Alabama News

A south Alabama man is behind bars following an armed kidnapping Tuesday morning in Dale County.

Shane Carpenter, 55, of Clio, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, two counts of second-degree assault and first-degree criminal mischief.

The ordeal began about 7:30 a.m. when Dale County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of County Road 113 in Ariton on a report of a possible wreck with injuries.

Sheriff Mason Bynum said a man and a woman were driving on County Road 113 when they came upon a vehicle that was stopped in the road.

As they approached that vehicle, the vehicle accelerated and hit their vehicle, knocking both vehicles off the roadway.

Both victims tried to run away, but Carpenter forced the woman into his vehicle at gunpoint and drove off.

Authorities said the suspect and the female victim know each other.

Investigators later learned that Carpenter was at his home on Copperhead Road in Barbour County.

Dale and Barbour county deputies found Carpenter and the victim there. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency assisted in the investigation.

The woman had non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Carpenter was taken to the Dale County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

With the MLB All-Star game tonight, you can be a sports betting All Star by using BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 to get $150 in bonus bets when you sign up and win a $10 bet.

NOTE: The bet $10, get $150 offer is only available to new users in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado and West Virginia. In all other states where BetMGM Sportsbook is available, you get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you lose your first bet.

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 at a glance

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: How to claim the offer for the MLB All-Star Game

With two great welcome offers for new users, BetMGM earns its reputation as one of the most respected brands in the sports betting industry.

Regardless of which offer you are claiming, you can complete the process in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Click any link for BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 or any of the “Get Bonus” buttons on this page to go to the BetMGM registration page.
2. Click “Sign Up” and enter the required information to create a new account, such as your name, e-mail, and mobile number.
3. Confirm BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 is pre-populated in the promo code field, or add it if it’s missing.
4. Deposit at least $10 using any available payment method.
5. Place your first bet and wager at least $10.
6. Either collect $150 in bonus bets if you win OR get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you lose, depending on the offer you claimed.
7. Use your bonus bets within seven days (168 hours) so they don’t expire.

BetMGM existing user promos for MLB All-Star Game and The Open Championship

In addition to its two new user promotions, BetMGM Sportsbook also offers various promos for existing users. By keeping tabs on the promo section, you will find opportunities to earn more bonus bets, “no sweat bets,” profit boosts, and more.

Here are some of the best BetMGM existing user promos available today:

• MLB Bet and Get: When you bet $10 on the MLB All-Star Game, you will get a $5 Casino bonus for BetMGM Online Casino. This is a particularly good promo for you if you claim the BetMGM Sportsbook welcome offer instead of using the BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM. Just keep in mind that this promo cannot be combined with the welcome offer, so you will need to place two separate $10 bets to claim both promos.
• Second Chance bets: On certain bets throughout the year, BetMGM will refund your bet in cash (not just bonus bets) if you just narrowly miss winning your bet. For example, right now if you bet on a PGA golfer to win a tournament and he finishes second, you get your stake back in cash. This is a great promo if you are looking to bet on The Open Championship this week.

How to use BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 for the MLB All-Star Game

If you are in a state where you are claiming the $1,500 first-bet offer, then you can place any bet you want as your qualifying wager. Just keep in mind that your bonus bets will only pay out the winnings, but not the original stake, so there is a good chance you will not win back everything you lost even if you win your bonus bets.

It’s more important to pick a winning bet as your qualifying wager if you are claiming the bet $10, get $150 offer. As a reminder, you only get the $150 bonus if you win your bet, which should be easy to do since there are no minimum odds for the qualifying wager.

For tonight’s MLB All-Star Game, the best bet to claim this offer is over 3.5 runs at -900 odds. Those odds imply a 90% chance of winning.

While you will only win $1.11 on a $10 bet, you will secure the $150 in bonus bets. That is the main goal here, so don’t worry about the modest profit. You can look for other bets with better potential payouts after claiming the bonus bets.

There have been at least four runs scored in the MLB All-Star Game in six consecutive seasons and in 31 of the last 33 seasons. Before 2013, there were at least four runs in 22 consecutive All-Star Games.

Anything is possible, but it would be a major surprise if we don’t see plenty of offense tonight.

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The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 p.m. for Geneva County.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 6:10 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles southeast of Florala to De Funiak Springs to near Vernon. Movement was southwest at 25 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Panama City Beach, Vernon, Santa Rosa Beach, De Funiak Springs, Eglin Air Force Base, Union, Liberty, Live Oak, Freeport, Paxton, Ponce De Leon, Westville, Ebro, Oakwood Hills, Cluster Springs, Whitehead Crossroads, Villa Tasso, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside and Rock Hill.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

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 crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek 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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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.

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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

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 first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

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.

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.

The MLB All-Star Game is here, and if you want to cash in on all the star-studded action, the bet365 bonus code ALBET365 is the way to do it.

So if you want to play with one of the best online sportsbooks in the world, with a vast array of promos, including the best in the biz, here’s how with bet365.

bet365 bonus code ALBET365 at a glance

bet365 bonus code ALBET365: How to claim the offer

Claiming the bet365 bonus code offer is as easy as signing up for a new social-media account or completing a purchase with an online retailer.

Here are the steps:

1. Sign up with the bet365 bonus code ALBET365
2. Make a first deposit of at least $10
3. Place a first bet of $5+ with minimum odds of -500
4. Receive lump sum of $150 in bonus bets
5. Play through bonus bets at least 1x for credits to convert to withdrawable cash within seven days of issuance
6. Continue playing with bet365 Sportsbook, one of the top sports-betting platforms in the world

bet365 existing user promos

The bet365 Sportsbook offers a handful of promotions each day, far fewer than that of the average U.S. sportsbook. But bet365 also offers arguably the two best promotions for existing users every day of the year.

Early win

If you are a moneyline bettor, bet365 will offer users Early win on every team-sport game every day. Simply place a moneyline bet, and bet365 will grade it a win if the team you wagered on builds a minimum lead.

If you’re a baseball bettor, the minimum lead is five runs, which means if you bet the AL to defeat the NL, and the junior circuit takes a five-run advantage, then you’ll be graded a win even if the NL rallies.

If you’re a WNBA bettor, the lead is 18 points. If you prefer to bet on the CFL, then bet365 still has got you with early win when the team you bet goes ahead by 20 points or more.

Parlay boost

The bigger the parlay, the better the odds, since bet365 offers a parlay boost of of 2-100 percent.

Simply place a multi-leg wager, and bet365 will boost the odds a percentage depending on how many legs it is. If you place a 20-leg parlay, bet365 will automatically boost the odds 100 percent.

How to use the bet365 bonus code ALBET365 for the MLB All-Star Game

If you are intending to wager on the Midsummer Classic in Cobb County on Tuesday, then our best advice is to wager the NL to win (-110).

The senior circuit has won just one of the past 11 All-Star Games. But with Paul Skenes starting on the hill, plus far bigger names like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Manny Machado, Ronald Acuna Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, plus reserves like Elly De La Cruz and a lights-out bullpen, the NL deserves to be more of a favorite.

If you’re looking for a wager to place for the highly anticipated matchup between Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever vs the New York Liberty, wagering the Liberty is the way to go.

The Fever will be playing the second of a back-to-back after playing in Connecticut on Tuesday. The Liberty are tied for the league’s second-best record (14-6) after they won by seven over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.

Plus, wagering New York on the moneyline opens the door for early win — or if you choose it as a parlay, early win is available on that as well.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

The midsummer classic takes place on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Georgia with the National League as small favorites over the American League. Despite the betting odds, the NL has won just once in the last 12 all-star games. The game might be meaningless, but it’s still a display of the top talent baseball has to offer. New users don’t need a DraftKings promo code to claim $150 in bonus bets after placing an original $5 wager.

DraftKings promo code details

DraftKings promo code: How to claim the offer

Now that you know all about the latest DraftKings promo code, it’s time to take advantage of the offer. Getting involved requires just four steps:

1. Click any DraftKings promo link or banner on this page.
2. Complete the sign-up process by entering the required details. No promo code is required.
3. Deposit at least $5 into your new account using any available funding method.
4. Place your first bet of $5 or more on any market you choose.

DraftKings will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets, no matter the result of your first wager. The bonus is issued as six separate $25 bets. These must be used within seven days, or they will expire.

Bonus bets have no cash value until they are used, and the stake is not included in any winnings.

DraftKings existing user promos

New users don’t need a DraftKings promo code to get $150 in bonus bets, as mentioned above, but existing users aren’t forgotten either. Users can log in daily to claim generous perks such as profit boosts and no sweat bets. Here’s what’s available on Tuesday:

• 2025 ASG Super Boost: Get the odds on OVER 1.5 runs in the first three innings of the all-star game boosted from -166 to +100. Maximum betting limits apply.
• MLB Live Plate Appearance Boost Pack: Get three profit boost tokens to use on the “Plate Appearance” market while live betting the all-star game.

How to use DraftKings promo to bet MLB All-Star Game

Paul Skenes will start the 2025 All-Star Game for the National League, who enters the matchup as a small favorite against the American League, who will send Tarik Skubal to the mound to kick things off.

In order to activate the DraftKings promo code, you need to place a $5 wager on any market. It doesn’t matter if your bet wins or loses, you will activate the promotion either way. For that reason, it makes sense to take a long shot and try and cash in on a nice payday.

Thankfully, it makes sense to do just that when you’re betting on the MVP of the all-star game. In the last two years, we’ve seen Jarren Duran and Elias Diaz decide tight ball games late, coming off the bench. Both were honored with the MVP award and both had odds longer than 50-to-1 prior to first pitch.

While it might be tough to avoid names like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, they’ll be out of the game, and theoretically out of mind, long before voters select the MVP.

One name that pops off the page is Eugenio Suarez at +6000 odds. Suarez trails only Judge, Ohtani and Home Run Derby champion Cal Raleigh in home runs through the first half of the season. He’ll likely get one or two at bats in the late innings coming off the bench, and he’s as good a bet as any to hit one out.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

As far as big game atmospheres go, Jordan-Hare Stadium is often brought up among the loudest.

The stadium holds just under 90,000 fans and empty seats are rare. When it’s time for a big game, especially against Alabama or Georgia, the atmosphere seems to go up a level.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian experienced that environment when he was the offensive coordinator at Alabama, and he gave Auburn fans high praise for the atmosphere created at the Iron Bowl.

“When you’re at Alabama and you go to Auburn, probably the toughest place to play in the country,” Sarkisian said. “It’s one of the loudest things I’ve ever heard.”

The response came after Sarkisian was asked about how the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas compares to the Iron Bowl.

Despite praising the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Iron Bowl, Sarkisian called the Red River Rivalry the best rivalry he’s ever been a part of.

“That’s to take nothing away from the Iron Bowl because that’s amazing too,” Sarkisian said, “But different because it goes back and forth, home game to home game.”

The question was raised after Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold was asked a similar question earlier in the day about the two rivalries. Arnold started his career at Oklahoma, also giving him the perspective of both sides, despite not yet playing in an Iron Bowl.

His perspective dealt mainly with the year-round aspect of the rivalry, something he’s already getting a taste of at Auburn.

“OU-Texas, there’s a lot of hate,” Arnold said, “But I feel like the people here just cannot stand Alabama. It’s unbelievable…

“I feel like if you mention Alabama here, somebody would look at you funny. We even have a rule in our facility; you can’t wear red in our facility at all. If you do, you lose points and you have to do updowns.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

The American All-Stars play against the National All-Stars in the MLB All-Star Game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The American All-Stars will be led by Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, who are the top home run hitters in the MLB this year. Raleigh leads the league with 38 home runs this season, while Judge has the second-most home runs with 35.

Judge currently leads the MLB with 125 hits and a .355 batting average, so he will try to showcase his offensive prowess in the MLB All-Star game this evening.

The National All-Stars will be led by Shohei Ohtani tonight. He leads his team’s offense with 32 home runs and 60 RBI this season, which highlights his power at the plate.

In his most recent series, Ohtani hit a home run and scored three runs. With this in mind, he will try to perform similarly in the MLB All-Star Game this evening.

Fans can watch the MLB All-Star Game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

Multiple products sold in Kroger stores across 18 states have been recalled due to safety concerns, including undeclared allergens and potential bacterial contamination.

NABISCO Ritz Sandwich crackers

Nabisco Ritz Sandwich Crackers 20 count variety packs, Nabisco Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (27.6 oz. package) and Nabisco Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich Cracker 8 count (11.4 oz. packages) due to the potential for incorrect labeling. The wrapped packs may be labeled as cheese even though the product could contain peanut butter crackers.

The recall sffects Kroger stores located in Georgia; South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; Greater Cincinnati (including Northern Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio plus South Eastern Indiana); Central and Northwest Ohio; Northwestern Virginia panhandle; Michigan; Indiana (except SE Indiana, -Evansville-); Illinois; Eastern Missouri; Greater Louisville area (including Indiana) and Lexington, Kentucky; Hopkinsville and Bowling Green, Kentucky; Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; Greater Memphis area, Tennessee; Arkansas; Mississippi; Western Kentucky; North Carolina; Virginia; Eastern West Virginia; Eastern Kentucky; Southeastern Ohio; Texas and Louisiana; Mariano’s, Pick n Save, Metro Market, Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, King Soopers. City Market, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, QFC, Smith’s, Food4less, and FoodsCo stores.

Bread recall

Hartford Bakery, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf,” saying the product “may contain undeclared hazelnuts.” Newsweek reports the bread was sold at Kroger and Walmart locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.

According to Kroger, bags labeled as Lewis Artisan Bread may contain Lewis Nutty Oak Bread which contains hazelnut, a known tree nut and allergen. Someone with an allergy to tree nuts could have a severe reaction if they consume the mislabeled product.

Turkey Bacon Recall

Kraft Heinz Foods Company has recalled approximately 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products that may be contaminated with listeria.

Newsweek reports the recall affects Kroger stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, West Virginia, Texas, and Louisiana.

The recalled 12-ounce packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon have the product code 71871-54860 and use-by dates of July 19, July 20, July 24, August 1, and August 2, 2025.

Kroger is urging customers to return recalled products for a refund.

Customers can find additional information about recalls on Kroger’s website.

While back, Leigh Ellen Sandlin Cauthen saw an image of a then-new mural outside Macon, Georgia’s H&H Restaurant. H&H is a local soul food spot that in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s provided sustenance to a fledgling Southern rock group called the Allman Brothers Band.

That mural, unveiled around 2022, was by artist Steven Teller. It depicted H&H founders Louise Hudson and Mama Inez Hill and the classic-era Allmans lineup of Duane and Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, bassist Berry Oakley and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai “Jaimoe” Johanny Johanson.

“I thought, Macon, there’s the connection there,” Leigh Ellen tells AL.com. “That would just be so cool to have him [Teller] come to Decatur.”

A Decatur, Alabama native, Leigh Ellen is the daughter of studio wizard Johnny Sandlin, who worked with the Allmans on classic recordings, including 1971’s “Eat a Peach,” a Southern rock studio/live essential, 1973’s “Brothers & Sisters,” the band’s lone number one album, and 1971’s “At Fillmore East,” widely regarded as rock’s greatest live album.

Leigh Ellen sent Teller a Facebook message. That connection resulted in Teller coming to Decatur to paint an epic mural honoring Sandlin. That mural, on the west-facing exterior wall of Cauthen & Cauthen, Leigh Ellen’s husband’s law firm, at 117 E. Moulton St., was just completed.

“It’s so exciting,” she tells AL.com. “And it’s been four years in the making.”

Following his time in Macon with Capricorn Records, Southern rock’s premier label, Sandlin returned to his Decatur hometown. There he owned and operated Duck Tape Studios out of his family’s home, where he recorded stars like Gregg Allman and local standouts like Huntsville blues band Microwave Dave & The Nukes. Sandlin died in 2017 at age 72.

In addition to Sandlin, a recording engineer, album producer and mixer, Teller’s Decatur mural depicts nine of many music greats he worked with.

Duane and Gregg Allman. “Brothers & Sisters” era Allmans and longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell. Widespread Panic singer/guitarist John Bell. The great Southern soul singer Bonnie Bramlett. Slide guitar hero Derek Trucks. Legendary Swampers studio bassist David Hood. Wet Willie frontman and Jeff Beck collaborator Jimmy Hall. The bassist Oteil Burbridge, known for his work with latter-day Allmans, Grateful Dead spinoff Dead & Company and cult fave jam-band Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit.

On the mural, a young Sandlin is rendered in warm tones, his collaborators in black and white, with pink and cream blooms in the background. Murals have become commonplace in North Alabama and elsewhere. But this mural’s uncommonly beautiful and lyrical.

In a video posted to the Facebook page of Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Teller talked about his process: “Tons of research. I really wanted to take a lot of time to dive into his whole discography and really get acquainted with his work and his history and the people he was involved with.”

Teller, a Florida native, says he loves music so much it guides his painting: “I always say my artwork is only as good as the music I listen to while I’m creating it. So I just listened to a bunch of different music that he [Sandlin] produced and had been involved with. And ended up with this.”

On Facebook, Sandlin’s widow Ann wrote, “Those who knew Johnny knew him to be a very quiet and humble man who never blew his own whistle or tooted his own horn. He went about making music that was the foundation of Southern rock.

‘When he returned from Macon to Decatur in the early ‘80s he started Duck Tape Music where some of the world’s best musicians came to record. But it was kept quiet to the extent that very few people knew who came to Decatur. He wanted it that way. But it’s time I think for Decatur to embrace the rich musical legacy he left behind. I’m beyond happy at how the mural turned out. I hope others are too.”

Others from Sandlin’s orbit certainly are happy about the mural. Bramlett wrote on social media, “I’m so honored thank you sweetheart. I love you, Aunt Bonnie.” Sandy “Bluesky” Wabegijig, who was married to Dickey Betts and inspired classic Allmans song “Blue Sky” and their daughter inspired iconic instrumental “Jessica,” wrote, “This is soooo awesome!!!! I’m particularly excited to see Mizz Bonnie Bramlett next to The Duck and the other side of him Duane!!!! Right on Leigh Ellen!!”

“The Duck” was Sandlin’s nickname, the origin of which is a closely guarded family secret, Leigh Ellen says. She recalls Etta James being among her dad’s favorite artists to listen to, besides whatever he was working on at the time. Leigh Ellen cites Gregg Allman’s solo debut “Laid Back” as her favorite album Sandlin worked on, and that Johnny Jenkins’s cult-classic “Ton-Ton Macoute” was “the work that he said he was the proudest of.”

In later years, Leigh Ellen would play songs for her dad she thought he’d like. The last song she ever played for him was “Hope The High Road” by Jason Isbell, who in his early pre-fame years worked at Duck Tape Studios. Away from music, Sandlin’s interests included Atlanta Braves baseball, a passion he shared with collaborator Col. Bruce Hampton.

In the wake of Sandlin’s 2017 passing, the nonprofit Johnny Sandlin Foundation for Music in the Arts was created in his honor. “Essentially it boils down to,” Leigh Ellen says, “is really fostering the love of music and the arts for generations to come. “All aspects of arts — dancing, painting, theater, all of it.”

Plans are in the works for an official unveiling event for the Sandlin mural, targeted for this fall with performances from artists depicted in the mural including Derek Trucks, Oteil Burbridge and Jimmy Hall. Leigh Ellen says, “I want it to just be like an ultimate jam session.”

A candidate for city council in Mobile hasn’t voted in Alabama in nearly two decades, according to state records.

Samantha Ingram did vote in the presidential election last year, but she did so in Georgia, according to the secretary of state’s office in Atlanta.

Ingram, a 57-year-old former school administrator in Mobile, is in a three-person race for the District 2 council seat – which includes downtown Mobile and surrounding neighborhoods.

Ingram could not be reached for comment by AL.com on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement to Lagniappe, Ingram said that her legal counsel told her that voting in Georgia did not affect her residency in Mobile.

Ingram also told Lagniappe she has lived in Mobile since 2023, so she has a “physical presence” in the city. She said she both lived and worked in Mobile over the past two years.

Her registration information shows that she remains actively registered to vote in Georgia, and lists her as a resident of Athens, Ga.

She also has an active voter registration status in Alabama under a property in Mobile, state records show. But according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, she has not voted in the state since the 2006 general election. She last voted in a Mobile municipal election on Sept. 14, 2005 – nearly 20 years ago, according to state records.

Reggie Hill, one of the other candidates running for the council seat, referenced on his Facebook page a section of Alabama State law that requires anyone who runs for Mobile City Council to have lived in their district for the past 90 days, and as a resident of the city for the past year.

“With everything going on here…we can’t risk having leaders who don’t know the rules or are willing to break them for their own personal gain, in this arena,” Hill wrote on his Facebook page.

In a statement to AL.com, Hill said he wished Alabama law required more scrutiny of someone’s residency before they can qualify to run. The qualification deadline for municipal elections was June 24.

The election is on Aug. 26.

“I think we should look at this moment as a way to help us in future elections to make sure we don’t have this happen again,” he said.

There are few avenues to challenge someone’s residency ahead of an election. According to Mobile City Clerk Lisa Lambert, if questions are raised about the qualifications of a candidate, the concern should directed through a lawsuit.

Incumbent Councilman William Carroll, who is running for re-election declined to comment.

Ingram owns four properties in Mobile County, according to county records. None of them are listed as a homestead exemption. Her property in Athens, Georgia, also does not have a homestead exemption, which can be an indicator of where someone lives.

The properties have all been purchased by Ingram since 2022, records show, and two of them are located in the 2nd council district.

Ingram left Mobile in 2007, after serving as a deputy superintendent at the Mobile County Public Schools System. She was a finalist in 2009 for the superintendent’s job in Montgomery County, but withdrew her name during the interviewing process, according to media reports at the time.

She has since served as a superintendent at a school in South Carolina, and has run her own education consultancy company – SK&C Development Group – based in Georgia.

The questions about Ingram’s eligibility follow a list of candidates in Alabama who have had residency issues hover over them. Chief among them is U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who owns two properties in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. — including an approximately $5 million beachfront home — but claims a homestead exemption on a $271,000 house in Auburn.

In Mobile, questions were also raised about mayoral candidate and former Police Chief Paul Prine’s residency. He owns property in Saraland, and moved into a rental home in March.

To be eligible to run for Mobile mayor, a candidate must be a resident of the city for 90 days before the election, and must be a registered city voter.

Hill told AL.com the yearlong residency requirement for Mobile city council shows the importance of the position compared to mayor.

“We have a strong council, weak mayor form of government and that is why you need more time invested in the city to pursue the city council,” Hill said.

He said he would like to see the law changed to require mayoral candidates to reside in the city for one year before an election, and for city council members to live in the city for two to three years.

“It’s alarming, no matter what side you are on, that a candidate puts the people and public in a position to struggle with (interpreting) the law,” Hill said.