Big News for Spire Inc.!

Get ready for a shakeup at Spire Inc., the energy giant with a major presence right here in Alabama! They've just announced a new head honcho: Scott Doyle, a long-time company insider, is stepping up as the new president, CEO, and board member!

Who's Scott Doyle?

Doyle was previously Spire’s executive VP and chief operating officer. He's taking over from Steve Lindsey, who’s bidding farewell. The board believes Doyle is just the right person for the job.

What the Board Says

Rob L. Jones, chair of Spire's Board, praised Doyle as a "collaborative leader" with deep industry knowledge and a knack for getting results. He highlighted Doyle's understanding of the energy sector and how his values "align with Spire's core mission."

Doyle's Ready to Roll!

Doyle's pumped to take the reins and thanked the board for their trust. He’s impressed with Spire’s employees and their dedication. His focus? Modernizing the system for customers and continuing the push for operational excellence.

A Fond Farewell

Former President Steve Lindsay expressed his gratitude, saying leading Spire was a "true privilege" and predicting a bright future for the company.

Quick Facts

Doyle previously led Spire’s gas utilities, serving over 1.7 million customers across Alabama, Missouri, and Mississippi. Looks like Spire is in for an exciting new chapter!

Draft Day Drama with Longshore & McKnight!

Longshore and McKnight were LIVE from Stiver's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, diving headfirst into the NFL Draft's first round! It was a surprisingly calm night for QBs, with only Cam Ward (Titans) and the shocker, Jackson Dart (Giants), getting the call. Dart's keeping up the Ole Miss QB legacy of Archie and Eli Manning.

QB Conundrums and NIL Concerns

John and Barry debated why Jaylen Milroe and Shedeur Sanders slipped out of round one. They weren't fans of Sanders' pre-draft interviews and are worried about how NIL deals are changing player perspectives.

ESPN's Draft Coverage – Thumbs Down!

They also took aim at ESPN's draft coverage, calling out the non-stop Nick Saban "missed recruits" mentions and that chaotic festival atmosphere at Lambeau Field. Give us the football, not the circus!

Braves in a Slump?

Shifting gears, the guys debated whether the Atlanta Braves can climb out of their early-season hole. Is it time to panic, or just a slow start?

NBA Playoff Buzz

Finally, they hit the NBA playoffs, highlighting the Thunder's epic comeback against the Grizzlies and dropping some betting knowledge for the Celtics-Magic showdown.

Tide Roll On! Bama's Draft Streak Continues!

The Crimson Tide keeps churning out top talent! Last night's NFL Draft saw TWO Alabama stars snagged in the first round, making it 17 YEARS in a row that Bama's had a player in the top 32!

Booker & Campbell Fly High!

While some expected QB Jalen Milroe to hear his name called, Tyler Booker (Dallas Cowboys, pick #12) and Jihaad Campbell (Philadelphia Eagles, pick #31) are heading to fantastic teams. Congrats, fellas!

Milroe: A True Leader!

All three were in Green Bay for the draft. And despite not being picked last night, Milroe showed he's a class act, celebrating Booker's selection with a massive bear hug! Seriously, check out the NFL's Insta for proof. What a guy!

What's Next for Milroe?

Don't worry, Tide fans! Word on the street is Milroe's likely to be picked up during rounds two and three TONIGHT. Keep those fingers crossed!

Tuberville Eyeing Alabama Governor's Mansion?

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl dropped a potential bombshell: Senator Tommy Tuberville might be trading D.C. for the Alabama governor's office! And Wahl thinks Tuberville would practically stroll to victory.

Tuberville Coming Home?

According to Wahl, speaking on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," Tuberville's longing for home and family – especially his new grandchild – is a major motivator. D.C., he says, is "a rat race," and Tuberville's heart belongs in Alabama.

Trump's UA Speech: Endorsement in Disguise?

Rumors are swirling that Trump's planned commencement address at the University of Alabama is a strategic move to endorse Tuberville. Wahl isn't convinced, suggesting Trump's just eager to connect with everyday Americans.

Bring on the Hit Pieces!

Wahl anticipates the usual barrage of negative press aimed at Tuberville, but he sees it as a badge of honor. In his view, any true conservative ruffles feathers!

Can Anyone Beat Tuberville?

Wahl doubts it. He believes Tuberville's name recognition, track record, ties to Trump, and unwavering commitment to conservative values make him a formidable, potentially unbeatable, candidate. Alabamians, Wahl argues, are craving leaders who've proven themselves and aren't afraid to fight the establishment. Tuberville, in his view, fits that bill perfectly.

Alabama Politics, Unpacked!

Get ready, ChumCity citizens! Dale Jackson and Mecca Musick are diving headfirst into the juiciest political stories brewing in Alabama.

Meet Your Guides!

Mecca Musick helms the ship over at 256 Today, keeping you informed on the local happenings.

The Voice of Yellowhammer

Dale Jackson brings his sharp insights as a thought leader for Yellowhammer News. Catch his talk show weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN! Stay informed, stay engaged, ChumCity!

Auburn Tigers Eye NFL Dreams!

While the Crimson Tide might hog the NFL spotlight in Alabama, don't sleep on the Auburn Tigers! At least three former Auburn standouts are poised to find new homes when the NFL Draft dust settles. Let's peek at who's heading where:

Jarquez Hunter: Running Wild!

This Auburn running back was a force of nature! While running backs outside the top tier rarely fly off the board early, Hunter's electrifying performance has scouts buzzing. Expect to see him drafted somewhere between the fourth and sixth rounds. A team is about to snag a serious playmaker!

KeAndre Lambert-Smith: One Year, Massive Impact!

Lambert-Smith's single season at Auburn after transferring from Penn State was nothing short of spectacular. He became a star receiver in a struggling offense, racking up nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he proved he's NFL material. Projections place him anywhere from the sixth or seventh round, but don't be shocked if he's picked sooner. This guy is a hidden gem!

Eugene Asante: Leader of the Pack!

Asante, after a lengthy college career including time at North Carolina, became a defensive staple at Auburn. He wasn't just a player; he was a leader that fans adored. Projected as a sixth- or seventh-round pick, the team that drafts him is getting a steal! Asante brings experience, leadership, and talent to the table.

Alabama's Solidly Republican Courts

Here in Alabama, we're proud of our conservative values, and that's reflected in our elected officials. All nine members of our Alabama Supreme Court are Republicans, and conservative ones at that. Seems fitting for one of the reddest states in the nation, right? Beyond the Supreme Court, every statewide elected official is a Republican, along with both of our U.S. Senators.

2026 Elections Are Coming!

Get ready! 2026 is shaping up to be a big election year. We'll be voting for all 140 State Legislative seats, plus key constitutional offices like Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and more. And let's not forget Senator Tommy Tuberville's seat will be up for grabs too.

Supreme Court Seats Up for Grabs

Two of our esteemed State Supreme Court Justices, Greg Shaw and Brad Mendheim, will be on the ballot. Both are highly qualified, proven conservative, and pro-business. They deserve our support for re-election.

Justice Brad Mendheim: A Wiregrass Native

Judge Brad Mendheim is seeking his second full term. He practically is a judge! Born and raised in Dothan, the son of a local pharmacist, he became a Circuit Judge for Houston and Henry Counties early in his career. A respected member of his community and a pillar of the First Baptist Church of Dothan, he's still a relatively young 56.

Justice Greg Shaw: A Court Veteran

Justice Greg Shaw, the senior member of the Supreme Court, is running for his fourth term! He's been involved in Alabama's appellate system for 40 years – 16 years as a Staff Attorney of the Supreme Court, eight years as a Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and 16 years as a Justice on the Supreme Court.

The Shaws: A True Alabama Couple

Greg is married to Samantha "Sam" Shaw, a former two-term State Auditor. Together, they represent the best of Alabama: diligent, quiet, and steady. They've been married for 45 years, having met as students at Auburn University.

Family and Community

Greg and Sam are devoted parents to two sons, both engineers, one a West Point graduate. They're also loving grandparents and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. They own a farm in Tallapoosa County and even have a second residence in Cullman to be closer to their family.

A Final Term?

Greg Shaw is 67. Because of state law limiting judicial candidacy after age 70, this will be his final run for a six-year term. Alabama will benefit from his steady leadership on the Supreme Court for at least the next seven and a half years.

Get Ready, Alabama! Law Day 2025 is Coming!

Hey ChumCity readers! Get ready to welcome some real-life legal eagles into classrooms across Alabama on May 1st and 2nd! It's all part of Law Day 2025, and this year's theme is super inspiring: "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One."

Lawyers Head to Classrooms!

The Alabama Bar Association is making it happen! Imagine lawyers ditching the courtroom to give students a peek into the legal world and show them what it's really like to be a lawyer. Pretty cool, right?

Teachers, Sign Up Now!

Calling all teachers! Want an attorney to visit your class? You can! They're offering both in-person and virtual (Zoom) sessions. The attorneys will spend about 45 minutes chatting with students about the law, the Constitution, and what it means to practice law right here in our communities.

"Out of Many, One": What's it All About?

The theme this year is all about how the Constitution brings us together. Think about it: "E pluribus unum" – "Out of many, one." It's a reminder that we're all in this together, with shared responsibilities and a collective promise.

Why Law Day Matters

Law Day started way back in 1958 and is celebrated every May 1st. It's a day to appreciate the rule of law and all the freedoms we have as Americans. While other parts of the world might be celebrating May Day, we're taking time to think about our constitutional rights!

Local Professor Named President of Alabama League of Nursing!

Big news from the University of Alabama in Huntsville! Dr. Donna Guerra, a clinical associate professor, has been tapped as the new president of the Alabama League of Nursing (ALN).

A Decade of Dedication

Dr. Guerra's been an ALN member for a solid 10 years, and after being nominated president-elect last year, she's now stepping into the top role. The ALN is all about boosting nursing services and education right here in Alabama.

Passion for Nursing Education

"I truly believe in the ALN," Dr. Guerra said. "Its mission aligns perfectly with my work as a nurse educator. It's an honor to lead the League, especially during this transition to the NLN Alliance. Working with others passionate about nursing education and helping colleagues share their work across the state? That's what it's all about!"

What's Next?

Dr. Guerra's two-year term (followed by two years as past president) will focus on steering the ALN's renewed relationship with the national organization.

Joining the Alliance

"The National League for Nursing revamped its state league relationships, creating the Alliance of Leagues of Nursing," Dr. Guerra explained. "This gives state leagues more control to meet local needs. The ALN is thrilled to be part of the Alliance and to collaborate with other state organizations."

Supporting Alabama Nurses

The ALN actively supports nursing education through:

• Annual Spring Conference: Network and learn!
• Awards and Scholarships: Funding for further education and research.

Recognizing Excellence

The ALN celebrates exceptional contributions through awards like:

• Excellence in Teaching Award: Spotlighting innovative educators.
• ALN Lamplighter Award: Honoring those making a difference in nursing and society.

The ALN also brings in top-notch speakers to discuss current issues and provides scholarships to those who’ve aced the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Source: 256 Today

Double SSI Payments Coming to Alabama in 2025!

Hey Alabamians on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)! Get ready for a little calendar quirk in 2025 that means you'll see two payments land in your accounts during four months!

How Does This Happen?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually sends out SSI payments on the 1st of the month. But, when the 1st falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, they bump the payment up to the last business day of the previous month. This keeps everyone's finances on track!

Mark Your Calendars!

Here are the months in 2025 when you'll see those double payments:

• May: May 1st & May 30th
• August: August 1st & August 29th
• October: October 1st & October 31st
• December: December 1st & December 31st

Why These Dates?

The May 30th payment is because June 1st is a Sunday. The August, October, and December payments are pushed forward to avoid Labor Day, the first Saturday of November, and New Year’s Day.

Important Reminder!

These aren't bonus payments! The SSA wants to make it crystal clear: the second payment is just the next month's benefit arriving early. So, after getting two payments in May, you won't see another SSI payment in June.

Social Security Benefits

Just a heads up: Regular Social Security retirement benefits have a different schedule, based on your birthday. If you get both Social Security and SSI, your Social Security arrives on the 3rd, and your SSI usually shows up on the 1st.