Trump Unveils "Golden Dome" Missile Defense Plan!

President Trump just dropped a bombshell: the projected cost and timeline for his "Golden Dome" missile defense system are here!

The Price Tag and Timeline

Word on the street (via Politico) is that Trump's earmarking a whopping $175 billion for this ambitious project, with $25 billion already stashed away in his new "big, beautiful bill." He's aiming to have the whole shebang up and running within three years. Ambitious, right?

What the President Says

"Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world," Trump declared. He also emphasized that it'll mesh seamlessly with our current defense systems, with a target completion date before he leaves office.

What’s the Goal?

The President formalized the Golden Dome initiative via executive order back in January. The EO mentions going beyond what Reagan tried to do, strengthening against next-gen weapons from adversaries.

The Defense Secretary's Take

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth chimed in, saying the U.S. will keep boosting existing defenses. "Golden Dome is being designed in close coordination with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, USSPACECOM, and other DoD stakeholders to ensure full interoperability and real-time integration with our existing defense architecture," he added.

Who's Leading the Charge?

General Michael Guetlein from the Space Force is the man in charge, according to Trump.

Local Expertise Involved?

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, a big advocate for the Golden Dome, highlighted North Alabama's expertise (especially Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal) in making air defense systems happen. He told WVNN that a lot of the Iron Dome technology comes from that area. "It’s an intercontinental ballistic system, and the big thing is it’s a bullet hitting a bullet," Strong said. "I think that we will be a part of the process of creating the Golden Dome."

Senator Jones Kicks Off Re-Election Bid!

State Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre) is hitting the campaign trail! He's launching his re-election bid with events in Etowah and Cherokee Counties next week, folks.

A Record of Conservative Action

Jones, who's been in office since 2018, says he's got a solid record built on conservative principles and representing the good people of District 10. He's not just talking either. He's the Chair of the Veterans Affairs, Military, and Public Safety Committee, Vice-Chair of the Tourism Committee, and a member of the Senate Rules Committee. Busy guy!

Fighting for District 10

"I ran to make a difference for hardworking Alabamians," Jones said, emphasizing his commitment to his original platform. He’s proud of the achievements made during his time in office, highlighting investments in roads, bridges, high-speed internet, schools, and economic development across District 10.

Strong Support

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is firmly in Jones' corner. "Senator Jones is a fighter for his district," Gudger stated, praising Jones' ability to navigate the often-tricky legislative process and stand up for what he believes in.

Champion for Veterans

Jones has been a vocal advocate for veterans and military families. His efforts include supporting a statewide veterans resource center, expanding mental health services, and establishing accountability courts. He even sponsored bills to eliminate state income taxes for deployed service members and protect high school athletes whose families are in the military. Jones points to Alabama's improved ranking for military spouse license reciprocity and veteran retirement as proof of progress.

Mark your calendars, the 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election is set for Tuesday, May 19, 2026!

Shelton State Athletics ROARS!

What a week for Shelton State athletics! The Buccaneers are bringing home some serious hardware and making waves across the nation.

Lady Bucs Dominate Golf!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Lady Buccaneers absolutely crushed it at the NJCAA Division II Women's Golf National Championship in Boone, Iowa. They snagged the program's FIRST EVER national title in stunning fashion! Never trailing, they finished a whopping 34 strokes ahead of the competition. Ashlee Allen, Peyton Maraman, Katie Hallmark, Jordan Ransdell, and Sawyer Hobbs, you are LEGENDS!

Coach Sanford's Pride

"There’s a lot of joy and excitement," said Coach Chris Sanford. "Shelton State athletics prides itself on winning championships, and we’re trying to blend in and do our part. We hope this is the beginning of something special.”

Baseball Heads Back to the World Series!

But wait, there's MORE! The Buccaneers baseball team is headed to the NJCAA College World Series for the THIRD consecutive time! They battled back to defeat LSU-Eunice 8-6 in a thrilling South District Championship series. Jackson Henderson, Mason Steele, Eli Driskell, and John Michael Pickens are just a few of the names leading the charge to Grand Junction, Colorado! Let's go, Bucs!

Governor Ivey Shakes Up Alabama Courts!

Hold on to your hats, folks! Governor Kay Ivey just dropped a bombshell, appointing Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals! He's stepping into the role previously held by Judge Bill Lewis, who, as you might remember, snagged Justice Jay Mitchell's spot on the Supreme Court after Mitchell bailed to run for Attorney General in '26. Whew, that's a lot!

Ivey's Got Confidence

“Judge Bowden’s got it all: brains, courtroom swagger, and a dedication to doing what's right,” Ivey declared. “I’m betting he’ll serve with top-notch integrity!”

Bowden's Been Around the Block

Bowden's been rocking the Circuit Judge gig in Covington County since 2016, and before that, he was the county's Probate Judge. Talk about experience!

Bowden's Pumped!

"I'm beyond honored by Governor Ivey's faith in me," Bowden said with a grin. "Angie and I are stoked about this opportunity. I'm a public servant at heart, and I can’t wait to get started serving the awesome people of Alabama!"

More Than Just a Judge

This guy's got a killer resume. Degrees from UA, Air Force ROTC, and a stint with the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He even prosecuted two capital murder cases, including a trial that set records in Covington County! Oh, and he just retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Colonel!

Election Alert!

Bowden's term goes until January 2027, BUT...because of some legal mumbo jumbo (thanks, Hooper v. Siegelman!), he'll have to run for a full six-year term in the November 2026 election. So, mark your calendars!

BUSTED! Massive Cocaine Ring Crushed in Alabama

A major drug trafficking operation that funneled cocaine from Mexico into Alabama has been dismantled, with four people now facing serious time behind bars!

The Verdict is In

Jim Carter, Jr., Francisco Lopez, Michael Evans, and Bryce Johnson were all found guilty by a federal jury on May 19th for their roles in the conspiracy. Carter and Lopez are also nailed on an additional charge – possession with intent to distribute.

From Mexico to 'Bama

According to the feds, the DEA started sniffing around Carter's activities in 2023. Turns out, Carter was jetting off to Texas, crossing the border into Mexico to keep the operation rolling. Cocaine was then regularly shipped from Texas to Alabama, ending up in Carter's hands. The DEA finally swooped in on June 10, 2024, snagging six kilos of cocaine during a drop-off by Lopez to Carter.

Blue Line Gone Bad

Here's where it gets extra scandalous. Michael Evans, who was an Alabama State Trooper at the time, allegedly offered to use his uniform and patrol car to help transport the drugs, hoping to slip past law enforcement! Talk about a bad apple!

The Sentences

Carter and Lopez are staring down a minimum of 10 years, potentially life, in federal prison. Evans and Johnson? They're looking at up to 20 years. And in the federal system, parole is a no-go.

More Culprits

But wait, there's more! Five other individuals have already pleaded guilty in connection with this case:

• Saundra Curry (Conspiracy to distribute cocaine)
• Othello Howard (Conspiracy to distribute cocaine)
• Jimario Thompson (Conspiracy to distribute cocaine)
• Raul Ramos Deleon (Illegal reentry after deportation)
• Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez (Illegal reentry after deportation)

These five are also facing up to 20 years in the slammer.

Cracking Down on Crime

Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson emphasized the commitment to dismantling drug networks. DEA Special Agent in Charge Hofer added, "This investigation shows that no one is above the law." The DEA, along with ALEA and local police, worked together to bring these individuals to justice.

The Elusive Water of Wisdom

Remember that story David Foster Wallace told? Two young fish swim along, bump into an older fish who greets them, "Morning, boys. How’s the water?" The young fish swim on, and one turns to the other and asks, "What the hell is water?"

That little parable, decades later, still hits hard. The most obvious, crucial things in life are often the hardest to even see, let alone understand.

Like water, wisdom surrounds us. We know it's important, but it's invisible, odorless, formless. It slips through our fingers. I think true wisdom isn't about what we say, but how we listen.

Listening: The Lost Art

Columnist David Brooks nailed it: Wisdom isn't about dropping clever one-liners. It's about connection. Wise people have this way of paying attention, even when they're silent. They "start by witnessing our story," he says.

Wisdom doesn't boom out of a megaphone; it whispers from a place of deep listening, of simply being there. Eastern traditions have been hip to this for ages, while Western culture's been all about rhetoric and big pronouncements.

Drowning in Data, Starving for Wisdom

E.O. Wilson said it back in '82: "We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.” And it's a million times worse now. The information we churn out daily would stack to the moon and back...ten times!

Real wisdom is quiet. It's knowing when to talk, but more importantly, when to listen. It's about connecting on a deeper level, tuning into what's really being said, even when no one's speaking.

The Smartphone Sabotage

So, if listening equals wisdom, why are we so terrible at it? Blame our smartphones! For almost twenty years, they’ve been training us to interrupt. Interruptions used to be rude; now they're the default. These constant disruptions have made us impatient, uncomfortable with silence.

Wise people get that connection is where the magic happens. It's letting people finish their thoughts, because often, they're just processing. When we interrupt, we hijack that process and kill the chance for real connection.

The Power of Presence

When wise people speak, they don't rush. They're thoughtful, considerate. They listen first, and then move slowly toward conclusions. By simply listening, they "teach" others to reach their own conclusions too.

In our noisy, distracted world, there's a huge hunger for authentic connection, for relationships that go beyond the surface noise. And that brings us back to Wallace's water. Wisdom is like water not just because it's invisible, but because it supports and sustains without shouting for attention.

Like water, wisdom creates the conditions for life and growth while staying humble. The wisest among us aren't the loudest voices. They're the ones who've mastered the increasingly rare art of being present, listening deeply, and creating spaces where others can find their own way.

Groundbreaking News: Jasper's About to Get a Whole Lot Smarter!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! A brand-spankin' new educational powerhouse is on its way to Jasper. The Heman Drummond Center of Innovation (HDCI) broke ground this week, promising to revolutionize workforce development for Alabama's high schoolers.

Setting the Stage for Success

Located at 3515 Industrial Way, smack-dab in the heart of Jasper’s Industrial Park, the HDCI is perfectly positioned for student-industry hookups. Get ready, because this $80 million, 120,000-square-foot facility is gearing up to welcome its first class in the fall of 2026! The Walker Area Community Foundation is building it, but once it's ready, the Walker County School System will take the reins.

Governor Ivey's Got the Inside Scoop

"This Heman Drummond Center of Innovation is gonna be the BEST career tech example in Alabama, y'all," declared Governor Kay Ivey. "It's not just changing lives; it's opening doors at the PERFECT time. Alabama's job market is BOOMING, and we need more skilled workers. This center? It's a life-changing GIFT!"

Skills, Skills, and More Skills!

When it's finished, the HDCI will be training around 2,100 students in all sorts of high-demand fields: cyber IT, robotics, healthcare, automotive, and construction. We're talking hands-on learning, industry certifications, college-level courses, and real-world gigs like mentorships and internships.

More Than Just Tech

But wait, there's more! The center will also feature interdisciplinary projects, an entrepreneurship incubator (hello, future CEOs!), and tons of community partnerships, all designed to make students ready for careers AND college.

A Mission with Heart

The goal? Generational change! By equipping students with the skills they need, the HDCI aims to build a thriving workforce and boost the local economy. Local leaders, school officials, and education gurus all agree: this CTE school is essential for the region's future.

What's on the Curriculum?

Think specialized academies in coding, digital media, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, all loaded with the latest tools and software. Students will also get hooked up with entrepreneurial resources like workshops on business planning and marketing.

Almost There!

Funding's looking good—85% secured so far! The remaining 15% is being chased down through grants, partnerships, and community support. Get ready, Walker County! Big things are coming!

University Beach Resort Clears Hurdle in Northport!

Hold on to your beach towels, ChumCity! The Northport City Council just gave the thumbs-up to the University Beach resort development, but not without a splash of controversy! Despite some serious pushback from locals, the council narrowly approved the rezoning and special district plan in a 3-2 vote after a lively two-hour public pow-wow. ABC 33/40 was all over it!

What's the Deal with University Beach?

Sprawling across 76.2 acres near the Tuscaloosa National Airport, this resort is aiming for major fun! Think water park, hotel, housing, tasty eats, and shopping galore. Supporters are saying it could draw a whopping 660,000 visitors annually and pump a cool $61 million in tax revenue into Northport over the next decade (a projected $254 million over 30 years!). Cha-ching!

Not Everyone's Happy...

But hold up! Some residents aren't exactly thrilled, arguing that a resort this big doesn't quite jive with Northport's vibe and current infrastructure. Concerns about population density, traffic nightmares, and the long-term vision for the city were voiced loudly at the meeting.

Council Members Weigh In

Even some council members had their doubts! Councilwoman Jamie Dykes questioned the project's financial transparency, and Councilman Anwar Akin worried about potential flooding after all the rain we've been having.

Moving Forward (With Amendments!)

Despite a prior thumbs-down from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the project is moving on. The council tweaked the special district plan to better align with zoning rules, nixing some storage allowances that weren't originally part of the deal. Buckle up, Northport – University Beach is coming!

Rick Pate Eyes Lieutenant Governor Run!

Alabama's Agriculture Commissioner, Rick Pate, is seriously thinking about throwing his hat in the ring for Lieutenant Governor in 2026! According to Alabama Daily News, he's expected to make an official announcement sometime in early June.

Why LG?

Pate, a Republican, says he's leaning towards running because he wants to keep serving Alabama. He's got solid connections with folks in the State Senate, which he thinks would be a real asset.

Got More to Give

"I believe I could make a meaningful contribution," Pate told the news source. Nearing the end of his stint as Ag Commissioner (his second and final term), he feels like he's still got plenty to offer the good people of Alabama.

Governor? Nah.

While some folks mentioned him as a possible candidate for Governor, Pate says that's probably not happening. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville's likely run plays a big part. Going up against a name like that would cost a small fortune!

Background Check

Pate hails from Lowndes County and even spent 14 years as the mayor of Lowndesboro! Plus, he's got experience running Pate Landscaping Co. and managing a cattle farm. This guy knows Alabama!

ChumCity News Roundup

Here's the lowdown on what's making waves:

Trump's South Africa Video Shakes Things Up

Word is President Trump showed President Ramaphosa a video highlighting problems faced by white farmers in South Africa. The media's reportedly not too happy about it.

Alabama Trooper Busted in Drug Ring

An Alabama state trooper and three others were found guilty in a cocaine trafficking scheme connected to Mexico. Ouch.

"Golden Dome" Missile Defense System Gets Green Light

President Trump's plan includes a hefty $25 billion for the "Golden Dome" missile defense. Congressman Dale Strong hints Redstone Arsenal in Alabama might be a key player.

Shooting at Israeli Embassy Sparks Outrage

A shooting near the Israeli Embassy in DC resulted in the loss of two staffers at the Capital Jewish Museum. The alleged terrorist yelled "Free Palestine" during the attack and arrest.

Marshall Praises Trump's Border Security

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall checked out the southern border and gave President Trump's immigration crackdown a thumbs up.

Illegal Immigrant Families Pulling Kids from Schools

Due to stricter immigration enforcement, illegal immigrant families are leaving U.S. schools, hitting Alabama communities. Seems to be the desired effect.

Club for Growth Backs Tuberville for Guv?

Before he's even announced, the Club for Growth is already endorsing Senator Tommy Tuberville for the 2026 Alabama governor's race. With Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth sitting this one out, is it already a done deal?

Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News thought leader and WVNN talk show host (weekdays 5-9 a.m.), keeps us informed.