Alabama Senators Cheer Food Dye Phase-Out!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Big news is brewing in the world of food regulations, and our Alabama Senators are doing a happy dance! Both Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are singing praises for the feds' push to kick certain artificial dyes outta our grub.

"Make America Healthy Again" Initiative

Get this: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, unveiled a super cool plan to gently nudge those pesky food dyes out the door as part of their "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.

No Legal Ban (Yet!)

Okay, okay, so it's not an all-out ban yet. But, HHS and the FDA believe they can work hand-in-hand with the food industry to make this phase-out a reality, nice and voluntarily.

Bye-Bye, Red Dye 40?!

The hit list includes Red Dye No. 40. That's right, the stuff in your M&M's and Lucky Charms might be getting the boot! Senator Britt called the announcement "fantastic news!"

Tuberville's Take

Senator Tuberville is also stoked, having previously grilled FDA officials about Red Dye 3. He's ready to team up with Secretary Kennedy to "MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN." It seems like our senators are listening to our concerns here in ChumCity!

ChumCity's Take on Longshore and McKnight!

Guess what, ChumCityzens? Longshore and McKnight went live from Montgomery Regional Airport, and they're all about making your life easier! They kicked things off reminding everyone about the Star ID deadline on May 7th. Get those IDs updated, folks, or your travel plans might hit some turbulence! Plus, they highlighted the ease of flying right out of Montgomery. Talk about convenience!

NFL Draft Night Buzz

The guys dove headfirst into NFL Draft night, focusing on none other than former Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. The hosts got real, discussing whispers from scouts about Milroe's potential, including concerns about teammate relations and accuracy. They didn't pull any punches! Despite the criticisms, they made sure to shout out Milroe's awesome character and off-field wins.

Auburn & Alabama Football Scoop

Later, Jason Caldwell and Rodney Orr joined the show for some serious Auburn and Alabama football talk. Caldwell touched on Auburn's draft presence, offensive line woes, and those tricky NIL deals. He gave a shout-out to Auburn's stellar recruiting game but warned about transfer portal chaos.

Orr shifted the focus to Alabama's tight end hunt, new portal additions, and the surprisingly low number of transfers leaving under Coach DeBoer. Stability in Tuscaloosa? He thinks so! Bottom line: Keeping your players happy and building a strong culture is now just as vital as reeling in top recruits. The college game is changing, people!

My style and my identity are my signatures. ✒️?

Military Reinstatement: A New Chapter?

Remember all those brave service members given the boot for standing their ground against the COVID-19 vaccine? Well, hold onto your hats, ChumCityzens, because things are about to get interesting! Seems the tide is turning for these unfairly discharged heroes.

Hegseth's Welcome Back

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is making waves by officially welcoming back those forced out of the military. "We're also welcoming back former service members who were wrongly forced to leave," he declared. A whopping 8,700+ were involuntarily separated for not getting that "experimental" jab. But it wasn't just the formally discharged; Hegseth acknowledges others were "informally pushed out" or felt they had no choice but to leave.

Actively Seeking Returns

According to Hegseth, a full-blown effort is underway to bring these individuals back into the fold. "We are actively welcoming back those warriors of conscience," he stated. Letters are being sent, and the Personnel and Readiness department is working overtime to streamline the process.

Support in High Places

Senator Tommy Tuberville is singing the same tune, arguing that no one should've been tossed out for refusing an "experimental vaccine." He previously backed legislation aimed at preventing these very discharges.

A Second Chance?

After the mandate was canned in 2023, a measly 43 chose to return under the previous administration. But now, with renewed efforts and a clear invitation, could this be the second chance these service members deserve? President Trump's Executive Order offers full back pay and benefits, and service members have until April 1, 2026, to jump back in. Is this the start of righting a wrong?

Tuberville Eyes Alabama Governor's Mansion in 2026!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! Word on the street (confirmed by Yellowhammer News) is that U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville might be trading in his D.C. digs for the Alabama Statehouse!

A Montgomery Move?

While Congress is on break, Tuberville reportedly told a room full of donors that he's seriously considering a run for Governor in 2026. Instead of seeking re-election to the Senate, he seems ready to serve the great people of Alabama right here at home.

Announcement Incoming!

Keep your eyes peeled because an official campaign announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Tuberville has been kicking around the idea of a gubernatorial bid for a while now. Remember back in 2018 when he almost ran?

Past Victories

Let's not forget Tuberville's impressive win against Doug Jones in the 2020 Senate race, racking up a whopping 60.2% of the vote. He also handily defeated Jeff Sessions in the GOP primary that same year.

War Chest Ready

Tuberville's FEC filings show a tidy sum of over $628,000 in his campaign coffers as of the last quarter. That money could definitely come in handy for a run at the Governor's office.

An Open Senate Seat!

Tuberville's potential move opens up a U.S. Senate seat, setting the stage for a hot race to fill his shoes.

Primary Date

Mark your calendars! The Alabama Republican Party primary election is set for Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Get ready to rumble!

Wait, Hold Up!

Update: Tuberville's camp is pumping the brakes a bit, saying no official announcement is final yet, and they're still "praying" about the decision. So, stay tuned, folks, this saga is still unfolding!

NFL Draft Fever Hits Green Bay!

It's the most wonderful time of the year... for football fanatics! The NFL Draft is finally here, kicking off Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round.

The SEC always brings the heat, churning out tons of Thursday night picks. Last year saw 11 SEC stars get snagged, with a record-smashing 15 in 2020. But when it comes to first-round dominance, one program stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Alabama Crimson Tide!

Tide Talent Heading to the Pros?

While we might not see a repeat of Bama's insane 2021 draft (six first-rounders!), there are at least three players with a solid shot at hearing their names called early. Let's break down their chances:

Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker: 80% Chance

Campbell was a beast this season! Coming from Saban's Alabama program definitely gives him a boost. While the league may not value off-ball linebackers as highly as edge rushers these days, it would still be a surprise to see Campbell slip out of the first round. Keep an eye out for him to get picked as early as the teens.

Tyler Booker, Guard: 70% Chance

Booker was arguably the best guard in college football last season and is projected to go in the 20s. Like Campbell, his position might affect his stock. Guard isn't as valued as tackle, but Booker's potential All-Pro status could be just what a playoff team in the 20s needs to solidify their O-line.

Jalen Milroe, Quarterback: 40% Chance

Love him or hate him, NFL teams are suckers for potential. And Milroe's raw athleticism is off the charts! Even with his inconsistent passing, some teams see a high ceiling if he can develop. While he's more likely a second or third-round pick, don't be shocked if a team trades back into the first to grab this dual-threat QB.

SEC Stars Set to Shine in NFL Draft!

Draft night is almost here, ChumCity! Thursday night will be huge as we watch SEC standouts find their NFL homes. How many future pros will come from the best conference in college football?

Bama's Draft Dominance: Will the Streak Continue?

No program pumps out NFL talent quite like the Alabama Crimson Tide. For years, their pipeline has been unreal, especially under Nick Saban.

An Unbelievable Streak

Since 2009, Alabama has had at least one player drafted in the first round – a mind-blowing 16-year streak! Can Kalen DeBoer's guys keep the dream alive?

Who Could Be the Next First-Rounder?

Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, and even Jalen Milroe are all hoping to hear their names called on Thursday. But are any of them a guaranteed first-round pick?

Booker and Campbell have a good shot, but guards and off-ball linebackers aren't always high picks these days. Milroe is a total wildcard – those legs are electric, but his arm is a question mark. Still, that potential might be too tempting for someone to pass up!

Will the Tide Roll On?

Streaks are made to be broken, but we're betting at least one of these Bama ballers hears their name called in the first round. Don't be surprised if the Crimson Tide continues its draft night reign!

Outrage Over Early Release of Illegal Immigrant

Folks are fuming after hearing that an illegal immigrant is getting sprung from the slammer six years ahead of schedule! Rep. Barry Moore is leading the charge, voicing serious concerns about this shocking situation.

The Case

Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated back in 2022, is set to be released by California on July 19th. He's only served 3.5 years of his original 10-year sentence. Can you believe it? Word is, the previous administration is considering federal charges in response to this madness.

Moore's Strong Words

Moore didn't mince words, stating, "No parent or spouse should have to go through the pain of losing a loved one, especially losing them to someone who is not in our country legally. This illegal alien should have immediately been deported again... Instead, California is releasing him from prison six years early!"

Taking Action

Moore's been pushing hard for change. His bill, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025, aims to deport any alien convicted of or admitting to drunk driving. It already cleared the Judiciary Committee back in February!

Stopping Dangerous Policies

Moore believes his bill would keep liberal states like California from unleashing these dangerous individuals back onto our streets. "We must get illegals who commit these offenses out of our communities and off of our streets!" he declared. It's time to get serious about keeping our communities safe!

Alabama's Schools About to Get a HUGE Boost!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Alabama House just gave a thumbs-up to a whopping $12.1 billion Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget for 2026. That's a record-breaking investment in public education, and it's all about giving our kids the best possible start!

What's in this Massive Money Pot?

This ain't your grandma's school budget, folks! It's packed with goodies, including:

• School Choice: More moolah for the CHOOSE Act, helping families pick the right school for their kiddos.
• Targeted Support: The RAISE Program ditches the "one-size-fits-all" approach, sending more funds to schools with students who need extra help.
• Teacher Perks: Paid parental leave is finally here, plus a new workers' comp program and better health insurance!

Choose Act Gets a Major Boost!

That's right! The CHOOSE Act, which lets families use up to $7,000 per kid for tuition at private or out-of-district public schools is getting $80 million MORE! Homeschooling families can snag up to $2,000 per child (capped at $4,000 per household).

RAISE the Roof (and Funding)!

Say goodbye to old-school funding! The RAISE Act is all about giving more money to schools serving students with higher needs, like those from low-income families, English language learners, and students with special needs. It's a game-changer!

Teachers, Take Note!

This budget's got your back! Lawmakers are dropping $9.6 million for paid parental leave and $15.6 million for a new workers' compensation program. Plus, the state's pitching in more for your health insurance.

What's Next?

The Senate is up next, and if they give it the green light, it's off to Governor Ivey for her signature. Get ready, Alabama – big changes are coming to our schools!

UM Earns Military Friendly Status (Again!)

The University of Montevallo (UM) is once again being recognized for its awesome support of military students and their families! They've just earned the "Military Friendly School" designation for the fifth time.

Kudos to the Team!

Traci Crenshaw, Director of UM’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, gives a huge shout-out to her hardworking team, including Dr. Tammi Dahle, UM Student Accounts, and UM Student Aid. She says these designations just wouldn't be possible without their dedication.

Serving Military Spouses Too!

It's not just veterans who are feeling the love. UM has also been named a Military Spouse Friendly School twice! This shows they're committed to providing excellent education for the spouses of our amazing service members.

"You Belong at Montevallo" - They Mean It!

As Crenshaw says, Montevallo really lives up to its motto! They're welcoming and providing outstanding service to veterans and their families.

What is Military Friendly?

Military Friendly, created by Viqtory, rates organizations on how well they recruit and support military veterans. Schools that participate earn their designation by showing commitment. The whole point is to create maximum professional opportunities for our military community.

How are Schools Rated?

The final ratings combine survey responses with public data, measuring things like retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment rates, both for all students and specifically for student veterans.