Bessemer Takes a Step Toward Huge Data Center Project

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity folks! The Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission just gave a thumbs-up to a massive data center project that could be coming to town. On Tuesday, they recommended both a zoning change and a rezoning request that would pave the way for the project on over 670 acres off Rock Mountain Lake Road.

What's the Deal?

Logistics Land Investments is behind the proposal, which envisions a multi-building tech campus. The Commission first OK'd a change to the zoning code to allow "data centers" in areas zoned for light industrial use. This is supposed to bring Bessemer's zoning up to speed with modern industry standards.

Rezoning Approved (for Now)

Next, they voted to rezone a bunch of parcels from agricultural to light industrial. The plan? Potentially 17 data center buildings, though only about 100 acres of the total land would be actively used. The rest stays forested. The applicant also tweaked the site plan to put buildings farther away from property lines, adding a 100-foot buffer zone, with some buildings set back 200 feet or more from homes.

Not Everyone's Happy

Despite the changes, residents from McCalla and Rock Mountain Lake aren't thrilled. A packed room of citizens voiced concerns about noise, traffic, water usage, and the impact on the environment, including local waterways and wildlife. They also worry about property values and the possibility of long-term construction chaos.

Size Matters?

Some residents argued that a data center of this size is more like heavy industry than light industry and deserves a different zoning classification. They asked the Commission to consider stricter rules or a separate zoning category just for these mega-data centers.

Developer Responds

The developers pointed to environmental assessments and engineering studies, covering everything from streams and wetlands to endangered species and stormwater management. They also said the location, near major interstates and transmission lines, is perfect for the project.

What's Next?

This vote is just a recommendation. The Bessemer City Council will have the final say on both the zoning amendment and the rezoning request at a future meeting. Stay tuned for updates on when that vote will happen!

Huntsville Drug Trafficker Gets Life!

A Huntsville man is locked up for life thanks to the first conviction under a new law honoring fallen Huntsville police officer Billy Clardy III, according to Attorney General Steve Marshall.

The Case

Reginald Eugene Scott, 45, was found guilty of cocaine trafficking. Authorities say Scott was a big player, leading a widespread drug operation with connections all over the Southeast. During the investigation, they recovered a stash of firearms linked to the drug trade.

Habitual Offender

Scott copped to trafficking cocaine, a serious felony. But get this: he got a life sentence because he's a repeat offender, racking up four previous felony drug convictions!

The "Agent Billy Clardy III Act"

The Attorney General's office, along with ALEA and Huntsville PD's STAC Team, used the "Agent Billy Clardy III Act" to nail Scott. This act allowed them to use advanced investigative methods to take down Scott's Madison County drug ring. State Rep. Rex Reynolds, a former Huntsville police chief, championed the law, highlighting its effectiveness in fighting drug trafficking.

Honoring a Hero

Agent Billy Clardy III tragically died in the line of duty in 2019 while investigating a major drug operation. In response, the Alabama Legislature passed the "Agent Billy Clardy III Act" in 2023, giving law enforcement the tools to crack down on drug organizations.

Justice Served

"Today’s life sentence… is a fitting tribute to Agent Billy Clardy III," Marshall stated. "Agent Clardy dedicated his life to combating the scourge of drugs... The legislation honoring his name will forever assist law enforcement in rooting out those who would poison our communities…"

More to Come

The Attorney General hints this is just the beginning, expecting more convictions in this ongoing case!

Kudos to the Team

Marshall praised the Special Prosecutions Division, singling out Assistant Attorney General Verne H. Speirs and Special Agent Todd Mims. He also thanked ALEA, Huntsville PD's STAC Team, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their dedication.

Senator Britt Hails US Military's "Midnight Hammer" Operation

Alabama Senator Katie Britt is singing praises for the U.S. military following a successful operation dubbed "Midnight Hammer" targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. According to reports, the operation involved B2 bombers deploying the massive ordinance penetrator (MOP) for the first time, along with 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from a submarine.

Britt's Reaction

"The tale of America's successful mission striking Iran's nuclear facilities will be told for generations," Britt exclaimed on X. "The U.S. military is the strongest, most skilled, and capable in the world. God bless our troops!"

Trump's Decisive Action

Britt also lauded President Trump's leadership during an appearance on "Alabama's Morning News with JT," emphasizing his decisiveness. "The lesson of this weekend is two-fold," Britt stated. "One is when this president speaks you better listen because he is unafraid to act, and two that the American military is strong and vibrant and to be feared."

Silence from Across the Aisle

Britt pointed out the muted response from her Democratic colleagues, attributing it to Trump's success. "Their silence has never been louder," she asserted. "For years, whether it's Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden or Barak Obama, they have said that the nuclear program in Iran should not exist, yet none of them were able to achieve what Donald Trump did."

Nobel Peace Prize Potential?

Britt went on to suggest that President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his accomplishments in the region during a Fox News appearance. "President Trump is going to win the Nobel Peace Prize. No doubt," she declared, citing his work in the Congo, Rwanda, Pakistan, and India, as well as this recent action in Iran. "He has brought peace to a region that needed stability. He has shown what America First policy actually is. He makes sure that he's preserving American lives at every single turn."

Alabama's Aerospace Aces Soar in Paris!

The Alabama Department of Commerce totally crushed it at the 2025 Paris Air Show! What started as a packed schedule of 21 meetings turned into a whirlwind of awesome connections with over 36 aerospace companies. Talk about exceeding expectations!

Potential Game-Changers for Alabama

Get this: Alabama is in the running for a HUGE $1 billion project that could bring 500 new jobs! Plus, there are other potential projects worth $500 million that could create another 400 jobs statewide. Boom!

"Unmatched Strengths" on Display

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair called the mission a HUGE success, emphasizing how crucial those face-to-face meetings were. The whole Alabama crew showed a united front and really wowed the crowds.

"Our delegation was proud to showcase the state's unmatched strengths in aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing," McNair said. She also gave a shout-out to the Congressional delegation for their support in solidifying Alabama's rockstar status on the world stage.

Collaboration is Key

McNair also highlighted how awesome the teamwork was, bringing together communities, universities, and economic development gurus, all focused on growth and innovation. The momentum from Paris will definitely keep Alabama's economy buzzing.

Why Alabama?

Bob Smith, the Commerce's aerospace industry whiz, said they focused on projects already happening in Alabama. This gave the state's leaders a chance to chat one-on-one with company bigwigs, something that doesn't usually happen.

Senator Katie Britt and Reps. Dale Strong and Mike Rogers also stopped by the "Made in Alabama" booth to show their support.

Alabama: The Place to Be for Aerospace

Smith and Veronica Crock, a Senior Project Manager at Commerce, even discovered NEW leads at the show! Turns out, a bunch of companies that weren't even on the schedule made unexpected visits to the "Made in Alabama" booth.

“Aerospace companies...are looking at Alabama as an aerospace state that can provide them with the workforce and infrastructure to succeed," Smith said. "Our Alabama brand was very well showcased this year at the show.”

Crock added: “This was a very productive year at the show. I think our strategy played out well."

What's Hot in Aerospace?

Attendance was way up this year, which is a sign of renewed energy in the aerospace game. The Alabama team got a peek at the latest trends: hydrogen propulsion, hybrid-electric aircraft, and sustainable fuels were all the rage.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. Supply chain issues are still causing delays. Some experts think it could take six or seven years for the industry to catch up with demand.

But here's the exciting part: The global fleet of commercial aircraft is expected to DOUBLE over the next 20 years! Most of the demand will be for single-aisle aircraft - the kind they're building in Mobile, Alabama! Get ready for Alabama to shine even brighter!

Courtesy of Made in Alabama

Auburn's Recruiting Woes: Is the Tide Turning?

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity faithful, because Auburn's recruiting trail has hit a few bumps! In this wild era of college sports, where commitments seem as solid as a house of cards in a hurricane, the Tigers and Head Coach Hugh Freeze are feeling the heat.

Decommitments Plague the Plains

We're talking decommits and flips galore! The latest victims? Three promising prospects from next year’s class decided to take their talents elsewhere. It's enough to make any Auburn fan reach for a sweet tea...or something stronger.

Key Players Jump Ship

First, four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett, a Gulf Shores native, backed out of his commitment a couple of weeks ago. Then, Mobile's own Shadarius Toodle, also a four-star LB, stunned fans by flipping to the Georgia Bulldogs over the weekend. "If you want to be the best, why not play with the best?" Toodle said. Ouch.

A Big Loss at Wide Receiver

Adding insult to injury, four-star wide receiver Devin Carter, who's been committed since January, has now flipped to Florida State. FSU has legacy ties, as Carter's dad, Dexter, played RB for the Seminoles. Double Ouch!

An Uphill Battle

While it's still early in the recruiting game, these losses have dropped Auburn's recruiting class outside the top 80. Don't panic yet, Tigers fans! It's far from over! Freeze needs to rack up some serious wins this fall, both on the field and on the recruiting trail, to regain that crucial momentum. War Eagle? Only time will tell!

Alabama Farmers Get a Break! Prevented Planting Deadline Extended!

Hey Alabama farmers, we've got some good news! Remember that crazy weather rollercoaster we've been on this spring? Well, the deadline to claim prevented planting has been extended into July!

What Does This Mean for You?

Basically, if you've been struggling to get your crops in the ground due to either drought or excessive rain, you now have until your crop's acreage reporting deadline to claim prevented planting through the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). July 15th is a HUGE date for most crops, so mark it down!

Don't Forget This Important Step!

Remember, you must report your prevented planting acres to stay eligible for those sweet FSA program benefits. No report, no benefits!

Keep in Mind...

This extension doesn't mess with the RMA crop insurance reporting deadline requirements. Also, it doesn't apply to crops covered by the FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

Need to Report?

Get in touch with your local FSA office to report those prevented planting acres and submit your spring crop acreage report.

Alabama CBD Crackdown!

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency just went full-on CBD bust mode, raiding shops in four cities. They’re saying it’s about those state marijuana laws. Looks like they're getting ahead of the new THC law coming July 1st.

DUI Deportations on the Table?

Rep. Barry Moore is pushing a bill to kick out illegal immigrants convicted of DUIs. It's headed for a House vote, so stay tuned. Could this make our streets safer?

Bondi on Board for Redstone Arsenal

Good news, Huntsville! Attorney General Pam Bondi promised Rep. Dale Strong no ATF funding cuts, plus she’s planning a visit to Redstone Arsenal.

ICE Nabs More Iranians with Records

Following those U.S. strikes, ICE rounded up Iranians with criminal records. Plus, 30 suspected illegal immigrants were arrested at a Gulf Shores high school construction site.

Locust Fork Iranian Arrest Raises Eyebrows

Remember that tearjerker about the newly married couple? Turns out, the groom was an Iranian national with an Islamic Republic of Iran Army ID. His wife’s not happy, claiming it’s all unfair.

Britt Backs Trump's Nobel Bid

Senator Katie Britt's throwing her weight behind President Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) thinks Trump deserves the award for brokering an Israel-Iran ceasefire.

Iran Nuke Program: How Big a Setback?

Reports are mixed. Some say the U.S. strikes only slowed down Iran’s nuclear program by a few months (with low confidence, mind you). But the International Atomic Energy Agency says the damage is "very significant" and they're demanding access to the sites. Iran's playing hardball, though, and not letting them in.

Your Daily Dose of Dale

Get your daily dose of Alabama news and opinion with Dale Jackson, a thought leader for Yellowhammer News. Tune in to his talk show weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

District 5 Gets a New Senator!

Looks like the votes are in! Voters in Fayette, Lamar, Walker, and parts of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties hit the polls Tuesday to choose their new State Senator for District 5.

The Race

Republican State Representative Matt Woods went head-to-head with Democratic nominee Ryan Cagle in this special election. The seat opened up when former Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed joined Governor Ivey's team.

The Numbers Are In!

According to the Alabama Republican Party, here's how it all shook out:

• Matt Woods (R): a whopping 7,707 votes (that's 86.00%!)
• Ryan Cagle (D): 1,238 votes (13.81%)
• Write-ins: a tiny 17 votes (0.19%)

Woods Takes the Win!

Based on these early numbers, it's looking like Matt Woods is your new State Senator for District 5!

What They're Saying

Jeannie Burniston, Communications Director for the Alabama Republican Party, had this to say about Woods' victory:

“Congratulations to Senator-elect Matt Woods! He's been a real champion for conservative values and Alabama families in the House. From helping adults get their diplomas to protecting kids online, he gets things done. We're excited to see what he'll do in the Senate!”

Senator Tuberville Tackles Cali Chaos with New Bill!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity Citizens! Senator Tommy Tuberville and a crew of other Senators are fired up about the recent protests rocking California. They've just introduced the "Safe and Open Streets Act" to crack down on folks blocking roads and messing with commerce.

What's the Deal?

Basically, these senators want to make it a federal no-no to intentionally block highways and roads, throwing a wrench into the gears of commerce. If you're caught, you could be facing fines or even a five-year vacation in the slammer!

Tuberville's Got Beef!

Senator Tuberville isn't mincing words. He's calling for Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass to be arrested for not cracking down on what he calls "domestic terrorists" in Los Angeles. He says they're putting citizens in danger and hurting the economy.

Freedom vs. Chaos?

Tuberville argues that while the First Amendment protects our right to protest, it doesn't give anyone the right to block streets and put lives at risk. He believes this new bill will restore order by holding "radical protestors" accountable.

The Renewal Project: A Lifeline for Mental Health in Alabama

Big news for Alabamians! The Renewal Project has officially launched, and it's all about tackling a major hurdle in mental and behavioral healthcare: cost. This awesome new nonprofit is on a mission to provide financial aid to folks who need mental health or substance abuse recovery services but can't afford them.

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

Let's face it, the cost of treatment can be a huge obstacle. The Renewal Project aims to bridge that gap, especially for those who are underinsured or completely uninsured. They'll send funds directly to the provider, ensuring access to the care people desperately need.

Partnering for Comprehensive Care

They're teaming up with licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers across Alabama. This means access to a wide range of services, from counseling and therapy to inpatient programs and recovery residences.

Giving Hope and Support

"Mental and behavioral health issues affect so many people in our state," says Liz Read, Executive Director of The Renewal Project. "We're here to give individuals a chance to access the treatment and support they need. No one should go without help simply because they can't afford it."

Born from a Vision

The Renewal Project was inspired by Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, a Birmingham-based mental health and substance use center. This connection helps them tap into a network of advocates and professionals across the state.

Supported by the Addiction Prevention Coalition

While they await their official 501(c)(3) status, The Renewal Project is operating under the wing of the Addiction Prevention Coalition. This partnership allows them to immediately address the growing mental health crisis in Alabama.

A Shared Mission

Nichole Dawsey, Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Coalition, emphasizes their pride in supporting The Renewal Project's mission: "All Alabamians deserve access, compassion, and support. More treatment options mean more people living fuller, healthier lives."

Looking Ahead

The Renewal Project plans to distribute its first round of treatment assistance later this year. Get ready for a positive change in Alabama!