Alabama News

Birmingham police officers have been raking in the medals during this year’s World Police and Fire Games.

The 2025 Games began June 27 and continue through July 6. More than 8,000 police officers and firefighters from over 70 countries are in town for the event, which has over 1,600 medal events over 60 sports.

The Birmingham Police Department is taking to social media to brag about the efforts of the hometown team in various events.

“What an incredible journey it has been so far…Our hearts are full of pride and appreciation,” the department said in a Facebook post.

“The Birmingham Police Department has truly enjoyed every moment—competing, supporting and most importantly, connecting. From early morning events to late-night conversations, our officers have had the chance to meet amazing individuals from across the globe who share the same commitment to service and excellence.”

Here is the list of winners so far as listed on the department’s social pages:

• Officer Everett Curry won a silver medal in the bench press.
• Officer Bryanna Moore won a bronze medal in the 100 meter hurdle.
• Officer Drew Wilson won a gold medal in the bench press competition.
• Detective Shanese N Patterson won a gold medal in bowling singles.
• Officer Ron Jennings won the silver medal in the 1,500 meter run.
• Corporal Davis won the bronze medal in the bench press competition.
• Officer Nabors and K9 Officer Fen won a bronze medal in K9 Narcotics Detection.
• Sergeant O’Brien Brown and Officer Gillepse won silver and bronze medals in Angling.
• Sergeant Tyler French won a silver medal in boxing.
• Officer Dana Sartalamacchia won a gold medal in the Clydesdale division and a bronze medal in the regular division in the Cross Country 5K run.
• Officer Chevonne McMillan won a bronze medal in the women’s bench press competition.
• Officer Franklin won both gold and silver medals in Jiu Jitsu No Gi beginner division.
• Officer Stamps won silver medals in intermediate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
• The Enforcers flag football team – Birmingham Police, Birmingham Fire and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, won a bronze medal.
• Officers Hatcher (gold), Sampson (silver and bronze) and Davenport (bronze) took home medals for Mountain Bike Cycling, (long course).
• Officer Levins (gold) and Officer Preston (bronze), won medals in the CrossFit competition.

Birmingham’s finest are also receiving local awards for the games.

The 2025 World Police & Fire Games Committee recently hosted an awards ceremony at the Birmingham Museum of Art honoring the many leaders who brought the global tribute to first responders together.

Police Chief Michael Pickett was awarded for his outstanding support and dedication to assisting with an event.

The medals and awards aren’t the only wins for the city.

“It’s good to see so many fall in love with Birmingham, from our Civil Rights Institute to Barber Motorsports, our Botanical Garden, Vulcan, the museum and so many others,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “It’s a tremendous benefit to the entire community.”

Dear Eric: Nearly eight months ago, my 81-year-old brother lashed out saying hateful and hurtful things about our youngest sister. At the time, I suspected he was drunk and probably frustrated from the repeated episodes of our sister’s illnesses and problems, some of which have been caused by her own serious eating disorder, depression and occasional binge drinking.

I have never mentioned the fracture in our relationship to our sister and am grateful that they continue to have some sort of relationship.

Recently, my three nieces and I planned an “aunties” visit. Before their arrival, my brother texted me with thanks for inviting him to join us for dinner and games, but we neither shared our plans nor invited him. My sister, in ignorance of the rift, told him that our nieces were coming to town.

My wife and I are at a loss. We can request that he explain his side of the silence or apologize for his hateful words. But truthfully, his apology won’t erase the vehemence of his words primarily directed at our sister. I don’t ever want her to know what he said.

I understand that it takes much courage to admit one’s failings. I recognize how powerful it is to show grace when it’s easier to cling to resentment. But my brother’s actions have been speaking volumes. I could use some advice because I’m pretty sure my nieces will ask about their uncle, and I have already spent too much time fretting over his text.

– Not Invited

Dear Invited: Whether motivated by alcohol abuse, frustration or anything else, your brother’s vitriol wasn’t appropriate, and you don’t need to stand for it. It’s perfectly fine to reply to the text by telling him that you, your sister and your nieces made plans and that you’d like to stick to what you’d planned. He doesn’t get to dictate the terms of your get-together.

You can also let him know that, while you appreciate him reaching out, the two of you need to have a conversation before you can socialize again. This isn’t meant to punish him, rather it’s a way for you to hold a healthy boundary.

You can also tell your nieces and your sister that, should they ask. If you’re aware of these traits of his, then they likely are, too. Even if they aren’t, it’s sometimes better to be honest and succinct rather than grinning and bearing it. Tell them, “we’re not in a good place right now and I hope that he’s able to work on it with me. I don’t want this to cast a pall over our weekend. People don’t always agree, but I’m not asking you to take sides.”

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: Every day until Aug. 29, Creg Stephenson is counting down significant numbers in Alabama football history, both in the lead-up to the 2025 football season and in commemoration of the Crimson Tide’s first national championship 100 years ago. The number could be attached to a year, a uniform number or even a football-specific statistic. We hope you enjoy.

It’s difficult to imagine a time when there was no Alabama football, but the university existed for more than 60 years without the game that now forms a significant portion of its national identity.

Founded in 1831 as a military school, Alabama played its first college football game on Nov. 11, 1892. The Cadets (as they were then known) had no trouble beating a thrown-together collection of Birmingham high school students, 56-0, at Lakeview Park in Birmingham.

The first college football game in history took place in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers, and the sport remained a mostly northeastern enterprise (as with most American sports) in its early years. It was when graduates of East Coast universities and prep schools began to filter out south and west that they brought American football with them and spread the game’s gospel.

The “Johnny Appleseed” of Alabama football was a man named William G. Little, a Livingston native who had attended Phillips-Exeter Academy in Massachusetts during the 1891-92 school year following two years in college in Tuscaloosa. Little originally intended to continue his education at Yale, but after a death in his family, returned to his home state and re-enrolled at Alabama.

Yale’s loss was Alabama’s gain, as Little formed the first football team at the university in the fall of 1892. He was named team captain and started at left guard in the Cadets’ first game.

Eugene Beauharnais “E.B.” Beaumont, a 24-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate, served as the team’s first coach. (In addition to Little, other players on that first Alabama team included future Alabama governor Bibb Graves and future U.S. Speaker of the House William Bankhead.)

Touchdowns counted as four points each in those days, and Alabama rang up 11 of them — in addition to six kicked “goals” (good for two points each) — in its game vs. the Birmingham High School squad. The Cadets appeared to clearly outclass their younger counterparts, according to a report in the following day’s Birmingham Post-Herald.

“A fine-looking lot of boys it was that tumbled out onto the field with a large U.A. on their ‘sweaters,’” the unbylined report read. “… Lithe, strong, active and well-trained, quick and well-coached, they were worthy representatives of Alabama’s university.

“Averaging about 160 pounds, they were clearly too big and strong for the school boys, who looked small by comparison, and who fought a most plucky, though losing fight, against superior weight and strength.”

The Cadets led 28-0 at halftime, and “the second half was a repetition of the first,” according to the Post-Herald.

“For the university the fine running of Smith, Frazer and Grayson was especially noticeable, while the work of the whole team was good,” the report continued, “their interference being excellent and well-timed and their blocking quick and hard. … The wonder is that the score was not much larger.”

Alabama played again the next day, this time losing 5-4 to Birmingham Athletic Club at Lakeview Park. The Cadets then beat the BAC 14-0 (also at Lakeview) on Dec. 10.

There would be one more Alabama football game that “season” at Lakeview Park, but it would not take place until Feb. 22, 1893. The Cadets lost 32-22 to the team from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama — now known as Auburn — in the first meeting in what would grow into arguably the most-heated rivalry in college football.

The 2-2 final record apparently did not sit well with members of the Alabama team, who forced out Beaumont as coach after one season. A report in the university’s Corolla yearbook later said of Beaumont, “We were unfortunate in securing a coach. After keeping him for a short time, we found that his knowledge of the game was very limited. We therefore got rid of him.”

Eli Abbott, a tackle on the 1892 Alabama Cadets, was installed as head coach. He coached the team for three seasons (going 3-9 overall) before leaving, then later returned to post a 4-4 record in 1902. (The Crimson Tide nickname would be adopted in 1907.)

Little returned to Livingston after graduating from Alabama in 1893, and later operated a farm, a retail store and an automobile dealership. He served as treasurer, tax collector and probate judge in Sumter County before he died at age 64 in 1938 from what was termed a “serious stomach disorder” that had caused him to be hospitalized for more than a week.

During his time at Alabama, Little “was a colorful campus figure,” according to a story published by the Associated Press shortly after his death. “He was known among Alabama alumni as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the modern Crimson Tide.”

Lakeview Park, used primarily for baseball, no longer exists. Part of the property is now Highland Park Golf Course, while the actual site of the first Alabama football game — as well as the first Alabama-Auburn game in 1893 — was at roughly the intersection of Highland Ave. and Clairmont Ave., near an office building and a Piggly Wiggly supermarket.

Coming Sunday: Our countdown continues with No. 55, the greatest individual defensive season in Alabama football history.

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

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

Speaking of the Thunder, they’re set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday in Utah. The defending champions will have rookies Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer competing.

For the Grizzlies, they’ll have Cedric Coward, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack fighting for roster spots this summer

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

Here’s everything you need to know before the Thunder and Grizzlies tipoff this weekend:

When: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Where: Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Time: 7 p.m. ET

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

DEAR ABBY: I moved away from my hometown 10 years ago, and I have a dear friend of nearly 30 years who still likes to sleep next to me when she visits. This is becoming so annoying that I don’t want her to visit. It was fine when we were younger, but we are in our 40s, and I no longer want to sleep next to anyone!

I don’t like pajamas. I like to sleep cool and in the dark, while she is always cold and likes to sleep with the TV on.

My friend won’t tell me what her problem is; she says she’s not scared to sleep alone. She has a husband at home, but she nearly freaked out when he went on a weekend trip with his friends. I have a very nice guest room, but she never wants to sleep in there. She does not respect my boundaries, and I don’t know how to make her understand that I want to sleep alone. Can you help? — SOLO SLEEPING LADY IN MARYLAND

DEAR SOLO: I sure can. The next time this friend wants to visit, grow a backbone. Tell her you no longer want to share your bed with her or anyone, and if she can’t be comfortable in your guest room, she should stay home. Gee whiz!

Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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

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

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

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

– Ghosted

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

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

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Crime is a learned behavior,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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