Fraud Alert: Brace Yourselves, ChumCity!

Nobody's safe from fraud these days. From your friendly neighborhood bakery to mega-corporations, everyone's a target. And guess what? The bad guys are getting smarter, sharing tips and tricks in the dark corners of the web to steal your precious info.

Looking ahead to 2026, AI is set to become the fraudster's best friend. Sounds grim, right? But knowledge is power! Knowing what's coming helps us protect ourselves. So, here are the top three fraud trends you need to watch out for:

• Business Email Compromise and Email Account Hijacking
• Identity Theft Gone Wild
• Sneaky, Long-Con Scams

The First Line of Defense: Awareness!

Recognizing these threats is the first step to staying safe. Once you know what to look for, you can set up safeguards and procedures to keep your stuff secure. By being proactive, you can deny those scammers access and protect your business and customers for the long haul.

Let's dive in, Chumsters!

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is Getting Crafty

Thanks to AI, BEC attacks are only going to get worse. Expect scammers to use AI to create super-realistic emails and even deepfake audio to impersonate trusted partners. They'll use social media to target you specifically, trying to trick you into changing payment details or making new transactions.

How to Fight Back:

• Vendor Relationships are Key: Know your vendors! Have emergency contacts and data protection protocols in place.
• STOP-CALL-CONFIRM: Got a request to change payment info? STOP, CALL the person using a known number (not the one in the email), and CONFIRM it's legit.

Identity Theft is About to Surge!

If you offer credit, watch out for synthetic identities—fake people created with bits of real and fake info. Even charities can be targeted by fake organizations seeking donations. With websites and documents being so easy to fake, these schemes are super convincing.

How to Stay Safe:

• Know Your Customer: Do your homework before offering credit or making deals.
• Guard Your Info: Keep your personal details safe and monitor your credit reports for anything fishy. Freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized use.

Multi-Step Scams: The Long Game

Fraudsters are playing the long game, building trust over months. Investment scams promising crazy returns are a classic example. They might even create fake tracking portals to make it look like your investment is doing great! And expect more AI-driven deception—you might think you're talking to an old friend, but it's really a scammer using AI.

How to Avoid These Traps:

• "Fraud Awareness" Mindset: Question everything! Scrutinize emails, websites, offers, and opportunities carefully.

Education and Process: Your Best Weapons

2026 is going to bring even more sophisticated scams designed to trick and steal. Businesses and individuals need to beef up their payment, authentication, and security protocols. And don't forget to educate your friends and family, especially those who might be more vulnerable. The more we know about how these attacks work, the better we can avoid them. Stay safe out there, Chumsters!

Wes Allen Gets the Nod from Manufacture Alabama!

Big news, ChumCity! Wes Allen, our current Secretary of State, just snagged a major endorsement in his bid for Lieutenant Governor: Manufacture Alabama is officially backing him!

Why the Love?

According to Jon Barganier, president of Manufacture Alabama, Allen's pro-business stance and "results-driven" leadership were key. Barganier praised Allen's work as Secretary of State, highlighting his efforts to slash red tape, cut spending, and boost election security. They're stoked to support someone who "understands the positive impact of the manufacturing industry.”

Allen's Response: Honored and Ready to Roll!

Allen says he's thrilled to have Manufacture Alabama in his corner, recognizing the vital role manufacturers play in Alabama's economy. He emphasized that these companies, both big and small, provide awesome jobs and keep Alabama competitive. As Lieutenant Governor, he promises to always put Alabama first, and that includes supporting the manufacturing sector!

Allen's Background

For those just tuning in, Allen's been Secretary of State since early 2023. Before that, he was the Pike County probate judge for almost a decade and served a term in the Alabama House. Roll Tide! And a shout out to Troy University!

Who is Manufacture Alabama?

Manufacture Alabama is a huge deal, representing hundreds of companies statewide. They’re all about supporting the manufacturing sector, from lobbying in Montgomery to advocating for better regulations.

Wild Times in Alabama & Beyond!

Kentucky Coach Freaks Over Bama Basketball

Kentucky's head coach Mark Pope basically begged for Alabama to be barred from the NCAA Tournament! Why? A judge allowed center Charles Bediako to rejoin the team, and Pope's terrified Alabama's now too strong to handle. Talk about pre-tournament jitters!

Ivey Declares State of Emergency!

Hold on tight, Alabama! Governor Kay Ivey's declared a state of emergency for 19 counties as a gnarly winter storm barrels in. Expect snow, ice, and freezing rain. A weekend winter storm watch means travel could get seriously sketchy, especially up north. Stay safe, folks!

Trump's Endorsement Surprise!

President Trump just threw his weight behind Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl... for a job Wahl hadn't even said he wanted! Now it's official: Wahl's running for Lieutenant Governor, Trump-approved.

Social Media Crackdown on Kids?

Alabama might be about to change the social media game for kids. A new proposal would force platforms to protect minors from harmful content and addictive features. Think age verification and parental controls. Could be a major shift!

Dem Disagreement on DHS Funding

House Democrats just caused a stir by siding against their own Leader Jeffries to pass DHS funding. This means continued immigration enforcement, even with all the tension in Minnesota and VP JD Vance's recent visit where he told Minnesota politicians to chill out.

Church Protests, Arrests, and Don Lemon?!

The Justice Department's been busy in Minnesota, arresting church protesters connected to that Renee Good ICE shooting mess. But get this: a judge threw out charges against failed journalist Don Lemon, who was involved in the same protest. The DOJ's not done yet, though!

Moore vs. Smith: A Capitol Hill Showdown!

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) went HAM on former Special Counsel Jack Smith during a fiery hearing on Capitol Hill. Moore claims Smith's investigations into President Trump have damaged trust in the justice system and made people question its fairness. Ouch!

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Heard it here first, folks! For the real deal, listen to Dale Jackson, Yellowhammer News' thought leader, every weekday from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

Trump Drops Bombshell Endorsement in Alabama Lt. Governor's Race

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! The political landscape in Alabama just got a whole lot more interesting. Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind a potential candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2026, and it's a name you might recognize.

Wahl Considering a Run?

Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday night to express his support for Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl. "I am hearing that Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl, a true MAGA Warrior and America First Patriot, is considering launching his Campaign for Lieutenant Governor," Trump posted. "And I hope he does!"

And the big D endorsed him should he decide to run, telling Wahl to "Run, John, Run!".

The Clock is Ticking!

Here's the kicker: Wahl hasn't officially announced his candidacy yet! The deadline to throw his hat in the ring is Friday at 50 p.m. Talk about cutting it close! For the past year his name has been thrown around as a potential candidate.

Who's Already In the Mix?

The race for Lt. Governor already has several contenders, including Secretary of State Wes Allen, who responded to news of Wahl’s potential entry. Allen affirmed his conservative values and record.

Other candidates in the mix include Rick Pate, Dean Odle, Nicole Jones Wadsworth, and Patrick Bishop. Former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron was briefly in the race, but withdrew in December.

Trump's Endorsement Power

Trump's endorsement could be a game-changer in a race that has been described as deeply competitive. He also recently endorsed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville for Governor, and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore for the open U.S. Senate seat.

What's Next?

All eyes are on John Wahl as the Friday deadline approaches. Will he heed Trump's call and jump into the race? Stay tuned to ChumCity for the latest updates as this political drama unfolds! Qualifying for Alabama Republican Party candidates ends on Friday, January 23 at 50pm. The primary election day is May 19, 2026, now 117 days away.

Tide's Cheer Squad Brings Home the Gold!

The Crimson Tide just added another shiny trophy to the collection, thanks to the amazing cheer team's victory at the UCA Division IA All Girl competition!

National Champs!

In Orlando, Alabama clinched their eighth national title in program history! This is their fourth all-time win in the All Girl category, their first since 2022. Time to celebrate!

Coach Thrilled with Performance

"This is a huge accomplishment," said head coach Jennifer Thrasher. "It's a testament to their talent, hard work, and incredible performance. They stayed calm under pressure, and it was special for our seniors to end their careers on top. None of them had ever won a title before!"

Domination on Display

The Crimson Tide crushed the competition with a final round score of 93.5, leaving South Florida in the dust at 89.6. But the excitement doesn't stop there – other spirit squads also had stellar performances!

More Top Finishes

The Game Day Dance team snagged third place with a score of 90.81. The Jazz team finished ninth in Division IA with a 90.51, and the mascot squad placed seventh with an 89.48!

Program-Wide Excellence

"All of our teams finishing in the top 10 nationally reflects the high standard of our entire spirit program," Thrasher emphasized. "We strive to make our alumni proud and honor the legacy of those who came before us. The support from our university and athletic department is invaluable. Roll Tide!"

Mo Brooks Enters Alabama House Race, Igniting Primary Battle!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity Citizens! Former North Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks is shaking things up. After seemingly bowing out of the 2026 race, Brooks has announced he's challenging first-term State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) in a primary showdown.

A Deal's a Deal

Brooks, 71, says it all came down to a promise. He pledged to run if supporters coughed up $100,000 for his campaign. Apparently, they delivered! "To my utter surprise, they informed me they did it," Brooks exclaimed, adding that he's keeping his word and hopping back into the political arena.

Lomax Fires Back!

But Lomax, 34, isn't backing down. He came out swinging, calling Brooks a "political opportunist" who's accomplished "zero meaningful accomplishments" in his lengthy career. Ouch! Lomax's campaign even went as far as labeling Brooks an "anti-Trump blogger."

Grudge Match in the Making?

Lomax insists he's achieved more in three years than Brooks did in decades. He accuses Brooks of "grandstanding over governance" and says his "grievance-filled, victimhood style of politics is dated and stale." Sounds like things are heating up, ChumCity!

What's Next?

With candidate qualifying now closed, the Alabama Republican Party primary is set for May 19, 2026. Will Brooks make a comeback? Can Lomax fend off the challenge? Stay tuned to ChumCity for all the political fireworks!

Big News at the Business Council of Alabama!

Get ready to welcome Madeline Roth Green to the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) crew! She's officially stepping into the role of director of events and development on the external affairs team, and we're stoked to have her.

Madeline's Impressive Background

Madeline's bringing some serious event management and nonprofit experience to the table. She recently rocked it as events manager for the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), planning all sorts of awesome events. Before that, she was making waves at the Alabama Association of Realtors, handling big conferences and receptions.

A Perfect Fit for BCA

BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan is just as excited, saying Madeline's background and connections will be a huge boost. It sounds like she's ready to help keep Alabama's business environment thriving!

Deep Roots in Alabama

Originally from Montgomery, Madeline's got a bachelor's from Mississippi State University and is super involved in the community. You might find her volunteering at First United Methodist Church, serving on boards for Bridge Builders of Alabama and Brantwood Children’s Home, or even helping out at the Montgomery Academy!

What She'll Be Up To

Madeline will be working with Bradshaw Tyson and Reagan Huguley to amp up BCA's events and strengthen connections with everyone involved.

Ready to Roll!

Madeline herself is pumped to join the BCA and help shape Alabama's future. She officially started on January 12th. Welcome to the team!

Winter Weather Woes: State of Emergency Declared!

Hold on tight, ChumCity! Governor Kay Ivey just declared a State of Emergency for 19 counties in North Alabama as we brace for some seriously icy winter weather. Seems Mother Nature’s got a chilly surprise in store for us this weekend.

Ivey's Warning

"We might be Alabamians, but winter weather isn't exactly our forte," Ivey quipped. "So, listen up, folks, especially if you're up north: keep an eye on the weather! Driving could get real dicey, real fast. That's why we're taking action!"

Which Counties Are Affected?

The state of emergency covers Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties.

Alabama's Ready to Roll!

Jeff Smitherman, head honcho at the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, assures us they're not messing around. "We've got resources all lined up, ready for anything," he declared. "Our local EMAs are doing a stellar job getting their counties prepped too. We're talking, we're planning, and we're ready to jump into action when needed!"

Stay Safe and Warm!

The proclamation is already in effect, meaning the state can get resources moving right away. Ivey wants everyone to keep an eye on their local weather forecasts. "Stay safe, stay warm, and keep a close eye on the weather!" she urged.

The State of Emergency is slated to last for 60 days unless our ever-vigilant Governor pulls the plug earlier.

Crimson Tide Love: Coach Murphy Officiates Former Player's Wedding!

It's not just about championships in Tuscaloosa; it's about family! Alabama softball's legendary coach, Patrick Murphy, proved that this weekend in the most heartwarming way.

Beyond the Diamond

Coach Murphy, who's been steering the Crimson Tide since way back in 2000 and delivered that sweet 2012 National Championship, had a special gig this week.

Wedding Bells!

He officiated the wedding of none other than Amanda Locke, a star utility player from that unforgettable 2012 title-winning team, as she married her wife, Allison! Murphy shared some awesome photos on his Instagram, and we're totally feeling the love.

Locke's Legacy

Locke isn't just a former player; she's a coaching force herself, even leading Birmingham-Southern. With 54 career home runs, she's a Crimson Tide legend, clocking in at third in program history and eighth all-time in RBIs with a whopping 161! That 2012 season? Pure fire: a .315 average, 18 dingers, and 56 RBIs!

Season 27 for Murph!

Here's to Coach Murphy, who kicks off his 27th season leading the Tide next month! What a guy!

Gambling in Alabama: Will Voters Get a Chance to Decide?

Legalized gambling and casinos in Alabama have been a HUGE topic of debate these last few years, and the push to let the people weigh in at the ballot box is still going strong.

Rep. Lovvorn on the Fight for a Vote

State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) recently chatted about this very issue, highlighting the urgent need to get gambling back on the ballot in the Yellowhammer State.

Revenue on the Table?

Lovvorn pointed out that casinos already exist within the state, and illegal gambling is rampant. Because of this, Alabama is missing out on serious revenue that neighboring states like Florida and Mississippi are raking in.

"It's Already Here!"

"We've GOT to keep talking about this," Lovvorn stated. "Gambling is ALL OVER Alabama. We can ignore it, but it's not going away. We're surrounded by lotteries and gaming. This conversation NEEDS to continue until we deal with it."

He continued, "We already HAVE casinos in Alabama. The question isn't whether we WANT them. They're HERE. People are gaming on their phones every single day. So, what are we going to DO about it? As lawmakers, we owe it to the people to keep this conversation going. We can't change the law, but we CAN give the people the right to vote on what they want. It's OUR job to make sure it's the RIGHT package for the state. We can let it illegally take over, or we can address it head-on. I'm ready for those tough conversations. We might not have all the answers, but we need to be asking all the right questions."

A Vote in the Future?

The gaming issue is definitely complex, but with folks like Lovvorn pushing for a vote, it seems likely that Alabamians will eventually get their chance to make their voices heard!