Here’s what you said were the hidden gems in Walker County
By Andrew Gelderman and Richard Banks
There are things we notice about where we live that others might miss. That might be a hidden gem or other surprise. We set out to discover a few of them in Walker County at our recent News and Brews community pop-up at Tallulah Brewing Company in Jasper.
Jasper’s downtown received praise with their frequent live music events, impressive art scene, and recent economic growth.
Many present were quick to say they never run out of things to do.
“My husband and I, we play pickleball about four times a week,” said Janice Posey.
Homewood resident Joe Rada described his perfect day in the city.
“There’s a little bakery right behind a brewery, and, if I time it right, I can get the last orange version of a cinnamon roll before they run out,” he said, “then walk it over to Tallulah Brewing Company and have my pastry with the beer.”
Others said the kindness of the community is the hidden gem.
“I’ve not met one person at my school or in my community that is not kind to me or supportive to me for my birthday drives,” said Walker County elementary student Ruby.
On her birthday every year, Ruby raises money on behalf of a different cause. Something she said people in her town always come together for. They’ve raised money for the local public library and a few local nonprofits.
Denmark summons U.S. envoy over claims of interference in Greenland
Denmark's foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country for talks after the main national broadcaster reported that at least three people with connections to President Donald Trump have been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland.
Politicians keep using songs on social media. What if an artist doesn’t like it?
Having a song go viral is usually good news for an artist. But as politicians become more social media savvy and jump in on viral trends, how can musicians respond if they don't like the way a party or administration uses their song?
What will the end of the ‘de minimis’ rule mean for U.S. consumers?
On Friday, the U.S. is ending its de minimis rule that made it easy for cheap goods to reach consumers. The change will affect roughly 4 million such packages processed each day.
Speaker Johnson slashed Medicaid. His constituents could lose health services
In Mike Johnson's district, not only could thousands of Louisianians lose coverage, health centers are bracing for a financial hit. They're hoping for additional funding to make up for Medicaid cuts.
Pascagoula still shows Hurricane Katrina’s heavy toll in Mississippi 20 years later
While much of the city was rebuilt over the past 20 years, it has never fully recovered. The cost of rebuilding has been prohibitive for many former residents.
‘AI slop’ videos may be annoying, but they’re racking up views — and ad money
Critics say that "slop" videos made with generative AI are often repetitive or useless. But they get millions of views — and platforms are grappling with what to do about them.