Happy 70th, Burritt on the Mountain!

Huntsville's beloved Burritt on the Mountain, our first ever museum, is turning the big 7-0 this year! Founded way back in 1955, Burritt has blossomed from a simple home museum into a vibrant living history center. We're talking nature trails, historic log cabins, the McCurdy Barnyard, Baron Bluff, and breathtaking views from The View.

Shining a Light on History

Right in the center of it all sits Dr. William Burritt's stunning 1938 mansion. But even this beauty needs a little TLC! That's why Burritt is aiming to raise $70,000 to celebrate their 70th and restore its gorgeous windows.

Think of all those panes of glass! As Thornton explains, the house is flooded with natural light, but the 36 windows (with their 816 individual panes!) need some serious love. Each one will be carefully restored, pane by pane, to keep the mansion sparkling.

More Than Just a House

Burritt is way more than just a pretty building. They host tons of year-round events and activities, plus over 150 field trips annually! It's a true North Alabama treasure.

Barnyard Buddies

Let’s not forget the adorable residents of the McCurdy Barnyard! Goats, sheep, a horse, chickens, and of course, the one and only Sweetie Pie, a wonderfully muddy pig, are waiting to greet you.

Join the Celebration!

Supporting Burritt on the Mountain means ensuring that families, students, and visitors of all ages can enjoy this incredible cultural landmark for generations to come. "As we celebrate 70 years," Thornton says, "we invite the community to join us in protecting this landmark for future generations!"

Get Ready, ChumCity! A Beltline is Coming!

Imagine a vibrant green space winding through our city, a place to escape the hustle and bustle. Think leafy trees, native plants, and wide paths perfect for walking, biking, and just soaking in the good vibes. Pocket parks and public art? You bet!

It's more than just a workout spot, it's a community connector. Picture cyclists zipping by, families strolling, and friends catching up on benches. Maybe even a tempting aroma from nearby cafes... mmm!

A Huntsville Game-Changer

Huntsville's got big plans, inspired by cool spots like Atlanta's Beltline. This proposed Huntsville Beltline will reshape how we experience our city, playing a HUGE role in our future growth and infrastructure.

The goal? Bridging the gap between downtown pedestrian areas and the Meek Greenway near Alabama A&M. Think new transportation options and boosting the local economy!

Linking Our Community

"It will link over two dozen neighborhoods across the city, offering new spaces for recreation, transportation, and economic growth," says Dennis Madsen, Huntsville’s Manager of Urban & Long-Range Planning. Expect improved mobility, more community interaction, and a hub for outdoor fun.

Inspired by Success

Madsen witnessed firsthand how the Atlanta Beltline transformed that city, and he believes Huntsville can do the same! This project will be all about blending transportation, green space, and community input.

Green AND Sustainable!

This isn't just about getting around; it's about making Huntsville a better place to live. The greenway will improve air quality, help cool down the city, and create space for awesome arts and culture initiatives.

Arts and Culture Hub? YES, PLEASE!

Imagine community events, art installations, and local performances all along the Beltline. This could be a cultural corridor that sparks creativity and fills us with civic pride!

Get excited, ChumCity! This Beltline is shaping up to be something truly special.

Calling All Alabama Farmers! Time to Give Props!

Hey ChumCity friends! Know some rockstar researchers or Extension pros who've seriously leveled up your farm game? The Alabama Farmers Federation wants you to nominate them for some well-deserved recognition!

Why Nominate? Because They're Awesome!

Let's face it, farming ain't easy. But those brilliant minds in research and Extension? They're out there hustling, finding solutions, and making a real difference. Let's show them some love!

The Prizes? Sweet!

The Rittenour Award is all about celebrating Auburn University faculty doing groundbreaking research. We're talking up to $10,000 to fuel future studies!

And the Duncan Award? That's for the Alabama Extension all-stars who are tackling real-world problems and empowering farmers. They could snag up to $5,000 for their awesome programs!

Get Those Noms In!

Winners get their moment in the sun at the Federation’s Farm & Land Conference in Chattanooga this August!

Remember the deadline is June 6! Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate these agricultural heroes.

Alabama Salutes Its Power Protectors!

The folks who keep our lights on in the Yellowhammer State got a well-deserved shout-out on Lineman Appreciation Day, thanks to the Energy Institute of Alabama! The celebration went down at Whitewater Montgomery, with big energy players like Alabama Power, AREA, Energy Southeast, Electric Cities of Alabama, PowerSouth Energy, and TVA all pitching in to honor the heroes.

State Officials Show the Love

Several state officials were on deck to give props to our hardworking lineworkers, including some with personal connections. State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) shared, "My grandpa was a lineman! I knew storms meant he'd be out there for days, even weeks, getting the power back on. I'm so thankful for their dedication."

Keeping the Lights On, Rain or Shine

Houston Smith, head honcho at the Energy Institute of Alabama, added his thanks, saying, "We take for granted how tough it is to keep our lights on. On Lineman Appreciation Day, we're giving a huge shout-out to these folks braving tough conditions to power our lives!"

WSFA's top weather guru, Josh Johnson, Alabama's emergency management head, Jeff Smitherman, and EIA's main person, Blake Hardwich, were also there to spread the love.

Trails: More Than Just Paths in Alabama!

Picture this: a crisp morning in Coosa County, hikers buzzing with energy outside the Pinhoti Outdoor Center. Coffee's flowin', gear's gettin' checked, and stories of adventure fill the air. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, just five years ago, this scene? Non-existent.

Back then, there was no local outfitter, no shuttle, nada. Kimm and Nathan Wright stepped up and changed all that. Their little hostel dream from 2019 blossomed into a powerhouse that gets folks exploring Alabama's great outdoors. They even snagged Alabama's Small Business of the Year in 2023! Talk about trail magic!

Alabama's Trail Towns are Thriving!

But Sylacauga isn't the only town feelin' the trail love. Across Alabama, trails are helping small towns rediscover their mojo – not by changing who they are, but by highlighting their hidden gems. The Year of Alabama Trails is all about keeping that momentum going!

Calhoun County Cashes In!

In East Alabama, Calhoun County's killin' it with their trail network – Chief Ladiga, Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails, and parts of the Pinhoti. A Jacksonville State University study showed these trails pumped a WHOPPING $9.7 million into the local economy in 2023! The Chief Ladiga alone brought in over $2.2 million, with nearly 50,000 visitors! And with the trail extending into downtown Anniston soon? Those numbers are gonna skyrocket!

Anniston's Awesome Awakening

Anniston's already prepped for the trail boom. They've issued more new business licenses in the last five years than in the entire decade before. Sales tax is up, too! Local leaders say the new energy is all thanks to trail development. Cafés, bike hostels, and shops are popping up all over downtown to welcome trail-loving visitors. Soon, you can ride from Atlanta to Anniston, then hop on Amtrak to head home. Major win!

Flagg Mountain's Fan Club Grows!

Over at Flagg Mountain, the southern end of the Pinhoti, visitors have more than doubled from 5,000 to 12,000 annually after some smart improvements and good ol' word-of-mouth. In a rural area like Coosa County, that kinda boost makes a BIG difference. Even at a conservative $50 a day spent, that adds up quick, supporting jobs and local businesses, giving people reasons to stick around – or come back!

Trails = Economic Boost!

From the Richard Martin Trail in Elkmont to the Wiregrass Trail in South Alabama, and from blueways along the Cahaba to new trails in the Black Belt, communities across the state are paving the way to prosperity. Invest in trails, watch the growth, see the visitors, and witness small towns stepping up with a renewed sense of excitement.

Outdoor Rec is BIG Business

Did you know that outdoor recreation generates $6.6 BILLION each year for Alabama and supports over 65,000 jobs? Trails are the backbone of all that. They're infrastructure, plain and simple.

Alabama Trails Foundation: Trailblazers!

We at the Alabama Trails Foundation believe trails are smart investments. They boost local economies, make the outdoors more accessible, and improve quality of life. We help communities plan trail projects, find funding, and build partnerships. It all starts with a simple question: What if we connected this place to the next?

Let's Keep the Ball Rolling!

The 2025–2026 Year of Alabama Trails is our chance to celebrate the value of trails. State and local leaders need to include trails in development plans and budgets. Businesses should recognize that a trail in another county could bring them new customers. We are here to answer questions, join planning sessions, and support communities.

Think Big!

Alabama's amazing biodiversity is practically begging to be explored. Our beaches, mountains, prairies, and rivers are assets that need to be enhanced and shared. When we invest in a trail, we're investing in local businesses, the health of our citizens, and the appeal of our state. Let's keep building a better Alabama, one trail at a time!

Three Months In: Exposing Waste & Championing Veterans!

It's been a whirlwind since President Trump retook the White House! Already, a staggering $155 BILLION in government waste, fraud, and abuse has been identified – stuff that's been festering for decades.

USAID: A Democrat Slush Fund?!

One of the most shocking revelations is the corruption within USAID under the previous administration. Thanks to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), we're seeing the outrageous projects our tax dollars were funding: from research in Wuhan, to transgender operas, to Sesame Street in Iraq! Millions are asking: why is the government wasting our money instead of taking care of our veterans?

The Veterans First Act: Turning Waste into Homes!

That's why I teamed up with Senator Mike Lee to introduce the Veterans First Act! This bill redirects wasted USAID funds to improve veterans' homes through the VA State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program. Many of our veterans are living in unacceptable conditions, and funding delays are leaving homes in disrepair.

A Real Solution for a Real Problem

This bill redirects $2 billion to fix and renovate State Veteran Homes. As the son of a veteran, this is deeply personal. This money will go a long way toward helping Alabama's over 400,000 veterans.

Continuing the Fight for Our Heroes

Fighting for Alabama's veterans has always been a priority. Since President Trump's return, I've led efforts to support veterans, including the ACCESS Act, the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, the HBOT Access Act, and the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act. This bill is the next crucial step.

A Bipartisan Call to Action!

I'm proud of this bill and hope it passes with bipartisan support. Taking care of those who bravely served isn't political. This bill ensures taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, not wasted on fringe programs. Our veterans risked everything for our freedom, and a safe, decent home is the least we can provide.

Tommy Tuberville United States Senator for Alabama

Alabama Senate Eyes Overhaul of Pardons and Paroles Board

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity readers! The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee just gave the green light to a bill that could seriously shake things up at the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Lawmakers are pushing for more transparency and better adherence to the rules, and this bill is their way of doing it.

What's the Deal?

Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) is leading the charge with SB324, which sailed through the committee on an 8-3 vote. The big changes? The board would balloon from three to five members, all needing Senate approval. Plus, the board itself would pick its chairperson, not the Governor!

Why the Fuss?

Chambliss, who heads up the Joint Prison Oversight Committee, says the board hasn't been playing ball. According to him, they've been slow to answer questions and haven't updated their parole guidelines like they're supposed to. He claims the board is years behind on these updates, which are meant to happen every three years.

"We need to be responded to directly, without delay," Chambliss told the committee, emphasizing the importance of board collaboration.

It's Not About the Numbers (Exactly)

While the parole grant rate is a hot topic, Chambliss insists his focus is on the board following its own rules. Turns out, they're only hitting about 20% compliance, compared to an 80% target.

New Timelines for Parole Reconsideration

SB324 also sets new deadlines for parole reconsideration after denials:

• Nonviolent Offenses (20 years or less): Reconsideration within 2 years.
• Life Sentences (Violent Class A Felonies): Reconsideration within 10 years.
• Medical Parole: Reconsideration within 180 days.
• Everything Else: Reconsideration within 5 years.

Not Everyone's On Board

While some lawmakers see this as a necessary step for accountability, others are worried. Senator April Weaver (R-Brierfield) voted against the bill, fearing it could lead to a more lenient board. Senator Lance Bell (R-Riverside) suggested broader reforms for multiple state agencies may be needed.

What's Next?

SB324 is now headed to the full Senate for consideration. With only a handful of legislative days left, things are about to get interesting!

Alabama Senate Showdown Looms

Looks like things are about to get real spicy in the Alabama Senate! State Senator Arthur Orr is predicting a legislative logjam, folks. He says Dems are ready to filibuster everything in the 2025 session. Translation? Tax cuts and other bills could be DOA due to time constraints. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth seems down with this strategy. Remember those six bills Republicans pushed through with cloture last time? Get ready for more of that, as the GOP supermajority clamps down on debate, which could kill broadly supported legislation.

Ukraine Tensions Flare Again

Forget the Easter "truce," fighting's back in Ukraine! And Trump is not happy about the lack of progress on a peace deal, warning the US might bail if things don't improve, saying he ain't being "played" by either side. The media is already blaming Putin, of course.

Strong Calls to Defund NPR

Rep. Dale Strong is on a mission! He wants to axe NPR's $600 million federal funding, claiming it's just a Democratic mouthpiece pushing biased narratives. This is part of a bigger GOP push to defund public broadcasting, arguing it's liberal overreach. NPR's defenders say it provides crucial journalism, especially for underserved communities, but Strong's not buying it. Expect an uphill battle in Congress, though.

Auburn Students' Visas Revoked

Fifteen international students at Auburn University just got their visas yanked by Homeland Security, part of a broader immigration crackdown. The university says they're offering legal and academic support. Mostly targeting students from India and China, the move lacks clear explanations, and its motives are questionable. If the Feds want to clear things up, they sure aren't trying hard.

Pope Francis Passes Away

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died on Easter Monday at 88. His progressive views on immigration, "climate change," LGBTIA@2L!S+, and the Israeli-Hamas conflict ruffled feathers within the Catholic Church's more conservative factions. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death, following a battle with pneumonia.

Border Brawl: Homan vs. Biden

Trump's former border czar, Tom Homan, is blasting Biden and Harris for releasing an alleged MS-13 gang member from ICE detention, saying it endangers communities and fuels crime. Meanwhile, the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador is causing a Dem backlash. Senator Chris Van Hollen dodged confirming Garcia's gang ties, arguing it distracts from alleged due process violations. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Alito dissented to a late-night decision regarding Trump's mass deportation plans, claiming the court's action was rushed and lacked transparency.

"No Kings" Protests Hit the Streets

Protests are popping up everywhere under the "No Kings" banner, with some saying "Hands Off" and other advocating for an "economic blackout," and Alabama joined in, targeting Trump and Musk for their influence over government. Protesters are decrying Trump's policies and Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency, fearing authoritarianism and the death of democracy. They want Trump gone, but it seems like they just dont like his policies.

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