Northport Set to Ride the Wave with $350 Million Resort!

Hold on to your beach towels, folks! Northport is about to get a major splash of fun with a proposed $350 million mixed-use resort. Imagine turning 77 acres near the Tuscaloosa National Airport into the ultimate destination for chilling and thrilling!

University Beach Resort: More Than Just Sandcastles

This isn't your average getaway. The University Beach Resort plans include a massive 10-acre lagoon, a wild water park, a spot-on event center, cool neighborhoods, and eats and shops galore. Right off Highway 82 and near the Northport Sports Complex, it's aiming to be a live-work-play paradise.

Zoning Gets a Makeover

They're creating a "University Beach Special District" – a whole new zone designed for a lively, walkable community. Think two sections: one for homes and one for pure entertainment!

Homes with a Beachy Vibe

The Residential zone will feature a mix of houses and apartments, up to 470 total, with at least 50 single-family homes. Picture front porches, hidden garages, and community-maintained lawns – all about strolls and socializing.

Entertainment Central

The Entertainment District? That's where the magic happens with shops, restaurants, and that killer lagoon/water park. Buildings can reach up to seven stories, and apartments will be designed to be adaptable to ground-floor businesses. Plus, there's plenty of parking (1,500 spots!)

Connecting the Fun

Trails, boardwalks, and plazas will link everything together, encouraging everyone to enjoy the lagoon. Expect both public beaches (day fee) and private beaches (residents/hotel guests only). High-quality landscaping and unique architecture are also in the works!

Northport's Big Picture

This project gels perfectly with Northport's master plan, boosting the economy, using land wisely, and showcasing the city's natural beauty.

City Council Says "Yes!" (With Rules)

The Northport City Council approved the rezoning, but with some conditions. Sidewalks are a must, apartments are capped at 275 units, and certain business types (motels, tattoo parlors, etc.) are banned to keep things family-friendly.

Smooth Sailing Ahead?

City staff think existing infrastructure can handle the development in phases without messing with nearby neighborhoods.

Headlines from the Yellowhammer State!

Here's a quick rundown of what's been shaking in Alabama and beyond.

Tuberville's Tough Stance

Senator Tommy Tuberville is pushing a bill that could bring the death penalty to illegal immigrants convicted of murdering U.S. citizens. Strong words from the Auburn senator!

ICE Incident in Jersey

Things got heated in New Jersey as Democrat lawmakers tried to access an ICE facility. Multiple arrests were made, and assault charges are pending – with video seemingly contradicting their claims. Yikes!

Vaping Regulations on Deck

A bill aiming to regulate vaping is sitting on Governor Ivey's desk. But with intense lobbying going on, will she sign it? Stay tuned!

Spann's Gulf Drama

Our beloved meteorologist, James Spann, is steering clear of the "Gulf of America" name debate. He's keeping it simple and calling it "the Gulf." Smart move, James!

Overtime Tax Cut Controversy

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter is defending the expiration of a 5% overtime tax cut, citing a big hit to the education budget. Tough decisions!

Global Peace Watch

Rumor has it, Russia and Ukraine leaders might meet face-to-face this week for a total ceasefire! Plus, India and Pakistan have called a ceasefire. Could all this be laying the groundwork for a Nobel Peace Prize for President Trump? Only time will tell!

Trump's Busy Weekend

President Trump had a jam-packed weekend! It looks like a tentative trade deal with China is in the works, he signed an executive order aiming to cut drug prices, and… he got a free plane?! Whoa!

Tune In: Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News, breaks it all down weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

ChumCity Scoop: The Power & Influence Top 50!

Yellowhammer News just dropped their 2025 Power & Influence Top 50 – it's the real deal on who's calling the shots in Montgomery! This is lucky number 13 for the list, and with the huge 2026 elections looming, these folks are playing for keeps. They're setting up their teams and clients for major wins.

This list? It's based on insider chats and all the hot news in politics and policy. It's a shout-out to the top dogs in government and politics who use their clout to get things done.

#40: Greg Jones - The Bill Killer?

Greg Jones of The Jones Group, folks! Saying he can kill any bill might undersell his bipartisan skills, but let's be real – he knows how to make legislation disappear. Connections and knowing how to use them are his superpower. Want a bill to pass? Jones is practically essential. He's the textbook contract lobbyist, with a huge client list trusting him to protect their interests. Plus, he's always the best-dressed lobbyist in the building.

#39: Chase Wright - Mr. Spire Energy

Chase Wright bleeds Spire Energy! After 17 years, he's the go-to guy for their government strategy. He doesn't just follow the pieces, he knows where they'll land. In a sector where every vote matters, that's golden. Lawmakers trust him, and he's known for remembering what matters to everyone.

#38: Jess Skaggs - Lt. Governor's Right Hand

Jess Skaggs, the Lt. Governor's Chief of Staff, isn't about paperwork. He's about speed – getting the Lt. Governor's ideas into action, ASAP! He knows the Alabama Senate inside and out and is a driving force behind one of the state's most effective politicians. He's young, charismatic, effective and always serving Alabama.

#37: Tim Howe - Senate Powerhouse

When Greg Reed left, everyone wondered about Tim Howe. Turns out, he stuck around as Chief of Staff to Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, leading the most effective and conservative Senate operation. Class, kindness, and precision are his trademarks. With strong conservative cred, he knows how to get things done. He's already planning for next session, so it's no surprise he's a regular on this list.

#36: Jared White - Auburn's Connector

Jared White, Auburn University's VP of Government Relations, links Auburn's mission to the policymakers in Montgomery, DC, and beyond. Discipline, drive, and vision define him. A former All-SEC swimmer, his competitive edge is still strong. He's a fighter, a tactician, and a relentless worker.

#35: Twinkle Cavanaugh - Alabama Icon

Twinkle Cavanaugh, everyone knows her name. She's a retail politician who knows everyone. A voice in Alabama's conservative movement, she's one of the most popular figures in the Republican Party. As President of the PSC, she's been fighting against radical energy policies. 2026 is on the horizon, and she's a favorite in any race.

#34: Scott Stadthagen - Building the Future

Scott Stadthagen, the House Majority Leader, is a master of building political power. He's a sure thing in his district, and other lawmakers watch how he operates. The Senate likes him too! He knows the difference between power and popularity and makes friends along the way.

#33: Philip Bryan - Montgomery's Maverick

Philip Bryan remains a top influencer, from his days running the Senate to his current role as a go-to lobbyist. His rise from the 2010 Republican takeover to lobbying legend is a great story. A disruptor, he turns government into his own chaotic art. He leans into the mayhem.

#32: Dave Stewart - The Playbook Writer

Dave Stewart has been a power player for ages. He wrote the book on turning a law firm's government affairs practice into a force. Under his leadership, Bradley's lobbying arm is trusted by everyone from Fortune 500 companies to industries that have made Alabama home. He oversaw record economic development as Governor Riley's chief of staff. In a business that rewards results, Stewart delivers.

#31: Josh Blades - Calm in the Storm

While other lobbyists are in chaos during the legislative session, Josh Blades stays cool. He's a student of the process and brings experience from the highest levels of government. He's also savvy with media and campaigns. His focused, enterprising mentality shows that hustle matters – with integrity, foresight, and execution.

Baldwin County Schools: District of the Year!

Big news, ChumCity! Baldwin County Public Schools just snagged the prestigious District of the Year award from Discovery Education! This honor celebrates schools that are seriously rocking student achievement by sparking curiosity and connecting learning to the real world.

Innovation in Education

Our very own Baldwin County school system stood out for its innovative and forward-thinking approach, committed to making sure its 31,000+ students are ready for anything the future throws their way. They're nationally recognized for leading the way in digital learning, giving students from kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade the 21st-century tools they need to crush it in college and their careers.

Real-World Learning

Baldwin County is taking education beyond the classroom with the Baldwin Preparatory Academy. This awesome program mixes academic learning with real, hands-on job experience. Students can even snag industry credentials and college credits through dual enrollment with Coastal Alabama Community College. Many students are graduating with associate degrees or are well on their way, and it's all free! Seniors even get to do apprenticeships and internships, showing off their skills to industry partners before they graduate.

Closing the Gap

It's not just about the high-flyers! The district has a plan to close achievement gaps, using detailed evaluations to see where schools need help. Title I funds are used to support schools, providing extra teachers, aides, materials, and strategies to help students meet state standards.

#BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong

Professional development is a big deal too! Teachers get ongoing training based on student progress data, so they can give students the support they need to master the material. All of this amazing work reflects their motto: #BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong. By working together, innovating, and striving for excellence, Baldwin County Public Schools is ensuring students are ready for a super successful future!

Honoring Alabama's Finest: National Police Week

Hey ChumCity citizens! This week, Alabama joins the nation in observing National Police Week, a time to show some serious love and respect for the brave men and women who keep our communities safe. Think of it as a giant "thank you" to the folks who put their lives on the line every day.

What's National Police Week All About?

National Police Week is all about honoring local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, especially those who've made the ultimate sacrifice. It started way back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Every president since has kept the tradition going.

Events Across Alabama

This year, National Police Week runs from May 12th to May 15th. Keep an eye out for local tributes, like the luncheons organized by the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation (ALEAF) at Jacksonville State University. They're hooking up active and retired officers, plus dispatchers, with lunch, awards, and even door prizes!

ALEAF's Dedication

ALEAF has been a rockstar supporter of Alabama law enforcement for over a decade, showing appreciation through practical help and recognizing outstanding service.

A Word From the Attorney General

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall emphasized the importance of showing gratitude. He spoke about the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, acknowledging their willingness to risk their lives to keep us safe. "For that, we say thank you," Marshall stated.

Beyond the Week: Everyday Heroes

National Police Week is cool, but let's not forget that these officers are heroes all year round. Whether they're patrolling our streets or helping out in the community, they're vital to keeping Alabama awesome. So, give 'em a wave and show your support!

Pike Road Teacher Appreciation Bouquet Bar Busted?!

A local Pike Road business owner's super sweet Teacher Appreciation Week plan hit a snag this week, and it's all thanks to, you guessed it, politics!

Flowers & Frustration

Jessica Missildine Spurlin, who runs an interior design biz, wanted to give back to teachers in a big way. Her idea? A "flower bouquet bar" for educators at all six public and private schools in the Pike Road area. Think fresh flowers, happy teachers... what could go wrong?

Uh Oh, Someone Called the Lawyers

Turns out, someone thought those bouquets looked a little too politically motivated. According to Jessica, an attorney representing the public schools called her husband, suggesting the flowers could be seen as campaigning. The result? Public schools were a no-go for flower deliveries.

"Not Every Gesture Has a Political Agenda"

Jessica's not buying it. She says the gift was way below any legal value limit, and she just wanted to show appreciation. No political speeches, no campaign buttons – just flowers!

Plan B: Backyard Blooms

Undeterred, Jessica invited teachers to her home after school to pick up their bouquets. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade (or roses into… well, more roses!)

Mayoral Mention

Here's the plot twist: Jessica's husband, Mark Spurlin, is running for Pike Road Mayor in 2025, challenging incumbent Gordon Stone. Could this be why the flowers were flagged? Stay tuned, ChumCity, because election season in Pike Road is already getting interesting! The election is Aug. 26, 2025.

Senator Britt Gets Real About Work-Life Balance

Alabama Senator Katie Britt, one of only two Republican moms with school-aged kids in the Senate, recently opened up about the tricky balancing act of juggling a demanding political career in D.C. with family life back in Montgomery.

Family First

During a Fox News interview, Britt chatted with Lara Trump about her work as a lawmaker, but emphasized that being a good mom and wife tops her priority list.

The Struggle is Real

"I've been really honest about it. I struggled a great deal," Britt admitted. "Being a wife and a mom is the most important thing to me. Being away from my children, missing milestones in their lives, it’s hard." She acknowledged the sacrifices, saying, "We're literally all just doing the best we can."

Championing Moms: The MOMS Act

Britt also took the opportunity to promote her "More Opportunities for Mothers to Succeed (MOMS) Act." This legislation aims to boost support for women during the challenging phases of motherhood, from prenatal care to early childhood development.

Comprehensive Support for Moms

According to Britt, the MOMS Act takes a "comprehensive look at both prenatal and postpartum and also early childhood development." She highlighted that pregnancy.gov will become a centralized resource for all pregnancy-related information. The Act also includes grant programs to expand telehealth access. "We want women, no matter their ZIP code, to be supported in this journey," Britt emphasized.

Mother's Day Wish

When asked about her Mother's Day wishes, Britt shared a simple desire: "I just want to hang out with my children and my husband and just appreciate that time." She cherishes those moments of connection, especially given her time away in Washington.

Widespread Support

Britt's MOMS Act has garnered widespread approval. Organizations like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, and March for Life Action have already endorsed the legislation.

Overtime Tax Cut Fails: What Happened?

Despite a rare moment of bipartisan agreement and even President Trump's support, the overtime tax cut extension bit the dust. Seriously?

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Want to dive deeper into why this happened? Check out Dale Jackson! He's the brains behind some insightful commentary over at Yellowhammer News. You can also catch him weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN, where he tackles the issues that matter. Tune in!

Uh Oh! Alabama State Systems Hit by Cyber Event!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The state's Office of Information Technology (OIT) is dealing with a cybersecurity event affecting some of our state systems.

What Happened?

Governor Ivey's office released a statement saying immediate action was taken to contain the situation. They're partnering with a top-notch cybersecurity firm to investigate, secure everything, and get services back up and running ASAP.

Working Around the Clock

The problem was detected Friday evening, and teams are pulling all-nighters to figure out what's going on and minimize the damage. They're investigating the source of the event and reminding all state employees to watch out for dodgy emails.

Usernames Compromised, But...

They are figuring out who's behind this. The good news? While some state employee usernames and passwords were compromised, it's believed that no Alabamians' personal info was snatched. Phew!

Expect Some Bumps

Expect some temporary hiccups like website accessibility issues and problems with email and phone communication. But don't worry, the teams are working hard to get everything back to normal and keep essential services running.

Transparency is Key

The OIT wants everyone to know they're committed to being open about what's happening while they work to resolve this.

Courtesy of 256 Today.

Longshore & McKnight Back in the Studio - And Talking Trojans!

John and Barry are back in the ChumCity studio after broadcasting remotely, and they didn’t waste any time diving into Troy baseball’s epic season!

Undefeated Streak!

Troy's the only team in the nation that hasn't dropped a series this year? That's crazy talk! The guys previewed the big Southern Miss matchup and the upcoming Sun Belt tournament at Riverwalk Stadium. Big stakes, y'all!

A Tribute to Sabu

The show also took a moment to remember wrestling icon Sabu, with a special shoutout to ChumCity listener Dennis Mitchell for breaking the news.

High School Hijinks & Betting Lines

It wasn't all serious though! Expect the usual mix of humor and heart, from reminiscing about high school suspensions to debating the Braves’ early woes and getting down and dirty with some UFL betting lines.

Money Line Magic!

Josh Harris, our very own "Money Line Magician," swung by to drop some knowledge on NBA playoff betting and why he thinks postseason hoops is pure gold. "You get postseason basketball and March Madness… I think it’s better than playoff football in the NFL.” High praise indeed!