Cullman Regional CEO Joins Rural Roadmap Initiative!

James Clements, the big cheese at Cullman Regional Medical Center, is joining the Alabama Rural Roadmap Initiative! Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) hand-picked him for the gig.

What's This All About?

The Rural Roadmap Initiative, launched by Gudger during the 2025 legislative session, is all about boosting Alabama's rural communities. Think strategies for growth and awesome development!

Clements' Take

“Healthcare in rural areas is a MUST for a good life and strong economy,” said Clements. “Thanks to Sen. Gudger for the invite. I can't wait to see the positive changes across the state!”

What's Next?

Over the next year, the team will size up community needs, get resources aligned, and craft solid recommendations for lawmakers in 2026. They'll be focusing on things like infrastructure, businesses, job training, healthcare in the sticks, and generally making rural life even better.

Why Clements?

Clements brings a wealth of healthcare experience to the table, especially knowing the ins and outs of small, independent hospitals in rural settings. Plus, he's on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, part of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He's totally ready for this!

Brush Creek Park Gets a HUGE Upgrade!

Lauderdale County's Brush Creek Park is about to get a serious glow-up, thanks to a grant of over $369,000! Get ready for some sweet improvements to the RV campground and other cool features across the 89-acre park.

Funding the Fun

The Lauderdale County Commission is getting this cash through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Governor Kay Ivey herself announced the awesome news for this park, nestled along the Tennessee River near Waterloo.

What's in Store?

"These improvements are going to make Brush Creek Park even better for campers and visitors," Ivey said. Looks like someone is listening to the need for parks!

The money will juice up the 18 RV pads with electrical hookups, plus some other electrical upgrades are coming. And get this, new playground equipment is on the way too! Brush Creek already boasts restrooms, showers, a boat launch, and a disc golf course, so get ready for MORE fun!

Local Love

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is handling the grant, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell is stoked. "A great park brings in tourists and makes the community proud," he said, giving props to local leaders for their commitment to improving the area.

Lauderdale County is matching the grant with another $369,425. Score!

Trucking Crackdown: Feds to States - "Speak Up or Pay Up!"

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity folks! U.S. Department of Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy is putting the pedal to the metal, threatening to yank millions in highway safety dollars from several states unless they get serious about enforcing English-language rules for commercial truck drivers.

Duffy's Demand: English Proficiency Now!

Sec. Duffy, along with the Alabama Trucking Association, believes this is a long-overdue step. The message is clear: If you're behind the wheel of a big rig, you need to understand the language of the road!

Alabama Trucking Association Weighs In

Mark Colson, President and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, is cheering on this move, calling it "another important action...to ensure the safety and fairness of America’s trucking industry." He says Alabama has been working hard on this issue and will continue to push for the highest safety standards.

Tragedy Sparks Action

This tough stance comes after a devastating Florida Turnpike crash involving a driver who allegedly made an illegal U-turn, resulting in three deaths. Duffy argues the driver shouldn't have been on the road, and that lax English-proficiency enforcement is putting families at risk.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Despite conducting thousands of roadside inspections since the rules took effect, California, Washington, and New Mexico have barely sidelined any drivers for failing English requirements. Sec. Duffy is giving them 30 days to shape up or lose big bucks in federal funding!

More to Be Done

Colson's group has been saying all along that these English rules aren't new; they're just finally being enforced. He says stricter measures are needed to combat fraudulent CDL training and the manipulation of trucking numbers. "Addressing and correcting these issues will not only create a safer environment on our roads and highways, but also increase our national security."

Auburn Football is BACK!

Get ready, ChumCity! It's finally game week, and our Auburn Tigers are hitting the gridiron Friday night against the Baylor Bears! Forget those typical Saturday vibes - this one's under the Friday night lights!

A Fresh Start on the Plains

With a new season comes that sweet, sweet taste of hope. Can we rewrite the last few years? Coach Hugh Freeze has been hard at work rebuilding the team from the ground up, and whispers say he's finally got the squad he needs to brawl.

First Test: Baylor

Baylor, coached by the brilliant Dave Aranda, is the first hurdle. Freeze sounded pumped during his preview press conference about this unique Friday opener.

"We're excited! Our kids are excited, and our fans are!" he exclaimed. He added that while there's still work to do, this week "is where you really get tested." He knows Baylor will be ready and stresses minimizing mistakes against such a talented team.

Friday Night Prep

Freeze also discussed how the Friday game shifted their preparation, treating the last two weeks like a Friday schedule.

Quarterback Corner: Jackson Arnold

All eyes are on quarterback Jackson Arnold, as Auburn looks to revitalize their passing game. Freeze says Arnold is "progressing every practice," praising his decision-making during the mock game. He wants Arnold to trust his reads in the pocket, but also recognizes his athleticism to create plays when things break down.

Freeze is confident in his receivers and the offensive plan, but acknowledges the need to protect Arnold against Baylor's blitz packages. "Jackson, I’m pleased with his progression," Freeze concluded.

Game Time!

Tune in Friday night at 70 p.m. CST on FOX to catch the action! War Eagle!

Big Bucks for Bama: International Paper's Selma Upgrade!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! International Paper is dropping a cool $250 million on its Riverdale Mill in Selma, Alabama!

What's the Deal?

They're transforming their #16 paper machine into a containerboard-making machine – that's the tough stuff that keeps your online shopping safe and sound in corrugated boxes. Think Amazon deliveries, folks!

Sustainable Swag

This upgrade is part of a bigger plan to focus on eco-friendly packaging. Looks like International Paper is going green!

Timeline

Get ready for some serious construction! They're aiming to wrap up the Riverdale makeover by the third quarter of 2026.

Not All Sunshine...

While Selma's celebrating, it's not all good news. International Paper is closing some Georgia facilities, including mills in Savannah and Riceboro. A Savannah packaging plant and Riceboro timber operations are also on the chopping block.

Job Losses

Sadly, these closures, set for completion by September 2025, mean about 1,100 jobs are impacted. They'll also cut International Paper's containerboard capacity by around a million tons annually.

About International Paper

Based in Memphis, International Paper is a global giant with over 65,000 employees and locations in 30+ countries.