Spring Break Tweak: Part of Orange Beach Shores Shut Down

Heads up, beach bums! Orange Beach officials have temporarily closed a sliver of Alabama Point East near the Perdido Pass Bridge. Word is, it's a move to keep the peace with Spring Break crowds about to descend on our sunny shores.

Why the Closure?

City officials emphasize that Orange Beach is all about family vibes, and unruly behavior just ain't gonna fly. Think responsible fun, clean beaches, and respect for each other. Got it?

Where's Closed? Where's Open?

The closure is just for that small stretch between the Gulf State Park boardwalk and the Perdido Pass bridge. The rest of Alabama Point East, including the parking areas, is still open for business. All other public access beaches in Orange Beach? Wide open!

Behind the Decision

Apparently, this specific spot has been a bit of a trouble magnet in years past. The Orange Beach Police Chief mentioned that the area's layout allowed for some less-than-ideal situations to happen out of sight. Think bridge jumping, fights, and underage sipping.

Law Enforcement is Ready

The police are serious about keeping things safe. They're ready to crack down on disorderly conduct, illegal drugs, and underage drinking. So, come ready to have a good time, but keep it clean and respectful!

Expecting a Crowd

With tons of colleges hitting spring break, followed by local schools, Orange Beach is bracing for a population boom. The closure is expected to stick around through most of April.

It's Not Just Us

Orange Beach isn't the only one tightening the reins. Panama City Beach is also implementing similar measures to keep things safe during the spring break rush.

Trump's Midterm Mission

President Trump's laying down the gauntlet for Republicans gearing up for the midterms. Top priorities? Think serious border security, rock-solid energy independence, taming that inflation beast, and ensuring squeaky-clean elections. He's calling for victories, and these are the battlegrounds!

'Bama's Student Mags: Back & Independent!

Remember those censorship squabbles at The University of Alabama that grounded the student magazines? Well, get this: they're soaring back, under fresh names and flying solo! Student editors are promising way more editorial freedom and zero university meddling. Freedom of the press, baby!

Selma's Mayor Speaks Out

Selma Mayor James Perkins is NOT having it. After violence marred the Bloody Sunday anniversary weekend, he's slammed the incidents that left folks injured. His message? These acts ain't Selma, and they sure don't represent the spirit of civil rights commemoration. Preach!

Ivey Under Fire as Execution Looms

Governor Kay Ivey's in the hot seat. A controversial Alabama execution is on the horizon, and opponents and advocates are piling on the pressure. They're demanding she step in and "do the right thing," amid heated debates about the method, due process, and the whole darn moral picture.

Britt Blasts Dems, Clarifies Filibuster Stance

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is not pulling punches. She's accusing Democrats of playing political games during those tense government shutdown talks, especially with all that airport chaos. And she's setting the record straight after a Fox News report: she DOES support strong election integrity measures, clarifying her stance on using the talking filibuster for the SAVE Act.

Tuberville Hypes Huntsville's Role in Iran Conflict

Governor-elect (and National Championship-winning Coach and U.S. Senator) Tommy Tuberville is singing Huntsville's praises. He's calling it the brains behind Trump's conflict in Iran, highlighting Alabama's vital role in Operation Epic Fury – calling it the most lethal air campaign ever! Plus, he's stoked about that submarine parts plant bringing up to 1,500 jobs to the Rocket City.

Trump Declares "Little Excursion" Nearing End

President Trump says the conflict in Iran is wrapping up. He's calling it a "little excursion" that's almost done. Oil prices spiked to $100 before dropping due to ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes in Operation Epic Fury.

Dale Jackson: The Voice of Reason

Want more hard-hitting analysis? Check out Dale Jackson, the thought leader over at Yellowhammer News. You can catch his talk show weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

Alabama Eyes Ban on Foreign Campaign Cash!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCityzens! A new bill is making waves in the Alabama Legislature, aiming to slam the door on foreign money in our state elections.

The Deets

State Rep. James Lomax and State Sen. Dan Roberts are championing the bill, which would ban foreign nationals and corporations from donating to Alabama candidates and political groups. While federal law already blocks foreign money in federal races, Alabama's current setup leaves a gap.

Why Now?

Senator Roberts says Alabama needs its own law so our prosecutors can crack down on criminal foreign influence. Even with the federal ban, loopholes let foreign cash seep into ballot issue campaigns (think constitutional amendments).

The Nitty-Gritty

HB214 stops foreign nationals from donating "directly or indirectly" to state or local parties, PACs, ads, or even promising donations. Candidates can't ask for foreign cash either! Breaking the rules? That's a Class C felony, potentially landing you in the slammer for up to 10 years.

Protecting Our Elections

Secretary of State Wes Allen is on board, saying this move will protect the integrity of Alabama elections. Across the country, folks are getting worried about foreign influence, and other states are looking at similar laws to beef up election security.

What's the Goal?

Supporters say it's all about keeping Alabama elections fair by keeping foreign dough out of our local campaigns. Stay tuned, ChumCity, as this one unfolds!

Saban Sounds Off on College Sports Future at White House Roundtable

The legendary Nick Saban, former coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, hasn't lost his touch for insightful commentary on college athletics, even in retirement. He recently joined a roundtable at the White House, hosted by President Trump, to discuss the future of college sports.

NIL and Transfer Portal Concerns

The focus? Tackling the tricky issues of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the ever-active transfer portal. Saban, never one to shy away from the truth, offered a perspective often overlooked in the current landscape.

Education: The Missing Piece?

According to Saban, we need to consider how the current system empowers players not just on the field, but also in securing their future beyond athletics, stressing the importance of earning a degree.

A System for Success

"We need to come up with a system to allow student athletes in all sports...to enhance their quality of life, while going to college," Saban stated. He emphasized the need for opportunities to advance beyond an athletic career.

Potential Changes Ahead

Trump reportedly plans another executive order aimed at restoring a more traditional system to college sports, a move sure to face legal hurdles. With voices like Saban championing the best interests of the athletes, there's hope for navigating these complex challenges.

Big News for Colbert County!

Get ready, Northwest Alabama! Senator Tommy Tuberville just dropped a bombshell: a HUGE submarine parts plant is coming to Colbert County, and it could bring up to 1,500 JOBS!

From Railroad Cars to Submarine Parts!

Remember that massive, 2.2 million-square-foot facility that used to crank out railroad cars? Well, it's getting a major makeover! According to Tuberville, this place is about to become a cutting-edge, AI-driven precision manufacturing powerhouse, building components for submarines. The work went to Mexico, now it is back!

Local Impact

Mobile-based shipbuilder Austal, already a big player in Navy submarine construction, will be involved. Tuberville highlighted the strategic advantage of the location: "The Defense Department found it intriguing" the ability to barge goods down the river! Funding for the project came from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Trump's Vision

Tuberville gave credit to President Trump's initiative to bring submarine and ship manufacturing back to the good ol' US of A. He stated, "This is President Trump's dream."

Ribbon Cutting Soon!

Mark your calendars! Congressman Robert Aderholt has scheduled the ribbon-cutting ceremony for March 20th. Word on the street is that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, and maybe even President Trump will be there! Aderholt said this facility, "will now be a symbol of U.S. defense, anchoring shipbuilding and maritime production in Northwest Alabama." Get Excited!

Watch Out, ChumCity! Scammers are Getting Crafty!

The world moves fast, and so does money. But guess what? Cybercrooks are keeping up, and they're getting seriously sneaky. Jeff Taylor from Regions Bank spends his days hunting down these fraudsters, and he's got a warning for everyone in ChumCity.

Trust is Their Weapon

These scammers are masters of deception. They build trust, which makes people let their guard down. Two scams are particularly hot right now: the "Evolving Trusted Partner Scam" and the "Spoofed Website Scam." They're all about using real-world tricks and tech to fool you. Think of it as "industrialized" fraud - organized criminals combining social engineering with digital trickery.

Know Your Enemy

"It's vital to understand how these scams work," says Taylor. "Whether you're managing a business's finances or just your own, a simple question can be the first step to spotting something fishy."

The Trusted Partner Scam: Fake Friends

This one's a classic, but it's evolving. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust – a government official, a vendor, even law enforcement! They contact you by phone, email, or text about a "fraudulent transaction" or "data breach." Using stolen info, they seem legit and try to get you to share credentials or click on dodgy links. Don't do it! That's like handing them the keys to your bank account.

These scams are BIG business, costing billions. The urgency they create can make you bypass normal security procedures.

What to do? STOP-CALL-CONFIRM: Pause, end the interaction, and call a known number to verify. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your login info over an unsolicited channel.

The Spoofed Website Scam: Look-Alike Websites

This scam uses technology against you. Criminals create fake websites that look exactly like your bank's login page or other important sites.

"Sometimes they even buy ads on search engines, so their fake sites show up first," warns Taylor. "Never search for your bank's site to log in. Always go to your bank's verified website directly!"

Clicking on these fake sites looks real, but the URL is slightly off. They'll ask for your login, then a verification code. Next, you'll get a call or text from a "trusted source" pressuring you to approve it. Boom, they have access.

Protect yourself: Type the URL manually or use bookmarks. Watch out for poor spelling or design glitches.

Scams Working Together

"These threats rarely work alone," Taylor adds. A fake website can steal your login, then a "trusted partner" call can get your approval code. It's a double whammy that exploits urgency and familiarity.

How to Stay Safe in ChumCity

Here's the plan:

• Verify everything: Confirm unsolicited requests through independent channels.
• Safe surfing: Bookmark legit sites and avoid public Wi-Fi for logins.
• Train yourself (and your employees): Learn about phishing and fake websites. Remember, banks never ask for sensitive information out of the blue.
• Tech Up: Use multi-factor authentication and email filters.
• Act Fast: Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

The Trusted Partner and Spoofed Website Scams are designed to work fast. Fight back by slowing down, verifying everything, and staying informed. By being vigilant and following these tips, we can protect ourselves, our community, and our ChumCity wallets!

Coast Guard Chooses Birmingham-Southern for New Training Hub!

Big news, ChumCity! The U.S. Coast Guard is dropping anchor right here in Birmingham, purchasing the former Birmingham-Southern College campus to create a brand-new, state-of-the-art training facility. Get ready to welcome recruits from all over the country!

A Win for Birmingham and the Coast Guard

This exciting development, announced by top officials like Senators Britt and Tuberville, and Representative Aderholt, along with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and USCG Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, promises a major boost for our city and a significant upgrade for Coast Guard training. Senator Britt, who chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee funding Homeland Security, spearheaded the effort.

Why Birmingham-Southern?

The Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 plan calls for a significant expansion in training capacity due to record-breaking recruitment numbers. The Birmingham-Southern campus, with its existing infrastructure, was the perfect fit, offering lodging for 1,200 recruits, classrooms, medical facilities, athletic fields, and plenty of land.

Economic Boost and a New Chapter for BSC

Senator Tuberville highlighted the cost savings for taxpayers, while also emphasizing Alabama's strong support for the military. Secretary Noem declared it the "most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years," thanks to record recruitment numbers. Even with its closure, the campus will remain integral to Alabama’s history. Representative Aderholt, a proud BSC alum, expressed his support for the campus's repurposing.

Alabama: A Military Powerhouse

The Coast Guard joins a long list of military installations already calling Alabama home, including Redstone Arsenal, Fort Rucker, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Anniston Army Depot. As Admiral Lunday put it, this acquisition is a "critical step" in ensuring the Coast Guard remains "always ready." Welcome to Birmingham, Coast Guard!

Big News for Wes Allen!

The Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) just announced their official endorsement of Wes Allen for Lt. Governor! This is a huge deal.

HBAA's Got Allen's Back

HBAA President Jeremy Wright (for 2026!) said they're stoked to back Allen. According to Wright, Wes gets how vital homeownership is for Alabama's economy. The HBAA is looking forward to teaming up with him to make sure everyone in Alabama has a shot at safe and affordable housing.

Who's the HBAA?

These guys are the real deal, representing over 7500 members statewide! They're all about supporting Alabama's housing and construction industries, promoting top-notch professionalism, and helping their members navigate the ins and outs of laws and regulations.

Allen's Take

Allen, currently our Secretary of State and vying for the Lt. Governor spot, didn't hold back. He pointed fingers at rising prices and inflation affecting the housing market. He emphasized cutting red tape to lower costs and boost business, making the dream of building a home a reality for young families again.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Republican primary election is happening on May 19, 2026. Get out and vote!

Senator Britt Joins Forces to Protect Abuse Survivors

Alabama Senator Katie Britt has teamed up with Senator Ted Cruz to fight for victims of child sexual abuse. This week, they unveiled federal legislation aiming to scrap non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that keep survivors silent, expanding on a law already in place in Alabama.

Trey's Law: Giving Survivors a Voice

The proposed law, known as Trey's Law (officially the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements Act), would render any NDA unenforceable if it prevents someone from revealing the sexual abuse of a minor, regardless of when the NDA was signed.

This law is named in memory of Trey Carlock, who was abused as a child and silenced by a restrictive NDA. His tragic story highlights the urgent need for change.

Alabama Leading the Way

Senator Britt applauded Alabama for its proactive stance and recognized the state lawmakers, Representative David Faulkner and Senator Matt Woods, who championed the legislation in Montgomery.

A Call for Swift Action

Addressing Trey's sister, Elizabeth Phillips, Senator Britt stressed the importance of swiftly passing this bill to honor Trey and protect children nationwide, stating, "If we cannot pass this law quickly, I'm not sure what in the world we're even doing here."

Ending the Silence

Senator Cruz emphasized that NDAs often shield abusers, leading to devastating consequences for victims. He declared, "No child who has endured sexual abuse should be forced to carry that horror in silence."

Bipartisan Support

Alabama's version of Trey's Law sailed through the state legislature with unanimous support. The federal bill also has bipartisan cosponsors, including Senators Gillibrand, Welch, Schmitt, and Klobuchar, and backing from organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Alabama Schools May Soon Sing a Different Tune!

The Alabama Senate just gave a big "YES!" to a bill that could have students humming along to the "Star-Spangled Banner" every week. By a 22-5 vote, they approved a proposal that aims to bring the national anthem into classrooms across the state.

Star-Spangled Weekly?

Spearheaded by State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), this isn't just a regular law—it's a potential constitutional amendment! If it becomes official, local school boards would have to make sure the first verse of the anthem rings out in K-12 schools once a week.

Why All the Anthem Love?

"It reminds us who we are as Americans!" Allen declared. He believes hearing it sparks thoughts of freedom, sacrifice, and good ol' American pride. The goal? To raise a generation that truly appreciates living in the U.S.A.

What's Next for the Anthem Bill?

The bill's now headed to the House. Since it's shooting for constitutional amendment status, it needs a supermajority (60%) in both the Senate and the House to pass. If the House says "aye," Alabamans will get to vote on it in a statewide election.

A 250th Anniversary Serenade?

This has been a pet project for Allen, who introduced a similar bill last year. He believes the timing is perfect, with the USA gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday this July. As he put it, the anthem "carries the story of our country," and weekly doses will "help pass that story on to the next generation."