Alabama News

Former Auburn center Dylan Cardwell will make his first appearance in a Sacramento Kings uniform on Thursday night in an NBA 2K26 Summer League game against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas.

“I’m just excited to play in general,” Cardwell said on Wednesday. “The pre-draft process, for me, was grueling because every day was a different team. And so now I have my own team. I’m on a team again. I’m just really excited about being on the team. And so I don’t care who we’re playing. We can play the Harlem Globetrotters for all I care. I’m just happy to be on the Sacramento Kings.”

Cardwell did not get drafted, but he’s a step ahead of most of the players on the rosters of the 30 NBA teams gathered for 11 days of summer-league competition. Those players are hoping to get an invitation to training camp.

The Kings signed Cardwell to a two-way contract, which will allow him to play for Sacramento’s NBA Gatorade League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, and be on call for the NBA team if needed.

Cardwell said signing with Sacramento was an easy choice.

“They believed in me,” Cardwell said. “They’re the only team to offer me a two-way out of, I guess, undrafted free agency. And it showed me they had a deep belief in me. And I don’t really care where I’m at. I just want to go where I’m appreciated and where they see a future for me. And so I feel like, you know, (Kings general manager) Scott Perry, (assistant general manager) B.J. Armstrong, they believed in me. And so I’m going to work every day to pay them back.”

Cardwell said the Kings executives have told him they want to see “professionalism, grit, determination, accountability, really just being a vet pretty much. I’m 23, but I can’t afford to come in here like a rookie. I have to be pretty mature. And that’s my five years at Auburn. Bringing my maturity and physicality, toughness, rebounding, energy, just being the ultimate glue guy.”

Cardwell helped Auburn reach the Final Four of the NCAA tournament last season, but he averaged scoring only 5.0 points per game. Cardwell said he is using Ben Wallace from Central High School in Hayneville as his NBA blueprint. Wallace averaged 5.7 points per game during a 16-season NBA career, but he is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame because of his defensive and rebounding contributions.

“My role is energy, rebounding and defense, toughness and physicality,” Cardwell said. “And I try to be the Ben Wallace of this team. …

“Playing defense, make them feel us. That’s our slogan. It’s MTFU — make them feel us. We want to be on the ball. We want to guard the ball 94 feet.”

Cardwell said in Sacramento’s preparation for its NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule, he’d learned the basketball moves up and down those 94 feet quickly in the NBA.

“Oh, man, pace,” Cardwell said about the difference between NBA and college basketball. “That was the wakeup call this week. You know, (Kings summer-league coach Dipesh Mistry)’s done a great job of integrating it into the team. But when I was at Auburn, we were one of the slowest paces in the country. …

“Here in the NBA, they’re prioritizing getting up and down for more possessions. And so that’s probably the biggest difference for me. Vegas is going to be a track meet. And so it’s about getting in the best shape.”

A draw placed the Kings in the NBA 2K26 Summer League group with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. Sacramento will play each of those teams in Las Vegas, starting with the Magic at 6:30 p.m. CDT Thursday.

The group results will lead to a fifth game for each of the 30 teams, and the two teams with the best showings will play for the league championship at 9 p.m. July 20.

“I heard it’s like AAU,” Cardwell said. “You know, it’s a small amount of warmup time for the tournament, so everybody’s on the sideline with their slides, ready to go hoop. And so I’m excited for that. And then to see my (Auburn) teammates — Johni Broome and Miles Kelly, Chaney Johnson, Denver Jones, Jaylin Williams. I’m excited to see my guys again.”

Players from Alabama high schools and colleges on NBA 2K26 Summer League rosters include:

• Forward Brooks Barnhizer (Alma Bryant High School), Oklahoma City Thunder. Barnhizer joined the Thunder from Northwestern in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
• Center Garrison Brooks (Auburn High School), Detroit Pistons. Brooks played for Wolves Twinsbet in the Lithuanian Basketball League last season.
• Forward Johni Broome (Auburn), Philadelphia 76ers. Broome joined the 76ers in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
• Forward Kobe Brown (Lee High School in Huntsville), Los Angeles Clippers. Brown played for the Clippers of the NBA and San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League last season.
• Guard Jaden Campbell (Samford), New York Knicks. Campbell played for USK Praha of the Czech Republic National Basketball League last season.
• Center Dylan Cardwell (Auburn), Sacramento Kings. Cardwell signed a two-way contract with the Kings as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Aaron Estrada (Alabama), Memphis Grizzlies. Estrada played for the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League last season.
• Center Trey Jemison (Hoover High School, UAB), Los Angeles Lakers. Jemison played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers of the NBA and South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League last season.
• Guard Chaney Johnson (Thompson High School in Alabaster, Auburn), Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson signed with the Cavaliers as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Denver Jones (Buckhorn High School, Auburn), Cleveland Cavaliers. Jones signed with the Cavaliers as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Miles Kelly (Auburn), Dallas Mavericks. Kelly signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Kira Lewis Jr. (Hazel Green High School, Alabama), Miami Heat. Lewis played for the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League last season.
• Guard TJ Madlock (Alabama State), Detroit Pistons. Madlock signed with the Pistons as a rookie free agent.
• Forward Grant Nelson (Alabama), Brooklyn Nets. Nelson signed with the Nets as a rookie free agent.
• Center Clifford Omoruyi (Alabama), Toronto Raptors. Omoruyi signed with the Raptors as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Josh Primo (Alabama), Chicago Bulls. Primo played for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League during the 2023-24 season.
• Guard Mark Sears (Muscle Shoals High School, Alabama), Milwaukee Bucks. Sears signed a two-way contract with the Bucks as a rookie free agent.
• Guard Jaden Shackelford (Alabama), Golden State Warriors. Shackelford played for the Valley Suns of the NBA G League last season.
• Forward Jaylin Williams (Auburn), Dallas Mavericks. Williams played for the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League last season. Williams played on Friday for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, as he has in every game for the team in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
• Guard Chris Youngblood (Alabama), Oklahoma City Thunder. Youngblood signed with the Thunder as a rookie free agent.

Eight teams got a jump on the rest of the NBA 2K26 Summer League field by participating in three-day summer leagues in the past week. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs played in the California Classic Summer League in San Francisco, and the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz played in the Salt Lake City Summer League.

DeMarre Carroll will serve as the coach of the Phoenix Suns’ NBA 2K26 Summer League team. A former prep standout at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham who played 11 seasons in the NBA, Carroll is as assistant on the staff of new Phoenix coach Jordan Ott.

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

The National Weather Service issued a report at 11:20 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until noon for DeKalb County.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 11:20 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Fyffe, or near Rainsville, moving east at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Fort Payne, Rainsville, Sylvania, Fyffe, Powell, Geraldine, Valley Head, Hammondville, Mentone and Pine Ridge.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

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.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 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, 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 rapid water flow:

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:

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:

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

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:

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.

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.

Walmart just slashed the price of the best-selling GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker to its lowest ever during Walmart Deals Week, but this limited-time offer won’t last long.

During this major sales event, Walmart customers can score the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker + Side Tank for $394 instead of its typical $550 price tag. This last time this ice maker was on sale at Walmart, it was listed for $435, which means this new deal features an additional $44 discount, a $154 markdown overall.

RELATED: Walmart is selling the $300 Blackstone ProSeries Grill for only $197

The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is considered the OG nugget ice maker. However, people continue to gravitate towards this brand despite the price (when not on sale) due to its compact size, stylish design and, most importantly, its ability to store the ice. Other cheaper models require you to transfer the ice to the freezer or it will melt. Not to mention, this particular model comes with a side tank which ensures three times more ice production.

The Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker is another notable model that stores the ice and also happens to be on sale this week for only $179, but it is much bigger and takes up more counter space compared to the Opal Nugget Ice Maker.

RELATED: The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker is only $179 during Walmart Deals Week

“Nugget Ice. Pellet ice. Drive-in ice. Whatever you call it, you know it’s ‘the good ice.’ Now that chewable ice is available from the convenience of your countertop with the Opal Ice Maker. It stores up to 3-lbs of ice at one time [and] comes with the side tank attachment for three times more ice production,“ the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker product description states.

“Built on the belief that modern life needs modern solutions. GE Profile Appliances are designed to make daily life simpler by incorporating cutting-edge features in every appliance. GE Profile’s sleek design and quality engineering will give your kitchen the most up-to-date look and the best innovative performance you’ve been looking for.”

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

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 11:19 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until noon for Morgan, Marshall and Cullman counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 11:18 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Arab, moving east at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Albertville, Boaz, Guntersville, Arab, Grant, Holly Pond, Baileyton, Union Grove, High Point and Horton.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. If on or near Lake Guntersville, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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.
• 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.
• 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, 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 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

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:

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 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 limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected 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.

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.

An elderly man is under arrest, accused of shooting at two repo men overnight in St. Clair County.

Allen Lane Thomas, 79, is charged with two counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call Chula Vista Drive in Pell City about midnight Wednesday.

Sheriff Billy Murray said two men with repossession orders went to a residence there and took possession of a vehicle.

As they were leaving with the vehicle, Murray said, Thomas exited the home and opened fire on them. The bullets struck the occupied tow truck, but no injuries were reported.

Thomas was taken into custody at the scene. He is being held in the St. Clair County Jail on bonds total $180,000.

Boccia, a game of strategy and precision played by athletes with disabilities, will bring the world back to Birmingham in summer 2026.

Hot off the completion of the World Police and Fire Games, that brought athletes from more than 70 countries, the Boccia International Sports Federation announced Birmingham as the host city for the World Boccia Challenger, scheduled for June 16 to 23, 2026. The event will be the first time since 2017 the United States has hosted a world event for boccia.

“It is our great honor to welcome the global boccia community to Birmingham, Alabama,” Dan Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in a statement.

“Hosting this important and impactful event reinforces Birmingham’s reputation as a premier sports destination, and provides an incredible opportunity to showcase our city’s signature hospitality, world-class venues and vibrant culture.”

Boccia, an adapted version of bocce, became a Paralympic sport in 1984 and has become one of the fastest-growing Paralympic sports practiced in more than 50 countries worldwide, according to the Boccia International Sports Federation.

The Birmingham event will bring together athletes from around the globe where competitors can earn points toward qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The competition will be held at Lakeshore Foundation, an internationally recognized sports facility for people with disabilities and home for Boccia United States through the Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization.

“Lakeshore’s selection to host an international event on our home soil gives us an opportunity to highlight the outstanding facilities at Lakeshore and it gives us a great opportunity to work with city leaders to show off Birmingham as a vibrant and accessible host city,” Jen Allred, Lakeshore’s chief program officer, said in a statement.

“As the home for Boccia United States, we are excited for the opportunity.”

Birmingham will be placed on the world stage among other major cities such as Ryad, Saudi Arabia, Montreal, Canada and Seoul, South Korea which will also be hosting Boccia competitions in 2026.

The full list of 2026 World Boccia events includes:

• Ryad 2026 World Boccia Challenger, Saudi Arabia
• Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup, Canada
• Birmingham 2026 World Boccia Challenger, USA
• South American Para Games – Valledupar, Columbia
• Povoa 2026 World Boccia Cup – Portugal
• Astana 2026 World Boccia Cup, Kazakhstan
• Poznan 2026 World Boccia Challenger, Poland
• Seoul 2026 World Boccia Championships, South Korea
• Pilsen 2026 World Boccia Challenger, Czech Republic
• Asian Para Games – Nagoya, Japan
• Foz do Iguaçu 2026 World Boccia Cup, Brazil

A brand new season of the long-running reality series The Real Housewives of Orange County premieres on Bravo Thursday, July 10 at 9/8c.

Those interested in watching the upcoming season of the hit Bravo series can stream the season 19 premiere through Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial), Sling (50% off first month) or Peacock (next day).

What we know about RHOC season 19 ahead of premiere

The season 19 trailer of RHOC dropped July 5 and revealed juicy hints at what’s to come from the ladies in the upcoming season.

Throughout the trailer, viewers can see cast members participating in trips to New Orleans and Amsterdam. Also featured in the trailer are sit-downs of each woman participating in a polygraph test, which seems to ignite even more distrust among the housewives.

Those who catch the trailer ahead of the premiere also get a sneak peek at drama between Tamra and Gretchen and Tamra and Jennifer.

Along with issues within their own ‘tight-knit’ friend group, some of the ladies are also navigating relationship and family issues this season including Emily.

It was announced earlier this year that Emily and her husband, Shane, are working to navigate a health issue related to one of their twin sons, Luke. With the strain of the rare medical diagnosis clouding their minds, Emily finds her relationship with her husband slowly deteriorating.

During the season 19 premiere episode, several of the ladies’ update fans on where they currently are in their lives—and some include major developments.

Jenn continues prep for her upcoming wedding to Ryan Boyajian, all the while avoiding her ongoing feud with her former best friend, Tamra.

Meanwhile, Emily reveals more on her heartbreaking family issue, and Tamra opens up about her past trauma in therapy.

Meet the RHOC season 19 cast

Season 19 of the hit reality series sees the return of cast members Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti and Katie Ginella. Joining the housewives this season is Gretchen Rossi, a friend of the ladies.

How to watch RHOC season 19 without cable

Cord cutters interested in streaming the upcoming season of RHOC can find it available through Fubo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Fubo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription through their platform half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

The Real Housewives of Orange County is also available for streaming through Peacock. New episodes are available the day after they air on Bravo.

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. 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.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The 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 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’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Bravo. 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).

What is Peacock?

Peacock is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional cable. Users can stream hit movies and TV shows or explore a plethora of Peacock Originals.

Peacock currently offers two plans to choose from including their premium plan for $7.99 a month ($79.99 annually) and their premium plus plan for $13.99 a month ($139.99 annually).

The premium plan is the most popular package offering subscribers access to live sporting events, new and hit TV shows and movies, Peacock Originals and more.

Peacock’s premium plus plan comes with everything included in the premium plan along with the ability to download and watch select titles offline and the chance to stream your local NBC channels live at any time. Also, with the premium plus plan users can stream content without ad interruptions.

Donald Trump’s critics rolled their eyes after the president was in awe of an African leader’s “beautiful English,” apparently unaware that English is the foreign country’s official language.

“Such good English, such beautiful – where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Trump asked Liberian President Joseph Boakai during a lunch with African leaders in Washington on Wednesday.

“Where were you educated – where?” Trump asked Boakai. “In Liberia? Well, that’s very interesting.

“Beautiful English. I have people at this table that can’t speak nearly as well,” Trump continued.

English is the official language of Liberia, a west African nation formed by freed American and Caribbean slaves. Its capital, Monrovia, pays tribute to former U.S. President James Monroe, who provided federal government money for the then-settlement known as Liberia.

Trump’s apparent ignorance was the target of criticism on social media.

“I just can’t believe this is real life sometimes,” tweeted Adam Kinzinger, a former GOP congressman-turned-Trump critic. “Liberia speaks English, Donald.”

Liberal social media influencer Brian Krassenstein used all-caps to express his disappointment in Trump.

“NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT,” Krassenstein tweeted.

The Call to Activism X account called Trump’s faux pas a “completely embarrassing moment.”

“The world is watching America humiliate itself,” the account tweeted, adding a clown emoji.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Tex., said Trump exhibited “peak ignorance.”

“Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong, and every day he finds a new way to be embarrassing,” the congresswoman tweeted.

“Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English when it’s literally the official language is peak ignorance,” Crockett said. “I’m pretty sure being blatantly offensive is not how you go about conducting diplomacy…”

In the wake of Congress’ passage of President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending bill, experts and advocates warn that it could have dire consequences for Alabama’s tenuous rural healthcare situation.

The 900-page bill, dubbed “one big beautiful bill,” passed by Republican majorities in Congress over united opposition from Democrats, cuts federal spending for Medicaid and for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

The savings are intended to offset the extension of tax cuts from Trump’s first term, new tax breaks for individuals and businesses, and increased spending on defense, immigration enforcement, and border security.

Proponents of the bill, like Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, chairman of the Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund committee, say these are “much needed corrections.”

But Alabama Arise, a group which advocates for policies that benefit people in poverty, says the bill will be another drawback for the state’s struggling rural hospitals.

“In total, nearly 200,000 Alabamians could lose health coverage as a result of policy changes like these,” Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden wrote in a recent release.

“Those coverage losses likely will increase hospitals’ uncompensated care costs and make health care even less accessible in rural areas.”

Hyden added that “fourteen rural hospitals in our state have closed since 2010, and more than 20 others are at risk of closing.”

“When a hospital or clinic closes, it closes for everyone, regardless of their insurance status,” she wrote.

Medicaid expansion

Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, and other state legislators have tried addressing the state’s rural healthcare crisis during the legislative session, proposing solutions like improved tax credits for rural hospitals and establishing a tax-deductible fund to support rural hospitals, which have both passed the House chamber.

But instead of considering Medicaid expansion, which lawmakers and experts have said is a solution that would bring more substantial support to rural hospitals, Trump’s bill makes around $600 billion in cuts to Medicaid nationwide.

When Montgomery’s Jackson Hospital filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, officials stated that in 2023 alone the hospital spent over $45 million on the care of uninsured patients, according to a previous report from AL.com’s Savannah Tryens-Fernandes.

“This [Trump’s] budget plan…will remove the additional $619 million in federal incentives for the first two years of Medicaid expansion that Alabama left on the table,” Hyden wrote.

“That increases the chances that our state will continue to refuse to expand Medicaid, leaving hundreds of thousands of our neighbors stuck in the health coverage gap with no options to afford life-saving care.”

Wide reaching impact

In a recent interview with Alabama Political Reporter, Louise Norris, the lead writer for healthinsurance.org—an independent source on the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid policy, said that the ramifications of this bill will extend far beyond the state’s rural areas.

“In areas where rural hospitals close, you still have that ripple effect out to all the other hospitals because the patients who were going to those hospitals that end up closing—or nursing home, or skilled nursing facility—the still need care, so obviously there’s an extra burden on those patients to get to the next closest facility,” she said.

“But then there’s extra strain on those facilities because they have to absorb additional patients. So, it’s not just an issue of ‘are you in a community where facilities close or are you not?’ because of the ripple effect.”

Where do we go from here?

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who chairs the General Fund committee in the Alabama Senate, said last month that there is still not a full understanding of everything the bill does because some of it depends on new federal regulations that will be written.

“We won’t know that for another year,” he said.

But he added that he does not expect many to lose coverage because of the bill.

“The overall picture, I believe, is Alabama is going to be in fairly good shape,” he said.

“The doom and gloom I don’t think is going to hit the fan.”

It will take a few years for some provisions of Trump’s bill to take effect in full.

In that time Alabama Arise said its members and supporters will “continue urging our state’s congressional delegation to reverse this bill’s harmful provisions.”

“We also will continue working at the state level to advance public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians marginalized by poverty,” the release reads.

“That includes advocacy to close our state’s health coverage gap, to right the wrongs of our state’s upside-down tax system and to ensure that all Alabamians have the resources they need to survive and thrive.”

Like another certain Auburn fan, Charles Barkley doesn’t want Bruce Pearl to leave the Plains and seek to succeed a certain former Auburn coach in the U.S. Senate.

It’s been widely speculated that the Auburn basketball coach may step into the race, most likely as a Republican, to fill the seat slated to be vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.

Pearl has not publicly confirmed (nor denied) the buzz about entering the race, but Tuberville has, selfishly, said he doesn’t want Pearl to run. “I wouldn’t let him do it because he did such a good job at Auburn,” he said on a recent podcast. “We need him there.”

The topic came up in a recent conversation between Pearl and Barkley, says the Auburn alum and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Pearl, who’s built the Tigers into a national power in 11 seasons at Auburn, did not convey whether he’d yet made a decision.

“I respect and trust him. I just told him to do what he wants to do,” Barkley told me Wednesday while on his way to Lake Tahoe to play golf. “Obviously, he’s made Auburn basketball relevant, which makes me happy. I said, ‘Hey, man, as much as I love you being the head basketball coach at Auburn, you taking Auburn to two Final Fours, something I never thought would happen, but I do understand.’

“If he wants to run, I’m gonna support him 100%.”

What Barkley understands is that the new era of revenue-sharing in college sports has changed the game — and changed coaching. He cited several friends who are former college basketball coaches: Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), Jay Wright (Villanova), Tony Bennett (Virginia), and Jim Larrañaga (Miami), inferring they’re not unhappy about being off the sideline now.

“College sports have changed and have changed for the worse,” Barkley said. “Obviously, this (running for the U.S. Senate) is a unique opportunity. And I don’t know how this thing is going to turn out with college sports. You ask these coaches to go out and beg for $20 million a year for college kids. And basketball’s different than football, where at least you get a guy for three years. In basketball, you pay a great player millions of dollars, and he’s only going to be at your school for six months. I just don’t know how this thing is going to turn out.

“One thing I know about Bruce, he cares about his players,” Barkley continued. “He’s graduated 100% of the players who stayed in school for four years, and he’s proud of that. That was the first conversation we had when he first got the job. I said, ‘Hey, man, I want Auburn to be great in basketball. I really do. But my number one priority is these young Black kids getting their education. You’re gonna have a couple guys who go pro, but most of these guys are gonna have to go out and be grown men. So, I know he cares about people and players.”

Much of the speculation about Pearl seeking a new arena stems from the proliferation of political stances he’s made on social media — he’s got 174,000 followers on X — with most of them revealing his support for Israel and Donald Trump.

That has no sway regarding Barkley’s support for Pearl should he run.

“I’m not a Trump guy, but it’s not up to me to tell people they can’t vote for Trump,” Barkley said. “I don’t know who voted for Trump in my circle, but I’m pretty sure some of them did. I publicly supported Kamala [Harris] and had her husband on my podcast, and so I’m a Kamala guy, but I’m not stupid enough to think some of my rich friends didn’t vote for Trump. I’m not that stupid.”

While Pearl’s name recognition might certainly give him an immediate edge over other announced candidates, including Secretary of State Steve Marshall, there are hurdles. Topping the list is an Alabama Republican Party prohibition on political donations to candidates from opposing parties. Last year, Pearl contributed $1,000 to Democrat Shomari Figures, who won to represent Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District (the contribution was flagged by the American Israeli Public Affairs political action committee). He also gave $1,000 to North Carolina Democrat and U.S. Rep. Don Davis, who has publicly supported Israel.

State Republican Party bylaws say that any person who supports or donates to an opposing party candidate will be denied space on the state GOP ballot for six years. It would require a three-fourths vote of the state Republican Party’s Steering Committee or Candidate Committee to waive the prohibition to waive that prohibition.

Many believe the committee would not grant such a waiver. Yet, too, Barkley never thought Auburn would reach a Final Four.

“Him leaving would be a devastating blow for Auburn because his charisma and personality are what make Auburn basketball awesome,” Barkley said before pausing. “But I understand.”

Let’s be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at [email protected], and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.