Alabama News

Though crime remains the dominant political issue, education emerged as a central focus Tuesday as Mobile’s mayoral candidates connected youth violence to Alabama’s largest school system.

While the candidates acknowledged the city has little formal control over the school district, they argued the next mayor must engage with it anyway.

“How can we support our schools?” asked former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis. “It’s a county system. The mayor, some people might say, it’s not your problem. But it’s affecting the mayor of Mobile and that is the mayor’s job.”

From career tech to after-school programs, candidates at the 90-minute forum at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Midtown pointed to education as the key lever to pull if the city hopes to stem its surge in youth crime.

“The city is not nearly as involved in helping our school system as it should be. I’ll change that,” said Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson.

Still, exactly how a mayor could influence Alabama’s largest school district remains an open question. The Mobile County Public School System serves more than 50,000 students and operates independently from city government.

In recent years, security at schools and sports venues have brought the two government bodies together in purchasing security systems or sharing resources like police officers.

But publicly, the two sides are separate and are focused on different policy matters. A rare meeting at Government Plaza involving school administrators and the Mobile City Council to provide updates on career tech programs, among other things, was canceled last December. It has yet to be rescheduled.

None of the candidates talked about how they would work with the school board or the existing administration to make education a citywide priority. But they said that boosting opportunities, especially workforce development programs, was critical to reducing youth violence.

State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said that Mobile needs to create a “pipeline” for building trades and welders. She said that she has met with Superintendent Chresal Threadgill to discuss projects, including new programs bolstered with additional state funding this year.

“Training the kids to stay here, that’s my goal,” she said. “To make sure superior talent stays here.”

In calling education Mobile’s “primary problem,” Drummond also praised the school district’s Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) scores and advancements in Signature Academies and vocational education.

“We are building a system we can be proud of,” she said, but then added that “what we got to do in Mobile is we have to prop up our education system by any means necessary.”

Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said Mobile needs to follow Baldwin County’s lead in career preparation education. He repeatedly cited the Baldwin County School System’s $100 million preparatory academy as an example Mobile should follow. The Baldwin County school opened last summer and offers career tech and vocational education in Loxley.

The Baldwin County school offers a rare mix of competitive academics with real-world, on-the-job-training of specialized vocations including healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and creative fields.

“They have a $100 million facility now and they are training Baldwin County high school students who will be ready at graduation for jobs coming to Mobile and Baldwin counties,” Prine said. “There is no reason why the leadership of Mobile has not been ahead of this for the past 10 years.”

Other candidates also linked the two issues, emphasizing the importance of pushing for more vocational training within Mobile.

Cheriogotis, who was a district judge until resigning from the position to run for mayor in January, said he would often see young men in his courtroom who almost uniformly “shared a look of hopelessness” who couldn’t envision a future without crime.

“You don’t need a college degree to be successful in Mobile,” he said, adding that he wanted to build on the thousands of new blue-collar jobs being added within the city. “I want to see more of that happening in high school and more kids with electrician certificates.”

Hudson, who has approached the school board in the past for funding support for projects like a new aquatics center, said it was “incumbent for the city to be a strong partner with the Mobile County Public School System.”

She encouraged the city to work with local businesses and industry to grow their talent pools.

“We have a large community in Mobile of potential workers in our system,” she said. “We need to provide opportunities and make sure they are available to young people.”

Hudson, among the candidates, was the only one to offer a specific creation through city government – the addition of a new Department of Economic Revitalization. Though not directly related to education, the office would focus on boosting certain neighborhoods within the city, focusing on economic development initiatives.

“Until all areas of the city are thriving and doing well economically, then we are not doing well,” Hudson said. “This department would provide a plan to move forward to (improve) these areas.”

Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt criticized Democrats for what she said was their politicizing of the catastrophic Texas flooding that occurred last week.

Britt said “there will be time” later to investigate how more than 100 people were killed in the tragedy.

Britt, appearing on Fox News’ “Hannity,” said the questions are a symptom of “Trump derangement syndrome.”

“The fact that Democrats want to find some way to make this about Donald Trump, to take this moment and make this political, it’s got to stop,” Britt said.

“This nation has to heal, and behavior like this, and antics like this, have no place in America.”

Britt was responding to critics of the Trump Administration who have asked questions about how the flooding response may have been affected by cuts earlier this year to the National Weather Service, and also the response on the ground by the Federal Emergency Management Agency following the disaster.

Independent meteorologists and a former NWS official said warnings issued in the run-up to the flooding were about as timely and accurate as could be expected based on the data, according to NBC News.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer has demanded an investigation by the Commerce Department’s acting inspector general “into the scope, breadth, and ramifications of whether staffing shortages at key local National Weather Service (NWS) stations contributed to the catastrophic loss of life and property during the deadly flooding,” according to The New York Times.

Texas officials yesterday said Tuesday more than 160 people remain unaccounted for after flooding on the Guadalupe River on July 4.

One of the victims, Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook, was attending Camp Mystic, a Christian retreat near Hunt in Kerr County. Britt mentioned her, as well as Mobile couple Eddie Santana Sr., 69, and his wife, Ileana, 66, who are missing along with their daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

“I think what these families need are our prayers, our compassion, our love and support,” she said.

Britt said those who would criticize should instead lift up victim’s families, saying there will be investigations into what happened.

“I hope that every one of them have said these awful, deranged things look in the mirror and realize that’s not who we are,” she said.

“We’ve got to be human beings. Not everything has to be political. There will be time for us to figure out how we can do better, and do more, and prevent these tragedies in the future. And what they don’t realize is their toxicity is not normal, and it is not something we should tolerate in the United States of America,” Britt said.

This column originally appeared in Kyle Whitmire’s newsletter, Alabamafication. Sign up here to get it in your inbox for free.

I kinda love Jehovah’s Witnesses but I still keep my distance.

And that’s as close as I’m going to get to a joke, because regardless of what I or anyone thinks or says about those folks, at least they’re looking out for our souls.

The same for those Mormon kids on the bikes.

A lesson I’m trying to center in my life is to question ideas but not judge people’s intentions too harshly, at least when it comes to regular folks. If someone on a downtown street corner wants to keep me, a stranger, from burning forever in hell, that’s more than I’ll get from most. Certainly, from anyone in politics. There’s no shortage of political people inviting me to go there at the soonest opportunity.

Proselytizing has become a bad word. Evangelizing now is code language for mixing politics and religion.

And persuasion?

At some point, we seem to have given up.

The fact that there are t-shirts sold at political rallies that say “F–k your feelings!” is testament by itself that we’re tired of testifying. But even some who would never dream of donning one have slipped into some not dissimilar thinking.

Last month, New York Times columnist Ezra Klein interviewed Rep. Sarah McBride about how the trans rights movement has gone into the ditch. McBride is the first and only openly trans lawmaker in Congress, and the two of them bemoaned a common line of thought from the last decade or so. Klein said:

“It reminds me of a line that I hear less now, but I used to see it a lot, which is: It’s not my job to educate you.

“I always thought about that line because on one level, I understood it. It’s probably not your job to educate anyone.

“But if you’re in politics, if what you’re trying to do is political change, I always found that line to be almost antipolitical.

“That if what you want to do is change a law, change a society, change a heart, and you’re the one who wants to do it — well then, whose job is it? And who are you expecting to do it?”

While McBride was sensitive to people who are tired of giving their testimony, she too recognized the importance of trying to change hearts and minds:

“One of the problems we’ve had is that we’ve gone from: It’s not my job as an individual person who’s just trying to make it through the day to educate everyone — to: No one from that community should educate, and frankly, we should just stop having this conversation because the fact that we are having this conversation at all is hurtful and oppressive.

“Maybe it is hurtful, but you can’t foster social change if you don’t have a conversation.”

It’s an obvious idea that many have given up on: If you want to change the world, first you’ll have to change some minds. It’s exhausting work (and admittedly a lot easier for a smart-aleck Southern white boy to say). But for me, it is still a matter of faith: Persuasion matters.

The alternatives are acceptance and force, and both are unacceptable.

You can’t do it by court order, nor by calling in the National Guard. Force, in all its forms, is a shortcut. It’s easy but self-defeating.

Persuasion is hard but lasting. At its best, it’s everlasting.

And that involves talking to people rather than keeping our distance.

Excuse me. I think I hear a knock at my door.

First: Tell me how I did.

Then: Subscribe to ‘Alabamafication.’ It’s free.

THIS WILL BE ON THE TEST

🛑 Not everybody gets a second chance. After Leigh Gwathney joined the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, the state’s parole rate dropped so low that it once denied release to a dead man. Really. Rather than re-upping Gwathney for another term, this week, Gov. Kay Ivey left her … ahem … denied.

Gov. Kay Ivey replaces Alabama’s controversial parole board chair

[AL.com]

😮 Roy Wood Jr has the Blues. Country music is crowded with patriotic anthems, but why not R&B? Now that the July 4 fireworks are litter in the neighbor’s yard, Birmingham’s comedian laureate has a message Americans need to hear.

[Roy Wood Jr/X]

🫠 Found it! On one hand: Another national media outlet has discovered Unclaimed Baggage, the Scottsboro, Ala., outlet where lost luggage goes to be pilfered by savvy shoppers who know how to get to Scottsboro, Ala. On the other hand: Another national media outlet has discovered Unclaimed Baggage!

Your lost suitcase is probably in Alabama

[New York Magazine]

Kyle Whitmire is the Washington watchdog columnist for AL.com and winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize. ,

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No. 6 Novak Djokovic plays against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli in the Wimbledon quarterfinals today. The match is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. CT on ESPN 2. Fans can watch this match for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

Djokovic enters this matchup with a 4-0 record at Wimbledon, so he will look to continue his great play this morning. In his last match, Djokovic overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat No. 11 Alex de Minaur in four sets. If he performs similarly today, then Djokovic will likely reach the Wimbledon semifinals.

Notably, Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final last year.

Cobolli also has a 4-0 record at Wimbledon this year, so he will try to remain undefeated this morning.

In his third-round match, Cobolli was able to upset No. 15 Jakub Mensik in three sets. During the victory, Cobolli did not concede more than four games in a single set.

Cobolli had a much more competitive match in the Round of 16, but he was still able to earn the win in four sets. If he continues to play at a high level today, then Cobolli could knock off the sixth seed.

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Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

Our first statewide list focused on the best running backs in 6A. Our second list focuses on the best defensive linemen in 6A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, ALABAMA 6A

Courtney Acoff, jr., Bessemer City

A funny thing would happen last year when college scouts would come to Tigers games to watch highly touted class of 2026 prospect Emanuel Ruffin: They would leave with just as much interest in another defensive lineman whose name was unknown to them when they arrived. “Everybody was coming to look at Emanuel, but then they’d see Courtney, and they’d be like, ‘This kid here can really go! What grade is he in? This kid is different,’” Bessemer City coach Antonio Nelson said. Acoff is a nose tackle with impressive speed for his size. “He’s just one of those kids who has a motor,” Nelson said. “He’s exceptionally fast off the ball. And he can actually run. He’s fast and he can move. That’s what they really like about him.” What else does Nelson really like about him? “He’s got a great attitude, but he doesn’t really talk,” the coach said with a laugh. “He just puts his helmet on and goes to work. Every time I say something to him, he just nods his head up and down.”

Carson Ashley, sr., Gadsden City

Ashley plays left guard on offense and defensive tackle on defense. “He’s one of those high-energy guys who loves to compete and loves to do the dirty work,” Titans senior quarterback Kai Franklin said. “He just loves to get after it. He’s going to be a big impact player for us this year.”

Uriah Barginere, sr., Pelham

At 6 feet, 255 pounds, Barginere is a dominant force in the middle of the Panthers’ defense. “I don’t believe any lineman can handle him 1-on-1,” Pelham senior linebacker Joe Hampton said. “Strongest guy on the team with quick feet like a linebacker.” Equally impressive is his 4.5 GPA. “Definitely going to make a college team happy to have him on their roster,” Hampton added.

Dalton Buntain, sr., Hartselle

Buntain had a breakthrough junior season as the nose tackle for a defense that allowed 12.7 point per game (fifth in 6A) and recorded five shutouts. “He can eat up double teams and makes it hard to run in the middle,” Tigers coach Bert Newton said.

Kenderious Byrd, jr., Benjamin Russell

Byrd started for the Wildcats as a freshman and sophomore. “Very explosive defensive lineman,” Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson said. “His 6-foot, 250-pound frame has brought the big schools in.” Wildcats sophomore quarterback Kingston Preyear said Byrd’s combination of speed and strength sets him apart. “He can play anywhere on the defensive line and cause problems,” Preyear said. “He has a motor that runs all game long.”

Jackson Carlisle, sr., Central (Tuscaloosa)

Few defensive linemen in the state can match Carlisle’s explosiveness. He prides himself in being quick off the snap. “As far as my game, I base it solely on my get-off, because I believe that if I’m already in your face before you can get set, then I shouldn’t be blocked at all,” he said. Carlisle has gotten stronger this offseason and said he wants to implement “more power” in his game. He visited Boston College late in June and committed to the Eagles a few days later.

Mason Chandler, sr., Fort Payne

Chandler, a defensive end, set a Wildcats program single-season record with eight sacks last year. After an offseason in which he improved his speed by running track and was busy on the camp circuit, it seems likely he’ll re-set the record as a senior.

Vodney Cleveland, sr., Parker

The 6-foot-4, 308-pound defensive tackle recently announced his commitment to Texas. He is the No. 5 class of 2026 defensive lineman in the nation according to 247Sports and was recruited by just about every major college program. “He is super chill and quiet off the field, but man — he is a monster on the field!” Thundering Herd senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. “Texas is getting a dude — for real!”

Boyd Cooper, sr., Mountain Brook

Cooper received honorable mention all-region from the Birmingham News last year after recording 47 tackles and three sacks as a versatile defender. “Boyd is an elite defensive lineman that could play anywhere on the field if he wanted to,” Spartans senior center Rocco Gray said. “He has a great combination of speed and strength that has given the offense great looks in practice to prepare for other great talent we will see throughout the year.” Cooper also does it all on the baseball field (pitcher/infielder/outfielder) and in the classroom (4.34 GPA).

Char-zale Davis, so., Benjamin Russell

“He’s just a sophomore!” Wildcats quarterback Kingston Preyear raves. Davis’ 6-foot-2, 285-pound frame helps make him a top recruit in the class of 2028. He already has several Division I offers, and Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson said 2025 will be his true breakthrough season. “He’s a strong and fast guy that can control your offensive linemen,” Preyear said. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder every play.”

Kristopher Dotson, sr., St. Paul’s Episcopal

It’s easy to get overshadowed playing alongside a 5-star prospect, but Anthony “Tank” Jones isn’t the only dominant player in the Saints’ defensive front. Dotson, a nose tackle, had 52 tackles and seven sacks as a junior. “He leads by example and is a force in the middle of the defense,” St. Paul’s Episcopal coach Ham Barnett said.

Blair Evans, sr., Saraland

Evans holds the second-best discus mark and the No. 3 javelin and shot put throws in Spartans track and field history. “Blair has great length and a motor that doesn’t stop,” Saraland coach Jeff Kelly said. He’s also done some punting for the Spartans, who reached the 6A state final last season.

Elijah Foreman, jr., Woodlawn

Foreman is a rising junior who has five Division I offers. He’s a two-way lineman who recorded the most tackles for loss and pancake blocks last season among returning Colonels players. Woodlawn coach Clarence Williams predicts Foreman will be an all-state honoree in 2025.

Keegan Horn, sr., Hueytown

Horn racked up 76 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries last year en route to second-team Birmingham News all-region honors. “Keegan is a long, rangy athlete that plays with a motor that coaches rave over,” Golden Gophers coach Greg Patterson said. “His closing speed and violence when he reaches the football scream next level.” Sure enough, Horn has more than 15 college offers, including from Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Troy, UAB, Wake Forest and West Virginia. College coaches no doubt will appreciate Horn’s versatility. “He is what we call an adjuster,” Patterson said. “He can stay on the field in different personnel sets and adjust to play different positions.”

Kamhariyan “Mhari” Johnson, sr., Muscle Shoals

Johnson is No. 16 in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the state’s 2026 class. He committed to Alabama in April. “His strengths are setting the edge, ripping through the offensive line’s hands and putting pressure on the quarterback, making it easier for us DB’s to cover the wide receivers,” Trojans senior cornerback Cam Hogans said. Johnson did plenty of that as a junior, finishing the season with 47 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He was a second-team all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. This season? “I expect Mhari to get the Mr. Football award this year,” Hogans said.

Anthony “Tank” Jones, sr., St. Paul’s Episcopal

Jones is the No. 16 player nationally in 247Sports’ class of 2026 composite rankings. He’s No. 2 in Alabama behind Benjamin Russell wide receiver Cederian Morgan, a recent commit to the Crimson Tide. Will the state’s other 5-star prospect be joining Morgan in Tuscaloosa? Jones announced last week that he’s narrowed his college choice to Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound edge rusher finished the 2024 season with 84 solo tackles, 38 assists, 18 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and two interceptions. He was an easy pick for the all-state first team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Saints coach Ham Barnett is just as impressed with Jones’ character as he is with the fourth-year starter’s play. “I expect him to be the leader of the defense and help the young guys,” Barnett said. “He is humble and always willing to work.” Jones needs 30 tackles and three sacks to have the school record in both categories.

Jaylon Lee, sr., Calera

“Quickness off the ball” is the first thing Eagles coach Scott Rials says when asked about Lee. He can play tackle or end, and Rials said there’s “good upside” for Lee in his senior season.

Jamaine Lewis, jr., Hueytown

Lewis started at defensive end as a sophomore and recorded 55 tackles (nine for loss), but his future likely is in the interior of the defensive line. “He plays really well with his hands and has a very powerful strike-and-shed,” Golden Gophers coach Greg Patterson said. He is a smart player and a strong student with a 3.9 GPA. He’s picked up five college offers recently, including one from South Carolina. “Jamaine hasn’t scratched the surface of his potential and will continue to grow physically and as a leader in our program,” Patterson said.

Logan McDowell, sr., Spanish Fort

McDowell is the veteran on the Toros’ standout defensive line. “He’s a good teammate and a leader,” Spanish Fort junior defensive end Brandon Marinho said. “He’s communicative and always making sure everybody is doing the right thing.”

Colton McIntyre, jr., Clay-Chalkville

McIntyre was a second-team all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association after his sophomore season. Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye describes him as “scary strong” — he bench-presses 400 pounds — but “surprisingly fast.” He has received multiple Division I offers after tallying 45 tackles, eight sacks and seven tackles for loss last year. “He can take on any block and double teams,” Frye said. McIntyre also is a standout wrestler.

Donivan Moore, jr., Hueytown

Moore joins Keegan Horn and Jamaine Lewis on a loaded Golden Gophers defensive line. He is No. 2 in 247Sports’ class of 2027 composite rankings for Alabama and the No. 4 defensive lineman nationally. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas are among the many big-time college programs that have made him an offer. “Donivan is a physical and violent player who is young and still has a ton of room to grow,” Hueytown coach Greg Patterson said. He is equally dominant at defensive tackle and defensive end.

James Newby, jr., Athens

Newby took over a starting job on offense as a sophomore, and he’ll enter the starting lineup on defense this season, adding defensive end to his tight end duties. “Great athlete; jumps and runs extremely well,” Golden Eagles coach Cody Gross said.

Avrian “AJ” Pauley Jr., jr., McGill-Toolen

Pauley could play defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. He has received several college offers this offseason, including from Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Tennessee-Martin and Troy. “My strength as a D-lineman is that I’m aggressive but also technically sound,” he said. Pauley added that he’s been working to improve “my pass rush and ball get-off” and that his goal is to make the all-state team this year.

Keith Richmond, jr., Clay-Chalkville

Richmond played a little last season. He’ll play a lot this season. “He is going to put everyone on notice,” Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye said. “Keith is a crazy-athletic D-end who has 4.5 speed and is up there with Colton (McIntyre) in the weight room.” Teammates notice his nonstop motor. “He is always 100 percent. Nothing less — ever,” Frye said.

Gavin Rodriguez, sr., Athens

Rodriguez can play any position in the defensive front. He’ll be a third-year starter for the Golden Eagles. “Great motor and quiet leader,” Athens coach Cody Gross said of Rodriguez, who recorded 11 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. He’s also a 4.0 student.

Emanuel Ruffin, sr., Bessemer City

Tigers coach Antonio Nelson said Ruffin loves watching film, loves breaking down opponents. And then on game day? “You never know what you’re going to get from him on Friday night,” the coach said, laughing. “He prides himself on being kind of finesse but having power behind it as well. He has different moves he likes to do. He digs into that bag, and he definitely pulls something out when he needs to.” Ruffin is the No. 9 prospect in 247Sports’ class of 2026 state rankings. He has offers from most of the major college programs; he visited Alabama, LSU and Ohio State last month. “Whoever he commits to, they’re going to get a good athlete and a good kid who’s very coachable,” Nelson said.

Devin Smith, sr., Muscle Shoals

Quarterbacks facing the Trojans must contend with Alabama commit Kamhariyan Johnson at one defensive end spot and Smith on the other side. Good luck. “His strengths are his get-off-the-ball speed and his strength,” Muscle Shoals senior cornerback Cam Hogans said. Smith recorded 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks as a junior. “I grew up with him, and he’s always been the type to go get what he wants and deserves,” Hogans added. “I expect him to play in the SEC one day with our teammates Mhari Johnson and (safety) Keivay Foster.”

Keoni Snipes, so., Saraland

The 6A finalist Spartans had an elite defensive lineman last season in Antonio Coleman, a first-team Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state pick who signed with Auburn. One of the youngsters poised to help fill those mighty shoes is Snipes, who was 6-foot-5, 240 pounds by the time he finished the ninth grade. “He has shown great promise and looks to burst onto the scene this year,” Saraland coach Jeff Kelly said. Maybe he’ll follow Coleman to Auburn — Snipes also has an offer from the Tigers.

Robert Taylor III, jr., Parker

The Thundering Herd won the 6A state title in 2024 and bring back three explosive players on the defensive line in Taylor, classmate Demetrius Terrell and 4-star senior Vodney Cleveland. As a sophomore defensive end, Taylor led the classifications in sacks with 18 and received first-team all-state honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. “He’s young, but he plays like a veteran,” Parker senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. That’s no surprise — Taylor was playing for the varsity team as an eighth-grader. He has more than a dozen college offers, including from Georgia Tech, Missouri and Washington.

Demetrius Terrell, jr., Parker

Terrell was the highest-graded offensive lineman for the 6A champion Thundering Herd in 2024. He makes his mark on defense, too. “Demetrius is one of our most energetic teammates,” Parker senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. “He is a nasty lineman on both sides of the ball.”

Isaiah Thomas, sr., Russell County

As a junior, Thomas led the Warriors in sacks with 11.5. “He has had a great offseason and has grown and matured into a dominant every-down defensive lineman,” Russell County coach Dillon Griggs said. Thomas has offers from Alabama State and Gardner-Webb.

Steven “Stevo” Thomas, jr., Gadsden City

Titans senior quarterback Kai Franklin identified Thomas as one of the team’s major breakthrough candidates in 2025. “He’s probably the strongest guy on our team,” Franklin said of Thomas, who squats 615 pounds and bench-presses 405. “But he’s also really athletic and agile. He’s very quick. His D-line moves to get off the line are like A1.”

Keldin Tinkerhayes, sr., Brookwood

Tinkerhayes has spent time throwing for the Panthers’ track and field team, and his top marks in the discus and shot put rank among the best in program history. On the football field, he plays guard on offense and defensive tackle on defense. “Expect him to anchor the defensive line,” Brookwood coach Chris Foster said.

Jordan Woods, sr., Pell City

Woods is a defensive end/outside linebacker who recently committed to Jacksonville State, picking the Gamecocks from among more than 15 college offers. “Very lengthy, very competitive, also very athletic — I think he will do big things this year,” Panthers junior quarterback Brody Gossett said. “I think this is his season to show all the people who he is and what he is capable of.”

Davon Young, sr., Theodore

Young is a dominant and versatile defensive lineman who committed to Mississippi State in June. “He is a very technical player with great size,” Bobcats junior running back Kendrick Able Jr. said. “He is able to make plays from anywhere. A true unstoppable force.” Able also appreciates Young’s role in keeping the rest of the team in line. “His character is great,” Able said. “He’s always doing what he’s supposed to and takes accountability when he is wrong.”

Bryson Brooks and Jhaylon Smith, jrs., Pike Road

The Patriots reached the 6A semifinals last season, and to go on a similar run this fall, they’ll likely need several less experienced players to thrive in larger roles. Pike Road coach Granger Shook is expecting these two to make “big impacts” on the defensive line. They’ll be joined by junior Vincent Savage, a transfer from Greenville who has an offer from West Alabama.

Brandon Marinho and Sam Wilder, jrs., Spanish Fort

Marinho is known as an excellent pass-rusher, and Wilder excels against the run. The classmates combined for 113 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 30 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks during their sophomore season. They’re both 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. They also both have an offer from North Alabama. Might they be teammates again after high school? “That’s definitely possible,” Marinho said. “We’ve talked about playing four years here together and then going to college and doing it again.”

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.

“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.” — Mark Twain

I couldn’t have put it better myself.

And even though I don’t possess the gift of gab like the late Mr. Twain, I have endeavored over the years to do my part to elevate the noble melon to its rightful place in history.

Every year about this time I take a few moments out of my busy schedule to chat about one of my favorite parts of summer, offering tried-and-true suggestions for how to get the most out of our shared watermelon experience.

 Everything from how to pick the best to how to make watermelon rind pickles.

But this year, I think it is a good time to give a bit of love to another of my favored summertime field-grown fruits – cantaloupe.

When it comes to a refreshing summertime treat, cantaloupes are right up there with watermelon. Both taste better when eaten on the porch and both native fruits can help knock the heat off a blazing hot summer day.

I’m not knocking watermelons. I’m just saying that when you stop by you nearest local watermelon vendor that it might be a good idea to pick up a cantaloupe while you’re at it.

First off, picking the best cantaloupe is similar to selecting the best watermelon.

For cantaloupes, look for a golden color and avoid any that look like they may have been mishandled or mistreated. And like watermelons, the heavier the better.

Likewise give them a good “thump” and listen for a deep sound. The deeper the better.

Next, give it a good sniff. It should be sweet, and if you can’t smell anything, it’s not ripe.

Another trait that cantaloupes share with watermelons is that the best way to enjoy them is chilled, sliced and eaten off the rind – preferably on the porch in the shade.

But they also share another trait with melons in that they are excellent in other, more dignified recipes that are good enough to grace any Southern summer sideboard.

Cantaloupes make an excellent base for a refreshing summer starter course for any meal. Here is a recipe I stole from allrecipes.com for a very traditional, very refreshing cantaloupe soup.

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup

6 servings

• 1 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cubed
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Peel, seed, and cube the cantaloupe.

Place cantaloupe and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender or food processor; cover, and process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in lime juice, cinnamon, and remaining orange juice.

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Garnish with mint if desired.

Cantaloupe is not limited to the first course of a meal. Combined with some protein it can also serve as an excellent main course.

This is a recipe from the folks at Betty Crocker that is so easy that even novice home chefs can pull it off. And as an added bonus, it utilizes another of my favorite things in this world – a rotisserie chicken that somebody else cooked.

Cantaloupe and Chicken Salad

6 servings

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups of 1 1/2-inch pieces cantaloupe
• 2 1/2 cups of cut-up cooked chicken
• 1 cup red or green grapes, cut in half
• 1 medium cucumber, cut into strips

Mix yogurt and mayonnaise in large bowl. Stir in lemon juice, chives and salt.

Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Finally, there is another member of the melon family that I think sometimes is often overshadowed by the watermelon. That would be the honeydew melon.

I confess that I spent a large portion of my life ignorant of the charms to be found in a honeydew. The reason is I didn’t grow up eating them, and that’s on my family for not exposing me to this often-overlooked member of the melon clan.

But a few years back I picked up one from a local roadside at the suggestion of a vendor whom I trust. I took it home and sliced it up, not sure what i would find inside.

Folks, I was floored by the sweetness and flavor found underneath that pale green skin. It was so sweet that it almost hurt my few remaining teeth.

It was wonderful. I vowed right then and there to include this pale cousin in my summertime melon roundup.

Like watermelons and cantaloupes, it is most often eaten fresh off the rind. But it also can be used in salads, soups and other refreshing dishes that are best served chilled.

It also makes a fine drink. Here is an easy recipe from the kind folks at the Food Network. It is natural, fresh and refreshing.

Honeydew Smoothie

2 servings

• 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
• 1 cup Vanilla Low-Fat Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple juice (from frozen concentrate)
• Ice
• Melon slices, for garnish

In a blender, combine melon, yogurt, and apple juice concentrate. Blend until smooth. With blender running, add ice until frothy.

Pour into 2 (16-ounce) glasses and garnish with sliced melon.

So I urge you to take advantage of all the fruits of summer – not just watermelons. The next time you pick up a melon for dessert, pick up a couple of its lesser-known cousins to really make the party special.

No. 8 Iga Swiatek plays against No. 19 Liudmila Samsonova in the Wimbledon quarterfinals today. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. CT on ESPN 2. Fans can watch this Wimbledon match for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

Swiatek enters this matchup with a 4-0 record at Wimbledon, and she is coming off an impressive victory against No. 23 Clara Tauson in the Round of 16. Swiatek won the match in two sets, and she only conceded one game in the final set.

If Swiatek continues to play at a high level this morning, then she could reach the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time in her career.

Samsonova also has a 4-0 record at Wimbledon this year, and she has not lost a set. Samsonova is coming off her most competitive match, as she defeated Jessica Bouzas in the Round of 16. During the victory, Samsonova won both sets 7-5.

If Samsonova continues her great play today, then she could pull off the upset.

Fans can watch the Wimbledon quarterfinals for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The search is on for a new executive to lead Alabama’s largest water utility.

Three members of Birmingham’s regional water board will lead the process of searching for and hiring the utility’s first CEO.

That CEO will not replace the general manager, a position that is already under contract through 2030 and pays $446,000 a year.

“That is a new position not to displace any current position,” Tommy Hudson, chairman of the Central Alabama Water board, told AL.com.

Hudson this week named himself along with board members Phillip Wiedmeyer and state Rep. David Standridge to the search committee.

At the board meeting on Monday evening Hudson said the state law that recently reorganized the board also mandates that the agency hire a CEO.

The former water board in February rehired its former longtime general manager Mac Underwood to handle day-to-operations.

Underwood has a contract that pays him $446,118 a year. Underwood’s contract is valid till Dec. 31, 2030.

No timeline has yet been set to hire a CEO.

The makeup of the search committee created additional controversy among the board, which includes two Birmingham members and five others from suburban areas.

Sheila Tyson, Jefferson County Commissioner and board member from Birmingham, panned the committee as inherently unfair because it does not include anyone who represents Birmingham.

While the water works services a five-county area, 92 percent of the customers live in Jefferson County and 44 percent of them live within the Birmingham city limits.

“Why didn’t you ask if we even wanted to sit on that committee,” Tyson asked Hudson at the meeting. “I see clearly what you are doing. We’re just going to get shut out. We might as well not come to the meetings.”

Hudson said appointing committee members was his purview as chairman and that no member was notified before being named Monday evening.

Tyson noted that since the new board took over in May, contentious items have often been passed on a 5-2 vote, with the support of Republican suburban members over the objections of the two Democrats from Birmingham.

Following that pattern, the plan to hire an executive director passed despite the objections of Tyson and Jarvis Patton, the other member representing Birmingham.

The city of Birmingham has also filed a federal lawsuit against the new law that created the current board and put Birmingham in the minority.

In other business, the board elected permanent officers, with Hudson as chairman and Phillip Wiedmeyer as vice chairman. Hudson had served as interim chairman while Patton served as vice chairman.

The new leadership was approved on a 4-2 vote with Patton and Tyson voting no. Shelby County member Jeffrey Brumlow, who initially nominated Hudson for leadership, was absent.

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl would carry advantages in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate and at least one big hurdle, analysts say.

Pearl has not said he is running for Alabama’s open seat for the Senate but has not publicly denied it during weeks of media speculation.

That speculation has been fueled, in part, by Pearl’s public statements and social media posts, especially his support for Israel and for President Donald Trump.

Pearl has 174,000 followers on X and his account has more posts and reposts about politics than basketball.

AL.com has reached out to Pearl to ask whether he is considering a Senate run but has not received a response.

On the podcast “One Jewish State” on Tuesday, Pearl was asked by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman if he was considering running.

“Mr. Ambassador, there is no news to be made,” Pearl replied. “You know I love my country and this is the greatest country in the world.”

But Pearl did not seem to fully close the door on running for office saying there were many grave issues facing the nation, including immigration and antisemitism.

“I care about these issues but I love Auburn and I love being Auburn’s basketball coach.”

Outsiders have an advantage

Lori Owens, a political science professor at Jacksonville State University, said Pearl would have some important factors on his side.

“The truth of the matter is this business is about name identification,” Owens said.

“If you’ve already got name ID, you already have an edge, if you will, if you’re running for office.”

Owens said Pearl, who has built Auburn men’s basketball into a national power during 11 years as coach, is probably better known by Alabama voters than Attorney General Steve Marshall, the likely frontrunner among Republican candidates.

“If you’re an outsider, the voters seem to have a taste right now for people that they view that are political outsiders because they think the career politicians are part of the problem,” said Owens, who holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Alabama.

“It’s easy to run as a newcomer if you don’t have a record. Because nobody has anything that they can use against you. You get a chance to be fresh and new and no record one time, if you win.”

Contributions to Democrats could haunt Pearl

The race is for the seat that Sen. Tommy Tuberville is leaving to run for governor.

Tuberville rode his name recognition built by a decade as Auburn’s football coach, plus an alliance with President Trump, to win the seat during his first run for public office in 2020.

Tuberville has said he would discourage Pearl from a Senate run.

“I wouldn’t let him do it because he did such a good job at Auburn,” he told Semafor. “We need him there.”

Marshall, who has won two statewide elections for attorney general, announced his run for the Senate in May.

Jared Hudson, a former Navy Seal who ran for Jefferson County sheriff in 2022, announced his candidacy the day before Marshall.

Democrats who are running include Kyle Sweetser, a business owner and lifelong Alabama Republican who spoke at last summer’s Democratic National Convention, Dakarai Larriett, a business owner, Birmingham native, and University of Alabama graduate, and Mark Wheeler of Heflin, a Jacksonville State University graduate and chemist who works for a wire manufacturing company.

For Pearl, one major hurdle is an Alabama Republican Party prohibition on political donations to candidates from opposing parties.

In 2024, Pearl gave $1,000 to Shomari Figures, the Democratic nominee and eventual winner in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, a contribution earmarked by the American Israeli Public Affairs political action committee.

Pearl also gave $1,000 to U.S. Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat from North Carolina who has spoken out in support of Israel.

Federal Election Commission records show that Pearl gave even more to Republican causes last year — $25,000 to the Republican Jewish Victory Coalition (RJC) fund, and $500 to U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Saks, a Republican who represents Alabama’s 3rd District.

But the state Republican Party bylaws say that any person who supports or donates to an opposing party candidate will be denied access to the state GOP ballot for six years.

It takes a vote by three-fourths of the state Republican Party’s Steering Committee or Candidate Committee to waive the prohibition.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl has not responded to questions about how the party would respond if Pearl sought to qualify as a Republican, the most logical path to victory in a GOP-dominated state.

But Wahl, while not specifically mentioning Pearl, emphasized the importance of the bylaws in an interview on the Jeff Poor radio show in June.

Wahl said the rule is intended to make sure that only Republicans run in the Republican primary.

“Every candidate in the bylaws that has made one of these actions (support or donation to a Democrat) in the last six years is automatically denied ballot access,” Wahl said.

“They cannot even qualify as a Republican unless they get a waiver from either the county party or the state party with a three quarters vote.”

Steve Flowers, an author, political commentator, and former state lawmaker, doubts that the Republican Party would let Pearl on the ballot.

“They have sent him a message, a pretty adamant message, that his contribution to Shomari Figures and the other Democratic candidate that he gave to, although he gave it through a PAC, they’ve sent him a message that they’ve got that hard core rule and he would have a hard time getting around that,” Flowers said.

“So I don’t think that he can run.”

Jess Brown, a retired political science professor from Athens State University and longtime observer of state elections, said the Republican Party could risk isolating rank-and-file voters if it used the bylaws to keep Pearl off the ballot.

“The voters, they don’t buy into this thing of party voters demanding party loyalty,” Brown said. “That’s all this stuff that people get caught up in at these party meetings.

“But when you get out to Bubba and Bubbette at the barbecue, they don’t really cotton to that stuff. Their view is if you want to run for public office, go down and pay the qualifying fee and put your name on the ballot.

“They just don’t like party bosses who write rules to keep people off the ballot.”

In 1986, the Democratic Party, which then dominated the state, denied Charlie Graddick its nomination for governor after he won a close runoff, a decision that came in a dispute over cross-over votes by Republicans.

A three-judge federal court panel ruled that Graddick, then state attorney general, had violated the Voting Rights Act by trying to stop enforcement of the Democrats’ rule against Republicans voting in their primary.

They nominated Bill Baxley, who finished second.

The decision angered voters, who elected Republican longshot Guy Hunt over Baxley in the general election. Hunt was Alabama’s first GOP governor since Reconstruction.

“I just think they better tread lightly dealing with Coach Pearl if he decides to run for this job,” Brown said.

Brown, like Owens, said Tuberville would enter the race with the upper hand.

“Like Tuberville, he brings instant name ID in a way that no other candidate in the race – in fact I think I can safely say that not even Steve Marshall will have as much name ID right now as Bruce Pearl would,“ Brown said.

“While basketball is not football in Alabama – we’re not talking Kansas or North Carolina here – basketball is not football in our culture, his success, particularly in recent years has been so much that he’s definitely raised his profile in a state where I think it’s safe to say basketball is the second most popular sport among those who practice sports by watching TV.”

Brent Buchanan, founder and CEO of the polling and public relations firm Cygnal, said he has not seen any polling on Pearl.

“His donations to Democrats just last year could be problematic if money is spent informing GOP primary voters about it,” Buchanan said.

“However, he’s incredibly dynamic and could be a strong fundraiser.”

Flowers questions whether Pearl would give up his coaching job at Auburn, where he has established a consistent winner and earns more than $6 million a year.

“I don’t know him personally, but I can’t see him doing that,” Flowers said.

“The other thing, if he were to overcome the party hurdle, and run, I don’t see him as being as viable a candidate as some people do.”

Flowers believes that Pearl, who is outspoken about his faith and his Jewish heritage, would receive a lot of financial support from Jewish interest groups.

Flowers said he does not believes Pearl’s faith would be a detriment, but questions whether he would have appeal as a candidate identified mainly for his pro-Israel stance.

“He would be designated and it would become illuminated that he is a one-issue candidate because he would have a lot of out of state Jewish money in his campaign,” Flowers said. “I think that’s who is encouraging him to run.”

“I think he’s got some obstacles if he got over the hurdle of being able to run by the Republican Party. Which I don’t think he’s going to be able to do,” Flowers said.