ChumCity Daily Buzz

Golden Arches Get a Boost!

McDonald’s is on a hiring spree, and guess who showed up to cheer them on? None other than the Trump administration's U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. Talk about a power play at the drive-thru!

Star Wars Level Defense?

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just dropped a bombshell: a $175 billion missile defense system called Golden Dome. We're talking hundreds, maybe even a thousand, satellites zipping around, blasting missiles out of the sky. Is this real life, or did we step onto the set of a sci-fi flick?

Alabama's Redistricting Rumble Continues

Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall is digging in his heels, appealing the federal court's rejection of the state's redistricting map. He insists it’s all above board, but the courts clearly disagree. This one's far from over, folks!

Judge Lewis Joins the Alabama Supreme Court

Gov. Kay Ivey just appointed Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Supreme Court, filling a spot left vacant by Justice Jay Mitchell. While conservative news outlets played it cool, aldotcom, predictably, had to make a big deal about Lewis' race. Shocker.

Dems Defend Their Own... With Caveats?

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is standing up for U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, calling the ICE assault charges against her "baseless." But some are pointing out the hypocrisy, given the Democrats' stance on Trump, the Jan. 6th defendants, and their constant mantra of "no one is above the law." Awkward!

Ainsworth Out, Senate Dreams In?

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has bowed out of the governor's race. So, what's next for him? All eyes are on a potential run for the United States Senate. Get your popcorn ready; things are about to get interesting!

Trump Questions Biden's Timing

President Trump is back in action, questioning the timing of documents signed via auto-pen by former President Biden after his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. He's implying some shady dealings might be afoot. Is this a legitimate concern, or just more political posturing? You decide.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader and talk show host on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.

Mobile Bay Dredging Drama: What's Going on Under the Surface?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is busy making Mobile Bay's ship channel bigger and deeper. But not everyone's thrilled! Concerns are bubbling up from state lawmakers, environmental groups, and our local commercial fishermen about where all that dredged-up sediment is going, and what it's doing to our precious bay.

Sediment Sludge Saga

Mobile Baykeeper has been using drones to keep an eye on things, and they're reporting sediment being released right into the bay! This is raising serious red flags about the health of our marine life and water clarity. State Senator Chris Elliott is pushing for the Corps to use established disposal sites like Gillard Island instead of just dumping it in the open water.

Massive Mud Moves

The goal is to make room for larger ships at the Port of Mobile. While guidelines say a good chunk of the dredged material should be used for good stuff like wetland restoration or fortifying Dauphin Island, the rest is getting "thin-layer placement" in the bay. Critics are calling this method experimental and potentially risky.

Mobile Baykeeper is sounding the alarm, reporting that up to 90 million cubic yards of dredged material could end up in the bay over the next 20 years. That's like covering 42,000 football fields with muck! They argue this is the largest open-water dump ever attempted, with uncertain consequences for our ecosystem.

Fishermen Feeling the Pinch

Local fishermen are already seeing the impact. Members of the Alabama Commercial Fishermen Association are saying that the dumping is messing with shrimp and oyster industries. Silt is damaging nets, changing the seabed, and making historic shrimping areas unusable. Oyster reefs are reportedly being buried, wiping out future generations. Some fishermen say areas are unusable for up to two years after dredging!

Senator Britt Weighs In

Senator Katie Britt supports the port expansion but emphasizes responsible management of dredged material. She helped include provisions in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act requiring at least 70% of suitable dredged material to be used beneficially and mandating consultation with local stakeholders. She also secured funding for beneficial-use projects and sediment flow studies.

Corps Stands Firm

Despite the concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers insists that thin-layer placement is a safe and accepted method. They see it as a "cornerstone" of their strategy for maintaining waterways while protecting the environment.

Want to Get Involved?

Mobile Baykeeper held a town hall on May 15th. There is another coming up on May 22 from 60 – 7:30 pm at Fairhope United Methodist Church (155 S Section St) to discuss the ongoing federal mud-dumping in Mobile Bay. This is your chance to voice your concerns and ask questions of fishermen, oystermen, charter captains, and scientists!

Bluff Park Teacher Drives Away With Top Honor!

Katie Collins, a phenomenal first-grade teacher from Bluff Park Elementary, just snagged the title of Alabama's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year! The big reveal happened at a school assembly that went absolutely WILD!

A New Ride for a Shining Star

Picture this: Kids chanting "Mrs. Collins!" as Jimmy Parnell, president of Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation, hands over the keys to a brand-new 2025 Chevy Traverse. Talk about a perk! Alfa is even covering the insurance, so Mrs. Collins can cruise around the state in style as Alabama's education ambassador.

A Dream Come True!

"What an honor!" exclaimed Collins. "Never in her wildest dreams would the 6-year-old version of myself, who wholeheartedly knew she was destined to be a teacher, dream up being here today as Alabama Teacher of the Year."

Two Decades of Dedication

Collins isn't just some newbie; she's a 20-year education veteran. Before inspiring young minds at Bluff Park, she taught French and English at the middle and high school levels. She even co-founded the Communities Family Literacy Program, which started small and now helps ESL families all over Hoover City Schools.

Tending the "Garden" of Education

Collins sees her school as a "garden," where she and her colleagues nurture students' growth. "We show up, weathering the harsh conditions and true difficulties that come with this garden," she said.

Championing Student Well-being

As Teacher of the Year, Collins will travel the state advocating for public education. She plans to shine a light on student mental health and promote classroom experiences that build independence and resilience. "I believe student engagement is the heartbeat in the joy of learning,” Collins stated.

A Statewide Celebration!

Out of over 150 applicants, Collins stood out! State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey praised Collins as a model educator. "She is a true advocate for education," Mackey said.

Collins will now represent Alabama in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Way to go, Mrs. Collins!

Alabama Housing Market: A Mixed Bag in April 2025

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity residents! Alabama's real estate scene is serving up a fascinating mix of trends, according to the Alabama Association of REALTORS®. While some numbers dipped slightly from March, the overall picture for April 2025 shows impressive year-over-year growth.

Home Sales: A Little Less, But Still Strong

Alright, so 5,791 homes found new owners in April. That's a 6.8% nudge downward from March. But don't fret! Compared to April 2024, sales are up a solid 10.8%, proving the long-term housing hype is still going strong.

Prices: A Slight Dip, But Big Gains Overall

The median home price was $224,967 in April, a mild 2.2% slip from March. However, when we zoom out, we see a whopping 13.3% jump from last year! The average sale price also climbed to $265,232, representing a 17.8% year-over-year surge.

Total Sales Volume: Still Booming

The total sales volume landed at $1.54 billion for the month, a 3.1% decrease from March. But guess what? That's a massive 30.5% increase compared to April 2024! Cha-ching!

Inventory: More Homes to Choose From!

Good news for buyers! There were 19,144 active listings by the end of April, a fantastic 27% increase from the 15,072 available last year. More options for everyone!

Homes Selling Quicker!

Homes were on the market for about 57 days in April, which is four days faster than in March. Things are moving!

Mortgage Rates: Easing Up a Bit

As of mid-May, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered around 6.81%, a welcome drop from 7.13% last year. Fingers crossed this trend continues!

Alabama's Economy: Solid as a Rock

Alabama's unemployment rate stayed steady at a low 3.3% for the seventh month in a row, below the national average. Plus, the labor force participation rate is at its highest since early 2019. Go, Alabama!

UAB's Star Keeps Rising, Thanks to Senator Britt!

UAB's reputation is soaring, and we've got Senator Katie Britt to thank for helping shine a national spotlight on the Magic City's powerhouse university!

UAB: Alabama's Biggest and Brightest

Did you know UAB isn't just a top-tier research university and medical center? It's also the largest employer in Alabama, with over 35,000 folks!

Senator Britt Champions UAB on Capitol Hill

Senator Britt recently paved the way for UAB's O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Director, Dr. Barry Sleckman, to testify before a Senate committee about UAB's impactful research. UAB's Vice President for Research, Dr. Chris Brown, expressed major gratitude for Britt's support, emphasizing her understanding of UAB's vital work in fighting diseases.

HHS Secretary Kennedy Gives UAB a Shout-Out!

UAB got another big boost when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the university as a prime example of responsible use of federal research funds. He stressed UAB's need for continued funding to fuel its cutting-edge research.

Dialogue Leads to Action!

Senator Britt and Secretary Kennedy are having ongoing discussions about NIH research funding, and Kennedy admitted Britt's input is making a real difference, especially for state schools like UAB that rely on federal support for their groundbreaking work! Looks like Brum's making waves in Washington!

Kayak Eufaula Sets Sail at Lakepoint State Park!

Get ready to paddle! A brand-new outdoor adventure program, "Kayak Eufaula," is making a splash this summer at Lakepoint State Park, thanks to an awesome team-up between the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, Alabama Power, and Innovate Alabama.

Lake Eufaula: Your Kayaking Playground

Imagine gliding across the beautiful Lake Eufaula! "Kayak Eufaula" will offer guided tours, rentals, and cool educational stuff for everyone, no matter your skill level. Lakepoint State Park, with its gorgeous lakeside setting, is the perfect home base for all the fun.

A Park Director's Perspective

"Lakepoint State Park is thrilled to welcome 'Kayak Eufaula'," says Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. "Kayak Eufaula at Lakepoint State Park opens up an exciting new way for people to enjoy Eufaula and the great outdoors."

Fueling the Adventure

Innovate Alabama is backing the project with a grant to purchase kayaks, safety gear, and provide top-notch guide training.

Alabama Power: A Key Partner

Alabama Power is also playing a vital role, showing their commitment to protecting the environment and creating awesome recreational spots for communities.

Local Coordinator Sounds Off

Rick Thorne, with the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, is stoked about the launch. "We’re thrilled to introduce this program... We truly appreciate the support and collaboration of Innovate Alabama, Lakepoint State Park, and Alabama Power.”

Mark Your Calendars!

The official launch event is June 2nd, featuring a ribbon-cutting and fun community activities with demonstrations for all ages. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Alabama's Backbone: Families, Farms, and Small Businesses

Across our great state, from the Black Belt to the Tennessee Valley, Alabamians are working hard to build a better life. Our families, veterans, small business owners, and farmers are the heart and soul of our economy, creating opportunities and strengthening communities every day.

Washington's Debates: Let's Not Forget What Matters

As Washington politicians hash out the details of this big reconciliation package, it's vital to remember where our prosperity truly comes from. We need smart, targeted investments that help Alabamians succeed, not hinder them.

Congress: A Chance for Real Reform

Congress has a real opportunity to enact lasting reforms. Let's ease the tax burden on families, spend responsibly, and build a stronger economy for everyone. But let's also be careful not to hurt the essential programs that help Alabama communities, especially our rural areas, compete and thrive.

Investing in Rural Alabama: It's Not a Handout

Federal programs supporting agriculture, forestry, and rural development aren't handouts; they're smart investments that strengthen local economies. Whether it's expanding water systems, broadband networks, or transportation links through USDA Rural Development, these programs are making a real difference.

Helping Farmers and Protecting Our Forests

Programs like EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program are helping farmers conserve resources and boost productivity. And as the second-largest timber-producing state, Alabama relies on strong forest management programs to protect jobs, property, and ensure responsible growth.

Real-World Results: From Walker County to Jefferson County

Investments in rural Alabama, from broadband expansion in Walker and Fayette counties to road improvements across Jefferson County, lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. They're critical for keeping small towns viable, ensuring family farms endure, and helping rural businesses grow.

Fiscal Responsibility: It's About Smart Investments

While cutting waste and making government more efficient is important, true fiscal responsibility means investing taxpayer dollars where they make the most difference. Protecting key programs that support farmers, working families, and rural businesses is part of that responsibility.

Senator Britt: A Strong Voice for Alabama

Senator Katie Britt is a champion for Alabama’s rural communities and understands the importance of these investments to our state's future. Her voice and leadership are crucial in making sure Alabama's needs aren't forgotten in these important discussions.

Let's Protect What Works

If we want communities across Alabama to stay strong, we must protect the programs that allow them to grow, compete, and contribute to our economy. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have a lasting impact. Let's urge Congress to keep our rural communities at the forefront of these reconciliation efforts.

Longshore Holds Down the Fort!

Barry McKnight's out on Troy baseball duty, but fear not, ChumCity citizens! John Longshore's steering the ship, joined by the insightful Mike Griffith of Dog Nation and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

College Sports in Crisis?

Griffith and Longshore dive headfirst into the wild world of college athletics. They tackle the House v. NCAA case and the leadership vacuum, pondering the future of NIL, transfer rules, and even playoff expansion. "It's unsightly... it's exactly what college fans don't like," Griffith noted, perfectly capturing the current state of disarray.

SEC Shenanigans and Saban's Next Act

The dynamic duo also unpacks the SEC spring meetings, speculating on a potential nine-game football schedule. Will some teams thrive while others struggle to find Ws? They also discuss those eye-watering ticket prices (like $215 for Alabama-Georgia!) and imagine Nick Saban's future as a national college football pundit.

Baseball, QBs, and Pickleball?!

They're not done yet! The SEC baseball tournament timing and playoff format implications get some love, plus a quick peek at the quarterback situations at Tennessee and Auburn. Finally, Gurn Senior drops by with hilarious takes on flag football's Olympic aspirations and pickleball's addictive nature. He warns, "a sport you don't want to start if you're not ready to get addicted.”

Walker County Native Mike Elliott Announces Run for Alabama House District 13

Lifelong Walker County resident, Mike Elliott, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for Alabama House District 13! The announcement came Tuesday, setting the stage for the May 19, 2026, primary election. Elliott, a conservative Republican, brings a diverse background as an educator, small business owner, and dedicated community member to the race.

Filling Big Shoes

Elliott is vying for the seat currently held by State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) – soon to be Senator Woods! District 13 covers a significant portion of north and east Walker County, including the City of Jasper, making it a key district to watch.

Elliott's Vision for Walker County

Elliott emphasizes his understanding of the challenges posed by excessive taxes and government regulations. He pledges to serve the people of Walker County with transparency and without any hidden agendas.

A Voice for the Community

"In Montgomery, I’ll serve the people of Walker County faithfully, transparently, and honestly," Elliott declared. "I’m a man of integrity, and I have no agendas. My only objective is to ensure Walker County has a seat at the table and a formidable voice." He aims to build on the successes of local leaders like Greg Reed, Matt Woods, and Connie Rowe.

Jobs, Education, and Family Values

Elliott highlights key priorities for Walker County: "We need jobs, lower taxes, and the best possible educational outcomes for our children and grandchildren. Most importantly, we need to maintain traditional family values.”

Focus on Workforce Development

Elliott is committed to expanding workforce development initiatives in Jasper and Walker County, creating opportunities for high-paying jobs and fostering a thriving community where families can flourish.

A Dedicated Public Servant

"My entire life, I’ve been a public servant and want to carry that public service to Montgomery," Elliott stated. "We need true public servants in Montgomery who always represent the best interests of their district, and that’s exactly what I’m committed to doing.”

Supporting Families and Education

Elliott champions traditional family values both at home and in the classroom. He believes parents should have a voice in their children's education, while also advocating for increased funding and support for public schools and teachers.

Roots Deep in Walker County

Mike Elliott has been married to his wife, Brenda, for 41 years. They have a son and two grandsons who share their love for the outdoors and farming. A devoted member of his church, Elliott has served as Sunday school director at Saragossa First Baptist Church since 1974.

A Passion for Education

Driven by a lifelong dream, Elliott pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Secondary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has taught at various schools in the region, including Walker High School, Lynn High School, and Curry High School.

Coaching and Community Involvement

Beyond the classroom, Elliott has coached numerous sports teams, showcasing his dedication to students both academically and athletically. He currently owns a lawn care service that works with Alabama Power Company.

Alabama AG Joins Border Rally, Praises Trump's Immigration Policies

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall recently teamed up with ten other Republican AGs down at the Southern Border, giving props to what they see as major wins in President Trump's second-term immigration strategy. They're stoked about the renewed emphasis on border control!

Standing Strong at the Border

Right near Mile Marker 12 7/8 in Yuma, Arizona (yep, that's the end of the Trump border wall), Marshall and his crew from the Republican Attorney Generals Association (RAGA) were all about celebrating the reversal of Biden's immigration policies and the return of Trump-style enforcement.

Marshall's Take: Shackles Off!

Marshall himself gave a shout-out to the feds working border enforcement, saying, "The shackles are off!" He believes they're finally empowered to secure the borders.

Alabama's Not-So-Hidden Connection

Even though Alabama isn't a border state, Marshall argues they're feeling the impact of a less secure border. He points to fentanyl deaths and increased crime as examples of the real-world consequences. He gives Trump credit for stepping up and delivering on his promise to protect communities.

Leadership, Not Laws, Makes the Difference

According to Marshall, the dip in illegal border crossings and "got-aways" is all thanks to Trump's leadership. He says it's not about new laws, but about having the right person in charge. "We changed the leader," he stated, "and we’ve enabled immigration enforcement to do their jobs and to be able to do it effectively.”

Who Else Was There?

This border pow-wow also included AGs from Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes also joined in.

Fighting the Good Fight

Marshall has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's immigration policies, fighting to preserve Trump-era asylum standards. He sees himself and his colleagues as the last line of defense against what they consider a weak border policy.