Hockey's Back, Baby! Mobile Gets SPHL Team!

Get ready to lace up your skates, ChumCity! After a long drought (over two decades!), professional hockey is returning to Mobile. The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is officially adding an expansion team to our beloved Port City.

2027-2028 Season Debut

Mark your calendars! The currently unnamed team will hit the ice for the 2027-2028 season. Remember the Mobile Mysticks? They graced us with their presence from 1995 to 2002. Now, a new era of hockey is about to begin!

Local Leaders Sound Off

"We are stoked to bring professional hockey back to Mobile," said team CEO Andy Kaufmann. The goal is a "competitive team" and "fun, family-friendly product" in our "brand-new arena." Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson added, "This is a perfect fit for Mobile and the Mobile Arena."

Zawyer Sports at the Helm

Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, known for its success with multiple ECHL franchises, and even the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), will own and operate the team.

Commissioner's Excitement

SPHL Commissioner Doug Price is also pumped, stating that Kaufmann "embodies not only a passion for hockey, but more importantly, a passion for the community."

New Arena on the Way

The new arena replacing the Mobile Civic Center is set to open in January 2027, perfectly timed for puck drop! Get ready, ChumCity, it's going to be an amazing ride!

Clemson's Dynasty Under Fire?

For years, the Clemson Tigers reigned supreme in college football, standing as one of the few programs capable of challenging Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty. While Georgia eventually rose to prominence, Dabo Swinney and Clemson were arguably Saban's truest rivals for nearly two decades.

The Tigers' Recent Struggles

However, the Tigers have seemingly lost a bit of their luster lately. Despite consistently winning conference titles and boasting double-digit win seasons, they haven't looked like a true national championship contender. The weight of expectations seems to be taking its toll, and fans are growing impatient.

A Frustrating Start

Clemson's 1-2 start to the season, with losses to LSU and Georgia Tech, has only amplified the pressure.

Swinney's Fiery Response

The chatter surrounding Swinney has become deafening. This week, the Clemson coach finally snapped, delivering a passionate press conference rant that let his critics know he'd had enough. This outburst may become one of the most memorable soundbites ever uttered by a head coach.

The "What's So Bad?" Tirade

"What's so bad about our program?" Swinney asked, before listing his team's remarkable accomplishments over the past 15 years, accomplishments that dwarf almost every other program in the nation. "If they want me gone, they can send me on my way. If they're tired of winning, they can send me on my way. I won't stop. I'm 55. I'll go somewhere else and win. I ain't going to the beach."

A Message to the Haters

Swinney continued, "We've won this league eight of the last 10 years. Is that good? I've got a long memory in case y'all don't know. This is a program that's built to last. If you don't believe in us after we lost just two games, you weren't all in anyway. Hate to disappoint all the haters out there, but I have a long way to go, boys."

What's Next for Swinney and Clemson?

Whether Clemson would actually fire Swinney is highly doubtful, given his incredible track record. However, if Swinney were to become disillusioned, seeing him coach at another school would be one of the biggest stories in college football history.

Week 4 College Football Heats Up!

Can you believe we're already hitting week four of the college football season? Time flies when you're having fun (or biting your nails)! Get ready for another Saturday packed with action down South.

With Alabama enjoying a bye and Auburn facing a massive conference opener at Oklahoma, here are three games beyond our state lines that demand your attention:

Tulane @ #13 Ole Miss (2:30 p.m. CST)

Don't let the Power-Four vs. Group of Five matchup fool you. This ain't your average David vs. Goliath. Tulane is arguably the best Group of Five team out there, and coach Jon Sumrall is destined for bigger things – maybe even the SEC! Ole Miss is favored by two touchdowns, but don't be shocked if Tulane makes this a nail-biter. The Green Wave could seriously challenge (or even upset!) the Rebels.

South Carolina @ #23 Missouri (6:30 p.m. CST)

Talk about a turnaround! South Carolina entered the season with buzz around QB LaNorris Sellers, but a tough game against Vandy exposed some weaknesses. Now unranked and a 10-point underdog, they face a fast-paced Missouri offense that's surprising everyone. If Missouri crushes it this week and goes 4-0, they'll officially be in the playoff conversation. Can they deliver?

Florida @ #4 Miami (6:30 p.m. CST)

Besides the Auburn game, this is the game to watch. Billy Napier's seat is getting HOT, and this feels like a make-or-break moment. Florida's defense looked decent against LSU, but five interceptions from DJ Lagway sunk their chances. Miami, favored by nearly 10, looks legit, led by Georgia transfer QB Carson Beck. Can Napier pull off a miracle against a potentially elite Hurricanes team to save his job? This game is HUGE.

Get ready for an awesome weekend of college football drama and high stakes!

Teen Shark Attack Survivor Turns Tragedy into Triumph!

Remember Lulu Gribbin? The Alabama teen who bravely faced a shark attack in Florida last year? Well, she's back and stronger than ever, sharing her incredible journey on Good Morning America!

A Day That Changed Everything

Lulu, now 15, recounted the terrifying moment near Seacrest Beach when a "big brown shadow" turned her beach trip into a fight for survival. The attack resulted in the loss of her left hand and right leg, but it didn't break her spirit.

Cutting-Edge Recovery

Lulu spent over two months at OrthoCarolina's Limb Loss Recovery Center, undergoing groundbreaking procedures. Doctors used advanced techniques to reassign nerve endings, even pioneering virtual reality therapy to combat phantom limb pain. Imagine seeing and "feeling" your hand again through a headset!

Back in the Game – and Beyond!

Back home, Lulu refuses to be defined by her injuries. She's back on the golf course, rocking a prosthetic and custom attachment. But that's not all! She's also returned to slalom water skiing and even started running with a specialized prosthetic.

Paralympic Dreams!

Her sights are set high: Lulu hopes to compete in the Paralympics for track! "Why not?" she exclaimed on GMA, embracing her limitless potential.

Lulu's Law: Protecting Beachgoers

Inspired by her experience, Lulu is advocating for "Lulu's Law," a federal alert system modeled after Amber Alerts, to warn beachgoers of nearby shark attacks in real-time. The bill has already passed the Senate – fingers crossed for the House!

The Lulu Strong Foundation

She's also launching the Lulu Strong Foundation to expand access to cutting-edge treatments like the virtual reality therapy that helped her so much. The goal? To ensure other amputees benefit from similar innovations.

Faith, Family, and an Unbreakable Spirit

Lulu credits her family and her faith for her incredible strength. "Anything is possible," she says, determined to show the world that miracles happen.

Lulu’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, the human spirit can triumph. We're cheering you on, Lulu!

Tide Roll Over Badgers, DeBoer Channels Inner Saban

The Alabama Crimson Tide cruised to a 38-14 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, marking their second win of the season and setting the stage for a showdown with Georgia. After facing some heat after the Florida State game, the team seems to have found its rhythm.

DeBoer's Edge Emerges

Much of the early season chatter has focused on head coach Kalen DeBoer, with some questioning his laid-back style compared to his predecessor. But DeBoer might just be finding his sweet spot.

"No Mercy"

At halftime, with the Tide up 21-0, DeBoer delivered a message that's sure to get Alabama fans pumped up. He praised the team's effort, highlighting the defense's resilience and the offense's ability to grind out long drives. When asked about his halftime message, DeBoer simply stated, "Don’t let up. No Mercy," channeling a bit of the Saban intensity.

Trickery and Triumph

He wasn't kidding! On the very first play of the second half, DeBoer and his staff unleashed a trick play resulting in a 75-yard touchdown for Ryan Williams, extending Alabama's lead to four touchdowns.

Eyes on Georgia

The upcoming game in Georgia will provide a much clearer picture of where this team stands. However, given the team's improved performance and DeBoer's growing demand for excellence, Tide fans have reason to be optimistic about the future.

Tide's Germie Bernard: Faith on the Field

Alabama's Crimson Tide is riding high, thanks in part to the stellar play of wide receiver Germie Bernard! This dude's been making HUGE plays this season.

Two Touchdowns and a Testimony

Last Saturday was no different. Bernard snagged TWO first-half touchdowns, giving the offense a serious jolt. This season has been a breakout for Bernard, establishing him as the team's go-to guy. But more than just talent, Bernard has been vocal about his faith and living it out on the field.

Giving Glory Where it's Due

You might've noticed Bernard's touchdown celebration: dropping to his knees, arms extended. What's that all about? In an interview, Bernard made it crystal clear: "When I score and I do that, I’m letting everyone know that God gets all the glory for this. He’s given me the strength to come out here and play this game of football, and He’s given me the strength to catch these touchdowns, so I’m just giving Him glory in those moments, and I just want everyone else to see that God is working through me.”

Key to Success

Through three games, Bernard's stats are looking impressive: 15 receptions, 275 yards, and three touchdowns. He's been instrumental in getting Alabama's offense humming after a shaky start. If the Tide wants to achieve its goals this year, Bernard's a vital piece of the puzzle. And you can bet he'll continue to share his faith as the driving force behind his performance.

Alabama Housing Market: A Mixed Bag in August!

Hey ChumCity residents, let's dive into the latest scoop on Alabama's housing scene! The Alabama Association of REALTORS® just dropped their August report, and it's a bit of a rollercoaster.

Sales Numbers Dip, But Opportunities Rise!

Okay, so home sales took a slight tumble, down 1.7% from July and 5.6% compared to August last year. But hold on, bargain hunters! Lower mortgage rates and softening home prices might just be your ticket to homeownership.

Price Drops and Mortgage Relief!

The median sales price slid to $222,811, a 2.6% dip from July and a 5.4% decrease year-over-year. That's music to a buyer's ears! Plus, with falling rates, you're looking at savings – a monthly 30-year mortgage is now around $155 cheaper than it was back in June. Cha-ching!

More Homes to Choose From!

Inventory is soaring! We're talking a five-year high of 20,803 homes up for grabs – a whopping 14.7% jump compared to last August. Hello, choices! This means you've got a better shot at finding your dream home.

What About Sellers?

Sellers, don't despair! While the market is getting more competitive, it's not all doom and gloom. Homes are staying on the market a bit longer (67 days on average), so patience is key. But with a strong economy in Alabama, there's still plenty of opportunity.

The Expert's Take

According to Alabama REALTORS® economist Evan Moore, it's a buyer's market! "When you combine recent declines in average mortgage rates with high inventory across the state, the housing market in Alabama favors buyers," he said. So, get out there and start searching!

Charlie Kirk: Too Soon?

Seriously, folks, what's with the lukewarm reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination attempt? Is nothing shocking anymore?

Unity: MIA?

If a U.S. Senator throws shade at the whole "unity" concept, are we officially doomed to eternal partisan warfare? Asking for a friend (it's democracy).

Memphis Burning, Birmingham Next?

Tennessee called in the National Guard to deal with Memphis. Is Birmingham on deck? Things are heating up, folks!

Alabama Politics: Unfiltered

Get the lowdown on all this and more with Alabama Politics This Week! Dale Jackson, the brain behind Yellowhammer News and host of the WVNN morning show (5-9 a.m. weekdays), is breaking it all down. Tune in!

Alabama Dems Break Ranks on Charlie Kirk Resolution

Hold up, ChumCity citizens! Things got spicy in the House this week. A resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder (who, FYI, wasn't assassinated but definitely caused some waves), sparked a surprising divide.

Sewell & Figures Vote "Nay"

Alabama's own Democratic reps, Terri Sewell (Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (Mobile), stood firm with 58 other House Democrats in voting against the resolution. Bucking the trend, 38 Democrats chose to abstain, voting "present."

Dem Leadership Diverges

While big names like Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar gave the resolution a thumbs-up, some heavy hitters like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar joined Sewell and Figures in opposition.

GOP Reacts

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl didn't mince words, expressing his disappointment to Yellowhammer News that Sewell and Figures couldn't unite in honoring Kirk. He lamented the divisiveness in American politics and wished for solidarity in condemning violence. Wahl praised the Republican delegation for standing with Kirk's family.

Sewell's Earlier Statement

Following false reports last Wednesday about Kirk, Sewell posted on X, emphasizing that "Political violence has NO PLACE in the United States of America." Figures, however, has remained publicly silent on the matter.

Remember the Name: Brenden Bartholomew!

Get ready, football fans! You're gonna be hearing the name Brenden Bartholomew a LOT this season. This Straughn High School kicker is about to explode onto the scene, leaving a trail of stunned opponents and impressed college scouts in his wake.

An 80-Yard Kickoff?!

At a recent game, Brenden unleashed a monster kick that sailed 80 YARDS through the uprights! Hold on... not a field goal, but a KICKOFF! Can you imagine a 70-yard field goal? The sideline erupted!

The kick resulted in a touchback, pinning the opposing team deep. How did we get 80 yards? Easy! 60 yards on the field, 10 through the end zone, and at least 10 beyond the goalposts.

Game-Changing Kicks

Brenden didn't just have one lucky kick; he boomed four kickoffs for touchbacks in the Straughn Tigers' nail-biting 22-19 victory over Dale County. Talk about field position dominance!

Could this be one of those rare times where the kicker is the undisputed MVP? We think so!

The Stats

This senior stands 5'8" and weighs in at 180 pounds, with graduation on the horizon in May 2026.

Expert Opinion

The renowned Chris Sailer Kicking program raves about Brenden, calling him an "outstanding high school kicking prospect" with a "live leg." They praise his accuracy, 55+ yard field goal range, and solid kickoffs. They see him dominating his senior season and impressing college coaches nationwide. Big praise!

College Bound?

Brenden is currently uncommitted but has already turned heads, including an invitation to the University of Nebraska's kicking camp where he ranked first in field goal kicking with a range of 55 yards.

SEC Bound? We Hope So!

Alabama and Auburn, are you listening? Let's keep this talent in the SEC and right here in Alabama!