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‘Basketball Wives’ season 12 premiere: How to watch, where to stream free

A brand new season of the hit sports reality series Basketball Wives premieres on VH1 Monday, May 5 at 8/7c.

The show centers on a group of ladies that share more than mutual companionship in common as each cast member is either the wife, ex-wife or girlfriend of an NBA superstar, and though they drive expensive cars, live in mansions and wear designer clothes and jewelry, life is not always glamorous.

On the season 12 premiere episode, Jennifer Gold returns from Paris as the newly wedded bride of Christian Gold, and watches her new husband go to jail. Meanwhile, Jackie’s attempt at unity unravels at her Friendsgiving, and Evelyn’s receipts clash with Jennifer’s unwavering vows.

Meet the Basketball Wives season 12 cast

• Evelyn Lozada
• Brandi Maxiell
• Jackie Christie
• Jennifer Gold
• Ty Young
• Chantel Christie-Jeffries
• Ming Lee
• Denise Reann
• Brittany Renner

Where can I watch Basketball Wives season 12?

Those interested in keeping up with all the Basketball Wives drama unfolding this season can stream the series for free through Philo, Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Out of the three, Philo is the cheapest option at just $28 a month after its free trial expires.

You can also catch the new season available for streaming through Sling. Although no free trial is available, those who do commit to a paid subscription through Sling receive half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Philo?

Philo is known for being one of the cheapest streaming platforms in the space. Subscribers can access over 70 top TV channels such as MTV, TLC, BET, A&E, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

Explore Philo’s extensive library of hit TV shows and movies and customize your flow of content even more by including add-ons in your subscription.

Along with thousands of hours of content available for streaming, Philo users can take advantage of key features such as the unlimited DVR feature, which allows subscribers to record favorite content easily.

What is Fubo and DirecTV Stream?

Though Philo may be cheaper, both Fubo and DirecTV Stream are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services due to their collection of popular live TV channels and slew of helpful features.

Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

The DirecTV Stream base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV Stream packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to stream live TV channels like VH1. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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This week’s best Megaways slots at sweepstakes casinos: May 5-11

Megaways are online slots that offer more ways to win compared to traditional slots. There is potential for hundreds of thousands of paylines with Megaways slots, and the best sweepstakes casinos offer Megaways for their players.

Megaways slots at sweepstakes casinos

Megaways slost are a popular and common option at real money casinos. The top-rated sweepstakes casinos also offer Megaways slots and are available in more states. Megaways slots are a great way to play online casino games at sweepstakes casinos.

These are this week’s best Megaways at sweepstakes casinos:

Mermaid Empress Megaways at Mega Bonanza

Mega Bonanza is home to a slew of Megaways slots that are of the same quality as real money slots. One standout is Mermaid Empress Megaways.

This popular slot game pulls inspiration from “The Little Mermaid.” The paytable reveals 117,649 ways to win with multipliers as high as 10x. The theoretical RTP rate for this slot is 94%.

Mega Bonanza is offering new players a welcome offer of 150% extra coins on the first purchase up to 57,500 GC plus 27.5 SC for just $9.99. Join Mega Bonanza today and see why fans love Mermaid Empress Megaways.

Buffalo King Megaways at McLuck

Buffalo King Megaways is a popular draw at McLuck, and it’s easy to see why. This high volatility slot game has a theoretical RTP rate of 94.51%, with players able to win 5,000x their stake. This is one of the most popular online Megaways slots on the market.

McLuck is home to a bevy of Megaways slots. The popular sweeps casino is offering up to 57,500 GC and 27.5 SC for new players. Join McLuck today and play Buffalo King Megaways and more Megaways slots.

Max Megaways at WOW Vegas

Max Megaways at WOW Vegas is a great Megaways slot game for players. The theoretical RTP rate is 96.37%. Feature play grants 10 free spins for 75 times the spin amount or 10 enhanced free spins for 200 times the free spin amount. The potential payouts here are appealing to players.

WOW Vegas players have a generous welcome offer available on sign-up. Join today and get 35 free sweepstake coins with a 1.5 million WOW Coins purchase.

Wolf Stacks Megaways at Real Prize

Wolf Stacks Megaways is a major draw at Real Prize Casino. There are 117,649 ways to win. Fans love this wilderness-inspired Megaways game as it offers a lot for players. From the music to the howling wolf, every time you match, there is a lot to love about Wolf Stacks Megaways.

Real Prize is offering new players 625,000 GC and 15 SC. Join today and play Wolf Stack Megaways and more Megaways slots at Real Prize.

Legend of Cleopatra Megaways at Casino Click

Casino.Click is hosting a popular Megaways game, Legend of Cleopatra Megaways. The paytable reveals 324 to 200,704 ways to win. The theoretical RTP rate for this one is 95.84%. This is a fan-favorite Megaways slot game. The max potential payout on the buy bonus is 200 million GC. Even playing the minimum wager can see huge potential payouts on big wins.

Casino.Click is granting new players 100,000 GC and 2 SC. See why fans choose Casino Click and play Legend of Cleopatra Megaways today.

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Asking Eric: How to cope with annoying, noisy roommate

Dear Eric: We live in a 14-unit, mostly self-managed condo building. We have been here 17 years. The woman above us had been here 25 years (or more) when we moved in.

Over the last several years, she has become increasingly difficult. It did not help that I was on the condo board when she was not paying her assessments, not fulfilling her chapter 13 plan, etc.

She is upset that she hears noises from other units. In retaliation, she makes noise so that the rest of us will have to experience what she is going through. The worst is when she runs noisy appliances that she is not actually using, sometimes creating a loud, grinding sound. When we ask her to stop, she tells us that these are the reasons she is making the noise.

She plays music or her TV loud enough to interfere with my concentration. And she occasionally bangs on walls or ceilings and screams “Go back where you came from” and other invective at the tenant, who is a refugee.

Worse than that, she has called the police to complain about the noise from the upstairs tenant more than once when it was just a mom and baby.

I suppose I should be grateful that the music is usually not objectionable (no metal, lots of oldies). But I am angry that this continues, and I want it to stop.

What do you recommend?

– Want Quiet

Dear Quiet: This sounds awful, no pun intended. As a former member of your condo’s board, you’re probably familiar with the building’s rules. Is there a quiet enjoyment clause that your neighbor is violating? If so, you should bring this ongoing issue to the current board. Now, as you write, she has a history of not paying her assessments, so it sounds like this board isn’t especially effective at enforcing its own rules. Should the current board prove unhelpful, you can consult with an attorney who specializes in condo boards and HOAs for more options for resolving internal disputes.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

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Ivey pitches school cell phone ban, public safety bills in Huntsville visit

A cell phone ban in public schools and the remaining package of public safety bills are Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s top priorities with three days left in the Legislative session.

Ivey urged legislators to pass the FOCUS Act and the remaining public safety bills during her speech at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber luncheon at the Von Braun Center on Monday.

The FOCUS Act would prohibit students from using a “wireless communication device” during the instructional day. It also would require schools to adopt an internet safety policy and educate students on safe social media use.

“According to a recent survey, 72% of high school teachers in the country reported that cell phones are distracting students,” the governor said. “Look, us adults, we are guilty of it, too. I see a few cell phones out there. But we’re talking about our students and their learning environment.”

Ivey cited learning from parents that teens spend an average of almost five hours a day on social media.

“It’s having a negative impact on their wellbeing,” the governor said. “Don’t get me wrong, our phones and social media are fantastic tools. So, we have to know the time, the place and how to use them. Schools are already taking action, and we are supporting that statewide through the FOCUS Act.”

She said the act would get cell phones out of the classroom during the instructional period. Ivey said the legislation would also require local school boards to adopt internet safety policies that provide students with social media training. The FOCUS Act should be a widely supported bipartisan measure.”

Ivey urged lawmakers to get the bill to a floor vote “and get this to my desk so I can sign it.”

The bills would ban students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices or any other portable communication device on campus during the school day. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, car or similar storage location.

Exceptions may be given to students with disabilities or certain health needs if permitted by an individualized education plan, health plan or 504 plan. Students may also use their devices for educational purposes, if given permission, or in case of a life-threatening emergency.

See story: Alabama lawmakers move toward banning student cell phones in schools, classrooms – al.com

Public safety legislation

Ivey credited Huntsville State Senator Sam Givhan with helping steer public safety legislation through the Legislature as vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Bolstering public safety is my number one priority this session,” Ivey said. “We are advancing a package of bills this session aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities while providing law enforcement with the tools and support they need to more safely perform their duties.”

Ivey said she already signed a bill to get illegal Glock switches off the streets and another bill, “The Officer Impersonation Act,” which she said would “stop bad actors in their tracks.”

Ivey said she signed Senate Bill 119 on Monday, a bill that expands who cannot possess a firearm after being charged with a crime.

She said the bill “will help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities.”

“We have a few more working their way through the process,” Ivey said. “I’m confident they will be headed my way pretty soon.”

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‘The Playboy Murders’ season 3 premiere: How to watch, where to stream free

Season three of the true-crime docuseries The Playboy Murders premieres on Investigation Discovery Monday, May 5 at 9/8c.

For those unfamiliar with the hit ID series, The Playboy Murders is a true-crime series that works to dissect murders that intersect with the infamous Playboy publication. Throughout the series, investigators expose the pitfalls of fame and force audiences to question everything they thought they knew about Playboy.

Season three is set to have six full-length episodes airing weekly on ID, and the debut episode dropping tonight centers on a Playboy casting assistant. Fresh from a breakup, the casting assistant enthralls herself in the L.A. nightlife scene until her wild night out ends in her mysterious death.

Where can I watch The Playboy Murders season 3?

Those interested in catching the new season of the hit ID series can stream The Playboy Murders for free through Philo or DirecTV Stream. Though both offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy, Philo is the cheaper option at just $28 a month after its free trial.

You can also stream the upcoming season through Sling, and although there is no free trial through this streaming service, those who do commit to a paid subscription receive half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Philo?

Philo is one of the cheapest basic cable alternatives in the streaming service market. At just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial, Philo users unlock a world of entertainment spanning over 70 top rated live TV channels including MTV, BET, A&E, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

Along with popular TV channels to explore, those interested in further tailoring their content can consider including add-ons such as AMC+, Hallmark+, MGM+, STARZ and more into their monthly subscription.

Subscribers can also take advantage of key Philo features such as the unlimited DVR feature, which allows for endless recording of favorite content, and unlike traditional cable services, users no longer have to worry about having enough storage when recording.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV Stream has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another great streaming service to consider if you’re looking to ditch the hassle of traditional cable. Sling users can stream on-demand movies, live TV shows and live sports instantly on all favorite devices.

Though there is no free trial through Sling, there is an ongoing promotion offering half off your first month and one month free of AMC+. Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month but start streaming with Sling for just $23 your first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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Asking Eric: Mother struggles to accommodate daughter’s veganism

Dear Eric: When my daughter married 25 years ago, both she and her husband decided to go vegan. My husband and I respected and fully supported them. After all, we had raised her on meals cooked from scratch out of natural ingredients and saw veganism as a move in an even purer direction.

Sure, it was hard to ditch the turkey at Thanksgiving and the roast beef at Christmas, but we handled it. Instead, we experimented making unique ethnic dishes emphasizing real vegetables and unusual grains even if it did take three times more effort and time and taxed stomachs not used to all the beans.

What was more disappointing was not being able to use butter and eggs to make the traditional cakes and cookies that had been passed with pride through my mother’s side of the family. I tried hard to make new plant-based desserts with substitute ingredients, but – no matter what anybody claims – they just do not taste the same. Without these memorable recipes, our family gatherings always feel lacking.

The last straw came after we had a barbecue with our daughter’s family and grilled some of the new fancy vegan burgers. Afterward I became violently ill and only then discovered it contained a new synthetic ingredient that irritates digestive systems of people who have inflammatory conditions like mine.

Now that I’m 75, I am done. I just don’t have the body, time or energy to fight the veganism battle anymore. What can be done?

– Unhappy at the Holiday Table

Dear Holiday Table: I believe that you’ve made a good faith effort to honor your daughter’s veganism, but I also believe that your resentment over this life choice is coloring your experience. You characterize this as a battle, but who is fighting?

For instance, if you want the traditional cakes and cookies at a holiday, what’s stopping you from making them for yourself and other non-vegan guests, while still making (or assigning someone to make) vegan alternatives? No, they will not taste the same. This is true of any recipe modification. If you need the originals at your holiday meals, you can have them.

I don’t see demands from your daughter in your letter. Now, they might be there in reality and, if that’s the case, then the situation is slightly different. But, either way, ask yourself what’s necessary for reasonable accommodations and what’s too much for you. If you don’t like vegan burgers, perhaps a burger-centric barbecue isn’t the best option. For instance, there are so many vegan options for outdoor gatherings that can be made with items in your fridge and pantry right now, from pasta salads to veggie skewers to more adventurous options like pulled jackfruit with barbecue sauce and grilled portabella mushrooms.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

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The Nike Pegasus Plus running shoe is on sale for a limited time

Nike just dropped a rare deal on the popular Nike Pegasus Plus running shoe available while supplies last.

Depending on which color/design you chose, the women’s Nike Pegasus Plus running shoe can be purchased for as low as $108 this week instead of its normal price of $180. The men’s shoe, however, is only on sale in two colors for $143.

RELATED: Hoka relaunches its new Vibrant Bloom sneaker collection, but only while supplies last

The Nike Pegasus Plus Road Running Shoe is designed specifically for everyday runs. It features a precision-engineered Flyknit upper with zonal perforations for breathability and a full-length ZoomX foam midsole for responsive cushioning. Meanwhile, the outsole is made of high-abrasion rubber for durability and traction.

“Take responsive cushioning to the next level with the Pegasus Plus. It energizes your ride with full-length, superlight ZoomX foam to give you a high level of energy return for everyday runs. And, a stretchy Flyknit upper conforms to your foot for a seamless fit,” Nike states.

The Pegasus Plus is also a top-rated sneaker with 4.6 stars on Nike’s website.

“Generally I have run in Pegasus for over 30 years but the recent insole 2mm heel drop put pressure onto my instep. However the Pegasus Plus doesn’t suffer from the heel drop. I purchased a pair 2 days ago and ran in them today for the first time. They are comfortable and my intervals were probably better than I expected today. Clearly time will tell on the wear but if they are like my previous Pegasus the wear rate will be good,” one promising review states.

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Nike’s website here.

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New CEO announced at Alabama auto plant

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) in Montgomery Monday announced two leadership changes.

HMMA President and CEO Chris Susock, who assumed the post last year, has been assigned to the newly created position of chief manufacturing officer of Hyundai Motor North America.

HMMA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Rader has been elevated to the position of president and CEO in Montgomery.

In his role, Rader will oversee all manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance at the Alabama assembly plant.

Rader has been with HMMA since 2003, holding various roles overseeing quality control. He was appointed chief quality officer in 2021, and last year was promoted to senior vice president and COO.

“In his time leading our team through all his many positions at HMMA, Chris set a high bar for leadership,” Rader said. “I’m humbled to be given the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to working with our HMMA team to build on his achievements.”

Rader will report to Susock, who will have oversight of Hyundai’s two U. S. manufacturing operations – in Montgomery and the new Metaplant America in Bryan County, Ga.

“While I will miss my daily work leading HMMA, I am completely confident that Mark will lead the team to new successes,” Susock said. “I look forward to supporting him in my new role as CMO at HMNA.”

HMMA has more than 4,000 employees and more than 40,000 connected through its independent supply chain. Hyundai contributes about $5 billion to the state’s economy and is the largest employer in the central Alabama region.

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Iconic Alabama author to release new book this summer

Alabama icon Fannie Flagg’s retirement hasn’t worked out so far. Whenever the 80-year-old author and comedian tries to step away from her writing career, fans clamor for another book. And Flagg has obliged them.

The Birmingham-born author of “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” will release a collection of short stories called “Something to Look Forward To” on Aug. 19, 2025.

“Fannie wrote this book because her fans kept writing to her, inquiring about when she was going to publish again,” according to a press release from publisher Penguin Random House.

“I wanted to write a book to make people feel good,” Flagg said. “A book about ordinary people and how they live their lives.’”

In January, country music legend Reba McEntire announced that she will produce and star in a movie based on Flagg’s bestselling 2013 book, “The All-Girls Filling Station’s Last Reunion.” Read about it here.

Flagg’s upcoming book “is a collection of interconnected short stories about how people across America cope with our ever-changing world, written with Fannie’s signature warmth, humor, and wit,” the press release said.

See the pricing and publication information here. Pre-orders are not currently available.

The press release includes a review from comedian Carol Burnett, who said she’s fan of Flagg’s writing. “It’s a wonderful read . . . funny, sad, surprising, and intriguing. Fannie’s characters jump off the page and into your heart,” Burnett said. “She continues to delight and amaze.”

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Fultondale High School students, teacher injured in bus crash in Gardendale

A morning school bus wreck in northern Jefferson County left a teacher and multiple students injured.

The crash happened just before 9:30 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Decatur Highway and Moncrief Road in Gardendale.

Police Chief Scott Banks said the bus was transporting students from Fultondale High Schools when it was involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle.

The impact caused the bus to leave the road. It came to a stop in a ditch.

Banks said multiple students and a teacher sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver and a passenger in the other vehicle were also taken for medical treatment.

The chief said Gardendale police are working with the Jefferson County Board of Education to investigate the crash.

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