Alabama News

General News

General

Dear Annie: I’m struggling with trust issues in my relationship

Dear Annie: I love my boyfriend, “Tom,” with all my heart. We’ve been together for almost two years, and he’s never given me a reason not to trust him. But lately, I’ve been struggling with doubt and insecurity, and I hate feeling this way.

A few nights ago, we were out to dinner when his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, smiled and quickly put it face down on the table. It was probably nothing, but my mind instantly spiraled — was he talking to someone else? Was he hiding something? I didn’t say anything in the moment, but the doubt lingered. Now, I find myself paying attention to things I never used to — who he’s texting, whether he seems distant, little things that wouldn’t have mattered to me before.

I don’t want to let these thoughts take over. Tom has always been honest and loving, and I know I have no real reason to worry. But how do I stop these insecurities from creeping in and ruining something good? I want to trust him fully, but sometimes, my mind won’t let me.

Dear Reader: It’s natural to feel moments of insecurity, but don’t let them overshadow the trust and love you share with Tom. Your doubts aren’t based on his actions but on overthinking, which can spiral if left unchecked.

Instead of holding it in, have an open, calm conversation — something like, “I’ve been feeling a little insecure lately, and I don’t want it to come between us.” This invites reassurance without accusation. Also, reflect on where these feelings stem from — past experiences, fear of vulnerability or something else.

Trust is a choice, not about knowing everything but believing in what you’ve built together. Don’t let fear steal your happiness.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Cold weather advisory for South Alabama for Thursday

On Wednesday at 2:15 a.m. a cold weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Thursday between midnight and 9 a.m. for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Escambia, Covington, Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service adds, “Very cold wind chills as low as 10 above expected.”

“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of subfreezing temperatures could cause pipes to burst,” adds the weather service. “Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.”

Understanding cold weather alerts

Cold weather advisory: Be Aware. A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

Extreme cold warning: Take Action! An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an extreme cold warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.

Extreme cold watch: Be Prepared. An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.

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

Dear Annie: What is my husband not telling me about our money?

Dear Annie: I’ve been married for over 20 years, and my husband has always handled our finances. I trusted him to take care of everything, but recently, I’ve started to feel uneasy.

When I ask about our savings, bills or retirement plans, he either brushes me off or gives vague answers. I don’t know if he’s hiding something or if he just doesn’t think I need to know.

I don’t want to accuse him of anything, but I also don’t want to be in the dark about our financial situation. What if something happens to him? How do I bring this up without starting a fight or making him feel like I don’t trust him? — Feeling Left Out in Finances

Dear Feeling Left Out: It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling uneasy. Marriage is a partnership, and that includes finances. You’re not wrong to want to know where you stand, and your husband shouldn’t see that as a challenge; it’s simply good sense.

The best way to approach this is with warmth, not accusation. Pick a calm moment and say something like, “I’d really like us to go over our finances together so I can feel more secure about our future. Can we sit down and review everything?” This keeps the conversation from feeling like an interrogation and instead frames it as teamwork.

If he brushes you off, gently but firmly remind him that as his wife, you need to be informed. If something were to happen to him, would you even know where to begin? A responsible marriage means ensuring both partners have access to important financial details.

If he continues to resist, there may be a deeper issue — whether it’s discomfort discussing money, financial mismanagement or something he’s afraid to reveal. In that case, it might help to bring in a neutral third party, like a financial adviser, to make sure everything is in order.

This isn’t about trust; it’s about security. Every spouse deserves financial transparency, and you have every right to feel informed and prepared.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

General

Asking Eric: Not sure how to deal with spouse’s impulse purchases

Dear Eric: My husband and I (second marriage) had a disagreement earlier today, and I would love your help. I admit I am particular about the items I purchase for my home, and I would like to help choose. We don’t need things very often, but I do like to give input on things before he buys them regarding color/style. He buys tools and things he uses, and I am fine not being involved with that. But if it is something more decorative or a shared item for the kitchen, then I would like to be involved.

For example, he purchased a wall clock for the kitchen that I don’t like, a desk chair in the den that is OK, and a new frying pan. I have not asked him to send anything back, but he will tell me he ordered something, and he hopes I like it after the item is already on the way.

Today it was the frying pan (it’s brown and doesn’t match any other cookware). I asked him if I could, please, help next time. (I was home. He could have asked.) I know he doesn’t care about the aesthetics of items, but I do. He says not being able to just buy something makes him feel he has no independence, and he was annoyed. I apologized for being particular, but I just like things that match my style.

I need to just let this go, right?

– Pouting After a Purchase

Dear Purchase: Yes, letting it go is going to help you both move forward. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to want him to collaborate with you on shared purchases. His response indicates he feels he needs your permission, as someone who has more of an eye. And maybe that’s the dynamic. But if he doesn’t care about aesthetics, but knows you both need a new frying pan, for instance, what’s the harm of saying “do you like the way this one looks?”

You might tell him that you don’t mean to pass judgment on his purchases, and you really are just trying to create a visually cohesive living environment. From there you can both talk through how future purchases might be made in a way that keeps him feeling empowered and keeps you from having to look at a wall clock that you think is ugly whenever you want to know the time.

For some people, the style and aesthetics of the home is an extension of the stability and happiness of said home. Your style is important to you. And because it’s important to you, it should be important, in a different way, to your husband. He can buy whatever he wants, whenever he wants. But when he does, he should take the opportunity to continue to build this home with you.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

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

General

Cold weather advisory for Southeast Alabama for Thursday

On Wednesday at 12:51 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory valid for Thursday between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Coffee, Dale, Henry, Geneva and Houston counties.

The weather service comments, “Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.”

Understanding cold weather alerts

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

Asking Eric: Facing a terminal illness, woman battles loneliness

Dear Eric: I am a 47-year-old woman and was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness three years ago after several years of investigations. I have a rough time frame of six to 10 years. I have no family and no close friends. The only person I see is my neighbor who is also my cleaner, but that’s the only time I see her. I am totally alone, lonely and desperate and don’t know where to go or what to do.

– Need Company

Dear Company: I’m so sorry. The isolation you’re feeling and the illness you’re navigating likely make it very hard to feel hope. I’m glad you reached out.

Even though your illness is rare, you’re not alone in what you’re feeling, and it will help to share some of your emotional journey – the difficult and the good – with others who understand. Please look into support groups for people navigating life-threatening and terminal illnesses. Groups like these can also help foster friendships and help you feel less alone.

But your life is more than your illness, all-encompassing as it may be. Think about what you like to do – hobbies, causes you support, things you’ve always wanted to learn – and commit to exploring one or more of them. This might look like volunteering; it might look like taking a class online or in-person, if possible. It’s important to affirm for yourself that what you care about or are curious about matters. And, by doing so, you’ll also come in contact with other people who share your interests and can help alleviate your sense of isolation.

I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you. So many of us struggle to overcome social isolation even without the added pain of a terminal illness. But this moment is not the end of the road for you. Please try one small option at a time – searching for a group, signing up for a class. Even the act of trying can help ignite a spark of hope.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

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

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: Feb. 19, 2025

It’s said that we become the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Early in Pisces season, we’re reminded of our impressionability, how easily we absorb the energies of those around us. These relationships shape us, and with that comes responsibility — especially to set a good example for those who look to us, like our children.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Give yourself some well-deserved grace as you reflect on interactions. See the nuances in what happened. Notice patterns, both in how others engage and how you respond. The awareness will be powerful.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You can admire and see people in a certain way, and that can bring you pleasure even if they don’t reciprocate. Reciprocation is nice to have, but not having it is OK, too, because it’s your way of seeing others that you’re really in love with.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The excellent relationship experiences have taught you, but the not so excellent ones have taught you more. You’ll be reminded of both lessons and would do well to apply them to your current situation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Only you can determine what’s worth wanting for yourself, and with time, the answer may evolve in ways you never expected. Your desires are as dynamic as you are, shaped by growth, experience and the unfolding of life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Among the most satisfying forms of justice, poetic justice ranks high. When life rhymes — whether literally or figuratively — it feels like the universe is aligning, delivering outcomes meaningful and fitting, and with an unexpected twist of irony.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s a fine line between danger and opportunity, with each holding the potential to shape the other. Today, that line is blurred, and the thrill lies in not knowing which is which, making this a time full of exhilarating unpredictability.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Ambition can cloud your perspective, making you see what you want to be true rather than what actually is. But that vision is powerful. It’s the spark that drives you to turn what you dream into reality.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Bad manners come from the misinformed or poorly taught. Good manners are easily attained by those who ask the right questions and follow directions. You’ll navigate situations gracefully, gain what you need and build lasting bonds.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You crave quick answers and would love a guarantee, but that’s not in the cards today. This is the very beginning of a long story, and there are many clues in this part — foreshadowing, even.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Conflict isn’t a natural or comfortable space for you, and that’s not a flaw; it’s a reflection of your values and the kinds of relationships you cultivate, where harmony, mutual respect and kindness take precedence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The good things about you don’t disappear because of what you’re going through. Your capacity to love, your creativity, your ability to care for others — those things are always there.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You see beauty in your life and reflect it in the world around you — whether it’s through your actions, your intention or how you move in a room — shows such confidence and presence. A lot of people work their whole lives to find that, and you have it.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 19). You’ll be in environments that amplify what you are good at, that lift your effervescent spirit and attract your perfect team. Together you will be like a wave, moving the world with your energies, work, processes and products. More highlights: You’ll use your humor and charm, lifting spirits wherever you go. Also, family solidarity, celebration and truly fun competitions. Cancer and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 20, 15, 26 and 31.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Nicolaus Copernicus radically challenged the conventional understanding of the universe when he proposed the revolutionary theory that the Earth revolves around the sun — a concept that defied centuries of accepted belief. Copernicus was an ethereal and intuitive Piscean, with Mars in Aquarius, the sign of innovation and the future. His pioneering work paved the way for the scientific revolution, and his courage to embrace unconventional thinking continues to inspire those who dare to challenge the status quo.

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

‘President Musk’ and ‘a daily proctology exam’: 5 takeaways from Trump and Elon’s Sean Hannity interview

President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk discussed their quest to cut government waste, what they perceived as the left’s strategy to fracture their relationship and more in a sit-down interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that aired Tuesday night.

Here are five key takeaways from the Trump-Musk interview:

‘The people are smart’

Trump touched on Democrats suggesting that Musk is running the White House by calling the billionaire “President Musk,” adding that the moniker doesn’t bother him.

He suggested the tactic was aimed at driving a wedge between him and Musk, but Trump said he sees right through the strategy.

“Actually, Elon called me he said, You know theyre trying to drive us apart? I said, ‘absolutely,” Trump recalled to Hannity.

“They said, ‘we have breaking news. Donald Trump has ceded control of the presidency to Elon Musk. President Musk will be attended a cabinet meeting,” Trump said. “And I say, ‘It’s just so obvious.’ They’re just so bad at it … because if they were good at it I would have never been president.”

Trump said, “The people are smart, they get it.”

“They do, actually,” Musk replied.

Trump Derangement Syndrome

Musk, a former Democrat, had a unique way in explaining “Trump Derangement Syndrome” — a term used by the president’s supporters to describe the left’s criticisms of Trump.

Musk shared an anecdote of being at a party when he mentioned Trump’s name to Democratic supporters.

“It was like they got shot with a dart in the jugular that contained, like, methamphetamine and rabies,” Musk said. “They become completely irrational.”

‘I’m getting a daily proctology exam here’

Musk claimed that he would “recuse” himself from any DOGE or government operations that impact his business interests, adding that his partnership with the president doesn’t include any sweetheart deals.

“I haven’t asked the president for anything, ever,” Musk said.

The billionaire claimed the media scrutiny on DOGE prevents him from engaging in corruption.

“Obviously, I’m getting a daily proctology exam here,” he told Hannity. “You know, it’s not like I’ll be getting away with something in the dead of night.”

The media

Hardly ever does an interview with Trump go by without the president mentioning what he views as unfair media treatment.

In the interview that aired Tuesday night, the president continued his attack on the Fourth Estate, or “the enemy of the people” in his eyes.

“MSNBC, I don’t watch much,” Trump said, “but you have to watch the enemy on occasion.”

He claimed the left-leaning network and others who claim the president is pushing the country toward a constitutional crisis are being disingenuous.

“They couldn’t care less about the constitution,” he said. “CNN, likewise. I see them asking questions with such hatred. You see the bias. AP [Associated Press] is bad, CBS is terrible.”

‘A vast federal bureaucracy’

Musk pushed back against the criticisms of DOGE, including the notion that he has no business being involved in government policy without winning an election.

“I guess we must be going over the target or doing something right. They wouldn’t be complaining so much if we weren’t doing something useful,” he said.

“All we’re trying to do here is restore the will of the people through the president, and what we’re finding is that this unelected bureaucracy — speaking of unelected — there’s a vast federal bureaucracy that is implacably opposed to the president and the cabinet,” the billionaire continued.

“If the will of the president is not implemented and the president is representative of the people, that means the will of the people is not implemented.

“That means we don’t live in a democracy, it means we live in a bureaucracy,” he said.

“And so, what we’re seeing here is the thrashing of the bureaucracy as we’re trying to restore democracy and the will of the people.”

General

South Regional Boys: Jackson’s Hamilton helps Aggies advance past Orange Beach

Just when it seemed the Jackson High boys basketball team was being dragged into a minefield and a slow tempo it doesn’t like, Roderick Hamilton airlifted the Aggies out of early trouble Tuesday night and sent them back to Birmingham to pursue a second straight state championship.

Hamilton made four 3-pointers from the corner pocket in the second period after Jackson had fallen behind by 8 and went on to score 18 points to lead the No. 7-ranked Aggies to a 54-34 win over Orange Beach in the Class 4A South Regional finals at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery.

General

Alabama football FOX documentary: 5 things you’ll see in Episode 1

FOX Nation is about to release the first episode of a documentary about the 2024 Alabama football season.

The episode, which mainly focuses on the week of the Georgia game, runs about 47 minutes. It’s the first of six installments detailing Kalen DeBoer’s first season as coach of the Crimson Tide. “The Tides that Bind” was created by Wavelength, Walk-On Media and Caleb Castille, a former walk-on under Nick Saban. John Henion is the director and a producer. The episodes are set to be released weekly, starting We

AL.com had a chance to take an early look at the first episode. Here are some of the highlights of what viewers will see.

JaMarcus Shephard’s fiery coaching

Ryan Williams best described the co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach in September.

“The J does stand for juice in JaMarcus,” Williams told reporters. “He is full of energy.”

That was on display in this episode. It didn’t even take two minutes into the show. He was shown in the locker room before the Georgia game.

“Get pissed off now,” Shephard yelled at his receivers. “Don’t get pissed off later. Get pissed off now.”

A few moments later, the scene cuts to Shephard continuing to hype his players up.

“The fire is coming,” Shephard yelled. “And guess what? We are firemen.”

The episode also features Shephard working with his receivers in practice before the Georgia game and him instructing them in a meeting room. He didn’t hold back in his address featured in the meeting room.

“I’m tired of sugar coating s*** for people in this room anymore,” Shephard said. “I’m not sugar coating. It’s a tell-tale sign our two receivers who have the most production in the room are the two taking notes right now. It’s a tell-tale sign that’s how it is. I’m sick of this s***. The ball goes in the air, we’ve got to want it. Everybody wanna be cute. All these weak-ass haircuts y’all got. S*** all pristine and s***. Ain’t nobody got no dog in them.”

The two receivers taking notes that Shephard was talking about seemed to be Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, considering they led Alabama in receiving production during the year.

Shephard also discussed metrics from practice, such as who traveled the most during practice (tracked by GPS) and who ran the fastest. That day, it was Williams at 21.9 mph.

Shephard’s coaching might be the most entertaining part of the first episode.

Alabama wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard talks with the media following an NCAA college football practice, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP

The visit to practice from the Esco family

The most impactful part of the first installment came during a visit to practice from Tim and Marianne Esco. It had nothing to do with football.

TJ Esco, their son, died at 14 in August 2024 after about nine years fighting Leukemia.

Tim Esco, after practice one day during the prep for Georgia, told the story to the team about the time players Jalen Milroe, Kadyn Proctor and Tyler Booker came to visit TJ, who told his dad the players encouraged him not to give up. They also inspired him to do the longest workout he’d done in more than two months.

“I want to tell y’all, to whom much is given, much is required,” Tim Esco told the players. “Y’all have been given a lot. Y’all are representing every little kid that can’t come out. Look, y’all do not know how much y’all mean to people. Y’all have the ability to change lives. You did with my son.”

A curse word from Kalen DeBoer

A narrative emerged early in Kalen DeBoer’s tenure that he never curses. It’s based in some truth. He doesn’t use near as much colorful language as many in his profession do. But there’s not some ban on curse words in the building or even from DeBoer.

An early moment in the documentary showed DeBoer speaking to the team before the Georgia game, and it included a curse word, albeit not the most profane of them all.

“Be who we are,” DeBoer said. “When we’re at our best, we’re aggressive, we’re fundamental, we’re disciplined. We’re tough as hell.”

There was a pause, and DeBoer grinned. The locker room got loud, reacting to the coach dropping the rare curse word. The room had to get quiet so he could continue talking.

Alabama vs. Georgia 2024 — Jeff Springer, Associate Athletics Director, Equipment Operations, walks the field with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, center, before an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP

Tim Keenan III’s halftime statement

Alabama ended the first half of the Georgia game by earning an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after some pushing and shoving. The 15-yard penalty would be enforced on the kickoff to start the third quarter. Keenan, a veteran defensive tackle, made clear in the locker room that was not OK.

“Everybody stop right now,” Keenan yelled in the middle of the locker room. “We got a dumbass 15-yard penalty baby.

“Get this s*** right.”

Ryan Williams gets his first trading cards

Cameras captured Williams opening a box of his first trading cards, featuring a photo from the first touchdown catch of his collegiate career.

“That’s like my whole childhood, just going to the store,” Williams said. “I have friends that collect the cards like this … to see myself, I don’t even feel like it’s real. That’s me.”

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