Big News for Huntsville! Raytheon Scores a Billion-Dollar Deal!

Hey ChumCity! Get ready for some high-tech action! Raytheon just landed a massive $1 billion contract with the Missile Defense Agency right here in Huntsville!

What's the Buzz About?

Raytheon will be cranking out up to 55 SM-3 Block IB All-Up Rounds. Think state-of-the-art missile defense systems – pretty cool, right? These bad boys are made, put together, and tested to meet some serious specifications.

Huntsville's Got a Piece of the Action!

While the work will also take place in Tucson, Huntsville's involved! Expect this project to keep things humming along nicely until March 31, 2031. The Missile Defense Agency in our own city is the brains behind this contracting operation. Way to go, Huntsville!

(Courtesy of 256 Today)

Matt Woods Gets Big Boost in Senate Race!

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama (ABC) has thrown its support behind Matt Woods for Senate District 5! This comes as Governor Ivey calls a special election for June 24, 2025, to fill the seat left vacant after Greg Reed joined her administration.

Why ABC is Backing Woods

ABC Board Chairman Tim Harrison says Woods is the real deal: "Matt's a businessman who gets it. We need leaders in Montgomery focused on cutting the red tape, sparking growth, and boosting workforce development. Matt’s got the experience, and that’s why we're with him."

Woods' Roots and Rise

A lifelong resident of Senate District 5, Woods is a product of Oakman High School (Class of '00!). After Bevill State and Auburn, he returned home to Walker County and the family biz. He's been repping District 13 in the Alabama House since '22.

Woods Responds to the Endorsement

"The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama are top-notch when it comes to supporting construction professionals, and their support tells me our message is connecting with folks," said State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper).

He added, "Alabama’s commercial construction industry brings in a massive $17 billion annually, and I'm eager to work with ABC to keep the momentum going for the construction industry and our entire state!”

About ABC of Alabama

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama is a heavyweight, representing the state's construction industry, which generates 200,000 jobs and contributes a whopping 5% to Alabama's economy.

Alabama & Auburn Ready to Rumble in SEC Tournament!

It's baseball fever in Alabama! Both Auburn and Alabama are poised for some serious postseason action, kicking off with the SEC Tournament this week. Could this be the year the Tide or Tigers bring home some big-time hardware?

Auburn's Ike Irish: Golden Spikes Nominee!

The Auburn Tigers snagged the No. 6 seed and will battle the winner of Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State in their opener. Fueling their fire is none other than star catcher Ike Irish, a Golden Spikes Award nominee! This dude's a beast, hitting .354 with 16 homers and 52 RBIs, all while flashing some serious leather behind the plate. Talk about a complete player!

Bama's Justin Lebron Chasing Glory!

Meanwhile, the Alabama Crimson Tide are rolling into Hoover as the No. 9 seed, facing Missouri on Tuesday morning. If they conquer the Tigers, they'll face a tough test against No. 8 Tennessee on Wednesday. Bama's own superstar shortstop Justin Lebron has been tearing it up, earning himself a Golden Spikes Award finalist nod. He's batting .313 with 18 dingers! Can he bring the Golden Spikes back to Tuscaloosa for the first time since 1983?

Hardware on the Horizon?

With both Irish and Lebron dominating on the diamond, all eyes will be on them in Hoover. Both teams are practically guaranteed NCAA Tournament spots, but can these superstars lead their squads to a championship run? Only time will tell, folks! Get ready for some serious baseball drama!

Alabama Digs in for Redistricting Fight!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall just dropped a bombshell: the state's appealing that federal court smackdown of its 2023 congressional map. Remember that one? The court said it intentionally discriminated against Black voters, violating the Voting Rights Act.

Backstory

Marshall's been a staunch defender of the Legislature's map, saying it's both legal and above board. The map came about after the Supreme Court basically told Alabama to create a second district where Black voters had a real shot at electing their candidate of choice. The Legislature tweaked District 2, aiming to boost minority influence without, you know, being too obvious about it.

Judge's Slam Dunk

But in a massive, almost 600-page ruling back on May 8th, a panel of judges said "No way, Jose!" They permanently blocked the map, arguing it illegally suppressed Black voters. Only one majority-Black district out of seven? Come on, Alabama! Black folks make up about 27% of the population!

What's Next?

This is just the latest chapter in a years-long redistricting saga. After the court-ordered map was implemented, Alabama elected two minority representatives for the first time ever in the 2024 elections!

Pre-Clearance on the Horizon?

The judges even hinted they might make Alabama get federal approval for future redistricting plans. That's a big deal!

Marshall's appeal signals that Alabama's ready for a drawn-out legal brawl, potentially landing this whole thing back in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Stay tuned, ChumCity – this one's far from over!

Big News from the Alabama Supreme Court!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity folks! Governor Kay Ivey just shook things up, appointing Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Supreme Court! This follows Justice Jay Mitchell's surprising exit – he's got his sights set on becoming Attorney General in 2026!

Who is Judge Lewis?

Judge Lewis is no stranger to Alabama's legal scene. He was just appointed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals earlier this year. Governor Ivey is super confident in her choice, stating that Judge Lewis "continues demonstrating justice and fairness under the law, as well as a willingness to serve the people of Alabama." She believes his "decades of experience will serve the Supreme Court of Alabama well."

Lewis's Impressive Background

Before his stint on the Court of Civil Appeals, Judge Lewis presided over the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County. He's also been a senior partner at his own firm, the Lewis Law Firm, since '06. This guy has done it all - from assistant district attorney to criminal defense and even dabbling in civil and family law! He's got degrees from the University of the South and Cumberland School of Law.

What's Next?

The Governor's office says Ivey chatted with Judge Lewis this morning. And don't worry, she'll announce who's filling Judge Lewis's old seat on the Court of Civil Appeals soon. Stay tuned, ChumCity, for more updates!

Redstone Arsenal: A Hub of Army Innovation!

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll recently teamed up with Senator Katie Britt for a grand tour of Redstone Arsenal, showing off its incredible Army-related facilities.

Inside Redstone's High-Tech World

Driscoll and Britt dove deep, hitting up Army Materiel Command (AMC), the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), Program Executive Office Missiles & Space (PEO Missiles and Space), and Program Executive Office Aviation (PEO Aviation). They even got the lowdown on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)!

Senator Britt's Passion for Redstone

"It's always an honor to spotlight Alabama's cutting-edge power at Redstone Arsenal," Britt exclaimed. She thanked Secretary Driscoll for visiting Huntsville so early in his term.

Britt emphasized that Redstone Arsenal is vital to national security, playing a key role in supporting multiple branches of the U.S. military, especially the Army. She added, "Redstone is indispensable to advancing this mission of ensuring America’s military readiness."

Britt's Advocacy for Alabama's Army Installations

Britt previously championed Driscoll’s confirmation, noting his understanding of Alabama's Army bases. She believes he understands the importance of Army bases throughout Alabama.

FBI's Presence at Redstone

Back in April, Britt, along with Senator Tommy Tuberville and FBI Director Kash Patel, toured Redstone to check out the base's intelligence capabilities.

"The FBI’s operations on Redstone Arsenal are at the forefront of 21st-century innovation," Britt commented, highlighting Redstone’s critical role in the FBI's future.

Alabama House Republicans Declare Victory on "Alabama Values" Agenda!

Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen is pumpin' fists! He's giving a huge shoutout to the House Republican Caucus for keepin' their promise and rockin' the "Alabama Values" legislative agenda. This agenda, packed with conservative goodies, was a top priority for the 2025 session.

What's in the "Alabama Values" Goodie Bag?

Stadthagen declared the agenda reflects "conservative beliefs and values" that most Alabamians hold dear. He highlighted the hard work of Republican House members in making it happen. So, what kinda goodies are we talkin' about? Buckle up!

• Job Creation: The "Powering Growth" plan aims to boost the economy through energy availability, which is the top factor for economic development projects.
• Border Protection: Crackin' down on illegal immigration with tougher laws, working with the federal government.
• Honest Elections: Ensuring vote integrity by beefing up voter ID laws.
• Public Safety: Backing the blue with the "Back The Blue Protection Act" for law enforcement, plus speeding up trials and keeping sex offenders away from first responder roles.
• Public Education: Throwing cash at schools and school choice options. Also, restricting student device use during class time and teaching the importance of graduating, getting a job, and getting hitched before kids.
• Military & Veterans: Rolling out the red carpet for military personnel and vets, including a "one-stop shop" Veterans Resource Center.
• Innocent Life & Families: Axing state taxes on baby essentials and cutting the grocery tax.
• Common Sense: Battling the "Woke" agenda with the "What Is A Woman Act," defining "man," "woman," etc., based on biology.

Who Made This Happen?

State Reps. Kerry “Bubba” Underwood and James Lomax co-chaired the platform committee that cooked up this agenda. Huge thanks to them and the rest of the crew including Cynthia Almond, Susan DuBose, Steve Hurst, Jamie Kiel, Paul Lee, Rhett Marques, Marcus Paramore, Kenneth Paschal, and Shane Stringer!

Palmer Sounds Alarm on Rare Earth Minerals

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) is raising concerns about America's reliance on foreign powers, especially China, for essential rare earth minerals. He recently grilled EPA chief Lee Zeldin on this crucial issue during a House Energy Committee hearing.

China's Grip

Palmer highlighted China's dominant position, noting they control a whopping 94% of rare earth refining and possess the world's largest deposits. He lamented that the Western Hemisphere lacks a major refinery for these vital elements.

National Security at Stake

Palmer emphasized that the U.S. must develop its own capabilities to mine, process, and refine rare earth elements. It's not just about the economy, folks; national security hangs in the balance!

Digging into Solutions

The Congressman urged a review of permitting and regulations to help the U.S. catch up and secure its supply chain. He pointed out that rare earth elements can be found in unexpected places, like coal ash and old hard drives.

EPA Chief Agrees

Zeldin echoed Palmer's concerns, stressing both the economic benefits and the national security imperative of domestic production. He considers it a top priority for the National Energy Dominance Council and the current administration.

CAB Meeting Recap: Wildlife Wins!

Last weekend's wild weather may have thrown a wrench into travel plans, but the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CA still managed to convene at Troy University for their second meeting. Although shy one member for official biz, they dived headfirst into updates from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Legislative Lowdown

Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship gave props to Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos and ADCNR's legal eagles for their stellar work during the recent legislative session. Key bills were on the table, including HB1, tweaking seafood dealer license fees. Good news: the extra dough will now boost the "Sweet Grown Alabama" program, giving our local seafood a leg up!

HB437, the shark warning system bill, got a makeover thanks to ADCNR's input. A workable system is on the horizon to keep beachgoers safe after verified attacks. SB64 tackled aquatic nuisance plants, making sure folks who chop 'em up also haul 'em out. Plus, SB171 puts the brakes on motorized vehicles tearing up submerged lands, like creeks and streams. Not cool, folks.

Deer Drama

HB509, dealing with deer breeders, sparked major opposition. But thanks to ADCNR and a chorus of conservation groups, compromises were struck. No random deer testing in CWD zones, plus a task force to figure out how to move deer safely from those zones. Big shoutout to the CAB members, hunters, and groups like the Alabama Wildlife Federation for standing up for our wildlife!

Budget Bonanza!

The news wasn't all wrestling legislation. Commissioner Blankenship cheered the passing of HB186, which gives ADCNR a record-breaking $458.7 million budget! That includes cold, hard cash for sprucing up shooting ranges, state lakes, and State Parks. Plus, a million bucks for the State Wildlife Action Plan. Indigo snakes, rejoice!

Boating Bliss

Boaters, get ready! Plenty of access projects are afloat. Weeks Bay Ramp parking is getting a makeover, and ribbons were cut at the fancy new County Road 6 Ramp in Baldwin County. More ramps are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Trailblazing Alabama

Get your hiking boots ready! Alabama Tourism is declaring the next two years the "Year of Alabama Trails." With hundreds of miles of trails in State Parks and Forever Wild properties, ADCNR is ready to show off our state's natural beauty.

Hunting Leases Up for Grabs

State Lands Director Patti McCurdy let folks know about hunting leases available on 140 properties across 32 counties! Get your bids in and snag some prime hunting real estate.

Farewell, Chuck Sykes!

Commissioner Blankenship bid adieu to Chuck Sykes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director, who's taking on a new gig. Sykes brought us the Special Opportunity Area hunts, extended deer season (thanks to science!), and boosted public hunting land. He always put the resource first, and we're grateful for his service.

Turkey Talk

During public comment, turkey season timing was debated. Sykes stood firm, saying hunting pressure, not the calendar, is what silences those gobbles. "Put personal preferences aside and do what’s best for the resource," he urged.

Mark Your Calendars!

Another CAB meeting is set for May 29th at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in Montgomery. Hunting seasons, bag limits, and saltwater fishing rules will be on the table.

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Soak Up the Sun Safely: Alabama Power's Lake & River Reminders!

Hey ChumCity crew! As the temperature rises and summer vibes kick in, Alabama Power wants everyone to have a blast at our gorgeous lakes and rivers. They manage 12 major reservoirs (that's over 157,000 acres!) with almost 3,500 miles of shoreline. Boating, swimming, fishin', picnic-ing – it's all happening! Plus, don't forget The Preserves, 74 protected spots perfect for soaking up nature.

But hold up! Fun comes first, then safety. Alabama Power dropped some essential tips to keep everyone happy and healthy out there.

Boating & Water Wisdom

• Boat check! Make sure your vessel is ship-shape before hitting the water. Safety gear? Mandatory!
• Be a courteous captain! Drive defensively and share the lake love.
• Life jackets are a must! U.S. Coast Guard-approved for every passenger. Period.
• No swimming near boats, docks, or marinas! Stray electrical current is a major buzzkill.

Beat the Heat & Weather Woes

• Dress smart! Loose, light-colored clothes, shades, and a hat are your sun-fighting squad.
• Sunscreen's your BFF! SPF 15 or higher, and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Storm's a-comin'? Get to shelter ASAP! Avoid high ground.
• Weather watch! Local news and NOAA radio are your weather gurus. Pay attention!

Alabama Power wants you to have the best time ever, safely!