A-Day Takeaways: New QB Needs Some Seasoning?

Auburn faithful flocked to Jordan-Hare Stadium this past Saturday for the annual A-Day scrimmage, marking the debut of the Alex Golesh era and our first glimpse of quarterback Byrum Brown.

Brown's Debut: A Little Rusty?

The hype surrounding Brown's transfer from South Florida was real, but his first outing in orange and blue wasn't exactly fireworks. He completed just 7 of 14 passes for 85 yards, tossing a couple of interceptions. Not the dream start, right?

Ti'a Shines as Backup

Backup quarterback Tristan Ti'a, another transfer, actually stole a bit of the show, going 15-for-20 with almost 200 yards, a touchdown, and an interception of his own.

Perspective Check!

Remember, it's just a spring game! Take those stats with a massive grain of salt, people. Auburn fans are already pointing out that even Cam Newton had a shaky A-Day back in 2010 before, you know, becoming a legend.

What Golesh Had to Say

"To be honest... I didn't think Byrum saw it great today," Golesh admitted to the media after the game. He noted that Brown seemed a little off compared to his performance in recent practices. "I just don't think he saw it great in the middle of the field."

Golesh doesn't sound overly worried, but it's clear Brown still has some ground to cover before the real games begin. Time to hit the film room!

Big News from Apple!

Hold on to your iPhones, ChumCity! Tim Cook, the man who steered Apple for almost 15 years, is stepping down as CEO. September 1st, 2026 marks the day, folks!

Alabamian Pride

Governor Kay Ivey herself chimed in, calling Cook "an Alabamian through and through!" Born in Mobile and an Auburn grad, Cook clearly makes Alabama proud. Way to go, Tim!

Passing the Torch

So, who's taking over the reins? None other than John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. Get ready for some new gadgets! Cook isn't disappearing entirely, though. He'll stick around as executive chairman of the board.

Cook's Legacy

Talk about a glow-up! Under Cook, Apple went from a $350 billion company to a whopping $4 trillion empire. We're talking the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Pay, and the mind-bending Apple Vision Pro – all under his watch (pun intended!). He stepped into some big shoes back in 2011 after the passing of Steve Jobs, and he definitely delivered.

The Man Behind the Apple

Cook, age 65, is a Mobile native and an Auburn University alum before hitting Duke for his MBA. A true Southern success story!

The Case of the Curious Envelopes

So, Jim, head of the finance committee, drops by with a message. Seems my fancy new Sunday guest cards (which, sneaky me, were actually envelopes with "Please use my gift as an expression of my love for Christ" printed on them) weren't exactly a hit.

The "Don't Ask Visitors for Dough" Doctrine

Apparently, my predecessor had drilled into everyone's heads that we shouldn't dare ask visitors for money. The rationale? People already think churches are just after their wallets! The old line was, "Our members support the work of this church, and we don’t want any guests to think they have to give."

The Great Envelope Purge

Being the new kid on the block, I didn't want a showdown. So, the envelopes got exiled to the church closet, where old paperwork goes to die a slow, dusty death.

Times, They Are A-Changin'

These days, it's all about anonymity. No more awkward hand-raising for visitors. Churches are bending over backwards to connect with "church shoppers" who want to stay under the radar.

The Real Question: Whose Money is it Anyway?

The big question is: should churches accept money from non-members? I totally get the idea of members carrying the financial load, but I'm not against taking freewill offerings from anyone, believer or not.

The Unlikely Donor

I even recall a non-Christian who regularly gave to our church. I visited him in the hospital and once asked to pray for him. He requested that I not pray with him. I respected his wishes. Before he passed, he sent a check to our church. We used it for God's work.

The Bootlegger's Offering

A retired minister from my childhood church once told us about a bootlegger who offered him a check. "Pastor," he said, "would you take this money to the church?" The pastor's response? "Yes sir. The devil’s had this money too long!"

Temporary Stewards

The church isn’t hunting for anyone's money. We’re just temporary caretakers, using it to help others. And I believe we can wisely handle gifts from those who are still searching for something more.

Grenade Found in Topsoil?!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! Things got a little explosive (not literally, thankfully) in Morgan County this week. A load of topsoil turned out to have a surprise ingredient: a suspected hand grenade!

Husky Mountain Havoc

The Morgan County Sheriff's Office says deputies raced to a home on Husky Mountain Private Drive near Lacey's Spring after the homeowners made the shocking discovery. Talk about a gardening nightmare!

Bomb Squad to the Rescue

The Huntsville bomb squad swooped in to secure the potentially dangerous item. Authorities are reminding everyone to leave suspected explosive devices alone and immediately call the professionals. Safety first, ChumCity!

Thankfully, no one was hurt. Let's hope this is the last time someone finds a grenade hiding in their garden!

Alabama's Devilish Sign Goes Pop!

That iconic Alabama billboard with its stark warning is making waves, thanks to singer Ethel Cain! She's reimagined the famous image to promote her tour, bringing a slice of Southern roadside culture to a national audience.

A Roadside Landmark Reborn

We're talking about the legendary "Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You" sign on I-65 near Prattville. It's a true Alabama landmark.

Ethel Cain's Twist

Now, picture this: "Go see Ethel Cain or the Devil Will Get You" emblazoned on a billboard in California's Coachella Valley! The same fiery red figure is there, echoing the original's unforgettable style. Folks spotted it near the Jefferson exit on I-10, and it's causing a buzz online.

From Gas Station to Billboard Fame

The devilish figure actually dates back to a "Red Devil" gas station sign from the 1920s! It stood proudly on U.S. Highway 31 between Montgomery and Prattville before finding its way onto the billboard we know and love.

A Symbol of the South

The original Alabama sign became a beloved, albeit quirky, part of our state's folklore. Even after a storm took it down in 2016, the Newell family rebuilt it, saving the original metal devil! Cain's billboard is spreading that unique Southern image to a whole new crowd.

The Original Still Stands!

While Ethel Cain's billboard gives the message a fresh spin, the OG Alabama sign is still holding strong on I-65. It's a piece of our state's cultural landscape that ain't going anywhere!

Lowndes County Cattle Farm Honored!

Big news, ChumCity citizens! CK Cattle in Hope Hull just snagged the title of Alabama’s 2026 Farm of Distinction! The Alabama Farmers Federation made the announcement at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon in Auburn on April 9.

Family Tradition & Top-Notch Cattle

This awesome three-generation operation, run by Chuck and Katie Madaris along with their family, is making waves with their Angus, Chiangus, and SimAngus seedstock cattle, plus their commercial cattle.

More Than Just Farming

The Federation says CK Cattle earned the award because they're all about good land management, supporting up-and-coming farmers, and making a real difference in their community. Way to go!

Prizes Galore!

Being Farm of Distinction comes with some serious perks! The Madaris family is getting an engraved farm sign, a shiny new zero-turn mower, and even a John Deere Gator! Plus, they're racking up some sweet gift cards and cash from First South Farm Credit and Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Representing Alabama!

And hold on to your hats, because Chuck Madaris is heading to the Sunbelt Ag Expo this fall to represent Alabama in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest! We're rooting for you, Chuck!

Is Your Southern Business Stuck in the "Missing Middle"?

Across Alabama and the South, tons of businesses hit a wall. They're making solid money, demand is there, and they've got a strong base. But hitting that next level feels impossible. What's the deal? Often, it's a lack of access to crucial resources like capital, connections, and strategic advice.

The Capital Collective: Bridging the Gap

That's where The Capital Collective comes in! Launched in Birmingham in 2024 by Emily Halpern and Tamika Tyson, this group tackles what they call the "Missing Middle." These are companies pulling in $1 million to $10 million a year – too big for startup resources, but not big enough for traditional investors. For many, it's not about can they grow, but how to access the tools they need.

Why the Struggle?

Halpern, with decades in the investment game, saw the pattern firsthand. "I met so many awesome businesses that were just too small for big investments, but had HUGE potential," she says. They often lacked the knowledge and connections to pitch themselves to investors effectively. They needed help crafting their "capital story."

Birmingham Roots

The Capital Collective started in Birmingham for a reason. The team saw a need for this kind of support, especially for companies outside the tech scene. "These are essential businesses," Halpern emphasizes. "Construction, manufacturing, logistics... they create jobs in our communities!"

The Tough Numbers

Scaling is HARD. Only a tiny percentage of businesses EVER hit $1 million, and even fewer reach $10 million. The Capital Collective aims to help those in-between navigate this critical growth phase.

The "Capital Cliff"

Halpern points out that there's a "capital cliff" for profitable businesses making between $1 million and $10 million. Resources for startups are plentiful, but what about established, growing companies?

A 12-Week Boost

The Capital Collective's 12-week Capital Intensive is designed to bridge that gap. It's a hands-on program that provides education, access, and real results. Businesses refine their financial strategy, craft compelling investor narratives, and prepare to meet potential investors.

Real Results

The program is already making a difference! Early results show average revenue growth of over 20%, the creation of 71 local jobs, and eight businesses securing the right capital within five months. "We brought the decision makers to them," Halpern says.

Ready to Level Up?

The next Birmingham cohort is coming up! If your Greater Birmingham, surrounding metro areas, or Tuscaloosa business makes between $1 million and $10 million annually and is looking to scale, this could be your chance.

Tailored Support

Halpern stresses the program's personalized approach. "We customize the intensive to bring in experts in each participating business’ particular field," she says, "so they can tell their capital story."

The Big Picture

The Capital Collective's goal is to help businesses with real potential access the resources they need to thrive. When these businesses succeed, it boosts the whole community, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the region.

Alabama Fights Back Against Crypto ATM Fraud!

Hey ChumCity citizens! Big news out of Montgomery! AARP Alabama is celebrating the passage of House Bill 303, a game-changer in the fight against fraud, signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.

A Shout-Out to Our Champions

Huge thanks to State Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster) for championing this crucial legislation. This new law is a major win for protecting Alabamians, especially our senior citizens, from those devastating financial scams we all hear about.

Crypto Kiosk Conundrum Solved!

House Bill 303, AKA the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, tackles the wild west of crypto ATMs. Crooks have been using these machines to trick people into depositing cash based on lies—fake fines, phony bank alerts, you name it. Once the money's gone, it's usually gone for good.

Real Protections for Real People

This law brings much-needed consumer protection to the table. Think clear fee disclosures, prominent scam warnings, and detailed receipts to help track down the bad guys.

What's New?

• Daily and monthly transaction limits to stop those huge losses.
• A refund process for fraudulently induced transactions.
• Customer service and law enforcement contact requirements for accountability!

These are smart, sensible safeguards that protect folks without stifling innovation.

Hats Off to the Alabama Securities Commission!

AARP Alabama also wants to thank the Alabama Securities Commission and Director Amanda Senn for their incredible leadership on this. They've been tirelessly fighting for stronger protections, shedding light on how crypto kiosk scams have been bleeding Alabamians dry.

Standing Up for Victims

At AARP, they hear heartbreaking stories of fraud victims every day. These scams often wipe out a lifetime of savings, causing lasting emotional damage. Remember, fraud is a crime, and the blame lies squarely with the criminals.

A Brighter, Safer Alabama

By passing HB 303, Alabama's leaders are staying ahead of the scam game and protecting us from financial exploitation. It's proof that when lawmakers, regulators, and advocates team up, we can keep Alabamians safe.

AARP Alabama is committed to continuing this partnership to protect consumers and make our state even stronger!

Candi Williams is the State Director of AARP Alabama.

DA Broussard Responds to Claims of "War on Good Cops"

I read with interest Mr. Mitchell’s recent editorial pushing the idea of a supposed "war on good cops" here in Alabama. As the District Attorney of Madison County, a few things really jumped out at me.

Misinformation and Political Gain

First, this narrative of a "war on cops" is a damaging myth, perpetuated for purely political gain. Secondly, Mr. Mitchell seems confused about who actually handles these types of prosecutions.

Who's Really in Charge?

Mr. Mitchell incorrectly suggests the Attorney General's Office prosecuted two specific cases. In reality, the District Attorney's Offices in Montgomery and Morgan counties were responsible. The Attorney General's Office simply fulfilled its role on appeal. His criticism, therefore, really lands on the district attorneys involved.

Upholding the Law, Without Fear or Favor

As a Republican District Attorney for the past 17 years, I know how difficult it is to consider criminal charges against a law enforcement officer. It's not something anyone wants to do, but our oath demands we uphold the Constitution and laws equally – for everyone.

Integrity in the Justice System

Our criminal justice system must be inviolable, driven by facts and law, not public opinion or fear of political backlash. The voters elected me to make tough decisions, even unpopular ones. I believe even those who disagree with me respect my commitment to professionalism and integrity.

Defending a Colleague's Honor

My friend Scott Anderson, the Republican District Attorney for Morgan County, is one of the most honorable men I know. His office is prosecuting the Decatur officer mentioned in Mitchell's piece.

A Pending Case and Premature Judgments

Despite Mitchell's claims of an "indefensible" prosecution, Alabama's Republican judges have, so far, allowed the case to proceed. It's now before the Alabama Supreme Court, from which Mr. Mitchell recently resigned to run for Attorney General. It's disappointing to see him comment on a pending case when the involved District Attorney can't respond in kind.

Respect for the System

Ultimately, good faith disagreements are fine, but Mitchell's forum is inappropriate. It disrespects the oath he once took and aspires to take again. This kind of rhetoric damages the integrity of our justice system, and to impugn the integrity of the opposing side is irresponsible.

Not a Conspiracy

Mitchell claims there's a pattern of "coordinated, politically-motivated prosecutions," citing two cases. But he fails to mention they occurred eight years apart, with different district attorneys from different parties, and under two different Attorneys General. I'm unsure if my own office's case even counts towards the "conspiracy" in question!

Politically Advantageous?

Living in conservative Alabama, no one has ever explained how prosecuting a cop is politically advantageous for a DA.

Demand Respect

I resent these cheap shots at our profession, those who uphold their oaths, and the truth. Alabama deserves an Attorney General who respects the rule of law, the duties of the office, the criminal justice system, and the district attorneys they'll work with.

About Rob Broussard

Appointed District Attorney of Alabama's 23rd Judicial Circuit in May 2009, Rob Broussard has spent more than three decades prosecuting cases in Madison County.

Weekend of Violence Rocks Montgomery

Tragedy struck Alabama's capital as a string of shootings left four dead and three fighting for their lives between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, according to Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys. Officers responded to a staggering seven separate shooting incidents within a 48-hour period.

The Victims

• Martavious Langford, 28: Shot Friday afternoon on West South Boulevard. Died at the hospital. Adrian Jackson, 30, faces capital murder charges.
• Andre Smith, 35: Shot early Saturday on Grove Street. Pronounced dead at the scene. A woman was also wounded.
• Pendaris Williams, 48: Shot Sunday morning on Day Street Road. Pronounced dead at the scene.
• Tory Kelly Jr., 21: Shot Sunday morning on Weirs Ferry Road. Pronounced dead at the scene.

Wounded in the Crossfire

• A juvenile girl arrived at a hospital Saturday morning with a graze wound from a shooting on North Belt Drive.
• An adult man was critically injured in a Saturday evening shooting on Rosa L. Parks Avenue. Police believe the incident was domestic-related.
• Another adult man suffered life-threatening wounds in a Saturday night shooting on Fountain Circle.

Rising Homicide Rate

This violent weekend brings Montgomery's homicide count to 14 for the year.

Chief Calls for Systemic Change

Chief Graboys didn't mince words at the press conference, pointing to repeat violent offenders being released on bond, probation, or bail. He emphasized the need for legislative action and judicial accountability to address the root causes of crime. "We can arrest them, but it's the justice system that's going to hold them," he stated.

Bill to Increase Police Staffing Fails

This violence comes shortly after State Senator Will Barfoot's bill aimed at increasing Montgomery's police force failed to pass. The bill would have mandated a minimum number of officers per resident, a requirement Montgomery currently doesn't meet. Mayor Reed and Chief Graboys opposed the bill, citing it as an unfunded mandate and state overreach. Senator Barfoot warned throughout the session that the capital city's staffing shortage was a public safety emergency, and this weekend may be the proof.