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Alabama can’t replace food stamps lost to theft, scams after congressional authorization expires

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Alabama can’t replace food stamps lost to theft, scams after congressional authorization expires


Congressional authorization that allowed Alabama to replace SNAP benefits lost to theft or fraud expired on Saturday, meaning the state can no longer process affidavits involving theft unless congress acts.

Under federal legislation, states have been allowed to use federal money to replace residents’ EBT funds lost to card skimming, card cloning and other fraud since Dec. 21, 2022, but the legislation set Dec. 20, 2024 as the end date of the provision.

“Therefore, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) cannot process affidavits with thefts occurring on or after Saturday, December 21. Alabama DHR will continue to process affidavits of theft for incidents that occurred on or prior to December 20, 2024 from households impacted by EBT card skimming, cloning, and similar fraud,” the agency said Monday.

Scammers have stolen nearly $5 million in recent months from Alabama families who receive food stamps, according to DHR.

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In November alone, DHR received nearly 14,000 requests from families seeking reimbursement for funds stolen by scammers.

Reports of theft prior to Dec. 21 have to be submitted to county DHR offices within 30 dates of a resident having discovered the fraud.

Locations and contact information for all 67 county DHR offices are available at dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact. The site also has more information on how to report fraud, ways to prevent benefit theft, and other tips.

All reports of skimming, cloning, or similar fraud will require confirmation verifying that all information reported in the request is true and correct, the agency noted.

EBT cardholders may be contacted about their claim, and those who purposefully give false information may be prosecuted, according to DHR.

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Petition calls on State of Alabama to fund fix for Prichard sewer system after spills

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Petition calls on State of Alabama to fund fix for Prichard sewer system after spills


Sewage overflows during storms in Prichard are sending wastewater into local waterways that feed Mobile Bay, prompting an environmental group to push for state funding to upgrade aging infrastructure.

Mobile Baykeeper says sewage overflows during storms flow into Three Mile Creek, then into the Mobile River, and ultimately end up in Mobile Bay. The group said that last week, during heavy rain, more than 256,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Gum Tree Branch and Three Mile Creek.

Mobile Baykeeper has launched a petition seeking funding from the state of Alabama to fix Prichard’s old water infrastructure.



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Crash Closes Crescent Ridge Road Early Monday Morning

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Crash Closes Crescent Ridge Road Early Monday Morning


This resulted in the stretch of Crescent Ridge Road to be closed while wrecker crews work to recover the vehicle involved in the crash.

Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are on the scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.





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Selma explosive wide receiver previews decision to choose Alabama or Auburn

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Selma explosive wide receiver previews decision to choose Alabama or Auburn




It will be either Alabama or Auburn when Cedrick Simmons announces his commitment decision on Tuesday.

Simmons is a 2027 wide receiver, and he attends Selma High School in Selma, Alabama. The rising senior garners a three-star rating from most recruiting sites.

Auburn was the last program to host Simmons for an official visit. The Tigers’ coaching staff has shown Simmons they want what is best for their players.

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“I love the coaches over there,” said Simmons. “They want the best for everybody over there. They are great at making their players the best they can be. I got two teammates up at Auburn right now, so they actually put me on with the wide receiver coach. At the time, it was Coach Davis, and he liked my playing style, and he offered me at a young age, and he believed in me early at a young age in the 10th grade.”

The Crimson Tide offered Simmons a few weeks ago after an impressive camp performance. He had been building a relationship with the Tide’s wide receiver coach Derrick Nix, since the spring.

“At first, me and coach Nix, we started building a relationship in the spring, and he told me he always liked my film,” Simmons said. “So, when I went to train there in person, and they saw my abilities, they went ahead and offered me. That was amazing. It felt so well-deserved and earned. I put the hard work in for it.”

Simmons told Touchdown Alabama the Tide was his leader after he officially visited Alabama earlier this month.

“What really stood out to me was learning about the standard they live by and why they’re always a top team in college football,” Simmons told Touchdown Alabama.

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The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder is a physical and explosive wide receiver, and he is built like a linebacker. He is coming off a season where he had more than 2,000 receiving yards.







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