Alabama State Senate, District 24: Richard Benderson
• Alabama State Senate, District 25: Russell “Ty” Taylor
• Alabama State Senate, District 26: Will Barfoot
• Alabama State Senate, District 27: Doug Cannon, Jay Hovey
• Alabama State Senate, District 28: Brent Comer
• Alabama State Senate, District 29: Donnie Chesteen, Val Glasgow Paul, Zachary J. Hurst
• Alabama State Senate, District 30: Clyde Chambliss, Jr.
• Alabama State Senate, District 31: Josh Carnley
• Alabama State Senate, District 32: Chris Elliott, Mike Vandenheuvel
• Alabama State Senate, District 34: Rusty Glover, Doug Harwell
• Alabama State Senate, District 35: David Sessions

Alabama House of Representatives

• Alabama House District 1: Maurice McCaney, Phillip Pettus
• Alabama House District 2: Ben Harrison
• Alabama House District 3: Kerry Bubba Underwood
• Alabama House District 4: Parker Duncan Moore
• Alabama House District 5: Danny F. Crawford
• Alabama House District 6: Andy Whitt
• Alabama House District 7: Angelo Doc Mancuso, Ernie Yarbrough
• Alabama House District 8: Kevin Davenport, Patrick Johnson
• Alabama House District 9: Scott Stadthagen
• Alabama House District 10: Aaron Thomas
• Alabama House District 11: Heath Allbright
• Alabama House District 12: Cindy Myrex
• Alabama House District 13: Greg Barnes, Mike Elliott
• Alabama House District 14: Tim R. Wadsworth
• Alabama House District 15: Leigh Hulsey
• Alabama House District 16: Bryan Brinyark
• Alabama House District 17: Micheal Beck, Kevin Bradford, Phil Segraves
• Alabama House District 18: Jamie Kiel
• Alabama House District 19: Donald Barnes
• Alabama House District 20: Mo Brooks, James Lomax
• Alabama House District 21: Rex Reynolds
• Alabama House District 22: Ritchie Whorton
• Alabama House District 23: Mike Kirkland
• Alabama House District 24: Nathaniel Ledbetter
• Alabama House District 25: Phillip K. Rigsby
• Alabama House District 26: Brock Colvin
• Alabama House District 27: Jeana Ross
• Alabama House District 28: Mack N Butler
• Alabama House District 29: Mark A. Gidley
• Alabama House District 30: Craig Lipscomb
• Alabama House District 31: Troy B. Stubbs
• Alabama House District 32: Joey Callahan
• Alabama House District 33: Ben Robbins
• Alabama House District 34: David Standridge
• Alabama House District 35: Steve Hurst
• Alabama House District 36: Randy Wood
• Alabama House District 37: John Jacobs, Donna Bailey McKay, Jeff Monroe
• Alabama House District 38: Kristin Nelson
• Alabama House District 39: Ginny Shaver
• Alabama House District 40: Kaycee Cavender, Bill Lester, Chad Robertson, Bill McAdams
• Alabama House District 41: Corley Ellis
• Alabama House District 42: Van Smith
• Alabama House District 43: Arnold Mooney
• Alabama House District 44: Danny Garrett
• Alabama House District 45: John Dawson, Susan DuBose
• Alabama House District 46: David L. Faulkner
• Alabama House District 47: Mike Shaw
• Alabama House District 48: Jim Carns, Lloyd Peeples, William Wentowski
• Alabama House District 49: Russell Bedsole
• Alabama House District 50: Bill Morris, Bryan K. Newell
• Alabama House District 51: Allen Treadaway
• Alabama House District 54: Chris Townsley
• Alabama House District 61: Ron Bolton
• Alabama House District 62: Bill Lamb
• Alabama House District 63: Norman Crow
• Alabama House District 64: Donna Givens
• Alabama House District 65: Dee Ann Campbell, John Knapp, Jessica Ross
• Alabama House District 66: Alan Baker
• Alabama House District 68: Fred Kelley
• Alabama House District 69: Josh Pendergrass
• Alabama House District 70: Ian M. Chwatuk
• Alabama House District 73: Kenneth Paschal
• Alabama House District 74: Alva Lambert
• Alabama House District 75: Reed Ingram
• Alabama House District 79: Joe Lovvorn
• Alabama House District 80: Chris Blackshear
• Alabama House District 81: Ed Oliver
• Alabama House District 82: Kinsley Hammons
• Alabama House District 85: David Money, Rick Rehm
• Alabama House District 86: Paul Lee
• Alabama House District 87: Jeff Sorrells
• Alabama House District 88: Jerry Starnes
• Alabama House District 89: Marcus B. Paramore
• Alabama House District 90: Chris Sells
• Alabama House District 91: Jody Linton, Rod Morgan
• Alabama House District 92: Matthew Hammett
• Alabama House District 93: Steve Clouse, “Stormin” Norman Horton
• Alabama House District 94: Jennifer Fidler
• Alabama House District 95: Elijah Davidson, Joe Freeman, Frances Holk-Jones
• Alabama House District 96: Danielle Duggar, Matt Simpson
• Alabama House District 99: Charlie Watts
• Alabama House District 100: Mark Shirey
• Alabama House District 101: Tim Manning, Chris Pringle
• Alabama House District 102: Shane Stringer
• Alabama House District 104: Margie Wilcox
• Alabama House District 105: Chip Brown

Now go forth, citizens, and get informed! The future of Alabama is in your hands!

Big News for Cobia and Tripletail!

Get ready, anglers! A massive $5 million study is coming to the Gulf Coast, focusing on two awesome saltwater species: cobia and tripletail. These fish are super important to us, but haven't gotten the research they deserve – until now!

Who's Behind This?

Dr. Sean Powers from the University of South Alabama (USA) is leading the charge. He's teaming up with all five Gulf states to learn more about these finned friends. Big thanks to Alabama Senator Katie Britt for helping secure the funding!

Why Cobia and Tripletail?

Cobia, once a Gulf Coast superstar, have seen their spring runs dwindle. Tripletail, on the other hand, are gaining popularity, but we need to make sure we're managing them right. We simply don't know enough about either to properly protect them for the future.

Cobia Comeback?

Remember those epic cobia runs? We all want them back! This study will explore why they've faded and what we can do to help. Cobia is federally managed but commonly found close to shore (within 3 miles), with minimum size of 36" fork length and a limit of 1 per person, up to 2 per boat.

Tripletail Takeover!

Tripletail are hot right now! With social media fueling the frenzy, everyone's after these tasty fish. The study will help us figure out if we need to adjust our management strategies to keep the population healthy.

Tag, You're It!

This spring and summer, get ready to see some tagging action! Researchers plan to tag 500 cobia and 500 tripletail across the Gulf, using conventional, acoustic, and even satellite tags. The goal? Track their movements and learn about their lives.

What We Hope to Learn:

• Where do tripletail hang out – offshore in the sargassum or inshore in the bays?
• Are there different types of cobia – migratory and resident?
• How much fishing pressure are these fish facing?
• Where do tripletail spawn?

Get Involved!

Keep an eye out for research teams from USA and Dauphin Island Sea Lab! If you catch a tagged fish, be sure to report it. Your contribution will help us learn more about these awesome species and ensure they thrive for years to come!

Tuscaloosa's Time Traveler: The Drish House

Tuscaloosa's been around longer than Alabama itself, and its buildings have stories to tell! One standout is the Drish House, a true icon of the city's past.

With a bunch of spots on the National Register of Historic Places, Tuscaloosa is basically a living history book. But keeping these old buildings alive isn't always easy, and some are lost forever.

A Soulful Place

"Tuscaloosa’s lost so much," says Nika McCool, the current owner of the Drish House. She talked about how important these places are and how they "encapsulate the soul" of a town.

For Nika, the Drish House is more than just a place to throw a party; it’s a piece of history. Built in 1834, it tells the story of the rise and fall of the "Cotton Kingdom.”

Dr. Drish's Vision

Dr. John Drish, the original owner, was a doctor, a legislator, and his own architect! He built the house on seized Choctaw land and kept renovating it, blending different styles, adding a tower that McCool jokes "makes no sense at all."

More Than Just Beauty

But preserving the Drish House also means facing the tough parts of its history. It was built by enslaved craftsmen, whose stories are mostly lost. Preservation is about remembering the good and the bad, the beauty, and the inequality.

The only enslaved craftsman whose name we know is William Drish. His plasterwork can still be seen in the tower and at other landmarks around town.

A House of Many Lives

Over the years, the Drish House has been a home, a school, and even an auto parts store! By the 1990s, it was almost torn down. Luckily, the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society stepped in, and in 2012, the McCools took on the massive job of restoring it.

From Barn Cats to Beauty

McCool remembers the house being "dark and weird and stinky." It needed everything! But the McCools were determined to save it.

The renovation took two years, filled with research and hard work. They even tracked down old brick mortar recipes! McCool still misses the wraparound porch, lamenting that “you couldn’t replace that workmanship even if you had the money.”

Haunted History

Of course, no old house is complete without a ghost story! The Drish House has its share of unexplained sounds and spooky feelings.

A Vibrant Future

Today, the Drish House is a thriving event venue. The goal wasn't just to save the past but to create a space for the present. McCool wants it to be a place where people can gather for community events.

"I feel a lot of satisfaction," McCool says. "The Drish House is now 180 years old — and it could go for another 180."

Alabama Animals: Are They Freaking Out About the Cold Too?

You know the drill, ChumCity peeps. The slightest whisper of snow, and BAM! It's a mad dash for milk, bread, and eggs. Group texts explode with weather model screenshots, and everyone's screaming, "IS THIS THE ONE?!"

But while we humans are losing our minds over potential winter doom (or mild inconvenience, let's be real), ever wonder if the local wildlife is in on the panic?

Recent social media buzz from around Central Alabama suggests… maybe!

Deer Distress?

Alabama's own weather guru, James Spann, shared a video of a deer tangled in a fence up in Shelby County. Spann jokingly said the poor fella seemed to be having a "tough morning." No weather talk, no charts, just pure, relatable awkwardness. It felt strangely familiar... like the animal kingdom's version of realizing the Piggly Wiggly is fresh out of Wonder Bread.

Icy Lake Leap?

Over at Lake Martin, Bill "Bubba" Bussey snapped a pic of a buck knee-deep in icy water. Bubba figured the deer might have been chasing a lady friend, but who knows? Point is, the dude was determined!

Wildlife Wisdom

Okay, wildlife gurus are quick to point out that deer aren't glued to the weather channel like we are. Squirrels aren't bulk-buying Duracell. But animals do react to temperature shifts and environmental changes. And sometimes, to our human eyes, it looks a little… frantic.

Winter Anxiety: It's an Alabama Thing

Here in Alabama, freaking out about winter weather is basically a cultural phenomenon. From endless school closure debates to intense social media snow maps, the build-up is often more dramatic than the actual weather.

So when we see a deer stuck in a fence or wading into icy waters, it’s hard not to chuckle and wonder: Is he just as stressed as we are? Or is he just doing deer things in an Alabama winter?

Bottom line: next time the forecast hints at even a flake of snow, remember that you might not be the only one acting a little nutty.

At least the deer aren't battling us for the last honey bun.

Hoosiers Stun College Football, Claim National Title!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Indiana Hoosiers just pulled off the unthinkable, securing their first-ever national championship after a mind-blowing 16-0 season.

Cignetti's Transformation

Just two seasons ago, these Hoosiers were, let's be honest, down on their luck. Enter former Nick Saban assistant Curt Cignetti, who turned them into an unstoppable force, dominating every opponent in their path.

An Unforgettable Season

That title-clinching victory over the Hurricanes? Pure magic! It not only cements Cignetti's legacy but also elevates this 2025 Indiana season to legendary status.

"Google Me"

Remember when Indiana hired Cignetti? His bold promise to transform the program and his confident "I win. Google me." declaration raised some eyebrows.

Nobody's Laughing Now

Well, nobody's laughing now! Cignetti's mastery of the transfer portal and resourcefulness have positioned him as a top contender for the nation's best coach.

A Dynasty in the Making?

The Hoosiers, arguably the most surprising national champions ever, are already gearing up for another title run. Forget the next year; for the next century, college football history will have to mention Curt Cignetti and his Hoosiers.

Immortalized

No matter what happens next, the 2025 Indiana team is forever etched in history alongside college football's greatest champions. They might not be the most star-studded team out there, but that makes this victory even sweeter. Get ready ChumCity, Cignetti and the Hoosiers appear to be a force to be reckoned with!

Jefferson County Greenlights HUGE ACIPCO Expansion!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Jefferson County Commission just gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a major economic development agreement that's gonna pump some serious life into our local economy. The deal supports a massive reinvestment and expansion by Birmingham's own American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO), a legendary manufacturer that's been kicking it for over 120 years!

"American for Life 2030": A Modern Marvel

This isn't just any upgrade; it's ACIPCO's long-term "American for Life 2030" initiative, a sprawling modernization project sinking nearly $800 million into their Birmingham operations. Talk about a commitment!

Cleaner Air, Brighter Future

The heart of this project? Swapping out those old-school cupola furnaces for super-efficient electric induction furnaces. The result? Get this: a projected 90% reduction in emissions! That's a massive win for our North Birmingham communities and our air quality.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

And the good news keeps rolling in! This expansion is expected to create around 80 new jobs, with average salaries soaring well into six figures. Jefferson County is backing this with a performance-based jobs grant, meaning the money is tied directly to creating jobs and hitting those high wage targets.

More Than Just Manufacturing

But wait, there's more! The investment also includes a brand-new lining and coating facility, and a sweet new employee center and administrative building. ACIPCO reps say that employee center is all about attracting, keeping, and investing in their employees – which makes total sense because they're employee-owned!

A Revenue River

County officials are estimating that this project will generate a cool $11.4 million in general fund revenue for Jefferson County, and about $25 million for our local schools! That’s a LOT of dough flowing back into our community.

Birmingham on the Rise!

This agreement is a testament to our dedication to reinvesting in Birmingham, combining economic growth, workforce development, and environmental progress. ACIPCO is positioning itself for the next generation of manufacturing, and we're thrilled to be a part of it!

Huntsville Airport Soars to New Heights!

Get ready to celebrate, ChumCity! Huntsville International Airport (HSV) just hit a major milestone in 2025, breaking all previous records for annual passenger traffic! Thanks to boosted air service and overall growth in the Tennessee Valley, HSV saw a whopping 1,722,898 passengers pass through its gates. That's a 5.3% jump from last year – the highest number ever!

What's the Big Deal?

According to Joey Ceci, board chair of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority, this landmark shows our community is thriving and that folks love flying from HSV! Continued investment in the airport keeps it modern, improves your travel experience, and keeps HSV a powerful engine attracting business and opportunity.

Three Years of Takeoff!

This isn't just a one-hit wonder. HSV has seen consistent growth for the past three years, leaving previous passenger numbers in the dust. It all started with 1,473,629 travelers in 2023, then 1,635,589 in 2024, before rocketing past 1.7 million in 2025!

Why the Success?

Airport honchos credit this achievement to greater flight capacity, a booming regional economy, and amazing teamwork with their airline partners. Speaking of partners, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all offer non-stop service to 19 destinations nationwide from HSV. They boosted flight frequencies, added routes, and even used bigger planes to accommodate everyone!

What's Next? More Awesome!

Butch Roberts, CEO of Huntsville International Airport, says this success is thanks to years of planning and partnerships. He said, "Our airline partners stepped up in a big way this year."

Growth isn't slowing down! The region's economy and population are expanding, so expect even bigger and better things. There are over $121 million in planned upgrades on the way, including a parking deck expansion, new terminal restaurants, and a major concourse renovation.

Even More Flights Coming!

Already in 2026, we're pumped about new Allegiant air service to Gulf Shores, Orlando/Sanford, and St. Pete.

Number One!

Huntsville International Airport is earning national praise, like being named the No. 1 small airport in the United States by Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025!

Courtesy of 256 Today

Ten Islands Park Gets a Trail-Blazing Upgrade!

Heads up, ChumCity explorers! Ten Islands Historical Park in St. Clair County just got even cooler, thanks to a brand-new commemorative sign celebrating the Year of Alabama Trails. The Alabama Trails Foundation and Alabama Power teamed up to make it happen!

Shining a Light on Alabama's Outdoor Gems

This snazzy signage is all about highlighting the awesome outdoor recreation scene Alabama has to offer. It's basically a big, friendly "Come On In!" to everyone eager to explore the natural beauty and history around the Coosa River. Plus, it shouts out Alabama Power's commitment to preserving over 120,000 acres of land for us to enjoy.

Ten Islands: Where History Meets Adventure

Why Ten Islands? This park, nestled on Neely Henry Lake, is a perfect mix of fun and history. Think walking trails, perfect picnic spots, prime fishing and birding locations, and easy water access. It's a vital spot for the community's outdoor life! Fun fact: The Creek Indians called it "Oti Palin" (Ten Island) way back when, after the islands dotting the Coosa.

Cheers to Partnerships!

Paul DeMarco, president of the Alabama Trails Foundation, is stoked about the collaboration, saying St. Clair County boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the Southeast. He praised Alabama Power's role as a land manager and is proud to partner with them to put local trails on the map!

Alabama Power: Champions of Conservation

Alabama Power is dedicated to providing public recreation and protecting the environment. Terry Smiley, VP of Alabama Power's Eastern Division, emphasizes that Alabama's lakes and trails boost the quality of life across the state. They're helping ensure these spaces are preserved and enjoyed for generations through partnerships like this one.

The Year of Alabama Trails: Get Out There!

The Year of Alabama Trails is a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Trails Foundation to:

• Showcase Alabama’s epic network of trails (hiking, biking, water – you name it!).
• Inspire healthy living through outdoor adventures.
• Give local economies a boost by bringing tourism to trailheads.

So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those boots and explore!