Rep. Troy Stubbs Announces Re-Election Bid!

Our very own State Rep. Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka) is officially throwing his hat back in the ring! He announced his campaign for re-election to the Alabama House of Representatives, folks.

Stubbs, first elected in 2022, is running on a platform near and dear to many hearts: upholding conservative principles and making government work for the good people of Elmore County. He's been a vocal advocate for capitalism, our Second Amendment rights, and keeping education decisions local. And according to his campaign, these priorities are totally resonating with District 3!

Stubbs Speaks Out

"Representing the hardworking families of District 31 has been the honor of my life!" Stubbs exclaimed. "Now, more than ever, we need leaders who will defend our conservative values and make sure our government delivers the practical, efficient services our businesses and communities expect."

He added, "I believe in the promise of Alabama – a state where faith, family, and freedom come first. With your support, I will keep fighting every day to make our communities stronger and our government more accountable!"

Inside the Legislature

Currently, Stubbs serves on the House Commerce and Small Business Committee, the Ways and Means Education Committee, and the County and Municipal Government Committee. He's involved!

All About Troy

Born in Charleston, SC, Troy met his wife, Jenny (an eighth-generation Elmore County resident!) while getting his finance degree at the University of Alabama. He's a smart cookie, with multiple master's degrees!

Troy and Jenny have been married for 25 years and live in Wetumpka. He works as a financial advisor at First Community Bank of Central Alabama and they have four awesome kids: Isaac, Elsa, Lucas, and Bennett.

A Pillar of the Community

The Stubbs are super involved! Troy has coached tons of youth sports teams and organized charitable efforts for local organizations like the Elmore County HIPPY program and the Elmore County Food Pantry. He also serves on the Institutional Advisory Board of J.F. Ingram State Technical College.

Before joining the Alabama House, Stubbs served as Chairman of the Elmore County Commission for six years. Impressive!

Justice Delayed? The Jabari Peoples Case

The Homewood Police Department initially promised Jabari Peoples' parents they could view the video footage surrounding his shooting by police. That promise remains unfulfilled.

Where's the Video?

Now, the investigative body handling the case seems to be backtracking, offering excuses instead of transparency.

Demand for Transparency

This isn't cutting it. We need these videos released far more quickly. It's time to demand a legal mandate for rapid video release in cases of police shootings.

Dale Jackson's Take

Dale Jackson, a prominent voice at Yellowhammer News and host of a talk show on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m., likely has strong opinions on this ongoing situation.

College Football's Return: Who Will Rule the SEC?

With summer slipping away, the thunder of college football is almost upon us! And in the mighty SEC, the question on everyone's mind is: who will be the top QB this year? We've got a mix of fresh faces and seasoned veterans ready to battle for the crown.

The Contenders

Here's a look at some of the signal-callers poised to make a splash, from the obvious choices to the potential dark horses:

LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina

If we're talking purely talent, Sellers might already have this locked down. He's a force to be reckoned with, and could propel the Gamecocks to new heights. Facing a brutal schedule, this could be his year to become a national star.

DJ Lagway - Florida

Lagway revitalized the Gators the moment he took the field. He's a difference-maker, and despite Florida's tough schedule, he’s absolutely in the running for top SEC QB.

Garrett Nussmeier - LSU

Nussmeier may not be the flashiest, but he's got experience and consistency on his side. Many are expecting big things from the Tigers this year, and Nussmeier's performance will be key.

Arch Manning - Texas

The hype is real! Perhaps college football's most famous backup, Manning has waited his turn. All eyes will be on him as he finally takes the Longhorns' reins.

John Mateer - Oklahoma

A transfer from Washington State, Mateer might be the Sooners' offensive savior. Head Coach Brent Venables has bet big on him, and this could be a crucial move for Oklahoma.

Don't Forget These Guys!

Keep an eye on new starters like Ty Simpson (Alabama), Austin Simmons (Ole Miss), and Jackson Arnold (Auburn). These former top recruits have the potential to rise to the top if they can lead their teams effectively.

Palmer Takes the Helm of Environment Subcommittee

Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) is stepping up to lead the Subcommittee on Environment within the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce! Get ready for some serious action on environmental issues.

Tackling Tough Topics

Palmer and the committee are diving headfirst into issues like soil, air, noise, and water contamination. Plus, they'll be on the front lines for emergency environmental responses.

China Dependence in the Crosshairs

"I'm stoked to chair the Subcommittee on Environment, especially with its focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements," Palmer said. He's laser-focused on ending U.S. reliance on China for these vital resources, calling it a major national and economic security concern.

Eyeing Economic and National Security

Palmer's ready to team up with committee members to safeguard our economic and national security by breaking free from China's grip on refined critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Joyce Takes Over Oversight and Investigations

Meanwhile, Rep. John Joyce (PA-13) is stepping into Palmer's old shoes as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

A Wide Range of Responsibilities

This powerful committee oversees a ton, including the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Superfund, and much more. They're basically the environmental watchdogs!

Auburn's Recruiting Woes: Trouble on the Plains?

Things aren't looking so rosy for the Auburn Tigers on the recruiting front. After a string of decommitments for next year's class, questions are swirling about the program's direction under Hugh Freeze.

While Coach Freeze initially generated buzz with his recruiting prowess, the honeymoon period seems to be fading. At some point, gridiron glory needs to back up the promises made on the recruiting trail.

Freeze Under Fire

Adding fuel to the fire, recent reports about Freeze's golf outings have raised eyebrows, especially as Auburn struggles to maintain its recruiting momentum.

Finebaum Weighs In

SEC guru Paul Finebaum didn't mince words during a recent radio appearance. He slammed Freeze's narrative of inheriting a mess, especially after Lane Kiffin playfully trolled him online.

Finebaum stated, "The one place I wouldn’t be in public right now is a golf course." He emphasized that it's time for Auburn to stop blaming previous regimes and start showcasing tangible progress.

"Terrible Message"

Finebaum didn't hold back, calling the blame game a "terrible message" from both Freeze and the athletic director. He suggested this approach has already backfired.

Ultimately, if the Tigers fail to deliver this season, Freeze might face an uphill battle to retain his position. When Finebaum starts raising concerns, it's rarely a positive sign for the program's future.

Montgomery Crime Stats: Good News or Smoke and Mirrors?

Mayor Steven Reed held a press conference Monday to deliver a mid-year crime report for Montgomery. The numbers? Seemingly trending in the right direction!

By the Numbers

According to Mayor Reed, we're seeing some positive changes:

• Violent crime: Down 28.3%
• Nonviolent crime: Down 13.3%
• Homicides: Down 12.5%
• Non-fatal shootings: Down 22.5%
• Robberies: Down 41%

How'd They Do It?

Mayor Reed credited increased patrols, strategic staffing adjustments, tech upgrades (cameras, drones, facial recognition), and strengthened community partnerships. He also touted the police department's impressive 60% case closure rate, higher than the national average. Plus, nine new officers just joined the force!

A Word of Frustration

The Mayor didn't mince words about repeat offenders, lamenting the revolving door of violent criminals released on bond. "We really have to draw a line in the sand at what type of community we want to have," he stated.

But... Do You Believe It?

While the Mayor urged residents to stay united in creating a safer Montgomery, the reaction on social media was... skeptical, to say the least.

Skepticism Abounds Online

After WSFA 12 News shared the mayor's remarks on Facebook, the comments section EXPLODED. Think sarcasm, disbelief, and a healthy dose of humor:

• "He must be smoking what I smell all over town?"
• "What a joke! He must be reporting for another city… not Montgomery."
• "Amazing what happens when 911 doesn’t answer the phone."

Whether you're buying what the Mayor is selling or siding with the social media skeptics, one thing's for sure: Montgomery folks are passionate about their city's safety.

Birmingham Mayoral Race Heats Up!

State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) is throwing some serious shade at Mayor Randall Woodfin, accusing him of dropping the ball on Birmingham's violent crime crisis. Givan, who's gearing up to challenge Woodfin in the 2025 mayoral showdown, claims she's been way more proactive in tackling gun violence than the current mayor.

Givan Sounds Off on WVNN

Givan didn't hold back during a recent appearance on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show." She expressed her frustration with Woodfin seemingly taking credit for efforts to combat Glock switches, a move she sees as completely undeserved.

"They Did Absolutely Nothing"

"I'm very disappointed in the whole administration, because they did absolutely nothing," Givan stated, emphasizing that she and other representatives had to practically beg the Speaker to address Birmingham's "blood bath" situation. She maintains that she spearheaded the push for action, a fact she says is easily verified.

No Room for Victory Laps?

Givan slammed Woodfin's perceived attempts to celebrate the bill's passage, pointing out that City Hall remained silent on the issue. "Nobody at City Hall, nobody said one word to fight this issue," she declared, promising to call out the "foolery."

Officer Shortage a Key Issue?

Givan also highlighted what she believes is a major contributing factor to Birmingham's crime woes: a severe shortage of police officers. She claimed some neighborhoods are essentially barricaded due to the lack of adequate law enforcement presence. "Birmingham only has 300 and something sworn law enforcement officers," she explained.

Senator Slams Fellow Republicans Over Conservative Bill Stalling

State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) is calling out some of his fellow Republicans for what he sees as a lack of support for key conservative bills. He's not holding back!

Disappointment Over Religious Instruction Bill

Elliott's particularly bummed about the failure of a bill last session that would have allowed public school students to attend off-campus religious and character instruction during school hours. The bill stalled in the State House Government Committee after a 5-5 tie vote. Ouch!

Elliott Sounds Off

"[S]ometimes on issues such as this, I look around and I can count the supporters...maybe on one hand, and then the rest get kind of squeamish," Elliott said, firing shots on WVNN’s "The Yaffee Program." He added that some legislators buckle under pressure from school superintendents and boards, failing to back what he calls an "easy win for conservatives."

Hope for the Future?

State Senator Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) has already pre-filed similar legislation for the 2026 session, aiming to mandate that all public school districts offer elective credit for students attending private religious instruction during the school day.

Calling on Colleagues

Elliott's hoping more of his colleagues will step up and vote for the bill next year. He praised Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for calling out the opposition from "edu-crats" against this and similar issues. "When you start pushing good, hard conservative issues, it really separates the true conservatives from those that may not be as conservative on issues like this," Elliott asserted.

What the Bill Would Do

If passed, the legislation would require each local school board to create a policy allowing students to receive elective credit for attending religious instruction during school hours. Local boards would have the flexibility to tailor the policy to their specific needs.

Central Texas Floods: Mobile Couple Still Missing

Tragedy struck central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend as devastating flash floods swept through the area. Sadly, the death toll has climbed past 100, and a Mobile couple remains missing.

The Santana Family's Ordeal

Eddie Santana Sr., 69, and Ileana Santana, 66, were visiting family at a riverside cabin in Kerr County when the disaster hit. Early Friday morning, floodwaters surged, tearing the cabin from its foundation with the Santana family inside.

Also in the cabin were their son, Eddie Santana Jr., 39, his wife Camille, 38, and their young daughter, Mila Rosa, 5. The river’s ferocious power overwhelmed them all.

A Son's Survival and Continued Search

Eddie Jr. heroically escaped through the roof and clung to debris for nearly four grueling hours before being rescued. After a hospital stay, he’s now joining his brother, Michael, and other family members in the desperate search for their parents and loved ones.

Community Support for the Santanas

Friends and supporters have rallied to create a fundraiser to support the Santana family as they navigate this heartbreaking situation and continue the search.

The River's Fury

Fueled by intense overnight rainfall, the Guadalupe River rose a staggering 20+ feet in just two hours! The surge swallowed homes, cabins, and campsites, leaving a path of destruction and despair. Dozens remain missing statewide as rescue efforts continue.

Alabama Steps Up to Help Texas Flood Victims!

When disaster strikes, it's easy to feel helpless. But Alabamians are proving that even from afar, we can make a real difference! After the devastating Texas flood over the Fourth of July weekend, which tragically claimed over 100 lives, folks across our state are rolling up their sleeves to help.

Baldwin County Chaplain Provides Crucial Support

WIAT reports that Tony Dickey, a chaplain from Baldwin County, headed straight to Kerrville, Texas! He's there volunteering with Mercy Chefs, an awesome faith-based disaster relief organization. They're serving up professionally prepared, hot meals to those exhausted first responders and displaced families. Mercy Chefs works hand-in-hand with local churches and groups, tackling immediate needs and building community strength for the long haul.

Dickey emphasized how rescue workers need just as much emotional and spiritual support as they do a good meal. The scenes of devastation are heart-wrenching, reminding him of the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Lending a Hand

It's not just individuals stepping up! The Alabama Baptist reports that Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief teams are contributing through financial gifts from churches and individuals. These donations are vital for providing food, shelter, and all sorts of recovery assistance in Central Texas.

You Can Help Too!

The need is ongoing! If you're feeling moved to help, you can visit Mercy Chefs or Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief to contribute and make a difference. Let's show Texas what Alabama spirit is all about!