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Today’s daily horoscopes: May 19, 2025

On the final full day of the Venus-ruled season of Taurus, we are reminded that it’s not shallow to tend to appearances. Of course they matter. The visual cues on the surface help us get around, assess situations and figure out what’s expected of us. What is shallow is thinking that appearances matter more than other things, such as what gets done, people’s feelings and what’s exchanged to make the world spin.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You recognize the emotional intention behind a question. Some questions come from love, care and genuine interest — they feel comforting. Others are intrusive, performative and veiled in control. Protect yourself from those.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People with bad attitudes are just protecting oversized pride. But real charm doesn’t need to be right all the time. The ability to admit mistakes, laugh at your own missteps and say, “I was wrong” with grace? That’s irresistible.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There’s only one you. Even when echoing familiar words, your spirit shines through and makes them new. Your voice adds magic, meaning and unmistakable originality. Whatever you say today, say it boldly — it’s already unique just because it’s yours.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Being you isn’t always a solo job, or at least it doesn’t have to be. There are people who make you feel even more like yourself. They amplify your humor and natural charisma.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Some of what you throw into the mix won’t work out, but it’s all good information to your process. Eliminating a few options is crucial to the rest of your journey and will help you determine your style with everything going forward.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s time to refresh the relationship with yourself — to look in the mirror and treat that person like someone you’re falling in love with. Be the partner you’ve been waiting for and you will wait no more.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s common to idealize strangers or distant figures because you haven’t seen their flaws up close. To admire someone you know well is a whole different story. You value long-term connection over fantasy, and respect that grows through experience.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When it feels a little off, don’t panic — just stay curious. If the pieces don’t fit, give it time. Your instincts are wiser than logic right now, and if it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably worth a second look.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Unhelpful thoughts keep popping into your mind, returning to you like wild animals in your yard — just because they’re eating your shrubs, that doesn’t make them yours. Ignore them and they’ll eventually go away.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The “halo effect” means we often project extra qualities onto attractive people. Don’t let a good-looking image cloud your judgment — beauty can dazzle, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Stay curious. Look deeper before drawing conclusions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Before you feel stuck or splurge on something extra, pause. There are untapped resources all around you — connections, knowledge, favors. Think about who you know, and who they know. A simple conversation could lead to exactly what you’re looking for.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The truth is, you’re doing a job that technically isn’t yours. But you said you would — and as a person of your word, that’s reason enough to follow through, which always brings its own kind of luck.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 19). This year holds a breakthrough both intimate and epic. The private victory sets off a chain reaction that transforms your entire landscape. In your new chapter, you’re a leader in a brand-new area. More highlights: A creative risk goes public and pays off, someone finally apologizes (and means it), and there will be lots of soul celebration around falling in love. Aquarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 17, 12, 29 and 8.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: On what would be his 100th birthday in 2025, the legacy of Malcolm X continues to blaze through the cultural consciousness, fueling movements for justice, truth and transformation a full century after his birth. A new generation is discovering his teachings through digital archives, documentaries and dramatizations such as “Who Killed Malcolm X?” on Netflix. From university classrooms to protest marches, his speeches and writings continue to educate and electrify.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

Thunderstorms with penny-sized hail in Franklin County Sunday, gusts may reach 40 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:26 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until Monday at 12:15 a.m. for Franklin County.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are foreseen.

“At 11:26 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northwest of Hackleburg, or 13 miles north of Hamilton, moving east at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Hodges, Atwood, Isbell, Duketon, Spruce Pine, Russellville, Rockwood, Phil Campbell, Vina and Little Bear Creek Reservoir.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm 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.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

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 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 shelter promptly in a safe location, 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 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 wooded 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 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. 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.

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:

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:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility

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:

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.

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.

General

Alabama school system delays start time due to storm damage

More than a dozen Tuscaloosa County schools will operate on a two-hour delay Monday (May 19).

All Tuscaloosa schools in the Northside and Tuscaloosa County High School attendance zones will be delayed due to ongoing storm clean up and to give buses more time to travel in these areas, the system said in a statement.

Storms rolled through Tuscaloosa Sunday morning, knocking down trees and power lines.

Bus pickup times will be delayed by two hours and some routes may take even longer due to low hanging limbs or power lines.

“If you live in the Northside or Tuscaloosa County High Attendance Zones and roads that you travel to school are closed, or you feel they are unsafe, your student’s absence will be excused for Monday, May 19,” the statement said.

Schools covered by the two-hour delay include:

Northside High
Northside Middle
Walker Elementary
Tuscaloosa County High
Echols Middle
Collins-Riverside Intermediate
Northport Intermediate
Huntington Place Elementary
Flatwoods Elementary
Northport Elementary
Crestmont Elementary
Faucett-Vestavia Elementary
Matthews Elementary

General

Things to know about Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden’s office said Sunday that he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and is reviewing treatment options with his doctors.

Biden was having increasing urinary symptoms and was seen last week by doctors who found a prostate nodule. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and the cancer cells have spread to the bone, his office said in a statement.

When caught early, prostate cancer is highly survivable, but it is also the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. About one in eight men will be diagnosed over their lifetime with prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Here are some things to know about prostate cancer that has spread.

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is part of the reproductive system in men. It makes fluid for semen. It’s located below the bladder and it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out through the penis.

How serious is Biden’s cancer?

Biden’s cancer has spread to the bone, his office said. That makes it more serious than localized or early-stage prostate cancer.

Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.

“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said.

What are the treatment options?

Prostate cancer can be treated with drugs that lower levels of hormones in the body or stop them from getting into prostate cancer cells. The drugs can slow down the growth of cancer cells.

“Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy,” Smith said.

What is a Gleason score?

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

By CARLA K. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

General

Regions Tradition goes to Monday finish to decide champion

Angel Cabrera and Jerry Kelly will start the final handful of holes at the Regions Tradition on Monday tied for the lead after severe weather affected the first major tournament of the PGA Tour Champions 2025 season on Sunday.

The fourth round started four hours late, and the course was cleared for another weather delay before the leaders even got to the first tee at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham on Sunday.

At about 7:40 p.m. CDT Sunday, the tournament was suspended because of darkness with 15 golfers still on the course.

Play will resume at 8 a.m. Monday. Golf Channel will televise the event.

Admission will be free for Monday’s tournament conclusion. Gates will open for fans at 7 a.m.

Kelly held the third-round lead after carding Saturday’s low score at 7-under-par 65 to move to 15 under for the tournament – one shot ahead of Y.E. Yang through 54 holes.

On Sunday, Cabrera was at 6 under with three holes remaining in his round to catch up to Kelly at 18 under. Kelly was 3 under for the final round through 14 holes.

The winner of the U.S. Open in 2007 and Masters in 2009, Cabrera briefly got a one-shot lead with birdies on seven of his first 13 holes on Sunday. But a three-putt bogey on the par-5 15th, which turned out to be Cabrera’s final hole on Sunday, put him back in a tie with Kelly.

Kelly bounced back from his first bogey in 41 holes – on the par-4 11th on Sunday – with a birdie on the par-5 13th.

Cabera went 2 under during the first three rounds on the 16th through 18th holes. Kelly has played the final four holes in 5 under through the first three rounds.

Playing with Kelly, Yang remains one shot off the lead heading to Monday.

Playing with Cabrera, Steven Alker is 2 off the lead at 3 under for the final round. Charlie Wi also is at 16 under for the tournament and has four holes remaining in his fourth round.

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

General

Why Alabama’s softball coach had to catch a ride to Rhoads Stadium for NCAA Tournament win

Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy had a problem. After overnight storms hit Tuscaloosa, he spent Sunday morning helping out his neighbors, who had a tree fall on their chimney.

At 9:30 a.m. CT, he checked his watch, a 1 p.m. NCAA Tournament regional matchup with Virginia Tech looming at Rhoads Stadium. After that, a dose of bad news.

“Somebody said, ‘Well the road is closed, you’re either gonna have to get a helicopter or get on a boat,’” Murphy said after the game. “And then I started to panic a little.”

Everything worked out for Murphy. One of his neighbors got on the phone and found someone with a car who could get close enough.

Then, the coach went on a journey.

“I walked about, I don’t know, a fourth of a mile up the road,” Murphy said. “Went through a ditch. Up a hill. Past the tree. Then got on the other side of it, and the buddy was there to pick me up.”

Once Murphy got to the stadium, the weather-related inconveniences didn’t stop. Just before the first pitch, lightning struck nearby, triggering a delay that lasted more than three hours as a rainstorm hit.

Finally, at 4:30 p.m., the game began. That worked out too, as the Crimson Tide took down the Hokies 3-2, advancing to the Norman super regional.

The win made for a third consecutive year of Alabama winning its home regional. The Tide has now advanced to the super regional round 19 of its last 20 tries.

“It’s expected,” Murphy said. “They (the players) know it. We know it. But outside of the program, this is a very difficult thing to do. I think we’ve had four losses, at home since 2005 in regional play. Think about that. We’ve been at home every single one. 20 years, four losses at home. So it’s a credit to the fans, to our young ladies who defend the home turf. They play their best at home and it’s an unbelievable stat.”

Virginia Tech didn’t make it easy. Neither team scored until the third inning, when Alabama put three runs on the board.

Lauren Johnson led the way offensively for UA, going 2-for-4 from the plate with two RBI.

“That’s my motto, short and sweet,” Johnson said afterward. “I just want to get things done for our program and for our team, and just put the ball in play. And good things happen, as you saw today.”

Alabama still led 3-0 at the beginning of the third, with starting pitcher Catelyn Riley remaining in the circle. She took a line drive to the shin, and eventually gave up a two-run homer, before Jocelyn Briski entered and got the save.

Riley still got the win, sending NCAA home-run leader Cori McMillan back to the dugout hitless three times in the process.

“The goal is to get 21 outs as quick as possible,” Riley said. “And letting your defense work for you. Because everyone knows, I’m not the biggest strikeout pitcher in the world. I’m gonna let our defense work and trust them to get outs, and that is exactly what they did today.”

Alabama will head to Norman next weekend for the super regional, which will feature No. 2 Oklahoma playing at home. That’s a tall task, but Murphy said the Crimson Tide is packing enough to make the short drive to Oklahoma City without returning to Tuscaloosa before the Women’s College World Series.

But first, a more immediate challenge.

“Yeah, I don’t know how I’m getting home,” Murphy said. “Just thought of that. I don’t have a car.”

General

Search enters a third day for 7 New Orleans jail inmates who escaped through hole behind toilet

NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — At least a dozen law enforcement agencies entered the third day of a manhunt on Sunday for seven of the 10 men who escaped from a New Orleans jail by fleeing through a hole behind a toilet.

A spokesperson for the Louisiana State Police confirmed in an emailed statement that the seven men remained at large Sunday. It said that the agency was unable to provide details about the scope and target of the investigation for security reasons. The spokesperson added that a multiagency task force was scouring the region for the remaining fugitives.

In a separate statement, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on Sunday her office’s “main priority remains recovering the prisoners, protecting the public, securing and stabilizing the facility staff, and building.”

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry planned a news conference with law enforcement agencies to provide an update on the search.

At least one of the escaped inmates was captured based on a tip from the public, according to a statement from the FBI on the social media platform X. The reward for information leading to the capture of inmates still at large has been increased to $5,000 from the ATF in addition to $2,000 from Crimestoppers and $5,000 from the FBI.

The men range from 19 years old to 42, and face a variety of charges including aggravated assault, domestic abuse battery and murder. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick warned that the fugitives are dangerous in a news conference on Friday night but also urged the public “not to panic.”

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said the men were able to get out of the Orleans Justice Center because of “defective locks.” Hutson said she has continuously raised concerns about the locks to officials and, as recently as this week, advocated for money to fix the aged infrastructure.

General

UFL Week 8 roundup: Conference-championship matchups set

Week 8 of the United Football League‘s 2025 season set the matchups for the conference-championship games with two weekends still left in the regular season, and the league set where those games will be played.

In the UFL’s Week 8 games:

With 160 yards of offense, the Memphis Showboats scored a 24-22 overtime victory against the San Antonio Brahmas on Friday night. In a matchup of one-win teams, Memphis quarterback Troy Williams was 5-of-11 for 36 yards, but he completed a 2-point conversion pass after the game’s first touchdown – a 43-yard interception return by cornerback Cameron Dantzler – and two 2-pointers in overtime. Brahmas running back Jashaun Corbin rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries, but San Antonio quarterback Kevin Hogan threw three interceptions.
St. Louis running back Jacob Saylors rushed for 118 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown plunge and a 1-point conversion run with 3:03 remaining to set the final score, in the Battlehawks’ 29-28 victory over the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday. St. Louis overcame touchdown passes by Birmingham quarterback J’Mar Smith of 65 and 50 yards to Deon Cain and 47 yards to Cade Johnson. Battlehawks linebacker Callahan O’Reilly returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Stallions lost a fumble at the St. Louis 38-yard line with 16 seconds to play.
Houston quarterback Jalan McClendon threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, but the Roughnecks lost to the Michigan Panthers 30-18 on Saturday. Starting for Bryce Perkins, Panthers QB Danny Etling threw three touchdown passes. Michigan came up with an interception, fumble recovery and two fourth-down stops in the second half, and the Panthers wide receiver Xavier Malone returned a punt 88 yards to the Houston 1-yard line.
Cornerback Deandre Baker intercepted a pass at the DC 30-yard line on the game’s final play to seal the Defenders’ 33-30 victory over the Arlington Renegades on Sunday. Arlington QB Luis Perez threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns before the interception. DC quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns and caught a TD pass from wide receiver Chris Rowland. Running back Deon Jackson started the Defenders’ scoring with a 57-yard touchdown run.

The top two finishers in each conference will play in the postseason semifinals, with the winners of those games advancing to the UFL Championship Game on June 14 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.

Michigan’s victory sealed the postseason fate for three teams. It clinched playoff spots for the Panthers and the Stallions and eliminated the Roughnecks. Houston still could finish tied with Birmingham in the final standings, but the Stallions swept the two-game season series with the Roughnecks.

While Michigan has a one-game lead on Birmingham with two games to play, the Stallions are going to host the USFL Championship Game regardless of what happens during the next two weekends. The UFL announced on Saturday that the conference-title contest would be held at Protective Stadium on June 8 in Birmingham because of a scheduling conflict at the Panthers’ Ford Field.

DC and St. Louis are tied at the top of the XFL Conference at 6-2. The teams are scheduled to square off on May 30 in their regular-season finale. The Defenders defeated the Battlehawks 27-15 on April 15.

But none of that will determine where the XFL Conference Championship Game will be played. The UFL announced on Sunday that the XFL half of the league’s playoff bracket would be played on June 8 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis because of a scheduling conflict at the Defenders’ Audi Field.

Nineteen players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field during Week 8 games:

San Antonio Brahmas wide receiver Dee Anderson scores a touchdown during a UFL game against the Memphis Showboats on Friday, May 17, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Memphis Showboats 24, San Antonio Brahmas 22 (OT)

Dee Anderson (Alabama A&M) started at wide receiver for the Brahmas against the team that traded him to San Antonio during earlier this month. Anderson caught a 38-yard touchdown pass thrown by tight end Steven Stilianos as San Antonio cut Memphis’ lead to 11-6 with 3:52 left in the first half.

Isaiah Buggs (Alabama) started at defensive tackle for the Brahmas. Buggs made two tackles and recorded one sack.

Eric Garror (McGill-Toolen) started at cornerback for the Showboats. Garror made two tackles, broke up one pass and returned two punts for 46 yards.

Showboats wide receiver Eli Stove (Auburn) did not record any stats.

Showboats tight end Jay Jay Wilson (Auburn) had a 14-yard reception, lost a fumble and made two tackles.

St. Louis Battlehawks 29, Birmingham Stallions 28

Deonte Brown (Austin, Alabama) started at right guard for the Stallions.

Stallions cornerback Shyheim Carter (Alabama) did not record any stats.

Stallions long snapper William Mote (Spain Park) handled the snaps for four punts and three field goals.

Stallions guard Lachavious Simmons (Selma) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

Stallions wide receiver Marlon Williams (McGill-Toolen) had two receptions for 24 yards, returned two kickoffs for 43 yards and made one tackle.

Michigan Panthers 30, Houston Roughnecks 18

Roughnecks middle linebacker Christopher Allen (Alabama) made two tackles.

Panthers offensive tackle Cam Carter (Minor) did not record any stats.

Panthers outside linebacker De’Gabriel Floyd (Alabama A&M) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

Roughnecks cornerback Keenan Isaac (Midfield, Alabama State) was designated as a game-day inactive because of a shoulder injury.

Roughnecks center Avery Jones (Auburn) did not record any stats.

Garrett Marino (UAB) started at defensive tackle for the Panthers. Marino made five tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.

Roughnecks punter Mike Rivers (Troy) had a 48-yard punt returned 88 yards to the Houston 1-yard line.

Panthers defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth (Murphy) made two tackles.

DC Defenders long snapper Trae Barry signs autographs before a UFL game against the Arlington Renegades on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Audi Field in Washington.(Photo by Samuel Corum/UFL/Getty Images)

DC Defenders 33, Arlington Renegades 30

Defenders long snapper/tight end Trae Barry (Spanish Fort, Jacksonville State) handled the snaps for four punts.

Defenders guard Gunner Britton (Auburn) did not record any stats.

Sal Cannella (Auburn) started at tight end for the Renegades. Cannella caught six passes for 64 yards and scored on a 1-point conversion reception with 3:54 remaining.

Tykeem Doss (Aliceville) started at left guard for the Defenders.

Defenders wide receiver Seth Williams (Paul Bryant, Auburn) was designated as a game-day inactive. Williams signed with DC on Tuesday.

In Week 9 of the UFL season (with all times Central):

The Battlehawks (6-2) and Brahmas (1-7) play at 7 p.m. Friday at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. FOX will televise the game.
The Renegades (3-5) and Showboats (2-6) play at 11 a.m. Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. ABC will televise the game.
The Panthers (6-2) and Stallions (5-3) play at 2 p.m. Saturday at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. ABC will televise the game.
The Defenders (6-2) and Roughnecks (3-5) play at 3 p.m. Sunday at TDECU Stadium in Houston. FOX will televise the game.

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

General

Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail in Chilton County Sunday, gusts may reach 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Sunday at 3:37 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. for Chilton County.

The storms could bring marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 3:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Clanton, moving east at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Lomax, Mitchell Lake, Gap Of The Mountain, Clanton, I 65 Rest Area, Mitchell Dam, Higgins Ferry Park and Thorsby.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account 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’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 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 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 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. 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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents 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:

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.

Prioritize visibility

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:

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.

General

Ex-president Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones

Former president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

Biden’s diagnosis was confirmed in a statement from his personal office.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement added.

Biden and his family are “reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” the statement said.

Earlier this week, a small nodule was found in the 82-year-old president’s prostate.

In February 2023, while in office, Biden had cancerous lesions removed from his chest. Before taking office, he had several non-melanoma skin cancers removed.

A year later, President Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee, was deemed “fit to serve” during a physical exam. Biden later exited the race to make way for eventual Democratic nominee Kamala Harris who lost to Donald Trump in the November 2024 election.

Biden left office on Jan. 20, 2025 as the oldest sitting president. He will turn 83 on Nov. 20, 2025.