Lawrence County Set to Boom Thanks to $2.7 Million Grant!

Get ready, Lawrence County! Big things are happening thanks to a whopping $2.7 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The Lawrence County Industrial Development Board (LCID and local officials are gearing up to expand an industrial site, promising a bright future for this North Alabama gem!

SEEDS: Planting Seeds of Opportunity

The SEEDS program is all about helping local governments develop industrial property and snag land for business use. Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said this grant is a “significant investment” and a “vital tool” for rural communities. Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature are getting props for championing rural economic development!

Mallard Fox West Industrial Park Gets a Boost

LCIDB plans to use the funds to purchase 100 acres of rail-served land in the Mallard Fox West Industrial Park. Miranda Nappier of the LCIDB is stoked, saying it's a "huge opportunity" to attract high-quality industries.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

This awesome project involves a powerful team: the Department of Commerce, LCIDB, Norfolk Southern, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and Decatur-based Pugh Wright McAnnally. Craig Hudson from Norfolk Southern emphasizes the importance of rail-served sites for a competitive local economy.

TVA Joins the Party

TVA Product Development is also on board, assisting with site and environmental due diligence. John Bradley, TVA’s senior vice president, is all about the teamwork and shared commitment to growth.

SEEDS Program: A Rural Lifeline

Brenda Tuck from the Alabama Department of Commerce calls the SEEDS Act a "lifeline" for rural communities, helping them boost their economic competitiveness. It's all about creating new opportunities for businesses, job seekers, and the whole community!

SEEDS: Key to Alabama's Economic Game Plan

The SEEDS program is a major player in Gov. Ivey's economic development "Game Plan," addressing the need for quality industrial sites. The first round of SEEDS allocations totaled $30.1 million, matched with $38.4 million locally across 29 sites. A second round added $23.5 million for 29 more sites, with local matches exceeding $17 million. Lawrence County is ready to roll!

Hemp Hysteria in the Heart of Dixie?

Spotted those sketchy-looking "hemp" goodies at gas stations? Cartoon characters hawking who-knows-what? You're probably on board with regulating this whole "hemp product" thing. And guess what? So are a bunch of our state legislators!

Seven proposals are floating around to either ban or seriously regulate where these products can be sold. One bill, HB445, is practically knocking on the Governor's door.

The Catch?

HB445 lumps hemp-based beer alternatives in with those inhalable and chewable THC products. Uh oh.

This could slam the brakes on a product plenty of responsible adults enjoy as an alternative to alcohol: low-dose hemp beverages. If you're scratching your head, it's because these drinks aren't the problem our lawmakers are trying to solve. They're already chilling in grocery stores and restaurants across the state.

Grocery Store Guarantees?

HB 445 would force these drinks into places that only sell gummies and liquor, not grocery stores. Call me crazy, but I trust my local grocery store more to prevent underage sales than some other places that might pop up under HB445.

Alcohol's Shadow

We all know alcohol abuse is a major problem. The CDC says excessive alcohol use causes roughly 178,000 deaths yearly, and that number shot up 29% between 2017 and 2021. The lifespan of those folks was shortened by an average of 24 years. Almost everyone knows someone who's wrestled with alcohol abuse.

That's why many folks are exploring hemp-based alternatives for personal reasons or even health concerns.

Low Dose Doesn't Mean "High"

These drinks contain super low doses of cannabinoids. They're fundamentally different from those inhalable products or high-dose gummies. They aren't about getting "high." They're more like enjoying a beer without the risks. The hemp beverage market is booming, and demand is growing daily.

Picking Winners and Losers?

By lumping these drinks with smokable products and high-dose gummies, our lawmakers would make alcoholic beverages cheaper and easier to grab than hemp alternatives.

This is government interfering with a market with HUGE demand. Hemp-based beverages are a responsible alternative to alcohol. Why let a place sell beer but ban it from selling low-dose hemp beverages? It makes zero sense.

It's Simple: Regulate Like Beer

These drinks are like beer and should be treated that way. Let's have limits on THC content, strict 21-and-up age checks, and testing for safety.

I'm asking our state lawmakers to focus on the real problems – gummies, synthetics, smokable products, vapes, and high-dose drinks – and let Alabamians 21 and over continue enjoying these low-dose drinks responsibly.

(Bobby Huffman is a conservative, a resident of Hoover, and father.)

Remembering a Hero: Bennie Adkins

Five years ago this week, on April 17, 2020, Alabama lost a true legend. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins passed away at East Alabama Medical Center at the age of 86 after battling COVID-19.

A Shaul Valley Valor

Adkins, a Special Forces hero, demonstrated unparalleled courage during the Battle of A Shau in Vietnam in 1966. He single-handedly took down 175 Viet Cong soldiers while enduring a staggering 18 wounds from mortar fire, shrapnel, and machine guns! All while leading his men to safety.

From Cross to Medal of Honor

Initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, a Pentagon review in 2014 rightfully upgraded Adkins' recognition to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

More Than Just the Enemy

His autobiography, "A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley," hints at another threat. Besides fighting the North Vietnamese, Adkins and his men were stalked by a hungry tiger! Talk about an intense situation!

An Alabamian at Heart

Though born in Oklahoma, Adkins called Opelika, Alabama, home after his military service and considered himself an Alabamian through and through.

A Lasting Impression

We at ChumCity were incredibly fortunate to meet CSM Adkins and hear his firsthand account of the Battle of A Shau. It's an experience we'll never forget!

UA Students Ace the Masters!

ChumCity's got the inside scoop! Sixty-one lucky University of Alabama students scored an incredible opportunity working at the 2025 Masters Tournament, thanks to a cool partnership between the College of Human Environmental Sciences and Augusta National Golf Club.

Experiential Learning at Its Finest

This program, now in its second year, sends UA students to Augusta for about 10 days to dive headfirst into the world of professional golf. They’re not just watching; they're working! Think hospitality roles as servers and bartenders, merchandising pros, and operations gurus.

A Sophomore's Dream Gig

Molly Hamburger, a sophomore sport management and marketing whiz from Memphis, Tennessee, couldn't resist this chance. "When the Masters crew came to campus, I knew it was something special," she said. "Being part of 'the tradition unlike any other' and learning from the best at Augusta National was a total draw."

Lessons Learned on the Green

Molly rocked it as a specialty sales attendant at the Signature Shop in Berckmans Place. She credits her UA coursework for giving her the edge. "My business classes prepped me for professional communication," she shared. "Some days, it was 12 hours of chatting with patrons, but I knew how to keep it professional. And my operations management classes came in clutch with inventory, supply, and demand!"

More Than Just a Job

Even with long hours, Molly loved soaking up the Masters experience. "Just being there was unreal," she said. "Walking the grounds and taking it all in was amazing!" She added that the no-phone rule made connecting with people even better.

Hot Tip for Future Students

Molly's advice? Apply! This gig isn't just about career skills; it's about life lessons. "Augusta National nails the patron experience. Every detail is perfect. I'm taking so much away from this that I'll use throughout my time at UA and beyond."

Hospitality and Sport Management Spotlight

Most of the UA students involved are in hospitality management and sport management. These programs are all about real-world experience, setting grads up for success.

Longshore & McKnight: Hot Takes Fresh Off the Press!

Longshore and McKnight are back with another jam-packed episode! This time, they're tackling everything from the nail-biting NBA playoffs to the ever-shifting landscape of SEC football scheduling.

Remembering a Legend: Lee Corso

The guys reminisce about ESPN legend Lee Corso, who's hanging up his College GameDay headset this fall. They shared some hilarious (and maybe slightly tense!) stories, including a memorable interview and Corso's wild trips to Alabama. Will his final show be a Buckeye bash in Columbus or a Seminole celebration in Tallahassee? The debate is ON!

Auburn's Portal Surprise & The "Other" Transfers

The dynamic duo dissects Chad Baker-Mazzara's unexpected exit from Auburn via the transfer portal, hinting at possible off-court drama playing a role. They also poke fun at ESPN's ticker overflowing with less-than-blockbuster transfer news.

Step Up or Get Left Behind?

Finally, they drop some truth bombs about the changing face of college sports. Longshore and McKnight argue that schools like Mississippi State need to elevate their game instead of griping about progress. Are we entering an era where the rich get richer and everyone else gets left in the dust?

Tune in daily for more Longshore & McKnight on YouTube, Spotify, and Yellowhammer News!

Alabama Politics with Jackson & Musick!

Get ready for a wild ride through Alabama's political scene! Join radio talk show phenom Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick as they break down the state's biggest headlines.

Meet the Hosts

Mecca Musick is the brains behind 256 Today, keeping you in the loop on all things Huntsville and beyond.

Dale Jackson? He's everywhere! This Yellowhammer News thought leader rocks the airwaves on WVNN (5-9 a.m.), Talk 99.5 (10-11 a.m.), News Radio 1440 (10-11 a.m.) and Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP (3-4 p.m.). Don't miss his take!

Auburn's Freeze Era: Year Three and Feeling the Heat!

Coach Hugh Freeze is heading into his third season at Auburn, and let's just say the pressure's on to deliver some serious wins. But hold up, folks, there's a buzz in the air because this might just be Freeze's most talented roster yet!

The Quarterback Question Answered?

All eyes are on the quarterback position, and word on the Plains is that Oklahoma transfer and former five-star phenom Jackson Arnold is poised to take the reins.

Freeze on Arnold: Sky's the Limit!

Freeze recently dished with Paul Finebaum about Arnold and the quarterback battle with incoming freshman Deuce Knight. Let's just say he sounds downright giddy about Arnold's potential to electrify the Auburn offense.

Freeze's Glowing Review

"I'm really excited about Jackson," Freeze exclaimed, noting that Arnold soaked up virtually all the spring reps. "He has all the tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in my opinion…he just needed probably a restart for whatever reason and I'm excited about what I saw. He's got the arm strength, he's got the legs, got the football IQ. I think he just needs confidence and I think that confidence grew this spring along with his rapport with our receivers."

Cautious Optimism

Freeze did add a touch of realism, emphasizing that true confidence comes from game-day success. But overall, he seems genuinely impressed with his likely starter.

Is Arnold the Real Deal?

Some keen observers have pointed out that Freeze hasn't gushed about his previous Auburn quarterbacks like this. While Arnold is undoubtedly an upgrade from players like Payton Thorne and Hank Brown, his college career has been a bit bumpy so far. Can Freeze unlock that five-star potential? It could be the key to Auburn's season and maybe even Freeze's future on the Plains!

Tide QB Battle Heats Up!

The Crimson Tide's quarterback competition is blazing hot, even as spring camp fades into summer. All eyes are on Tuscaloosa as the search for the starting signal-caller intensifies!

Simpson in the Driver's Seat... For Now

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb let slip this week that Ty Simpson would get the nod if there was a game right now. But don't think this thing is over. Simpson still has to prove he's the real deal.

Contenders Emerge

Simpson faces stiff competition from transfer Austin Mack (DeBoer's guy from Washington) AND incoming five-star phenom, Keelon Russell.

Russell: Future or Present?

Everyone knows Russell is the future, but could he be the present, too?

DeBoer Weighs In

DeBoer recently spoke about the battle: "It’s a healthy competition because their character is elite." Sounds like a locker room full of stand-up guys!

Healthy Competition Key

DeBoer noted that it's fun seeing these guys grow, especially with their elite character. Simpson's got the experience edge, but the others are pushing him hard.

Reading Between the Lines

DeBoer's openness about Simpson's lead is telling. If the race were tighter, they'd likely keep things hush-hush.

Simpson's Got a Shot

Unless Russell blows everyone away this summer, Simpson will get every opportunity to lock down that starting role. Get ready for an exciting fall, ChumCity!

Whoa! This Brazilian Beauty Broke the Measurement Mold!

Seriously, folks, prepare to have your jaws drop! We've stumbled upon a 27-year-old bombshell from Brazil who's rocking some seriously unbelievable measurements. We're talking next-level curves that defy expectations. Get ready to feast your eyes on a figure so stunning, you'll be asking yourself, "Is this even real?!" Prepare for some serious body envy!

Windy City Wild Ride: TikTok, Tequila, and a 40-Mile Chase!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! This story is WILD. A Chicago woman took police on a 40-mile joyride, and the aftermath is even crazier.

The Chase Is On!

Picture this: sirens blaring, tires screeching, and a determined driver weaving through Illinois. This wasn't your average commute; this was a full-blown police chase!

Aftermath Antics

But wait, the plot thickens! After finally being apprehended, bodycam footage reveals some…unexpected behavior from the officers. Reports suggest they were not only flirting with the suspect, but allegedly floated the idea of dropping charges…for TikTok fame!

For Clout?!

Yep, you read that right. The promise of internet glory might have played a role in their post-arrest actions. Was it the tequila talking? Or just the allure of going viral? We'll leave that for you to decide! Get ready for some cringey moments and a whole lot of questions!