Roll Tide for Pride? Maybe Not So Fast...

Pride Month is kicking off with a bang, and the conversation is heating up right here in Alabama!

Yellowhammer News Weighs In

Dale Jackson, the voice behind Yellowhammer News and host of that crack-of-dawn talk show on WVNN (weekdays from 5-9 a.m.), is likely stirring the pot. What's he got to say about Pride this year? We're all ears (and probably still half-asleep).

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts: A New Day Dawns!

After a rollercoaster of uncertainty, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is officially entering a shiny new era! The City Council gave a unanimous thumbs-up on Tuesday, solidifying the museum's unique dual governance. This means the City Museum Board and the MMFA Association can finally team up and move forward, hand-in-hand!

A Meeting of the Minds

WSFA says the agreement was hammered out in a closed-door pow-wow involving museum bigwigs, Mayor Steven Reed, and City Council members. It’s the third version of the proposal – talk about compromise! This final agreement puts an end to a long-standing tug-of-war over who's in charge, cementing a collaborative approach that's been the museum's guiding star for almost 60 years.

Director Search: On Like Donkey Kong!

Get ready! The museum can now jumpstart the search for a permanent director, a position that's been vacant since early 2023. WAKA Action 8 News reports the museum's partnered with the Kittleman Group, an executive search firm from Chicago. They can even bring in an interim director while the search is on!

Support from the Art-mosphere

The council meeting was buzzing with museum supporters – docents, donors, local artists, you name it! Local artist Winfred Hawkins, whose solo show opens at MMFA on June 27, spoke to the council, urging everyone to dive into the museum's offerings.

Investing in the Future

The council also gave a unanimous nod to a $169,090 HVAC contract, showing a commitment to the museum's long-term health.

Onward and Upward!

With the governance drama behind them, museum leaders are laser-focused on rebuilding their team, finding amazing new leadership, and keeping the museum a vibrant cultural hub for Montgomery!

Ice Bucket Challenge Gets Real in Birmingham!

Whoa! James Spann and Paul Bryant Jr. just took the Ice Bucket Challenge to a whole new level at Longleaf Recovery & Wellness! Forget ALS for a sec, these guys are using icy water to wake everyone up to the importance of mental health!

Spann & Bryant Jr. Make a Splash

Spann didn't hold back, declaring, "Every single family in the state of Alabama is touched...by mental health issues." Truth bomb! Bryant Jr. backed him up, reminding everyone that mental health struggles are way more common than we think.

Longleaf Takes a Stand

Longleaf is clearly on a mission to tackle the mental health crisis head-on, and Spann is all for it, calling their program much-needed. Big ups!

Nominations Flying!

But the challenge doesn't end there! Bryant Jr. nominated Judge Maria Fortune, and Spann? He's calling out Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin! "Mayor, you're next," Spann joked. Let's see if Woodfin is brave enough to take the plunge (for mental health, of course!).

Longleaf's Mission

Longleaf Recovery & Wellness is doing big things across Alabama, offering support for folks dealing with mental health and substance use. They're not just treating people; they're spreading awareness!

Huntsville: A New Home for Innovation!

Guess what, ChumCity? Huntsville just got even cooler! Titomic, a major player in advanced metal additive manufacturing, isn't just opening a facility here - they're making us their GLOBAL headquarters!

Rocket City Ready for Launch

Why Huntsville? They're saying it's all about being close to their U.S. customers in the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. Think Boeing and Airbus, folks! CEO Jim Simpson says this move will help them work more closely and support customer needs.

Advanced Tech in Our Backyard

Titomic uses something called Titomic Kinetic Fusion - it’s basically supersonic metal bonding! It's a cold spray technology that uses high-pressure gas to shoot metal powders together, creating strong bonds without melting. Pretty wild, right?

What's the Big Deal?

This tech allows for the creation and repair of structural components with materials that are tough to handle with traditional methods. Plus, because it doesn't use heat, it avoids warping and lets them bond different metals together!

Making Things Here in the USA

The Huntsville facility can produce or repair metal parts up to 10 feet long, and super fast, too! It's all about boosting U.S. manufacturing capabilities, cutting down on imported parts, and producing stuff right where it’s needed.

Location, Location, Location!

Find them along Alabama 20/I-565, in a former Pratt & Whitney building, right by Cowin Equipment and across from Redstone Harley-Davidson. Production, demos, and R&D – it's all happening here!

Cutting-Edge Manufacturing

Titomic's tech is a game-changer, moving away from traditional methods where you cut material away. Their process deposits metal exactly where it's needed, reducing waste – especially important when using expensive materials like titanium.

Repair and Revive

It's also perfect for repairing and coating worn surfaces when welding or heat-based methods just won't cut it. Huntsville, get ready for some serious innovation!

ChumCity Daily Dose - Getcha' Fix!

1. Musk vs. Trump: A Brawl for the "Big, Beautiful Bill"?

Elon Musk's still hatin' on Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," urging the Senate to ax it. Alabama's own senators are lookin' divided! Tuberville's "maybe," while Britt's eyein' that hefty price tag but seems inclined to jump on board. Stay tuned, folks, this one's gettin' spicy!

2. Judge Says "Hold Up" on Deportation

A Biden-appointed judge slammed the brakes on the Trump administration's attempt to deport the fam of that Colorado terror suspect, Mohamed Soliman. Humanitarian concerns trump visa issues this time around. What a world.

3. Trump's Travel Ban 2.0: Toilet Paper Panic?

Trump slapped a travel ban on citizens from a dozen countries, citing, you guessed it, national security. Seems like people might have to wipe their own asses now?

4. Putin Threatens Retaliation...Is Peace Dead?

Putin's reportedly told Trump that Russia's gonna respond "absolutely" to Ukraine's attack on Russian warplanes. Sounds like the war's gettin' hotter, and peace is lookin' like a distant memory.

5. Steel Town's Gettin' a Boost?

Alabama's steel industry could be lookin' at some serious job creation and infrastructure love thanks to that $14 billion U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel partnership. But Uncle Sam has to sign off first.

6. Who's Gonna Fill Tuberville's Seat?

Yellowhammer News founder Cliff Sims and former Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson are reportedly throwin' their hats into the ring for Coach Tuberville's old Senate seat. The plot thickens!

7. SEC Cracks Down on Field-Storming (But Does Anyone Care?)

The SEC's beefing up fines for field- and court-storming, specifically at Bama and Tennessee games. But let's be real, are college students and fans really gonna care? Probably not.

Dale Jackson Says...

Listen to Dale Jackson (the thought leader for Yellowhammer News) weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN. He knows what's up!

Boozer Back in the Ring for Treasurer!

Guess who's throwing his hat into the ring again? That's right, Alabama's own Young Boozer is making a bid for State Treasurer! This marks his fourth time vying for the position. Talk about dedication!

A Familiar Face

Boozer, a banker by trade, first snagged the treasurer gig back in 2010 and followed it up with another win in 2014. Term limits forced him to step aside, but he made a comeback in 2021, courtesy of Governor Ivey after John McMillan bounced to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. He then won the election again in 2022.

"Ready to Serve Again!"

"I'm stoked to announce my run for State Treasurer in 2026!" Boozer declared. He added that he's ready to "serve the 5 million citizens of Alabama" with his skills and experience, aiming to keep improving the office and act as a financial resource for the state.

Big Accomplishments

Boozer's got a track record! He famously hammered out a long-term settlement for the PACT college savings plan and kicked off a scholarship program that's dished out around $12.8 million to over 3,600 Alabama high schoolers. Oh, and he made the state treasury self-funded! Nice!

Birmingham Southern Drama

Remember the Birmingham Southern College situation? Boozer was right in the middle of it. He was tasked with overseeing a loan program to help the struggling college, but eventually denied the $30 million, leading to a lawsuit that was later dismissed.

Active in the Community

Outside of politics, Boozer's a busy bee, lending his expertise to organizations like the Church of the Ascension, the Montgomery Rotary Club, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Boy Scouts, and even Stanford University's board.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Republican primary for State Treasurer is set for May 19, 2026. Get ready to vote, ChumCity!

Shakeup in Sweet Home Alabama? McFeeters Throws Hat in Ring!

Get ready, folks! Ken McFeeters, insurance guru and ex-congressional hopeful, just announced he's gunning for the governor's mansion in 2026! This self-proclaimed political outsider is ready to rumble with the establishment and fight for us regular Alabamians.

Who is Ken McFeeters?

Been in Alabama since '71, and started his own insurance biz near Birmingham back in '81. This guy knows the state! He's also been in the political trenches, even leading the Mid-Alabama Republican Club. Remember his congressional run in '24? He snagged 6% in the primary!

McFeeters' Master Plan for Alabama:

So, what's McFeeters' vision for the Yellowhammer State? Let's break it down:

• Education Revolution: Time to shake up the schools! He wants discipline, sharp thinking, and skills that actually matter. And get this – he wants to bring in ex-military folks to bring some order.

• Alabama, Self-Sufficient! Less relying on outside sources, more Alabama-made everything! Food, medicine, energy – let's keep it local and build a strong, independent economy!

• Taking on the Big Guys: McFeeters isn't afraid to call out the old guard – those political and corporate types he says care more about power than people. He's promising to stand up to them!

• Freedom First! He's all about protecting our individual freedoms and keeping Alabama’s rights strong against those overreaching agendas.

2026 Primary Showdown

Mark your calendars! May 19, 2026 is when the Republican primary goes down. McFeeters is squaring off against U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. It's gonna be a wild ride!

Tuscaloosa Talk: Top Legislators Dish on State Policy!

West Alabama got a serious dose of state intel this week! The Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the State luncheon brought together bigwigs to chat about recent policy moves and how they're impacting our neck of the woods.

Ledbetter and Gudger Drop Knowledge

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger headlined the event at the Tuscaloosa River Market. They offered the inside scoop on what went down during the 2025 legislative session and where Alabama's headed as we approach election season.

"Back the Blue" and Water Works Reform

Key takeaways? The passage of the "Back the Blue" law, giving our law enforcement even more legal protection, was a hot topic. Plus, they discussed shaking things up at the Birmingham Water Works Board, aiming to improve how it's run.

Workforce Development: A West Alabama Priority

Speaker Ledbetter stressed Alabama's dedication to boosting the West Alabama workforce, highlighting the great work of programs like West Alabama Works. He pointed to education initiatives, including the new high school diploma track, as ways to build a stronger workforce statewide.

Early Start for 2026?

With the 2026 elections looming, Ledbetter hinted that the legislature might kick things off earlier next year to make room for lawmakers' campaign schedules.

Business and Politics Unite!

The luncheon was all about connecting business leaders and elected officials for an open conversation about legislation, policy, and what matters most to our region. Chamber President and CEO Kyle South said the goal was to give the business community valuable insights as they gear up for the year ahead.

Tuberville Shrugs Off Residency Rumblings in Guv Race

Just days after tossing his hat in the ring for Governor, Senator Tommy Tuberville is batting away whispers that he doesn't quite meet the residency requirements.

Not Sweating It

Tuberville, never one to shy from a scrum, addressed the concerns head-on during a chat on 95.3's "The Steve & DC Morning Show." The Senator from Auburn dismissed the doubts as typical liberal hot air.

Roots Run Deep

"I've had land and houses here since '99 – that's over 25 years! I'm here," Tuberville declared. "I wouldn't jump into this without doing my homework. I've had gigs in Cincinnati and at Texas Tech. When I came home, I did everything by the book."

Trump Card?

Tuberville likened the residency questions to the treatment of Donald Trump, suggesting it's just another way for the left to villainize Republicans. He emphasized he's faced similar attacks in D.C. and right here in Alabama.

Ready for a Fight

"They went after the President for everything. I'm smaller scale, but they'll come after me," he said. "They hate me 'cause I stand up to them. I was elected five years ago to represent Alabama in the Senate, after campaigning for two years beforehand. It's a non-issue. Let 'em bring it. They got nothing else."

Bring on the Competition!

Ever the competitor, Tuberville is itching for a real race, especially if the Democrats field a strong candidate. "I want them to put somebody out there to run against me," Tuberville quipped. "I just love beating them, and beating them bad!"

Mark your calendars! Alabama's 2026 election is shaping up to be a barnburner, with every executive and legislative seat up for grabs. The primary is set for May 26, 2026, and the fundraising frenzy kicks off a year prior.

Brighton's Top Cop Stays Put!

The Brighton City Council decided Wednesday night: Police Chief Larry Woods is sticking around! This comes after a heated attempt to oust him amidst some seriously juicy corruption allegations circling multiple council members.

Woods Claims Retaliation

CBS42 reports Chief Woods believes he was targeted for investigating some shady behavior involving Councilman Jerome McMullin and Councilman Lonnie Murry. Talk about drama!

Councilman Arrested!

McMullin was cuffed earlier this week and bonded out after being charged with evidence tampering in connection with a December 2024 double homicide. Apparently, he allegedly recorded illegal video at the crime scene. Yikes!

More Allegations Surface

And it doesn’t stop there! Murry is accused of demanding $900 from a bingo business back in January 2023 to keep them afloat, all while providing them private security. Police records also tie Murry to previous allegations of harassment, bribery, extortion, criminal trespassing, and even simple assault! He hasn't commented on the latest accusations.

The Reasons for Termination?

Woods' attorney explained that city leaders were citing things like inadequate New Year’s Eve staffing, using the city gas card for personal trips, and excessive absences as reasons for his potential firing. Woods denies it all, saying it’s just payback for his investigation into council misconduct.

He Named Names!

WBRC says Woods specifically called out Murry and McMullin, claiming they were trying to undermine him after he started making complaints against them.

He's Staying, But...

Despite the chaos, the council voted to keep Woods in his position. He still feels singled out, but says he's focused on doing his job.

What's Next?

City officials haven't said anything official about the wider corruption allegations or if they'll be looking into any internal investigations. Stay tuned, ChumCity, because this story is far from over!