Tide Faces Sooner Showdown!

The Alabama Crimson Tide is stepping onto the biggest stage this week, folks! They're battling the Oklahoma Sooners in a standalone College Football Playoff game this Friday.

Third Time's the Charm?

After falling to Oklahoma not once, but twice (this year and last year!), it's redemption time for Bama! This is their inaugural shot at the expanded CFP, with a coveted Rose Bowl berth on the line.

Pressure? What Pressure?

Could this be the ultimate test for Kalen DeBoer and his squad? The stakes are sky-high, but it seems the team is taking it all in stride.

Lawson's Warrior Mentality

Deontae Lawson, the Crimson Tide's star linebacker and a Mobile native, addressed the challenge head-on during a recent media appearance.

He said, "We know it's going to be a hostile environment, just like any other road game. We know that it's everyone's Super Bowl. We've got to go in there with a warrior mentality. We've got to be ready for war for all four quarters and do everything we can in preparation until Friday, and get here ready to start fast."

Ready for Battle

For this Alabama team, battle-tested and maybe a little bruised, to succeed on Friday night, Lawson and his teammates need to bring their A-game. Mentally, it sounds like they're locked and loaded. Will it translate onto the field this time? Only time will tell!

Space Force Flag to Fly High Across Alabama!

Get ready to see some stellar support! Governor Kay Ivey just announced that the U.S. Space Force flag will be proudly waving at ALL Alabama rest areas and welcome centers from December 17th to 23rd, 2025. That's a whole week of statewide love for the Space Force's birthday!

Statewide Show of Support

This initiative, powered by ALDOT, means that everyone driving into our awesome state will be greeted by the Space Force flag. Talk about a warm welcome!

Governor Ivey's Words

"The U.S. Space Force is super important," Governor Ivey declared, "and deserves mad respect. Alabama gets how crucial it is to defend our nation everywhere, especially in space. We're leading the way!"

She added, "We're honoring the brave men and women in the Space Force and celebrating their birthday by flying their flag high. Alabama's proud to do it!"

Alabama's Space Advocate

Ever since 2018, when President Trump started talking about a Space Force, Governor Ivey has been a huge champion for Alabama's role in space and national security.

Leading the Way

Remember the push to bring U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Alabama? That was Governor Ivey too! It's all part of a bigger plan to keep Alabama at the forefront of protecting our nation.

Space Force: Protecting Our Interests

Officially established on December 20, 2019, the U.S. Space Force is vital for protecting U.S. interests in space, helping out with military ops, and making sure America stays technologically advanced. Go Space Force!

Senate Race Heats Up in Sweet Home Alabama!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! The race for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 is getting spicier than a crawfish boil! Another big name has thrown their support into the ring.

Mullin Backs Hudson

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin is backing former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, calling him exactly what Alabama needs: “a warrior with real-world experience, not another career politician.” Mullin's endorsement puts Hudson up to two Senators in his corner, but behind his competitor Barry Moore who already has endorsements from Senators Budd and Daines.

What Mullin Had to Say

Mullin didn't hold back, saying Hudson is a man of service, a fighter against human trafficking, and a small-business owner who understands the real-world struggles of American families. He emphasized that Hudson is the kind of unwavering warrior President Trump needs in his corner. "America does not need more talkers. It needs doers. It needs warriors. And that is Jared Hudson.”

Hudson's Response

Hudson, a Navy SEAL veteran, law enforcement officer, and anti-human trafficking advocate, said he was honored to have Mullin's support. He promised to fight for Alabama with the same grit he showed as a SEAL, putting the people first and standing up for core values. "Alabama deserves a warrior who will put our people first, stand with President Trump, stand up for our values, and take the fight to Washington.”

Recent Visit

Fun fact: Mullin was recently spotted in Alabama for the Alabama-Oklahoma game! Was this a strategic move? We'll let you decide!

CAIR's Got a Bone to Pick (Again!)

CAIR, never one to shy away from a good accusation of bigotry (often with little to back it up), is back at it!

Tuberville vs. CAIR: A Real Dust-Up

This time, it's Senator Tommy Tuberville in the hot seat. And CAIR, an organization with some interesting associations (Florida, for example, recently linked them to Islamic terror), is rushing to defend... well, let's just say they're not exactly siding with concerned Americans.

Is Tuberville a Bigot? Nah.

Okay, Tuberville's wording might be a tad clunky. But hateful? Come on. CAIR knows he's not spewing hate, but that doesn't stop them, does it?

(This take comes courtesy of Dale Jackson, a thought leader at Yellowhammer News and the voice you hear weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.)

Uber in Hot Water: Alabama Joins FTC Lawsuit!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall just dropped a bombshell: a whopping 22 law enforcement agencies are joining the Federal Trade Commission's lawsuit against ride-sharing giant Uber.

What's the Beef?

The lawsuit, already brewing in California, accuses Uber of some seriously shady business practices related to their Uber One subscription service. Remember those promises of savings on rides and deliveries? Officials are saying Uber's been using deceptive tactics to lure folks in.

"Free" Trial Traps?

Think those "free trial" offers are actually free? The suit alleges Uber's pulling a fast one with "negative option marketing," essentially auto-charging folks who forget to cancel. Ouch!

AG Marshall Speaks Out

"Big corporations like Uber don’t get a free pass to break the law," Attorney General Marshall declared. "Advertising ‘free’ trials and then trapping consumers in subscriptions they can’t easily cancel is deceptive, plain and simple.”

Millions Affected?

The suit claims Uber misled consumers about Uber One savings and made canceling the service a total nightmare. Some folks were even charged before their "free" trial ended! Seriously?!

What's Next?

Alabama's fighting for restitution, penalties, and an injunction against Uber. They're going after them under Alabama's Consumer Protection Act and the U.S. Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act. This could get interesting!

Got a Gripe?

Were you affected by Uber's alleged tactics? You can file a complaint with the Attorney General through their website or by calling the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-392-5658 or 334-242-7335. Let your voice be heard, ChumCity!

Alabama's Housing Market: What to Expect in 2026

The Alabama housing market is reaching a turning point as we wrap up 2025. After wild swings post-pandemic, things are finally starting to even out. Buyers have more choices, and sellers who built equity are still in a good spot as we head into the new year. So, what does 2026 have in store?

Current Vibe and Price Predictions

Home values in places like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile kept climbing in 2025, thanks to Alabama's booming economy. Experts predict this will continue in 2026, with prices possibly rising by 4-7%. Alabama remains one of the most affordable states, and sellers can still expect a good return.

Economist Dr. Evan Moore points to rising inventory as a key factor. "The housing market will be more balanced in 2026," he says, "with a better supply of homes available." While sellers can expect gains, don't anticipate the crazy price jumps of 2021 and 2022.

New Construction Challenges

New homes still face obstacles, according to Moore: higher material costs, potential labor shortages, and down payment struggles for first-time buyers. These issues might slow down new construction but aren't expected to stop it completely.

Affordability and Opportunity for Buyers

Alabama's affordability remains a huge advantage, says economist David Hughes. "If current trends hold, buyers should feel good about affording a home in Alabama," he explains. "Sellers should still profit nicely."

Hughes notes that inventory is back to pre-pandemic levels, giving buyers more leverage while keeping sellers confident. Alabama continues to attract new residents because it's so much more affordable than many other states.

Potential Bumps in the Road

Hughes also points out some potential problems. Economic pressures like rising foreclosures, car loan delinquencies, and credit card defaults could strain household budgets. Student loan payments and inflation aren't helping either.

These financial stresses could "take the wind out of the sails" of the housing market, even though the long-term outlook is strong, Hughes cautions.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Alabama's housing market in 2026 should offer a mix of opportunity, stability, and steady growth. More available homes will balance things out, moderate price increases will keep things affordable, and a growing economy will support demand. While national financial issues are worth watching, Alabama is in a better position than many states. For buyers and sellers, the coming year looks like one of balance and confidence.

General Dynamics Gets Boost for Space Defense Work!

Hold on to your helmets, Huntsville! General Dynamics Mission Systems just landed a cool $39.3 million contract boost to support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). It's all about keeping our space defenses strong!

Huntsville's Role

Some of this out-of-this-world work is heading right here to Huntsville. This addition is part of a massive $1,085,940,546 Air Force contract.

What's the Deal?

This extra cash helps General Dynamics verify and validate the PWSA's readiness and performance. Think of it as a super-check to ensure everything is A-Okay before going live. It also throws in extra funds for materials and a previous modification.

Nationwide Effort

Besides Huntsville, the work will also be conducted in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. The whole project is expected to wrap up by August 2027. The Space Development Agency in Washington, D.C., is overseeing the whole operation.

Source: 256 Today

"Trey's Law" Aims to Silence the Silencers

Get ready, folks! State Senator Matt Woods is stepping up to bat against a practice that's been shielding abusers for too long: nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in child sexual abuse and human trafficking cases. He's prefiled legislation that's set to shake things up in Montgomery.

Why This Matters

These NDAs often keep victims quiet, allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. Senator Woods says "Trey’s Law aims to dismantle the coercive power of NDAs in abuse settlements, ensuring that survivors like Trey are not silenced by perpetrators seeking to conceal their crimes.”

In Memory of Trey

"Trey's Law" is named in memory of Trey Carlock, a member of the Dallas community with Alabama connections who tragically passed away in 2019. His own case against Kanakuk Ministries ended with an NDA that severely restricted what he could share about the abuse he and others suffered.

Transparency is Key

Even after a criminal investigation uncovered wrongdoing, the NDA remained in place, highlighting the potential for these agreements to suppress crucial information. Supporters of the bill argue that restricting NDAs protects more than just victim privacy; it safeguards transparency and justice.

What's Next?

Woods' proposal targets nondisclosure agreements, whether they're stand-alone deals or part of larger civil settlements, in cases involving child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Alabama lawmakers are set to return to Montgomery in January 2026, and this bill is sure to spark some serious debate. Stay tuned, ChumCity readers!

Senator Britt Tackles Childhood Obesity!

Montgomery's own Senator Katie Britt is stepping up to bat against the growing problem of childhood obesity in the U.S.!

Britt is teaming up with Senators Roger Marshall (Kansas) and John Boozman (Arkansas) to introduce the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025. The goal? To get kids moving and bring back the focus on youth health with goals we can actually track and achieve.

"Make America Healthy Again"

"It all starts with our kids," says Britt. "We need them to be active and develop healthy habits early on!"

This new legislation would create a President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (with up to 30 members!), bring back the Presidential Fitness Test and awards, and work to fight obesity by getting schools involved with physical education challenges and more sports opportunities.

Bringing Back a Classic

Britt points to President Trump's efforts to revive the Presidential Fitness Test in schools. "We want the next generation to love fitness and understand all the amazing benefits that come from living an active life!" she emphasized.

The original President's Council was established way back in 1956 to boost youth health and activity across the country, inspiring countless students. However, in 2012, the Presidential Fitness Test was replaced with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which some say didn't emphasize measurable goals as much. Sadly, youth fitness has declined, and roughly one in six kids between 10 and 17 are struggling with obesity.

A Consistent Voice

Senator Britt has consistently pushed for smart solutions to "Make America Healthy Again." She's advocated for better food labeling with the Better Food Disclosure Act and has supported efforts to get harmful synthetic dyes out of our food.

ChumCity Quick Bites: Alabama Edition!

McCarron Ditches Politics for...Coaching?

Remember when former Alabama QB AJ McCarron wanted to be Lieutenant Governor? Well, scratch that! He's reportedly backing out, despite allegedly winning in the polls (take that with a grain of salt!). Word on the street is he's got a new football commitment, possibly coaching the Birmingham Stallions. Touchdown?

Birmingham's Homeless Encampments: Moved, Not Solved

Birmingham shuffled folks from a homeless encampment into shelters, sparking debate. Mayor Woodfin's defending the move (while cranking out Facebook gold), citing safety. Critics are hollering about the lack of long-term housing solutions. Stay tuned...

Bongino Bites the Dust at the FBI

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is calling it quits in 2026. Whispers of policy clashes are floating around. Trump acknowledged Bongino's departure, suggesting he's itching to get back to his show.

Alabama Dems Emerge, Throw Shade

Alabama Democrats, seemingly awakened from a long nap, are slamming Alabama Republicans for their "silence" after Trump's Rob Reiner comments. The Dems are accusing Republicans of hypocrisy, citing past reactions to statements following Charlie Kirk's death. Ouch!

Healthcare Bill Barely Squeaks Through

Speaker Mike Johnson managed to pass a healthcare bill (by a sliver) promising lower costs. It aims to boost small biz bargaining power, cut premiums, and add transparency to pharmacy benefits. Will it work? Place your bets!

Tuberville Ties Brown Shooting to Activism

The saga continues in the Brown University shooting. Tommy Tuberville and family sources are claiming Ella Cook was targeted because of her conservative activism. Suspicious circumstances abound, and the manhunt is still on.

Trump Touts Economic Wins, Blames Biden

Trump hit the White House, highlighting his economic "wins" while laying the smackdown on Biden. He’s blaming the current admin for inflation, unaffordable costs, border issues, and bad trade deals. Meanwhile, he's bragging about border security, falling prices, and a military "warrior dividend." Boom or bust?