Longshore & McKnight Dish the Dirt!

John and Barry are back at it again on Longshore and McKnight, serving up some serious football realness! Today, they reminisced about the good ol' days (and brutal nights) of summer football conditioning, plus the wild circus that is SEC Media Days. Think hilarious training camp stories mixed with a healthy dose of snark about the networking scene (and maybe even attractive interns!).

McCarron's Auburn Comments Ignite Debate

Things got heated when they tackled AJ McCarron's recent podcast bomb. He called Auburn's head coach, Hugh Freeze, "full of you-know-what" and declared Alabama is basically run by Crimson Tide alums, making Auburn a recruiting dead-end. Longshore and McKnight weren't buying it, questioning McCarron's knowledge and the logic of his argument. Ouch!

Auburn's Future Under the Microscope

Bill Cameron hopped on the show to break down the current state of Auburn football. He says there's still time to right the recruiting ship, but the Tigers need to show some serious improvement on the field this season to regain momentum. The pressure's on, folks!

All Aboard! Amtrak's Mardi Gras Route Returns!

Get ready to roll, ChumCity! Amtrak just announced that its Mardi Gras route, connecting Mobile and New Orleans, is hitting the tracks TWICE daily starting August 18th!

Trip Details

The scenic journey will clock in at around four hours each way. Trains will depart Mobile at 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM, making whistle stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay Saint Louis. That morning train will get you to NOLA just in time for lunch (and maybe a Saints game!).

Ticket Info

Round-trip tickets will set you back between $30 and $80. Pro tip: the inaugural morning run on August 18th is already sold out, but you can still snag coach seats for the evening departure.

Local Support

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is stoked, saying, "There’s seven city councilors and one mayor who are very interested in making sure we’re on that train!" The Mobile City Council committed $3 million to keep the service chugging along for three years, with the Alabama Port Authority and Governor Kay Ivey also pitching in.

Amtrak's Enthusiasm

Amtrak President Roger Harris is urging everyone to book their tickets ASAP. "We encourage customers to get their tickets now to experience this new, comfortable, and scenic service." He's thinking football trips, holiday travel, and, of course, Mardi Gras!

Perks and Deals

Amtrak's got discounts for kids, veterans, students, and seniors. Plus, book the Mardi Gras route in the first three months and you'll rack up TRIPLE travel points!

Onboard Amenities

Expect comfy business and coach seats, a cafe with local grub, wide reclining seats (no middle seats!), free Wi-Fi, and plenty of baggage space. Fido can even come along in a carrier, within weight limits.

Connecting Routes

From New Orleans, you can connect to Chicago (via Jackson, MS and Memphis), Atlanta, and even Los Angeles!

Farm Aid is on the Way!

Alabama farmers, listen up! Relief is coming for those who suffered crop, tree, or vine losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) is here to help!

Applications are in the Mail!

Pre-filled applications were sent out starting July 9th. You can submit your "FSA-526" application at your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office starting July 10th. Get on it!

Payment Details

Keep in mind that the initial payment will be 35% of your calculated eligible amount. Every little bit helps, right?

What Alabama FSA is Saying

Monica Carroll, Alabama FSA Executive Director, knows this is crucial. She said, "We are excited to get this assistance in the hands of our producers as quickly as possible. Our farmers are facing the worst economic crisis since the 1980s, and successive years of disasters have worsened many farmers’ financial conditions."

Who is Eligible?

If you already received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and even excessive heat, you might be in luck!

Drought Details

For drought coverage, the loss must be in a county with a D2 (severe drought) rating for eight straight weeks or a D3 (extreme drought) or higher, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Important Condition

If you get SDRP money, you must buy federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at the 60% level or higher for the next two crop years. Fail to do so, and you'll have to pay back the SDRP, with interest! Don't mess around!

Stage Two Coming Soon!

If there's money left over, the FSA will announce a Stage Two SDRP this fall for shallow or uncovered losses. Stay tuned!

Escape to Roland Cooper State Park: Alabama's Hidden Gem

ChumCity adventurers, get ready to explore another Alabama treasure! This time, we're spotlighting Roland Cooper State Park near Camden, a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This park is your ticket to birding, fishing, stargazing, and good ol' relaxation.

Reel 'Em In at Dannelly Reservoir

Fishing fanatics, listen up! Dannelly Reservoir is a local hot spot, and Roland Cooper State Park puts you right in the action. With boat launches and exciting seasonal fishing tournaments, get ready to hook some prize-winning game fish.

A Birder's Paradise

Calling all birdwatchers! Roland Cooper's location near the Alabama River and its lush woodlands create the perfect haven for feathered friends. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, raptors, songbirds, and majestic ospreys soaring overhead.

Under Alabama's Dark Skies

Stargazers, rejoice! Roland Cooper State Park is officially recognized as a Dark Sky site. Pitch your tent, kick back, and prepare for breathtaking views of the Milky Way and spectacular meteor showers.

Cozy Cabins or Rustic Camping? Take Your Pick!

Whether you crave modern comfort or a back-to-nature experience, Roland Cooper has you covered. Choose from large, fully-equipped two-bedroom cabins, charming tiny cabins (including an ADA-compliant option), or rustic primitive cabins. Prefer camping? They've got over 40 RV sites with all the hookups, plus 14 primitive campsites with nearby restrooms and showers.

Beyond the Park: Explore Local History

Extend your adventure! Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area with a visit to Gee's Bend, home to the world-famous quilters. And for even more dining and entertainment, Montgomery and Mobile are just a scenic two-hour drive away. Roland Cooper State Park is where adventure begins!

Capstone Club Gets a Second Life!

Remember the Capstone Club, the golf course near the University of Alabama that closed its doors 13 years ago after some serious ups and downs? Well, hold onto your hats, ChumCity golfers, because it's about to make a comeback!

From Capstone to Coal Club!

Word on the green, courtesy of Fried Egg Golf, is that the course is getting a major makeover. The original designer is back in the driver's seat, thanks to new owners: the folks behind Hole Out Golf Shop, Corey Byron and Keith Giffin. They're planning to tee off again in the next few years, but this time as The Coal Club!

Southern Charm and World-Class Golf

"Alabama wasn’t initially on our radar," Byron and Giffin shared in a membership package. "But finding out it's so close to the University of Alabama and an international airport? Game changer!" They see the "rich southern charm" of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa as the perfect backdrop for a top-notch club.

Teeing Off in the Future!

The plan is to transform the course into an exclusive private club, but with initiation fees that won't break the bank. Construction could start as soon as next year, with a sneak peek planned for 2027. The official grand opening? Look for it in the fall of 2028, or maybe spring of 2028. Get ready, ChumCity!

Hold Up! Amnesty for Farm Workers & Hospitality?

Okay, ChumCity crew, let's talk turkey. Word on the street (and some rumblings from, you guessed it, that guy) is there might be amnesty floating around for farm workers and the hospitality industry.

Seriously?

Big NOPE! Remember why folks voted the way they did? It wasn't for more amnesty. It was quite the opposite, actually.

Wake Up, GOP!

Republican politicos, listen up! Time to dust off those spines and remember who put you where you are. Speak up! Let 'em know this ain't the way.

The Voice of Reason

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear weekday mornings on WVNN from 5-9 a.m., is leading the charge. He's not shy about calling it like it is!

Huntsville Eyes Marshall County Expansion!

Huntsville's empire might be stretching even further! Looks like Marshall County could soon be joining the party in Huntsville's industrial district.

Annexation on the Horizon

Word on the street is that two companies are eager to bring almost 1,100 acres south of the Tennessee River into the Huntsville fold. The land in question sprawls along McCutcheon Loop Road (Morgan County) and a bit of Vaughn Road (Marshall County).

Who's Asking?

Wiz Kidz and Hollingshead Materials, the masterminds behind Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete, are the ones knocking on Huntsville's door. They aren't asking for any city services, just saying hello to industrial greatness!

What's the Deal?

This potential expansion would boost Huntsville's industrial power and give the city regulatory oversight of the SRM quarry. Pretty neat, huh?

Good for the River!

According to Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis, this move could also protect the Tennessee River's precious waterfront in Morgan County and keep an eye on nearby residential areas.

Bonus Points!

SRM is even offering to lend a hand with infrastructure improvements in the annexed zone. Talk about being a good neighbor!

History in the Making

Huntsville first crossed the Tennessee River into Morgan County territory back in 2018.

Stay Tuned!

The City Council is set to discuss this big move at their regular meeting today at 5:30 p.m. Don't miss it!

Chuck Endorses Bruce? Barkley Backs Pearl for Senate Run!

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl might be trading the court for the Capitol! With rumors swirling about a potential Senate bid to replace fellow Auburn legend Tommy Tuberville (who's supposedly eyeing the Governor's mansion in 2026), Pearl's got at least one major endorsement: NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

Barkley's Got Pearl's Back

Sir Charles isn't holding back his support. "I respect and trust him," Barkley declared. "If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%." Barkley even acknowledged Pearl's success at Auburn, something he "never thought would happen."

Pearl's Potential Party Problem

Pearl's potentially aiming for the Republican ticket, despite past support for Democratic candidates. In a recent Fox News interview, Pearl stated, "I love my country, but I love being the basketball coach at Auburn," hinting he might be leaning towards staying on the court.

Crowded Field Ahead

The potential race is shaping up to be a showdown, with Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, former U.S. Navy Seal Jared Hudson, and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) already in the mix. But hey, at least Pearl knows he has Barkley in his corner!

APT Under Fire for Anti-Trump Lobbying?

Alabama Public Television (APT), funded by our tax dollars, is catching flak for seemingly lobbying against President Trump's rescission package. What's the deal?

The Proposed Cuts

Trump's plan aims to retract around $9.4 billion in previously approved spending. This includes a chunk of change, around $1.1 billion, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The U.S. House already gave it the thumbs up, and it's now navigating the Senate.

APT's Concerns

APT claims these cuts could cost them about $3 million annually. That's a lot of dough!

APT's Response

Wayne Reid, APT's executive director, released a statement saying that if the Senate approves the cuts, it could severely impact their service. "We will be forced to make difficult decisions," Reid warned. "You could lose some of your favorite programs...as well as trusted PBS Kids content, educational outreach...and other vital outreach programs." He argues that these services cost just $1.60 per person each year, and cutting funding would barely impact the federal debt.

Americans for Prosperity Responds

Adam Thompson, the Alabama state director for Americans for Prosperity, isn't happy. He called out APTV for allegedly using taxpayer money to try and kill the rescissions package. Thompson questions why a state agency, flush with funds from the Alabama Education Trust Fund, is asking Alabamians to lobby for more federal cash.

Thompson's Take

Thompson didn't hold back on FM Talk 106.5, stating, "APT's a government agency using taxpayer money to lobby another government agency to get more taxpayer money...It doesn't make any sense why we should allow this."

The Big Picture

Trump's rescission package has already passed the U.S. House, with support from Alabama's Republican representatives. What happens next in the Senate will determine the fate of this funding.

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