General News
Popular vehicle manufacturer recalls over 200,000 cars for faulty brake pedals
American Honda Motor Co. has recalled 259,033 vehicles due to a brake pedal that shifts out of position.
This can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position,” the release reads.
“As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard[s].”
The company is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles.
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge, according to the company.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025.
Owners with further questions can contact Honda’s customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Honda’s numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY, according to the release.
Read MoreFormer Alabama cornerback will ‘try to get my LeBron James on’
Five seasons into his NFL career, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs figures he’s got a lot of football still ahead of him to make his son Aaiden’s wish come true.
“Yesterday, he said, ‘Can you play 19 more years so we can play together?’” Diggs said during an appearance with internet personality and live streamer N3on this week. “I’m like, I’m try to get my LeBron James on.
“He want me to play till I’m like 40.”
During the 2024-25 NBA season, James, at 40 years old, and his son Bronny James played together on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Diggs’ son is 8 years old, and the Cowboys cornerback said the youngster loves football.
Even if he can’t make it that far on the football field, Diggs said he would like his “life after football” to revolve around his children.
“I want to have, like, seven kids and just pour all into them that I’ve learned,” Diggs said. “Basically do everything that I would want to continue to do and do it with them and pour into them. Whatever they want to do.”
More immediately, after two injury-affected seasons, Diggs is hoping to be ready when Dallas’ 2025 season kicks off on Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
A knee injury caused Diggs to miss six of the Cowboys’ final seven games in the 2024 season. In 2023, Diggs played in only the first two games before a torn anterior cruciate ligament caused him to miss the rest of the season. Last year’s ailment affected the same knee, and Diggs had a procedure in January intended to improve the joint function.
A second-round draft pick from Alabama in 2020, Diggs was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2021 when he led the NFL with 11 interceptions. He earned Pro Bowl recognition again in 2022. With 20 interceptions, Diggs is among the 28 players in NFL history to reach that total in his first 58 games.
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.
Read MoreTarget is selling a super cozy outdoor fireplace, and it’s on sale
Target’s Bestier Outdoor Fireplace makes a perfect, yet unique addition to any outdoor space, especially for those who love spending long summer nights by a warm fire. And now, you can score one at a fraction of the cost.
During this sale period, you can score the Bestier Outdoor Chiminea Fireplace at Target for just $139.99. This is $86 off its regular price of $225.99. Free shipping is also included with this purchase.
Bestier Outdoor Chiminea Fireplace
$225.99 $139.99
The Bestier Outdoor Chiminea Fireplace is on sale for $86 off at Target this week.
RELATED: Target is selling a $300 propane fire pit for only $139 this week
The Bestier Outdoor Fireplace includes a tower-like chimney to vent smoke, a mesh screen for safety and a built-in log storage rack. The fire pit also features a removable ash pan to make it easy to clean, a poker to adjust firewood and a protective cover.
The built-in log storage is a great space-saving feature, keeping the firewood neatly organized and readily available. Meanwhile, the tower-like chimney adds a style element and enhances functionality as it helps direct smoke and ash upwards, away from the seating area. Both of these elements set the Bestier Outdoor Fireplace apart from your average wood-burning fire pit.
“Elevate your outdoor living with the Bestier 37″ Steel Rectangular Freestanding Wood Burning Fireplace. Crafted from high-quality steel, this durable fireplace features a tower-like chimney that adds a stylish touch while enhancing functionality,” Target’s product details state.
“The mesh screen prevents sparks from escaping, ensuring a safer experience. With a built-in log storage and a poker for easy firewood adjustment, this fireplace transforms your backyard or patio into a cozy, inviting space perfect for relaxation and outdoor gatherings. The removable pan and sturdy protective cover make maintenance and storage a breeze, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fire all season long.”
Those interested in this deal can checkout the full rundown on Target’s website.
Read MoreGoodman: An American star is born, and he’s from Alabama
This is an opinion column.
____________________
The World Cup is coming to the U.S. next summer, and the groundwork for Team USA is happening this month in the Gold Cup.
On Thursday night, a star was born and he’s from Alabama.
Hoover native Chris Richards is a starting center back for the United States Men’s National Team. I’ve written about his remarkable journey extensively over the past several years. He was already a key player for the U.S., but this summer he’s turning into a leader who is reshaping the team’s identity.
I’m talking about pure, uncut, down-home Alabama toughness.
What does that mean? Put it this way.
You’ll never see Richards take a dive or a flop in a soccer match.
The U.S. played Saudi Arabia in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. It was the U.S.’s second game of the group stage and the Americans needed a victory to advance to the knockout stage. The Saudis were rough and rugged, but Richards and the U.S. came in with their fists clenched.
Richards not only prevented a couple goals with perfectly timed tackles, but also scored the game winner off a set piece.
Who needs Christian Pulisic?
Alabama soccer is not only on map, but it’s leading the Stars and Stripes into the World Cup. It’s a much-needed plot twist after so much discord and whining throughout the team over the last few years.
I said this team needed some dogs after that embarrassing loss to Switzerland, and the U.S. is beginning to play with some desire and fearlessness.
About time.
Next up for Team USA is a final Gold Cup group-stage game against Haiti. The knockout rounds of the Gold Cup begin next weekend with the tournament quarterfinals. New coach Mauricio Pochettino should pin the captain’s band onto Richards’ arm and never take it off.
The U.S. needed some leaders, and this is turning into his team. Richards told me two years ago that the U.S. could be a soccer powerhouse. I believe him, and he’s doing his best to make that happen this summer.
To compete with the best in the world, the American soccer identity needs to be a reflection of the heart of the country. The U.S. doesn’t need to have the flair of the Brazilians to be great. The U.S. doesn’t need to match the skill of the Spanish team to beat Spain.
The U.S. can win with the things that make this country exceptional: unrelenting determination, hard work, strength, speed, diversity and desire.
The U.S. will crash out of the World Cup if it tries to be polished and smooth like the top European teams. Let Italy wear their fancy suits. Let Germany drive their fancy cars. Give me a U.S. team that wears cut off jeans shorts and drinks Coors Light. That’s the team that will inspire a country ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This will be a controversial opinion, but the U.S. doesn’t desperately need Christian Pulisic leading from the front in order to advance deep into the World Cup.
He’s a good player, and he can have a place on this team, but he’s not a leader and he doesn’t want to be. A leader would be with this team this summer.
Mark this down. The heart of the USMNT after this Gold Cup will be formed by players like Richards, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter.
Adams is the mainstay. Tillman is a tornado. Luna and Berhalter have been playing like maniacs. Richards is a born leader. The Saudis thought they could push the Americans around because the Saudis read the scouting report and it said the U.S. had gone soft.
The Saudis were wrong.
I was wrong.
These Americans can still win a fight.
Pulisic is taking this summer off to rest his body. He’ll need to earn his way back on the team. As for Gio Reyna, he had his chance. He blew it. The U.S. doesn’t need him around. He’s a potential team cancer and the U.S. can’t risk its team culture by allowing him into the fold after this summer.
The U.S. doesn’t need a generation of soccer players made of gold. It can win with iron and steel.
In soccer, as in life, the ball finds energy. That’s exactly what happened when Richards slotted himself into the box with a perfectly timed run off a free kick by teammate Berhalter. It was a great pass, and Richards did the rest with a skillful, sliding half-volley. The Saudi goalkeeper had no chance.
Earlier in the game, Richards saved a goal after one of his teammates, Alex Freeman, found himself on the wrong foot during a Saudi attack.
The son of retired NFL and Virginia Tech receiver Antonio Freeman, Alex is a promising young defender, but he was fooled badly during the first half by a Saudi build up. Richards saved a sure goal with a long sprint and perfectly timed sliding block.
He bounced up and U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese thanked Richards for saving the day.
Richards remained focused, looking to prepare his team for the next fight.
It was the look of a new Captain America with a style that’s all Alabama.
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.
Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for the Alabama Media Group, and author of the book “We Want Bama: A Season of Hope and the Making of Nick Saban’s Ultimate Team.”
Read MoreWork to begin later this year on $75 million US 280 development
Work should begin later this year on a $75 million, 14.5 acre retail development off U.S. 280 in Chelsea.
Chelsea Plaza would have 16 units of retail and commercial tenants, according to Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer.
The units would range from 1,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet, according to comments Picklesimer made during the city council’s June 17 meeting.
Picklesimer said the development would bring “new major retail and restaurant businesses and a significant number of jobs.”
Construction should begin later this year, with completion in 2028.
“It is a very positive thing for our city,” he said. “It would be the largest single development in the history of our city.”
Earlier this week, the city council approved $20 million in incentives with developer Bash & Co.
Picklesimer said the city has three projections on what to expect in return once the development is up and running.
If Chelsea Plaza realizes 100% of its revenue projections, the incentives would be paid out in 11 1/2 years and the city would receive more than $49 million. At 80%, the incentives would pay off in 13 1/2 years, and the city would net $35 million.
At 60%, incentives would pay off in 17 1/2 years, with more than $20 million flowing back to the city.
Picklesimer said the city will assume no ongoing financial risk, with no upfront immediate cost, and its borrowing capacity, ratings and budgets will not be impacted.
Read MoreDonald Trump posts message to WWE legend and his daughter
Donald Trump took to social media to give a shout out to the daughter of WWE wrestling icon Brock Lesnar.
Trump, who is in the WWE Hall of Fame, congratulated Colorado State’s Mya Lesnar, who won the NCAA shot put title with a throw of 19.01 meters earlier this month.
“Congratulations to Mya Lesnar on the WIN — Great Genetics!” Trump posted to Truth Social.
Brock Lesnar, as a wrestler at Minnesota, is also a former NCAA title winner himself.
Trump has been involved with WWE for years. Trump Plaza, in Atlantic City, N.J., hosted both WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V. It marked the only venue to present The Show of Shows two years in a row.
In 2007, Trump got into the action at Vince McMahon’s “Fan Appreciation Night” on Raw and dropped cash from the rafters onto the WWE fans below. McMahon challenged Trump to a “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 with the stipulation that the loser of the bout would have his head shaved.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter@Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Read MoreAtlanta Dream-Washington Mystics free livestream: How to watch WNBA game, TV, schedule
The Atlanta Dream play against the Washington Mystics in a WNBA game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT on ION. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.
The Dream enter this matchup with an 8-4 record, and they have won three of their last four games. However, the team is coming off an 86-81 loss against New York.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Dream will need a great performance from their star player Allisha Gray. She averages more than 20 points per game, which leads the Atlanta offense.
The Mystics enter this matchup with a 5-7 record, and they are coming off a 79-72 win against Chicago.
In order to win tonight’s game, the Mystics will need to rely on their star player Brittney Sykes. She leads the Washington offense in scoring, as she averages nearly 21 points per game.
Sykes is coming off a 32-point performance.
Fans can watch this WNBA game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.
Read MoreDyson is offering its powerful robot vacuum for its cheapest price yet
Those who have been waiting for the right moment to splurge on a high-end robot vacuum are now in luck as Dyson, known for its cutting-edge cleaning technology, is offering a $200 discount on its powerful 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum among other deals happening this week.
With this limited time deal, Dyson customers can score the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $799 compared to its normal $1,000 price tag. This product was initially priced at $1,200 (or $999 when on sale), so this is pretty much a $400 discount overall compared to if you bought it just a month ago.
Dyson 360 Vis Nav™ robot vacuum
$999.99 $799.99
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav™ robot vacuum is on sale for $200 off when purchased online.
RELATED: Target is offering a rare deal on the BISSELL CrossWave vacuum mop
Dyson states that its 360 Vis Nav is the world’s most powerful robot vacuum. It comes with 360° vision navigation for effective and intelligent cleaning along with a full-width brush bar to maximize performance on all floor surfaces controlled from the MyDyson™ app.
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav also cleans deep into corners with an extended side duct that automatically redirects suction, powerful enough to capture dust and debris right up to the wall, according to Dyson.
Meanwhile, Dyson 360 Vis Nav also comes with a dual-link suspension system that allows it to climb over obstacles up to 0.8 inches high. This capability ensures that the vacuum can traverse various surfaces, including low thresholds or small rugs, enhancing its versatility and allowing for thorough cleaning throughout the home without interruptions.
Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Dyson’s website here. You can also browse all deals Dyson is offering right now here.
Generative AI was used to provide product description for this story, based on data provided by Dyson. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.
Read More15 summer things to do in Alabama that bring back childhood memories
The start of summer always reminds me of that feeling I got as a kid just before the last school bell rang, impatiently awaiting the sting of pool chlorine, the joy of racing bikes and the sound of the ice cream truck.
Sometimes, when we get busy and we’re going to the office, driving children from one place to another, and burning our thighs on hot car seats, we forget to stop and enjoy summer.
I made a list of traditional things we can do to remind us of summer – even if we haven’t done them since childhood.
What traditions would be on your list? Email [email protected] and let me know.
Eat food you grew yourself.Birmingham News
Eat food you grew yourself
(or at least by someone you know)
Even if you don’t have space or time for a vegetable garden, there’s a good chance that someone who does will bring extra tomatoes or squash or okra to the office to share with coworkers, or a neighbor will drop by with a sack of zucchini. It’s what we do in summer. And nothing tastes like those home-grown veggies.
Take an icy plunge in a hidden swimming hole, like this one in Turkey Creek near Pinson, Ala.Birmingham News
Take an icy plunge in a hidden swimming hole
Not many things compare to the feeling of jumping into a creek or swimming hole that only a few people know about. If you find a rope swing tied to a tree along the bank, you’re obligated to give it a try.
Visit one of the many cool underground caverns, like Rickwood, shown here.Birmingham News
Visit one of the many cool underground caverns
When the temperatures hover at 90 and you can’t get to one of those icy swimming holes, take a tour through a cavern that offers a constant temperature of around 60 degrees. It will make you say “Ahhhh!”
READ MORE: Awe-inspiring caves
Listen to music under the stars, like this one at Burritt on the Mountina in Huntsville, Ala.Huntsville Times File Photo
Listen to music under the stars
Alabama hosts outdoor concerts in every music genre during the summer, often free of charge. Whether you bring a folding chair or a blanket to sit on, listening to music as the sun sets is as summery as it gets.
Take a trip to a mountain, like Ruffner mountain.Birmingham News
Take a trip to the mountains
It may be 10 degrees cooler there, but the scenery is gorgeous. Alabama may not have the tallest mountains, but it sure doesn’t skimp on views.
Head to the Gulf Coast beaches.Birmingham News
Head to the Gulf Coast beaches
Alabama’s beaches are some of the best along the Gulf – sugar-white sand, gorgeous water, plenty of activities and a variety of restaurants to please everyone in the family.
Go to a museum you haven’t seen in a while, like American Village in Montevallo, Ala., shown.Birmingham News
Go to a museum you haven’t seen in a while
It probably has new exhibits and you get to take a tour in the air conditioning. From space artifacts (Huntsville) to bugs (Decatur), from replicas of colonial America (Montevallo) to maritime exhibits (Mobile), there are plenty to choose from. And don’t forget, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery is the only museum of its kind in the nation, telling stories of victims of white supremacy.
READ MORE: Uniquely Alabama museums
Pick up an Alabama-grown watermelon at a roadside stand.Birmingham News
Pick up an Alabama-grown watermelon at a roadside stand
And if you really want to bring back childhood, do not eat it with a fork. The proper way is to cut slices and gnaw the slice right down to the rind while juice drips everywhere. Then you can spit the seeds in your yard and let them grow.
Spend a day at a public garden, like Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Mobile, shown.Mobile Press-Register File
Spend a day at a public garden
Alabama has some stunning public gardens and they really shine in summer. Botanical gardens are located in Huntsville, Birmingham, Dothan, Montgomery, Hoover, Thoedore, Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, and Mobile. Don’t forget the arboretums in Hoover, Wetumpka, Auburn, Troy and Tuscaloosa.
READ MORE: Stunning Alabama gardens
Take a hike to a beautiful waterfall, like this one in Hurricane Creek Park.Birmingham News File
Take a hike to a beautiful waterfall
Wide, skinny, small or tall, Alabama is filled with gorgeous waterfalls. Find a map of falls and information on how to reach them here.
Guntersville Dam
Go boating on one of Alabama’s lakes or rivers
There’s nothing like the feel of the wind in your hair when you’re cruising along on a boat. If you don’t own one, there are plenty for rent. Plus, when it gets too hot, you can always jump over the side for a dip.
Sip a cold drink on the porch.Birmingham News
Sip a cold drink on the porch
It can be a “Coke,” iced tea or a Mint Julep… anything as long as it’s cool and wets your whistle while you tell tales of the old days.
Visit a walk-up dairy bar, like Kreme Delite in Athens, Ala.Huntsville Times File Photo
Visit a walk-up dairy bar
There aren’t as many as there used to be, which makes them even more special. The ones that remain have often been around for generations, such as Kreme Delite in Athens, Mrs. Story’s in Opelika and Mel’s Dairy Dream in Monroeville. Click here for a list.
Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.Birmingham News
Watch a movie at a drive-in theater
Nothing says “nostalgia” like a drive-in theater. Just be sure to bring bug spray and maybe a small fan. Find a list of Alabama drive-ins here.
Find a weird and wonderful bargain at the World’s Longest Yard Sale, shown here.Birmingham News
Visit the World’s Longest Yard Sale
The best part of the World’s Longest Yard Sale is that you don’t need to buy a thing to have a good time. You can just drive from one area to the next, then wander from booth to booth, looking at the eye-popping array of unusual objects for sale. The sale runs for 690 miles through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The Alabama portion winds along Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden to Chattanooga. It begins the first Thursday in August and continues for four days. Find information here.
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