General News

General

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and quarter-sized hail in Blount and Jefferson counties Wednesday

An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 3:28 p.m. in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Blount and Jefferson counties.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch) are expected.

“At 3:28 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Kimberly, or 7 miles northwest of Gardendale, moving north at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Hayden, Bangor, Warrior, Kimberly, Smoke Rise, Rickwood Caverns, Morris, Blount Springs and Trafford.

The weather service comments, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
  • 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 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.
  • Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, 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, 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 heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, 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

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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SEC school’s NIL collective looking to recoup $200K from departed quarterback, report says

Arkansas’ NIL collective is seeking to recoup $200,000 from departed quarterback Madden Iamaleava, according to a report Wednesday by On3’s Pete Nakos.

Iamaleava left the Razorbacks earlier this week to enter the NCAA transfer portal, presumably to join older brother Nico at UCLA. The true freshman never played a game at Arkansas, but did participate in spring practice.

The news comes a day after Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek released a statement announcing he would support efforts by Arkansas Edge to “enforce their rights” in regard to NIL agreements with players. Front Office Sports reported Wednesday that Arkansas Edge had sent at least two demand letters to athletes who had left via the transfer portal.

It’s not entirely clear if NIL contracts are enforceable in court, but it seems like at least one school’s collective is prepared to find out.

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Update: Nickel-sized hail forecast with thunderstorms in Walker County Wednesday

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 3:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Walker County.

The storms are foreseen to bring nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 3:31 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Sipsey, or 7 miles northwest of Sumiton, moving north at 15 mph,” says 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 Curry, Sipsey, Empire, Raccoon Branch, Powellville, Smith Dam, Boldo, Lynns Park and Smith Lake.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

  • When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
  • 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.
  • Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

  • After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
  • 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 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, 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to 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 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:

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.

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Iconic national restaurant chain down to about 85 locations

A national restaurant chain known for its fast-casual American dining and fun atmosphere is down to less than 100 locations in the U.S.

TGI Fridays had 270 U.S. locations at the beginning of last year but is now down to 85 restaurants, CNN reported with 30 shut down in the past month. At its height in 2008, TGI Fridays had about 600 restaurants.

TGI Fridays has no locations remaining in Alabama.

The steep drop comes after TGI Fridays’ parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024.

Dozens of restaurants have been sold to franchisees, including former CEO Ray Blanchette, CNN reported. He is planning to revel a revamped menu next month with a greater emphasis on Gen Z favorites and fresh grilled steaks.

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Penny-sized hail forecast with thunderstorms in Pickens County Wednesday

The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:03 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 3:45 p.m. for Pickens County.

The storms are packing penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 3:03 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Bigbee Valley, or near Pickensville, moving northeast at 15 mph,” 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 Macedonia, Pickensville, Ethelsville, Bevill Lock And Dam and McShan.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

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 shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

  • Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
  • Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

  • After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
  • Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, 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. 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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, 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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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‘Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America’ season 4 premiere: How to watch, where to stream free

The season four premiere of the hit history docuseries Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America premieres on Discovery Wednesday, April 23 at 11/10c.

For those unfamiliar with the popular Discovery series, Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America centers on abandoned structures, forgotten ruins of the past, and monuments to a bygone era. Each one shines a light on the story of this land and its people, revealing the secrets of a hidden America.

Each episode, viewers are taken on an exhilarating ride as new structures, ruins or monuments are discovered and discussed.

On the season four premiere episode, viewers will see a worldwide communications facility that was taken over by a dangerous cult before gaining key insight to a secret arsenal that harbors the most destructive weapons ever known and finish off at an ordinary inn that has a surprising history.

Where can I watch Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America season 4?

Those interested in discovering even more forgotten spots in America can stream the hit Discovery series for free through Philo or DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services offer free trials to new subscribers, but Philo is the cheaper option at just $28 a month after its free trial concludes.

You can also catch Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America through Sling. Although this streaming service option does not currently have a free trial set up for new subscribers, those who do commit to a paid subscription receive half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Philo?

Philo is one of the cheaper basic cable alternatives on the market. Users can access over 70 live TV channels for just $28 a month after their free trial.

Popular channels available for streaming through Philo include MTV, AMC, HGTV, TLC, CMT, BET and more. Subscribers can access these channels on-demand or stream Philo’s extensive collection of movies and TV shows.

Recording is also made easy on Philo through the service’s unlimited DVR feature, so users never have to worry about having space to record favorite content.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream is a top streaming service that offers subscribers with a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features. The Entertainment package, also known as DirecTV Stream’s base package, starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

Recently, DirecTV Stream introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

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

What is Sling?

Sling is another basic cable alternative to consider if you’re looking to ditch the hassle of traditional cable. Sling users can stream on-demand movies, live TV shows and live sports instantly on all favorite devices.

Though there is no free trial through Sling, there is an ongoing promotion offering half off your first month with any Sling plan. Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month but start streaming with Sling for just $23 your 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).

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2025 MLB Armed Forces Day: Grab the latest New York Yankees gear from Fanatics

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Our Real Prize promo code unlocks today’s top live dealer casino games

Real Prize is a world-class online sweepstakes casino that offers more than 500 games. These games include a variety of live dealer casino games that make it feel as if you are really playing inside of a brick-and-mortar casino.

With the Real Prize promo code, new players can earn up to 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 free Sweeps Coins and 1,250 VIP Points. Here, I explain how players can use this excellent welcome offer to play live dealer games today at Real Prize Casino.

Real Prize promo code at a glance

Real Prize promo code: No promo code needed (click here)
💸 Real Prize new user promo details Up to 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 Sweeps Coins and 1,250 VIP points
💰 Minimum purchase $1.99
⚖️ Real Prize legal states All US states except Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York and Washington
📓 Playthrough requirement 1x
✅ Last verified April 23, 2025

Top live dealer games to play with the Real Prize promo code

Real Prize launched in 2023. It didn’t take long for it to gain a reputation as one of the best sweepstakes casinos in the country.

Real Prize has continued to expand since its launch, regularly offering new bonuses and games to players.

This sweeps casino always has offered a large number of high RTP slots. Not long ago, it welcomed a variety of fun live dealer games to its offering.

Here are three of the best live dealer casino games to play with the Real Prize promo code:

Gravity Blackjack

A screenshot of the Gravity Blackjack live dealer game.Iconic21

The live dealer games at Real Prize come from Iconic21. Arguably this developer’s most popular live dealer game is Gravity Blackjack. This is a fun variation of blackjack that offers players some huge payouts thanks to random multipliers connected to side bets.

The basic rules of this game are the same as standard blackjack. Players aim to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.

Gravity Blackjack allows players to have a traditional blackjack experience. It also offers four additional side bets. Each of these side bets is issued a random multiplier, which can provide players with huge winnings.

Gravity Roulette

A screenshot of the Gravity Roulette live dealer game.

A screenshot of the Gravity Roulette live dealer game.Iconic21

Another one of the best live dealer games at Real Prize is Gravity Roulette. This is another fun game that combines the classic elements of roulette with some unique side bets.

The goal of Gravity Roulette is to make bets that correspond to where a ball lands on a spinning wheel. There are many bets available, including inside bets, straight-up bets, outside bets and more.

Gravity Roulette is unique, as five numbers are randomly selected to receive multipliers. These are only given to inside bets, meaning an exact number or a small group of numbers adjacent to one another. The addition of multipliers offers players some great opportunities to win big.

Crash Live

A screenshot of the Crash Live game.

A screenshot of the Crash Live game.Iconic21

Crash Live is one of the more unique live dealer games developed by Iconic21. In this game, players attempt to cash out before the game “crashes.”

To start, players make their bets. This is essentially a starting wager, meaning the minimum that players are willing to lose. As the game begins, the numbers (multipliers) on the screen begin to increase in intervals.

Players have the opportunity to cash out at any time. Doing so before the game crashes means that you win. This game is similar in some ways to the popular arcade-style game offered by DraftKings Casino called Rocket.

Real Prize promo code: How to claim this offer

Real Prize has developed a massive players base around the country. The majority of players are quick to praise its world-class design and simple interface.

This great design makes it incredibly easy to claim the sweepstakes casino welcome offer.

The process to claim the Real Prize promo code offer should take just a few minutes. Here are the steps to do so:

  1. Click any Real Prize promo code links or banners shown on this page.
  2. Click the Register button on the Real Prize Casino landing page.
  3. Create a new account with Real Prize by providing some basic personal information, including your email address, full name and home address.
  4. Make a purchase of Gold Coins via the platform’s online store.
  5. Receive up to 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 Sweeps Coins (for free) and 1,250 VIP points.

Even first-time online sweepstakes casino players can claim this offer in only a few minutes.

Keep in mind that there is never a requirement to make a purchase at Real Prize. This is one of the key requirements of being a sweepstakes casino. All new players also will receive 100,000 Gold Coins and two free Sweeps Coins, simply for creating a new account.

Real Prize promo code terms and conditions

For many people around the country, online sweepstakes casinos serve as the best alternative to online real money casinos. They provide many of the same types of games, yet follow a sweepstakes model that allows them to legally operate in most states.

Much like their real money counterparts, these casinos set clear terms and conditions. Fortunately, the rules in place at Real Prize are very reasonable for players. Here are some of the key terms and conditions:

  • All players must be at least 18 years old to join.
  • Real Prize cannot be played in Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York and Washington.
  • The Real Prize promo code that offers 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 free Sweeps Coins and 1,250 VIP points can be earned only via a purchase.
  • Sweeps Coins have a 1x playthrough requirement attached.
  • Unused Sweeps Coins expire after 60 days, if unused.

These are all standard rules for an online sweepstakes casino.

It’s worth pointing out again that Sweeps Coins have a 1x playthrough requirement attached. That means players cannot redeem Sweeps Coins unless they have been wagered (or used) at least once.

If a player accumulates 100 Sweeps Coins, they cannot redeem these for prizes unless they have also played (wagered) at least 100 Sweeps Coins on games.

While there are no real money slots offered at Real Prize, players will find a huge variety of free slots and live dealer games. It is easy to wager Sweeps Coins on these games to meet the playthrough requirement and request a prize redemption.

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2025 MLB Armed Forces Day: Grab the latest Atlanta Braves gear on Fanatics

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Rece Davis agrees to new contract with ESPN: ‘There’s no place like home’

College GameDay host Rece Davis has signed a multi-year contract extension with ESPN, the network announced Wednesday.

Davis, who grew up in Muscle Shoals and graduated from the University of Alabama, has worked for ESPN since March 1995. He has hosted College GameDay since 2015.

“Rece is a trusted voice, a true professional and a tremendous teammate whose presence makes us better every day,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content. “He’s ingrained in the college sports landscape and we’re proud to have him lead our GameDay team for years to come. One of Rece’s many strengths is his versatility, and we look forward to having him contribute to a wide variety of marquee events as part of his new agreement with ESPN.”

In addition to his College GameDay duties in both football and basketball, Davis will also continue to anchor the College Football Playoff studio show, the NFL draft on ABC and ESPN’s Final Four show. He will also call play-by-play for select college football and basketball games.

A 1988 Alabama graduate, Davis also worked on television in Tuscaloosa, Columbus, Ga., and Flint, Mich., before joining ESPN. He was inducted into Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences Hall of Fame in 2019 and named the School of Communication Broadcast Department’s outstanding alumnus in 2001.

“As the great Chris Berman texted me after hearing I would continue at ESPN, ‘there’s no place like home.’ ESPN has been home for 30 years. Home isn’t just a place you’ve been for a long time. ESPN is home because of the camaraderie, friendships and shared pursuit of excellence we enjoy on College GameDay and the other projects with which I’m involved,” Davis said. “I’m blessed to work alongside a remarkably talented group of analysts, producers and behind the scenes technical and support teams that make the entire experience energizing and rewarding. There is little, if anything in television like the adrenaline rush that comes when the show is about to start. It’s the best job in television and I’m thrilled to continue to serve as the host of College GameDay and College Football Playoff shows.

“I also look forward to embracing new challenges and roles as opportunities present themselves. I’m thankful to Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus and Mike McQuade for the belief they’ve shown in me. None of this would work, or be worth it, without the love and unwavering support from my wife, Leigh, my son, Christopher and daughter Elizabeth. I’m filled with gratitude. Can’t wait to be comin’ to your city.”

ESPN announced last week that Lee Corso will step down as one of GameDay’s analyst following the 2025 season-opening show on Aug. 30. Analysts Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee and Nick Saban are set to return to the panel this season.

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