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Another Alabama quarterback is heading to the NFL! Jalen Milroe got the call from the Seattle Seahawks as the 92nd overall pick in the third round. Looks like he'll have some time to learn the ropes before aiming for that starting gig. While Milroe and the entire Crimson Tide nation were pumped, maybe nobody was as excited as Detroit Lions cornerback and fellow Bama alum, Terrion Arnold. These two are super tight, credited with bringing the legendary 'LANK' phrase to the program. Arnold was being interviewed on ESPN radio when Milroe got drafted, and his reaction was pure gold! The video is already legendary in Tuscaloosa. “Oh my god!†Arnold shouted, tearing up with joy. “I’m so happy for my guy! He deserves this, everything he’s been through, this ain’t nothing but God!†Down the road, these two might face off as rivals in the NFL, and you know they'd both be all about that competition. For now, Arnold's just stoked for his bestie.Tide QB Lands in Seattle!
LANK Love From Terrion Arnold
Arnold's Epic Reaction
"This Ain't Nothing But God!"
Future NFL Showdown?
Get ready, ChumCity! Amtrak is bringing back the magic with a brand-new, twice-daily passenger train service connecting New Orleans and Mobile! After almost two decades, the rails are humming again, ready to reconnect our vibrant coastal communities. Starting this summer, hop on the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service for morning and evening departures from both cities. Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula are all getting back in on the action, linking these gems to the wider Amtrak network. "The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is the perfect name to celebrate the unique culture of our region," says Amtrak President Roger Harris. "We want every trip to feel like a mini-Mardi Gras, sharing the Gulf Coast spirit while connecting you to the rest of the country!" Traveling further? No problem! Passengers can effortlessly connect to major Amtrak routes, including same-day transfers to the City of New Orleans line heading to Chicago and next-day connections in New Orleans to the Crescent and Sunset Limited lines. "This isn't just restoring a transportation link; it's about celebrating the Gulf Coast's vibrant culture and community spirit," says Joe Donahue, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Get ready to experience the heart of the South! Local leaders are buzzing about the economic boost this service will bring. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson says, "Renewing Amtrak service will strengthen our ties to the Crescent City and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It's a win for our citizens and Mobile's growing downtown waterfront." Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross adds, "This service will unlock a whole new tourism market for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and strengthening our region's infrastructure and economy." U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) highlights the service as "a meaningful investment in our local economy, our tourism industry, and our shared cultural heritage." Enjoy wide, reclining seats, plenty of legroom, generous baggage allowances (including space for golf bags!), and even the option to bring your furry friends (under certain conditions, of course). Keep an eye on Amtrak.com for fares and schedules – coming soon!All Aboard! Amtrak Returns to the Gulf Coast!
Mardi Gras on Rails: The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service!
Easy Connections to Major Routes
More Than Just a Train Ride
Boosting the Local Economy
Mississippi Gets on Track
Investing in Our Community
Ride in Comfort and Style!
Big news, ChumCity! The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology right here in Huntsville is leading a groundbreaking pilot study that could revolutionize how we understand and fight Alzheimer's and other dementias. Partnering with Phenome Health and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, they're aiming to create a new gold standard for care. The study, cleverly named HOPE AD (Healthy Outcomes through Phenomic Explorations for Alzheimer’s Disease), will focus on 200 healthy adults aged 65-75 with a family history of dementia but no cognitive issues themselves. What's super cool is their "phenomic" approach – gathering data about participants' health, environment, and lifestyle. It's like looking at the whole picture! "Alzheimer's begins years before symptoms show," explains Dr. Nick Cochran, HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator. "This project is a chance to shift from reacting to preventing." Basically, they're exploring if personalized health info can empower people to make brain-boosting changes. HudsonAlpha President Dr. Neil Lamb is pumped about the collaboration, stating HOPE AD represents an exciting next step using genetic knowledge to inform care. Phenome Health's Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy echoes this enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for uncovering actionable insights for Alzheimer’s prevention through combining genomics and lifestyle interventions. Enrollment is now OPEN at the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine in Huntsville. But get this - it's not just about the data. The director, Meagan Cochran, emphasizes they want to understand how knowing your risk affects your choices and motivation to take action. Participants will get super valuable clinical results, including: Those with elevated risk will be invited to a year-long lifestyle intervention program with personalized coaching on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and cognitive engagement. While there's no cure yet, combining early detection with lifestyle tweaks might just reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's. Let's go, Huntsville! Let's make a difference!Huntsville Takes on Alzheimer's with Cutting-Edge Study!
HOPE AD: A Phenomic Approach
Prevention is the Name of the Game
Local Collaboration, Global Impact
Participate in History!
What's in it for you?
A Future Without Dementia?
Guess what, ChumCity fam? Alabama's taking a HUGE step to protect our kiddos in the digital world! The Senate just passed the App Store Accountability Act (Senate Bill 187), and it's all about giving parents more control. Basically, this bill wants app stores to get a thumbs-up from parents BEFORE kids can download stuff. Think of it as digital training wheels! The Senate voted YES (26-6!), but now it's up to the House. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has always been a champion for families. Let's hope he keeps the momentum going! Why? Because safeguarding our kids online is just as important as keeping them safe IRL (in real life). Utah's already leading the charge, and Alabama could be next! Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina and other states are also looking at ways to give parents better tools to monitor their kids' device usage. And here's the kicker: Alabama parents are LOVING this idea! A recent poll showed a whopping 83% support parental approval for app downloads. Boom! Even better? This isn't a red vs. blue thing. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are all on board! Support is also super strong in both rural and urban areas. Everyone agrees: let's protect the children! While Apple and other tech giants might drag their feet, the truth is, they already have the tech to help parents! Activating these features for parental approval puts moms and dads back in control. Speaker Ledbetter and others have every right to ask: Why are these companies resistant to proactively protecting our youth? The App Store Accountability Act does more than protect kids; it protects our fundamental parental rights. App store age verification shields minors from apps parents might not even know exist. Parental consent at the app store level puts parents in the driver's seat when it comes to their children's internet exposure, and keeps government from intruding. As a mother and a fierce advocate for faith, family, and freedom, it's time we made legislation like this a priority. Not next year, but now. Every day we delay means our kids are at risk of encountering harmful content. Let's urge Speaker Ledbetter to stand with parents and give Alabama House members the chance to vote YES on Senate Bill 187. Let's protect our children online and strengthen parental rights, all at once! Stephanie Smith, President and CEO of the Alabama Policy InstituteAlabama Says "Kids First" Online!
What's the Deal?
Ledbetter's Legacy: Protect Our Kids!
Alabama Joins the Movement!
Parents Overwhelmingly Agree!
Bipartisan Love!
Big Tech, Time to Step Up!
Why the Hesitation?
It's About Parental Rights!
No More Guesswork!
Why Now?
Act Now!
The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation is thrilled to announce J. Scott Huffman, CFRE, as its first-ever President and CEO! Get ready for Huffman to take the reins on May 15, powering the Foundation's mission to support Alabama's brand-new specialty high school, set to launch in Fall 2026. A Tuscaloosa local, Huffman boasts a stellar record in healthcare and education fundraising right here in Alabama. For over two decades, he's been a powerhouse at UAB, serving as Executive Director of Development and Strategic Planning, and leading the UAB School of Dentistry Alumni Association. He also has experience as the founding President of the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile. "His fundraising prowess in Alabama is unmatched," raves Foundation Board Chairman Kirk Stephens. "He truly understands our state's giving spirit." After a national search, the Foundation trustees, with help from The Chason Group, tapped Huffman for his success in leading major fundraising campaigns, including those hitting $375 million and a whopping $1 billion! "I'm excited to tackle Alabama's healthcare challenges by educating our future providers," Huffman shared. "We're building vital partnerships, and we'll keep pushing to expand them. Our state's future depends on our success!" Huffman's diving right in, focusing on growing and training the Foundation's board from six to 25 members. He's also eager to create a fundraising dream team to secure both private and public funding. "The Foundation is perfectly positioned to solve Alabama's healthcare gaps by training future pros and boosting healthcare access in rural areas," Huffman emphasized. "I can't wait to collaborate with everyone involved!" The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences joins Alabama's elite network of specialty high schools and Bloomberg Philanthropies' national healthcare high school initiative. Partnering with Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis (a UAB Health System affiliate), the school will provide real-world training and career paths in healthcare. The school's core mission is to fight Alabama's rural healthcare workforce shortage by prepping students for jobs or further education. Rob Pearson, who served as interim president, will stay on as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.Healthcare School Foundation Gets New Leader!
Huffman's Impressive Credentials
A Perfect Fit for the Job
Nationwide Search, Alabama Winner
Huffman's Vision
Immediate Priorities
Addressing Healthcare Needs
About the School
Tackling the Workforce Shortage
Pearson's Continued Role
While the feds are pushing for energy independence, Alabama's gearing up to boost its own energy game and economy. The State Senate just gave a thumbs-up to the "Powering Growth" package – a trio of bills ready to modernize energy, cut red tape, and lure in new industries. This package is all about giving Alabama a competitive edge. Think faster energy infrastructure construction, rock-solid supply chains, and financial tools to help providers and developers meet rising demands. An independent study gave it the nod, and it's a top priority for the newly formed Alabama Growth Alliance. Lawmakers are playing it smart, strengthening energy security and boosting the economy without reaching into your wallet for more taxes. At the heart of it all is SB304. It creates the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank to fund key energy projects like power lines and substations – crucial for industrial and community expansion. Alabama aims to get ahead of the curve by pre-purchasing long lead-time equipment. This move aims to eliminate costly delays that can stall big infrastructure projects. Supporters are touting the "Powering Growth" package as a smart investment in Alabama's infrastructure future. Lawmakers are proactively ensuring the grid can handle rising demand from manufacturers, tech companies, and growing communities. They are also stressing the importance of reaching rural and underserved areas. This initiative aligns with efforts to rebuild and expand American energy production capabilities. Southeastern states are making similar moves to modernize infrastructure and attract industry. Alabama's aiming to stay in the game with the "Powering Growth" package, showing everyone it's ready to meet the energy needs of growing industries – emphasizing speed, reliability, and long-term capacity. The House seems to be on board, and this package could be one of the first big economic wins of the session. If it passes, it's a big investment in Alabama's energy and economic future.Alabama Aims to Power Up Growth!
What's the Deal?
No Tax Hikes!
The Powering Growth Act: SB304
Strategic Moves
Forward-Thinking Investment
Part of a Bigger Picture
Keeping Up with the Joneses (or Georgias, Tennessees, and Texases)
What's Next?
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? Well, get ready for a refreshing take on social media activism! This time, it's all about boosting awareness for mental health care, and Longleaf Recovery & Wellness is diving in headfirst! Longleaf isn't just in it for the giggles. They're using the challenge to spotlight the critical need for greater mental health support, both here in Alabama and across the country. Colin Harris, CEO, and John Giannetto, Chief Development Officer, bravely stepped up after being nominated by others in the behavioral health world. Even with a last-minute schedule shift, they embraced the icy downpour with gusto and a true sense of purpose! “We love showing off our team's passion," says Sophia Clarke, Longleaf's Director of Marketing. “This challenge is a fun and effective way to raise awareness. We want everyone to know that recovery is possible, and we're here to help." Longleaf believes that recovery isn't a cookie-cutter process. Their care is all about meeting people where they are – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Just like the longleaf pine that inspires them, Longleaf embodies resilience. “Sometimes, you have to burn yourself down to rebuild stronger,†Clarke explains. “That's what Longleaf is all about.â€Mental Health Challenge Heats Up (by Cooling Down!)
Chilly Challenge, Serious Cause
More Than Just a Splash
Personalized Healing
Rising from the Ashes
So, CNN's Jake Tapper and the rest of the media crew who've been practically cheerleading for President Joe Biden are suddenly acting like they just bravely "exposed" something? Seriously? Dale Jackson, the sharp mind behind Yellowhammer News and host of the 5-9 a.m. weekday radio show on WVNN, likely has thoughts. Just saying.Tapper & the Pretend Exposé
Dale Jackson's Take