College Football Conference Wars Heat Up!

For ages, the burning question in college football has been: Which conference reigns supreme? And the College Football Playoff only fans the flames of this debate.

SMU's Playoff Appearance Sparks Controversy

Remember last year's expanded 12-team playoff? The SMU Mustangs clawed their way in, edging out three SEC teams with similar records. Then, Penn State gave them a rude awakening in the first round. Ouch!

ACC vs. SEC: Lashlee Throws Down the Gauntlet

While Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina watched from home, the SEC displayed impressive parity. But an ACC team's playoff flop reignited the age-old argument. Now, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee (formerly of Auburn) is stirring the pot with some strong words aimed at the SEC.

Lashlee's Bold Claim

"The SEC has had the same six schools win the championship since 1964. Not a single one has been different since 1964," Lashlee declared. "That's top-heavy to me. That's not depth."

Is Lashlee Right? A Reality Check.

Wait a minute! Isn't Lashlee now coaching in the ACC... the same conference where Clemson dominated for years?

And when you throw in Oklahoma and Texas, the SEC boasts seven different national champions since 1998. No other conference even comes close.

Defending the ACC: Noble, but Misinformed?

We gotta give Lashlee props for backing his new conference. But his argument? Let's just say it might need a fact-check or two!

Spotted More Out-of-State Plates Lately? You're Not Wrong!

Ever feel like Alabama's getting a little more crowded? You might be onto something! A recent report reveals thousands flocked to the Yellowhammer State in 2022, and it's time to see where they all came from.

Who's Moving to 'Bama?

Stacker crunched the numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau to find the top 25 states sending residents our way. Get ready for a geographical tour!

The Top 25 States Sending Folks to Alabama:

• Georgia – 23,155 people (16.6% of new arrivals)
• Florida – 18,236 (13.1%)
• Tennessee – 11,634 (8.4%)
• Texas – 10,102 (7.3%)
• California – 8,012 (5.8%)
• South Carolina – 6,298 (4.5%)
• Mississippi – 5,736 (4.1%)
• Louisiana – 5,461 (3.9%)
• Illinois – 4,328 (3.1%)
• New York – 3,827 (2.8%)
• Virginia – 3,654 (2.6%)
• Pennsylvania – 3,330 (2.4%)
• Colorado – 3,329 (2.4%)
• North Carolina – 3,320 (2.4%)
• Kentucky – 2,892 (2.1%)
• Ohio – 2,223 (1.6%)
• Indiana – 1,693 (1.2%)
• Washington – 1,639 (1.2%)
• Arkansas – 1,536 (1.1%)
• Maryland – 1,517 (1.1%)
• Missouri – 1,421 (1.0%)
• Kansas – 1,403 (1.0%)
• Hawaii – 1,256 (0.9%)
• New Jersey – 1,207 (0.9%)
• Arizona – 1,202 (0.9%)

Why Alabama?

Our neighbors Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee topped the list, accounting for a HUGE chunk of new Alabamians. Makes sense – easy moves, affordable living, and familiar faces! But folks are also coming from afar, like California, New York, and Illinois. Maybe they're looking for a change of pace, or just more bang for their buck.

More Than Just Neighbors

The report also suggests that states with strong military presences, such as Virginia, Maryland, and even Hawaii, are contributing to Alabama's growth, likely driven by federal job opportunities in the state.

The Big Picture

This trend is part of a larger story: the South is gaining popularity, while the Northeast and parts of the Midwest are seeing an exodus. As Alabama continues to welcome new faces from across the nation, it's clear the state is still a draw for those seeking a fresh start!

Thinking About Serving Our Country? Academy Day is for YOU!

Hey ChumCity! Thinking about a future in uniform? Rep. Dale Strong is hosting Academy Day, a fantastic opportunity for local students to explore options like service academies, ROTC, and military careers!

What's the Big Deal?

Congressman Strong believes in our area's youth, saying, "It is my honor to nominate young men and women to attend U.S. service academies and ensure students are aware of the many avenues to military service.”

Who'll Be There?

Get face-to-face with representatives from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and more! Plus, recruiters from all branches of the military and college ROTC programs will be on hand to answer your burning questions.

Academy Day Deets:

• When: August 2nd, 10 AM - 1 PM
• Where: Huntsville High School Gymnasium (2304 Billie Watkins St.)

Want to Know More?

Thinking about a nomination? Info will be provided! For other questions, contact Missie.Lambert@mail.house.gov.

Brought to you by 256 Today

ChumCity News Roundup!

Media Meltdown?

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr smacked down the liberal echo chamber after CBS canned "The Late Show." Apparently, some folks think the network lost a Democratic Party mouthpiece! Meanwhile, Alabama Public Radio and TV are singing the blues over budget cuts, hinting at stations possibly going dark. Yikes!

SEC Dominates!

Forbes dropped its list of the most valuable college football programs, and the SEC is KING! Texas snagged the top spot, followed by Georgia at #2. Alabama (6), Oklahoma (7), Tennessee (9), and LSU (1 also made the top 10. Florida (12) and Auburn (13) are hanging tough, too. Show some regional pride, ChumCity!

Trump's Takes!

President Trump is stirring things up again! He compared the daily border crossings under Biden to double the crowd at an Alabama-LSU game (that's over 100,000!). He also took a victory lap over the U.S. Olympic Committee's ban on men competing in women's sports.

Tragic News

A 17-year-old in Alabama, Cameron Leonard Phinizee, has been indicted on felony murder and robbery charges in connection to the shooting death of 13-year-old Kentrell Brown. Allegedly, Phinizee coerced Brown into a robbery. Heartbreaking.

Hemp Arrest!

Alabama's new hemp law claimed its first arrest in Athens. Mary Noble (nope, not Kay Ivey) is facing charges for allegedly possessing prohibited hemp products, resisting arrest, trying to run from the cops, and giving a fake name. Talk about a bad day!

Marshall's Lead

A fresh poll shows Attorney General Steve Marshall way out in front! He's got 80% name recognition and a commanding 35% to 12% lead over U.S. Rep. Barry Moore. But a whopping 44% are still undecided. The race is still on!

Obama vs. Trump, Round...Whatever!

Former President Obama fired back at President Trump's claims that he masterminded the Russian collusion hoax, calling them "bizarre." This rare statement comes after Trump accused folks in Obama's administration of treason which Trump seems to think more appropriately reflects the matter than the Obama DOJ's treason accusations from back in 2016. Ouch!

Double Dose of Alabama Awesome at Boys Nation!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! For the first time in over two decades, and a FIRST EVER for Alabama, the top spots at American Legion Boys Nation are both held by Crimson Tide natives!

Luke Lawson and Nick Frazier, two bright high school seniors from the Yellowhammer State, snagged the coveted positions of President and Vice President at the 2025 Boys Nation shindig in Washington, D.C. Talk about a power duo!

What's Boys Nation, Anyway?

Think of Boys Nation as a super-charged civics bootcamp. The American Legion flies in two representatives from each Boys State (a similar program at the state level) to D.C. for a week of intense learning. They dive headfirst into the world of U.S. Senate, tackling debates, committee hearings, and even crafting their own mock legislation. It's all about fostering civic engagement and teaching the responsibilities of citizenship.

Luke's Rise to the Top

Luke Lawson, from Headland High School, credited his Alabama Boys State experience with boosting his confidence. He was up against students from much larger schools, but by connecting with people on a personal level, he scored a "really big" win! As the son of an immigrant and a high school dropout, Luke’s victory symbolizes the promise of America. His focus was on building real relationships and saving the "running for president" pitch for last! He also gave a shout-out to his veteran grandfather and The American Legion for their unwavering belief in the younger generation.

Nick's Truth-Telling Triumph

Nick Frazier, a senior at Stanhope Elmore High School who is legally blind, initially had his doubts, but he decided to go "big or go home!" He ditched the traditional campaign strategy, opting instead to "speak my truth." His honesty and genuine character resonated with his peers. Nick believes his position is divinely ordained and his focus on building genuine connections instead of simply asking for votes set him apart. He describes the program as a “week that shapes a lifetime in friendship.”

And the Chief of Staff Is...Morgan!

One of the most heartwarming moments? Nick's service dog, Morgan, was unanimously voted in as his Chief of Staff! The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, showcasing the camaraderie the program cultivates.

Alabama Pride!

These two young Alabamians left a lasting impression on everyone they met. A proud moment indeed for the Yellowhammer State!

Alabama's Driving Laws: Are We Helping or Hurting Our Youth?

Here in Alabama, we're all about creating a brighter future for our young people. But sometimes, the very laws meant to guide them can inadvertently knock them off course.

The Issue: Suspended Licenses for Truancy

Take Alabama Code Section 16-28-40. It allows for the suspension of driver's licenses for students under 19 who skip school. As a former law enforcement officer, I've seen firsthand how this backfires. Suspending driving privileges for non-driving related offenses often leads to unnecessary entanglements with the legal system.

The Ripple Effect

Imagine being a young officer, as I once was, and pulling over a driver with a suspended license. The reasons for suspension vary widely, and in 2024 alone, 536 traffic citations were issued in Alabama because of school non-attendance suspensions. The fines, court appearances, and potential towing fees can quickly add up, setting young people back financially and creating obstacles they may struggle to overcome.

Already Covered: Compulsory Attendance

It's important to remember that school attendance is already mandated under Alabama Code 16-28-3, requiring attendance from ages 6-17 and holding parents accountable. The non-attendance provision in 16-28-40, however, seems redundant, punishing students under 19 with cumbersome rules for both educators and students.

Removing Barriers to Success

We've made strides in recent years to support students through initiatives like expanded homeschooling options and the Pathways program in career tech. Shouldn't we also eliminate unnecessary hurdles? Making it harder for young people to get to and from a job is counterproductive. Let's work together to ensure our laws are truly helping, not hindering, our youth.

About the Author

Ron Bolton has proudly served District 61 (Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties) in the Alabama House since 2022. He is active on the House Agriculture & Forestry, Ethics & Campaign Finance, and Public Safety & Homeland Security committees.

Elder Fraud: Don't Let Scammers Chum Your Savings!

Technology's awesome, but it's also giving scammers new ways to reel in unsuspecting victims, especially our senior citizens. From fake grandkids calling to smart home devices snooping, elder fraud is getting sneakier. Knowledge is power, ChumCityzens, so let's stay one step ahead!

Did you know that in 2023, Americans over 60 lost over $3.4 BILLION to fraud? That's a lot of chum, and it's on the rise! Jeff Taylor from Regions Bank says it best: "Criminals are very clever, and they know how to appeal to emotions." Let's arm ourselves with awareness!

Five Red Flags to Watch Out For

Spotting a scam early can save you (or a loved one) serious heartache and money. Here are five warning signs:

• Unexpected Contact: Someone you don't know calls, emails, texts, or messages on social media pretending to be from the government, tech support, or even family? Be SUPER cautious and ALWAYS verify before sharing anything!

• Pressure to Act NOW! Scammers create fake urgency: "Your bank account's compromised!" or "A loved one's in trouble!" Don't panic! As Taylor says, "Always take a step back and verify first."

• Weird Payment Requests: Wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency? HUGE red flag! These are untraceable and almost impossible to recover.

• Demands for Sensitive Info: No legit organization asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or login info out of the blue. Hang up or delete!

• Sounds Too Good to Be True? It probably IS! Sweepstakes you never entered, guaranteed investments? C'mon, use your noodle!

Taylor suggests chatting with someone you trust before acting. A banker, family member, or friend can offer a sanity check.

Smart Devices: The Hidden Chum Buckets in Your Home

Phishing and scam calls are still around, but elder fraud is infiltrating homes through smart technology. Virtual assistants, smart TVs, doorbell cameras... they make life easier, but they also collect data!

This "Internet of Things" (IoT) can be risky. The FBI warns that seniors might not realize what these devices are recording or sharing.

Quick Tips to Secure Your Smart Home:

• Change default usernames and passwords! Hackers know the defaults.
• Keep software updated! Fix those security flaws!
• Secure your Wi-Fi! Use strong encryption and unique passwords.
• Know what your devices are doing! Check settings, privacy policies, and disable unnecessary features.

Taylor emphasizes, "Protecting personal data is just as important as protecting your wallet."

Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

Fraud can happen to anyone, whether it's through a phone call or a smart speaker. But you don't need to be a tech wizard to stay safe. Just stay informed, ask questions, and pause before acting.

Talk to your older loved ones about common scams. Monitor financial activity. Secure those smart devices! And if something feels fishy, take a beat.

If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Don't let the scammers win!

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Gulf Shores Mulls Another Round of Sand in My Boots!

Get ready, ChumCity! Gulf Shores is buzzing about the possible return of the wildly successful Sand in My Boots festival! City leaders are considering bringing back the good times for another year, while keeping the reimagined Hangout Music Festival vibe alive.

Decision Time Approaching

At a recent work session, the City Council gave a thumbs-up to extending the festival franchise agreement for 2026, thanks to the overwhelmingly positive vibes from this year’s event. A final vote is expected at the upcoming meeting.

From Hangout to Boots

Remember the Hangout Fest days? It all started back in 2010 to draw in the crowds before Memorial Day. Last year, things got a whole lot more country with a partnership with Morgan Wallen and the birth of Sand in My Boots. Talk about a smash hit – the 2025 fest sold out super quick, attracting over 40,000 folks daily from across the nation and globe!

Economic Boom & Community Love

The festival brought some serious cash to town, with over $5 million tracked in community spending! But it wasn't just about the money – residents and businesses were loving it. Surveys showed major support for its return, though concerns about noise, traffic, and cleanup are being addressed.

What’s Next?

The proposed extension would let the festival rock on from May 14–17, 2026. Plus, there's talk of a possible 2027 encore! City leaders are focused on keeping things accountable, ensuring the event continues to attract a mature, respectful crowd.

Money for the People?

One bright idea floating around? Putting the city’s $2 million festival revenue towards projects everyone can enjoy – think parks, sidewalks, or even band instruments for the local school!

Keeping Control & Clean Beaches

The city is all about keeping a close eye on the festival's vibe to avoid any past issues. And, of course, making sure those beautiful beaches are sparkling clean for Memorial Day weekend visitors.

Free Parking Perks!

As a thank you to residents, Gulf State Park will offer free beach parking for the entire month of May – setup, festival, and takedown included! Now that’s ChumCity livin'!