An average of national polls shows more Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump than approve of the job he’s doing, a first since he took office in January.
FiveThirtyEight.com’s average of national polls showed 47.9% of respondents disapprove of the job Trump is doing compared to 47.6% who approved. The shift marks the first time since Trump took office in January that the president’s approval ratings were upside down.
The average of the polls is projected to fall within this range 95% of the time, FiveThirtyEight.com said.
Individual polls show numbers continue to vary widely. The Ipsos/Reuters poll has Trump’s disapproval rating at 51% compared to 44% approval for a negative 7 points. Forty-nine percent said the country is on the wrong track compared to 34% who said it was headed in the right direction.
For those who think America isn’t headed in the right direction, cost of living was the most cited problem (60%) followed by the economy (51%), national politics (50%), foreign policy (49%) and employment and jobs (47%). Immigration policy was the only specific issue where more Americans said it was going in the right direction (48%) than off on the wrong track (39%).
The Ipsos/Reuters poll was conducted March 3-4 based on a sample of 1,174 residents with a margin of error of plus/minus 3.1 percentage points.
Emerson College’s poll shows far different results – approval of 48% vs. disapproval of 43% for an approval rating of plus-5 points. The poll shows Trump’s job approval rating unchanged since February while his disapproval rating ticked up 1 point. The economy was the top concern (41%) followed by threats to democracy (18%), immigration (13%) and healthcare (8%).
Respondents were also divided on the role of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the group that’s charged with making massive cuts to federal expenses. Forty-one percent approved of the job DOGE was doing compared to 46% who disapproved and 13% were neutral.
The Emerson College Poll was conducted March 2-3 among 1,000 voters with a sampling of error of plus/minus 3 percentage points.
Seven girls teams earned championships at the recent AHSAA basketball finals with a player from each winning team selected MVP.
Hoover won Class 7A with Kaitlyn Gipson earning MVP while Park Crossing’s Saniya Jackson led the Thunderbirds to the Class 6A title and Scottsboro’s Isabelle Nelson won Class 5A MVP. Other MVPs were Class 4A Trinity’s Francie Morris, Class 3A Lauderdale County’s Shila Marks, Class 2A Pisgah’s Madeline Flammia and Class 1A Spring Garden’s Ace Austin.
Fan voting will decide the AL.com girls top tournament performances from the list below.
Ace Austin, Spring Garden: The Class 1A MVP — her third straight MVP — led the Panthers with 40 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals in the championship and had a triple double in the semifinal win over R.C. Hatch with 32 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals.
Natalie Barton, Saint James: Had 17 points, 4 assists and 4 steals in the Class 3A championship loss to Lauderdale County and added 12 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in the semifinal win over Sylvania.
Chauncey Dixon, McIntosh: Scored 28 points with 10 rebounds, 7 steals, 5 blocks and 4 assists in the Class 1A semifinal loss to Brilliant.
Madeline Flammia, Pisgah: Helped the Class 2A Eagles to their 11th state championship with 15 points, 7 assists and 2 steals in the win over top-ranked Decatur Heritage and had 9 points, 5 steals and 7 assists in the semifinal win over Highland Home.
Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover: Led the Class 7A Bucs with 17 points, including 9-of-12 at the free throw line, in the championship and had 21 points, 9 assists and 6 steals in the semifinal win over Central-Phenix City.
Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing: Keyed the Class 6A Thunderbirds’ first championship with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in the win over Chelsea and added 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists against seven-time defending champion Hazel Green in the semifinal round.
Shila Marks, Lauderdale County: Scored 32 points with 4 rebounds in the Class 3A title win over Saint James and had 23 points, making 9-of-11 shots, and added a team-best five steals in the win over T.R. Miller.
Genie McGhee, Decatur Heritage: Led the Eagles with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 blocks and 5 steals in the Class 2A title loss to Pisgah and had 13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, 7 steals and 4 assists in the semifinal win over Abbeville.
Francie Morris, Trinity: Contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in the Class 4A title win over Good Hope and added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the semifinal win over Plainview.
Isabelle Nelson, Scottsboro: Led the Class 6A Wildcats to their first title with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocked shots and 3 steals in the title win over Ramsay and had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 8 steals in the semifinal win over Vigor.
Sloss Tech will expand to a three-day format this summer, taking place June 25 through 27 in downtown Birmingham.
The tech and innovation conference is aiming for more than 1,000 attendees, with early bird tickets available in a few weeks and general admission tickets going on sale in early April.
TechBirmingham members will receive special discounts on ticket purchases. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the organization directly at [email protected].
For more information about Sloss Tech 2025, visit the website or follow @SlossTech online.
Founded in 2015, Sloss Tech has had six consecutive sold-out events, bringing together founders, investors, developers and tech enthusiasts.
New for this year is a partnership with Birmingham Area Software Enthusiasts (BASE) to deliver specialized programming for developers, accessible through either full conference or separate track tickets.
TechBirmingham CEO Deon Gordon said the expansion to three days will create “more opportunities for meaningful connections between founders and funders while showcasing Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive innovation.”
“There’s a special magic that happens when tech meets Southern hospitality—small talk leads to big ideas, and those relationships drive real progress,” he said.
Innovate Alabama returns as the presenting sponsor for Sloss Tech 2025. CEO Cynthia Crutchfield said the event’s programming will encompass all the regions in state.
“This statewide approach will empower more Alabamians to connect, collaborate and contribute to our growing innovation economy,” Crutchfield said. “Together, we’re helping to build a future where Alabama is a hub for entrepreneurship.”
Speakers will be announced in coming weeks. Previous figures included Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, Venture for America founder Andrew Yang, Uber’s former Chief Brand Officer and Cameo co-founder Devon Townsend.
Arby’s is known for its roast beef, but the fast food chain also has some seafood options.
Arby’s brought back its three fish sandwiches -the Crispy Fish Sandwich, Fish ‘N Cheddar Sandwich, and King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich-earlier this year.
The Crispy Fish Sandwich features a fried fish fillet topped with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce, complete with a toasted sesame bun. The Fish ‘N Cheddar Sandwich features a Cheddar cheese sauce added on top of the fish fillet.
Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich features a crispy fish fillet, a slice of Cheddar, tartar sauce, tomato, and lettuce, on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
The sandwich features a breaded and fried flounder filet topped with pickles and sauce and served on a brioche bun. It also comes in two flavors: Classic with tartar sauce or as a Spicy with spicy spread.
A total of 39 teenagers will compete for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen this weekend at Thompson High School in Alabaster. (See their names and photos in the gallery above.)
The competition, which is affiliated with Miss Alabama, is set for March 8-9 at the school’s performing arts center, 1921 Warrior Parkway. Preliminaries are set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Finals will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $35 for each preliminary, $45 for the finals, $85 for a package that includes all events. Ali Mims, Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024, will crown her successor on Sunday.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s candidates for Miss Alabama’s Teen. (Some of the contestants are listed as “at large,” by the Miss Alabama Organization, which means they didn’t win a local preliminary title.)
Covyn Holt is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Covyn Holt, Miss Southeast Alabama
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Benjamin Russell High School.
Hometown: Alexander City.
Talent: Musical theater dance, “Rhythm of the Night.”
Social initiative: The Act of Kindness.
Portia Hollis is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Portia Hollis, Miss Lake Martin Alabama
Age: 16.
Grade: 11.
School: Gulf Shores High School.
Hometown: Gulf Shores.
Talent: Vocal, “Ease on Down the Road.”
Social initiative: Alabama Gives Back.
Peyton Crist is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Peyton Crist
Age: 14.
Grade: 19.
School: Shelby Crossings Christian School.
Hometown: Sylacauga.
Talent: Lyrical dance, “The Show Must Go On.”
Social initiative: A.C.T. Families (Adoption Can Transform Families).
Allie Grace Broadhead is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Allie Grace Broadhead, Miss Vestavia Hills
Age: 16.
Grade: 11.
School: Homewood High School.
Hometown: Hoover.
Talent: Ballet en pointe, “Sound of Music Waltz.”
Social initiative: Keeping Kindness: Raising mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Anna-Claire McCarter is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Anna-Claire McCarter
Age: 15.
Grade: 9.
School: Bon Secour Academy.
Hometown: Foley.
Talent: Musical theater, “Show Off.”
Social initiative: AC for the Arts.
Belle Casey is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Belle Casey, Miss Oak Mountain
Age: 17.
Grade: 12.
School: Oak Mountain High School.
Hometown: Indian Springs.
Talent: Vocal, “Tomorrow.”
Social initiative: Twirl Away ALS.
Aria Foster is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Aria Foster, Miss Tennessee River
Age: 17.
Grade: 12.
School: Madison County Virtual Academy.
Hometown: Harvest.
Talent: Contemporary dance, “Whole.”
Social initiative: Now Not Next: Empowering youth to create change today.
Gracie Harris is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Social initiative: Voices for Veterans: Honoring and healing our country’s veterans through music.
Brooklyn Cheek is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Brooklyn Cheek, Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival
Age: 14.
Grade: 8.
School: Bragg Middle School.
Hometown: Gardendale.
Talent: Syncopated clogging, “Cold Hearted.”
Social initiative: Dance to Heal: Healing grief and depression through dance expression.
Avery Gerstman is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Avery Gerstman, Miss Cullman County Fair
Age: 18.
Grade: 12.
School: Cold Springs High School.
Hometown: Cullman.
Talent: Interpretive dance/ASL, “Will the Lord Remember Me?”
Social initiative: Shine a Light: Shining a light on mental health in adolescents.
Katherine Grigsby is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Katherine Grigsby, Miss Hamilton
Age: 18.
Grade: Freshman.
School: University of Alabama.
Hometown: Trussville.
Talent: Piano, “White Water Chopped Sticks”
Social initiative: Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Building beds for kids in need.
Cassie Jo Davis is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Cassie Jo Davis, Miss Hidden River
Age: 18.
Grade: 12.
School: Fairview High School.
Hometown: Cullman.
Talent: Acro dance, “Runaway Baby.”
Social initiative: Crown for Kindness: Standing strong against bullying.
Isabella Kirkland is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Isabella Kirkland, Miss Trussville
Age: 18.
Grade: 12.
School: Sylacauga High School.
Hometown: Sylacauga.
Talent: Jazz dance, “Sax.”
Social initiative: Bella’s Bins.
Helen Maddox is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Helen Maddox, Miss Birmingham
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Vestavia Hills High School.
Hometown: Vestavia Hills.
Talent: Lyrical dance, “You Will Find Hope.”
Social initiative: Beyond the Curve.
Mariah Smith is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Mariah Smith, Miss Eastern Shore
Age: 17.
Grade: 12.
School: UMS-Wright Preparatory School.
Hometown: Mobile.
Talent: Clarinet, “Footprints.”
Social initiative: Changing the World: One beat at a time.
Eva Litkenhous is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Eva Litkenhous, Miss Lee County Fair
Age: 14.
Grade: 8.
School: Lee Scott Academy.
Hometown: Auburn.
Talent: Jazz dance, “If My Friends Could See Me Now.”
Social initiative: ABCs of Parkinson’s Disease: Body and mind exercises for active aging.
Grier Feldman is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Grier Feldman, Miss Jefferson County
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Oak Mountain High School.
Hometown: Shelby County.
Talent: Dance/twirl, “At World’s End.”
Social initiative: State of Love: An outreach program for pediatric cancer patients.
Madeline Tapley is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Madeline Tapley, Miss Cahaba Valley
Age: 18.
Grade: 12.
School: Homewood High School.
Hometown: Homewood.
Talent: Vocal, “Piece of Sky.”
Social initiative: Make America Wild Again: Saving the monarch butterflies from extinction.
Mattie Wisener is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Mattie Wisener, Miss Marshall County
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Arab High School.
Hometown: Arab.
Talent: Jazz dance, “Proud Mary.”
Social initiative: Think F.A.S.T.: Stroke prevention and awareness.
Meri Kayte Flynn is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Meri Kayte Flynn, Miss Huntsville
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Addison High School.
Hometown: Addison.
Talent: Vocal, “Desperado.”
Social initiative: Misunderstood: Dyslexia Awareness.
Makenzi Jackson is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Makenzi Jackson
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Central High School Phenix City.
Hometown: Phenix City.
Talent: Lyrical dance, “The Journey.”
Social initiative: ACT Out Loud.
Brooklyn Grant is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Brooklyn Grant, Miss North Jefferson Area
Age: 16.
Grade: 11.
School: Hayden High School.
Hometown: Hayden.
Talent: Acrobatic jazz pom dance, “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”
Social initiative: Be the Need: Volunteerism sharing a little kindness.
Kate Hendon is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Kate Hendon, Miss Tennessee Valley
Age: 15.
Grade: 10.
School: Handley High School.
Hometown: Roanoke.
Talent: Contemporary dance, “Heart of Stone.”
Social initiative: Choose Children.
Lyla Gail Smith is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Lyla Gail Smith, Miss Phenix City
Age: 15.
Grade: 10.
School: Slocomb High School.
Hometown: Slocomb.
Talent: Baton, “I’m Still Standing.”
Social initiative: Fostering Hope.
Josie Harrison is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Josie Harrison, Miss Covered Bridge
Age: 14.
Grade: 9.
School: Sylacauga High School.
Hometown: Sylacauga.
Talent: Vocal, “Habanera.”
Social initiative: SAIL: Seniors active in life.
Mattie Graham is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Mattie Graham
Age: 15.
Grade: 10.
School: Mountain Brook High School.
Hometown: Mountain Brook.
Talent: Contemporary dance, “Vienna.”
Social initiative: Motivate Through Motion: Empowering kids with disabilities to stay active and happy.
Chloe Evelyn Harris is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Chloe Evelyn Harris, Miss Autauga County Fair
Age: 16.
Grade: 11.
School: Prattville High School.
Hometown: Prattville.
Talent: Acro dance, “Defying Gravity.”
Social initiative: Horses, Hope & Healing: The benefits of equine therapy.
Laney Brooke Hall is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Laney Brooke Hall
Age: 14.
Grade: 8.
School: Northside Methodist Academy.
Hometown: Dothan.
Talent: Contemporary dance, “Uninvited.”
Social initiative: See the Able, Not the Label: Celebrating the special needs community.
Charis McHenry is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Charis McHenry, Miss Sylacauga
Age: 16.
Grade: 10.
School: Marbury High School.
Hometown: Deatsville.
Talent: Musical theater en pointe, “Are You Having Any Fun?”
Social initiative: Life Without Limits: Advocating for children and adults with cerebral palsy.
Sydney Hodges is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Sydney Hodges, Miss Lake City
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Hayden High School.
Hometown: Hayden.
Talent: Tap dance, “Great Balls of Fire.”
Social initiative: Centerstage: Bringing pediatric cancer into the spotlight.
Charlee Reid is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Charlee Reid, Miss Iron City
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Helena High School.
Hometown: Helena.
Talent: Ballet en pointe, “Can Can.”
Social initiative: Charlee’s Champions: Making the invisible visible.
Lily Walton is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Lily Walton, Miss Coastal Alabama
Age: 17.
Grade: 12.
School: Baldwin County Virtual School.
Hometown: Fairhope.
Talent: Vocal, “Memory.”
Social initiative: The Power of Difference.
Britain Fuller is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Britain Fuller
Age: 16.
Grade: 10.
School: Satsuma High School.
Hometown: Satsuma.
Talent: Vocal, “Goodness of God.”
Social initiative: What Goes Up, Must Come Down: Balloons don’t go to heaven.
Madelyn Grace Rasco is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Madelyn Grace Rasco, Miss Shelby County
Age: 17.
Grade: 11.
School: Pelham High School.
Hometown: Pelham.
Talent: Vocal, “Defying Gravity.”
Social initiative: Following Faith: Leaving a legacy of hope with those for spinal cord defects.
Mattie Cook is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Mattie Cook, Miss Mobile Bay
Age: 15.
Grade: 10.
School: Fort Dale Academy.
Hometown: Greenville.
Talent: Lyrical dance, “I Have Nothing.”
Social initiative: What Is Your Reaction?
Christina Ray Norman is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Christina Ray Norman, Miss Hoover
Age: 17.
Grade: 12.
School: Alabama School of Fine Arts.
Hometown: Hoover.
Talent: Ballet en pointe, “Don Quixote Act III Kitri Variation.”
Social initiative: Lanterns for Landon: Down Syndrome Awareness.
Saniyah Thomas is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Saniyah Thomas, Miss Leeds Area
Age: 15.
Grade: 9.
School: Sylacauga High School.
Hometown: Sylacauga.
Talent: Baton, “Proud Mary.”
Social initiative: Saniyah’s Self Care.
Greenlee Yeager is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Greenlee Yeager, Miss Jubilee
Age: 14.
Grade: 9.
School: Satsuma High School.
Hometown: Satsuma.
Talent: Dance, “The Great Showman Medley.”
Social initiative: G’s Bracelets of Hope.
Addison Shoemaker is competing for the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2025.(Courtesy of Miss Alabama Organization)
Addison Shoemaker, Miss Historic Springville
Age: 16.
Grade: 10.
School: Briarwood Christian School.
Hometown: Vestavia Hills.
Talent: Lyrical dance, “Humble and Kind.”
Social initiative: Cheering on Children’s: An advocacy campaign serving child life programs at children’s hospitals and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
More on Miss Alabama’s Teen:
Miss Alabama’s Teen was founded in 2003 as Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen and has crowned 23 winners to date. (The name of the competition was changed in 2023, dropping the word “Outstanding” to make it simpler and more concise.)
The winner of Miss Alabama’s Teen will move on to compete for Miss America’s Teen, the national competition linked to Miss America. Peyton Bolling, who competed as Miss Arkansas, is Miss America’s Teen 2025.
Two Alabama winners, Jessica Baeder and Marcelle LeBlanc, have moved on to become Miss America’s Teen in the past. Ali Mims, Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024, was the first runner-up in the national pageant this year.
A new outpatient-only emergency room could be coming to Madison.
Crestwood Medical Center is seeking the city’s approval to build a freestanding emergency department (FED) at Madison Boulevard and Research Boulevard on the city’s southeastern side. The hospital anticipates a one-story building of about 12,000 square feet with an on-site helipad and road connections to Madison Boulevard.
The proposed freestanding emergency department “is needed to enhance access to emergency services for the large, growing, and aging population … and ensure timely access to emergency medical services for area residents,” Crestwood states in its zoning board application.
Crestwood, which owns the 4.3-acre undeveloped parcel, is seeking an exception from the city’s zoning board to permit the freestanding emergency department on land currently zoned Restricted-Industrial. A hearing is scheduled Thursday, and the board is recommending approval.
A Crestwood spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email seeking information about the proposed facility’s bed count, anticipated opening date and total cost. Crestwood operates a large, private hospital in Huntsville and multiple, smaller medical facilities in the area.
Freestanding emergency departments are becoming more common in Alabama. They are designed to provide 24-hour-a-day outpatient emergency medical services in a smaller-footprint building that is easier for patients to access and navigate than an acute care hospital campus.
The Madison facility’s on-ground helipad is not expected to get much use, according to Crestwood’s zoning board application. The helipad is proposed to meet Public Health Department requirements, it states. The Harvest freestanding emergency department has one as well, which was not used a single time between the facility’s opening and December, according to the application.
Madison zoning staff notes hospitals are an allowed exception to the parcel’s existing zoning and would not have a “substantial or undue adverse effect on adjacent property.” If approved by the zoning board this week, Crestwood would be required to submit a site plan and plat and to seek approval from Madison’s planning commission.
Pope Francis was resting Wednesday, the start of the solemn Lenten period leading up to Holy Week observances, after sleeping through the night with a ventilation mask as he undergoes hospital treatment for double pneumonia.
In its latest update, the Vatican said that the pope rested well overnight, waking up shortly after 8 a.m. Pope Francis remained in stable condition, with a guarded prognosis, meaning he was not out of danger. He resumed supplemental oxygen delivered by a nasal tube in the morning, alternating from a ventilation mask at night as doctors seek to ease his breathing for a deeper rest.
The 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, had two respiratory crises on Monday in a setback to his recovery.
On Tuesday, he was breathing with just the help of supplemental oxygen after respiratory crises a day earlier, but resumed using a ventilation mask at night, the Vatican said.
Francis’ treatment continues as the Vatican prepares for Lent, the solemn period beginning with Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter on April 20. A cardinal has been designated to take Francis’ place at Vatican celebrations, with a traditional service and procession in Rome
On Ash Wednesday, observant Catholics receive a sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads, a gesture that underscores human mortality. It is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.
Vatican prepares for Lent without Francis
The pope had intended to attend a spiritual retreat this coming weekend with the rest of the Holy See hierarchy. On Tuesday, the Vatican said the retreat would go ahead without Francis but in “spiritual communion” with him. The theme, selected weeks ago and well before Francis got sick, was “Hope in eternal life.”
Francis, who is not physically active, uses a wheelchair and is overweight, had been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to try to improve his lung function. The accumulation of secretions in his lungs was a sign that he doesn’t have the muscle tone to cough vigorously enough to expel the fluid.
Doctors often use noninvasive ventilation to stave off intubation or the use of more invasive mechanical ventilation. Francis has not been intubated during this hospitalization. It’s not clear if he has provided any instructions on the limits of his care if he declines seriously or loses consciousness.
Catholic teaching holds that life must be defended from conception until natural death. It insists that chronically ill patients, including those in vegetative states, must receive “ordinary” care such as hydration and nutrition, but “extraordinary” or disproportionate care can be suspended if it is no longer beneficial or is only prolonging a precarious and painful life.
Known as Grim and Grimmer for their role-playing activities in the Grim Reapers Of Alabama Nationalist ExecutioneRs Society (GROANERS), the two have always been tight on the death penalty.
“I had some ‘splainin’ to do with Steve,” Ivey said out loud to herself. “He gets so excited about executions, especially the botched ones. I just didn’t know he would take it this hard.”
“I don’t even know who the Grim Guv is anymore,” whispered Marshall to himself. “Is this the same governor who vowed to never cheat death? I think not. I am deeply saddened. Hurt. And despondent.”
“You can’t just up and commute a death sentence in Alabama. That’s like canceling Christmas, or Robert E. Lee Day.”
JD Crowe is the cartoonist for AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler at [email protected].
Today thousands of Christians in Alabama and millions worldwide will observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the penitential season leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 20.
Many Christians will line up in church and get a smudge on the forehead in the shape of a cross. Clergy applying the ashes traditionally quote Genesis: “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” a reminder of human mortality, or an alternative such as, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”
By confronting sin and death, Christians begin a journey of spiritual renewal.
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians fast and begin penance by giving up something for Lent. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of indulgence allowed before the period of fasting and penitence.
Roman Catholic, Episcopal and many other liturgical churches hold services today that include the rubbing of ashes on the forehead, a sign of repentance for sins. Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, in which the church traditionally has urged self-examination, penance and fasting.
The Amazing Race returns for the premiere of its 37th season on CBS Wednesday, March 5 at 9:30/8:30c.
On this season’s debut episode titled “Double the Stakes, Double the Eliminations,” host Phil Keoghan sends 14 teams (the largest cast on the show ever) on the journey of a lifetime. While at the first destination, Hong Kong, the teams encounter their first surprise twist of the new season when they confront the inaugural Fork in the Road.
Forced to choose a path they want to follow to the Pit Stop; the episode features two parallel races where two out of the 14 teams will be eliminated.
Where can I watch the new season of The Amazing Race?
Those interested in following the newest enthralling season of The Amazing Race can watch through Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services mentioned have free trials available for new subscribers to enjoy before deciding whether to commit to a paid subscription.
What is Fubo?
Fubo is much like any other streaming service, but instead of just offering on-demand streaming, it offers a plethora of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.
Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service but also offers over 100 live TV channels through its basic package at just $84.99 a month following its 7-day free trial.
Subscribers can also stream a variety of shows and movies on-demand and even have the option to record favorite shows, movies and sporting events with Fubo’s handy unlimited DVR feature.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is similar to Fubo in that it offers most of the same channels and features. Its base package, also referred to as the Entertainment package, starts at just $86.99 a month after the 5-day free trial. Channels included in the base package include HGTV, ESPN, CNN, BET, Bravo, CMT, CNBC and more.
Those interested can check out all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages here.
What is The Amazing Race?
The Amazing Race is a thrilled adventure where teams race around the world to win $1 million dollars. Along the way, they visit breathtaking locations and face exciting challenges.
The competition is intense and filled with unexpected twists. For fans that enjoy adventure and travel, this is a must-see reality competition show.
