Taylor Hicks Rocks Lake Martin!

Get ready, ChumCity! Season 5 American Idol champ and Alabama’s own Taylor Hicks is bringing his “Roadhouse Ramble” back home for a FREE concert on Lake Martin August 31st!

Hometown Hero Returns

Hicks, a Lake Martin local at heart, kicks off the show at 6 p.m. at The Landing at Parker Creek. Expect a soulful, high-energy performance under the setting sun. He says playing here feels extra special, remembering summers spent on these very shores!

Years in the Making

Before his American Idol win, Hicks honed his craft playing venues up and down the Alabama coast. He jokes it's a "12-year overnight success story."

A Labor Day Weekend Treat

He's back with new music like “Portch Swing,” drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Seger and Van Morrison. Consider this his way of saying "thanks" to Alabama fans for all the years of support! Don't miss the chance to enjoy a free concert with a gorgeous lakeside sunset.

Bizarre Protest Targets Alabama Coal Company

Last Friday, a group of protestors popped up near the Birmingham headquarters of Drummond Company Inc., an Alabama coal producer. You might think this was another climate change freakout, right? Nope!

The Real Reason? Coal Shipments to Israel?!

According to Chris Izor, one of the protestors, they were there to whine about coal shipments to Israel. Seriously! They even held up signs shouting "Drummond Fuels Genocide" – painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag, no less.

Accusations of Genocide? Seriously?

So, these folks are upset that an Alabama company is selling coal to one of America's strongest allies and a bastion of Western ideals in the Middle East, a country currently fighting a brutal terrorist group that committed unspeakable atrocities.

Let's Talk Facts, Shall We?

Let's be clear: calling Israel's fight against Hamas a "genocide" is absurd. The Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has sent over 100 million meals to Gazans since May. Israel has facilitated the entry of roughly 96,000 trucks containing tons of food, medicine, water, and shelter.

If Israel were actually trying to commit genocide or create famine, they'd be epically failing.

Utter Garbage Spewed

Despite all evidence to the contrary, the protestor Chris Izor said “As members of the community, we feel some responsibility to make sure that companies based in our state aren’t endorsing, supporting, funding or fueling human rights abuses abroad."

He continues, “We have a responsibility, particularly in a place that is the heart of the civil rights movement, to call it out and to be part of the movement in opposition to that.”

The Civil Rights Movement? Really?

So, not only are they pushing the "genocide" nonsense, but they're also comparing this to the American civil rights movement. Give me a break!

Let's Talk About Human Rights!

You know who doesn't care about civil rights? Hamas. They butchered innocent civilians on October 7th and deny basic rights to the people of Gaza. Minority rights, free speech, religious freedom, and women's rights are nonexistent under Hamas. Being gay or Jewish? Forget about it.

Marxist Blindness Prevails

It's a shame these protestors are so blinded by their warped worldview that they can't see the truth. Here's hoping Alabama continues to support Israel's right to self-defense, which ultimately benefits everyone in the region, including innocent Gazan civilians.

Auburn Tigers Ready to Roar in Waco

The Auburn Tigers are hitting the road to Waco, Texas this week for a Friday night lights showdown against the Baylor Bears! Get ready, ChumCity, because the whole nation will be watching.

Underdog? Not This Time!

Despite some pre-season chatter, Auburn comes in as a slight favorite against a talented Baylor squad led by QB Sawyer Robertson. Can the Tigers silence the doubters and start strong?

Pressure's On, Plainsmen

After a couple of seasons that left fans wanting more, this season needs to be a step up for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn program. And it has to start with a Week 1 victory!

A Chance to Show the World

Let's be real, Auburn's SEC schedule is a beast. Beating Baylor offers a golden opportunity to prove the Tigers are a different breed this year – a force to be reckoned with. New QB Jackson Arnold is at the helm, making this arguably Freeze's most crucial game in recent years.

Win in Waco, Set the Tone!

A win in Waco could ignite a 3-0 start, with Ball State and South Alabama on the horizon. More importantly, it sets the stage for those tough road games against Oklahoma and Texas A&M before Georgia comes to town.

More Than Just One Game

A loss isn't the end of the world, but a win makes the playoff dreams a whole lot more attainable.

Winning Hearts and Minds

Most importantly for Coach Freeze, a victory would show the Auburn faithful that his vision is taking shape. No more early-season hot seat talk! A win gets the Auburn Family behind their coach, building the confidence needed for a successful season.

The Most Important Game... So Far

While it won't impact conference standings directly, this game could define Auburn's season under Freeze. This Friday night, the Tigers know what's at stake. Let's get that W!

DeKalb County Schools Score HUGE Grant for New Career Tech Center!

Get ready, DeKalb County! Superintendent Wayne Lyles just dropped some major news at the Board of Education meeting on August 21st: We're getting an $18 million grant from the state to build a brand-spankin' new Career Tech Center!

Sweet, Sweet Funding!

"I have been informed... that DeKalb County Schools Career Tech Center will be receiving $18 million!" Lyles exclaimed. Talk about exciting!

What's the Buzz?

This awesome new facility is gonna be massive – around 95,000 square feet! The estimated cost is $40 million, so this grant covers a huge chunk. The center will be located on a 42-acre site in the Rainsville Industrial Park, near RTI and the DeKalb County 911 Center. Big thanks to the Rainsville City Council and the Rainsville Industrial Board for helping secure the land!

More Space, More Opportunities!

Enrollment at the current facility has exploded, jumping from 401 students in 2021 to over 830 this year! This new center will house programs in everything from cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing to business multimedia marketing, plus a killer Fine Arts Academy with an 800-seat theater!

Regional Workforce Powerhouse!

Lyles pointed out that this grant will enhance educational opportunities for ALL students in DeKalb County, including Fort Payne City. Cheers to Fort Payne City Schools for partnering up to help the project become a regional workforce development center!

Investing in Our Future

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), who helped secure a whopping $100 million statewide for Career Tech grants, says this investment is crucial for Alabama's future workforce. He believes we need to give our kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills and trades.

Keeping Up with the Times

Ledbetter emphasized that the job market is changing faster than ever. We need to stay ahead of the curve and prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow!

A Long-Overdue Upgrade

Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) is pumped about the project too. He says our current facility is over 50 years old and needs a major upgrade to meet today's tech needs.

A Brighter Future for Alabama

This new Career Tech Center is a game-changer for DeKalb County and the entire state. It's all about preparing students for high-demand jobs and securing Alabama's long-term economic growth. Get ready for a brighter future, ChumCity!

Montgomery Resident Admits to Major Medicaid Theft!

Looks like someone in Montgomery decided public funds were their personal piggy bank! Natalie Colette Lewis, a former Alabama Medicaid Agency employee, has pleaded guilty to aggravated theft, and it's a sticky situation.

Over $100K Gone!

Attorney General Steve Marshall says Lewis, age 60, swiped over $100,000 in public money. Now, she could be looking at up to 30 years behind bars, a hefty $60,000 fine, and losing her state retirement. Ouch!

How Did This Happen?

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit stepped in after the Medicaid Agency discovered the theft. Turns out, Lewis wasn't exactly forthcoming about her past when she applied for the job. She fibbed about having prior felony convictions (three of them!) on her application. Although she received a pardon for those convictions in 2017, her actions at the Agency are now catching up with her.

Fake Rides, Real Money

Lewis worked as a Medical Care Benefits Specialist and allegedly filed 1,631 bogus claims for her son's transportation to medical appointments that never happened, racking up a total of $103,413.26.

Justice is Coming

Assistant Attorney General Nathan Mays is prosecuting the case. Sentencing is scheduled for October 2nd. We'll be keeping an eye on this one!