Alabama News

When Nick Saban retired as Alabama football coach in January of 2024, he seemed like he was making a clean break from coaching. Saban started golfing more, working for ESPN and looked to be enjoying his departure from the day-to-day grind of college sports in its modern form.

It might not be that simple. During his radio show on WJOX in Birmingham on Monday, former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy said he had heard Saban could return to the game.

“A very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire, they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching,” McElroy said of his former coach. “He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again.”

McElroy said that he wouldn’t have brought the speculation up “if it wasn’t somebody notable.”

Saban, now 73-years-old, won an Emmy for his work on ESPN’s College Gameday this past season. He joined the show’s desk as an analyst, earning rave reviews for his work.

Appearing on McElroy and Cole Cubelic’s show, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum disagreed with the idea that the man who won six national championships in Tuscaloosa could return.

“He had a better situation at Alabama the day he left than he’ll have anywhere he goes, let’s say next year,” Finebaum said. “I don’t know if it’s college or pros. Could he be talked into something in the NFL? I don’t know how, because I don’t think that itch burns anymore either, but my opinion is Nick Saban is done in coaching.”

Later, appearing on ESPN, McElroy also said he didn’t quite believe in the idea.

“You want my personal opinion? I think he’s done,” McElroy said. “I’d be shocked [if he came back]. … There are people connected to the sports world that think he’s not done. Now, interpret that however you will. People that would be somewhat knowledgeable about something like this, yes.”

McElroy said his source had not said whether Saban would consider college or NFL jobs. Appearing on the same show, Finebaum again threw cold water on a potential return.

“I was with somebody the other day, who’s around Saban a lot, not in the state of Alabama, but in Florida, and he described to me what I’m sure you’ve heard many times … is that he’s having the time of his life,” Finebaum said. “He’s playing at better golf clubs than he’s ever been, and that will continue, because everybody wants Nick Saban to be in their golf club. He’s making a fortune when he decides he wants to make a speech. He’s making a fortune when he shows up on ESPN once a week.

“And why would you give all that up at the age of 74? … It makes no sense except that Nick Saban is the most competitive human being on the planet.”

Saban’s final year at Alabama, the Crimson Tide made the final four-team College Football Playoff, falling to Michigan in his final game. Since retirement, he mentioned not enjoying the status quo in college football, with changes to NIL and transfer regulations.

However, with more structure theoretically in place after the House v. NCAA settlement, perhaps one of the greatest of all time could be persuaded to return.

President Donald Trump is facing major backlash from his base over his Truth Social post urging patience with embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi and to “not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein.”

The Saturday afternoon post did not sit well with Trump’s most hardcore supporters, especially those who want Trump to live up to his campaign promise release the so-called “Epstein files.”

Trump’s post was “ratioed,” meaning there were more replies — 45,800 as of Monday morning — than likes — 40,900 as of Monday morning. The ratio indicates that the post was extremely unpopular.

“We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and ‘selfish people’ are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein,” the president posted, alleging that the “Epstein files” were “written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden Administration…”

Trump’s post drew anger from some of his most ardent supporters.

“This is NOT going away and will leave a stain on your presidency!” wrote jamesangst.

“Wow, realize the majority of your base wants to get to the truth, no matter who is guilty! We realize they likely put innocent people on the list. We want the guilty punished. If it’s been covered up, we want the people involved. If all the records have been hidden or deleted, we want the people responsible,” he continued.

“This is unbelievably disappointing and will make many people believe you or some people close to you are criminals who are involved.”

Trump supporter DeWayne Sykes said the president will lose his base if he goes back on his promises surrounding the Epstein files.

“This is going to cost you so many supporters. I being one of them. I have been to multiple rallies and even was there on J6. This is one of the main things that needs fixed,” Sykes wrote.

“Our 2 tiered system of justice needs to end. We the people are tired of it. They can’t be charged with child trafficking without there being perpetrators.”

On July 6, the Department of Justice and the FBI issued a joint memo saying there was “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed co-conspirators who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him, Axios first reported.

MAGA was not buying the explanation after Bondi told Fox News in February that the list was on her desk.

“You aren’t reading the room Mr President,” posted Democratsux63.

“You can’t call the Epstein files fake, say nobody cares and warn MAGA to fall in line. You said Pam Bondi is doing a fantastic job, your administration is perfect and Epstein is just an Obama distraction. We don’t just fall in line,” they wrote.

“If you’re Administration is perfect then who is the real fool?”

Another supporter warned Trump that he is not bigger than the base.

“President Trump, reading these comments should tell you that you don’t understand MAGA,” posted the handle @laureleye. “You didn’t create MAGA. MAGA created you. And all you are doing is feeding into the divide by not addressing the problem.”

Louisiana Tech will be invited to join the Sun Belt Conference as soon as 2026, according to a report Monday by ESPN.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday morning that the conference’s CEOs voted to add the Bulldogs as the league’s 14th member. Louisiana Tech would replace Texas State, which will depart after the 2025-26 athletic year to join the Pac-12.

Louisiana Tech was a member of the Sun Belt Conference from 1991-2001, before the league began playing a full championship schedule in football. The Bulldogs were in the WAC from 2001-13 and have been in Conference USA the last decade-plus.

Louisiana Tech would slot smoothly into the Sun Belt West, a spot Texas State had filled since the conference split into divisions. Ruston, La. is also considered an easier travel destination for most conference rivals than other schools mentioned as possible additions, including Western Kentucky and East Carolina.

Former President Joe Biden briefly considered pardoning former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman of his conviction on a federal bribery charge during Biden’s last days in office, but changed his mind the following day.

That’s according to The New York Times, which reviewed several of Biden’s clemency actions at the end of his term as part an investigation into how those actions were made.

Biden, in an interview with the Times, said it was not an “easy” decision.

“In this case, I viewed the facts, reflected on it a bit more, and deliberated more on it with my team and decided not to grant the pardon. And I didn’t make this decision quickly. I made it thoroughly and after significant discussion.”

Attempts to reach Siegelman for comment Monday were not immediately successful.

The Times’ investigation reviewed records and related emails as the Trump White House, the Justice Department and Congress are investigating those decisions related to Biden’s mental acuity and the use of the autopen device to sign the official documents.

Biden reduced the sentences of nearly 4,000 federal convicts and pre-emptively pardoned some high-profile names, saying he wanted to spare them possible investigation or prosecution by the Trump White House.

Siegelman was elected governor in 1998 and narrowly lost to Republican Bob Riley in his bid for re-election in 2002.

In 2006, a federal jury convicted Siegelman of bribery for appointing HealthSouth Founder Richard Scrushy to a state hospital regulatory board in exchange for $500,000 in donations to a campaign to establish an education lottery.

Siegelman had personally guaranteed the lottery campaign’s debt, but he contended that he could not have personally benefited from the campaign contributions. He also said he signed on an additional guarantor for the debt after the bribe was supposed to have occurred.

Siegelman, who was out on appeal for some time after his conviction, was released from prison in 2017.

Former President Barack Obama also denied Siegelman’s request for a pardon at the end of Obama’s term in 2017.

According to The Times, Biden held two meetings on Jan. 18 and 19, to discuss several high-profile clemency decisions.

A summary of the Jan. 18 meeting shows that Biden had decided to grant a pardon to Siegelman.

But the summary of the second meeting the following day stated the president had decided to rescind his approval of the pardon.

Biden told the Times that he considered the fact that Siegelman is no longer in prison, and rescinded his decision after deliberating.

“Look, Siegelman was out of jail,” Biden said. “He had served his time. And there was no — so he wasn’t in jeopardy. And what I concluded was, there’s — and these aren’t easy decisions, but there are a lot of people who are considered for pardons. And I was proud I ran the process I ran.”

The brand new true-crime series A Killer Among Friends premieres on Investigation Discovery Monday, July 14 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to check out the new series can stream the premiere live through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What Is A Killer Among Friends about?

The latest true-crime ID series examines a new startling story each episode. Throughout the series, viewers will hear of how a murder changes groups of friends forever whether it be the tragic loss of a member of their inner circle, or their terrifying closeness to the killer. Viewers will follow these individuals as they uncover secrets and confront the painful truth.

The series debut episode titled “The Campus Killer” details the case of a university football player who is shot and killed while celebrating his 21st birthday with his college buddies.

Even though there are many witnesses, no one can identify the killer. Investigators question everyone in Trent’s inner circle, but no one can think of a single person who would want to hurt the popular athlete.

As the campus reels from the tragedy, Trent’s friends fear that the killer was actually targeting one of them and worry whoever it was will come back to finish the job.

How to watch A Killer Among Friends season 1

Those interested in checking out the latest true-crime ID series can find A Killer Among Friends available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

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

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

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Investigation Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

The jokes have been plentiful lately about college athletes staying around for too many years. The “LinkedIn all-stars”, mid-20s players who have waivered their way to extra seasons of eligibility, especially since 2020 when every college player got COVID-19 year.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, speaking Monday in Atlanta to begin the conference’s media days, suggested things might have gone too far.

“My guess is you have to return to the early 1900s,” Sankey said. “Literally, if you go to the first quarter century and look at some of the practices around college sports, you start to see the same things that we are seeing today, an older group of college athletes, constant movement without a lot of oversight, and questions about whether there are real academic standards that apply.”

Over the past year, eligibility standards have been even further compromised. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia sued for more seasons, arguing that his two years at a junior college shouldn’t count toward his NCAA eligibility.

Pavia got an injunction in his favor, leading to other players receiving seasons of eligibility back. On Monday, Sankey suggested that players sticking around for too long was hurting the younger side of rosters.

“As the world changes throughout college sports, we have to hold on to some values that are at the center of what we do on our academic campuses,” Sankey said. “We need to invite young people into higher education with the goal of moving them from adolescence to adulthood. We need to require unapologetically a person to make meaningful progress towards a degree, and if they don’t make that meaningful progress, then simply understand they won’t be able to participate in the athletics experience.”

Sankey and other commissioners have called for common standards across college athletics, whether regarding revenue sharing, transfer portal issues or NIL. The eligibility issues were no different.

“There is a need to return to a common standard for athletics participation,” Sankey said. “It’s embedded in the undergraduate educational experience that helps foster a college-going culture to the next generation who seeks to enroll and participate in college athletics, all while requiring meaningful academic progress leading to a degree, not subject to the whim of requested or granted waivers, and not resulting in legal decisions that will vary from courtroom to courtroom.”

SEC media days are scheduled to continue through Thursday in Atlanta.

Burger King is ushering in a new era of its iconic Whopper.

On July 15, the burger chain will debut the BBQ Brisket Whopper. The burger features slow-cooked BBQ brisket, crispy onions, American cheese and barbeque sauce, on a flame-grilled beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

The BBQ Brisket Whopper is the newest “Whopper By You,” a campaign from Burger King that allows customers to help shape the menu by submitting their dream Whopper creations.

In February, Burger King introduced the Steakhouse Bacon Whopper, a combination of signature steakhouse favorites like crispy onions, bacon, Swiss cheese, creamy peppercorn aioli, lettuce and tomato.

Are Burger King locations closing?

In April, a major franchisee for Burger King restaurants in the Southeast filed for bankruptcy.

Consolidated Burger Holdings of Destin, Florida filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, USA Today reported. Consolidated Burger Holdings operates 57 Burger King locations, including locations in Valdosta, Georgia and in Tallahassee, West Palm Beach and Naples, Florida. Four of its locations are in Walmart stores.

Consolidated plans to keep its Burger King restaurants open while it seeks to sell the company and its assets.

Consolidated Burger acquired its stores in 2018. For 2024, sales dropped almost $10 million from 2023 and losses grew to $12.5 million. In its filing, the company said it has about $77.9 million in assets and $77.9 million in liabilities.

Two people were killed in separate weekend shootings in Bessemer.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office on Monday identified the victims as Vincent Edwin Pritchard, 56, and Cateria Sharae Birchfield, 26. Both lived in Bessemer.

Pritchard was shot at 10:58 p.m. Friday in the 2400 block of Sixth Avenue North in Bessemer. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:08 p.m.

Annie Sillimon, 50, is charged with murder in Pritchard’s slaying. The Bessemer woman was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and remains held without bond.

Cateria Sharae Birchfield, 26, was shot at 2:06 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of 26th Street South in Bessemer.

She was taken to UAB Hospital where she died at 3:51 a.m.

Police have charged 24-year-old Audrina Peterson with murder in Birchfield’s death.

Peterson, of Bessemer, was booked into the county jail at 4:46 p.m. Sunday. She, too, remains held without bond.

Additional circumstances surrounding the killing, including motives, have not been released.

The victims are Bessemer’s fourth and fifth homicides this year.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411, 205-481-4366, Tip Line at 205-428-3541 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

A major grocery store chain is going old school when it comes to coupons – or at least as old school as one can get in a digital age.

Select Kroger stores are offering in-store printed flyers that can be scanned so shoppers can access online coupons. The change addresses concerns that some non-digitally savvy shoppers were missing out on coupon deals.

“We are always listening to our customers to create a better shopping experience. To make it simpler for our customers to take advantage of the full value our stores offer, we are providing an easy-to-use flyer that customers can scan to save with digital coupons,” a Kroger spokesperson told Newsweek.

Weekly digital deal sheets are now available at the front of some Kroger locations. The addition has not been implemented nationwide.

READ MORE: National grocery chain plans to close 60 stores over the next 18 months

How popular are digital coupons?

The addition comes after studies show the continued growth of digital coupons and the important role they play as inflation-weary consumers look for savings and stores seek to grow their bottom lines.

According to an analysis by Capital One, the use of digital coupons – including downloadable and mobile coupons as well as coupon codes and automatic discounts – continues to rise. In 2024, 165.5 million American consumers, roughly 62% of adults, redeemed a digital coupon. The vast majority of those, 94%, are redeemed using a smartphone while shopping online, however, and only 35% of those surveyed said they used digital coupons while shopping in a store.

Stores have a large incentive for pushing coupons. Thirty-nine percent of those polled said they would purchase a new brand because of a coupon and 48% said they avoided brands that didn’t provide coupons or discounts.