Category: General

General

Birmingham-Southern campus still up for sale after deal falls through

The Miles College purchase agreement for Birmingham-Southern College ended Monday, according to a news release from BSC.

The deal ended at 3 p.m. after three extension requests from Miles, according to BSC. The college is valued at $65 million.

“The BSC community has great respect for Miles College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and appreciates both the shared roots and the alignment of missions,” the news release stated. “But to meet its commitments to lenders and other creditors, the BSC Board of Trustees is obligated to sell the 192-acre campus property as quickly as possible.”

Miles and BSC executed the purchase agreement on Sept. 25 with a closing date for Oct. 25, according to the news release. Miles requested an extension to Nov. 25. Ten days before the deadline, BSC declined a second extension request to Dec. 24.

It’s unclear what the status of the campus sale is as BSC declined further comment. AL.com also reached out to the Miles College president’s office, which declined comment.

Birmingham-Southern College closed after 168 years on May 31 after a bill to fund the college through a $30 million loan didn’t receive sufficient support from the state legislature. Funding woes plagued the Methodist-affiliated college for decades, and support from the state was its last option.

General

New school report cards released: Which Alabama schools saw biggest gains?

Alabama’s latest school report cards are in, and they’re showing some promising signs of improvement.

“I’m really pleased, because coming back post-COVID, we’ve got pretty strong growth in every area and every demographic of the state,” State Superintendent Eric Mackey told AL.com Monday.

The scores, released Friday, capture academic achievement, growth, and other measures of school performance during the 2023-24 school year. Several high-poverty districts are seeing record gains, AL.com found, and statewide, more students are leaving high school prepared for college or the workforce. Scroll down to find data for your school or district.

Overall, Alabama schools earned an 85, or a “B” grade, in 2023-24. That’s a two-point increase from 2022-23 and the state’s highest score since the department of education established a uniform grading system in 2018.

The state report card doesn’t just measure test scores; it also considers academic growth, college and career readiness and chronic absenteeism, among other factors, to gauge how well schools are doing.

Officials caution against comparing scores from earlier years due to changes in state tests and graduation requirements. Alabama did not publish school report cards in 2019-20 or 2020-21.

But Mackey said he’s encouraged by recent interventions, like the Alabama Literacy Act, that he said have driven gains in reading test scores since the pandemic.

Academic achievement – which is based on math and English and language arts scores – typically lags behind other measures, but is up statewide, at 64.53 points.

“We really are seeing the fruits of our labors,” he said. “As we get the Numeracy Act in place and we get math coaches across the state in every school, I have no doubt that it is going to do the same thing as reading. It’s going to really begin to accelerate growth and achievement both.”

Which schools, districts improved the most?

Sumter County Schools, which are currently under state intervention, saw some of the biggest gains this year. The small, rural district earned a 76 on its most recent report card, up 12 points from the 2022-23 school year.

Mackey said he is pleased with the system’s growth but added that the state is “years away” from releasing the district from its oversight.

Overall, 35 districts earned an A-grade in 2023-24, up from 28 in 2022-23, and fewer districts earned Ds and Fs than in previous years, the Alabama Daily News found.

Across the state, growth varied from school to school – some saw big gains, while others continued to slide.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most improved schools from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 school year:

Legacy Prep, a charter school in Birmingham – from a 52 to a 76
i3 Academy Phase 1, a charter school in Birmingham – from a 56 to a 79
Inglenook School, Birmingham City Schools – from a 54 to a 75
Marengo High School, Marengo County Schools – from a 67 to an 86
Dannelly Elementary School, Montgomery County Schools – from a 55 to a 74
Clark Elementary School, Selma City Schools – from a 47 to a 66
Southview Elementary School, Tuscaloosa City Schools – from a 62 to an 81
Notasulga High School, Macon County Schools – from a 52 to a 70
Mobile County Training Middle School, Mobile County Schools – from a 49 to a 67
Monroe County High School, Mobile County Schools – from a 58 to a 76

Eleven schools – from Mobile County, Huntsville City, Montgomery County, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Gadsden City – earned a perfect score of 100 this year, up from just four schools last year.

Use the dropdown below to see how scores have improved in your district. If you can’t see the chart, view it here.

Closing gaps

Students in nearly every subgroup improved across measures this year, but schools still have a long way to go to close gaps in achievement.

See the breakdown in scores below, or view them in a separate window.

The state saw the most improvement in college and career readiness rates, which measure how many students have met at least one CCR indicator, including proficiency on the ACT, participation in dual enrollment, completion of a career and technical course, or other career or workforce offerings.

CCR rates have climbed steadily since the pandemic, and are now at 84% statewide, a five-point increase from 2022-23. Graduation rates, meanwhile, have stabilized at about 90% statewide.

Chronic absenteeism rates, or the proportion of students who have missed 18 or more days of class, also decreased from 18% to about 15%.

“Even though we’re seeing the number go down, it’s still concerning,” Mackey said, noting that he’d like to see that rate get under 10%.

Mackey said he plans to expand college and career pathways for students, which could be required to graduate soon. He said he hopes that in a few years’ time, the state will have stronger data to more accurately measure school progress.

“I do believe we need to stick with what we’re doing for a long time,” he said. “If you’re always changing the test, you’re always changing your standards, then teachers don’t know what kind of goal we’re aiming for.”

See how your district scored across all categories below. If you can’t see the table, view it here.

You can also view recent report card scores at the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card dashboard. Use the dropdown menus to find your school or district.

General

Walmart is offering its lowest price ever on this Blackstone Griddle

Walmart is offering some of its best prices of the year this week during its 2024 Black Friday Sale, including a are deal on the coveted Blackstone 28″ Omnivore Griddle.

While Walmart already offers the best price on this griddle at $197, during its Black Friday Sale, you can the Blackstone 28″ Omnivore Griddle for only $147. It is also backed with a one-year limited warranty.

Blackstone Original 2-Burner 28″ Propane Omnivore Griddle with Hard Cover – $147

The Blackstone Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle is on sale for $50 off at walmart.com this week.

Buy Now

This price can be compared to the 28″ griddle’s big sister, the Blackstone 36″ Omnivore Griddle that comes with four burners instead of two and is listed at $297, but not currently on sale. Both come with hardcovers and built-in wind guards.

Highlighted Product Feature: A standout feature of the Blackstone 28″ Omnivore Griddle is its patented Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, which provides built-in wind guards, allowing for faster preheating and even heat distribution. This technology also optimizes fuel efficiency, making it ideal for outdoor cooking.

Other Features: Another unique aspect of this Blackstone griddle is the Rear Grease Management System, which directs grease and food debris to the back of the griddle, ensuring the cooking surface remains clean and clean-up is fast and easy.

Those interested can browse all Walmart Black Friday deals happening this week here.

Generative AI was used to provide product description for this story, based on data provided by Walmart. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.

General

Casagrande: Bravo to Auburn LB embracing blunt Iron Bowl trash talk

This is an opinion column.

Demarcus Riddick gets it.

The Auburn freshman linebacker knows exactly what the Iron Bowl rivalry means and he’s not one to hide it.

This is, after all, among sports’ greatest rivalries. Not just college sports. All sports.

And, for too long, it’s been almost polite. Everyone has respect for everyone and nobody wanted to screw up, say something and have it stapled to the opposition’s bulletin board.

We’re in the age of helicopter media relations too often equipped with buckets of cold water to extinguish anything provocative said.

Not so Monday at Auburn.

And definitely not with Riddick.

After a few minutes of standard interview answers, the rookie from Clanton brought it like a chiseled Iron Bowl vet. He went on a Cam Newton-esque run through questions about Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams and Alabama in general.

It was awesome because it was real.

He wasn’t worried about PR or what people would think. Riddick just spoke his mind and that’s how these rivalries should be.

Milroe?

“He’s fast but he’s not faster than me. He’s not getting out of that box this week,” Riddick said.

What about Williams, a fellow freshman?

“Ryan Williams is Ryan Williams. I mean, yeah, he’s electric, he’s all this and that. But in my eyes, he ain’t really nobody to me,” Riddick said. “Ryan Williams is himself, he ain’t no big-time player to me.”

Now we’re cooking.

And what about the Crimson Tide, riding high until a smackdown 24-3 loss at Oklahoma?

“Seeing the results after that game, it was kind of like this team is really beatable,” Riddick said. “I was just telling the team, ‘Y’all don’t really take this team as this or that. They’re really beatable. We’ve got something to fight for.’ “Going into this game I’m just going to be balls to the wall every time. Like I said, Bama is a big rival team.

“Every rival team I’ve never lost to and I will not lose to Bama while I’m here.”

Broadway Demarcus over here!

Just calling his shot on a team that’s a double-digit underdog, losers of four straight in the rivalry without a win in Tuscaloosa since Riddick got to kindergarten.

As he should, because that’s part of what makes games like this special.

It’s gamesmanship.

And it’s just fun.

Isn’t that the point of all this?

We’re in the age where even fans get dogged for slinging some mud. No rivalry barb on social media comes without a response claiming the opposition lives “rent free” in the other’s head.

Guess what, you both do.

And you should.

Because you’re football rivals in the heartland of sporting hatred.

Embrace it.

This is the rivalry of six-finger Tommy Tuberville, Crimson Cranes, a CamBack, Kick Six, a fourth-and-goal from the 31.

And Al from Dadeville.

This is a blood feud and Riddick is from the epicenter of it. His hometown of Clanton is nearly the geographic midpoint between the two schools — 60.2 miles from Tuscaloosa and 68.6 from Auburn.

After decommitting from Georgia in the summer of 2023, the five-star prospect had Crimson Tide and Tiger hats on the table before pledging his allegiance to Auburn.

“Bama, I love the school,” Riddick said in an interview with AL.com after his commitment ceremony in July 2023. “I love the coaches there. I have a great relationship with the coaches but I didn’t feel like home there. I didn’t feel like that was going to be for me.”

And his embrace of Auburn only ramped up since arriving and becoming a starter on a team that’s struggled but found a groove late in his freshman season.

While Riddick said he didn’t grow up a feverish Iron Bowl fan, he’s since jumped all the way into the culture.

As he should.

As everyone involved should.

Because it’s supposed to be more fun than careful.

But the reality of our overly-careful media ecosystem remains. As Auburn does after player interviews, the athletics department uploaded video of Riddick’s chat Monday. Not long after, the original was taken down and replaced with a sanitized version that didn’t include the takedown of Williams or Alabama in general.

Casagrande: A bloody Saturday painted Alabama disaster, new life for Auburn

Such is life but not all footage of the true Iron Bowl talk could be zapped.

It lives on because it’s fun.

Real talk in a time of carefully scripted, bless-your-heart pettiness that rarely feels as authentic as the heat brought Monday by an Auburn freshman linebacker.

Because Riddick gets it.

And he isn’t afraid to say what’s really on his mind.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.

General

Miami coach praises Jaylen Waddle’s growth leading to breakthrough game for Dolphins

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle averaged 5.3 receptions and 72 receiving yards per game as he recorded three 1,000-yard seasons to open his NFL career. But he entered Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots with averages of 3.3 receptions and 40.4 yards per game for the first 10 contests of the 2024 season.

In the Dolphins’ 34-15 victory over the Patriots, Waddle had eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.

Waddle said he did not get frustrated about his depressed statistics.

“I was more frustrated from the losses than individual, me having individual goals or anything,” Waddle said. “That’s more like a media thing, really. …

“It’s good. I can go back to college when we got a lot of playmakers all over the field. That’s what makes this game so exciting. That’s what brings the fans out, playing with such great talent. So, no, it can’t be like that.”

Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Waddle didn’t wait for his 2024 breakthrough game. Instead, the former Alabama standout prepared to have it.

“Waddle has been taking his route running, his release work, the nuances of the receiver position, and he’s had so much growth over the last month and a half,” McDaniel said, “while also fielding questions left and right, whether it’s in the media or even at home, like: Where is the production, where is the production, where is the production? To get better when the ball isn’t coming your way so that you’re aptly prepared when the ball does, it’s everything that I believe in.

“It was an earned game for him. He got the opportunities, and because his mind has been in the right spot where he’s been focused on what he can control and not all the other noise, he was able to really make some big-time plays in those moments. It’s something that I don’t think people truly spend the time really putting themselves into receivers’ shoes. In the National Football League, especially if you’re one of the better receivers in the league, you have expectations of output that a lot of times you have no ability to control. A lot of players get worse from situations like that. He’s been eager to help the team win, and he’s been doing that week in, week out, by plays off the ball or plays when he doesn’t have the ball. For him to make some plays on the ball this game was much deserved, and we had a lot of teammates that are fired up for him.”

The 2024 campaign started normally for Waddle. He had five receptions for 109 yards in a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season-opening game on Sept. 8.

But in the Dolphins’ second contest, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left because of a concussion, and he spent four games on injured reserve. In those four games, Miami scored three touchdowns and totaled 546 passing yards.

On Sunday, Tagovailoa played for the fifth time since returning from injured reserve. The former Alabama All-American threw for 338 yards in the season-opener, and he surpassed 300 yards for the first time since with 317 against the Patriots. Tagovailoa also passed for four touchdowns, after he had three in the previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Tua has been playing great ball,” Waddle said. “It’s really just him, for real. I can’t even explain it. He comes to work every day, and he just brings that swag, that confidence, and when he goes out there and plays like that, man, it’s just fun.”

The Dolphins posted their third straight victory on Sunday to improve to 5-6 this season.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Waddle said. “We got big games coming up ending the year, so it’s important that we start playing our best ball heading into this last stretch of the season.”

Miami returns to the field against the Green Bay Packers at 7:20 p.m. CST Thursday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. NBC will televise the game.

The temperature at kickoff for the Dolphins’ game against New England was 77 degrees at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Thursday’s high temperature in Green Bay is forecast to be 33 degrees, and that will occur before the nighttime kickoff.

“Cold-weather game,” Waddle said. “It’s going to be real football weather. They’re bringing their best. We’re bringing our best. Thursday night football, man, that’s what it’s all about.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1

General

Balsam Hill is offering up to 50% off its best-selling Christmas Trees

Balsam Hill is offering major markdowns on its highly-popular life-like artificial Christmas trees during its 2024 Black Friday Sale.

While these trees are on the pricer side, some might argue that a Balsam Hill Christmas tree is worth the cost as the brand’s mission is to produce the most realistic and luxurious artificial Christmas trees possible, which stems from the founder Thomas Harman’s desire to create a lifelike alternative for individuals allergic to live trees.

However, those who purchase a Balsam Hill Christmas tree this week will not only have a stunning tree that will last for years to come, but also save hundreds of dollars in the process. This sale also extends to other Balsam Christmas decor items such as its wreaths and garland.

Along with these Black Friday deals, customers can also get an extra $50 off with the promo code ‘MERRY50′ at checkout.

One of the more noteable deals happening during Balsam Hill’s Black Friday Sale includes a $300 discount on the brand’s best-selling Classic Blue Spruce Tree. The total price will depend on the height of the tree you choose. For example, the classic six-inch tree is being sold at a discounted $449 compared to its usual price of $799.

Classic Blue Spruce Tree

The Classic Blue Spruce Tree is being sold at a discount during the week of Black Friday.

Buy Now

Highlighted Product Feature: A standout features of the Classic Blue Spruce Tree is its Easy Plug® technology, which connects all the lights through the trunk. This simplifies the assembly process, allowing users to simply plug the tree into an outlet, ensuring a hassle-free setup that lets you focus more on the joyous holiday spirit rather than on the intricacies of installation.

Other Features: Another notable feature is the Classic Blue Spruce’s realistic foliage, made from 100% Classic Needle PVC. This high-quality material is designed to replicate the look and feel of natural evergreens, giving the tree a full and lush appearance that enhances any holiday decor.

Those interested can browse all Balsam Hill Black Friday deals happening this week here.

Generative AI was used to provide product description for this story, based on data provided by Balsam Hill. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.

General

Kalen DeBoer talks his first Iron Bowl

Iron Bowl week is not the first time Kalen DeBoer has heard about the iconic rivalry. Far from it.

Try January.

“Ever since I’ve been here, I think I hear about it every day,” DeBoer said Monday. “So understand what it means. The excitement.”

DeBoer is set to coach in his first Iron Bowl matchup as coach of Alabama football on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“This game, what it means to those that come from each side,” DeBoer said. “What it means to the state to talk about, not just told to me, but talked about amongst everyone in their homes. It’s Thanksgiving weekend so if you’re not at the game you’re watching it with your friends and your family. I’ve heard stories of families being divided because of it, many different ways. That’s what rivalry games are all about and this is a rivalry that’s on another level.”

DeBoer didn’t have a particular story he’s heard about the Iron Bowl that he could share, but he is well aware of what took place a year ago when his quarterback Jalen Milroe beat Auburn on fourth-and-31, the play that became known as Gravedigger.

“That’s, I think, probably pretty reminiscent of what both sides are looking at as far as the effort it’s gonna take and playing for four quarters, playing every second, every play like it’s your last,” DeBoer said. “So that’s the intensity of it.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

General

South Alabama starting offensive lineman lost for season

South Alabama offensive lineman Reed Buys is out for the season due to a knee injury suffered at Southern Miss this past Saturday, head coach Major Applewhite confirmed Monday.

Buys — the Jaguars’ starting right guard — was seen on crutches during the second half of the Jaguars’ 35-14 victory in Hattiesburg, which clinched bowl-eligibility. The Vicksburg, Miss, native is a sixth-year senior and has already used a redshirt, so his college career is over.

Freshman Asher Hale, a former St. Paul’s Episcopal School standout who filled when Buys missed time earlier this season, will start at left guard in Friday’s regular-season finale vs. Texas State. Regular left guard Kenton Jerido will slide to the right side as he did earlier this year when Buys was out.

“We hate it for Reed Buys,” offensive coordinator Rob Ezell said. “He’s one of the leaders on the team and you hate to see that.

“But Asher, he’s played a lot this year already, a local kid who will be chomping at the bit for the last home game of the season — last guaranteed home game. So we’ve got plenty of confidence in him. He knows the playbook and we’re going to call it the same way.”

The 6-foot-4, 301-pound Buys started nine games in 2023 and 10 this year after transferring to South Alabama following two years at Mississippi State and one in junior college. He missed the Oct. 15 Troy game with a minor knee injury, but otherwise the Jaguars have started the same offensive line — Jordan Davis at left tackle, Jerido at left guard, Malachi Preciado at center, Buys at right guard and Malachi Carney at right tackle — in every game this season.

South Alabama (6-5, 4-2 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Texas State (6-5, 4-3) at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Hancock Whitney Stadium, with still a chance to win the Sun Belt West Division title if first-place Louisiana loses on Saturday at Louisiana-Monroe. The South Alabama-Texas State game will stream live via ESPN+.

General

Alabama football coaches on adjustments vs. Oklahoma: ‘Not good enough’

Alabama football couldn’t find any answers for Oklahoma in its 24-3 loss on Saturday. The Crimson Tide got dominated on both sides of the ball, and watched its College Football Playoff dreams wither in the defeat.

On Monday, Crimson Tide coaches were asked about their in-game adjustments throughout the loss. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said he wasn’t pleased with how he and the staff had handled the game.

“Not good enough, right?” Sheridan said. “I think that that’s a fair assessment. And so, like I mentioned before, none of us did a good enough job to put our team in a position to win, and that certainly starts with me, and we need to do a better job.”

The offense stayed stagnant throughout the game, only managing a field goal in the first half. On the other side of the ball, Kane Wommack’s defense got better after halftime, but still not good enough to stop the Sooner run game that torched the Tide all night.

Wommack said he thought the defense adjusted well after halftime. Still, he said after looking at the film that there were “two or three” calls he would have liked to change.

“I think you’ve got to be critical of yourself first in terms of, OK what could I have called to put ourselves in a better position?” Wommack said. “Quite honestly, the explosive plays that we gave up, probably one of those calls I would have liked to have had back. The other two really didn’t hurt us, but I thought I could have called something better in the moment.”

Wommack pointed out that consistency was a problem for the Crimson Tide in the game, an issue echoed by Sheridan and head coach Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer also discussed the in-game adjustments on Monday.

“There was probably a few more adjustments in the game plan as it goes on,” DeBoer said. “But those are usually part of the game plan itself. You’re just going to Plan B, Plan C, and that’s, to me, what adjustments are. You know what the possibilities are each and every week from the film that you watch.

“And it’s just a matter of going to the next level and next set of plays that either attack offensively or adjust to what you’ve been seeing defensively, and you call more of this rather than that. So I think, yeah, it evolved, but I think it’s different for each side of the ball.”

Alabama will face Auburn in Tuscaloosa Saturday. The Iron Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.

General

Water outage scheduled in north Alabama

Parts of Madison County will be impacted by a scheduled water outage beginning at 8:30 Tuesday morning, according to a recent announcement from the county water department.

Weather permitting, the county will be making system improvements around Huntsville, the announcement says.

Customers on W.T. Garrison Lane in Huntsville are expected to experience a temporary outage between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“We appreciate your patience and will restore service as quickly as possible,” the announcement reads.

“If you have any questions, please contact the Madison County Water Department at 256-746-2888.”