Alabama News

General

Is Tommy Tuberville running to be Alabama’s next governor? Senator ‘still praying’ about 2026

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the former Auburn University football coach who was elected during his first political race five years ago, on Thursday downplayed reports he will run for governor.

Tuberville, a close ally of President Donald Trump, for months has been the focus of speculation about the 2026 race.

Yellowhammer News reported Tuberville “told a group of donors at a private event on Wednesday night that his mind is officially made up” and that he would run for governor rather than a second term in the U.S. Senate.

Tuberville, however, said he and his wife are still weighing their options.

“While I appreciate all the interest, Suzanne and I are still praying about how to best serve the people of Alabama. When I have an official announcement about my future, you’ll hear it directly from me,” Tuberville posted on social media.

Tuberville, 70, would be a formidable candidate if he runs to replace Gov. Kay Ivey, who cannot seek a third term.

“I’ve had numerous conversations with Senator Tuberville. I think his heart is to come back to Alabama and run for governor. So, it would not surprise me at all if that was his final decision,” John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party told AL.com on Thursday.

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate abandoned his plans to run for governor amid speculation Tuberville will enter the race and is mulling a run for lieutenant governor.

Pate said he and his wife spoke to Tuberville on Saturday.

“He needs to make his own announcement, but I was convinced enough I have been telling people I was running for lieutenant governor over the last two to three days,” Pate told AL.com.

“I told (Secretary of State) Wes Allen. I’m confident. I was talking to my wife and she was part of the conversation with Tuberville and she is encouraging me to get a job or run for something and not to be at the house under her foot all day,” Pate said.

The head football coach at Auburn from 1999 to 2008, Tuberville compiled a 159-99 record in 21 seasons as a head coach, including 14 in the SEC.

He guided the Tigers to an 85-40 record over 10 seasons. Auburn went 13-0 under Tuberville in 2004, including a 38-28 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Championship Game.

Tuberville entered politics when he led a seven-candidate field in the 2020 Republican Senate primary.

After picking up an endorsement from Trump, Tuberville decisively defeated Jeff Sessions in the GOP runoff, receiving 61% of the vote.

Sessions was trying to regain the seat he held for 20 years before leaving it to accept Trump’s appointment as attorney general.

Tuberville then easily defeated Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the November 2020 general election.

Tuberville’s name recognition from a decade at Auburn, and his alliance with Trump, would make him hard to beat in the gubernatorial race or any statewide election, experts say.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who is considering a run for governor next year, has said that Tuberville’s decision on whether to enter the race would not affect his plans.

“Sen. Tuberville, he’s done a good job,” Ainsworth has said. “But that doesn’t have any impact on my decision.”

Questions about Tuberville’s residency and whether it would affect the governor’s race in 2026, were raised during a March radio interview by state Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville.

“Owning a house in Alabama is not enough,” Givhan said. “You’ve got to live here seven years. You don’t have to live here a day to run for U.S. Senate. So that’s going to be a hurdle.”

“There’s no problem with that. We looked at that six, seven years ago. It’s just people that are probably, maybe, wanting to run for governor. Hey, if you want to run, go run on your abilities. Don’t try to trick somebody else. There’s nothing to that,” Tuberville said in response.

The subject of Tuberville’s residency came up during the 2020 Senate race when Sessions raised the issue of Tuberville’s residential property in the Florida panhandle.

AL.com reported at that time that Tuberville and his wife were both registered voters in Alabama, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

They also had owned a house in Auburn since March 31, 2017, according to Lee County property records reviewed by AL.com.

Although he is a fierce advocate for Trump, Tuberville has gone against his own party at times and found himself in the center of national controversies.

He stalled military promotions for 10 months in 2023 over a Pentagon policy covering travel costs for service members and their dependents who must cross state lines to receive abortions.

In 2022, while speaking at a Trump rally in Nevada, he said Democrats “want reparation because they think the people that do the crime are owed that.”

Tuberville later said via a spokesperson he meant that “the issue is crime, not race, but the liberal media is intent on helping Democrats remain in power.”

Tuberville and his wife Suzanne have two adult sons, Tucker and Troy.

Earlier this year, he told Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his confirmation hearing that they were expecting a granddaughter and said, “she’s not going to be a pincushion” for vaccinations.

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‘Teen Mom: The Next Chapter’ season 2 episode 28: How to watch, where to stream free

A brand new episode of the popular reality series Teen Mom: The Next Chapter premieres on MTV Thursday, April 24 at 8/7c.

On this week’s episode, Mackenzie decides to surprise her family with the big news that she’s pregnant with twins, and Ashley moves into a new home to escape memories of her past. Meanwhile, Leah helps the twins’ study to retake their driver’s permit test, and Ryan proposes to Amanda with Bentley’s help.

Where can I watch Teen Mom: The Next Chapter season 2?

Those interested in catching up with some of the Teen Mom franchise fan-favorites can stream the spinoff series even without access to traditional cable through Philo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream or Sling.

Philo, Fubo and DirecTV Stream all offer free trials to new subscribers, with Philo being the cheapest deal at just $28 a month after its free trial expires. Though Sling does not offer a free trial like the others, those who do commit to a paid subscription through Sling receive half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Philo?

Philo is known for being one of the cheapest streaming platforms in the space. Subscribers can access over 70 top TV channels such as MTV, TLC, BET, A&E, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

Explore Philo’s extensive library of hit TV shows and movies and customize your flow of content even more by including add-ons in your subscription.

Along with thousands of hours of content available for streaming, Philo users can take advantage of key features such as the unlimited DVR feature, which allows subscribers to record favorite content easily.

What is Fubo and DirecTV Stream?

Though Philo may be cheaper, both Fubo and DirecTV Stream are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services due to their collection of popular live TV channels and slew of helpful features.

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.

The DirecTV Stream 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 Stream 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 Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to stream live TV channels like MTV. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those interested in committing 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).

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Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Lawrence and Morgan counties Thursday – gusts could peak at 40 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 3:56 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. for Lawrence and Morgan counties.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are predicted.

“At 3:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Moulton, moving northeast at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Decatur, Trinity, Chalybeate Springs, Hillsboro, Moulton, Caddo, Basham and Wren.

According to the weather service, “Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures 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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’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 with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

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

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

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

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

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

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Flash flood warning in place for Lawrence County Thursday evening triggered by thunderstorms

A flash flood warning was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 3:50 p.m. in effect until 6:45 p.m. for Lawrence County.

“At 3:50 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain around the Moulton area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain has fallen with additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches possible. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” states the weather service. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Moulton, Wren, Landersville, Bankhead National Forest, Chalybeate Springs and Mt Hope.

The weather service adds, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the weather service for your safety

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the weather service. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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.

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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

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.
• 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.

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The XL Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute cordless vacuum is on sale, but only for a limited time

Dyson just dropped all new online deals on its popular cordless vacuums, including a major $150 discount on the highly-coveted Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute.

With an extra-large dirt bin and exceptionally long runtime of about 140 minutes, the Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute cordless vacuum is perfect for cleaning bigger messes. Not to mention, the also comes with an illuminating green light that reveals dirt, hair and dust that you may otherwise miss.

With this deal, Dyson customers can get the Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute for a discounted $899.99 compared it is normal $1,050 price tag. While still a high price, this particular Dyson vacuum is less of a hassle to deal with as it requires less emptying and charging.

RELATED: Walmart is offering an insane deal the Blackstone ProSeries XL Griddle

All product features included in the Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute are as follows:

• Dust detect sensor: Counts particles up to 15,000 times a second, adapting power to optimize suction and run time.
• 250 Air Watts of fade-free suction: Powered by a Dyson Gen5 Hyperdymium™ digital motor spinning at up to 135,000rpm.
• Up to 140 minutes’ run time: Advanced ten-cell, lithium-ion battery delivers fade-free suction. Swappable Click-in batteries extend run time.
• De-tangles and removes pet hair: Digital Motorbar™ XL cleaner head with Polycarbonate hair removal vanes to lift and spiral hair straight into the bin
• Illuminates dust on hard floors: The Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head reveals microscopic dust and dirt, so you don’t miss a thing.
• HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of microscopic particles: Advanced fully-sealed, whole-machine HEPA filtration system captures dust and seals in 99.99% of microscopic particles, allergens and even viruses¹ as small as 0.1 microns‡​
• Root Cyclone™ separation system: Dyson’s patented 14 cyclones capture and separate dust and debris, so there’s no loss of suction.
• LCD screen for instant feedback: Shows you what’s been removed in real-time, for scientific proof of a deep clean.⁺⁺
• Hygienic bin emptying: Point-and-shoot bin emptying drives dust deep into your bin – in one action. So you don’t touch the dirt.
• 25% wider head and 150% bigger bin: The extra large Digital Motorbar™ XL cleaner head better captures dirt and debris. And an even bigger bin helps to clean larger spaces.

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

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One of Alabama’s favorite home cooking restaurants just up and moved — but it’s still worth a trip

One of Alabama’s favorite meat-and-three/soul food restaurants has quietly reopened in a new location.

Supporters had to know something was up when a distinctive green cinder-block building on Mobile’s Spring Hill Avenue was painted white. Starting in March, social media posts and small signs in the windows advised fans that Mary’s Southern Cooking was moving from the Crichton location it had occupied since Mary Smith and her family opened it in 2011.

In recent days, operators posted that the restaurant was open for business at its new home in the PineBrook Shopping Center at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and McGregor Avenue. A visit on Wednesday found that even though temporary signage was just going up, patrons were having no trouble finding the place. Patrons began flooding in when the doors opened at 11, keeping a steady line for cafeteria-style service over the next hour.

A lot has changed with the shift from a standalone building to a strip-mall storefront. The parking lot at the old place was tight, and so was the interior. The new space is quite a bit larger, with plenty of tables and booths, and there’s acres of parking out front.

What hasn’t changed is the steam-table serving line, which immediately presents visitors with some hard, hard decisions. Entrée options on this particular day included chopped steak with peppers and onions (smothered in gravy and served over rice or potatoes as you like), barbecue chicken, baked chicken, fried chicken, turkey necks in gravy, red beans and smoked sausage, fried pork chops, grilled pork chops with peppers and onions and chicken tetrazzini.

There’s more, in a mouthwatering daily menu rundown posted on Facebook. The clip, punctuated with call-outs to regular customers, also covers the veggie options: Rice, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, corn, collard greens, candied yams, green beans, field peas and lima beans.

The new space feels like the business is still settling in, a feeling accentuated on Wednesday by the cherry picker that was parked out front, situating a new temporary banner right during the lunch rush. But a look over the serving line had the same effect it has always had at Mary’s: You’re immediately frustrated because you’re there for one lunch but you want to order three.

The chopped steak was better than chopped steak has any right to be, thanks to the level of care taken with the peppers and onions and a medium-weight gravy that was loaded with savory flavor without being overpoweringly heavy. A companion went with the fried chicken and found that it too measured up to high Mary’s standards, crispy on the outside with a light crust, but still juicy and tender inside.

The candied yams were exquisite, and the other sides we sampled – the mac & cheese, greens, sauteed cabbage and limas – all reflected the skill of a chef who knows flavor is something you bring out rather than something you dump in.

Yes, the departure of Mary’s leaves a gap in Crichton, and the fact that the building’s distinctive green paint job has been covered up serves as a pretty strong indication that there’s only going to be one Mary’s. (Efforts to reach Smith were pending as this story was published.) But early indications are that the food has survived the transition.

It also appears that the new location will be an attractive option for people working along the busy Airport Boulevard corridor, both for takeout and dining in. Based on Wednesday’s visit, it looks as if Mary’s hardly needs a big new sign over the entrance. Just wait until it gets one.

Mary’s Southern Cooking is at 3966-C Airport Blvd. in the PineBrook Shopping Center. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For updates on hours and daily offerings, visit facebook.com/MarysSouthernCooking.

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Jacksonville State basketball lands commitment from 2025 prep guard

Jacksonville State added one of the top seniors in the state of Kentucky on Thursday, landing the commitment of Adair County High School’s Connor Loy.

Loy also held a Division I offer from McNeese State, but elected for Jax State and Ray Harper, who has continued to recruit with his strong ties to the state of Kentucky.

A finalist for the state’s Mr. Basketball award, Loy averaged 20.2 points, 7.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds for Adair County as a senior, according to MaxPreps.

He finished his high school career with over 3,000 points across five seasons of basketball and was the state’s assists leader as a junior and senior for Adair County, claiming 5th Region Player of the Year honors.

Adair County finished the season 30-6 and claimed the state’s 5th Region championship to advance to the state tournament; the team would fall to Bowling Green in the Sweet 16.

Loy joins Central-Phenix City guard and November signee Jacoby Hill in the Gamecocks’ 2025 recruiting class.

Jax State finished last season 23-13 and as the Conference USA runner-up, advancing to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament after a first-round win against Georgia Tech and a loss to eventual tournament runner-up UC Irvine.

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Samford’s Creekside plan: 10-story hotel, traffic, salamander impact raise concern

Samford University’s planned 27-acre Creekside development adjacent to Homewood High School has raised concerns in Homewood about the impact of a 10-story hotel and shopping center development alongside Shades Creek that will impact the habitat of the spotted salamander.

“There’s a couple of compelling issues,” said Homewood City Council member Jennifer Andress, who expressed opposition to some elements of the plan. “We’ve got the environmental issues on the east side proposal and the neighborhood impact on the west side proposal.”

The planned development is a joint venture between Samford University, Landmark Development and Johnson Controls.

Robert Dunn, CEO of Landmark Development, presented the Creekside plan at the March 4 Homewood Planning Commission meeting, after a public presentation on March 3 at the Homewood Board of Education office.

“This really is a continuation of Samford’s master plan and the realization of the master plan,” Dunn said. Samford adopted its “Samford Horizons: A Blueprint for Tomorrow” master plan in 2023, but the university’s public web page on its Samford Horizons master plan does not appear to mention the Creekside development.

Dunn directed inquiries about the plan to a new web site, Creeksidehomewood.com.

“The plan has evolved as really all master plans evolve,” Dunn said. “The Creekside development is really the next stage of development that Samford has contemplated for some time.”

Landmark has been working on the plan with Samford “going back a couple years,” Dunn said.

Plans call for a pedestrian bridge across Lakeshore Parkway, linking Samford’s campus on the north side of Lakeshore to land it owns on the south side of Lakeshore. “To us, that’s one of the fundamental infrastructure elements that we want to see come together as part of this plan,” Dunn said.

The plan also calls for a turn lane, lane improvements on Lakeshore and signal timing adjustments to the traffic light at Samford’s campus entrance.

The plan requests rezoning to mixed use for the west section and institutional use for the east.

“We felt the best way to move forward on this is through a rezoning process and use the rezoning process for a robust community engagement,” Dunn said.

The plan calls for some student housing to be built for law students and college juniors and seniors south of Lakeshore.

The development would feature a pavilion with restaurants. “A draw to students, Samford, but also the high school,” Dunn said.

“This is community first,” Dunn said. “This is not College Town USA.”

Traffic concerns

Developers did a traffic impact analysis, Dunn said.

“Everyone has a concern of traffic,” he said. “We are certainly not interested in creating a development that struggles with traffic.”

There will be retail stores that draw some cars, and more than 300 parking spaces, but Samford students who now drive off campus may be able to walk on campus to the retail, offsetting traffic, he said.

“While we will generate new traffic, there are a number of mitigating factors,” Dunn said.

Reaction: Noise, light, salamanders

Dunn said the first public forum on Creekside was March 3.

After Dunn’s March 4 presentation to Homewood City Council, more than a dozen speakers voiced concerns over noise, light, traffic, impact on Homewood High School, and about the habitat of the salamanders.

“I am just shocked at how little reference has been made to the impact on Homewood High School,” said Laura Williams, a Homewood resident.

Jeff Baker, a Homewood resident who lives next to the Samford campus, said the planned Creekside development would create a noise and light nuisance.

Michelle Blackwood of Friends of Shades Creek said there are 8 to 9 species of salamanders that depend on the creek and a vernal pool that dries up in summer, where salamanders migrate and lay eggs.

She said their group first found out about the Creekside development plan on the first weekend of March.

If the development goes in it will likely destroy salamander habitat, she said. “They probably won’t exist,” she said. “I’m going to speak for the salamanders.”

Dunn said planners are looking for ways to “enhance, not degrade” the watershed.

“I’m not going to stand before you tonight and say we have the absolute solution,” Dunn said.

But developers may be able to improve the salamander migration situation, he said.

The developers are open to suggestions and want to work with the community, he said.

“It will be built over time,” Dunn said. “It will be built over phases.”

City planning commissioners delayed action on the plan.

Andress said the plan will come up next at Homewood’s Planning and Development Committee meeting on June 2.

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‘Trump 2028′ hats being sold in president’s company’s store, fueling third term speculation

Is Donald Trump serious? Or is he trolling while laughing all the way to the bank?

The president’s company fueled further speculation that Trump may run for a third term after a “Trump 2028″ hat launched Thursday in the Trump Organization’s online store.

“Make a statement with this Made in America Trump 2028 hat,” reads the product’s description. “Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat.”

Eric Trump, the president’s son, modeled the hat on social media:

While Trump has claimed that he has people looking at whether he can run for a third term in 2028, the Constitution plainly bars him from the nation’s highest office again.

The Trump 2028 hat marks the second time the president has tried to use headwear and politics to make money.

On Tuesday, the Trump Store began offering “Gulf of America” hats for sale.

Trump wore the hat, which reads “Gulf of America Yet Another Trump Development,” on Easter.

Recent polling shows Americans are strongly against Trump running in 2028.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed about three-fourths of respondents said they don’t want Trump seeking a third term.

A majority of Republicans — 54% — also said Trump should not run again.

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Grizzlies-Thunder free livestream: Where to watch NBA Playoffs game 3, TV, schedule

The No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies play against the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder in game 3 of their NBA Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 8:30 p.m. CT on TNT. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Thunder enter this matchup with a 2-0 series lead, as they defeated Memphis 118-99 last game. During the victory, three Oklahoma City players scored at least 20 points: Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. These three players combined to score 71 points last game, so they will try to perform similarly tonight.

Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in points during the regular season.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Grizzlies will need a great performance from their star guard Ja Morant. He scored 23 points last game, but he only shot 40% from the field. With this in mind, Morant will try to improve his offensive efficiency this evening.

Fans can watch game 3 of this NBA Playoff series for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

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