Meaher State Park Gets a Major Upgrade!

Get ready, ChumCity! Meaher State Park just got a whole lot cooler thanks to some awesome new additions and improvements. Local bigwigs and state park peeps gathered on Friday to celebrate the grand reveal of these amazing upgrades!

What's New at Meaher?

Think expanded campgrounds, adorable tiny cabins, and a brand-new park office! Chris Blankenship, head honcho at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is stoked about providing top-notch experiences for park visitors. And these upgrades? They totally deliver!

Campground Dreams & Tiny Cabin Escapes

Imagine 45 spankin' new RV campsites with all the hookups (power, water, sewer – the works!). Plus, a sparkling clean bathhouse with family-friendly restrooms. But wait, there's more! Four brand-new tiny cabins with killer water views are ready for your getaway.

A New Welcome

Keep an eye out for the fresh entrance gate and fence as you cruise along Battleship Parkway (U.S. 90/98). And don't miss the new park headquarters, complete with staff offices and a cool interpretive center.

Gateway to Adventure

Meaher State Park is a popular spot, serving as the perfect launchpad for exploring the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and all that metro Mobile has to offer. With its close proximity to Gulf Coast beaches, I-10, and the Eastern Shore, it's a hit for day trips and a home away from home for RV adventurers.

More Than Just Camping

State Senator Chris Elliott is pumped about the upgrades, highlighting the park's diverse activities. From fishing and birdwatching to kayaking and simply chilling in nature, Meaher State Park has something for everyone.

Making it Happen

These awesome projects were made possible through the RESTORE Act and the sweet backing from the 2022 bond issue, plus a boost from the state's GOMESA grant program.

Moore's Senate Pitch: It's All About Trump!

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore from Enterprise, Alabama, is making his case for a Senate seat, and his main selling point? He's been a die-hard Trump supporter since way back in 2015.

Moore, who's been rocking it in Congress since 2020, officially threw his hat in the Senate ring last week. He's promising to keep pushing Trump's "America First" agenda if he gets elected.

Yaffee Program Appearance

Moore chatted about his campaign on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," making it crystal clear why he thinks he's the right choice.

"We need people who will have President Trump's back and are true conservatives," Moore declared. "Alabama is Trump country, and I was one of the very first elected officials to endorse him. I've been with him from the jump!"

Flashback to 2016

Moore reminisced about the moment he decided to jump on the Trump Train during the 2016 Presidential election.

"We were at Ladd-Peebles Stadium," Moore recalled. "Someone came knocking, asking if anyone would endorse Trump. There were tons of Republicans in the primary – he had a tiny chance of winning! But my wife and I prayed about it and decided to go for it. Turns out, only a handful of us were willing to endorse him that day. I ended up being the first!"

A Conservative Through and Through

Moore also touted his conservative bona fides, both in the Alabama legislature and in Congress.

"I was known as the most dependable conservative vote," he stated. "I don't change. I've moved Trump's agenda forward in Congress. I've stood by him through thick and thin because I believe he's the right person for this moment. Besides being a Trump guy, I'm a true conservative. I've got the highest Liberty score in the delegation. I just vote my convictions."

The Race is On

A recent poll shows Marshall leading the pack with 24%, with Moore at 8.8%.

Honoring Alabama's Heroes: My Commitment to Veterans

As a proud son of a WWII vet, I ran for the Senate to fight for the quality care our veterans deserve. They sacrificed so much for our freedom – it’s the least we can do!

An All-Volunteer Force

Unlike many countries, America's military is all-volunteer. Millions CHOOSE to defend our freedom. We MUST honor their bravery and ensure a smooth transition to civilian life. Representing them is an honor.

Alabama's 400,000 Veterans

Alabama is home to 400,000 incredible veterans. I've traveled the state, hearing their inspiring stories. They're passionate about patriotism, service, and helping those less fortunate. It's time we kept our promise!

Fighting for Solutions

Our veterans need real solutions to the challenges they face. I'm working tirelessly to deliver.

Legislation for Our Vets

It's hard to keep up with the Swamp, so here are some bills I've introduced:

• ACCESS Act & Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act: Streamlining Community Care within the VA.
• HBOT Access Act: Opening up treatment options for TBI and PTSD.
• Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act: Helping disabled vets recover financially.
• COLA Act: Ensuring disability compensation keeps pace with inflation.
• Veterans First Act of 2025: Addressing the backlog of repairs at State Veterans Homes by redirecting USAID funds.
• Veterans Homecare Choice Act: Giving vets greater flexibility in choosing homecare.

Passing these bills is a top priority before I leave Congress!

Addressing Mental Health

Recently, I held a hearing in Alabama to discuss how to better serve veterans struggling with mental health. We need real solutions, not band-aids. We discussed alternative therapies like HBOT and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Our Neighbors, Our Heroes

These patriots are all around us – in your neighborhood, church, workplace, or gym. They contribute so much to our state through small business, community service, and inspiring the next generation. We’re lucky they call Alabama home!

Tommy Tuberville U.S. Senator for Alabama and Member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs committee.

Birmingham Choir Hits the High Notes on America's Got Talent!

Forget the headlines, Birmingham's got a new reason to cheer! The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir just snagged a Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent, courtesy of Simon Cowell himself!

A Dream Ten Years in the Making

Choir director Akeem Lee, a Ramsey High School alum, shares the choir's humble beginnings: "It was first supposed to be a fun idea, a school supply concert to help the kids. But after the concert, everyone wanted to join, so we kept it going, and here we are!"

Rooted in History, Soaring to New Heights

This Birmingham-based group is more than just a choir; they're a testament to the city's resilience. Lee explains that Birmingham often feels overlooked despite its rich history. He grew up at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, a site of tragic events during the Civil Rights Movement. He says that 60 years later, the choir exists.

Golden Moment!

Their electrifying performance brought the house down! Cowell raved about their energy, harmony, and passion before hitting that Golden Buzzer, launching them straight to the live shows. "This is just the beginning," Cowell exclaimed, calling their audition a personal favorite.

Birmingham's Best!

The Fellowship Choir boasts talented members, including current and former Birmingham City Schools students. For them, singing before thousands was "a dream come true." One member even credits his former high school music instructor, Bobby Stringer, for preparing him for this incredible opportunity.

Celebrating a Decade of Harmony

The choir celebrated its 10th anniversary with a back-to-school benefit concert at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church. Free school supplies were given to K–12 students at the homecoming celebration!

Don't Miss Out!

Catch the Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir when the quarterfinals kick off on America’s Got Talent in September! Get ready to be amazed!

Tortugas Pizza: Alabama's Slice of Heaven!

Guess what, ChumCity? Tortugas Homemade Pizza just scored major points! Food Network crowned them as serving up the BEST pizza in all of Alabama! Yep, they made the "50 States of Pizza Slices" list, and we're totally drooling.

Chicago Roots, Alabama Love

What makes Tortugas so special? Their Chicago-style stuffed pizza, that's what! Carlos and Carol Vizcaino, straight outta the Windy City, brought their deep-dish dreams to Birmingham back in '99. Now, their son Matt's keeping the cheesy legacy alive, spreading the pizza love from Hoover to Southside.

Stuffed Dreams & Thin-Crust Things

Food Network raves about the stuffed pies, especially the carne special – think Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon ALL IN ONE GLORIOUS PIZZA. But hey, they've got thin-crust too, for those who like it lighter!

Accolades Galore!

This isn't Tortugas' first rodeo. They've been racking up awards left and right! From Birmingham Business Journal shout-outs to Hoover Sun love, they're practically pizza royalty. They even made the "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" list!

Dig In!

Beyond the legendary stuffed pizzas, Tortugas has a whole menu of Chicago-inspired goodies. Find your perfect slice in Hoover (2801 John Hawkins Parkway) or Birmingham's Southside (1304 2nd Avenue South).

Pizza Perfection!

Tortugas Homemade Pizza: It's not just pizza; it's an experience. And now, the whole country knows it! Go grab a slice and see what all the hype is about, ChumCity!