Big Changes Coming to Alabama High School Hoops!

Get ready, Alabama! High school basketball is about to get a whole lot more exciting. The AHSAA has officially approved a mandatory 35-second shot clock for all games, starting in the 2026-2027 season. Yep, you heard that right!

Why the Change?

According to AHSAA Director Heath Harmon, this decision has been in the works for quite some time. "Our basketball coaches’ leadership has been at the forefront of this decision," he stated, emphasizing that it's the perfect time to implement this change.

What Coaches Are Saying

Coaches are largely in favor, believing it will shake up strategy, especially for teams trying to hold onto a lead. Hewitt-Trussville coach Jeremy Monceaux thinks it's a game-changer. He told ABC 33/40 that fourth-quarter games will be "a lot more exciting, a lot more possessions." Sounds good to us!

Mercy Rule Alert!

But wait, there's more! A new mercy rule is also coming into play. If a team is up by 30 points or more at the start of the fourth quarter, a running clock will be mandatory. This should help wrap up those lopsided games a bit quicker.

So, buckle up, ChumCity fans! Alabama high school basketball is about to enter a new era, and we can't wait to see how these changes play out on the court!

Mobile's New Ride: Second Line Transit!

Get ready to groove, Mobile! The people have spoken, and our revamped public transit system will be known as "Second Line Transit!"

The Votes Are In!

A whopping 3,000 Mobilians cast their ballots, and Second Line Transit snagged the crown with 1,575 votes. MoGo put up a good fight with 1,258 votes, but the Second Line spirit prevailed!

More Than Just a Name

This name isn't just catchy – it's a nod to Mobile's legendary Mardi Gras traditions and a promise to put our community first. It's all about a transit system built by and for the people.

Mayor's Take

"Second Line Transit celebrates Mobile’s unique history and brings a fresh energy to our public transit system," exclaimed Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis. He added, "Every Mobilian should be excited about Via’s efforts to modernize and reimagine public transit in Mobile."

The Wave Still Rolling

Don't worry, The Wave will continue its service until July 2026 as the exciting redesign takes shape. So, keep riding!

Senator Britt Champions DHS Funding for World Cup Security!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is on a mission to make sure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is fully geared up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Britt, who heads the DHS Appropriations Subcommittee, joined forces with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to grill officials about World Cup prep. But here's the kicker: DHS is currently in a funding freeze because some folks are demanding changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement first!

World Cup Worries?

Britt isn't having it. She pointed out that a whopping 5 million fans are expected at the World Cup and stressed the importance of fully funding DHS for the event. "International sporting events are a great unifier," she said, "and we need to make sure those spaces are safe."

Shutdown Slowdown

Rear Admiral Christopher J. Tomney, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), from DHS, testified that the shutdown is throwing a wrench in their security planning. He stated bluntly, "It has significantly impacted our operations," and begged Congress to reopen DHS ASAP, citing lost expertise and hindered coordination. Yikes!

Drones and Threats

Britt and Tomney also discussed the challenges of securing the World Cup. One major concern? Drones! Tomney highlighted the need for counter-drone technology, and Britt wants to see the FBI get more funding for this too.

Bottom line: Senator Britt is fighting to ensure the World Cup is both fun and safe for everyone. Let's hope they can get DHS back on track before the games begin!

Alabama Cotton Farmers Facing a Crisis!

Senator Tommy Tuberville has sounded the alarm, folks! He recently took to the Senate floor to warn everyone that Alabama's cotton farmers are in serious trouble. He's urging Congress to step up before it's too late to save the industry.

The Stakes are High

Alabama is a major cotton producer, bringing in over $400 million annually. But Senator Tuberville says farmers have been struggling for years, with planting costs exceeding their profits. He warns that if things don't turn around this year, many farmers could be forced to shut down.

Blame Game: Foreign Competition

So what's the problem? Tuberville points to foreign competition, claiming that cheaper imports from countries like Brazil are undercutting our American cotton farmers, who produce a higher-quality product.

A Solution: "Buy American Cotton Act"

Senator Tuberville is backing the "Buying American Cotton Act," co-sponsored by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Katie Britt. This bill proposes tax credits for those who purchase American cotton, creating an incentive to buy local and support our farmers.

Tax Credits, Not Bailouts!

According to Tuberville, this bill offers a better solution than federal subsidies. Instead of waiting for farmers to fail and then bailing them out, we can offer tax breaks for those who choose American cotton.

Cotton = National Security?

Senator Tuberville also argues that cotton is tied to national security. It's not just about clothes; cotton is used in military materials and medical supplies. He warns that a nation that can't supply its own basic materials is vulnerable.

China's Farmland Grab

He also raised concerns about China owning a significant amount of American farmland, some near military bases, calling it a serious national security threat. Stay tuned, folks! This story is developing.

Congress Takes on App Store Safety - Good News for Parents!

Big news, ChumCity fam! Congress is finally stepping up to help protect our kids online. The App Store Accountability Act just cleared a big hurdle in the House, and it's a HUGE step in the right direction. Time to get this thing to the House floor for a full vote!

What's the Deal?

This bill is all about giving parents the tools they need to manage what their kids are downloading and using. It's a common-sense approach that says app stores should verify ages, use standard age ratings, and let parents approve their little ones' downloads.

Why This Matters

Right now, the app world is a confusing mess for parents. This bill would bring much-needed transparency and consistency, making it easier for families to navigate.

Alabama Leads the Way!

Our very own Alabama already gets it! Governor Ivey signed similar legislation into law earlier this year, showing the nation how it's done. We're setting the bar for how app marketplaces should support parental control.

A National Standard for Safety

This federal bill builds on Alabama's example, creating a nationwide standard that avoids state-by-state chaos while still encouraging innovation. It's not about heavy regulation; it's about age verification and parental consent – things we can all agree on.

Clarity for Everyone

A single federal standard would also make life easier for app stores, allowing them to implement one clear system that works across the whole country.

Time to Act!

With the bill out of committee, it's time for Alabama's congressional crew and lawmakers everywhere to push for passage in the full House. This is about creating a clear and consistent framework for parental oversight in a world that's changing faster than we can keep up with.

Not a Political Thing – It's a Family Thing!

Giving parents the tools they need isn't a partisan issue. It's about transparency, accountability, and recognizing that families deserve clear standards in the digital world.

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Cedric Coley Raised in the River Region, member of the Alabama Republican Party, CD 2 chair of Alabama Young Republicans, chair of the River Region Minority Republicans, Montgomery County Republican Party and an ALGOP State Executive Committee member.

Another One Bites the Dust in Montgomery

Ever watch the good guys lose for absolutely no reason? That's how it feels right now, watching House Bill 347 – a simple bill meant to protect Alabama families – go down in flames in Montgomery. And sadly, the real losers here are everyday Alabamians, especially women and kids, who can have their images stolen and twisted against them right now, with zero real protection under our state laws.

What HB347 Was All About

Let's break down what HB347 would have done, because it's important. Right now, tech companies get a free pass when their platforms are used to create or spread what's called "private images" – think non-consensual intimate stuff, including AI-generated fake images. That used to make sense when platforms were just passive bystanders, but that's not the case anymore.

xAI and the Problem with Grok

Take xAI's Grok, for example. It's already been caught spitting out illegal images of women and minors, and on a massive scale. In just nine days this year, it posted over 4 million images, with over 40% being sexualized images of women.

HB347 would have changed that. It would have held companies like xAI responsible when they deliberately design and profit from tools that are obviously going to be used to sexually exploit real people. That's just common sense protection for Alabama families.

Giving Victims a Fighting Chance

The bill also would have forced platforms to create an easy-to-use process for victims to report and remove this stuff – and to actually act on those requests within 72 hours. That speed matters. Grok, for example, has basically dismantled its safety and moderation systems, leaving victims nowhere to turn. Other platforms are failing too, which is why Alabama can't afford to leave these protections off the books.

The AI Threat is Real

AI tools that can turn ordinary photos into non-consensual sexual images are already here, already accessible, and already being used by millions. Alabama had a bill on the table that addressed the biggest problems with this technology, carefully written to avoid legal challenges, and supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

A Disappointment

We know politics is messy. There are always competing interests, priorities, and limited time. But how protecting Alabama women and children from AI-generated sexual exploitation didn't make the cut? That's hard to swallow.

AI is moving faster than anything we've ever seen, and the decisions we make now will shape its future. That's a conversation we need to have. But if Alabama can't even pass a bill to protect its own citizens from AI-generated child sexual abuse material – if that's considered too complicated or not the right time – then we need to be honest with ourselves about whether we're ready for what's coming.

State Rep. Ben Harrison, Lauderdale County

Watch Out, ChumCity! Scammers Are Getting Crafty!

In our digital lives, tricksters are always cooking up new schemes to mess with your head and grab your stuff. Fake court summons and bogus online surveys are two big ones making the rounds. They're designed to scare you, tempt you, and ultimately, steal your info or plant nasty software.

Regions Bank is on the case, spreading awareness and helping us stay safe!

Fake Court Summons: Don't Panic!

Imagine getting a frantic message claiming you skipped a toll, missed court, or owe big bucks now. These fake legal notices are designed to make you freak out and act fast.

They threaten warrants, arrests, and sky-high penalties if you don't "fix" things ASAP. They often shove a QR code, link, or phone number in your face, promising instant resolution.

These look official, but real legal notices don't demand immediate payment through weird methods or bully you. Legit agencies provide paperwork and ways to verify – not pressure tactics to bypass your brain.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Aggressive language pushing instant action to avoid jail or huge fines.
• Demands for payment via cash transfers, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Nope!
• Spoofed phone numbers that look like they're from official sources.

Kimberly Reece from Regions Bank says it best: "A real legal notice comes with proof, a scam comes with pressure."

Bottom line: Slow down, don't click anything, and don't call that number! Verify by contacting the local court or agency directly using their official website info.

The FBI says: Hang up, delete, verify, and report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the FTC. Knowledge is your best defense!

CAPTCHA Alert!

Watch out for fake CAPTCHA scams that go hand-in-hand with these urgent messages! Crooks misuse the "I'm not a robot" verification. They instruct you to use strange keyboard shortcuts (like Windows Key + R, then Ctrl + V, Enter). This pastes and runs hidden code, installing malware that compromises your device.

Real CAPTCHAs are simple. If something feels fishy, it probably is!

If you suspect malware, disconnect from Wi-Fi, change passwords (from a safe device), run a full antivirus scan, and monitor your bank accounts. Tell your bank immediately if anything looks wrong!

Fake Surveys: Too Good to Be True?

These pop up as social media ads promising easy money, gift cards, or prizes for completing a quick survey.

Sure, some online surveys are legit, but the Better Business Bureau warns that many are scams!

You answer questions, get told you've "won," and then they want your credit card for a small "shipping fee." The reward never arrives, but they now have your financial data for identity theft and fraud!

Key Warning Signs:

• Rewards that sound too good to be true (like a $100 gift card).
• Focus on the prize, not your actual opinions.
• Mismatched items (a grocery survey offering clothes).
• Urgent language pushing you to complete it now.
• No info about the sponsoring company or privacy policy.
• Typos, bad grammar, wrong logos, or suspicious URLs.

Regions Bank says education is vital. If you think you've been scammed, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.

Regions Bank: Fighting for You!

These scams highlight how crooks use urgency, greed, and fear to mess with your decision-making. Regions Bank provides resources and tips to stay safe. Check out their fraud prevention pages for info on protecting your accounts, spotting phishing, and what to do if fraud happens.

Key Steps to Remember:

• Never give personal or financial info in response to unsolicited messages.
• Hover over links before clicking.
• Use official websites and phone numbers.
• Never use your search engine to connect to your banking platform! Bookmark the real site!
• Enable multi-factor authentication and check your accounts regularly.
• Report incidents immediately!

Regions reminds us that while they have tools to fight fraud, your awareness is crucial!

Staying Safe!

The best protection is skepticism and knowledge. Pause, verify, and report anything that seems off. By doing this, we can fight back against scammers!

For more guidance, visit regions.com/fraud-prevention or talk to a Regions banker.

ChumCity News Roundup - Stuff You Missed!

7. Gas Prices and Blame Games: Is Trump to blame for high gas prices? Some say yes, pointing to the Iranian conflict. But hold on! aldontcom says the cheapest gas in Alabama is in Chambers County at $3.68. However, because Leada Gore reported it, you know that has to be fake news.

6. Teacher Troubles: A teacher at Journey Middle School in Madison City, Logan Edward Thomas, got busted! He's facing 10 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, plus one count of online solicitation. Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force got him.

5. Britt's Big Push: Senator Katie Britt is on a mission! She wants full funding for Homeland Security before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which's gonna be huge! 5 million fans are expected, and it lines up with our nation's 250th anniversary. Side note: The House just passed a short-term extension of FISA Section 702 spy powers.

4. Boebert's Bold Question: Remember Lauren Boebert? The congresswoman previously caught getting handsy at a public event? She's now slamming sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill with the zinger, "Why is everybody so horny here?" She suggests everyone "go to church, find Jesus." Oh, and an unnamed senator is under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. Yikes!

3. Senate Race Heats Up: The latest Alabama GOP U.S. Senate primary poll shows Barry Moore widening the gap between himself and Steve Marshall! Moore's up 34%-16%, and a hypothetical runoff gives him a 47%-27% win. Shows you the power of a Trump endorsement and a pile of campaign ads.

2. Tuberville's Tough Talk: Governor-elect and Senator Tommy Tuberville is promising to clean up crime in Montgomery and other Alabama cities if elected governor. Declaring he won't let Alabamians "live in a war zone," and saying, "we are not going to let the animals run the zoo." He is also calling out Republicans in Congress as embarrassing.

1. Iran Tensions: Despite the House failing to "end the war," Trump's predicting a quick end to the Iran conflict with a possible uranium deal. The naval blockade is apparently working, oil prices are dropping, stocks are up, and U.S.-Iran talks could be happening soon in Islamabad! Of course, a military advisor to Iran's supreme leader is threatening to sink U.S. ships. So there's that.

Bonus: Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News. You can catch his talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

Bama Alum Busted in Wild Loan Scheme!

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football player Luther Davis is in hot water, facing serious charges of wire fraud and identity theft! Apparently, this isn't your average playbook violation...

Wigs, Fake IDs, and $20 Million?!

Davis, a key player on the 2009 national championship team, is accused of impersonating three different NFL players to secure a staggering $20 million in loans. Talk about a Hail Mary gone wrong!

Who Were the Impersonated Players?

The alleged victims include Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, and Green Bay Packers safety (and fellow Bama alum) Xavier McKinney. None of them authorized the loans, and fake email accounts were created without their knowledge, according to court docs.

The Details Are Insane!

Davis, along with alleged accomplice CJ Evins, reportedly concocted "fabricated personal financial statements" and other bogus documents. But the real kicker? Davis apparently showed up to loan closings "dressed in disguise and impersonated the players," even rocking a wig and makeup to pose as Njoku during a video conference!

$20 Million in Fraudulent Loans?

Prosecutors say there are 13 similar situations, totaling just under $20 million in fraudulent loans. This story just keeps getting crazier!

Hoover Mayor Derzis Throws Support Behind Sen. Waggoner

Hoover's own Mayor Nick Derzis is backing State Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) for another term in the Alabama Senate! Derzis is citing Waggoner's long history of leadership and influence on the entire Birmingham metro area.

Derzis Praises Waggoner's Impact

In a statement, Derzis emphasized Waggoner's effectiveness in the Legislature and his key role in fostering growth across the region.

"A Trusted Friend"

"Jabo Waggoner has consistently delivered meaningful results that have strengthened Jefferson and Shelby counties," Derzis stated. He also noted Waggoner's role in championing UAB's expansion, driving economic development, and securing infrastructure investments.

Derzis emphasized that much of Birmingham and Hoover's progress can be directly attributed to Waggoner's hard work. "We are fortunate to have one of the most effective legislators in Alabama history representing us," Derzis added. "I am proud to endorse Jabo Waggoner for another term. He is both a proven leader and a trusted friend." Derzis encourages residents to support Waggoner in the upcoming election.

Derzis' Background

Derzis, elected mayor in 2025, previously served in Hoover's Police Department, including over two decades as police chief. His priorities as mayor include public safety, infrastructure, commercial revitalization, and community partnerships.