Affordable mattresses sold on Amazon are being recalled due to fire hazard.
Crayan Mattresses, a Chinese mattress brand sold exclusively on Amazon, is recalling about 100,000 products that fail to meet flammability requirements.
According to an alert from the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued June 18, the recalled mattresses don’t meet federal safety standards and can pose a “deadly fire hazard.”
No injuries or incidents have been reported.
The recall applies to 10-inch and 12-inch mattresses sold in twin, full, king and queen sizes. The mattresses come compressed in a box and typically sell for between $100 and $220.
The mattresses were sold online on Amazon.com from July 2022 through June 2024.
The commission says all owners should immediately stop using the mattresses and contact the company for instructions on how to get a full refund.
The son of a Fort Payne woman detained by immigration authorities is fighting to bring her home.
David Miguel says his mother, Micaela Pascual, was detained in early May while trying to renew her work permit. She is now being held in Louisiana and Miguel is fundraising money to try to keep her in the country.
Authorities, he claimed, targeted her for a “self-deportation incident” in 2013.
“At that time, she had five children that she was raising in the U.S.,” Miguel wrote in a GoFundMe post. “What was she supposed to do? Take us with her? Leave us with the government? Of course not, she chose to stay.”
Pascual is one of many undocumented Alabamians detained by immigration officials in recent months.
In June, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained dozens of people at scheduled meetings in Homewood and Gadsden, advocates told AL.com. More and more counties across the state also have signed on to help the agency detain and jail immigrants.
Miguel told WAFF48 News that his mother applied for legal asylum in 2013, but a judge informed her she’d have to leave the country until the documents cleared. She sought a work visa instead, he said. For more than a decade, she had no issues at annual check-ins.
“They are tearing families apart; ICE took away a mother of six, and she still has an 11-year-old child in the U.S.,” he wrote. “How do you explain to an 11-year-old that ICE took their mother away and that they won’t be able to see her for a while? There isn’t a right way to say it.”’
Pascual came to the U.S. at the age of 19 from Guatemala in search of a better life for her family. Miguel said she has worked hard and paid her taxes, just like any American.
So far, he has raised more than $6,000 of his $10,000 goal, which he plans to use for legal expenses. If his mother is ultimately deported, he hopes to be able to help her set up a life in Guatemala, “where she has very few resources,” he said.
“She is a great example of an immigrant who came here to work and contribute to society. However, the government doesn’t see her that way; they don’t recognize her as a dedicated worker, a mother, or a human being. Instead, they only see an illegal immigrant.”
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:37 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Monroe, Escambia and Baldwin counties.
The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).
“At 2:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 15 miles west of McCullough, or 19 miles southeast of Jackson, moving southeast at 20 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:34 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw and Covington counties.
Anticipate marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 2:28 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 5 miles southwest of Georgiana, or 13 miles northeast of Evergreen, moving southeast at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Georgiana, McKenzie, River Falls, Red Level, Dozier, Heath and Gantt.
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
On Thursday at 2:36 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 3:15 p.m. for Dale County.
The storms are foreseen to bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 2:36 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Ariton, or 9 miles north of Fort Novosel, moving east at 20 mph,” states the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Ozark, Fort Novosel, Ariton, Greater Salem Church, Skipperville, Dill, Rocky Head, Mabson, Arguta, Ewell, Beamon, Dale County Lake, Marley Hill, Blackwell Field A/p, Dillard and Ward Bridge.
According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Alabama lawyers are raising the alarm about a provision in President Donald Trump’s proposed budget that would make it harder for low-income families, veterans and senior citizens to receive legal aid in court cases.
The Legal Services of Alabama, a nonprofit that helps low-income people manage legal issues related to domestic violence, evictions, health care and more, receives almost all of its funding from the federal government. Trump’s budget would zero out that funding.
“(We’re) giving voice to those who have no voice,” said Guy Lescault, who runs Legal Services of Alabama. “The senior who is not getting other Social Security or the veteran who isn’t getting their benefits.”
The Trump administration has proposed cutting almost all funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a national organization founded in 1974. It supports legal aid to 5 million Americans each year, according to the group.
Legal Services Alabama gets $8.9 million from the national organization each year, and would lose 73% of its funds if Trump’s budget is approved.
The rest of its funding also comes from other federal sources that also are in jeopardy. Alabama does not send any state funding to the organization, unlike other states.
Lescault said if his group disappears, the court system will become clogged with people who can’t afford attorneys trying to represent themselves.
“I call it a war on poverty,” he said, “Not the war, it’s a war on the poor because they are the ones that are going to be most impacted by it.”
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ aims to drastically reduce government spending. Critics say cuts to SNAP, research funding, education and other programs would hurt people in Alabama and across the country.
Legal Services Alabama has also advocated against cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, saying a reduction in benefits would increase the number of people facing evictions, bankruptcy and other legal issues.
Last year in Alabama, the group helped 14,944 Alabamians who reached out through its call line.
Already this year, the group lost a quarter of a million dollars of federal funds from a grant focused on helping people who do not have titles to their land, called heir’s property.
“The reason for the notification, which we received on April 15, was that it had the word ‘climate’ in it,” Lescault said.
Lescault said Rep. Terri Sewell is advocating for legal aid funding to be restored to the federal budget.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 2:01 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3 p.m. for Coffee, Dale and Henry counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 2 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lakepoint Resort State Park to Glenwood. Movement was east at 15 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Daleville, Elba, Abbeville, Fort Gaines, Cuthbert, Fort Novosel, Enterprise, Headland, Ozark, Georgetown, Dothan, Midland City, Level Plains, Newton, New Brockton, Shellman, Ariton, Pinckard, Lee and Clayhatchee.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
A Blount County man charged with drugging and sexually torturing a young child has posted bond after four years in jail.
Ronald Shane Crow, 48, was arrested in May 2021 on charges of 13 crimes including sodomy, rape, false imprisonment and chemical endangerment. He was released from the Blount County jail after posting a $200,000 bond June 5, according to the sheriff’s office.
He will remain on an ankle monitor and must stay with his mother in Trafford.
“We understand that releases on bond can raise questions and concerns in the community, but it’s important to note that bond is a legal right and part of the judicial process—not a decision made by the Sheriff’s Office,” the office said in a statement June 18.
“We remain committed to transparency and public safety while respecting the due process rights of all individuals under the law.”
According to charging documents, a girl under the age of 10 was taken to Children’s of Alabama on May 1 after she displayed signs of drug use after staying at Crow’s home. Once at the hospital, she tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines, according to court records.
The victim, whose relationship to Crow was not disclosed in court documents, told authorities that Crow gave her the controlled substances. She indicated to investigators she had stayed at Crow’s home multiple times at night over a period of time.
During those stays, she said, Crow had both sexual intercourse and oral sex with her. She also described how he sexually assaulted her with an undisclosed object.
At least twice, the victim told investigators, Crow tied her up, put a bag over her head and choked her. “He also placed a gun in the middle of her eyes and told her that would kill her if she told anyone,’’ the affidavit states.
Crow pleaded not guilty in 2022 and remained in jail while the case moved forward.
The district attorney at the time requested Crow be held without Bond, stating in court records that he had seven prior felony and eight prior misdemeanor convictions.
Local law enforcement agencies are legally required to comply with all court orders and bond laws. Now-retired Judge Steven King set Crow’s bond in 2022, according to court documents.
It could have been — by all accounts, should have been — a washout. Another heavy dose of rain descended upon Fairfield on Friday morning, just as officials from Major League Baseball gathered to unveil the renovation of Willie Mays Field in the city where the late baseball legend lived as a child.
Then someone yelled, “Want to take a lap?!” With that, members of the blue-and-gold Fairfield Mighty Tigers 6-and-under championship team took off down the first baseline for the first round-trip around the pristine diamond.
The field was dedicated under a crying sky, yet the spirit of renewal in this struggling city was joyful not dampened.
“You’ve got to pivot,” said state Sen. Merika Coleman as the several dozen attendees huddled under a tent.
The renovation cost an estimated $1.5 million.
Coleman presented an oversized check symbolic of $325,000 contributed by the state (which committed an additional $500,000). MLB committed $250,000 raised from a charity auction. Other financial support came from the MLB and Atlanta Braves foundations, former major leaguer (and Mobile native) Jake Peavy and Michael Mays, Willie Mays’s son.
“I’ve been coming out here throughout the totality of the renovation,” Coleman said, “but today I saw things I hadn’t seen before. Most of the work was really done in the last two weeks. I didn’t even think we were going to make today’s deadline. So today, my heart is filled with joy.”
Added Mays: “To see this community, MLB, local leaders and most of all these local kids out here today enjoying themselves on this beautiful field is not only a personal dream come true, it’s a testament to the kind of development and good news possible when we all come together.”
On Thursday afternoon, weather permitting, the oldest baseball park in America will host MLB’s second annual East-West Classic, an exhibition featuring former major leaguers. Among those in town for the game are CC Sabathia (who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next month), Ryan Howard and Gary Sheffield ( a member of baseball’s elite 500-home run club).
Also in Birmingham and at the dedication was World Series champion manager Dusty Baker.
Thousands of exciting online slot games are available to play for free right now. Many of the best are available at Real Prize, one of the country’s most popular online sweepstakes casinos.
I spent a large amount of time looking over many of the different slots provided by Real Prize casino. On this page, I highlight five of the best new slots to play with our Real Prize promo code offer and explain what makes each one special.
All US states except Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York and Washington
📓 Playthrough requirement
1x (for Sweeps Coins)
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Top 5 new slots to play with our Real Prize promo code
Real Prize has been one of the country’s best sweepstakes casinos since launching in late 2024. Despite being around for less than a year, it has developed a huge user base thanks to its great game selection and simplistic design.
The bonuses at Real Prize are excellent, too. With our Real Prize promo code, all new players are eligible to receive 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 free Sweeps Coins and 1,250 VIP points with one purchase of $100.
Real Prize specializes in slot games, offering nearly 500 slots from the top developers in the industry. That is more slots than some of the country’s best real money casinos offer.
Below, I highlight five of the best new ones available to play right now.
The Dog House – Muttley Crew
A screenshot of The Dog House Muttley Crew slot game.Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play launched The Dog House – Muttley Crew in October. It was recently added to the game library at Real Prize, and it’s become a major hit with players around the country.
This game features a 5×5 grid with 25 paylines and an average return-to-player (RTP) rate of 96.50%. It comes with a huge number of fun features, including free spins and wild symbols.
Players also praise the game’s theme. The game is set on a pirate boat controlled by various dog breeds. It looks fantastic using all types of devices and has a fun soundtrack that truly adds to the experience.
Crystalium
A screenshot of the Crystalium slot game.Swintt
One exciting new online slot game now available to play at Real Prize is Crystalium. It was developed by Swintt and features seven reels and an average RTP rate of 94%. This game utilizes cluster pays, meaning players can earn winning combinations by landing five or more matching symbols anywhere on the grid.
Fans of larger, more complex slot games are likely to enjoy this game. It feels in many ways like an arcade game. Cascading symbols add to that feeling, as winning combinations fall off the grid and make way for new symbols to appear. This allows players to earn multiple wins on a single spin.
This game features a more classic slot game theme. While it’s not necessarily among the top high RTP slots available today, it offers a huge maximum payout of 5,547x your wager.
Coin Tree
A screenshot of the Coin Tree slot game.Jili Games
Jili Games has been steadily establishing itself as one of the best online slot developers in the industry. It launched Coin Tree in May, and it is now one of the best new slots to play at Real Prize with our promo code offer.
This game features only three reels and a single payline. It’s a true classic-style slot game that is perfect for beginners who aren’t interested in the bells and whistles connected to many other modern slots.
No real bonus features are connected to this game. Players simply attempt to land matching combinations on the single payline. Land three Golden Coin Tree symbols on this payline to score the maximum payout of 888x your wager.
Battle of Myths
A screenshot of the Battle of Myths slot game.Swintt
Another hugely popular game developed by Swintt and now available at Real Prize is Battle of Myths. This game features six reels, 4,096 paylines and an average RTP rate of 94.23%.
Six-reel slot games tend to come with a large number of unique features, and Battle of Myths is no different. This game features cascading reels, various wild symbols and a free spins feature that offers players eight free spins to use.
I love the theme of this game. It appears to be set in ancient China with a relaxing soundtrack and cool graphics when winning symbols are landed.
Coin Crusher
A screenshot of the Coin Crusher slot game.Booming Games
Another new slot at Real Prize that offers some great payout opportunities is Coin Crusher. It’s a five-reel slot set deep in the ocean. Players will find a variety of unique features, including free spins and four different jackpots that can provide a max payout of 2,000x your wager.
At random times during gameplay, sharks can appear on the screen and trigger the Feeding Frenzy feature. Wild symbols are randomly added to the grid at this time to help players earn winning combinations.
This game has an average RTP rate of 95.80%. It looks great, offers plenty of fun features and is simple enough for even first-time players to understand. These have helped this game become one of the more popular real money slots offered by a variety of online casinos.
