Got a Scary Text About Your License? Hold Up, Chum!

That buzz in your pocket could be bad news...or just a cleverly disguised scam! Picture this: you're waiting in line, or at a red light, when BAM! A text pops up screaming that your driver's license is suspended. Uh oh! It might even mention an unpaid ticket or toll, complete with a "case number" and a link that looks legit. Panic mode: engaged!

But before you freak out, take a deep breath. It could very well be a big, fat scam trying to weasel its way into your wallet!

DMV Text Scams: They're Baaaack!

These fake DMV texts are hitting Alabamians hard, folks. They're designed to look official and scary, but they're really just tricks from fraudsters trying to steal your personal info, get you to click on nasty links, or even trick you into making fake payments.

Don't Fall For It!

Remember this golden rule: official government agencies never ask for payments or personal info via text. Never ever! These scammers love using fear and urgency, but don't let them get to you!

These scams are getting sophisticated, too. Many use convincing graphics and links that look like they're from real state agencies. One cybersecurity firm saw a whopping 770% jump in these scams recently. They're even using AI to make the messages sound super convincing!

What To Do If You Get One of These Texts

So, what should you do if a suspicious text claiming to be from the DMV lands in your inbox?

• DO NOT respond or click any links! Seriously, don't!
• If you're even slightly worried the text might be real, contact your state's DMV directly. Use their official website or phone number – not the one in the text!
• Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your phone provider flag and block similar scams.
• Report the text as junk or spam using your phone's messaging app.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe

Scammers thrive on fear and getting you to act fast. But taking a moment to verify the info and report the message can save you (and others!) from becoming a victim.

In Alabama, and everywhere else, awareness is key. If a text feels off, trust your gut and don't click anything!

Scammers want you to act before you think, that's how they take your cash and your identity. State agencies in Alabama, including ALEA, do not text you for money, or alert you of legal troubles.

So, if a text tells you your license is suspended, chill for a sec before you panic. It's not just spam – it could be a scam targeting your identity and your hard-earned money.

Alabama News Roundup - Hot Off the Press!

Gov. Kay Ivey's back with her annual summer reading challenge! Alabama students, get ready to boost those literacy skills and score some sweet prizes like tablets and gift cards. Get reading!

Birmingham saw a dip in homicides this year compared to last, but trouble still brews. A nightclub shooting this weekend left two wounded. Old habits, unfortunately, die hard.

Political Buzz

Alabama lawmakers Sen. Arthur Orr, Rep. Parker Moore, and Rep. Ernie Yarbrough all put pen to paper, signing the Moms for Liberty parental rights pledge. Speaking of Moms for Liberty, Marjorie Taylor Greene is heading to Alabama, and online activists are planning some… creative disruptions.

Judicial Head-Scratchers

You won't believe this: A federal judge just ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, accused of gang activity, human trafficking, and domestic abuse. This comes after another judge freed anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil, who received a shout-out from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. What is going on?

Trump Takes Action

President Trump launched military strikes against Iran, aiming to disable their nuclear enrichment capabilities and, in his words, "Make Iran Great Again." The move has sparked controversy, with some Republicans joining Democrats in calling for a vote on the matter.

International Tensions Rise

Iran hasn't retaliated to the American air strikes yet, but they're threatening to activate sleeper cells in the U.S. Some are saying that open border policies under Biden may have made the U.S. vulnerable to retaliation. Meanwhile, a Russian official claims Russia and China could supply Iran with nuclear warheads. Yikes.

Alabama Republicans React

Alabama Republicans in D.C. are praising Trump's "strong and surgical" strikes on Iran. Rep. Robert Aderholt warns Iran wouldn't hesitate to use nuclear weapons against the U.S., and Rep. Mike Rogers says retaliation would be a "grave mistake."

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

Clay Mayoral Race Heats Up!

Get ready, Clay! Longtime community champion Jane Anderton is throwing her hat in the ring for mayor! This isn't just talk; Jane's been a resident since '05 and is fired up to bring some serious changes.

Anderton's Platform: Transparency, People Power, and Restored Boards!

Jane's running on a platform that puts YOU first. Think super transparent government, more chances for you to get involved, and bringing back public boards that got the axe. Her goals are simple: make sure your voice is heard, get everyone engaged, and give the power back to the people.

A History of Service

This isn't Jane's first rodeo! She's been a staple in the Clay community for almost two decades, known for getting involved, protecting our environment, and boosting education. Remember the Clay Library Board? She chaired it for almost 10 years, even when she wasn't afraid to call out the city's decision-making process.

More Than Just Politics

Jane's not just about government stuff. She started the awesome community seed swap and garden project at the library! And she founded Caretakers of Cosby Lake. She's all about making Clay a better place.

A Commitment to the Kids

A retired home educator and grandma of two, Jane also volunteered for years in local schools and faith-based programs. She's tutored kids, mentored students, and just generally been a positive force.

What's Her Plan?

If elected, Jane wants to bring back pre-council meetings, set up regular office hours for residents, and revive citizen advisory boards. She's talking about things like the Library Board and committees that oversee important community spots like Cosby Lake.

"A New Season in Clay"

Her campaign slogan says it all: "A New Season in Clay." She envisions leadership that listens and works with the community.

Clay Roots

Jane lives in Clay with her husband, Chris. They are both active members of Refuge Church.

Rib Shak: More Than Just BBQ in Fort Payne

When Floyd and Marcia Jackson fired up the grill at their new Rib Shak in Fort Payne's historic downtown in early 2024, they had no idea one special job application would spice up their lives!

A Dream Come True

Kendle Leigh Larson, who has Down Syndrome, was the first to throw her hat in the ring. Her dream? To be a waitress! With confidence to spare, Kendle told her mom she was going to work there. Mom Jamie reached out, and the Jacksons were instantly on board.

"Boss Lady" Takes Charge

Together, they cooked up a plan where Jamie assists Kendle in her duties. Since Rib Shak's June 11, 2024 opening, Kendle's been a star, earning the nickname "Boss Lady" for her can-do attitude!

Special Friends Night: A Winning Recipe

A few months in, Kendle told Floyd he'd be coaching her basketball team! This connection sparked interest from other players in working at Rib Shak, leading to "Special Friends Night." This weekly event gives individuals with disabilities the chance to shine as waiters and waitresses alongside the Rib Shak crew.

Real-World Experience, Real-World Success

Each participant gets paired with a Rib Shak helper, offering guidance and support. The result? Incredibly meaningful experiences for families seeing their loved ones thrive like never before.

Join the Celebration!

Special Friends Night happens every Tuesday from 50 to 80 p.m. at Rib Shak in downtown Fort Payne. Come dine, celebrate, and support a program making dreams come true! Rib Shak's not just serving up amazing Southern food, they are serving up inclusivity.

Hit the Beach, Solo Style, in Sweet Home Alabama!

Craving a break from the everyday grind? Yearning for adventure on your own terms? Then ditch the group chat and pack your bags for an Alabama beach getaway! We've got miles of sugar-white sand just waiting for your footprints.

Your Essential Solo Beach Trip Guide:

Here's the lowdown on making the most of your alone time on Alabama's gorgeous Gulf Coast, courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.

Beach Bliss

With 32 miles of glorious coastline, picking a spot can be daunting. Don't sweat it! Check out the 15 public beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Sun, sand, and solitude? Yes, please!

Hike & Bike Heaven

Explore Gulf State Park's Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. With over 28 miles of paved trails weaving through nine unique ecosystems, it's perfect for biking, jogging, or simply soaking in nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Paddle Power

Lake Shelby, nestled in the heart of Gulf State Park, is calling your name! Rent a kayak and explore its calm, freshwater beauty. Swimming and fishing are also on the menu.

Sail Away at Sunset

Picture this: You, a sailboat, and a breathtaking Gulf Coast sunset. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer unforgettable sailing experiences, from dolphin-spotting cruises to peaceful fishing trips.

Bushwacker Bonanza

No trip to Alabama's beaches is complete without indulging in the area's signature drink: the Bushwacker. This creamy, boozy concoction of rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coconut cream is pure vacation in a glass.

Solo Traveler Spotlight: Nicci's Tips

We chatted with local Alabamian, Nicci Showalter, a seasoned solo beach tripper, for some pro tips:

Why Solo?

"It's a chance to slow down with no expectations. It’s a mix of rest and a little stretch outside my comfort zone."

Advice for the Hesitant?

"Don’t wait for people to join you! You learn what you like, what you don’t like, and it opens you up to new experiences."

Safety First!

"Always share your location and the details of where I’m staying with close friends or family."

Embrace the Experience!

"You’re more capable than you think, and you’ll probably end up loving it more than you expected."

Tigers Take Home the Title!

The LSU Tigers are your kings of college baseball, snagging their EIGHTH national championship over the weekend! And get this, it's their SECOND title in just the last three years! Talk about dominance!

How They Did It

LSU clawed their way to victory, besting Coastal Carolina in a thrilling two-game sweep in Omaha. This win cements LSU's status as THE team to beat.

Game 1 Heroics

Friday night's game was a nail-biter, with the Tigers edging out a 1-0 win. Ace pitcher Kade Anderson was absolutely UNBELIEVABLE. He threw a massive 130 pitches for a complete game shutout, striking out a whopping 10 Chanticleers! What a performance!

Game 2 Drama

Game two brought the heat, literally and figuratively! Coastal Carolina's coach got ejected in the FIRST INNING for arguing calls. Can you believe it?

LSU ultimately sealed the deal with a 5-3 victory, claiming the championship crown!

Coach Johnson's Reign

This marks Head Coach Jay Johnson's second national title since taking the reins in Baton Rouge in 2022. With Johnson at the helm, the Tigers are back on top, proving once again they're the team everyone's chasing!

Minerva Defense Welcomes Drew Hicks as VP of T&E Instrumentation Programs!

Huntsville's own Minerva Defense has tapped Drew Hicks, a seasoned defense pro, as their new Vice President for Test and Evaluation (T&E) Instrumentation Programs!

Hicks will be spearheading the strategic direction, management, and technical wizardry behind Minerva's government and commercial T&E initiatives. Based right here in Huntsville, this small business is making big waves!

Hicks' Enthusiasm

"Minerva's got a stellar team, deep-rooted in defense tech and customer savvy," Hicks exclaimed. "Joining them is an incredible opportunity, and my family and I are fully committed to Huntsville. Let's get to work!"

What He Brings to the Table

Hicks boasts over 15 years of experience in military aviation, defense technology, manufacturing, and navigating those tricky government contracts. He's known for building awesome teams and leading complex DoD programs.

Minerva's Take

Company President Bill Bailey III couldn't be happier: "Drew's a proven winner - competent, driven, and totally dedicated to our national security customers. This is a huge win for Minerva!"

Hicks has a knack for building business units from the ground up, turning small teams into multimillion-dollar powerhouses, delivering crucial solutions to the Air Force, Army, and Redstone Test Center, among others.

A Decorated Veteran

Before Minerva, Hicks held senior roles at Nomad Global and served as Senior Director of DoD Programs. As a decorated Marine Corps veteran with over a decade of service, Hicks is an expert in aviation logistics and maintenance, with multiple deployments across Central and South America under his belt.

The Bottom Line

CEO Joseph Summers sums it up perfectly: "Drew's track record speaks for itself. He's the kind of leader, thinker, and person we want on our team. He just gets the job done!"

(Courtesy of 256 Today)

Gadsden Mourns the Loss of Former Mayor Sherman Guyton

The ChumCity community is saddened by the passing of former Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton, who died Saturday, June 21, at the age of 79.

Mayor Craig Ford and other city officials have extended their deepest sympathies to the Guyton family, recognizing the lasting impact of the former mayor's commitment to Gadsden.

A Legacy of Leadership

"Mayor Guyton was a great leader for Gadsden for many years, but more importantly, he was a great man," Mayor Ford stated. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Debra, Grace, and their family during this difficult time."

Guyton was a pillar of Gadsden, serving as mayor from 2006 to 2022. He was one of only three people to hold the position in the last 35 years. During his tenure, he navigated the city through challenging times, including the recession of the late 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also spearheading transformative projects.

Building a Better Gadsden

Mayor Ford acknowledged Guyton's dedication, saying, "It's been an honor to follow him as mayor... He also helped guide Gadsden through tough times... [he] left a wonderful base to keep building on."

Guyton was instrumental in promoting capital investment and attracting jobs to the area. Landmark projects such as The Venue at Coosa Landing and Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing, revitalizing Gadsden’s riverfront, were brought to life under his leadership. He also prioritized improvements to Noccalula Falls, the downtown district, and the establishment of the Gadsden Sports Park on the Gadsden State Community College campus.

A Lifelong Gadsden Resident

A proud Gadsden native, Guyton's roots ran deep in the community. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1963 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. His career included time at Goodyear, teaching, coaching, and nearly three decades as the owner of Sherman Guyton Realty.

A Lasting Impact

"In one way or another, he touched the lives of every citizen of Gadsden by making this city better, and that’s an incredible legacy to leave behind," Mayor Ford concluded. His contributions to Gadsden will be remembered for years to come.

Longshore and McKnight: Sports Drama Galore!

John Longshore and Barry McKnight are back, ChumCity! This time, they're diving headfirst into the wild world of sports.

Fleetwood's Fumble

First up: Tommy Fleetwood's epic meltdown at the Travelers Championship. A three-stroke lead evaporated in just four holes, leaving him still searching for that elusive PGA Tour win (0-for-84!). Ouch.

NBA Finals: Triumph and Tragedy

Then, the boys shifted gears to the NBA Finals, where Oklahoma City reigned supreme! But victory came at a price: Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton suffered a heartbreaking Achilles tear in the first quarter of Game 7. An injury like that changes everything! Will it change his legacy?

College World Series Chaos

LSU snagged a 5–3 win over Coastal Carolina in the College World Series, but the real headline was the umpiring! Coastal's coaches were ejected in the first inning, leading to some seriously heated commentary from Longshore and McKnight who called it "an embarrassment".

Andy Burcham on Auburn's Future

Later, Andy Burcham (voice of the Auburn Tigers!) joined the show to talk SEC football. He dished on the holdup with ESPN negotiations holding up the nine-game schedule, and previewed Auburn's HUGE season opener against Baylor. Burcham stressed just how "very, very important" that road game is for Hugh Freeze as he rebuilds the Auburn program.

Alabama Republicans Cheer Trump's Iran Strike!

The Yellowhammer State's GOP is buzzing after President Trump's bombshell decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Trump announced the move, stating the goal was to dismantle Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities.

Ivey: "Peace Through Strength Works!"

Gov. Kay Ivey led the charge, declaring this action proves "peace through strength works." She gave a shoutout to Trump, adding "Operation Midnight Hammer WORKED!"

Ainsworth: Protecting American Interests

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth echoed the sentiment, expressing his faith in Trump to protect American interests. He asserted that Iran's been a "bad actor" for decades and is now facing the consequences.

Senators Britt and Tuberville: A Safer World

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville both lauded Trump's leadership, claiming the world is safer because of it.

Rogers: "The Correct Decision"

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who heads the House Armed Services Committee, emphatically stated Trump "made the correct decision" to strike the Iranian sites, arguing Iran left no other choice.

Alabama House Delegation Backs Trump

The rest of Alabama's Republican House members also showed their support for the strike. Representatives Aderholt, Palmer, Moore, and Strong all voiced their approval, citing national security and Iran's refusal to negotiate as justification for the President's action.