Dear Eric: We were visiting my sister-in-law, which we’ve done quite a bit. We got home and a few days later I called her. She told me she believed our dog peed on the carpet right outside the bathroom door. She was looking in the bathroom mirror and noticed a small yellow spot.
She said she didn’t smell it or touch it to see if the carpet was wet but cleaned it up. Of course, I was mortified, and said “oh no, we won’t be staying with you anymore.”
She said he probably did it when I was down using that bathroom. By the way she is a clean freak, so to speak.
I am having a hard time getting past this, especially since she didn’t smell or touch it, the carpet is speckled brown. We have visited many times with our dog. Any input would help.
– Visiting Accident
Dear Visiting: Don’t banish yourself just yet. It doesn’t sound like your sister-in-law is holding this against you. Though she may be a clean freak, it also sounds like she’s taken care of the offending spot, pee or not, and so the state of cleanliness in her home has returned.
These things do happen from time to time with pets. If they didn’t the very large, and comprehensive line of carpet cleaning products with dogs on the label would be sunk.
You might call your sister-in-law back to check in and see if there was any additional cleaning that needed to happen. If so, you might also consider paying for it. But it sounds like it wasn’t a huge mess to begin with and now it’s just a memory.
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.
Attention to you world travelers with your fancy STAR IDs (especially the ones planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iran).
AL.com’s Leada Gore reports that the U.S. State Department has put Israel and Iran under a Do Not Travel advisory — which is an obvious move — and it’s also issued an alert to travelers anywhere over the possibility of demonstrations and violence.
After all, the entirety of world’s crazy isn’t limited to the Middle East and Interstate 65.
Of course, this is due to the conflicts involving Israel and Iran and in Gaza. Travel restrictions to Iran are nothing new, of course, but Israel is a popular destination for Americans. The State Department is advising U.S. citizens there or in the West Bank to take the first available way out of the country, even if it adds a leg to your trip back home.
Efforts are underway to fly Americans out of Israel, but land crossing should be available into Jordan and Egypt.
Those federal dollars
The impact of U.S. Space Force in North Alabama just became more real — possibly by millions of dollars — for one defense contractor.
The Space Test Experiments Program 2.0 will be awarding contracts totaling up to $237 million over the next 10 years to advance space technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense.
AL.com’s John R. Roby reports that Astrion of Huntsville is one of 12 companies across the nation that’ll be bidding on those contracts.
The companies will be building modular satellites and integrating them with various experimental payloads. The modular satellites will be made to be repaired and upgraded in space.
Sensitive information
Federal agents filed criminal charges against Ewa Maria Ciszak for allegedly removing classified documents from where she works, reports AL.com’s Scott Turner.
Ciszak was a civilian employee with the Department of Defense at the Missile Defense Agency.
The FBI is not painting this as a case of accidental mishandling. Agents said they saw her taking documents with classified markings from work on multiple occasions. They acquired a search warrant, say they saw Ciszak remove more documents, and then executed the warrant. Agents say they found classified material in her car, backpack and home.
According to court documents, Ciszak argued that she had removed sensitive information from the documents.
A track star
Janie Ford of St. Paul’s Episcopal School just finished quite a high school career. For the second year in a row she’s the Coastal Alabama Female Athlete of the Year, reports AL.com’s Arthur Mack.
Folks, Ford has won 20 individual state titles. She’s won the heptathlon three times. She’s the Gatorade Female Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
She polished off her prep career with four individual titles at the Class 7A outdoor state championships. Those events were the long jump, the 300-meter hurdles, the 200 and the 100-meter hurdles.
She has signed on to compete at Vanderbilt.
Picture That
Audience members at the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham, Alabama. The 9,300-capacity venue opened on June 22, 2025, with a show by comedian Matt Rife.(Mary Colurso | [email protected])
Quoting
“This is what a peace maker and the leader of the free world does, (President Trump) steps in when both sides can’t agree and he gives them an offer they can’t refuse. He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”
The lunar activity in the sign of nurturing bodes well for improvements that stick. We really do learn something from each and every interaction. Some of the lessons are obvious in the moment, and others won’t be revealed to us for years, if they ever are. But all teachings are absorbed in some way. Experience is our constant coach and won’t disappoint today or ever.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don’t realize how profound your emotional effect is on others. It’s not that you’re doing anything over-the-top, but your natural way of connecting, expressing or simply being reaches people in a way that stands out to them.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There’s a delayed cause and effect happening today. Something you did or chose a long time ago is finally bearing fruit. The seeds you planted — intentionally or not — are now coming up, possibly in unexpected ways.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Forget about discernment for a minute. Be open to friendly contribution in whatever size or package it comes in. You don’t have to affirm a lifelong allegiance to like something. Liking things has momentum. One thing leads to the next.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just when you think you know yourself, you will be faced with the realization that you don’t even know the half of it. No one does! “You” haven’t been fully invented yet. Understanding comes through living. Take a risk — you’re lucky today.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You want to be appreciated for who you are, not just for what you offer. That’s why you hold back a little on the offerings. This way, you can see who leans in, who’s generous, who drops interest. You’ll see people’s true colors.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The “rush” is an illusion imposed by forces of ego and fear. You can change everything with a simple resolve to slow down. Breathe. What’s truly meant for you won’t disappear if you take a moment to think.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There’s an opportunity to make an impression, a connection or a stellar trade today. Just keep talking, listening and enjoying the exchange. Ideas build in the sharing going from fine to fortuitous.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Maybe you didn’t want to get specific about what you bring to the table because you thought it would be bragging. But this is exactly what “the table” needs right now — your truth. Your talent. Know and name your value so others will, too.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re checking out a situation, and this is just the beginning. You can tell who the allies are without much investigation or testing. You have a gut-level feeling about this, and you can trust it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Strong relationships aren’t built on commonality. True openness means respecting people who don’t mirror you. It takes maturity to value different styles, voices and approaches, but that’s what real inclusion is — an opportunity to expand.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). This is not a time for extremes. You’ll find balance somewhere close to the middle. The far edges are unstable, unsustainable or even harmful. Whether it’s temperature, diet, effort, speed or behavior, the ideal point will feel graceful and controlled.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Commit. The process will get frustrating today. Be patient. Changing tactics midway will likely only set you back. Stick to the plan a little longer. You’re closer than it feels. Let consistency carry you through the dip.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 24). You let go of expectation and fully live what’s happening. Through the unknown and in moments of certainty, you will love who you were, who you are and who you are becoming. Stellar relationships galvanize you to do your best work in the world. More highlights: exciting professional promotions, plot twists and hobbies that keep you in glorious shape. Pisces and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 14, 28, 33 and 19.
CELEBRITY PROFILES: Mindy Kaling’s “Running Point” has been renewed for a second season. The Netflix sports comedy she co-created and executive produced stars Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, who becomes president of her family’s Los Angeles basketball team. Kaling ranks among the most hyphenated of artists, acting, producing, writing scripts and bestselling books and participating in activism to bring clean water where it’s needed. Cancer is the sign associated with mothers, and Kaling’s maternal instinct extends to children around the world.
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.
A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 7:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 p.m. for Washington County.
Brace for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 7:30 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 6 miles northwest of McIntosh, or 13 miles southeast of Chatom, moving northwest at 20 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The alert is for Chatom, Tibbie and Fruitdale.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, 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 with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
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:
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:
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.
Slow down and drive with care:
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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture 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.
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.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 7:01 p.m. in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Conecuh and Escambia counties.
The storms may bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 7:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles east of I65 And AL 113, or 9 miles northwest of Brewton, moving west at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
The weather service comments, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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, which 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 with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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 strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
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:
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.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture 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 impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered 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.
In his first 60 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick recorded 17 interceptions. But in Pittsburgh’s past 28 games, the former Alabama All-American has one interception.
When asked during the NFL team’s offseason program what it will take for the return of “Minkah ball” to the Steelers secondary, Fitzpatrick said: “I just got to play football. That’s it.”
Pittsburgh defensive-backs coach Gerald Alexander had a lot more to say after getting that question.
“A lot of that is not necessarily dealing with the chasing of the results,” Alexander said, “but just how do we continue to master the process that puts him in position to make plays? A lot of that comes with alignments, assignments, being a great communicator, whether it’s putting himself or his teammates in positions of success or for whatever the opportunity presents itself. And then when those techniques and those opportunities align, that’s when splash plays happen.
“And so I’m not in the process of trying to chase results for Minkah or really for anybody. It’s really an opportunity to just develop the details that come with the responsibilities that we have that will lead to the results that we seek.”
Fitzpatrick also spoke about communication when reviewing the 2024 season, saying the Steelers had “too many instances where one guy thought one thing and one guy thought another and we weren’t on the same page and that led to a big play.”
“Football, I think, should be black and white,” Fitzpatrick said. “There shouldn’t be, in regards to execution and schematics, there should be no gray. It should just be this is how we’re doing it, this is how we’re communicating it. If I give you a thumbs up, you give me a thumbs up back. If I give you a thumbs down, you give me a thumbs down back. And it’s as simple as that. So when guys aren’t doing it, it’s establishing ‘No, this is what we’re doing, and if you don’t want to do it, then you ain’t going to be here.’ Or you’re not going to be on the field.
“We’re really pressing down and instilling that in everybody.”
As far as alignment and assignment, Fitzpatrick said: “We’re going to have to see once we get closer to the season.”
The major change for the Steelers secondary this offseason was the signing of cornerback Darius Slay to pair with Joey Porter Jr. A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay comes to Pittsburgh for his 13th NFL season off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fitzpatrick’s interceptions can’t necessarily by correlated to the Steelers’ defensive stats. In 2022, when Fitzpatrick tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, Pittsburgh ranked 10th in points allowed and 13th in yards allowed among the NFL’s 32 teams. In 2024, when Fitzpatrick had one interception, the Steelers ranked eighth in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed.
Game results line up better. In games played by Fitzpatrick, when he has an interception, Pittsburgh has an 11-5 record, and when he doesn’t, the Steelers have a 46-43-1 mark.
On its summer break now, Pittsburgh opens training camp on July 23 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Steelers start their three-game preseason schedule on Aug 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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.
Bruce Pearl believes Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize for his handling of Israel and Iran.
The Auburn basketball coach has been very vocal on social media since the conflict started earlier this month.
“This is what a peace maker and the leader of the free world does,” Pearl posted. “He steps in when both sides can’t agree, and he gives them an offer they can’t refuse. He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I pray that all sides can offer some grace and keep the peace.”
Trump said on social media Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.
The U.S. president said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to war, a major change in the hostilities that follows a U.S. strike over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear sites.
At this time of this posting, the Israeli military declined to comment on Trump’s statement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from The Associated Press. There was also no immediate comment from Iran.
Earlier Monday, Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. said no casualties were reported.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your strength and vision, keeping us safe,” the Auburn coach posted on X. “Proud of our troops!
“You did what no one has had the courage to do for far too long. You were patient and clear. Pray for Peace through prosperity in the Middle East, expand now on the AA. You prevented a War.”
Earlier this month, Israel launched a wave of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and military command personnel claiming it was to neuter Iran’s nuclear program.
Pearl, who is Jewish and a staunch supporter of Israel, took to X to say he felt as though the Democratic Party “used to stand with Israel, sadly, not anymore.”
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.
Kalen DeBoer’s second season as Alabama football’s head coach will be crucial to his Tuscaloosa legacy. The Crimson Tide underachieved by Nick Saban’s lofty standard last season, winning nine games and missing the College Football Playoff, but still showed up in big moments throughout the year, beating the likes of Georgia and LSU.
Ahead of Year 2, DeBoer sat down with AL.com’s Beat Everyone podcast to discuss a wide range of topics. He chatted about the Crimson Tide’s quarterback situation, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell all competing for the job of replacing Jalen Milroe behind center.
He also talked about the addition of Ryan Grubb as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. DeBoer and Grubb worked together throughout their careers, most recently in 2023, when they led Washington to a national title appearance before DeBoer took the UA job and Grubb spent a year with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
“Having Ryan here just really takes it to another level, because of how long I’ve known him and the experiences we’ve had together,” DeBoer said. “The things we’ve talked through. It allows us to be very efficient, whether it’s coming off the practice or in his office, my office or wherever we’re at. Being able to talk through the situations that we’re or or might be coming our way.”
DeBoer also answered a handful of quick questions during a lightning round, including his favorite movies, southern food group, why he likes going for fourth downs and which of Alabama’s two uniform combinations is his favorite. The interview is now available to watch on YouTube, and can be heard wherever podcasts are distributed, including Spotify, Apple and more.