Alabama News

Dear Eric: I don’t suppose I am the only one who feels ghosted by friends and family in their slow response time to texts. I am curious as to what is the courteous time to respond to texts.

I have friends that respond in minutes and family that respond in an hour which I find courteous.

I am more concerned about those that take hours and some take days. It really is concerning when I answer their text questions promptly and then am ghosted for hours or days wondering what they thought of my answers.

I feel ghosted. Why did they ask for my input and then they don’t respond for hours or days. I am just curious if I should not even text these friends and family instead pick up the phone and call them the old-fashioned way knowing I probably will get their voicemail.

– Ghosted

Dear Ghosted: This may be an unpopular opinion for some, but I’m a big fan of a phone call, especially if you need a quicker answer and the person is a slow texter. You might also try a voice note, to which some people respond more quickly than they do a text.

I’d encourage you to reframe your thinking about this. While it may feel like ghosting – and it’s certainly frustrating to not get replies to texts for hours or days – in most cases it’s probably less about you than it is about the way the person you texted uses their phone. Texting is prevalent these days but it’s not particularly natural for everyone. Many people’s schedules or lives or temperaments aren’t set up to respond at a moment’s notice, in writing to boot. It’s very different from swinging by someone’s cubicle at work or talking to a neighbor on the porch. So, when you’re finding yourself not getting the response you want, consider that it’s not a rejection but rather simply information about how the text recipient moves through the world. This person may not be a good texter; doesn’t make them a bad friend, per se.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

A longtime Birmingham activist and political operative doesn’t want to run for mayor – but he just might do it if the current slate ignores what he considers critical issues facing the city.

Frank Matthews criticized candidates as lacking strong voices regarding quality of life issues, including crime and economic development that impact most residents.

“Everybody’s a star,” he said. “Birmingham suffers from a bad delusional mentality. There’s no focus.”

Instead, he said the current contestants are preoccupied with social media posts.

“Anything you put out there is a laughing matter,” Matthews said. “We are controlled by an algorithm, and who gets it first and who can get the most ghost out of it and the most stars. It’s frivolous”

Mathews, 69, has previously run for mayor and city council.

Mayor Randall Woodfin is seeking a third term. Current mayoral candidates challengers are: State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales, activist Kamau Afrika, pastor and non-profit executive Frank Woodson, engineer and Ensley development developer Brian K. Rice, and Jerimy Littlepage, a newcomer to politics who said he was inspired by Woodfin to seek the elected office.

Mathews lists a litany of unmet needs that he said are not at the forefront of the crowded pool of candidates.

Matthews said Birmingham leaders should also prioritize expanding the city by annexing surrounding communities such as Liscomb, Fairfield and Brighton. Talk in the past about annexing those small cities was rejected by both their citizens and leaders. Still, Matthews said the move would benefit everyone by providing needed resources to the struggling small towns while increasing Birmingham’s falling numbers.

“We need to find a way to bail them out and add another council district,” he said.

A similar move was last done in 1988 when Birmingham annexed the former town of Roosevelt City following a referendum.

Matthews calls for governments in the Birmingham area to unite to address shared issues such as flooding.

Regarding crime, Matthews called it premature to celebrate the city’s falling homicide rate compared to 2024, which was among the deadliest with 151 violent deaths.

The city ended the first half of 2025 with 37 homicides, a 51.3 percent drop from 76 during the same time period in 2024. The reduction has generated praise for Mayor Randall Woodin and new leadership at the police department.

Still, Matthews said the city should go further by establishing an office for recidivism reduction.

Under his proposal, the mayor would meet with released criminals as they reenter the city. The new office would also track first time offenders as they move through the justice system. He said the city would also offer support services to those individuals.

“Crime is a learned behavior,” he said.

Matthews, who was an ex-convict, was appointed in 1992 by then-Mayor Richard Arrington to serve as a gang liaison for the city. Matthews has long discussed his previous incarceration, life outside and mission to help other men avoid similar mistakes or recover from them.

Later, Matthews would work for Mayor Larry Langford. He was fired from that position in 2009 after a heated exchange with citizens during a public neighborhood Christmas party.

Regarding quality of life, Matthews proposes a $40 million fund to fund resident infrastructure needs. There would be caps on the grants designed to meet immediate concerns, he said.

“Those are realizable goals,” he said. “It’s time to share the economic wealth with the kind of money that is coming through here.”

Qualifying for Birmingham’s municipal elections ends July 11 at 5:00 p.m. Matthews, who has a residence in Forestdale, said he has established a home in Birmingham, just in case he tosses his hat into the contest.

“There is no perfect candidate and every candidate needs a challenger,” he said. “I strongly believe in it.”

“Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes,” said the poetic pioneer of subconscious studies Carl Jung. As you move in the group hypnosis of society, other people’s opinions, status, rewards… you may not feel fully conscious. But look inside and you’ll find something else: fears, motives, desires and shadows that stir your courage and invite self-awareness.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your efforts may not be praised, but that doesn’t mean they are in vain. You’re playing the long game here. Rewards are unfolding for you, and you’ll meet them a few miles down the road.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). So-called experts have turned out a product. If you think you can do better, it’s because you can. Inventing is harder than it looks, and it takes longer than you’d think, too, but you’re always doing it in one way or another; it’s one of your specialties.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What you offer is valuable, but the way you present it is even more important now. The frame you put on things and experiences is a huge part of the feelings and memories that come with it. People don’t just experience your work; they experience you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone’s flirting with you — maybe not romantically, but the playful vibe engages you with this person and with life itself. The timing of a look, a word, an unexpected offer… it’s all part of a conversation you didn’t realize you were in. Now you do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your true friends are the ones who will band together with you to complete a job. Of course, they have to know what you’re up to first. That happens when you stop downplaying it and start sharing — clearly, boldly, like it’s worth their time (because it is).

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). “FOMO” is uncomfortable, but so is being too enmeshed. Today brings peace with a position that’s close enough but comfortably outside of it all. You’ll get an overview of how the group works and a sense of what might be in it for you. This is a perspective you’ll no longer have once you get inside.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Some truths don’t click until you stop trying to explain them to others. Today you’ll accept something quietly and completely — and in that moment, gain a kind of freedom that’s all yours. No one else can give this to you, nor can they take it away.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A decision you made under pressure now seems surprisingly sound. Turns out, your instincts hold up even when your logic is going by so fast it’s blurry. This realization strengthens your trust in yourself — and sets a new baseline for confidence.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don’t need to stay with those who politely tolerate you or nod along. There are people out there who will totally get you. They’ll see themselves in you, and you’ll feel the same. This rare resonance is out there for you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re not wrong to need tenderness. And you’re not weak for wishing someone would notice. The good news: Someone does. Today. They may not say it yet, but they’re watching with admiration and care.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’re not trying to be cool, because you know that warm is easier, better and more suitable to most situations. Your way of moving through the world makes people want to come closer and stay longer.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve never been one to rush a connection, but today something clicks with unusual speed. It’s funny how this can happen awkwardly and still feel right, because “right” sometimes involves graceless jostling around to find the fit that works.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 5). It’s a year of commanding rooms and doing the harder thing; commanding yourself. More highlights: You’ll take extended breaks for fun, and you’ll get meaningful signals that your creativity is alive and your energy is aligned. You’ll have the kind of work that puts you in a flow state — how satisfying. You’ll teach and be made proud by your students. Gemini and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 17, 39, 37, 6 and 1.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: As General Ardmore in “Avatar: The Way of Water” Edie Falco joined the ranks of one of the top-grossing film franchises of all time — a bold step into blockbuster territory for an actress best known for her grounded, emotionally complex roles. The water-sign “Sopranos” matriarch is a classic moonchild, naturally drawn to portrayals of fierce, flawed and fiercely loyal mothers — a calling that aligns perfectly with her Cancer sun and Mercury.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

Medical helicopters were called to Lake Martin after multiple people were injured Friday night when fireworks exploded on a boat, according to news and social media accounts.

Few details were immediately available. There have been no reports of fatalities, according to the Tallapoosa County coroner.

The number of injured and the severity of their injuries is currently unknown.

The incident happened as a large number of people gathered to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July.

AL.com has reached out to the county sheriff and the emergency management agency for more information.

The incident happened in the Blue Creek area on Lake Martin, The Alexander City Outlook is reporting.

Multiple fire departments were called to the scene and Tallapoosa County officials ask that people avoid the area.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.

Young Noble, a member of rap group the Outlawz and a Tupac Shakur affiliate, has died at the age of 47.

The emcee, whose real name is Rufus Lee Cooper III, reportedly took his own life in Atlanta, according to fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean who shared the news of his death on social media.

“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable,” he wrote.

“My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I obviously am in no shape to talk about this right now so PLEASE give his family and I some time to process this. Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many.” Shakur’s Instagram account, managed by his estate, reposted the message.

The rapper was best known for his work with the Outlawz and appearances on Shakur tracks including “Hail Mary” and the posthumous “Baby Don’t Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II).” Throughout his career, he released five solo albums and numerous collaborative projects with artists including Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone and Dead Prez’s Stic.Man.

Cooper was born in Sierra Madre, CA, and moved to New Jersey when he was eight years old. It was there that he met fellow Outlawz members Yaki Kadafi and Hussein Fatal and started recording music.

He connected with Shakur after moving back to California and made his debut on the rapper’s 1996 album “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory,” appearing on the opening track “Bomb First (My Second Reply)” and as part of the Outlawz on “Just Like Daddy” and “Hail Mary.”

Over the years, Cooper amassed a sizable discography following his solo debut “Noble Justice” in 2002. He released his most recent album “Outlaw University” in 2023.

Following news of his death, several of his associates posted on social media in his remembrance. “RIP to my Thug Brother @young_noble just got the devastating news,” wrote Layzie Bone.

“I think of Edi and his whole family. My condolences to his family Wife and kids and friends and fans rest up eternal bro. This mental health is a scary thing.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

© 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

President Donald Trump says he didn’t know the term “shylock” is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders.

Trump told reporters early Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had “never heard it that way” and “never heard that” the term was considered an offensive stereotype about Jews.

Shylock refers to the villainous Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” who demands a pound of flesh from a debtor.

The Anti-Defamation League, which works to combat antisemitism, said in a statement that the term “evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump’s use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.”

Democrat Joe Biden, while vice president, said in 2014 that he had made a “poor choice” of words a day after he used the term in remarks to a legal aid group.

Trump’s administration has made cracking down on antisemitism a priority. His administration said it is screening for antisemitic activity when granting immigration benefits and its fight with Harvard University has centered on allegations from the White House that the school has tolerated antisemitism.

But the Republican president has also had a history of playing on stereotypes about Jewish people.

He told the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 that “you want to control your politicians” and suggested the audience used money to exert control.

Before he kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump drew widespread criticism for dining at his Florida club with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist.

Last year, Trump made repeated comments accusing Jewish Americans who identify as Democrats of disloyalty because of the Democratic leaders’ criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics said it perpetuated an antisemitic trope about Jews having divided loyalties and there being only one right way to be Jewish.

On Thursday night in his speech in Iowa, Trump used the term while talking about his signature legislation that was passed by Congress earlier in the day.

“No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people,” he said.

When a reporter later asked about the word’s antisemitic association and his intent, Trump said; “No, I’ve never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody that’s a money lender at high rates. I’ve never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. I’ve never heard that.”

The Anti-Defamation League said Trump’s use of the word “underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”

Julian McMahon, the suave Australian actor best known for his performances on “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Charmed,” “Nip/Tuck” and the early aughts “Fantastic Four” films, has died. He was 56.

McMahon’s death was confirmed through the official “Nip/Tuck” Facebook page. The remembrance post read, “Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of our friend Julian McMahon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.”

Deadline reported McMahon “died July 2 in Clearwater, Florida after a private battle with cancer.”

McMahon got his start on a string of Australian TV soaps, including “The Power, the Passion” and “Home and Away.” He made his film debut playing a lifeguard in the 1992 comedy “Wet and Wild Summer,” co-starring with Elliott Gould and Christopher Atkins.

One of McMahon’s first American TV jobs was a 22-episode arc on the NBC soap opera “Another World.”

He then landed a recurring role on another NBC program, “Profiler,” before breaking out as Cole Turner on “Charmed.” He starred in three seasons of the supernatural teen drama.

McMahon’s first major leading role in television was on Ryan Murphy’s campy plastic surgery series “Nip/Tuck,” which ran for six seasons on FX. He starred as Dr. Christian Troy alongside Dylan Walsh’s Sean McNamara. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for the role in 2005.

Years after the FX series, McMahon’s next major TV role was on “FBI: Most Wanted,” where he played Jesse LaCroix. He joined the series in 2020 and starred in 43 episodes before exiting in 2022.

McMahon’s other TV credits include “Full Circle,” “Hunters,” “Runaways” and “The Residence.”

McMahon’s best-known film role was playing Dr. Doom in Tim Story’s 2005 “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel “Rise of the Silver Surfer.”

His other film credits include “Red,” “Faces in the Crowd,” “Paranoia,” “Swinging Safari,” “Monster Party,” “The Surfer” and “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.”

McMahon, born in Sydney, Australia on July 27, 1968, was the son of Billy McMahon, the Australian Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972.

© 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Hallmark’s beloved Christmas in July event officially kicks off with the new premiere of Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle, which is set to air Saturday, July 5 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to catch the first big premiere for Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas in July extravaganza can stream the upcoming movie premiere even without access to traditional cable through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

Originally released on Hallmark’s streaming service last year, the Unwrapping Christmas collection consists of four movies—all of which will be released on the network as part of this year’s Christmas in July event.

What is Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle about?

The first of the four-movie collection to be released on the Hallmark Channel, Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle stars Natalie Hall and Alec Santos and follows successful gift-wrapping shop owner Tina (Hall), who’s in charge of planning this year’s annual Christmas gala.

Unfortunately for Tina, things begin to go awry when the gala faces cancellation due to a scrooge-like estate owner.

More on the Unwrapping Christmas collection

Following the debut of Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle on July 5, the remaining three movies in the collection will be released the following three Saturdays at 8/7c.

Included in the collection are Unwrapping Christmas: Mia’s Prince (July 12), Unwrapping Christmas: Lily’s Destiny (July 19) and Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia’s Reunion (July 26).

How to watch the Unwrapping Christmas Collection

For those interested in streaming Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle and the rest of the upcoming collection can access the Hallmark Channel through the streaming services listed below.

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

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

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

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

What is Philo?

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

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

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

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top rated TV channels like the Hallmark Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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

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

The San Antonio Spurs will take on the Miami Heat in the first game of the California Classic on Saturday. No.2 overall pick Dylan Harper will get his first opportunity to show off his skills against other NBA talent.

For the Heat, No.20 overall pick Kasparas Jakucionis will make his highly anticipated debut as well.

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

Here’s everything you need to know before the Spurs and Heat tipoff this weekend:

When: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

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