Some in Alabama will have a chance to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures this week.
There’s no need to pull out the sweaters, but the National Weather Service is forecasting more spring-like — and less summer-like — weather later this week. And there’s a chance some cooler temperatures could last into the following week as well.
But there will be some storms to get through first. The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a Level 3 out of 5 (enhanced) risk for severe weather for parts of the state on Tuesday as a cold front approaches.
Here’s the severe weather outlook for Tuesday:
A Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather is in the forecast for the areas in orange on Tuesday.SPC
This cold front may bring storms, but it could also bring some cooler air along with it.
Highs on Tuesday are forecast to range from the upper 80s to the low 90s statewide. By Wednesday north Alabama will begin to feel some of those cooler temperatures.
Highs on Wednesday may stay in the 70s for north Alabama. However, that cooler air may not make it to the rest of the state, which may have temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s again.
Here’s the forecast for Wednesday:
Only north Alabama will be cooler on Wednesday, with more sultry temperatures expected in south Alabama.NWS
But the change in the air will be really felt on Thursday, when cooler temperatures may be felt statewide.
Highs on Thursday will range from the low 70s in north Alabama to the low 80s for south Alabama.
Here’s the forecast for Thursday:
Thursday’s temperatures will be more spring-like than summer-like.NWS
Low temperatures on Thursday night might flirt with the 40s in some areas. Here are the forecast lows for Thursday night-Friday morning:
It will be chilly (for May) in Alabama from Thursday night into Friday morning.NWS
High temperatures on Friday are expected to stay very pleasant for Alabama, with a range from the low 70s to the low 80s in the forecast:
Here are Friday’s forecast high temperatures.NWS
Lows on Friday night will again be on the cool side again, with 50s and 60s expected statewide:
Here are Friday night’s expected low temperatures.NWS
Temperatures are forecast to warm up some over the weekend, but there are hints that more cool-ish weather will be possible.
The Climate Prediction Center’s six- to 10-day temperature outlook (at the top of this post), which covers from May 23-27, shows increased probabilities of below-average temperatures for Alabama.
Northern Alabama has a 50-60 percent chance for below-average temperatures, and central and part of south Alabama have a 40-50 percent probability. Extreme south Alabama has a 33-40 percent probability of cooler temperatures.
A longer-range forecast, the eight- to 14-day outlook, also includes a chance for below-average temperatures through the end of the month:
Chances for below-average temperatures could continue through the end of May.CPC
Enjoy it if you can, because meteorological summer will begin June 1, and the outlook for June suggests warmer-than-average temperatures will be the story:
There are increased probabilities for above-average temperatures in June.CPC
Annual income changes mean more people are now eligible for a key federal program that provides healthy foods for women and children.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, is available to participants with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition to income requirements, WIC recipients must be a woman who is pregnant, has had a baby within the past six months or is currently breastfeeding or is the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5.
Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under 5 can also apply for support for the kids in their care.
WIC pays benefits for each qualifying family member that can be used to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables Each child receives $26 a month, postpartum women receive $47 a month and breastfeeding women receive $52 a month.
Income levels for WIC eligibility have been raised for 2025.
Family of 1 – Annual income $28,953; monthly $2,413; weekly $557
Family of 2 – Annual income $39,128; monthly $3,261; weekly $753
Family of 3 – Annual income $49,303; monthly $4,109; weekly $949
Family of four – Annual income $59,478; monthly $4,957; weekly $1,144.
Family of five – Annual income $69,653; monthly $5,805; weekly $1,340
Family of six – Annual income $79,828; monthly $6,653; weekly $1,536
Family of seven – Annual income $90,003; monthly $7,501; weekly $1,731
Family of eight – Annual income $100,178; monthly $8,349; weekly $1,927.
For each additional family member, income thresholds increase by $10,175 a year, $848 monthly or $196 weekly.
Certain individuals are automatically eligible for WIC based on their participation in other programs including those who receive Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF.
The All-PFF team is based on the organization’s grading of every player on every play in every game since 2006, so some compensation had to be given for players who appeared in the first six seasons of the century.
The all-star team of players with the highest grades at each position during the time period included Crimson Tide alumni Derrick Henry at running back and Julio Jones as one of the three wide receivers. Former West Alabama standout Tyreek Hill joined Antonio Brown as the other wide receivers.
Over the past nine seasons, Henry ran for 11,423 yards and 106 touchdowns on 2,355 carries and caught 174 passes for 1,651 yards and five touchdowns. Henry’s first eight seasons came with the Tennessee Titans, and he played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
A former Foley High School standout, Jones had 914 receptions for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns from 2011 through 2023. Jones played his first 10 seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, then had one each with the Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Over the past nine seasons, Hill had 798 receptions for 11,098 yards and 82 touchdowns. He also had seven rushing touchdowns, four punt-return touchdowns and one kickoff-return touchdown. Hill’s first six seasons came with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s spent the past three with the Miami Dolphins.
Former Homewood High School and Alabama standout Evan Mathis graded as the No. 2 left guard, finishing behind Logan Mankins. Mathis played for six NFL teams from 2005 through 2016.
The All-PFF team for the past 25 seasons included:
Quarterback: Tom Brady
Running back: Derrick Henry
Wide receivers: Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Tyreek Hill
Tight end: Rob Gronkowski
Left tackle: Joe Thomas
Left guard: Logan Mankins
Center: Nick Mangold
Right guard: Marshal Yanda
Right tackle: Lane Johnson
Interior defenders: Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt
Edge defenders: Von Miller, Myles Garrett
Linebackers: Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis
Cornerbacks: Richard Sherman, Antoine Winfield, Darrelle Revis
Safeties: Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed
Kicker: Matt Prater
Punter: Pat McAfee
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.
NEW YORK (AP) — A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment.
Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday.
The cause of the collision was under investigation.
In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridge’s span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving.
Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was reported injured.
The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away.
Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said.
Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge.
“We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,” Katz said.
Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a “big twig.” Several more snaps followed.
People in his vicinity began running and “pandemonium” erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast.
“I didn’t know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?” he said.
The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members.
“Our solidarity and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum said on X.
The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction.
Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said.
It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge.
He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash.
The Cuauhtemoc — about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), according to the Mexican navy — sailed for the first time in 1982.
The vessel’s main mast has a height of 160 feet (48.9 meters), according to the Mexican government.
As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle.
Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said.
It arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea.
Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix, Arizona, and Gene Johnson in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this report.
Seventy-five AHSAA schools won at least one team championship during the 2024-2025 athletic season, which concluded with the state baseball and softball finals this week.
Scottsboro High School led the way with seven state championships. Vestavia Hills followed with six. Thompson and Hoover tied with five each. Mountain Brook rounded out the top five with four titles.
Here is a list of the team state championships won during the 2024-2025 athletic year. E-Sports winners are listed at the bottom but did not figure into the overall team totals.
Thompson celebrates after winning a state championship against Central-Phenix City the AHSAA Super 7 Class 7A championship at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)Vasha Hunt
FALL
FOOTBALL
1A: Wadley
2A: Reeltown
3A: Mars Hill Bible
4A: Jackson
5A: Montgomery Catholic
6A: Parker
7A: Thompson
FLAG FOOTBALL
1A-5A: Montgomery Catholic
6A-7A: Central-Phenix City
VOLLEYBALL
1A: Spring Garden
2A: Pleasant Valley
3A: Ohatchee
4A: Prattville Christian
5A: UMS-Wright
6A: Spanish Fort
7A: McGill-Toolen
CROSS COUNTRY
Boys
1A-2A: Mars Hill Bible
3A: J.B. Pennington
4A: Hamilton
5A: Providence Christian
6A: Mountain Brook
7A: Huntsville
Girls
1A-2A: Cold Springs
3A: Montgomery Academy
4A: Whitesburg Christian
5A: Scottsboro
6A: Mountain Brook
7A: Auburn
SWIMMING AND DIVING
Boys
1A-5A: Scottsboro
6A-7A: Huntsville
Girls
1A-5A: Westminster Christian
6A-7A: Bob Jones
Spring Garden players celebrate a championship, their third consecutive championship, after the AHSAA Class 1A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | [email protected])Vasha Hunt
WINTER
BASKETBALL
Boys
1A: R.C. Hatch
2A: Providence Christian
3A: Montgomery Academy
4A: Jackson
5A: Vigor
6A: Paul Bryant
7A: Hoover
Girls
1A: Spring Garden
2A: Pisgah
3A: Lauderdale County
4A: Trinity
5A: Scottsboro
6A: Park Crossing
7A: Hoover
BOWLING
Boys
1A-5A: Etowah
6A-7A: Vestavia Hills
Girls
1A-5A: Scottsboro
6A-7A: Thompson
INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
Boys
1A-3A: Dadeville
4A-5A: Hamilton
6A: Homewood
7A: Hoover
Girls
1A-3A: Altamont
4A-5A: Bayside Academy
6A: Chelsea
7A: Hoover
WRESTLING
Boys
1A-4A: Tallassee
5A: Scottsboro
6A: Athens
7A: Thompson
Girls
1A-5A: Weaver
6A-7A: Thompson
Tuscaloosa County celebrates a state championship win after an AHSAA Class 7A state final baseball game against Enterprise in Jacksonville, Ala., Friday, May 16, 2025.
(Vasha Hunt | [email protected])Vasha Hunt
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 7:14 a.m. valid between 7 a.m. and noon in effect until noon for Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.
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, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek 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.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
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:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
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 first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
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 limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
On Sunday at 7:06 a.m. the National Weather Service released a flash flood warning in effect until 9:30 a.m. for Jefferson and Shelby counties.
“At 7:06 a.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to 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 Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, Bessemer, Homewood, Pelham, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Helena, Hueytown, Gardendale, Irondale, Leeds, Moody, Fairfield, Fultondale, Center Point, Pleasant Grove and Clay.
The weather service comments, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Your guide to weather alerts: 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.
Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the weather service
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:
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.
Adhere to 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 allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
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.
Refrain from walking in 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 higher ground when 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 rainfall, the risk of flooding is heightened, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember never to drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
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 rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
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 first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
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.
It’s not just that a kid from Hoover, Ala., won the FA Cup on Saturday in Wembley Stadium. It’s how Chris Richards did it.
He didn’t simply represent Alabama and the United States in the world’s oldest national soccer competition. Richards dominated for Crystal Palace in its 1-0 victory against Manchester City. He shined.
He starred.
He was a brick wall and the best player on the field.
Richards was South London’s Alabama Slammer, shutting down Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and making it seem easy.
Haaland is considered one of the top forwards in the world. He’s big and he’s strong and he looks like what you would imagine a Viking king might look like back in the day. But not on this day, though. Haaland wasn’t tough enough for Richards, who is emerging as an international soccer star just as the 2026 World Cup comes into focus.
Richards plays right back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League and center-back for the United States Men’s National Team. He’s now a legend for Palace, a proud club that traces its roots back to 1861, but had never won a major trophy until shocking the world inside Wembley and hoisting the FA Cup on high.
It might be difficult for average sports fans in Alabama to fully appreciate what Richards represents for soccer in the United States. Americans are always being second-guessed in top leagues in the world, and especially in England. Christian Pulisic, for example, washed out at Chelsea. It’s a long list of American hopefuls who couldn’t make it in the Premier League.
For a guy from Alabama to step into the spotlight and play soccer with such grit and determination in the most physical league in the world is nothing short of groundbreaking.
Richards, who is 25 years old, is changing the perception of American-born soccer players abroad, and at a time when the USMNT needs fresh excitement and a shot of confidence, too.
Pulisic is a fine player, but the USMNT needs to make Richards the brand and the prototype going into this summer’s international window.
Once dubbed the golden generation, the current group of USMNT players are still searching for its identity. People are calling the team soft and overrated. I’m not ready to join that chorus, but the time is now to find a leader who can galvanize this team’s resolve. If new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino wants to send a message, then he will make Richards the Americans’ permanent captain leading into June’s group stage of the Gold Cup.
The Americans need to get back to playing angry, desperate soccer for 90 minutes. That’s the way Richards has been playing for Palace. Can it inspire the national team in time for the World Cup? That’s the assignment.
The USMNT doesn’t just need a little Alabama toughness on its team. The Americans need to be led by it.
No more of this cute, fancy stuff on the pitch. The USMNT needs to get back to what Americans do best, fight in the dirt and get bloody in the box. What happened to the Clint Dempseys of American soccer? What happened to American desire and playing with passion?
Give the captain’s armband to Richards and tell him to start cracking skulls in the training sessions.
But, first, it’s time to enjoy Sweet Home Alabama.
With his long season in England in the books, Richards will now return to the Birmingham area for some much-needed offseason rest. He should be celebrated in town like a superstar. Richards is putting Birmingham and Alabama on the map internationally for something other than its fractured history.
He’s the future. He’s the franchise. Richards is already investing in local club Birmingham Legion FC. Expect his involvement with Legion to grow this summer. Birmingham, it’s time to wake up and embrace this homegrown gift. Richards represents potential and should be on billboards and marketing campaigns from now until the start of the World Cup.
Richards began this season as a reserve for Palace, but the team has been one of the hottest in the Premier League ever since Alabama’s own was elevated to starter. Richards persevered and all of his hard work behind the scenes is paying off. Is he the best defender to ever play for the United States? It’s time to start having that discussion.
No doubt Manchester City’s Haaland is now a believer.
BE HEARD
Got a question for Joe? Want to get something off your chest? Send Joe an email about what’s on your mind. Let your voice be heard. Ask him anything.
More severe storms were plaguing parts of Alabama on Sunday morning, and severe weather will be in the forecast for the state through Wednesday morning.
A complex of severe storms was working through central Alabama on Sunday morning.
Those storms have prompted numerous severe thunderstorm warnings. Winds in some of the storms have been near hurricane force, according to the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of central and east Alabama in response and will be in effect until noon CDT:
The Alabama counties in the watch are: Chambers, Clay, Tallapoosa, Cleburne, Calhoun and Randolph.
Numerous downed trees and power outages were being reported in parts of the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham metro areas on Sunday morning — barely 24 hours after another batch of storms hit some of those same areas.
According to Poweroutage.us there were at least 41,000 without power in Alabama as of around 7:15 a.m. Sunday, with most of those being in Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties so far.
Rain and storms will continue to be possible through the day today, and there’s a chance for a few more severe storms.
Those storms could bring more damaging wind gusts, hail and heavy rain. The tornado risk is very low.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has a Level 1 out of 5 (marginal) risk for severe weather for all of north and much of central Alabama today (see today’s forecast map at the top of this post).
A Level 1 risk means isolated severe storms will be possible.
There will be another Level 1 risk for just northern Alabama on Monday:
Areas in dark green could see isolated severe storms on Monday.SPC
Then a more substantial severe weather risk is shaping up for Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.
The Storm Prediction Center has already added a Level 3 out of 5 (enhanced) risk for parts of north and west Alabama to its forecast for Tuesday, and a Level 2 risk for the rest of north Alabama and part of central Alabama.
Here’s the outlook for Tuesday:
A Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather is in the forecast for the areas in orange on Tuesday.SPC
Tuesday’s storms could again bring the risk of damaging winds, hail, heavy rain — and a few tornadoes, according to the weather service.
Five years ago, Jesse Fosnaugh and his family inched their way to the Alabama Gulf Coast after a grueling 12-hour drive from Branson, Missouri.“
“It was two-lane traffic through the United States, and you knew how to get here with everyone following their GPS like they were in a Conga line,” said Fosnaugh. “It was the same way in the other direction. It was a long drive.”
Fast forward to today, and Fosnaugh isn’t just visiting Gulf Shores — he‘s leading a transformation. As the new director of the city’s first commercial airport, he‘s helping to launch a milestone moment that is a rarity in U.S. aviation: the first-ever commercial flight service to a city that’s never had it before.
“It’s a game-changer and this community has worked hard for it,” he said.
Flights begin
An image of a map showing where the new Allegiant flights will go from Gulf Shores, Ala., starting in May 2025.John Sharp
The inaugural Allegiant Air flight takes place Wednesday from Gulf Shores inside a two-gate, $8 million airport that, as of Friday, was in its final stages of construction.
The first flight from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tenn., will arrive at Gulf Shores filled with passengers around 1:14 p.m. The first departure from Gulf Shores to Tennessee is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. that night.
While a first for Gulf Shores, the inaugural flights also represent a first for Allegiant, the Las Vegas-based low-cost airline that has grown into a powerhouse for vacation travelers. The airline has never offered service at an Alabama airport before.
“Allegiant’s new service isn’t just about adding flights,” said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “It’s about connecting Gulf Shores to major cities in a way that will make a real difference for our community.”
The flights connect to airports in the Midwest, which are popular regions of the country where coastal Alabama attracts its tourists. The airports are in and around the cities of Knoxville, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City, and Fayetteville, Ark.
The return flights to the cities will offer coastal Alabama residents an opportunity to visit the Midwest markets that are home to large metropolitan regions with professional sports franchises, museums, amusement parks, trendy downtown districts and more.
“I encourage people to check that out,” said Fosnaugh, adding that his flight from Gulf Shores will be next week, where he will meet up with his daughter – a college student in Kansas City – and the two will catch a Kansas Royals baseball game on Friday.
“There are absolutely plenty of things you can do,” he said. “If you’re fan of a MLB team, NFL team, look at going to those destinations.”
Big goals
The construction of a two-gate terminal at the Gulf Shores International Airport inches toward completion on Friday, May 16, 2025. The inaugural Allegiant Air commercial flights from the new terminal will begin on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.John Sharp
The goals for the airport are lofty, with Fosnaugh anticipating Gulf Shores International Airport luring 60,000 passengers this year. Of those passengers, 80% are expected to be visitors from one of the six destinations with about 20% of coastal Alabama residents flying out.
At that estimate, it would place Gulf Shores immediately ahead of Dothan Regional Airport, which had around 37,000 enplanements in 2023, and within reach of Montgomery Regional Airport’s 181,000 enplanements.
The longer-term goal is for the Gulf Shores International Airport’s initial destinations to be a success, and to lead to more Allegiant destinations.
“Residents will have more convenient travel options, and visitors will find it easier than ever to reach Alabama’s beaches to experience our local businesses, restaurants, and everything that makes this place special,” Craft said. “We deeply appreciate Allegiant’s commitment to Gulf Shores and look forward to building a lasting partnership as we welcome this new chapter together.”
Fosnaugh said the hope is for the evolution of the airport, with Allegiant Air’s presence, is to put it on par with Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport located within Eglin Air Force Base in Northwest Florida.
That could make Gulf Shores potentially the second busiest airport in Alabama, trailing only Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, which sees around 1.5 million passengers each year. According to Federal Aviation Administration data, more than 1.1 million passengers passed through Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in 2023, up 13.3% from the 985,567 passengers in 2022.
The activity would represent quite a change for an airport that has been owned by the city for 42 years but has mostly served as an active facility for private, charter airplanes.
However, Fosnaugh said he doesn’t see the airport – and its potential growth – eroding the city’s “Small Town, Big Beach” tagline.
“I don’t think we need to sacrifice any of our values or the things that we hold dear to us,” Fosnaugh said. “I very much feel like we have a small town feel and will continue to have that … 32 miles of beach is a lot of beach. That’s what we have here. We are now sharing this with people we never have before.”
More immediately, officials have goals of alleviating some of the roads that are inundated with congestion during peak tourism activity that often begins after Memorial Day and lasts until early August.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have long been a drive-to destination, meaning that well over 90% of visitors to the coastal beaches arrive via an automobile. Though there is no targeted statistics, Fosnaugh said he believes the airport will offer relief on Alabama State Route 59 and other roadways north of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Beth Gendler, president & CEO with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, said the new flights will make arriving to the beaches quicker and affordable while helping reduce travel times.
“Our existing visitors have a new option for getting away to the beach for a long weekend or for a full week, and these flights should encourage new visitors to give our destination a try because of the great prices and cutting hours off the time it takes to get here if driving,” she said.
“We really like Allegiant’s model of nonstop flights and are hopeful Alabama’s beaches will see the same success and expansion to more Allegiant markets as some of our neighboring destination,” she added.
Noise concerns
Jesse Fosnaugh, director of Gulf Shores International Airport, stands outside the new commercial terminal on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Ala. The inaugural Allegiant Air service from Gulf Shores will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.John Sharp
Fosnaugh said the new commercial activity should not contribute to additional noise along the beaches. He said the airport will host fewer than three commercial flights departing daily, and he does not believe it will be a nuisance to the neighborhoods.
“The primary route for arrival is over the Bay, it’s over the water,” he said. “And to the west, we‘re talking about a little bit over the Wharf in Orange Beach, but that’s it. When you talk about Craft Farms or over the beaches, it’s just happening that way.”
Fosnaugh noted that the airport has long been an active hub for private and charter carriers, and that noise has never been a problem before.
“I would say that people do bring it up like they believe it will be an issue,” Fosnaugh said. “Respectfully, it’s not founded in a basis of information. We‘re taking zero to three flights per day.”
Final touches
For now, the finishing touches are underway to get the airport prepared for its grand opening and inaugural flights.
Inside the terminal, workers are bolting down seating in the passenger terminal, installing pictures, hanging new lighting, and finalizing everything that needs to be done before Wednesday’s inaugural showcase.
“We‘re ready to go,” Fosnaugh said. “We are ready for May 21.”
