Katie Britt: Alabama's Rising Star?

After six decades watching Alabama politics, I've seen a lot of leaders come and go. But Senator Katie Britt? She's something special – one of the most talented we've had, and one of the youngest.

Popularity on the Rise

A recent poll showed Britt is the most popular elected official in Alabama, even more so than Governor Ivey or Senator Tuberville. That's saying something!

A Rare Combination

It's rare to find someone who can both bring home the bacon and stand strong for their values. Britt is doing just that. She's securing funding for Alabama while fiercely defending Christian and conservative principles. Think Senator Shelby meets Senator Sessions.

Legislative Wins

Britt spearheaded the Laken Riley Act, a major win on immigration and border security – something Congress hasn't done in 30 years! She stood with President Trump as he signed it into law. Talk about making a splash early in your career!

Helping Families

She's also been a champion for tax cuts for working families, strengthening childcare provisions that haven't been updated in decades. This means real savings for parents and a boost for Alabama businesses.

Saving UAB?

And here's a story you might have missed: Britt may have single-handedly saved the University of Alabama at Birmingham! Her advocacy for medical research has garnered support from all sides, potentially securing UAB's future as a major economic driver.

A Leader Among Leaders

Her colleagues recognize her talent too. She's a Deputy Majority Whip, helping pass Trump's agenda, and Vice Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, raising funds and influence to benefit Alabamians.

Committee Powerhouse

She landed spots on the Appropriations, Banking, and Rules Committees in her first year – unheard of! She added Judiciary in year two, showcasing her immense power.

Presidential Envoy

President Trump chose her to lead the first official presidential delegation of his term, representing the US at the inauguration of Uruguay's new president.

Senator Katie Britt's future is bright. She's positioned to benefit Alabama for years to come.

Tony Diliberto: Connecting Families with Nature's Wonders

ChumCity salutes Tony Diliberto, an Alabaman spreading his passion for the great outdoors! What started as a casual outing has blossomed into a "ministry" of sorts, where he uses our awesome state parks to introduce families to the beauty and joy of nature, far from the everyday hustle.

From Scout to Shepherd of the Outdoors

Growing up in Gulf Shores, scouting and outdoor adventures were always a part of Tony's life. His dad, also Tony, instilled in him a love for camping, exploring, and all things wild.

"I'd rather sleep in a hammock under the stars than anywhere else," Tony says. Whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and paddle boarding are just a few of his favorite activities. If you're looking for a camping buddy, Tony's your guy!

How It Began: A Camping Rescue Mission

Back in 2021, a friend's brother-in-law confessed to Tony his fear of "messing up" his son's first camping trip. Tony jumped at the chance to lead the adventure, and that's how it all began.

The first trip, with three dads and three sons, was at Oak Mountain State Park. Despite rain and storms, the kids had an absolute blast. They ran around in the woods, got dirty, and didn't complain about the mosquitoes. They were just being kids!

Guntersville: A Welcoming Haven

When Oak Mountain's campground closed for renovations, Guntersville State Park stepped up to the plate. They welcomed Tony's growing group with open arms. Now, Tony carefully plans each "Dads and Kids Weekend," accommodating food allergies and arranging fun activities like paddling and exploring local natural wonders.

More Than Just Camping: Building Memories

Tony creates a memory book for each trip, filled with photos from the dads. "As a guy who doesn't have children, I've become Uncle Tony to these kids," he says.

The kids and fathers have learned a lot over the years. They now come with better tents, and some have even upgraded their vehicles for outdoor adventures. Even comedian Roy Wood, Jr., joined one of the trips with his son!

Back to Basics: Fire Starting and Teamwork

Tony teaches the basics of camping, including fire-building, and emphasizes responsibility.

"They all like to light the match, but they hate having to get the wood," he jokes. Hobo dinners, cooked in foil, are a highlight, with everyone pitching in to prepare the meal.

Unplug and Unwind

Sometimes, the planned activities get scrapped because everyone is simply exhausted and ready to sleep. The goal is to get the fathers out of their comfort zones and expose them to nature, creating memories. "With all the activities these kids have these days, they don't have time just to be kids. When they go camping, they love it," Diliberto says.

Airbus Celebrates a Decade of Flight in Mobile!

Get ready to pop the champagne, ChumCity! Airbus is toasting 10 years of making commercial aircraft right here in sweet home Alabama! Their U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile is hitting a major milestone, and we're cheering them on!

From Humble Beginnings to Aerospace Powerhouse

Back in 2015, Airbus set up shop with a team of just 300 folks. Fast forward to today, and they're a serious player in the nation's aerospace scene, employing over 2,000 people! They're cranking out A320 and A220 Family aircraft for customers all over the U.S. and Latin America.

Daryl Taylor, Airbus' Senior VP of Commercial Aircraft Operations, is bursting with pride. He says what started as a dream has blossomed into something "truly special," creating jobs, careers, and boosting the local economy in a big way.

Expansion and Delivery Domination!

Over the last decade, Airbus has expanded its Mobile footprint and delivered hundreds of planes, starting with JetBlue's A321 "BluesMobile" back in 2016. They recently celebrated delivering their 100th Alabama-made A220!

Alabama's Got Wings!

Governor Kay Ivey and other state officials are singing Airbus' praises. Ivey says Airbus' success in Mobile proves what can happen when a world-class company teams up with a world-class workforce.

The People Behind the Planes

Employees are reflecting on the journey. Stephanie Burt, the plant’s Head of HR, recalls a much smaller operation and marvels at the growth. A320 Quality Inspector Bryan Nixon says it's been his mission to show the world what Alabama can do.

Looking to the Future

The future is bright! Airbus is gearing up to open its second A320 final assembly line in October, boosting production and solidifying Mobile's place in the aviation world. Bob Smith from the Alabama Department of Commerce says Airbus hasn't just delivered planes, they've helped build an industry! Here's to many more years of flight in Mobile!

Sooner Smash: Auburn's Arnold Returns to a Norman Nightmare

The Oklahoma Sooners welcomed the Auburn Tigers to Norman on Saturday, and the storyline was all about Auburn QB Jackson Arnold's return to his old stomping grounds. Unfortunately for Arnold, it wasn't exactly a hero's welcome.

Sack City: Oklahoma's Defense Dominates

Arnold spent more time on the ground than upright, getting sacked a whopping 10 times! This set a new Oklahoma program record. The Tigers fell 24-17 in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the Sooners slammed the door shut.

Trickery and Touchdowns

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Oklahoma pulled off a sneaky play, appearing to have an illegal man on the field before snapping the ball to a wide-open Isaiah Sategna III for the game's first touchdown. Auburn answered before halftime with a beautiful goal-line fade from Arnold to Cam Coleman, tying the score.

Trading Blows, Then Sooner Surge

A field goal stalemate in the third quarter was broken by a second Sooner field goal early in the fourth. Auburn needed a spark, and they got it! Arnold led an epic 14-play, 75-yard drive, converting a crucial 4th and 11 and finishing with a Malcolm Simmons touchdown to take their first lead.

Mateer Magic Seals the Deal

But Oklahoma wasn't done. They responded immediately with a 75-yard touchdown drive, punctuated by a game-winning rush from John Mateer. A missed two-point conversion gave Auburn a sliver of hope, but a final sack on Arnold, resulting in a safety, sealed the deal for Oklahoma.

Arnold's Day, Mateer's Moment

Arnold finished with 220 yards and a touchdown, but the constant pressure clearly affected his performance. Coleman had a solid 88 yards and a score. John Mateer, however, cemented himself as a Heisman hopeful with 271 yards, a passing touchdown, and the winning rushing touchdown.

What's Next?

Auburn faces a tough road ahead, heading to Texas A&M next week. Oklahoma gears up for Kent State before a showdown with Texas in two weeks. Could the Sooners be playoff bound? Saturday's performance certainly made a statement.

Sardis Mourns Loss of Branson Peppers

The ChumCity community is heartbroken over the loss of 15-year-old Branson Peppers, a Sardis High School sophomore. Branson, a receiver and safety for the Sardis Lions, passed away in a tragic ATV accident on Saturday, September 13th.

A Life Lived in Faith

Branson's mother, Nicole Blanchard, shared that her son "did everything through God," emphasizing his strong faith, which he embraced from a young age. His dedication was evident even on the field, where his uniform proudly displayed "Jesus Saves."

Community Support

Following the tragedy, the Sardis community gathered at the high school stadium for a vigil, offering roses and prayers in a moving tribute. Nicole recalled the powerful scene as classmates and neighbors released balloons into the night sky.

A Shining Light

Speaking with local news, Nicole mentioned Branson's deepening commitment to his faith. His father, Jason Peppers, described his son as an uplifting and consistent presence. Coach B.J. Brooks stressed the importance of carrying on Branson's faith-based message.

Inspiring Others

Friend Kaidence Wilson remembered Branson's constant encouragement for spiritual growth, emphasizing his dedication to his faith. Jason shared that a prayer meeting at Boaz High School saw a huge surge in attendance following Branson's passing, with many young people making faith commitments.

Remembering Branson

The Sardis community has rallied to support the Peppers family. Neighbors and friends fondly remember Branson as "forever number eight," a cherished teammate, son, and friend whose positive energy impacted everyone around him. While junior varsity games were canceled, the varsity team is planning to play Friday night, honoring Branson's memory.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the grief, Jason finds solace in knowing the impact his son had on others. Branson Peppers' life was tragically short, but his unwavering faith and message of "Jesus Saves" continue to inspire in ChumCity and beyond.

Birmingham's Bayonet Makes Waves!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Alabama's culinary scene is sizzling again. The New York Times just dropped its Restaurant List 2025, spotlighting the "50 Best Places in America Right Now," and guess what? Birmingham's very own Bayonet snagged a spot!

What's the Buzz?

This isn't just any list. The Times goes undercover, paying for meals and experiencing restaurants firsthand to find spots with amazing food, artistic flair, and genuine hospitality. For Bayonet, this recognition so soon after opening screams "Birmingham's a foodie force!"

Meet Bayonet

Opened in March 2025 by Chef Rob McDaniel (a James Beard semifinalist) and his wife, Emily, Bayonet is the cool seafood sibling to their popular Southern grill, Helen. While Helen rocks the meat and smoke, Bayonet dives deep into sustainably sourced seafood, inventive dishes, and local flavors.

Menu Highlights

Think Alabama oysters from Dauphin Island sharing space with East Coast classics at the raw bar. Chef McDaniel's creativity shines in dishes like Gulf shrimp banh mi with a caramel kick, cobia schnitzel, and Ora King salmon collar with a fruity salsa twist. Seasonal veggies like lady peas and sweet peppers join the party, alongside reliable favorites like hand-cut fries with lemon aioli.

Drinks & Dessert

Bayonet isn't just about the food. Get ready for a martini service featuring Gravy Whale Gin and an oyster chaser, or tableside coffee with pour-overs from Nonfiction Coffee. Pastry chef Candace Foster wraps it all up with sweet treats like glazed peach hand pies and watermelon semifreddo with granita and olive oil.

Find 'Em!

Bayonet is located at 2015 2nd Avenue North, right next to Helen. They're open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get ready to taste what's got the New York Times raving! It's clear that Alabama talent is turning heads nationwide!

Fall Fun is Just Around the Corner at McGee Farm!

Get ready, ChumCity! McGee Farm is gearing up for its 30th year of fall festivities, and you're invited!

Pumpkin Patch Perfection!

From September 27th to October 31st, dive headfirst into pumpkin-picking paradise. McGee Farm in Florence is THE place to be for all things autumn. Think endless rows of pumpkins, crisp air, and good times.

Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin

Whether you prefer picking straight from the vine or grabbing one from the pre-picked pile, they've got you covered! With over 25 varieties in all shapes and sizes, you're guaranteed to find your perfect carving or cooking pumpkin.

Farm Fun for Everyone!

Hop on a tractor-pulled wagon for a ride to the patch, or take a scenic stroll. Enjoy farm life with hay piles, a barnyard bounce, and friendly goats and chickens. It's an experience the whole family will love!

Autumn Décor & Colorful Mums!

Spice up your home with fall decorations available for purchase! Plus, McGee Farm is the biggest local grower of gorgeous mums. Choose from thousands of pots in every color imaginable.

The Kitchen at McGee Farm: Delicious Delights!

Don't leave without grabbing a bite at The Kitchen at McGee Farm. Serving up home-cooked country favorites like white beans and cornbread, soups, muffins, and more, your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy your meal on the porch or under the oak tree!

All the Details You Need!

Shopping and Kitchen visits are FREE! Pumpkin patch entry and farm activities are $3.25/person (ages 2+). Add a wagon ride for $3 or a jumping pillow armband for $3.25. Pumpkin prices start at $4, with larger pumpkins at 45 cents/pound.

Enterprise Teen Snaps Up Top Prize in Black Belt Photo Contest!

Guess what, ChumCity folks? A super talented 14-year-old from Enterprise just snagged the top spot in the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association's (ALBBAA) 2025 Road Trip Photo Contest!

Lucas Garrard, a freshman at Enterprise High School, heard about the contest and decided to give it a shot. Good call, Lucas!

The Winning Shot

So, what's the winning photo? Lucas captured a perfect moment at his sister's softball tournament in Montgomery's Lagoon Park. He saw her teammates heading to the field and snap – instant award-winner!

Victory is Sweet

Lucas's photo racked up the most online votes, scoring him first place and a sweet $100 gift card. "I'm honored that I won," he said. Way to go!

Other Snappy Winners

• Second place went to Shelby Favre York of Selma, for a picture of her son at Prairie Creek Campground. She scored a $50 gift card.
• Third place was awarded to Barbara Sims, who captured her grandson blowing bubbles in Conecuh County. She won an ALBBAA gift basket!

Black Belt Adventures Spotlight

Pam Swanner, director of ALBBAA, says the contest is all about showcasing the amazing experiences you can have in the Black Belt region. It's a winner for the region as well!

"It’s especially gratifying to know that a young photographer won the contest while showcasing a family outing to see his sister’s softball team," Swanner said. "That’s definitely a family memory worth savoring.”

New Contest Alert!

And speaking of contests, ALBBAA has just launched its annual Best Fish Photo Contest! Time to grab your rods and reels and go fishing in the Black Belt!

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