Alabama Lt. Governor Takes on the AHSAA!

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is calling on Alabamians to share their experiences and opinions on the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). He wants to hear your critiques, assessments, and recommendations for much-needed changes to the organization.

Why Now?

This move comes after the AHSAA's controversial decision to deny eligibility to students using CHOOSE Act funds. Ainsworth believes this action highlights a larger issue: a lack of accountability within the AHSAA.

What's the Goal?

Ainsworth is collecting public input to develop a plan for reforming how high school athletics are governed in Alabama. You can send your thoughts to ltgov@ltgov.alabama.gov.

AHSAA Under Fire

Ainsworth didn't mince words, stating the AHSAA is "BREAKING THE LAW" by denying CHOOSE Act students eligibility. He's even considering legislation to strip the AHSAA of its power!

History of Controversy

This CHOOSE Act ruling is just the latest in a string of issues for the AHSAA. Remember the Oakwood Adventist Academy basketball game debacle? Or the Maori Davenport eligibility case? These incidents point to a pattern of questionable decisions made with little oversight.

What's Next?

With Governor Ivey and House Speaker Ledbetter already filing suit against the AHSAA, and a judge issuing a stay on the eligibility denials, it's clear the pressure is on. Now Ainsworth is adding his voice and urging the public to get involved. Is this the beginning of real change for high school athletics in Alabama? Stay tuned, ChumCity will keep you updated!

McCollum Bows Out of Auditor Race, Backs Chen!

Big news, ChumCity folks! Robert McCollum, the Dadeville man behind RLM Land Management and the first to jump into the race for Alabama State Auditor, has decided to change course.

New Direction for McCollum

McCollum has withdrawn his candidacy, throwing his support to Vestavia Hills attorney and fellow auditor hopeful, Derek Chen.

County Commission Calling!

Why the switch-up? McCollum is setting his sights on an open seat on the Tallapoosa County Commission. The current seat holder, Democrat Emma Jean Thweatt, isn't running for re-election, and McCollum sees an opportunity to flip the newly re-districted seat to Republican control. Think "Mama called," as McCollum himself put it, channeling his inner Coach Bryant!

Endorsement for Chen

"I'm proud to throw my support behind him," McCollum stated regarding Chen.

Chen's Early Lead

Chen has already gained significant momentum in the State Auditor race, racking up early fundraising wins and key endorsements.

McCollum's Past Campaigns

This isn't McCollum's first rodeo; he previously ran twice for the Alabama Public Service Commission.

From Down Under to the Wiregrass: An Aussie's Alabama Adventure!

Talk about a plot twist! Amanda Shenton's journey from the Australian Outback to Alabama's Wiregrass is one for the books. Born and raised in Melbourne, she landed stateside in 2013, hopped in a tiny camper, and embarked on an unguided tour of her new country. Guess where she ended up? Stuck (in the best way!) right here in the Wiregrass.

An Unlikely Tale in Headland

What happened next in Headland, Alabama, is a story that seems almost… accidental. It wasn't planned; it just evolved. And now, everyone wants to claim her – Dothan, Headland, Enterprise, the whole Wiregrass!

TikTok Sensation: GdayfromtheUSA

Amanda took to TikTok under the handle "gdayfromtheusa," a clear nod to her Aussie roots and newfound American home. She started posting videos of herself hilariously pronouncing American words (especially those good ol' Alabama sayings!) in her thick Australian accent. Her page went viral almost overnight, attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers.

More Than Just Accents: Exploring Alabama's Charm

From Aussie pronunciation lessons, Amanda expanded her content to showcase Alabama's hidden gems, particularly local cafes and eateries. Her food reviews are a hit, and it is no wonder the "gdayfromtheusa" TikTok account boasts a whopping 75.7k followers and 1.6 million likes! Talk about an audience!

An Accidental Ambassador

Move over, Mark Twain! We've got Amanda Shenton, our very own "Australian Woman Camping in Alabama’s Wiregrass." She's a TikTok sensation who still lives in her camper!

Keeping it Local

Despite her newfound fame, Amanda remains grounded, enjoying meeting new people and highlighting others who deserve recognition. She's a champion of local businesses, believing in the power of supporting the community. "I really enjoy small businesses more… It’s not always about the food for me, it’s about interacting with people."

A Wiregrass Welcome

Looking back, Amanda's grateful for taking that leap of faith and thanks the people of the Wiregrass for welcoming her with open arms, giving her a new forever home.

Meet Betsy Holloway: A Woman of Impact

Betsy Holloway's career is a testament to leadership fueled by vision, service, and a passion for empowering others.

Leading at Samford University

As Vice President for Advancement and Marketing at Samford University, she spearheads the university's philanthropic, branding, and marketing efforts. Her responsibilities span fundraising, corporate partnerships, and much more.

A Catalyst for Growth

Holloway's leadership has been instrumental in Samford's impressive growth in enrollment, fundraising, and national recognition. Her guiding principle? "If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re never going to get there.”

A Global Perspective

Her journey includes international experience in Japan and roles at Scandipharm Inc., where she led international business development. These experiences shaped her ability to navigate diverse cultures and complex organizations.

From Professor to Leader

In 2002, she returned to Birmingham and joined Samford as a Marketing Professor. Her research has garnered international acclaim, and she's shared her expertise globally, including at Kiev Business School.

Championing Alabama

Despite her global pursuits, Holloway's heart remains in Alabama. She's dedicated to strengthening her home state through professional excellence and community engagement, serving in leadership roles at organizations like the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Family and Mentorship

Family is her foundation, with daughters Brooke and Bebe as her greatest source of pride. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, envisioning a "personal board of directors" of inspiring figures.

Leadership Through Service

Holloway believes leadership is a platform for service. Her work has touched countless lives, from students to community members, making a lasting impact on the local economy and quality of life.

Hallmarks of an Effective Leader

Vision, humility, and hard work are hallmarks of her leadership style. She fosters a culture of excellence, empowering others to reach their full potential.

A True Woman of Impact

Betsy Holloway embodies transformative leadership. Her dedication to Samford and her community exemplifies her commitment to creating opportunities and leaving a lasting legacy. A true Yellowhammer News Woman of Impact!

Meet Margot Shaw: Flower Power & Soul Food

Margot Shaw has blossomed her love for flowers, design, and lifestyle into a vibrant platform that inspires and uplifts. As the driving force behind Flower Magazine, she's cultivated a publication celebrating floral artistry, stunning spaces, and captivating stories. Reaching over a quarter-million readers nationwide, Margot encourages us to slow down, savor beauty, and share it generously.

"Smell the Roses" – Seriously!

"My magazine is all about promoting beauty, time, education, and inspiration," says Margot. "We all need to stop and ‘smell the roses’ (or whatever your bliss is!) regularly. It's food for the soul!"

From Birmingham to Blooming Brilliant

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Margot's passion for aesthetics ignited early. She honed her skills in Art History and Interior Design, drawn to beautiful objects and spaces. After helping plan her daughter's wedding, Margot apprenticed with a floral designer and discovered a passion for flowering, which led her to launch Flower Magazine.

Flower Magazine: From Seed to Stunning

Feeling a void in the publication world, Margot birthed Flower Magazine. Recognizing Birmingham's unique potential, she assembled a team to bring her vision to life. The magazine quickly blossomed, showcasing homes, gardens, parties, and the tastemakers shaping these worlds. It's a celebration of design and a reminder to savor life's small joys.

Triumph Over Adversity

Margot's greatest personal accomplishment? "Being 39 years sober from opiate addiction. I'm amazed, humbled, and grateful for my recovery and being present in my life." This resilience fuels her leadership, empathy, and intention.

A Personal "Board of Directors"

Margot surrounds herself with inspiring mentors like Mary Zahl, Karen Carroll, and Charlotte Moss. She envisions a personal board of directors, learning from the successes and failures of those around her.

Leading with Heart & Humility

"Knowing you don't know everything is key," Margot believes. She prioritizes people first, creating a strong organization rooted in integrity, fairness, and passion.

Spreading the Floral Love

Beyond the magazine, Margot shares her expertise through speaking engagements, book signings, and her book, Living Floral. She also advocates for her community, contributing to organizations like the Center for Depression and Suicide and supporting environmental conservation.

A Philosophy of Beauty & Purpose

Margot's work reminds us that beauty, design, and nature can uplift and transform. "I want people to notice beauty and create moments that enrich their lives," she says. She's a woman who proves that passion, humility, and vision can transform both a career and a community.

Auburn vs. Oklahoma: Keep it Clean, War Eagle!

Longshore and McKnight had a good chuckle breaking down Phillip Marshall's preview of Auburn's trip to Oklahoma. His take? It's all about turnovers and mistakes! While John and Barry razzed him a bit for the simplicity, they couldn't argue – fundamentals win games. Their keys to victory? Dominate the line, contain Oklahoma QB John Mateer, and protect the pigskin. Seems simple enough, right?

A Weekend of Snoozers?

Outside of Texas Tech–Utah and Illinois–Indiana, the guys pointed out a rather uninspiring national college football schedule. Looks like everyone's giving way to the NFL this weekend!

Transfer Portal Tweaks

Jason Caldwell from Auburn Undercover hopped on to chat about the NCAA finally wising up with a single 10-day transfer portal window. About time, right?

Tide Talk

Rodney Orr from Tider Insider swung by to talk about what Bama's up to during their off week. Even without a game, it's all about recruiting and building that roster!

Messi Mania!

They wrapped up with some global soccer talk, giving Lionel Messi props for boosting Major League Soccer's profile, even in the twilight of his career. The GOAT still has it!

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