Alabama News

Troy catcher Brooks Bryan was selected in the eighth round of the 2025 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Monday, going to the Kansas City Royals with the No. 248 overall pick.

Bryan, a junior from Opelika, was an all-Sun Belt Conference selection each of the last two seasons for the Trojans. He set a program single-season record with 85 RBIs in 2024 and finished his three-year career with a .931 OPS, 34 home runs and 158 RBIs.

Bryan is Troy’s highest-drafted player since pitcher Levi Thomas went in the fourth round to the San Diego Padres in 2020. His MLB.com draft profile reads in part:

“Bryan is one of the better catchers available in a down backstop crop. He played sparingly as a freshman before breaking out with 18 homers and a school-record 85 RBIs in 2024, then played with the U.S. collegiate national team during the summer. He has posted similar numbers this spring and could go as early as the fourth round. A left-handed hitter, Bryan has at least plus raw power and generates it with strength and an aggressive approach that includes a big leg kick and a pull-and-lift mindset.

“There’s some question as to how much quality contact he’ll make with wood bats against pro pitching because he chases too many fastballs and struggles against velocity and slow stuff. He probably won’t hit for a high average but has 20-homer upside. Though he has a large frame for a catcher and lacks quickness, Bryan should be able to remain behind the plate. His receiving, framing and blocking still require more work, but he has worked hard to improve over the last year. He features solid-to-plus arm strength, but needs to upgrade his throwing accuracy.”

More Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants are in the works.

Fox Business reports Darden Restaurants, the parent company of the two chains, plans to open 40 to 45 restaurants. Darden CFO Rajesh Vennam made the announcement during Darden’s fourth-quarter earnings call.

Darden operated over 930 Olive Garden locations as of late May, and more than 590 LongHorn Steakhouse locations.

Darden recently increased the menu prices at Olive Garden. The company raised the Italian restaurant chain’s prices by 1 % in 2023. Last year, Darden said it planned to continue the increase by an average of 2% to 3%.

Fox Business reports Olive Garden had $5.2 billion in sales for fiscal 2025, marking a 2.8% increase from the prior year. Longhorn’s annual sales rose by 7.8% to $3.03 billion.

Darden has over 2,100 company-owned restaurants across all its brands at the end of fiscal 2025. Restaurants under the Darden portfolio include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille

Brooks just dropped a major deal on of its ultra-cushioned neutral Ghost Max 2 running shoe, making it the perfect time to grab this best-selling running shoe for way less than retail price.

Known for its smooth ride and max comfort, Brooks customers can score a pair of Ghost Max 2 sneakers in both men’s sizes and women’s sizes for $119 instead of its original list price of $150. Both the men’s and women’s sneakers come in a ton of colors/designs to choose from, all of which are included in this sale.

“Soft, smooth and protective, the Ghost Max 2 road-running shoes deliver maximum comfort for running or walking. With lots of our soft, lightweight cushioning, a rocker shape that actively helps you move from landing to toe-off and a broad base for added stability, the Ghost Max 2 is ready to roll,” Brooks’ product details state.

RELATED: Brooks drops Glycerin Max running shoe in all new summer colors

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 has a 4.3 star rating overall on Brooks’ website. Many of these reviews rave about the shoe’s super-soft cushioning.

One helpful review states, “The Ghost Max 2 [has] been an incredible experience after a foot injury avoiding an SUV that almost hit me while on a walk in my neighborhood. I had difficulty walking for days after that incident in my On Cloud shoes, but that changed immediately wearing the Brooks Ghost Max 2.”

Those interred in this Brooks sneaker deal can checkout the men’s Ghost Max 2 here and women’s Ghost Max 2 here.

Federal prosecutors are taking steps to protect classified information in the event a case against a former Missile Defense Agency contractor moves forward.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama has nominated seven Justice Department employees with appropriate security clearances to serve as Classified Information Security Officers in the case of Ewa Maria Ciszak of Huntsville, according to court documents filed last week.

Ciszak, a former civilian employee of the MDA, was arrested in late June and charged with unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents.

According to a federal complaint filed by the FBI, Ciszak knowingly removed classified documents or materials from her workplace between February and June with the intent to keep them in an unauthorized location. She was released after posting $25,000 bond in Savannah, Ga., where she was arrested, AL.com reported.

“Based on the nature of Defendant’s alleged crime, the government anticipates that it will need to disclose classified information to the Court and defense counsel during this case,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Cornelius wrote in the new motion, which was unopposed by Ciszak’s counsel.

A Classified Information Security Officer is responsible for the security of classified information in the court’s custody and for assisting with appropriate security clearances for court staff and defense counsel, according to court documents.

The court agreed this month to slow proceedings due to the complexity of the allegations against Ciszak, as well as to give the parties time to consider a plea agreement. The case is scheduled to be presented to a grand jury no sooner than Sept. 18.

The New York Mets used the 223rd selection in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Auburn pitcher Cam Tilly on Monday.

Tilly took on greater role as his second season with the Tigers went on, and he became the second Auburn pitcher picked in the seventh round of the 2025 draft. The Toronto Blue Jays chose Dylan Watts at No. 202.

As a freshman from Indiana, Tilly made 14 relief appearances for Auburn in 2024. He had a 3-1 record with a 6.29 earned-run average. In 24.1 innings, Tilly struck out 27 while yielding 20 hits and 14 walks as a freshman.

In his second season, Tilly posted a 3-3 record with a 5.48 ERA and one save. His 19 games, including six starts. In 46 innings in 2025, Tilly struck out 58 and yielded 33 hits and 29 walks.

Tilly is a 6-foot-2 right-hander.

Tilly and Watts follow catcher/outfielder Ike Irish and infielder Eric Snow into the 2025 draft from Auburn. The Baltimore Orioles took Irish in the first round at No. 19 on Sunday night, and the Blue Jays chose Snow in the sixth round at No. 172 on Monday.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

South Carolina nearly pulled off an upset at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2024. Led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the Gamecocks had a second-half lead, but wound up falling 27-25 to Alabama football.

In 2025, Sellers and USC will face the Crimson Tide again, this time on their home field. Speaking to reporters at SEC media days in Atlanta on Monday, Sellers was asked about potential keys to victory in the rematch.

“Just building on what we did last year,” Sellers said. “Limiting those plays that lost us the game, those two or three plays. Two or three plays make a big difference.”

One of Alabama’s upcoming opponents, Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos said during an offseason interview that he didn’t think the Crimson Tide was anywhere near its past standard. Sellers disagreed publicly shortly thereafter.

Asked about the comments on Monday, the sophomore explained why he felt that way.

“I think it’s come from me playing them,” Sellers said. “I’ve seen them face-to-face, just facing their defense. Their defensive line was strong. They were all fast. Linebackers, super physical. DBs, they did their jobs well, disguised well, and they had a good scheme.”

Sellers is on schedule to be one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks this season. He’ll have a new offensive coordinator, another connection to Alabama, with former Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula taking over the role.

Shula returned to the college game last season, as a senior offensive assistant for the Gamecocks. He worked closely with Sellers, who explained how Shula helped his game.

“It’s good,” Sellers said of the relationship with his OC. “Bringing stuff from the NFL, coach to guys like Eli Manning, to Cam Newton, two completely different players, and then using it all on me is good to use.”

Alabama makes the return trip to South Carolina on Oct. 25. The Crimson Tide will begin preseason camp in early August, before opening the season visiting Florida State on Aug. 30.

Chris Beeker announced today that he’s running to keep his seat on the Alabama Public Service Commission.

“I’m running to continue fighting for Alabama families, farmers, and energy freedom,” Beeker said in a news release. “From my work with President Trump at the USDA to my current role on the Public Service Commission, I have stood strong for Alabama values and America First policies. Now more than ever, we need conservative leadership to protect our way of life.”

Beeker, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, has held one of three seats on the commission since 2024. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to the seat formerly held by his father, Chip Beeker, who stepped down for health reasons.

This will be Beeker’s first election for the public service commission. In the race for the Place 2 seat, he faces Brent Woodall, a former prosecutor from Tuscumbia.

Woodall announced his candidacy earlier this month and centered his campaign on what he calls the public service commission’s “hidden tax.” The commission charges a fee to utilities, one that Woodall said gets passed on to customers. He said sometimes the commission overcharges utilities and he’s calling for that money to be returned to consumers.

A representative for Beeker’s campaign declined a request for an interview with AL.com.

Prior to his appointment to the public service commission, Beeker served as the rural development director for Alabama in the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2017-2020. He also worked in banking and finance, according to his biography on the PSC website.

Beeker’s family owns Beeker Catfish and Cattle Farm in Greene County, where he is from originally. He also served as a board member for the Greene County Farmers Federation and chair of the Greene County Republican Party.

Beeker says he will advocate for “domestically produced energy” on the public service commission.

“Food security and energy security are national security. The future of Alabama’s energy sector must be built on strength, not weakness,” Beeker said. “Alabama needs leaders who will reject the radical left’s climate agenda and fight for our conservative values. We must implement policies that lower energy costs and put American workers first, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

In the month of June, Beeker raised $30,000 for his campaign so far, according to Alabama Secretary of State records. He received three $10,000 donations from the following political action committees: Alabama Development PAC, Pride PAC II, and T-Town PAC II.

Both Place 2 and Place 1 on the public service commission are up for reelection in 2026. Current Place 1 commissioner Jeremy Oden will face Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry in the race for Place 1.

Former PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh left the commission in May to take the rural development director position under President Donald Trump. She was replaced by Cynthia Lee Almond, a state representative from Tuscaloosa.

Two people, including a pedestrian, were killed in separate weekend traffic crashes in Montgomery.

Police on Monday identified the victims as Thad Irvin Green, 56, and Fitzgerald Wheeler, 68,

Green was killed just before 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Montgomery police Sgt. Tina McGriff said officers and fire medic were dispatched to the area of Day Street near Cortez Street on a report of a collision involving a pedestrian.

When they arrived, they found Green, of Montgomery, dead on the scene.

The wreck that killed Wheeler happened at 11:40 p.m. Friday in the 4400 block of Selma Highway.

Wheeler, of Camden, was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Additional details of the fatal crashes weren’t released. The investigations are ongoing.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 12:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:30 p.m. for Jackson County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 12:49 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Stevenson, or 11 miles west of Bridgeport, moving southeast at 5 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Bridgeport, Stevenson, Bass, Fabius, Fackler and Russell Cave National Monument.

The weather service comments, “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.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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.
• 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 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 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. 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 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 swollen waterways:

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.

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.

Visibility matters:

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 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:

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:

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.

Hoka just introduced its smoothest trail running shoe to date, the super-stylish Challenger 8, available in men’s, women’s and extended sizes.

The Hoka Challenger 8 is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Challenger 7, both of which are great options for those who love running on various terrains. According to Hoka, the new Challenger 8 has an increased drop and improved fit in the forefoot and instep. Not to mention, it now features amplified traction with an updated lug design. However, the Challenger 7 is a cheaper buy as it is now on sale.

RELATED: HOKA just secretly dropped the all new Arahi 8 stability running shoe

Both the men’s Challenger 8 and women’s shoe each come in four designs each to perfectly make any one’s style.

“Built at the intersection of road and trail, the Challenger 8 delivers all the smooth cushioning and confidence-inspiring traction you’ll need to tackle a variety of terrain. A gravel-grinding workhorse loved for its hyper cushy ride, we’ve added even more foam underfoot and improved the fit since our last iteration. Finished with a minimal mesh upper, plush collar and durable rubber toe cap, we’ve reimagined the orientation of our multi-directional lugs to ensure the best all-terrain ride yet,” Hoka states.

Those interested can checkout the men’s Challenger 8 here and women’s Challenger 8 here.