Dark Money Group Attacks Blue Cross in Alabama!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity folks! A mysterious, out-of-state group has just launched a full-scale media assault on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, dropping a cool $320,000 just on negative TV ads!

Shocking Ads During SEC Games

These weren't your run-of-the-mill commercials either. They hit during huge SEC football matchups like Alabama vs. Oklahoma, bombarding viewers with a shocking message. This kind of spending is practically unheard of for political campaigns this far out from the 2026 elections. What's the deal?!

"Alabama Patients First LLC" - Who Are They?

The group behind the blitz is called "Alabama Patients First LLC," conveniently formed in Delaware on December 11th. Delaware's known for its super-private business laws, meaning LLCs don't have to reveal their owners or members. Perfect for keeping those dark money sources hidden!

A Coordinated Media Blitz

Since popping into existence, "Alabama Patients First" has been busy. TV ads, websites, SMS marketing – they're hitting Alabama voters hard with one message: Blue Cross is bad! The ads are pretty blunt, even saying Blue Cross says "no" too much, insinuating "BS." Ouch.

Money, Money, Money

The group spent over $226,000 in the Montgomery area alone, across multiple TV stations! Another $102,000 went into Birmingham, Huntsville, and Dothan. This media buy is scheduled to wind down after January 18, 2026.

Strange Timing?

But here's where things get interesting... This attack on Blue Cross started the same week that Jackson Hospital and Clinic launched a lawsuit against them! Jackson Hospital also has a deadline coming up to secure $100 million in funding to avoid problems related to debt. Coincidence?

The Big Question: Is There a Connection?

Yellowhammer News reached out to officials at Jackson Investment Group, Jackson Healthcare, and Jackson Hospital to see if there's any connection between their lending relationship and "Alabama Patients First." So far, no response.

Blue Cross Responds

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama issued a statement, calling the ads "an intentional misrepresentation" and suggesting they're an attempt to improperly influence the Jackson Hospital lawsuit.

What do you think, ChumCity? Is this just a coincidence, or is something fishy going on?

Holiday Scams: Don't Let Grinches Steal Your Cheer!

Think your holiday shopping list is long? Get ready, because scammers are working overtime too! They're turning the gift-giving season into a field day for fraud, and nobody wants that. From fake shipping alerts to unbelievable deals, these crooks are using holiday chaos to snag your money and info.

Non-Delivery Nightmares

Fraudsters love using the confusion around package deliveries to trick you. It's called a "non-delivery scam," and it's big business for them. Last year, these scams cost Americans a whopping $785 million, according to the FBI! Credit card fraud adds almost $200 million more to the total. Ouch!

Spotting the Scams

The FBI says these scams thrive on holiday confusion. Here's what to watch out for:

• Unsolicited messages: Texts, emails, or social media messages claiming problems with a delivery or account. Don't remember ordering? That's the point!
• Urgency: "Act now!" They want you to panic and skip thinking.
• Suspicious links: These lead to fake websites designed to steal your info.
• Too-good-to-be-true prices: That perfect gift at an impossible price? Red flag!
• Funky websites: Bad spelling, grammar, and typos galore! Trust your gut; if it feels off, it probably is.

FBI's Top Tips for Staying Safe

1. Don't click on suspicious links in emails, websites, or social media.
2. Be wary of companies asking you to update your password or account details unexpectedly.
3. Double-check website URLs! They should start with "https://" and have a locked padlock icon.
4. Inspect gift cards for tampering before buying.
5. Avoid online transactions using wire transfers, virtual currency, gift cards, or cash.
6. Don't use pre-paid gift cards: Never wire money directly to a seller.
7. Always get tracking numbers for online purchases.

Stay Alert and Skeptical

Protecting yourself means being skeptical and checking things out. Don't click random links, and remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Been Scammed?

Report it ASAP to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Senator Orr Sounds Off on SNAP Spending

State Senator Arthur Orr is back at it, folks, shining a spotlight on what he calls a major problem with the food assistance program. He's promising some action when our lawmakers reconvene in Montgomery.

Godiva on EBT? Orr Says "Hold Up!"

Orr recently posted a picture of some fancy Godiva chocolate truffles available on Amazon and labeled as "SNAP EBT eligible." Talk about a head-scratcher!

Time for a Change?

"This shows just how messed up SNAP is," Orr (R-Decatur) declared. "While helping those in need is crucial, there's got to be a line when it comes to luxury items like this, paid for by the taxpayers!"

Looking to the Feds and Taking Action Locally

Orr's hopeful the current administration will be more willing to work with states to rein in some of this craziness. He also pointed out potential health benefits, like reducing obesity and saving Medicaid dollars. With the national debt soaring, it's a no-brainer, he says. He's planning to file a bill in Alabama to put a stop to this right here in our state!

Keeping it Focused on Need

Orr's been a longtime advocate for ensuring SNAP benefits are used for their intended purpose: helping families get through tough times with nutritious food, not subsidizing sweets and treats.

Alabama Could Require English-Only Driver's License Exams

Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Killen) wants to put a new spin on getting your driver's license in Alabama: you gotta read English!

The Proposed Legislation

Pettus has pre-filed a bill for the 2026 legislative session that would require the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to administer all driver's license exams exclusively in English.

Why the Change?

"All of our road signs are in English, people need to be able to read and understand English in order to drive," Pettus told Alabama Daily News. Makes sense, right? The bill covers licenses for both regular cars and those big ol' commercial vehicles (CDLs).

A National Conversation

This issue has been buzzing nationwide lately, especially after some high-profile accidents involving commercial vehicles driven by undocumented immigrants.

Feds Weigh In

"That’s what brought my attention to it," Pettus explained. "The federal government says they have to be able to understand English, so they ought to be able to read in English."

Tuberville's Take

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), also eyeing the Governor's mansion in 2026, recently helped introduce the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act in the Senate. Tuberville's bill would require all CDL testing to be in English and beef up federal oversight of non-domiciled CDLs.

Safety First

"If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently," Tuberville stated. "This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense.”

ALEA on the Case

ALEA has also been working with the feds to find undocumented folks who shouldn't be behind the wheel of commercial vehicles. Earlier this month, ALEA reported that their Motor Carrier Safety Unit, teaming up with ICE, has helped detain 82 individuals identified during Commercial Motor Vehicle inspections in just over a month!

The Nitty-Gritty of the Bill

According to a draft of Pettus' bill, all parts of the driver's license exam – written, oral, vision, and driving – must be in English only. No dictionaries, electronic devices, or interpreters allowed!

A Trooper's Perspective

Pettus, a retired state Trooper with experience managing driver's license offices, clearly knows the road.

Rose Bowl Dreams: More Than Just a Song Lyric

"Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then!" That iconic line from "Yea, Alabama!" used to feel like a history lesson, not a rallying cry for many Bama fans. For decades, the Rose Bowl seemed a world away.

The Pac-10, the Big Ten, and the Tide's Long Wait

The Rose Bowl? That was Pac-10 vs. Big Ten territory. Alabama? The SEC? Not invited! Thankfully, times have changed.

Bama's Rose Bowl Debut: Shaking Up College Football

January 1, 1926. Mark the date! That's when Alabama crashed the Rose Bowl party, proving Southern football could compete with the best. Before that, college football was seen as a West Coast/Northeast affair. Coach Wallace Wade's undefeated 1925 team, winning the Southern Conference Championship, changed everything.

1926: Bama on the National Stage

Alabama vs. Washington in the 1926 Rose Bowl was a nail-biter, with Bama pulling out a 20-19 victory. That win catapulted Alabama into the national spotlight, where they've mostly stayed ever since.

A History of Roses: Wins, Losses, and a Tie

Bama went back in 1927 ending in a 7-7 tie with Stanford. Then a loss in 1937 to California 13-0. 1946 saw victory, with Alabama 34, USC 14. But then, a long Rose Bowl drought began. Conference tie-ins locked the Tide out.

The Playoff Era: A Return to Pasadena (and Texas!)

By 2020, those tie-ins were gone. The Rose Bowl became part of the College Football Playoff, and Bama was back! They dominated Notre Dame 31-14 (even if that game was moved to Texas due to COVID).

The 2024 Rose Bowl: A Heartbreaker, a Legacy

The 2024 Rose Bowl saw a tough 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan. That defeat would be legendary Coach Nick Saban's final game.

The Centennial Game: A New Chapter?

Now, Bama's heading back to Pasadena on January 1, 2026, for the 100th anniversary of their Rose Bowl debut! They'll face undefeated Indiana.

The Heisman Hurdle

Everyone's talking about Indiana's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. It'll be a huge challenge for the Alabama defense.

Simpson's Time to Shine

Can Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson rise to the occasion? He'll need to be at his absolute best against the nation's top team, in the Rose Bowl, on New Year's Day. For Bama's pluck and grit have writ her name in crimson flame!

Headlines from the Yellowhammer State!

Here's the latest buzz from around Alabama and beyond, served up ChumCity style!

Flu Season in Full Swing!

That pesky flu bug is back, and it's spreading faster than gossip at a backyard BBQ! Hospitalization rates are up a whopping 14.3% nationwide, says the CDC. Wash those hands, folks!

"No Kings" Protester's Case Dragged On

Remember that Fairhope protester rocking the giant inflatable...? Well, her disorderly conduct case is delayed again, this time until February 2026! Her lawyer's sniffing around for selective enforcement, while the city sticks to its guns, claiming the costume broke ordinances, message or no message.

ICE Detainee Released Amidst Controversy

An Obama-appointed judge is stirring the pot, delaying a ruling on an ICE detention case. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, accused of MS-13 ties and illegal re-entry, was released into the wild while his deportation proceedings are being questioned! He's also accused of human trafficking, allegedly...

Dark Money Group vs. Blue Cross-Blue Shield!

Things are heating up in the healthcare arena! A Delaware-based dark money group, "Alabama Patients First," is blasting Blue Cross-Blue Shield with TV and digital ads, slamming them for premium hikes and denied claims. BCBS claims it's all a shady attempt to sway ongoing litigation. Messy!

Mourning in Mountain Brook

Heartbreak in Alabama as Ella Cook, the Brown University shooting victim from Mountain Brook, was laid to rest. She was remembered as a "wonderful daughter," "marvelous granddaughter," and "constant friend." Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

Epstein Files Fallout Continues

The DOJ's Epstein files release is still causing a ruckus! From mysteriously disappearing and reappearing photos of President Trump to accusations of selective redaction, folks are demanding full transparency. And wouldn't you know it, Trump's name pops up on eight flight logs.

Trump Weighs In on Epstein Files!

President Trump's chimed in on the whole Epstein files saga, saying nobody's happy. The DOJ claims some of the info is, well, ridiculous. And Ghislaine Maxwell got a slap on the wrist for potentially outing victims in a filing. The plot thickens!

Hear More with Dale Jackson

Want even MORE Alabama insight? Tune in to Dale Jackson's talk show on WVNN, weekdays from 5-9 a.m.! He's a thought leader for Yellowhammer News, after all!

Senator Tuberville Salutes Alabama National Guard!

Senator Tommy Tuberville recently spent some time with Alabama National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., as many prepared to head home for the holidays! He wanted to give them a big thank you before their mission wrapped up.

Tuberville's Shout-Out

“Honored to meet some of the brave men and women from the Alabama National Guard who are keeping our nation’s capital safe,” Tuberville said after the visit. It's always great to see our Alabamians serving and protecting!

Governor Ivey Backs the Guard

Meanwhile, Governor Kay Ivey is making sure the Alabama National Guard stays strong. She's boosting recruitment and readiness statewide. It's all about keeping our Guard ready for anything!

A Helping Hand for Recruitment

Ivey even signed an Executive Order (No. 74, bringing back the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program. This will give incentives to folks who help recruit new members, as well as reward recruiters who go above and beyond!

Protecting Our Nation's Capital

Remember those Alabama National Guard troops deployed to D.C.? Ivey authorized those deployments to support the "Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful" mission. A first group of 191 soldiers already went. Ivey emphasized the importance of keeping our nation's capital safe, and she's super proud of the Alabamians doing their part. "I thank the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, as well as their families," she added.

Roll Tide! Justin Thomas Drops $1M for New Bama Golf Facility!

Former Alabama golf superstar Justin Thomas is giving back in a HUGE way! He's donating a whopping $1 million to the Crimson Standard, UA's fund for athletic facility upgrades. This massive contribution is earmarked for the brand-new Crimson Reserve, the future home of Bama's men's and women's golf teams.

Thomas: "I Love The University of Alabama!"

Thomas expressed his deep affection for his alma mater, saying he's eternally grateful for his time playing under Coach Seawell. He emphasized that creating the Crimson Reserve wouldn't be possible without the coaches and their dedication to the program.

A Generous Gift

Greg Byrne, Alabama's athletic director, praised Thomas's commitment and support, highlighting his role in shaping the world-class facility. Both men's coach Jay Seawell and women's coach Mic Potter echoed Byrne’s sentiments, expressing immense gratitude for Thomas's continued involvement and investment in the program.

Making Bama Proud!

Thomas's impressive career includes 16 PGA Tour victories, two Majors, and a FedEx Cup Championship. Ranked No. 1 in the world in 2018, he continues to represent Alabama with pride on the world stage. Talk about a Crimson Tide legend!

Power Couple Alert! Auburn Grads Earn Dual Ph.Ds!

Get ready for some serious #RelationshipGoals! Madison and Jared Powell arrived in Auburn as newlyweds with individual dreams. Now? They're leaving as Dr. Powell and Dr. Powell, both rocking freshly minted Ph.D.s!

From Different Paths to Shared Success

Their fields couldn't be more different, but their shared Auburn experience transformed two journeys into one awesome achievement. Talk about a power couple!

He Bleeds Orange and Blue

Jared, a lifelong Auburn sports fanatic (thanks to his dad!), discovered Auburn's killer experimental plasma physics program. For him, it was destiny! "When I found out how good the plasma program was here, it sealed the deal," he said. War Eagle!

She Found Her Calling

Madison initially planned for a master's in education administration. But Auburn's supportive environment inspired her to aim higher! Professors encouraged her, and a strong cohort made the work worthwhile. “I just enjoyed it,” she said. “They told me I was seven classes and a dissertation away from a Ph.D., and I thought, ‘That’s just eight things. I can do eight things.’”

Saving Spacecraft and Shaping Leaders

Madison's research is all about building better school leaders through authentic leadership, while Jared's tackling the "radio blackout" problem affecting spacecraft re-entry. Talk about making a difference!

Dogs and Dissertations

Like any grad student, the Powells spent countless nights writing, revising, and prepping. But they had each other! They even joked that their dog deserves an honorary degree for enduring all those practice presentations.

More Than Just a Degree

Beyond the books, Auburn became home. Toomer's lemonade, celebrating wins with TP, and a strong sense of community made it special. “Auburn people love Auburn,” Madison said. “Not just the winning or just sports. All of it.”

What's Next for the Doctors Powell?

Jared's sticking around Auburn for a postdoctoral gig, while Madison's already making waves as an assistant principal. Their future's bright!

War Eagle, Dr. and Dr. Powell!

The Powells' story is a testament to their dedication, both to their fields and to each other. Congrats, you two!

Get Ready, Alabama! CHOOSE Act Funding is Coming!

Big news for Alabama families! You can now start planning for education funding through the CHOOSE Act. Get ready to apply for the 2026-2027 school year!

What's the CHOOSE Act?

Passed in 2024, this cool new law creates Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) offering refundable income tax credits. This means more options for your kids' education!

What Can You Use the Money For?

Think private school tuition, tutoring, even educational therapies! It's all about finding the best fit for your child.

Key Dates You Need to Know:

• Renewing Families Apply: December 15, 2025
• New Families Apply: January 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Award Notifications Go Out: April 15, 2026

How Much Dough Are We Talking?

It depends on your student's educational path. Enrolled in a participating school? Up to $7,000 per student! Homeschooling? $2,000 per student, maxing out at $4,000 per family.

Who's Eligible?

For the 2026-2027 year, new applicants need an adjusted gross income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. But guess what? Starting in 2027-2028, everyone is expected to be eligible, regardless of income!

Got Priority?

Students with special needs, current participants and their siblings, military kids, and those in "priority" schools get a little extra love in the application process.