A Nation at a Crossroads

We're living through some wild times, folks! AI is exploding, and the Pentagon's showing us stuff that makes you question everything. Meanwhile, it feels like our culture is upside down, excusing the bad stuff and attacking what's right. Violence, confusion, and hard times are leaving folks searching for something solid.

Real Leadership Needed

This ain't the time for politician promises. We need leaders with grit, courage, and values. We need warriors!

That's why Jared Hudson's Alabama Senate run is catching fire. He's offering something rare: toughness, service, and faith put into action.

Forged in Fire

Becoming a Navy SEAL? It's brutal. They push you to your breaking point, physically and mentally. It's designed to weed out all but the toughest.

Hudson went through it all, proving he's not just strong, but has the mental power and commitment to put mission first.

Serving Beyond the Battlefield

But his service didn't end there. He founded Covenant Rescue Group to fight human trafficking. Kids and vulnerable people are being exploited, and Hudson's on the front lines fighting that darkness.

This isn't political posturing, it's real sacrifice. It's leadership in action.

David vs. Goliath

For many Alabamians, Hudson's campaign is like David and Goliath. The insiders counted him out, but people saw something else: a man called to serve, not climb the ladder.

Hudson gets the struggles of everyday people. He knows about rising costs, family pressure, and the hopes we have for the future. He's focused on making life more affordable, strengthening families, upholding faith, and governing with principles.

More Than Just a Seat

This election is about more than a Senate seat. It's about the kind of leaders America needs. Leaders guided by faith, courage, and values, not money or deals.

Alabama values independence, strength, and common sense. They can spot the real deal.

At this critical time, voters aren't looking for another politician playing the game. They want a tested warrior who will stand firm when it counts.

For many, Jared Hudson is that warrior. And right now, America needs that more than ever.

A Note on Laura Johnston Clark

Laura Johnston Clark is a wife, mother, and businesswoman with roots in the Wiregrass, now residing in Birmingham with her husband, retired Air Force Colonel David Etheredge. She is a member of the Alabama Republican Party.

Cruise Ship Scare!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Health officials are investigating after passengers on a cruise ship arrived in America only to test positive for hantavirus. This rare, potentially deadly illness is carried by rodents, and officials are scrambling to figure out how the outbreak happened. Yikes!

Alabama House Speaker Fights Back

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is fuming! He's slamming a political mailer that suggests GOP lawmakers supported taxpayer-funded college for illegal immigrants. Ledbetter calls it misleading and inflammatory. However, a bill that candidates supported would have allowed some illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer’s assistance for tuition.

Rep. Bedsole Blasts Dem Behavior

State Rep. Russell Bedsole is calling out House Democrats for clashing with police during redistricting protests. Bedsole insists that respect for the rule of law is non-negotiable and applies to everyone. There could be consequences for lawmakers who broke the rules and tangled with officers!

Trump's Tough Talk on Iran

President Trump isn't pulling any punches! He rejected Iran’s latest response to a U.S. peace proposal as unacceptable, warning of MORE strikes if talks fail. Even though the U.S. paused some operations in the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on blockade evaders continue, and experts insist any deal MUST block Iran's path to nuclear weapons. Trump seems to agree, making a deal look unlikely!

Special Election Bill Passes Despite Outcry

Despite public outcry and accusations of (wait for it...) white supremacy, the Alabama special election bill has become law. This could seriously change the timing and structure of future congressional primaries. What does this mean for the future of elections in Alabama?

Redistricting Fight Continues

Alabama's redistricting drama isn't over! A federal three-judge panel denied the state's request for a stay, leaving congressional maps in legal limbo. The battle is heading to the Supreme Court. Stay tuned, ChumCity, this is gonna be a wild ride!

"Dishonest Critics" Slam GOP Redistricting

Alabama Republicans are facing a barrage of criticism over redistricting! Folks like law school professor Joyce Vance, Roy Johnson, and Kyle Whitmire are accusing the GOP of racism, voter suppression, and "Jim Crow 2.0," and clamoring for federal intervention. They claim the GOP is attacking voting rights and democracy. The GOP insists they are just correcting past racially gerrymandered maps and following the lead of blue states!

Who's Talking?

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

Alabama Family Finds Opportunity Through CHOOSE Act

Get ready for a feel-good story! Governor Kay Ivey recently shined a spotlight on the Bells, an Alabama family thriving thanks to the state's CHOOSE Act, which offers education savings accounts (ESAs).

Meet the Bells

Cameron and Tara Bell are raising four awesome kids: Mary Whit (11), Shep (1, Kyng (8), and little Majori "Maj" (6). Currently, Maj is the only one benefiting directly from the CHOOSE Act, attending The Oaks Classical Cottage School in Montgomery.

More Bells to Join!

But hold on, there's more good news! Mary Whit, Shep, and Kyng will be joining Maj at The Oaks next year, all thanks to CHOOSE Act funding starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Governor's Take

Governor Ivey is thrilled, saying, "Cameron and Tara Bell are a prime example of parents having access to educational options that align with their goals academically, socially, and in the values they are instilling in their children. As I have often said, parents know what is best for their children, and the CHOOSE Act is making that kind of choice more accessible for Alabama families like the Bells."

Family Values

The Bells value a Christ-centered education that challenges and guides their children. Cameron is a pastor, and Tara is a nurse. Talk about a power couple!

Real-World Impact

Tara encourages other parents to apply: “Why not apply? It is such a blessing and opens your world to possibilities in your children’s education...This opportunity broadens your choices to choose what is best for your family.”

A Tailored Education

The Bells are always on the go, enjoying outdoor activities and family adventures. They've found that an educational environment tailored to each child's needs has made a real difference, especially for Maj and Kyng, who were adopted.

Individual Strengths

Each of the Bell kids is unique. Mary Whit loves reading and science, Shep and Kyng are baseball fanatics, and Maj is a gymnastics superstar!

A Blessing for the Family

Tara says the CHOOSE Act has been a game-changer: "It has given us the ability to choose the Christ-centered education we want for our children."

What the CHOOSE Act Covers

The CHOOSE Act can help families with instructional materials, supplies, curriculum, textbooks, educational software, computers, and even tutoring fees!

The Oaks is On Board

Claire Kennedy, Head of School at The Oaks, is excited to partner with the Bells and other families benefiting from the CHOOSE Act.

Expanding Opportunities

The Bell family is just one of many being supported by the CHOOSE Act. The Governor is committed to highlighting real Alabama families who are seeing positive changes through this program.

How It Works

The CHOOSE Act offers refundable income tax credits to help eligible K-12 students pay for tuition, fees, and other approved educational expenses.

Application Info

The application period for 2026-27 has closed, and families will receive award notifications soon. Income requirements apply for new applicants, but the program expands to all families in 2027-28! Priority is given to students with special needs, current participants, and dependents of active-duty service members.

Alabama's Closed Primary Push Still Divisive

Even within the Republican Party, the idea of closed primaries in Alabama is facing an uphill battle. New polling data shows that GOP voters are narrowly divided on the issue, even after the legislative effort failed during the final days of the 2026 session.

The Numbers Don't Lie

A Cygnal survey of 500 likely Republican primary voters revealed that only 36% support requiring party registration to vote in primaries, while 38% are opposed. A significant 14% are neutral, and 11% remain unsure.

A Fight Renewed?

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has already indicated that the battle for closed primaries will resume next year. He recently stated, "We'll come back next year."

How the Bill Died

HB541, sponsored by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, aimed to require voters to declare a party affiliation to vote in primaries. Those who declined would be registered as unaffiliated and excluded from primary elections. The bill passed the House and cleared a Senate committee but failed to receive a floor vote before the session ended.

The Divide Within

The polling highlights where the support for closed primaries falters. Voters identifying as extremely or very conservative showed the strongest support at 44%. Trump Republicans backed the requirement at 43%, while only 27% of traditional Republicans agreed. Moderates overwhelmingly opposed the idea at 75%.

Party Leadership's Stance

ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen, who made closing the primaries a top priority, strongly advocated for the bill. He stated that Republicans across Alabama have been requesting this for over a decade, emphasizing that Republican voters should choose Republican nominees.

Senate Skepticism

Skepticism in the Senate ultimately proved fatal to the bill's passage. State Sen. Sam Givhan, who championed the bill in the Senate, acknowledged the challenges, noting that there didn't seem to be a tremendous appetite for it.

Demographic Breakdown

Men aged 65 and older were the most supportive demographic at 45%, though even within this group, opinions were divided, with 35% opposed. The survey didn't find any demographic or ideological category where support reached a majority.

The Road Ahead

The poll results suggest that Ledbetter and Stadthagen face a significant persuasion challenge as they head into the next session. Their conservative base is split, and the broader Republican electorate leans slightly against the idea.

Room for Persuasion

With 25% of voters still undecided or neutral, there is potential to shift the numbers. However, the argument for closed primaries has not yet been won.

Tide as Underdogs? Vegas Says Yes (Twice!)

Alright, ChumCity crew, let's talk Alabama. The Crimson Tide are gearing up for year three of the Kalen DeBoer experiment in 2026, and folks are saying this season's HUGE. While there have been flashes of brilliance, let's be real: they haven't quite hit that championship level we all know and love.

DeBoer Gets the Nod

Despite that, the university is backing DeBoer, handing him an extension and solidifying his future in Tuscaloosa. Talk about job security! But even with that vote of confidence, the pressure's on to win.

Vegas Odds Have Arrived!

Looking ahead, Vegas has tagged Alabama as an underdog in two games. TWO!

Georgia is Gonna Be Tough

No surprise here: BetMGM has the Tide as underdogs against Georgia on October 10th. Remember that SEC Championship beatdown? Ouch.

Wait, LSU Too?!

But this is where things get spicy. The line against Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers is raising some eyebrows. Kiffin's boys are favored by a field goal in Baton Rouge. Field goal, folks! DeBoer has had LSU's number in the past, but with Kiffin now leading the charge, anything could happen. Program reset in Baton Rouge, anyone?

Get Ready for a Wild Ride

Regardless of the odds, buckle up! It looks like another season packed with tough games for the Crimson Tide. Can't wait to see what happens!

Hudson Fires Back at Attack Ad!

U.S. Senate candidate Jared Hudson is clapping back! Over the weekend, Hudson slammed an outside political group that launched an attack ad against his campaign, saying it's proof his message is getting through.

"They're Getting Nervous!"

"I guess we’ve got the political insiders a little nervous," Hudson quipped. "You can always tell when your message is resonating because suddenly the shady outside groups start spending money on ridiculous attack ads." Ouch!

The ad reportedly targets Hudson on crime and public safety. The campaign didn’t name the group behind the hit piece.

Tough on Crime? You Bet!

"I’m a Homeland Security Investigations task force officer and an Alabama sheriff’s deputy," Hudson stated. "So the idea that I’m somehow weak on crime doesn’t even pass the laugh test. It’s insulting to Alabama voters who are smart enough to see through this nonsense."

Hudson's got the credentials to back it up too. He's a former Navy SEAL and the founder of Covenant Rescue Group, a nonprofit fighting human trafficking. Plus, he's got endorsements from U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin and Tim Sheehy!

Border Security & The SAVE Act

Hudson’s doubling down on border security and the SAVE Act. "Secure the border. Deport criminal illegal aliens. Put Americans first," he declared. "Apparently saying things that normal people agree with has the insiders in Washington panicking."

The Race is On!

Hudson’s been gaining traction, climbing from 7% in August to a tight race in late March. While Moore has since opened a wider lead with Trump's endorsement, a whopping 35% of voters are still undecided before the May 19 primary. This thing is far from over, ChumCity!

Alabama Politics: Buckle Up!

Alright, ChumCity citizens, let's dive into the wild world of Alabama politics this week!

Redistricting Rumble: 6-1, Not 7-0?

Why is Alabama eyeing a 6-1 redistricting map instead of a clean sweep 7-0? We're digging into the details.

Carl's Comeback: Mission Impossible?

Can former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) actually make a triumphant return to Congress? The odds might be stacked against him.

Iran Conflict: Is Peace on the Horizon?

Are tensions easing in the Iran conflict? We're keeping a close eye on the latest developments.

Mo Brooks Battles Back!

Did former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) successfully force a retraction after accusations of insider trading? The truth comes out!

We're breaking it all down on Alabama Politics This Week! Don't miss the show!

Meet the Experts:

Mecca Musick (CEO, 256 Today) and Dale Jackson (Yellowhammer News & WVNN) are your guides to navigate these complex issues.

Alabama Missed a Golden Opportunity: Gas Tax Relief MIA!

The 2026 legislative session wrapped up, but guess what got left behind? A chance to ease the pain at the pump for Alabamians! With gas prices soaring (AAA clocked 'em at $4.09/gallon in the Yellowhammer State!), a temporary gas tax suspension could've been a real lifesaver.

Middle East Conflict, Alabama's Wallet

Sure, global politics are important, but folks are feeling the pinch right now filling up their cars. Wouldn't it be swell if our state legislators noticed and offered some temporary relief during these turbulent times?

Second Chance? Fumbled!

They even had a redo! Governor Ivey called a special session post-Supreme Court ruling. Everyone was back in Montgomery, ripe and ready to vote on helping the people. But...crickets.

Georgia on My Mind (and My Wallet)

Cruise through Georgia and you'll notice something: cheaper gas! They temporarily canned their gas tax. So, why can't Alabama?

Even Doug Jones Agrees!

I know, shocking, but I'm siding with former Senator Doug Jones on this one. The argument? Lost infrastructure revenue. But...

Temporary is Key!

The Rebuild Alabama program is vital, no doubt. That's why a temporary suspension, just enough to bridge the gap while things hopefully calm down overseas, would have been perfect.

Hypocrisy Alert?

The Legislature did manage to suspend the grocery tax (which, let's be honest, shouldn't exist in the first place!). If "revenue loss" is a deal-breaker for everything, how did that get the green light?

Trump Card?

Montgomery Republicans love chanting the mantra of "support for President Trump's agenda." One way to actually do that? Ease gas prices at home while the world sorts itself out.

Double Whammy Fail!

Two sessions, two missed chances to give Alabamians a break at the pump. Ouch.

Alabama Rep. Paschal Fires Back!

State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham), a history-maker as the first black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature since Reconstruction, didn't hold back this week. He's calling out Democrat colleagues for allegedly tossing around accusations of racism against House Republicans AND questioning his "blackness" during the redistricting showdown.

Identity Politics Under Fire

This 21-year U.S. Army vet slammed the Dems for what he sees as a seriously flawed and selective use of identity politics.

"Not Invited to the Party?"

Paschal dropped this bombshell: "During this Special Session, some of my Democrat colleagues have had a lot to say about House Republicans being racist; they even called my 'blackness' into question because I have an R next to my name instead of a D. At the same time, I am not invited to participate in the Black Caucus." Ouch!

Defining Moments

Paschal, a Christian, devoted dad, and retired Army first sergeant representing Shelby County, isn't playing that game. "My identity is not determined by a political party or anyone else’s expectations," he stated firmly. "That kind of rhetoric reflects a growing problem in American politics, where disagreement is too often met with personal attacks instead of honest debate."

A Call for Unity

He wrapped things up by quoting James 2:1-9 (no favoritism!) and echoing the Declaration of Independence's big promise: "all men are created equal." Paschal's message is clear: "While I understand our nation’s history, I reject the notion that any American should be defined by race or limited by identity-based expectations."

Alabama's Redistricting Showdown: GOP Declares Victory!

The Alabama Legislature just wrapped up a special session on redistricting, and Republican leaders are doing a victory dance!

What Went Down?

While neither HB1 nor SB1 changes the current maps on their own, they're like backup plans. They authorize the Secretary of State to call for new primary elections if the federal court actually lifts the injunctions currently blocking Alabama's original maps.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has already made a move, filing emergency motions asking the U.S. Supreme Court to do just that in three redistricting cases.

Governor Ivey's Take

Governor Kay Ivey, who called the session after the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, has signed the bills into law. She stated, "Alabama stands ready to quickly act should the courts issue favorable rulings... Alabama knows our state, our people, and our districts best."

Republican Leaders Sound Off

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter didn't mince words. He declared the court-imposed map a "racially gerrymandered disgrace" that doesn't represent Alabamians' conservative values. He believes the contingency plan will flip the Second Congressional District back to Republican control and put the Seventh in play.

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger echoed the sentiment, saying the session was about reclaiming what the federal courts took. He even praised senators for working through tornado warnings and flooding to "help President Trump...maintain control of Congress."

A Session of Chaos and Controversy

The session wasn't all sunshine and roses. Protesters disrupted the House during debate, and the House passed HB1 after four hours of Democratic opposition. The State House even flooded, but that didn't stop the vote!