Blount County DA Casey Backs Jay Mitchell for AG!

Pamela Casey, Blount County's District Attorney, has thrown her support behind former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell in the GOP runoff for Attorney General. Casey, who came in third during the May 19th primary, is urging her supporters to rally behind Mitchell.

Why Mitchell?

Casey released a statement emphasizing that "experience, integrity, and service" are key – qualities she believes Mitchell possesses. She highlighted his courtroom experience and understanding of the law as crucial for Alabama's top law enforcement officer.

United Front Against "Dark Money"

Casey and Mitchell are presenting a united front, positioning themselves as seasoned legal professionals against what they see as inexperience, establishment politics, and shadowy outside funding. Casey expressed deep concern about the influence of "dark money" in the race, advocating for transparency and accountability.

IVF and Political Ads

Casey also addressed the sensitive issue of IVF-related political advertising, sharing her family's personal experience with infertility and urging for compassion and understanding rather than political exploitation.

Mitchell Welcomes the Endorsement

Mitchell expressed his gratitude for Casey's endorsement, praising her as a "fierce, fair competitor" and echoing her sentiment that the AG's office shouldn't be "for sale." This runoff is shaping up to be a real barn burner!

Alabama's Congressional Map Drama: Speaker Ledbetter Fires Back!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Alabama's political scene just got a whole lot spicier. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter is absolutely fuming after a three-judge panel blocked the state's 6-1 Republican-leaning congressional map.

The Ruling That Riled 'Em Up

The court basically said "no way" to using a map they felt was tainted by race-based discrimination, digging their heels in after state lawmakers pushed it post-Callais decision. Ledbetter's response? He wants the Supreme Court to weigh in, ASAP!

"Activist Judges" vs. The People?

Ledbetter didn't mince words, accusing the judges of trying to silence over 5 million Alabamians. He seems pretty confident SCOTUS will see things differently. He wasn't exactly surprised by the ruling, pointing to the court's history.

A History of Disagreement

According to Ledbetter, the panel's always been keen on forcing a "racially gerrymandered" map on Alabama, favoring liberal plaintiffs and handing Dems courtroom wins. "Elections should be decided by voters," he argues, "not judges!"

What's Next? SCOTUS, Here We Come!

Governor Ivey already held a special session for a "just in case" map, but Ledbetter believes this latest ruling violates the Supreme Court’s previous decision. Attorney General Steve Marshall is equally ticked off and plans to appeal. Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride!

Crimson Tide Legend Backs Wes Allen!

Alabama football royalty, Coach Gene Stallings himself, has officially thrown his weight behind Wes Allen in the Republican primary runoff for Lieutenant Governor! Talk about a Hail Mary endorsement!

Allen, a Pike County native and former wide receiver under Stallings (and later, Coach DuBose) at the University of Alabama, is gearing up to face off against John Wahl, who's got the Trump seal of approval. The winner of this showdown will then battle it out with Democrat Phillip Ensler.

Stallings Speaks Out

"Wes Allen played wide receiver for me at Alabama, and we've stayed in touch ever since," Stallings stated. "He's a fine, Christian, honest man who's proven he can lead and deliver results for Alabama. He has my full support, and I urge all my friends in Alabama to vote for him on June 16!"

A Close Bond

Alabama Secretary of State Allen also chimed in about his deep connection with Coach Stallings. It's clear these two share a special bond!

"Coach Stallings has impacted so many lives," Allen shared. "He taught me so much about discipline, determination, and leadership. This endorsement means the world to me; it's incredibly humbling."

Allen donned the Crimson Tide uniform from 1996-1998, even snagging Academic All-SEC honors in his final year. Now, he's aiming for the Lt. Governor's office. Will he score this political touchdown? Only time will tell!

Tuberville Slams Congressional "Hypocrisy" Over Trump's "Anti-Weaponization" Fund

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is calling out some of his Congressional colleagues, accusing them of hypocrisy over their opposition to a Department of Justice (DOJ) fund designed to combat government overreach.

What's the Fund About?

This fund, totaling a hefty $1.776 billion, was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, earmarked to compensate "victims of lawfare and weaponization." It stems from a settlement resolving a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump and his family against the IRS.

Why the Controversy?

Some Democrats and Republicans are reportedly uneasy, fearing the money could benefit individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riots.

Tuberville's Take

Tuberville, also eyeing the Alabama Governor's seat, took to X to defend the fund. He argued, "The same members who have an issue with President Trump’s anti-weaponization fund to help innocent Americans didn’t say a PEEP when they voted to send BILLIONS of your taxpayer dollars to Ukraine."

He passionately declared, "We cannot allow our government agencies to be weaponized against our OWN citizens, or our country won’t last. It’s time to put personal feelings aside and do the right thing for Americans."

Speaking Out on Fox News

In a Fox News appearance, Tuberville hinted that some senators might still harbor resentment from Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton in Texas' U.S. Senate Primary. He lamented a lack of unity within his party, suggesting personal feelings influenced the opposition to the fund.

Blocking the "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act"

Adding another layer to the debate, Tuberville recently blocked U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla's (D-Calif.) "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act." He argued the bill would stifle oversight, preventing inquiries into the fairness of prosecutions and the handling of evidence related to January 6th cases.

Geneva Gets a Boost After Tornado

Big news for Geneva, Alabama! Governor Kay Ivey just announced a $300,000 grant to help our friends in Geneva rebuild after that nasty tornado ripped through their downtown earlier this year.

Repairing the Damage

This funding, a Community Development Block Grant, is all about fixing the damage from that EF2 tornado back on January 25, 2026. We're talking winds topping 115 mph, according to the National Weather Service!

Safety First!

City officials say the tornado created some serious hazards, making it tough for emergency crews and risky for anyone walking around downtown.

Governor Ivey Steps In

“This tornado caused major damage in Geneva, and a potentially dangerous situation for residents,” said Gov. Ivey. “I commend city leaders for their quick action in securing these funds and taking another step toward a full recovery.”

Where Will the Money Go?

The plan is to repair East Westville Avenue, Greenwood Street, sidewalks on South Commerce Street, and a public parking lot on East Town Avenue.

Details of the Damage

The tornado even took out a former hotel on South Commerce Street, with falling bricks smashing nearby sidewalks. Plus, all that cleanup equipment roughed up the streets. An uprooted tree on Greenwood Street even peeled back the asphalt!

ADECA's Role

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will manage the grant. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said, “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in offering support to the city during a difficult time.”

Good News Delivery

Governor Ivey personally informed Geneva Mayor David Hayes about the grant approval. Time to rebuild, Geneva!

Trump's Checkup: All Good!

President Trump recently popped over to Walter Reed for a routine physical, and the word is he's in tip-top shape!

SPLC vs. Trump: A Legal Showdown

The Southern Poverty Law Center is accusing President Trump of going after them, as they fight a Department of Justice indictment. The case involves some serious allegations about payments to informants linked to extremist groups. Stay tuned...

DA Casey Backs Mitchell for AG

Blount County's District Attorney Pamela Casey is throwing her support behind Jay Mitchell in the Alabama Attorney General runoff. She says Alabama needs an AG with solid courtroom and legal chops. The big decision is coming up on June 16th!

Texas Delivers Big Wins for Trump!

Texas just handed President Trump two major victories! Attorney General Ken Paxton, a loyal Trump supporter, scored a MAGA win by knocking out Senator John Cornyn in a fierce GOP primary. Plus, a House Democrat who kept trying to impeach Trump got the boot!

Alabama Primary: GOP Enthusiasm Soars

Alabama's primary turnout numbers are hinting at something big this fall. Republicans showed way more enthusiasm than Democrats in several key races, especially after all the redistricting drama. Get ready for an energized election season!

Khamenei on the Verge of Peace Deal?

Could a peace deal be in the works with Iran? Word is that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is prepping to sign an agreement through a secret courier, all while remaining in hiding. Despite a supposed ceasefire, the US and Iran have been exchanging blows, and President Trump is huddling with his cabinet to push for a final deal. It's a tense situation!

Alabama's Map Drama Continues

Federal judges have blocked Alabama's proposed congressional map just before the special primaries. Governor Kay Ivey says she's not surprised, but Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is calling foul, saying the decision is a clear violation of the law. He's confident the Supreme Court will overturn the blocking of the 6-1 Republican map. This one's headed to the top!

Dale Jackson is your go-to guy for insights over at Yellowhammer News and on WVNN from 5-9 a.m. weekdays.

Alabama Judge Suspended: What the Heck Happened?

Getting a judge suspended in Alabama is tough. The system is designed to be slow, with layers of review and high standards. But something WILD just happened in Jefferson County.

Judge Yashiba Blanchard Suspended

Judge Yashiba G. Blanchard, elected in 2024, was suspended after a seriously bonkers 120-page complaint was filed. What's the scoop?

"Ultimate Authority. No Boss." Really?

The Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) says Judge Blanchard told her staff she was the "ultimate authority" with "no boss." Apparently, she ran her courtroom like she meant it.

Probate Court: Where it Hurts the Most

Probate court handles wills, adoptions, and involuntary commitments – hearings about whether someone in a mental health crisis gets to go home. It's where Alabamians find themselves during the toughest times.

Nine Months of Silence

The complaint alleges Judge Blanchard didn't hold a single involuntary commitment hearing for NINE MONTHS. In a county of 660,000 people!

"I Am So Worried My Client is Going to Die"

Families waited MONTHS for hearings. One lawyer emailed about a client: "Just hoping we do not have a continuance because I am so worried that my client is going to die." Seriously?!

Bizarre Behavior and a Denial Letter Delivered Mid-Hearing

She allegedly wanted a "blanket order" for a substitute judge, not for emergencies, but just to get work done from home. A request for a special judge appointment was denied. The kicker? The denial letter was delivered to the substitute attorney while he was hearing cases! He found out he wasn't really a judge MID-HEARING.

Harassment and Retaliation?

The complaint accuses Blanchard of harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against staff. One staffer's desk was moved to a cubicle in front of the bailiff after complying with a subpoena. Yikes!

What's Next?

Blanchard faces seven charges, including failing to do her job, breaking the law, being biased, and harassing staff. The Court of the Judiciary will hear the case. Retired Judge Sherri Friday is back in the seat. Hopefully, this mess gets sorted out soon for the sake of Jefferson County families.

Investing in Our Future: Southeast Gas and Local Schools

Here in ChumCity, we know it takes a village to raise successful kiddos! That's why Southeast Gas has been a pillar of support for our schools and students for over 70 years. They're more than just a natural gas provider – they're dedicated to the future of Southeast Alabama!

Give Back to Schools: A Real Investment

Southeast Gas walks the walk with its "Give Back to Schools" initiative. Since 2010, they've poured over $2 million back into local public school systems! This year alone, over $140,000 is being distributed across 20 school systems in our area. These funds are flexible, allowing school leaders to address their most pressing needs, from teacher support to facility upgrades.

The cool part? Funding is directly tied to natural gas usage in each school system, creating a local-investment cycle that directly benefits our classrooms.

More Than Just Money

Southeast Gas's dedication goes way beyond dollars and cents. Their employees are our neighbors! They coach little league, lead scout troops, and volunteer their time in countless ways to enrich the lives of our young people.

Celebrating Service: Community Service Scholarships

Southeast Gas's Community Service Scholarship program shines a light on high school seniors who go above and beyond in serving others. These young folks are making a real difference right now in our communities.

This year, 25 amazing students were honored with scholarships, chosen from over 100 applicants. These students aren't just book smart – they have a genuine heart for service!

This year the scholarship amount was increased to $2,000! Since 2015, Southeast Gas has awarded over $375,000 in scholarships to 244 students.

Servant Leadership in Action

These students exemplify the values that Southeast Gas stands for: service, hard work, integrity, and a dedication to others. They remind us that true leadership is about lifting up those around us.

Southeast Gas believes in servant leadership, and they strive to embody it every day. Investing in education is key to strengthening Southeast Alabama's future.

Looking Ahead

Southeast Gas remains committed to supporting the next generation through school support, employee volunteerism, and student recognition programs. There’s no better investment than in our community's youth. A huge congrats to the class of 2026!

Lovelady Thrift Stores: Open and Thriving After Fire!

Hey ChumCity! We've got some news from The Lovelady Center and their incredible thrift stores. This morning, a fire broke out at their Clay location, engulfing two storage trailers packed with donated goodies.

No Damage, Just a Setback!

Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the stores themselves are perfectly fine and OPEN! But, sadly, a whole lotta donated clothes, furniture, and household items went up in smoke. These donations are super important because they fuel The Lovelady Center's amazing work with women and children across Alabama.

Community to the Rescue!

Even after the loss, the community's response has been incredible! Melinda MeGahee, Executive Director of The Lovelady Center, said, "We are safe. We are open. And we are grateful! We are reminded how blessed we are to have such an amazing community standing beside us."

How You Can Help!

The Lovelady Center is still accepting donations at both store locations. Every single donation helps support the 950+ women and children they care for every day. Think recovery services, housing, education, childcare, and job training. They're changing lives!

Thanks, ChumCity!

The Lovelady Center is sending a HUGE thank you to everyone for the prayers, encouragement, and support. You guys are the best! Keep the donations coming!

Grayson Everett: News Hound Extraordinaire

Hey ChumCity citizens! Ever heard of Yellowhammer News? Well, the top dog over there is none other than Grayson Everett, the Editor-in-Chief! This guy knows Alabama politics inside and out.

Get Your Everett Fix

Want to keep up with Grayson's hot takes and sharp observations? You can find him slinging the truth (and probably some witty commentary) on X. Look for @Grayson270 – give him a follow and prepare to be informed (and maybe a little entertained!).