Montgomery Grapples with Weekend Violence

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed is calling for peace after a tragic weekend rocked the city.

A Weekend of Loss

Over the weekend, Montgomery police responded to two separate and horrifying incidents that claimed three lives.

Suburban Studios Tragedy

Saturday night saw officers rush to the Suburban Studios Hotel on Carmichael Road after reports of a shooting. Two men were found dead at the scene, victims of gunshot wounds. Another man was hospitalized but is expected to recover.

Raintree Drive Stabbing

Just hours later, early Sunday morning, another violent scene unfolded. Two women arrived at a local hospital with stab wounds. Sadly, one of the women succumbed to her injuries, while the other is thankfully expected to survive. Police believe the incident occurred on Raintree Drive.

Mayor Reed's Plea

Mayor Reed, in a statement shared on the city's Facebook page, expressed his sorrow and renewed his call for an end to the violence.

"This weekend, our community was shaken by senseless acts of violence...Every life lost is one too many," he stated. He emphasized the city's commitment to justice for the victims and support for their families. "Let us choose compassion over conflict, dialogue over division, and peace over violence."

Investigations Underway

Montgomery police are actively investigating both cases.

Trouble Brewing for UAB Blazers?

Things haven't been smooth sailing for the UAB Blazers under head coach Trent Dilfer. After a 4-8 season in 2023, they stumbled to a 3-9 record in 2024, putting Dilfer's future in question as they head into 2025.

Sideline Shenanigans

And incidents like the one on Saturday afternoon certainly aren't helping! During the first quarter, Blazers safety Sirad Bryant was caught on camera appearing to stomp on the foot of Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert after an extra point attempt. Ouch! The refs apparently missed it in the moment.

Coach Dilfer Responds

After the game, Dilfer acknowledged seeing the video and promised disciplinary action for Bryant.

Bryant's Apology

Bryant also took to social media to apologize, admitting his actions and asking for forgiveness. He stated, "What I did was inexcusable... I am better than that and take full accountability for my actions."

Tough Loss and More Bad Press

UAB ultimately lost the game 56-24, a result that wasn't exactly shocking. However, this incident is just another unwelcome spotlight on a program that's already facing challenges. Not the kind of buzz they were hoping for!

Alabama Takes a Stand Against Opioids!

ChumCity, let's talk! The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), with the help of Opioids Take, made National Opioid Awareness Day on September 21st a big deal. We're talking about education, prevention, and recovery, folks!

Why It Matters

This day was all about getting real about the opioid crisis. Alabamians came together to learn and act, because this is a challenge we face together.

Good News on the Horizon

Hold up, though! There’s some seriously good news: Overdose deaths in Alabama DROPPED by over 30% from 2024 to 2025! Huge shout-out to the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds, state agencies, and our amazing community partners for making this happen!

Getting the Word Out

So how did we spread the word? Think massive billboards statewide and a HUGE online presence.

OpioidsTake.com: Your Resource

This initiative is all about showing how opioids can take away everything – health, relationships, even lives. But it's also full of stories of hope and recovery. The goal? Break down the stigma, make info accessible, and get every corner of Alabama involved.

A Commitment to Change

Observing National Opioid Awareness Day is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's a BIG piece! ADMH and its partners are dedicated to saving lives and supporting families through prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Let's Keep the Momentum Going!

Opioid misuse is still affecting way too many of us. By acknowledging National Opioid Awareness Day, we're showing our commitment to a healthier, safer Alabama.

Auburn Hoops Shocker: Bruce Pearl Steps Down!

Hold the phone, ChumCity! Huge news out of Auburn as reports indicate Bruce Pearl is calling it a career! Just weeks before tip-off, the Tigers' head coach is reportedly retiring.

A Family Affair?

The word on the street is that Steven Pearl, Bruce's son and a long-time assistant, is expected to take the reins. Is this a permanent gig? TBD, folks!

Pearl's Legacy

Since 2014, Pearl has been a force, racking up a 244-123 record. The highlight? A blistering 32-6 season that snagged an SEC regular-season title. Under his watch, Auburn snagged three regular season conference titles, two SEC tourney wins, and made their first two Final Four appearances. Talk about a legacy!

Senate Dreams or Tired Feet?

Rumors have swirled about a potential Senate run for Pearl, but is that the real reason for hanging up the whistle? Or could age and burnout be the culprits?

Timing is Everything

At 65, Pearl hinted at retirement, but most thought he had some gas left in the tank. This announcement is a bombshell, and the timing is even more surprising.

What's Next for the Tigers?

The big question is, how will the players react? They now have a 30-day window to explore the transfer portal. Stay tuned to ChumCity for updates as this story develops!

Bruce Pearl Stays on the Court!

Looks like Bruce Pearl won't be trading his whistle for a Senate seat in 2026! Sources close to the Auburn basketball coach tell Yellowhammer News that he's decided against a run for Alabama's open U.S. Senate spot.

Pearl's Political Ponderings

The rumor mill has been churning for months, especially after reports surfaced that Pearl was chatting with Republican strategists and officials about a potential campaign.

Leaning Towards No

Earlier in July, whispers suggested Pearl was "leaning against" a run and planned to make a final decision after a summer filled with political pow-wows.

Tuberville's Move

Things got even spicier when Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced his own bid for Governor in 2026, opening the door for a potentially wild GOP primary.

Coaching Change Too!

And in other HUGE news, Pearl is reportedly stepping down as head coach of the Auburn Tigers! His son, Steven Pearl, will be taking the reins for the 2025-26 season. What a summer for Auburn hoops!

Alabama AG Race Heats Up!

The race for Alabama's Attorney General in 2026 is getting spicier than a basket of fried okra! Former Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell's campaign is throwing shade at opponent Katherine Robertson, accusing her of cozying up to the gambling industry.

The Gambling Gambit

Mitchell's team is slamming Robertson for allegedly "accepting campaign contributions tied to the gambling industry." They're claiming this is a major no-no and a break from tradition for Alabama AGs, who are supposed to be the last line of defense against gambling expansion.

The Donation Drama

Remember that $10,000 donation Robertson got from the Poarch Creek Indians in July? Well, Mitchell didn't explicitly name PCI, but he did say he's turned down "big gambling" money.

"What are they buying, and what is Katherine Robertson selling for this support?" Mitchell questioned, emphasizing his opposition to gambling expansion.

"I Took It!"

Mitchell's campaign also brought up a past statement where Robertson supposedly said, "They offered me money, I took it, I am not going to apologize for it," referring to the PCI donation. Context, though, suggested she said they're "pro law enforcement" and her Sheriff buddy supports the contribution.

U-Turn Accusations!

They're also accusing Robertson of a "sharp reversal" from a 2015 editorial where she opposed lotteries and casinos. Mitchell is playing the "protector of Alabama families" card, promising to enforce anti-gambling laws without any conflicted interests.

Robertson's Rebuttal

Robertson's camp fired back, calling Mitchell's accusations "patently false." A spokesperson told Yellowhammer News, "The truth, on this topic and others, will eventually catch up with him. Katherine Robertson is the proven, principled candidate in this race."

Gambling: A Hot-Button Issue

This whole shebang comes after a failed push by Alabama lawmakers to create a legal gambling framework this year. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who run Wind Creek casinos and the Birmingham Race Course, would be major players in any legal gambling setup.

More Than Just Games

PCI is a big deal in Alabama, pumping over $4 billion into the state annually, creating thousands of jobs and generating tons of tax revenue. They've also been generous with political donations, giving over $250,000 to various candidates since 2024.

The AG's Role

The Alabama AG's job is a unique one, especially when it comes to tackling illegal "electronic bingo." The Alabama Supreme Court ordered a shutdown of these machines in 2022, creating a precedent for future AGs to enforce those laws.

Charlie Kirk Under Fire: Truth vs. Smears

The attacks lobbed at Charlie Kirk after the recent tragedy? Let's just say a LOT of them are pure fiction – ignorant misquotes and downright hateful rhetoric.

When Aunt Karen Goes Wild...

It's one thing when your friend's aunt goes on a Facebook rant, but it's next-level cringe when a member of Congress peddles these same lies to justify voting against a resolution supporting Kirk.

Sewell's Callous Move?

Sadly, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) voted against said resolution, making her look, well, pretty darn insensitive. Ouch.

About Dale Jackson

Dale Jackson is a leading voice at Yellowhammer News and keeps you informed weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

NorthRiver Yacht Club Sails Back to Local Hands!

Big news from NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa! The private club has a new crew at the helm: a group of local investors who are passionate about the community.

Who's Steering the Ship?

The new owners include familiar names like Joe Gillis, Chris Mobley, Miller Mobley, Kenny Short, and Andy Turner. These folks aren't new to the game – they're the masterminds behind the popular Captain’s Club on Lake Tuscaloosa, right in the NorthRiver neighborhood.

Smooth Sailing Ahead

Don't worry, things will run as smoothly as ever! Troon, the management company that's been keeping NorthRiver shipshape since 2017, is staying on board to handle the day-to-day operations. David Stinson, Troon's VP of Operations, called NorthRiver "a jewel of Tuscaloosa" and said they're excited to continue their role.

A Rich History

Founded back in 1978 by local legend Jack Warner, NorthRiver Yacht Club has always been the place to be for fun and socializing. Think championship golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, amazing food, a top-notch gym, and a calendar packed with events.

Honoring Tradition, Embracing the Future

Andy Turner, speaking for the new owners, said they're committed to respecting the club's traditions while investing in improvements for years to come. Get ready for even better times at NorthRiver!

Alabama AG Blasts Biden, Smith Over Turning Point USA Probe

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is firing shots at former President Joe Biden and ex-special counsel Jack Smith for their roles in a 2012 investigation into Turning Point USA (Charlie Kirk's conservative nonprofit) and other right-leaning groups.

"Arctic Frost" Exposed

Last week, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) dropped a bombshell: audio and documents from the investigation, codenamed "Arctic Frost." This probe scrutinized a whopping 92 GOP organizations and individuals connected to them.

Partisan Weapons?

Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, alleges that "many FBI agents have been removed" since Trump took office, including those he claims became "partisan weapons." He says he released records to prove it.

Marshall Weighs In

Marshall, a potential 2026 Senate candidate, didn't hold back during a recent Fox Business Network appearance. He slammed Biden for allegedly learning from Obama's "weaponization" of the IRS against conservatives. He also criticized the FBI's focus on parents at school board meetings and the Catholic Church instead of violent crime.

Personal Experience

Marshall even revealed his own office was caught in the FBI's net. "Highly disappointing," he said, that the agency targeted Republican attorneys general, governors, and Trump supporters during a violent crime surge. He praised Grassley for exposing the situation.

Cleaning House at the FBI

The Attorney General expressed his support for the Trump administration's efforts to fix the FBI's alleged issues. He anticipates a deep dive into the situation by the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also credited Kash Patel with helping to rid the FBI of "partisan agents." Marshall believes Trump is fulfilling his mandate to reshape the government.

Huntsville Defense Contractor Wins Court Battle!

Radiance Technologies, a Huntsville-based, employee-owned defense contractor, just scored a major win in court. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama threw out an eight-count lawsuit filed by some former employees.

The Lawsuit Deconstructed

Judge Corey L. Maze dismissed all the claims "without prejudice" – meaning the door could be open for a refiling, but it's looking unlikely. The Judge basically said the plaintiffs didn't have the legal standing for some of their claims, and others were blocked by federal law. The plaintiffs were upset about a missed opportunity to sell the company, which they believed would have made their ESOP holdings much more valuable.

ERISA To The Rescue?

The court agreed with Radiance that state-law claims were trumped by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and that the plaintiffs hadn't even exhausted the plan's internal appeals process before rushing to court.

A Win for Radiance

This ruling closes a case that started in April 2024 and highlights common issues in ESOP management, particularly how ERISA can limit the legal options for plan participants.

"ENOUGH!" Says Radiance Compliance Chief

Radiance Technology’s Chief Compliance Officer Jay Town, a former U.S. Attorney, celebrated the legal victory.

"[Radiance Technology] successfully countered a baseless lawsuit against our company this week, with the case being dismissed outright!" Town said. "This is what happens when your C-suite says ENOUGH…and fights back!"