Finebaum Flirting with Politics? ESPN Skips the Smooch?

SEC Network icon Paul Finebaum, a familiar face to college football fanatics, has stirred the pot, folks! Word on the street is he's mulling a Senate run in Alabama in 2026.

A Political Playbook?

Finebaum's chat with Outkick's Clay Travis lit the fuse. He cited the Charlie Kirk tragedy and a prior ESPN silencing incident involving Donald Trump as catalysts. Now, everyone's asking: Will he trade touchdowns for town halls?

Trouble on the Sidelines?

But hold on! Travis dropped a bomb, claiming ESPN benched Finebaum after the interview. Poof! Gone from his regular network gigs, including appearances he's been doing for ages, according to Travis.

ESPN's Rebuttal!

ESPN's PR squad immediately yelled "False start!" Veep Bill Hofheimer slammed the report as "TOTALLY FALSE" in a tweet.

The Plot Thickens

Despite the denial, On3 and AL.com confirmed that Finebaum’s national appearances have indeed been shelved. He's still steering "The Paul Finebaum Show" on SEC Network and ESPN radio, but those high-profile network spots? MIA. No Sunday "SportsCenter," no Monday "First Take" with Stephen A. Smith!

A "First Take" Comeback?

ESPN says Finebaum is slated for a Tuesday "First Take" appearance and weekend "SportsCenter" spots. Hmmm...

Smith's Political Ponderings

Funny enough, Stephen A. Smith himself has hinted at a potential presidential bid (as a Democrat, no less!).

So, What's the Real Play?

Did ESPN sideline Finebaum due to his political ambitions? Or was it a mutual agreement? The mystery remains! What's clear is: the man hasn't been on national TV as much since he dropped that Senate run bombshell. Stay tuned, ChumCity citizens! This one’s just getting started!

Montgomery Reels After Mass Shooting

Tragedy struck Montgomery as a mass shooting left at least two dead and a dozen injured. The incident has sparked renewed debate about street violence in the city.

Calls for Action in Blue City

Some are suggesting that the National Guard could offer a solution to curb the escalating crime. Is this the answer Montgomery needs?

Mayor Under Fire

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed is facing heat from Attorney General Steve Marshall over the city's crime rates. Are things really as rosy as the Mayor claims? It's a tough sell for many residents.

Local Voice Weighs In

Dale Jackson, a prominent voice from Yellowhammer News and host of the WVNN talk show (weekdays 5-9 a.m.), is sure to have insightful commentary on this developing situation. Stay tuned!

Montgomery Reels After Downtown Shootout: Mayor Blames "Lax Gun Laws"

Following a tragic shootout in downtown Montgomery that left two dead and over a dozen injured, Mayor Steven Reed is pointing fingers. He argues that Alabama's permissive gun laws, specifically permitless carry, are to blame for the weekend's violence.

Reed's Response to State Action

Mayor Reed issued a written statement in response to Governor Kay Ivey's call to restore order in Montgomery. While acknowledging that no law can prevent "evil in the moment," Reed insists Alabama law makes it too easy to carry firearms and hinders police intervention.

Mayor Reed's Full Statement Highlights:

• Expresses condolences to victims and families.
• Condemns the "reckless and selfish" act.
• Asserts Alabama's gun laws have "taken critical tools away from police officers."
• Points out the inability to enforce local ordinances due to state law restrictions.
• Welcomes state assistance but emphasizes the need to address "easy access to guns."

The Shooting and Investigation

The downtown Montgomery shooting resulted in two fatalities and twelve injuries. Police believe a targeted confrontation escalated, involving multiple armed individuals. A $50,000 reward is offered as state and federal agencies collaborate on the investigation.

State Leaders Weigh In

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall stated his office is ready to "revisiting the conversation about the state's authority over its capital," citing ongoing concerns about Montgomery's leadership. He says that the city is "in crisis".

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville also voiced concern, stating that Montgomery leadership needs to "take responsibility." He previously indicated openness to federal assistance, including the National Guard, to combat violent crime in Alabama's cities.

Tuberville Sounds Off: Feds Monitored GOP Senators' Phones!

Senator Tommy Tuberville is fuming! He's revealed he's part of a group of Republican senators whose phone activity was reportedly tracked during a Biden-era Justice Department investigation. The news came during an FBI briefing on Capitol Hill Monday.

What's the Buzz?

According to Fox News, records reviewed by the FBI show former Special Counsel Jack Smith's squad kept tabs on the private communications and call records of almost a dozen GOP lawmakers.

Tuberville's Take

"This is the first we’ve heard of it," Tuberville said in a Fox Business interview. "I figured we’d be breached by China or North Korea – but not by your own government!" He slammed the move as being tied to Donald Trump, calling himself a Trump ally. "The Democratic Party, the Biden administration, tried to destroy this country," he added, claiming they targeted patriots like him and other senators.

Breached, But How Bad?

"They told us our phone numbers were breached," Tuberville stated, "But we do not know if any content was added in there. The investigation just started."

Who Else is Involved?

The FBI document, dated September 2023, says a Smith team agent did some "preliminary toll analysis" on numbers connected to Republican senators. The list reportedly includes Senators Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, Josh Hawley, Cynthia Lummis, Bill Hagerty, Dan Sullivan, and, of course, Tuberville.

"A Damn Shame," Says Tuberville

In a chat with Steve Bannon, Tuberville called the whole thing a "damn shame."

Montgomery Mayhem: Governor's Olive Branch Ignored?

Things are heating up in Montgomery after Saturday night's devastating downtown shooting. Two lives were tragically lost, and twelve others were wounded, leaving the city reeling.

Ivey Reaches Out, But...

Governor Kay Ivey reportedly tried to connect with Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed on Monday morning, aiming to offer crucial state assistance. Sources claim the call went unanswered, and no follow-up has been made.

Reed's Response: Blame Game?

Instead of connecting with the state, Mayor Reed released a statement pointing fingers at Alabama's gun laws. According to Ivey's office, the Governor is prioritizing a united front to combat crime in Montgomery, encouraging all leaders to focus on solutions.

State Intervention Initiated

Governor Ivey isn't waiting around. She's issued directives to bolster law enforcement presence downtown, allowing the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to expand its Capitol Patrol. "All available state assets" are on standby to restore order.

HBCU Weekend Turned Tragic

The shooting occurred during a packed HBCU Classic Weekend, fueled by city-sponsored events like a pop-up Ferris wheel and "Thrills Zone."

Casualties & Investigation

Multiple shooters opened fire around 11:30 p.m., turning the downtown core into a warzone. Shockingly, seven of the fourteen gunshot victims are under 20, with the youngest just 16 years old. State and federal agencies are on the case, but arrests remain pending.

Alabama AG Applauds FBI's Split from SPLC

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is giving a big thumbs-up to Kash Patel and the FBI for cutting ties with the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

Patel dropped the news Friday, stating the FBI is officially done with the Montgomery-based SPLC, calling them out for ditching civil rights work and becoming a partisan smear machine. Ouch!

Marshall's Take

"The SPLC has a history of lobbing false accusations and slapping the 'hate group' label on political opponents. Law enforcement should never have been in cahoots with them," Marshall exclaimed. "Thank you, [FBI Director Kash Patel], for making this bold and much-needed move!"

Marshall, who's also eyeing a U.S. Senate run in 2026, chatted about it on "Rightside Radio with Phil Williams."

"Amen to That!"

"I think it's an amen, right?" Marshall quipped. "The SPLC isn't exactly buddy-buddy with Alabama, and definitely not with conservative causes."

Past Controversies

The SPLC stirred up controversy last year after being accused of doxing at least fourteen ‘Not the Bee’ writers in a planned hit piece and also claiming TPUSA was a hate group.

"I was a little surprised by Director Patel's order. I didn't even know there was a connection between the FBI and them," Marshall admitted. "The only thing I ever saw historically was some discussion around sovereign citizens and what the SPLC was doing there. But beyond that, I had no idea that there was ever any connection."

ADL Also Cut

The FBI's SPLC divorce came just days after Patel announced they'd also ended things with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) due to its left-leaning bias.

Pushing Back

"It is refreshing to see this administration push back on their organization," Marshall stated. "Because of woke policies and ESG, you had companies relying upon SPLC classifications of individuals or groups, and determine whether or not charitable donations keep coming to them, but also how they were viewed in the eyes of other people."

Senator Britt Sounds Alarm on Sextortion Schemes

Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is raising serious concerns about the rising tide of financial sextortion schemes targeting teens online. It's a scary trend, and Britt is determined to do something about it.

Alarming Stats Spur Action

Britt's concern follows a recent report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) highlighting this disturbing pattern. It's clear this is a problem that needs immediate attention.

Britt Calls for Coordinated Effort

"I recently discussed the alarming surge in sextortion schemes," Britt stated, emphasizing the need for a unified front. "We must take strong action to protect our youth from online predators. This growing threat demands coordinated efforts between law enforcement, tech companies, and Congress to keep kids safe."

A Conversation with the FBI

Britt previously brought up this crucial issue during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, engaging in a discussion with then FBI Director Kash Patel.

The Human Cost

Britt also shared that she's personally heard devastating stories from families who have fallen victim to these schemes. The heartbreaking accounts underscore the real-world consequences of this online threat.

Generative AI Fuels the Fire

Patel responded to the questioning citing shocking data, revealing the problem is "exploding" and a 1,325% increase in sextortion cases due to generative AI.

Protecting Our Kids

Britt emphasized the importance of protecting the next generation, calling them "the greatest treasure" of the United States. She has spoken to "a number of parents" who have told her "terrible, heartbreaking stories about their children ultimately taking their own life because of being blackmailed."

Alabama's Week in Weird: A ChumCity Roundup

Here's your dose of Alabama craziness, served up ChumCity style!

Bingo Bungle in Greene County!

You know gambling and corruption go hand-in-hand, right? Turns out Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison allegedly went on a $4.97 million bingo fund spending spree! Think undocumented payments to employees ($3.16 mil!) and consultants ($2.16 mil!). He's been ordered to repay... good luck with that.

Finebaum Benched? Or Nah?

Did Paul Finebaum get yanked from ESPN's main stage after floating a 2026 Alabama Senate run (and name-dropping some wild stuff)? He supposedly said something about Charlie Kirk. ESPN denies the benching, pointing to his SEC Network gig. Who knows what's really going on here!

National Guard Coming to Illinois?

Trump's reportedly sending 400 Texas National Guard troops to Illinois to protect federal buildings. This follows 1,000 immigration arrests and some associated kerfuffles. Trump already federalized 300 Illinois Guard members over the objections of the governor and mayor. Prepare for political fireworks!

Senator's Phone Monitored? Outrage!

Senator Tommy Tuberville (yes, that Tommy Tuberville), along with Senators Graham and Blackburn, had their phone records checked out by Jack Smith's DOJ team during a Trump-related probe. Tuberville's not happy, calling it an "outrageous breach" and comparing it to North Korea and China. Yikes!

Montgomery Crime Watch Blows Up

Shannon Ferrari, who runs Montgomery's massive citizen-run "Crime Watch" Facebook page, went off on Mayor Steven Reed. She's calling for his resignation (or at least some leadership) after his "jump off a bridge" remark to shooters. Accusations are flying about fudged crime stats and understaffed police. Drama!

Montgomery Shootout Fallout

Mayor Reed is blaming Alabama's permitless carry laws for the recent Montgomery shootout. But, other cities in Alabama don't have this issue, hmmm? Governor Ivey's sending in reinforcements from ALEA to patrol downtown.

Dems vs. the Immigrants...and Zambia?

Tommy Tuberville's back, accusing Democrats of prioritizing healthcare for illegal immigrants over everything else. Senator Kennedy claims Dems want millions for foreign programs, including LGBTQ initiatives in the Balkans and Uganda, Haitian male prostitutes, Palestinian media, and... wait for it... circumcisions and vasectomies in Zambia. You can't make this stuff up!

Stay tuned to ChumCity for more Alabama oddities!

Alabama: The Nation's Most Affordable Housing Market!

Guess what, ChumCity folks? Alabama's been crowned the most affordable housing market in the whole U.S. of A.! We're talking median home prices around $220,000 – that's practically a steal compared to the national average of over $400,000.

What's the Buzz?

It's not just the killer prices! A booming job scene, increasing housing options, and the awesome Alabama lifestyle are drawing folks in. Families upgrading, retirees seeking value, and professionals relocating are all saying "Roll Tide" to affordability and community vibes.

More Bang for Your Buck

While home prices are soaring everywhere else, Alabama's still offering deals you just can't find anywhere else. Our state economist, Dr. David Hughes, explains that the housing market is still HOT for the wealthiest Alabamians, but way more affordable for us regular folks.

Of course, some Alabamians still face housing struggles, Dr. Hughes reminds us "Alabama typically has more affordable homes compared to the rest of the nation, but the median resident also has less income"

New Faces in Town

The word's out! Alabama's affordability is attracting new residents faster than ever. Dr. Evan Moore points out that our state's domestic migration rate is way up! More homes on the market mean more choices for everyone – from first-time buyers to those looking to upgrade!

The Future's Lookin' Bright

Economists agree that things like inflation and interest rates will play a role. But Alabama's strong job market, growing population, and affordable prices mean we're sitting pretty.

Dr. Hughes adds that as the Federal Reserve is expected to reduce interest rates, many are expected to hop off the sidelines and get a great deal.

Why This Matters

Affordable housing is a HUGE deal for Alabama. It strengthens families, boosts communities, and fuels long-term growth. More available homes and a killer quality of life mean opportunity for everyone. Alabama is more than just a place to live – it's a place to thrive!

Chen Gains Major Endorsements in State Auditor Race!

Vestavia Hills attorney Derek Chen is making waves in his bid for State Auditor, snagging key endorsements from two influential Alabama organizations: Manufacture Alabama and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA)! This is Chen's first time running for office, but he's already proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Who is Derek Chen?

Chen brings a diverse background to the table, having worked in the Alabama Secretary of State’s office and the Tuscaloosa District Attorney’s office. He's got the brains too, holding a law degree from Birmingham’s Cumberland School of Law and an MBA from the University of Alabama. Plus, he's a big supporter of President Trump and a regular at Mar-a-Lago!

Why Manufacture Alabama is Backing Chen

Manufacture Alabama, representing a HUGE range of companies across the state, is all in for Chen. President Jon Barganier emphasized Chen's understanding of accountability and transparency, calling them essential for effective state government. They're seeing Chen as a leader for the next generation!

ALFA Endorses Chen, Too!

The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), the largest farm organization in the state, is also throwing its weight behind Chen's campaign. This endorsement, made through ALFA's political arm, Alabama FarmPAC, signals serious momentum.

Chen is super grateful for ALFA's support, posting on Facebook that ALFA members "know what it means to run things efficiently, account for every dollar, and do the job with integrity. That is exactly how I will approach the role of State Auditor.”

ALFA President Jimmy Parnell drove home the significance of their endorsement, saying their FarmPAC meeting is "the most intimidating venue in state politics" because candidates understand the value of their grassroots backing.

Chen's Vision for Alabama

Chen’s message is clear: he wants to restore public trust in government. He's promising transparency, accountability, and common sense. He wants to ensure taxpayers know where their money is going and that it's being used wisely.

Growing Support for Chen

ALFA and MA join a growing list of organizations backing Chen, including the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives and the Alabama Forestry Association.

Chen's campaign is focusing on fiscal responsibility, rural engagement, and strengthening the Auditor's role as a watchdog. He's all about serving the people, not climbing the political ladder.

Remember to mark your calendars! The Republican primary is on May 19, 2026.