Tigers Claw, But Aggies Prevail in College Station

The Auburn Tigers knew Saturday's trip to College Station was going to be a barnburner against a top-ten Texas A&M squad, roaring in front of a Kyle Field crowd louder than a Metallica concert. And a fight it was, right down to the wire, but ultimately, Auburn's offense sputtered, leading to a 16-10 defeat.

Offensive Woes Plague Auburn

The Tigers only reached the end zone once, and even that came after a massive interception return put them inches from glory. Auburn's initial three-and-out foreshadowed a frustrating afternoon. A&M responded immediately, driving down the field to seize the lead.

A Defensive Stand, But Not Enough

The first half became a battle of attrition, with Auburn's offense mired in a series of three-and-outs (four in six possessions!). Luckily, the defense held strong, keeping Auburn within striking distance. Halftime arrived with A&M leading 13-3, and two missed Aggie field goals in the second half prolonged Auburn's hope.

Spark of Life, Quickly Extinguished

Early in the fourth quarter, a tipped interception gave Auburn life when A&M looked poised to put the game away. But ultimately, it was too little, too late. The Tigers went three-and-out twice and saw quarterback Jackson Arnold sacked for the seventh time on fourth down to seal their fate.

Concerning Trends Emerge

Auburn's third-down struggles are a major red flag. The Tigers were 0-for-13 on third down, continuing a slide of 3-for-27 over the last two weeks. Totaling just 177 offensive yards, the defense's valiant effort to hold a potent A&M offense to 16 points went unrewarded. The perplexing decision to run the ball only nine times, against a team known to struggle against the run, raises questions.

Looking Ahead

Arnold finished 18 of 33 for 125 yards, and the team rushed for a paltry 52 yards. Auburn now enters a bye week before welcoming the Georgia Bulldogs to Jordan-Hare Stadium in two weeks.

Forestry Group Reveals Judicial Endorsements for '26

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), representing a whopping $36 billion industry in the state, has just announced their preferred candidates for the upcoming May 19, 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election. Get ready for some courtroom action!

Rule of Law Takes Center Stage

According to AFA President and CEO Chris Isaacson, supporting the "Rule of Law" is a key principle for the association. They believe these judicial candidates have demonstrated a commitment to a fair and balanced legal system, understanding the impact on Alabama businesses, especially forestry.

AFA's Picks: Who They're Backing

Here's the rundown of who the AFA is endorsing:

• Alabama Supreme Court:
  • Brad Mendheim
  • Greg Shaw
• Court of Civil Appeals:
  • Matt Fridy
  • Ben Bowden
• Court of Criminal Appeals:
  • Mary Windom
  • Beth Kellum

A Closer Look at the Candidates

• Justice Brad Mendheim: A Supreme Court Justice since 2018, with prior experience as a district and circuit judge. He's a Samford University's Cumberland School of Law grad.

• Justice Greg Shaw: A veteran of the judiciary, Shaw was first elected to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2000 and then to the Supreme Court in 2008. Also a Cumberland School of Law graduate.

• Matt Fridy: Elected to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2020, Fridy is also an alum of the Alabama House of Representatives (2014-202 and holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law.

• Ben Bowden: Recently appointed to the Court of Civil Appeals in May, Bowden filled the seat left by Judge Bill Lewis, who's now awaiting a Senate confirmation vote for a federal judgeship.

• Mary Windom: The Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2012, Windom has a history as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Attorney General. She got her law degree from Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.

• Judge Elizabeth “Beth” Kellum: A member of the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2008, Kellum boasts experience as a staff attorney and Assistant Attorney General. She's a proud alumna of The University of Alabama.

Bama Shocks Georgia in Athens!

The Crimson Tide just pulled off a HUGE road win against the Georgia Bulldogs, 24-21, and it might be the biggest victory of the Kalen DeBoer era so far!

DeBoer's Doubters Silenced (For Now!)

After that tough opening loss to Florida State, folks were questioning DeBoer's record away from Bryant-Denny. Coming into this week, he was 2-5 on the road. But Bama answered the bell and changed the narrative in a big way!

Ty Simpson's Electric First Half

Talk about a hot start! Ty Simpson was dealing early, carving up the Bulldog defense with touchdown drives on their first two possessions. They converted their first EIGHT third downs!

First, Simpson hit Germie Bernard with a laser over the middle for six. Then, he rolled right and zipped one to Isaiah Horton in the end zone!

Georgia responded, but Bray Hubbard forced a fumble, leading to another three points and a 17-7 lead.

The Proctor Screen That SHOCKED the World!

But the play everyone will remember? A wide receiver screen...to 6'7", 365-pound left tackle Kadyn Proctor! The big man rumbled all the way to the two-yard line! Simpson punched it in from there for his third TD of the half.

Defense Clamps Down in the Second Half

Alabama's offense cooled off in the second half, but Simpson protected the ball and the defense made key stops. Georgia scored to make it a game, but Bama held on.

LT Overton had a HUGE fourth-down stop to deny the Bulldogs the lead!

Clutch Plays Seal the Deal

After a punt, Simpson made some clutch throws. And then, on 3rd and 5, Ryan Grubb dialed up a beauty, finding Jam Miller wide open in the flat to ice the game.

Simpson finished with 276 yards, two TD passes, and a rushing score. Horton led the receivers with 65 yards and a TD.

What's Next?

The Tide returns home to face the undefeated Vanderbilt Commodores. Revenge will be on their minds after last years loss.

Finebaum Tackling Politics?

Hold up, sports fans! Could we see a familiar face from the SEC Network making a play for the U.S. Senate? Paul Finebaum himself is considering throwing his hat into the ring... as a Republican in Alabama!

From Sideline to Senate?

According to an exclusive OutKick interview, some big wigs in D.C. have been whispering in Finebaum's ear, encouraging him to consider a run. It seems the possibility of Bruce Pearl, Auburn's basketball coach, jumping into the political game initially gave Finebaum pause.

The Competition

The field's already getting crowded! Names like Congressman Barry Moore, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson are already vying for that Senate seat.

A Change of Heart

Finebaum admits that a recent tragedy – the political assassination attempt on Charlie Kirk - sparked a re-evaluation of his own purpose. “It was an awakening," he said. Sounds like something clicked.

Keeping it Under Wraps

Finebaum says ESPN has discouraged him from dabbling in politics, which explains why he's kept his Republican leanings quiet. But now? He's out with it!

Trump Factor?

Could a presidential endorsement seal the deal? Finebaum admits he'd find it tough to say "no" to The Donald. He also confessed he voted for Trump.

Tuberville's Move

The Alabama Senate seat is up for grabs because current Senator Tommy Tuberville (another sports guy!) is aiming for the Governor's mansion instead.

So, what's the verdict? Will Finebaum trade his microphone for a Senate seat? We'll know soon. He's hoping to make a decision within the next month or so. Stay tuned, ChumCity citizens!

Deepfake Scams: Are You Ready for the AI Imposters?

Heard about deepfakes? Yeah, those AI tricks are getting seriously good, and scammers are LOVING it. They can now sound like your grandma, your boss, or even your BFF asking for help. Scary, right?

Generative AI is letting them create fake calls and videos, impersonating people in a crisis. It's not just emergencies, though. They might just use a familiar voice to convince you to buy something or move money.

AI's voice cloning is so convincing that it snags speech patterns and even mannerisms. And the deepfake emails? Forget about it. They can be SO slick you'll spill your info without a second thought.

Regions Bank is trying to get the word out. The more we know, the better we can protect our cash.

Beat the Bots: Advice From the Pros

"Deepfakes are just going to get more advanced," says Jeff Taylor, Regions' fraud expert. "But the old rules still work. Don't give out info to random callers! If someone claims to be your bank, family, or friend needing cash or your password, hang up! Call them back on a verified number and tell them what's up."

The Family Password: A Secret Weapon

What if a scammer forwarded your cousin's phone? Taylor says many families have a secret "family password" for these situations. One guy even told of his son learning of deepfakes, and decided to make a unique, hard to guess family password. "If Mom gets an AI call that sounds like him claiming he's in trouble, she asks him the password. Because they discussed it, they're more likely to spot a fake."

More Ways to Spot a Deepfake

"Deepfakes are getting tougher to spot," says Sam Kunjukunju from the American Bankers Association Foundation. "But there are red flags."

Look for weirdness:

• Blurry or distorted features?
• Too much or too little blinking?
• Fake-looking hair or teeth?
• Audio and video out of sync?
• Weird voice tone?
• Strange shadows or lighting?

Scam Surge: Numbers Don't Lie

Imposter scams are BOOMING thanks to AI. The FBI has seen over 4.2 million fraud reports since 2020, totaling $50.5 billion in losses. Yikes!

Spot these red flags:

• Emotional manipulation (fear, urgency).
• Unexpected requests for money, passwords, or personal info.
• Messages that sound "off" from someone you know.

Stay Safe Out There

• Think first. Is someone pressuring you?
• Verify. Use trusted numbers and official websites.
• Codewords. Set up family phrases.
• Limit your digital footprint. Every post trains deepfake models.
• Don't repost blindly. Verify the source.

Reporting Scams

Think you've been hit?

• File a report with the FBI at IC3.gov.
• Tell your bank immediately if you sent money.
• Contact your local police.

"Controls can help you," adds Taylor. "Regions Bank's 'Stop, Call, Confirm' method is simple but effective. Pause, call a trusted number, ask questions, and confirm the request is real. It can stop scammers cold."

Catch the Hottest Takes with Longshore & McKnight!

Get your daily dose of gridiron glory and hilarious commentary with Longshore and McKnight! We're serving up fresh episodes daily across YouTube, Spotify, and right here at ChumCity via Yellowhammer News. 🎙️🔊

Today's Highlights: You Won't Want to Miss This!

• 010 Auburn's epic fail at Texas A&M! 0-for-13 on third downs?! Ouch!
• 070 Auburn faithful (and Jason Campbell!) rage about those play calls. Yikes!
• 0:140 Is Hugh Freeze feeling the heat? We dive into the questions.
• 0:210 Bama STUNS Georgia! The streak is OVER! 33 games, GONE!
• 0:230 Jam Miller's game-sealing slide! Clutch city, baby!
• 0:290 Alabama's turnover discipline vs. Auburn's... well, you know.
• 0:330 ESPN's Tom Luginbill drops by the show for some serious insight!
• 0:400 Was Kirby Smart outcoached? We're singing Ryan Grubb's praises!
• 0:460 Decoding Alabama's under-center power game!
• 0:480 The SEC's getting DEEP! Shoutout to Vandy & Mississippi State!
• 0:490 Arkansas swings the axe! Sam Pittman is OUT after the Notre Dame defeat.
• 0:560 College GameDay headed to Tuscaloosa for Bama-Vandy!
• 120 Can Vanderbilt actually give Alabama a fight in their own house? We debate!

A True American Hero: Lt. Col. George E. Hardy (1923-2024)

ChumCity mourns the loss of Lieutenant Colonel George E. Hardy, who recently passed away at the incredible age of 100. He wasn't just a man; he was a legend, the youngest of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last living combat pilot from that iconic group.

A Lifetime of Service

Hardy's dedication to his country spanned decades and continents. He bravely served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, showcasing unwavering courage and commitment.

Flying High with the Tuskegee Airmen

He earned his wings at Tuskegee Army Air Field and, from 1943-1945, soared through the skies over Europe in his P-51 Mustang as part of the all-Black 99th Fighter Squadron. Imagine this young Red Tail pilot, barely out of his teens, fearlessly escorting Allied bombers over Germany! He completed 21 harrowing missions.

Continuing the Call to Duty

Hardy didn't stop there. He re-enlisted and served in the Korean War flying 45 missions in B-29 bombers. Then, in Vietnam, he flew 70 more missions in AC-119K gunships.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Upon retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1971 (with a staggering 136 combat missions under his belt!), Hardy became a passionate advocate for the Tuskegee Airmen, ensuring their incredible story of resilience and bravery was never forgotten. He received numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 2007, alongside his fellow Airmen, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

He dedicated his life to sharing their story, inspiring generations with tales of triumph over adversity. Rest in peace, Lt. Col. Hardy. Your service and dedication will never be forgotten.

Ditch the Dull: Alabama's Marble Awards Revolution!

Let's face it, most awards are snooze-fests. Framed certificates? Engraved plaques? Yawn! But Sylacauga's Sculptor-in-Residence, Craigger Browne, just dropped a bombshell that'll make you want to win something.

Meet the Marble Masterpiece

Browne's created an all-marble award that's seriously stunning. Think flat marble base, supporting a marble rectangle, topped off with a marble outline of...you guessed it, Alabama! Pictures don't even do it justice. You've gotta see it to believe it.

Incentivizing Excellence, the Alabama Way

If awards are supposed to inspire, then this Alabama-made creation takes the cake (or, uh, the marble). It's so cool, you'll be dreaming of acceptance speeches!

Irony Alert: Mining Association Gets the Marble Treatment

Browne crafted these awards for the Alabama Mining Association – ironic, right? Considering Sylacauga's marble quarries are key members!

Sylacauga: Marble City, Future Awards Mecca?

Sylacauga's already America's marble hotspot, rivaling even Italy. Home to bustling quarries and a killer marble festival, this town's got serious potential. Imagine waves of orders flooding in for custom marble awards, each a unique state silhouette! Sylacauga could become the awards capital of the world.

A Journalist's Dream

Okay, full disclosure: I kinda want one of these for journalistic awesomeness. Just sayin'!

Sylacauga's Marble Cred: Off the Charts

"The world's largest commercial deposit of cream-white marble." That's the old-school slogan. And Giuseppe Moretti called it "The finest white marble in the world." Not too shabby!

Alabama Lawmakers Sound the Alarm: Avoid Government Shutdown!

Alabama's top Republican lawmakers are urging the U.S. Senate to get it together and pass a "short-term funding extension" to prevent a looming government shutdown. The deadline to avoid the chaos is Wednesday at midnight!

Time to Act, Senate!

"As members of the Alabama Legislature, we urgently call on the U.S. Senate to immediately pass a short-term funding extension to prevent a government shutdown that would severely harm hardworking Alabamians," wrote Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger.

They minced no words, adding, "A shutdown is neither sustainable nor a responsible way to govern and the American people understand that. That is why we are calling on Senate Democrats to fulfill their duties, put their politicking behind, and do what’s best for the country: keep the government open."

Blame Game Heats Up

Speaker Ledbetter didn't hold back, claiming Senate Democrats are "playing with fire."

The lawmakers slammed the Democrats' supposed "$1.5 trillion wishlist" which allegedly includes free healthcare for undocumented immigrants and cuts to crucial rural healthcare funding.

Democratic Rebuttal

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear they won't support a "partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people."

Alabamians at Risk

Alabama legislators emphasized the potential impact of a shutdown on Alabamians, including veterans, low-income families, and the elderly.

"The bottom line is that Alabama – like every other state – relies heavily on federal funding to serve its citizens, and these are not chips Congress should be bargaining with."

The clock is ticking

Congressional leaders are trying to hash out a deal.

Ledbetter and Gudger are backed by a bipartisan group of 27 fellow lawmakers.

Saban Sounds Off on Kiffin's Wild Ride

Nick Saban built an absolute empire at Alabama, churning out NFL stars left and right. But maybe his greatest legacy is the coaching tree he cultivated. Think about it: Billy Napier, Steve Sarkisian, Mario Cristobal – a whole forest of head coaches got their start (or a second chance) under Saban's wing in Tuscaloosa.

The Kiffin Connection

And who embodies this better than the one and only Lane Kiffin? After a bumpy exit from USC, Kiffin landed at Alabama, where he revolutionized Saban's offense and kept that dynasty rolling.

Saban and Kiffin frequently chat, and Saban recently popped up in an ESPN doc about Kiffin's rollercoaster career. He even dished on his experience with Kiffin on the Pat McAfee Show.

Saban's Take: No Doc Needed

"Well, you know, first of all, I didn't watch the documentary, because I lived it for three years. I think that was good enough for me," Saban joked. He continued, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Lane...It's a hard transition to go from being the boss to, you know, sort of taking the orders from somebody else, but he did a great job for us. He's a great play caller, and I think he's matured, you know, along the way."

Proud Papa Saban

Saban went on to say, "I mean, he's had success everywhere he's been since he's left Alabama, and he had a tremendous amount of success at Alabama. And it does, in fact, make me really proud to see guys that really did a great job for us when they were coaches on our staff...You know, I always tried to make it good for the coaches, so they never wanted to leave. But I also wanted to help them develop so they would get the opportunities that they wanted in the future."

Hearing Saban and Kiffin still show so much love for each other is sure to warm the hearts of Tide fans. Unless the Rebels are facing off against Alabama, Kiffin will always have a cheering section in Tuscaloosa.