Local Hero Alert! Senator Tubs Honors Auburn's Own Veteran of the Month!

Senator Tommy Tuberville has tapped Auburn's very own, U.S. Navy Captain Doug "Puck" Esposito, as his office's Veteran of the Month for May! This hometown hero, a former pilot with 30 years under his belt, dedicates his life to helping fellow veterans get the academic support they need, and even everyday necessities.

Tubs Says Puck's the Real Deal!

Tuberville (R-Auburn) is beyond impressed, calling Esposito a true example of dedication.

"Here in Alabama, we're super proud to honor and support our military heroes," the Senator said. "But it takes folks who are 100% committed, day in and day out. And nobody embodies that spirit more than Captain Puck Esposito!"

A Career of Service and Sacrifice!

Tuberville highlighted Esposito's incredible Navy career, "Following in his WWII and Korean War veteran dad's footsteps, Puck joined the Navy back in '86. Thirty years of active duty as a Navy Aviator – from Grey helicopters to an exchange gig with the Canadian Air Force, to eight years at sea – he's done it all!" The Senator added, "Nine long deployments, serving in every theater imaginable!"

More Than Just a Resource Center!

According to Tuberville, Esposito goes above and beyond for our veterans.

"His work at the Vets Resource Center is crucial for Auburn student-veterans. Sure, they offer academic resources, but Puck takes it deeper. He and his team tackle tough issues like veteran suicide, food insecurity, and even homelessness!"

Making a Difference, One Vet at a Time!

Esposito now helps over 2,000 student veterans succeed.

"Under Puck's leadership, the Auburn Vets Resource Center has exploded, going from supporting 600 students to over 2,100!" Tuberville exclaimed. "They put on awesome events like Project Iron Ruck and help Auburn honor our veterans at all the big games."

"We're stoked to have Puck as one of our own and are so grateful for everything he does for our veterans!"

Groceries Getting Cheaper in Alabama!

Governor Kay Ivey just made life a little easier for Alabamians! She signed HB386 into law on Friday, taking another bite out of that pesky grocery tax!

Relief on the Way

The Governor made the announcement while on her Rebuild Alabama Road Tour in Limestone County, promising reporters she'd sign the bill ASAP back in Montgomery. And guess what? She kept her word!

Ivey's Take

"When we can reduce taxes in Alabama and provide some relief to the hardworking people of this state, I am all for it," Governor Ivey declared. "I was pleased to sign House Bill 386 to take another notch off our state grocery tax.”

A Continuing Trend

HB386 is the latest step in a plan to gradually eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. It's all about giving folks a little extra breathing room, especially with those rising prices we've all been seeing! It's a bipartisan win for Alabama families!

Big News at Maxwell AFB: Enlisted Education Gets a Prime Spot!

Guess what, ChumCity? The U.S. Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) headquarters is movin' on up! They've officially relocated from Maxwell's Gunter Annex to Chennault Circle, right in the heart of the base's educational action.

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is now chillin' in Building 1400 on the main Maxwell campus. It's all about centralizing the learning!

Ribbon-Cutting Fun

They celebrated with a ribbon-cutting shindig on Friday, May 9th. Big wigs like Col. Damian Schlussel (Barnes Center Commander), Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi, and Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright (Curtis E. LeMay Center Commander) were all there.

What They're Saying

Col. Schlussel shared some thoughts on Facebook, saying the move "symbolizes the importance of enlisted education and the promotion of Airmindedness across the entirety of our force." He emphasized the crucial role enlisted airmen play, and how PME should reflect that teamwork.

Barnes Center Deets

The Barnes Center, named after Air Force legend Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Barnes, is in charge of some major enlisted development programs:

• Airman Leadership School
• Noncommissioned Officer Academy
• Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
• Chief Leadership Course
• Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course
• Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute
• Foundations courses

Chennault Circle History

Chennault Circle (previously Academic Circle), built back in the '50s, honors Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault, the leader of the legendary WWII Flying Tigers. It's the main educational hub for Air University, housing cool schools like the Air War College and the Air Force Warrant Officer Training School.

Maxwell AFB is west of downtown Montgomery, with Gunter Annex off Congressman Dickinson Drive, near the Eastern Boulevard bypass.

ChumCity Headlines!

Alright Chumblers, get your fill of what's going down!

College Football Chaos?

Heard about the potential 16-team College Football Playoff? Sources say the SEC wants 4 guaranteed spots! Even without that, SEC and Big Ten are gonna feast. Score!

Mother's Day Mayhem?!

Seriously?! Some folks actually protested motherhood on Mother's Day. What in the world is going on?

Musk's Budget Blitz

Elon's axe is swinging! His Department of Government Efficiency just slashed $7.8 million in DEI and STEM grants from Alabama universities. Ouch!

Sewell Sounds Off

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) says Trump firing the Librarian of Congress is a "whitewash." Is this why the Dems are gonna get smoked in '26?

Space Command Boom

Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) says Space Command HQ in Alabama means 4,700 new jobs. Plus, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's overseeing a new rocket being built. To the moon, Alice!

Ainsworth's Out (For Now?)

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth says he's "pretty much" not running for U.S. Senate in 2026. So, who will step up?

Market Mania

Stock market's partying hard after Trump's drug pricing order and the tentative U.S.-China trade deal. Correction's over, baby! Big Pharma's smiling all the way to the bank.

Your daily dose of Alabama news from ChumCity!

OWA Gets a Glow-Up: Nighttime Kayaking Has Arrived!

Downtown OWA just got a whole lot brighter (literally!) with the grand opening of Aura Adventures. Get ready to experience the lake like never before with their awesome glow-in-the-dark kayaking!

Paddle into the Night!

Aura Adventures officially launched last weekend, and folks are already raving about the nighttime kayaking on OWA's lake. Imagine gliding across the water in a kayak that lights up the night! Besides the super cool kayaks, they also have pedal boats and paddleboards, with even more watery fun coming soon.

Making Waves at OWA!

"We’re stoked to bring this new vibe to OWA's waterfront," says Andrew White, owner of Aura Adventures. "Whether you want a chill paddle or a vibrant night on the lake, we're here to help you get active and have a blast outdoors."

OWA: More Than Just a Theme Park!

Aura Adventures is just one more reason to love OWA Parks & Resort! This massive 520-acre destination, owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians, boasts Tropic Falls theme park, the region’s biggest indoor water park, the Big Water Bay wave pool, the Coastal Curl wave simulator, and a bustling Downtown area packed with restaurants, shops, and events all year round. Get ready for some serious fun!

Brewton's Ken Lett Jr.: Never Letting Up!

Remember Ken Lett Jr., the T.R. Miller High School football player? Back in September 2024, he suffered a serious neck injury. Seven months later, his recovery journey continues, fueled by incredible community support!

Community Rallying Around

After Ken's injury during a game, he needed surgery. Coach Brent Hubbert shared that Ken's spirits were high, thanks to everyone's prayers. He's facing each day with a "winning mindset," as Hubbert put it.

"Come Ride with Ken" Parade

That determination is catching! Recently, Beatrice came together in a powerful way. Cathedral of Faith Christian Center organized a parade called "Come Ride with Ken"—a fundraiser and a huge boost of encouragement for Ken.

Riding for Recovery

WSFA 12 reported the parade was quite a sight! Golf carts, four-wheelers, even horses paraded through town, many sporting "Never Lett Up" shirts, Ken's personal motto. Supporters cheered and donated to help with Ken's transportation costs to Mobile for physical therapy.

Family Overwhelmed by Support

Ken and his family led the parade, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. His mom, Tonya Lett, says the constant support gives them strength as they navigate his recovery.

Faith and Perseverance

Ken still has a road ahead, but he's committed to getting better, crediting his faith and perseverance for the progress he's made.

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