Alabama News

With Auburn football hitting recruiting lows this offseason, adding to their recent top 10 finishes in recruiting may seem like a longshot.

Auburn athletics director John Cohen addressed the current state of the Tigers 2026 recruiting class during last week’s coaches’ caravan.

“We feel like Aug. 1 is a big day coming up. For those of you who aren’t aware, and I’m sure you are aware, Aug. 1 is the first date that a prospective student athlete can receive an offer on paper. That’s a big day,” Cohen said.

“We at Auburn are going to take that very seriously. But we’re still going to win recruiting battles. We’re going to do it the right way. I can’t speak for the rest of the recruiting world, but I can tell you this, Auburn is going to do it the right way.”

The Tigers recruiting ranking currently sits 89th nationally, according to 247Sports.

Auburn had four players decommit in the last month and has seven players currently committed.

Here’s a current list of the Tigers 2026 commits:

• EDGE Hezekiah Harris, Jemison (Four-star)
• IOL Parker Pritchett, Carver (Ga.) (Three-star)
• S Wayne Henry, St. Frances Academy (Md.) (Three-star)
• RB Eric Perry, DeSoto Central (Miss.) (Three-star)
• OT Nikau Hepi, NFL Academy (London, EN) (three-star)
• QB Peyton Falzone, Nazareth (PA), (Four-star)
• WR Kentrell White, Midtown (Ga.). (Three-star)

With that Aug. 1. a few weeks away, Auburn could use several victories in the recruiting column.

Here’s a list of recruits Auburn should target:

Adam Balogoun-Ali, LB

A 6-foot-2 linebacker out of West Palm Beach, Florida. Balogoun-Ali is a four-star ranked as the No. 20 linebacker in the country and No. 46 player in Florida.

With his commitment scheduled for this week, many crystal balls predict the Tigers to land him over Missouri, Kentucky, Oklahoma and North Carolina.

Viliami Moala, DT

Despite not having Auburn or Alabama in his recruiting list. Moala moved from his home state of Oregon to play at Thompson high school for his senior season.

After his move to Alabama, Moala also reopened his recruitment following his de-commitment from Oregon. The 6-foot-2, 340-pounder ranks as the No. 3 prospect in Oregon and No. 58 DL in the 2026 cycle.

Jaquez Wilkes, DE

Wilkes is A 6-foot-4 edge out Wadley, Alabama with interest from Texas A&M. He finished with 104 total tackles with three going for loss last season.

He is set to make his final decision sometime in July with the Tigers being a strong favorite to land him over the Aggies.

Jase Mathews, WR

After losing commitments from three wide receivers, Auburn added Kentrel White to the 2026 recruiting haul over the weekend.

Mathews is a four star out of Leakesville, Mississippi with SEC interest from Ole Miss, LSU and Texas A&M. Last season he finished with 16 total touchdowns, and his decision day is set in August.

Wilson Zierer, OT

Zierer is ranked as a four-star and the No. 21 offensive tackle in the country, according to 247sports composite ranks.

He is the younger brother of former Auburn offensive tackle Killian Zierer.

Auburn is listed in Zierer’s final five schools with Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, and Wisconsin. His addition would boost the Tigers class on offense.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].

President Donald Trump accused a reporter of being disrespectful for asking Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein case “at a time like this.”

“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years,” Trump told the reporter Tuesday afternoon.

The president said media attention should be focused on the Texas flooding deaths and the cabinet meeting Trump was holding Tuesday.

“We have Texas, we have this … and are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable,” Trump said.

“I mean, I can’t believe you’re asking a questions on Epstein at a time like this when we’re having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened at Texas,” the president continued. “It just seems like a desecration.”

Bondi said she had no problem answering the reporters questions on whether Epstein worked for a U.S. or Israeli intelligence agency — Bondi said she would have to look into it — or why a minute was missing from the 11-hour jailhouse video released by authorities Monday.

The missing minute has fueled conspiracy theories that Epstein did not kill himself.

The attorney general said the minute gets erased every time the Federal Bureau of Prisons resets jail videos, so “every night should have the same minute missing.”

“So we’re looking for that video to release that as well to show that a minute is missing every night,” Bondi said. “And that’s it on Epstein.”

Bondi’s statements came a day after the Justice Department and the FBI said a list of Epstein’s clients does not exist despite Bondi confirming a client list during a Fox News interview in February.

Bondi claimed she misspoke during the interview and that she intended to say that files, not a a list of clients who received trafficked underage girls from Epstein, were on her desk.

Auburn football linebacker D’Angelo Barber was arrested on drug and possession charges in Dadeville, according to a press release from the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force.

Barber, 19, and Marcell Brewster, 19, were arrested during a traffic stop on US Highway 280 at 9 a.m. Monday morning, the release stated.

According to the release, the officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle during the stop, and located “a large amount of marijuana, a pistol, and US currency.”

Two and a half pounds of marijuana, THC vapes, digital scales, marijuana packaging, $1,897 in US currency, and a Glock 19 9mm pistol were recovered from the vehicle, the release stated.

Barber was charged with trafficking in marijuana, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Brewster was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Second Degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Barber was booked into the Tallapoosa County Jail at 10:46 a.m. on Monday. Bond is currently set at $28,500.

Auburn did not immediately respond when asked for comment on the arrest.

The investigation into the trafficking, possession and distribution of illegal narcotics is ongoing in Tallapoosa County.

The Tigers redshirt linebacker was a three-star commit in the 2024 recruiting class. Barber played high school at Clay-Chalkville and was a part of the 2023 Class 6A state championship team.

This story will be updated.

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 12:37 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 1:15 p.m. for Marshall County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 12:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Guntersville, moving east at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Albertville, Guntersville, McVille, Hustleville, Rabbit Town, Columbus City, Mountain View and Lake Guntersville St Park.

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

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures 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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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.
• 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 forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of 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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

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:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside 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 initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Pat Green‘s younger brother John Burgess is confirmed dead as a result of the Texas floods over the weekend.

KWTX reports Burgess and his wife, Julia Anderson Burgess, were staying with their two boys in an RV camp. According to KHOU, Julia Anderson Burgess has also died.

Both children are still missing.

On Monday, Green shared his family was grieving “a heartbreaking and deeply personal loss.”

“We are heartbroken and anxiously waiting for all of them to be found. Thank you for your prayers,” Green’s wife Kori said.

The family lives in Liberty, Texas, but were at the Blue Oak RV Park in Kerr County.

“My husband was in the water trying to ask them, ‘Please throw me your baby!’” RV Park owner Lorena Guillen told “The New York Post.” “The man was holding tight to his babies, and he just got swept away.”

The bodies of 30 children were among those that have been recovered in Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and several other summer camps near the river, Sheriff Larry Leitha said.

Nineteen deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, local officials said.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

For the third season in a row, New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2024. And for the third year in a row, the former Alabama All-American is included on “NFL Top 100” in 2025.

In its 15th year, “NFL Top 100” features a ranking for the league’s best 100 players as selected by the players for NFL Films.

On the 2025 list, Williams placed 87th in the voting, the NFL revealed on Tuesday.

Williams made his first appearance in the “Top 100” at No. 40 in 2023 and came in No. 37 in 2024.

In the 2024 season, Williams recorded 37 tackles, six sacks, eight tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits in 16 games.

RELATED: QUINNEN WILLIAMS HAS A CHANGE OF HEART ABOUT THE JETS’ 2025 OUTLOOK

Williams was a prep standout at Wenonah High School in Birmingham before winning the Outland Trophy with Crimson Tide as the nation’s best lineman in 2018.

Following a new digital-first format this year, “NFL Top 100” is being revealed two players at a time every weekday on the social-media platform X until Sept. 1, when the top 10 players for 2025, as selected by their peers, will be announced on NFL Network at 7 p.m. CDT.

Williams is the second Alabama alumnus to appear on this year’s rankings. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came in at No. 91.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

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

Kendra Scott has an amazing 20% off sale and here are our favorites

Kendra Scott’s jewelry is the perfect way to treat yourself. And now, for a limited time, you can score some favorites for less.

Kendra Scott has 20% off on fashion jewelry and Color Bar picks. The offer is good only for online purchases and you don’t want to wait long to score the deals.

Here are some of our favorites:

Crystal Letter Gold Short Pendant Necklace in White Crystal – Normally $60, now $48

Elaine Gold Adjustable Chain Bracelet – Normally $60, now $48

Elisa Gold Pendant Necklace – Available in a variety of colors, it’s normally $70 but is on sale for $56. Some colors are as low as $48.

Mini Elaina Gold Stretch Bracelet – Normally $60, the beaded bracelet is $48.

Mallory Rose Gold Multi Strand Necklace – On sale for $55.98, the two-strand set is normally $69.97.

Cailin Gold Huggie Earrings in Red Crystal – Normally $70, on sale for $56.

Brynne Shell Gold Stud Earrings – On sale for $60, they earrings are normally $75.

Kayla Mixed Metal Strand Necklace – The mixed-metal necklace is on sale for $68. It’s normally $85.

Grayson Gold Stone Stud Earrings – $70, normally $56

Krista Silver Bow Short Pendant Necklace in white mix – Normally $98, on sale for $78.40

Willa Gold Pearl Huggie Earrings in Freshwater Cultured Pearl – On sale for $60, normally $75

Courtney Paperclip Bracelet in Gold – On sale for $40, normally $50

Alexa Gold Statement Charm Necklace – On sale for $260, normally $325

Bianca Butterfly Gold Charm Necklace – Normally $125, on sale for $100

The shortest offseason in sports belongs to the NBA, as things move very quickly following the end of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder just won the NBA Finals, with the draft taking place just three days later.

Another major milestone of the NBA offseason will be this weekend, as the Summer League will take place. A showcase for younger players to earn a place on the regular season roster, the Summer League is essential for any major NBA fan.

To continue the Salt Lake City League, the aforementioned Thunder will take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. The Sixers’ electric rookie in VJ Edgecomb had a stellar outing in his first Summer League game over the weekend, posting 28 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Fans looking to watch the Thunder vs Sixers game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Thunder and Sixers tipoff tonight:

When: Monday, July 7, 2025

Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center Salt Lake City, UT

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Fans looking to watch the Thunder vs Sixers game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

A brand new season of the hit reality series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta premieres on MTV Tuesday, July 8 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to tune in for another season of drama can stream the hit MTV series through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta about?

For those unfamiliar with the long-running MTV series, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta is the second installment of the docu-soap franchise Love & Hip Hop. This installment takes viewers deep inside the rap game in Atlanta and highlights the city’s artists as they strive for stardom.

What we know about Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta season 13

According to the trailer and discourse online about the upcoming season, season 13 is set to center on the cast as they undergo drastic changes in their personal lives and feature seemingly constant relationship struggles.

The season 13 premiere episode introduces returning cast members back in the hustle and bustle in the 404. One of the most notable dramas addressed in the season 13 debut episode is Karlie’s recent split from her husband of two years, Teleau following domestic violence allegations. With the divorce proceedings still in the initial stages, Karlie is the talk of the town.

Meet the season 13 cast

• Ashley Conley
• Erica Dixon
• Bambi
• Jasmine Bleu
• Jessica White
• Erica Banks
• Karlie Redd
• Erica Racine
• Kendra Robinson
• Mendeecees
• Momma Dee
• Kirk Frost
• ZellSwag
• Lil Zane
• Rasheeda
• Saucy Santana
• Scrappy
• Renni Rucci
• Sierra Gates
• Spice
• Yung Joc
• Yandy

In addition to the familiar faces listed above, this season sports newcomers including Queen Key, Salma Slims and 24hrs.

How to watch Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta season 13

Cord cutters interested in watching the latest season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta can find it available for streaming through the streaming services listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month and one month free of AMC+ ($45.99 a month after first month)

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

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 MTV. 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).

An Alabama man is under arrest after authorities say he set fire to a house, killing three dogs that were inside.

Etowah County sheriff’s deputies, along with Ivalee and Gallant volunteer firefighters, responded July 2 to a structure fire on Rogers Road in the Ivalee community.

They arrived to find three dogs – a German Shepherd, a Dachshund and a Chihuahua – dead inside, according to court records.

Sheriff Jonathon Horton said Markus Robert Landrum, of Attalla, was on the scene. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Following a joint investigation by the sheriff’s detectives and the Etowah County Arson Task Force, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set.

The sheriff said evidence suggests the fire stemmed from a domestic-related incident.

Landrum, 25, is charged with arson and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. He is being held in the Etowah County Jail on bonds totaling $60,000.

“This is a deeply disturbing case that shows a blatant disregard for life and property,” Horton said. “We are thankful for the swift response from our local fire departments and our investigators who are working hard to ensure justice is served.”

“Cases involving intentional harm to animals and the reckless endangerment of others will always be treated with the utmost seriousness,” the sheriff said.

The investigation is ongoing.