President Donald Trump may be getting too overzealous in waging the culture wars, according to a new poll that shows his approval rating plummeting.
Just 42% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded Monday approve of how Trump is handling his job — the lowest mark since began his new term Jan. 20, the six-day survey showed.
Trump stood at 43% approval three weeks ago and enjoyed a 47% approval rating when he was inaugurated.
Americans believe Trump has been too aggressive in seeking to punish Harvard and other universities deemed to be liberal, the poll found.
Just 28% of adults said their president should withhold funding from universities they disagree with, while 58% said their president should not take that action, the poll found.
Only 14% said their president should control national museums and theaters compared to 66% who said presidents should not assume control of those institutions.
A strong majority of Americans also disagreed with Trump disobeying the court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a brutal prison in El Salvador.
Of the more than 4,300 U.S. adults polled, 83% said a president should obey a court order they disagree with, while 13% said the president should not obey such an order.
Americans are also adamant about Trump not seeking a third term.
Although the Constitution is clear that Trump cannot be elected president again, he has floated the idea of running.
Americans want him to stop thinking about it, according to the poll.
About three-fourths of respondents said they don’t want Trump seeking a third term.
A majority of Republicans — 54% — also said Trump should not run again.
Soon after President Donald Trump announced that he would speak during the University of Alabama’s spring commencement week, reactions poured in, positive and negative.
Katie Bennett, a human nutrition grad student from Florida, told AL.com today that she’s cancelling her plans to attend graduation. Trump will speak May 1 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, according to the university.
It will be the first time a president has spoken during the University of Alabama’s graduation events.
“I am ashamed of my university,” Bennett said. She’ll still fly home to see family, but won’t participate in other activities. She intended to meet with professors and advisers to celebrate, along with a tradition when visiting Tuscaloosa – eating at Jim and Nick’s BBQ.
Alumni were quick to weigh in as well.
“Trump’s commitment to take time out of leading the Free World to speak is testament to his priorities: Encouraging the next generation of leaders,” Brilyn Hollyhand, a graduate and conservative activist, posted on Instagram stories.
Unlike other colleges, the university doesn’t typically invite speakers to its graduation ceremony — at least in recent memory. In 2007, businessman James Stephens criticized the Iraq War and got booed. Subsequent events lacked a keynote speaker.
Virginia Lucci O’Donnell, a 2002 School of Law alumna, told AL.com she wrote to the college’s president protesting the Trump invite and said she will no longer contribute financially unless it’s cancelled “or the university takes accountability for what will inevitably be hate speech.”
“Having this speaker is akin to Wallace prohibiting Black students from having access to classrooms,” O’Donnell said. “Progress is learning from our mistakes. Hate, racism, and misogyny have no place on our beautiful campus. This is setting the University back 60 years.”
The commencement speech will be Trump’s eighth, according to the American Presidency Project. Only one other president has delivered a commencement speech in Alabama; Ronald Reagan spoke at Tuskegee University in 1987.
Others in the state, including Sen. Katie Britt, a college alumna, and Gov. Kay Ivey, an Auburn graduate, praised the visit.
“It truly will be a historic occasion for these UA graduates and their families,” Ivey said on X. “What an incredible opportunity to hear from the President of the United States! Thank you, @POTUS, for making this happen for our students.”
The UA College Democrats, who protested Trump’s last visit to Tuscaloosa at the Alabama-Georgia football game as a “political sideshow,” said in a statement on Facebook they are “shocked and disgusted” about this “disgraced criminal” attending.
“This insult will not go unanswered,” the College Dems said. “We cannot allow this to happen with our commencement ceremonies.”
Other student organizations did not reply to AL.com’s request for comment before publication.
On Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. a flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Jefferson and Shelby counties.
The weather service states, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” adds the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Move to higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Follow evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Swift evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
Refrain from walking in floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek higher ground when trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
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:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
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:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
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.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 3:11 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Pickens, Sumter and Greene counties.
Look for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
“At 3:11 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Prairie Point, or 10 miles east of Macon, moving east at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Gainesville Lake Campground, Aliceville, Garden, Warsaw, Dillburg, New West Greene, Panola, Pickensville, McMullen, George Downer Airport, West Greene, Pleasant Ridge, Cochrane, Johnston Lake, Memphis and Bevill Lock And Dam.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm 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.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
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 protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In 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. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
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.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
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:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly 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.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.
A brand new episode of the hit crime docuseries All Access PD: Grand Rapids premieres on Investigation Discovery Tuesday, April 22 at 10/9c.
On this week’s episode titled “No Excuse,” when a shooting occurs, the Grand Rapids detectives investigate a victim with a history of domestic complaints. As the victim fights for his life, the female shooter claims self-defense. As her attempt to hide evidence is revealed, doubts are raised about her true motive.
Where can I watch All Access PD: Grand Rapids season 1?
Those interested in catching ID’s latest crime docuseries can stream the show for free through Philo or DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy, but Philo is the cheaper option at just $28 a month after its free trial expires.
You can also catch All Access PD: Grand Rapids through Sling, and although Sling does not offer a free trial at the moment, those who do commit to a paid subscription receive half off their first month and a free month of AMC+.
What is Philo?
Philo is an entertainment-focused streaming service that offers live TV, unlimited DVR, on-demand content and more for just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes. Through Philo, users can access content from today’s top live TV channels.
Some of Philo’s most popular channels available for streaming include A&E, MTV, HGTV, Discovery, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, History Channel and more. Subscribers can stream these channels or catch critically acclaimed originals, hit TV shows and blockbuster movies with a single subscription.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is a top streaming service perfect for cordcutters 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.
Two other DirecTV Stream packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.
DirecTV Stream 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.
What is Sling?
Sling is another basic cable alternative to consider if you’re looking to ditch the hassle of traditional cable. Sling users can stream on-demand movies, live TV shows and live sports instantly on all favorite devices.
Though there is no free trial through Sling, there is an ongoing promotion offering half off your first month with any Sling plan. Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month but start streaming with Sling for just $23 your 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 Atlanta Braves didn’t get out to the best start this season, but they’re slowly climbing back into it hunt. The Braves have won three straight games entering their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals this week. While still in last place in the NL East, third through fifth place are all separated by one game, meaning a solid series from the Braves could bump them up in the standings.
Fans looking to attend Tuesday night’s game can buy tickets through Stubhub, Seatgeek, and Vivid Seats. The cheapest price we found started at $8 through Stubhub.
This would be a bargain for any Braves fan, as the first 15,000 fans at Tuesday night’s game will receive a Chipper Jones 2000 All-Star Game bobblehead.
Here’s everything you need to know before Tuesday’s game:
When: April 22, 2025
Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Fans looking to attend Tuesday night’s game can buy tickets through Stubhub, Seatgeek, and Vivid Seats. The cheapest price we found started at $8 through Stubhub.
Crown Coins is widely considered one of the best sweepstakes casinos for fans of slot games. It offers more than 220 slot titles, each of which comes from world-class developers.
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Top sweeps slots to play with the Crown Coins promo code
Players at Crown Coins have access to more than 220 slot games from the top developers in the industry. That includes a huge number of modern, high RTP slots.
Here is a quick look at three of the most popular sweeps slots available to play with the Crown Coins promo code offer:
Buffalo King Megaways
A screenshot of the Buffalo King Megaways slot game.Pragmatic Play
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Native Spirit
A screenshot of the Native Spirit slot game.Ruby Play
Native Spirit is a great five-reel online slot game developed by Ruby Play. Despite launching in 2022, it remains one of the most popular slots at Crown Coins.
This game features nine pay symbols and three special symbols. Land six or more Dream Catcher symbols on a payline to trigger the free spins round. It’s here that players can win up to 1,578x their wager.
Sugar Rush
A screenshot of the Sugar Rush slot game.Pragmatic Play
Sugar Rush is another one of the most popular online slot games to come from Pragmatic Play. It’s also one of the most-played real money slots offered by many of the top legal online casinos operating around the US. This is a fun candy-themed slot game that features a 7×7 grid with 20 paylines and an average RTP rate of 96.50%.
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Crown Coins promo code: How to claim this offer
Crown Coins has been operating throughout most of the US since 2023. It has built a massive user base, in part, because of its world-class gaming options and generous bonuses.
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Crown Coins promo code terms and conditions
The Crown Coins promo code offer is very rewarding to players. Very few competing online sweeps casinos offer such a large boost on members’ first purchases.
Online sweepstakes casinos typically attach more relaxed terms and conditions to their bonuses and promotions than real money casinos. With that said, there are some key requirements that players will need to follow in order to take advantage of this offer.
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Sophie Nyweide, a former child star who worked with the likes of Michelle Williams and others, died at the age of 24.
Her family announced she died on April 14 in an online obituary published on Thursday. No cause of death has been made available.
Nyweide appeared in 12 movies and television series between 2006 and 2015.
“Sophie was a kind and trusting girl,” the obit read. “Often this left her open to being taken advantage of by others. She wrote and drew voraciously and much of this art depicts the depth she had and it also represents the pain she suffered. Many of her writings and artwork are roadmaps of her struggles and traumas.
“Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate.”
The actress last appeared onscreen in a 2015 episode of the reality series “What Would You Do?”
“She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death,” the obituary continued. “She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life. Sophie. A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.”
Nyweide made her acting debut at age 6 in the 2006 movie “Bella.”
Perhaps best known for her 2009 portrayal of Michelle Williams’ and Gael García Bernal’s onscreen daughter in “Mammoth.”
She also stared in “Noah” with Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson.
“She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else,” the statement read. “It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being. She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone.”
TV roles in “Law & Order” and “Margot at the Wedding” were also on her resume.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
Nyweide’s family asked in the obituary that mourners make a donation to RAINN — the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which functions as the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. — in lieu of gifts or flowers.
According to Target, the VertuoPlus by Breville makes both coffee and espresso in a variety of sizes: 5-ounce and 8-ounce coffees, and single and double espresso shots. You can also pour over ice to create your favorite iced coffee drinks.
“Additional features include: an adjustable tray, large 40-ounce water reservoir, machine automatically ejects capsules after brewing; holds up to 10 used capsules, heat up time of only 15-20 seconds and energy-saving automatic shutoff after nine minutes of inactivity.”
The VertuoPlus by Breville is also a top-rated product with a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Target’s website.
“I’m so glad I chose this one. It’s so easy and fast to use. I’m a busy mom so I don’t have a lot of time in the morning to make coffee. This one is so convenient and I love it. Also the white is so beautiful! It fits perfectly in my small space!” one promising review states.
Another recent review says, “A great coffee maker that has fantastic flavors of expresso and lattes already mixed in the pods. Love the flavors and the machine is easy to use and makes nice hot coffee.”
In 1983 while Stevie Nicks was working on her second solo album, she got inspired after hearing “Little Red Corvette,” Prince’s sultry synth-powered hit, on the car radio.
Later, as Nicks was in the studio recording the song “Stand Back,” Prince showed up. During the session, Prince played synthesizer, as did keyboardist Dave Bluefield, which gave “Stand Back” its neon pulse.
Prince was uncredited on the track. But Nicks reportedly split her publishing royalties with him for “Stand Back,” which became a top five hit.
Forty-two years later, Nicks is paying tribute to her late friend. As reported by Rolling Stone, Nicks said a song on her upcoming album is about Prince. The funk-pop maestro died in 2016 of an accidental prescription drug overdose at age 57.
“We were friends,” Nicks said Thursday, as part of her speech at a Beverly Hills event, where she received the Hall of Fame Award from Pollstar, the live music trade publication.
Nicks described the new album, which would be her first solo LP since 2011’s “In Your Dreams,” by saying, “They are not airy, fairy songs that you are wondering who they are about, but you don’t really get it. They’re real stories of memories of mine of fantastic men.”
Nicks has been revisiting ’80s footsteps of late. In October, she was the musical guest on TV’s “Saturday Night Live” for the first time in more than 40 years.
As part of her speech Thursday, Nicks recalled attending the premiere of Prince’s 1984 movie “Purple Rain.” After the screening, she gave him a necklace with “little gold hearts on it,” she said.
Prince responded by saying, according to Nicks, “I don’t want your necklace.” She added, “And then he said — this is in the song, this is where the record began — ‘You always bring me a gift; you never bring me you.’”
A Stevie Nicks album inspired by “fantastic men” is ripe with potential. There’s her tumultuous romance with classic era Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, which famously inspired Mac hits. Before joining Fleetwood Mac in the mid ’70s, Nicks and Buckingham fronted the band Buckingham Nicks, whose 1973 self-titled album is a cult-classic.
In her heyday, Nicks was also romantically linked with A-listers like Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood. Also, singer/guitarist Joe Walsh and singer/drummer Don Henley, both of country-rock mega-band the Eagles.
In her awards speech Thursday, Nicks said she started writing her new album while displaced by the recent Los Angeles area fires. She’d been living in a hotel for months.
“And at some point, during that last part of the 92 days, I said, ‘You know what? I feel like I’m on the road, but there are no shows.’ And I thought, ‘You need to go back to work.’ And I did. And I have seven songs, and they are autobiographical real stories where I’m not pulling any punches for the first time in my life.”
