The WNBA skyrocketed in fame last year when Caitlin Clark entered the league. The former No.1 overall pick was selected by the Indiana Fever and the rest was history. Clark would go on to win the 2024 Rookie of the Year award, putting plenty of expectations on her and the Fever heading into 2025.
Clark has dealt with injuries all season so far but has done her thing when she’s on the court. There’s no debate that Clark is the most popular player in the league, selling out arenas everywhere Indiana plays.
WNBA Store is running a sale until midnight tonight, with 25% off select Caitlin Clark items, which can be viewed here.
Here’s a look at some of the best deals we found:
In order to receive the sale price, fans will need to use code “SWISH” at checkout.
The WNBA skyrocketed in fame last year when Caitlin Clark entered the league. The former No.1 overall pick was selected by the Indiana Fever and the rest was history. Clark would go on to win the 2024 Rookie of the Year award.
Who will take that spotlight this year? It seems to be Paige Bueckers, who was taken first overall by the Dallas Wings. Bueckers, the former UConn star, will face off against the Indiana Fever on Friday. The highly-anticipated matchup may be altered, as Clark could be out due to injury.
WNBA Store is running a sale until midnight tonight, with 25% off select Paige Bueckers items, which can be viewed here.
Here’s a look at some of the best deals we found:
In order to receive the sale price, fans will need to use code “SWISH” at checkout.
The Atlanta Braves play against the Philadelphia Phillies in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:15 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Network South/FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.
The Braves enter this matchup with a 37-43 record, and they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Braves lost 4-0 against the New York Mets.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Braves will need a great performance from their star player Matt Olson. He leads the Atlanta offense with 15 home runs and 52 RBI this season, which highlights his power at the plate.
The Phillies enter this matchup with a 47-34 record, and they have lost three consecutive games. In their most recent game, the Phillies lost 2-1 against Houston.
In order to win tonight’s game, the Phillies will need a great performance from their star player Kyle Schwarber. He leads the team with 24 home runs and 55 RBI this season, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.
Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.
The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled to transpire tonight, as teams look to improve their rosters. The event will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch the NHL Draft for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
Matthew Schaefer will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft, as he showcased his great play in the Ontario Hockey League. The 17 year-old defenseman recorded 22 points in only 17 games last season. If he is able to continue his great play in the NHL, then he will be a key piece to a championship team.
Michael Misa will be another key name to watch this evening, as he should be selected with the first few picks in the NHL Draft. He is an elite forward, as he accrued 134 points in 65 games in the Ontario Hockey League last season.
After Misa and Schaefer, the prospect talent in this draft levels out. With this in mind, the first round should be exciting to watch tonight.
Fans can watch the 2025 NHL Draft 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 National Weather Service issued a report at 4:35 p.m. on Friday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. for Greene, Hale and Perry counties.
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated.
“At 4:35 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Sawyerville to near Arcola to near Uniontown. These storms were nearly stationary,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Greensboro, Newbern, Duffys Bend, Sawyerville, Greensboro Municipal Airport, Vaiden, Walden Quarters, Selden Lock And Dam, Vaiden Field Airport, Cedarville and Laneville.
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
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.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
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 without 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 forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If 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. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
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:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and drive with care:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
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.
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.
The National Weather Service issued a report at 4:37 p.m. on Friday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. for Coffee County.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 4:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 10 miles north of New Brockton, or 12 miles northeast of Elba, moving west at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Elba, Fort Novosel, Lee, Pine Level, Java, Chestnut Grove, Mixons Crossroads, Victoria, Frisco, Eanon, Wilkinstown, Zoar, Lowry Mill, Newby, Camp Humming Hills, Roeton, Wise Mill, Tabernacle, Clowers Crossroads and Arcus.
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
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 protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
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.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If 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. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of rapid water flow:
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:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The 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 limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected 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.
Ty Simpson could have left Alabama football. When he first lost a quarterback competition to Jalen Milroe before the 2023 season, he could have hit the portal, and the option persisted while he sat as a backup in 2024 as well.
Instead, Simpson stayed loyal, and now his time could be coming soon. Crimson Tide coaches told reporters that the redshirt junior was leading the current quarterback battle, and he seems mostly likely to be the starter in 2025.
Simpson is working as a Manning Passing Academy instructor in Louisiana this week, where he was asked about his decision to stick around.
“I’m not gonna sit here and say it wasn’t hard, because there were some days where I felt like God wasn’t on my side and I didn’t really understand his plan,” Simpson said in a video posted by Crescent City Sports. “But I prayed about it, and at the end of the day, there wasn’t anywhere else where I wanted to play. I felt that God had put me in Tuscaloosa for a reason. I always felt like I could accomplish everything that I could, still to this day, with winning a national championship and being a first-round pick there at the University of Alabama.
Simpson is battling with fellow returnee Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell for the starting job in 2025. He joined the Crimson Tide under former head coach Nick Saban ahead of the 2022 season, as a five-star prospect himself.
The Tennessee native said the bonds he built at UA were too difficult to abandon.
“I couldn’t leave my friends, my teammates,” Simpson said. “Some of my best friends who are going to be in my wedding one day are my teammates there at the University of Alabama. Seeing them on a different sideline, it just didn’t fit right to me.
“So with coach Saban’s guidance and the guys that are one the team and go to school there, there was nowhere else I’d rather be than the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa.”
Simpson’s loyalty has earned him the respect of one of the nation’s best passers. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik said in an interview this week that he thinks Simpson, among other quarterbacks who took the long road to a starting job, deserve credit.
“I’ve got so much respect for the guys who are staying loyal,”Klubnik told On3 in a recent interview. “Guys like Arch [Manning], Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Ty Simpson. Those are the guys that come to mind. The guys that believe in the program and believe in the culture that they’re at. Just chase to get better every single year. There’s a reason that those are four of the best quarterbacks in college football right now. Guys that have stayed loyal, that have put their noses to the dirt and just went to work, and those are the guys that I respect so much.”
Alabama will begin preseason camp in early August, when Simpson will try and nail down the starting job. The Crimson Tide opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30, with a trip to Tallahassee to face Florida State.
At 4:18 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service released a flood advisory in effect until 7:30 p.m. for Marengo County.
The weather service states, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways,” describes the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Breaking down 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.
Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Seek higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to 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:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Swift evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
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 high ground if trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. 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 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 swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
President Donald Trump joked it “could be the end of my political career” after he flirted with an African reporter while presiding over a ceremony Friday afternoon with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
“I shouldn’t say this because it’s politically incorrect: She’s beautiful. And you are beautiful,” Trump told the Hariana Veras beside his desk in the Oval Office as reporters covered the ceremony.
“I’m not allowed to say that, you know,” he told her. “That could be the end of my political career.”
Trump laid it on thick.
“But you are beautiful, and you’re beautiful inside,” the president gushed to Varas. “I wish we had more reporters like you.”
The two engaged in chit chat, with Trump asking if she “covered Africa for a long time.”
“Yes, for over 10 years,” Varas said. “I covered even your first administration.”
“I didn’t know that. That’s great,” Trump said, shaking hands with the reporter. “So nice. And I appreciate it.”
Later on in the ceremony, Trump handed out challenge coins to cement peace between the two African nations.
“I think that your reporter from Africa should get one. What do you think?” Trump said. “Are the reporters OK with it?”
“Darling, that’s for you, OK?,” he said, handing her the coin. “You did a fantastic job. And I hear you do a great job covering everything.”
Trump signed letters to the leaders of Rwanda and Congo inviting them to Washington for the finalization of the peace agreement.
The event is expected to take place in July.
Officials said negotiations were also underway for investment agreements stemming from the peace accord for Congo’s resource-rich east.
The Charlotte Hornets remain one of the worst franchises in the NBA. Despite having superstar LaMelo Ball, the Hornets won just 19 games in 2024 and need to retool quickly before their best player asks out.
The Hornets are a very young team that includes Ball, Nick Smith Jr, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate among others.
The Hornets would land the No.4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They’d end up selecting Duke guard Kon Knueppel last night, who was teammates with No.1 overall pick Cooper Flagg at Duke.
Fanatics is already fully stocked with Knueppel’s new Spurs gear, which can be viewed here. Here’s a look at some of the best items we found:
Fans can also get free shipping with code “29SHIP” at checkout.