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General

Update: Tornado warning issued for Choctaw County Tuesday evening

On Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado warning in effect until 7 p.m. for Choctaw County.

“At 6:39 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 6 miles northeast of Waynesboro, moving east at 60 mph,” according to the weather service. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

The tornado is projected to affect Gilbertown and Toxey around 6:55 p.m.

The weather service adds, “Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”

Tornado watches and warnings: Your safety guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let’s break it down:

Tornado watch: Be prepared!

A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation.
It’s your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.
While it doesn’t indicate an imminent tornado, it’s a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
This is the real deal – there’s an immediate threat to life and property.
Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris.
Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.

Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.

Get ready for tornadoes

Be weather-ready:

Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative’s house, that you can reach quickly.

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Establish a communication plan:

Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don’t forget about your pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Extend a helping hand:

Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.

Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take

When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits.

At work or school:

In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from windows.

Outdoors:

If you’re outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there’s time, make your way to a secure structure.

In a vehicle:

It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.

Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent.

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.

General

Update: Damaging winds anticipated with thunderstorms in Sumter County Tuesday

The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday in effect until 7:30 p.m. for Sumter County.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 6:55 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near New West Greene to near Kinterbish, moving east at 40 mph,” says the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Old Mallard Airport, Emelle, York, Belmont, Panola, Demopolis Lock And Dam, Sumterville, The University Of West Alabama, McDowell, Bellamy, Epes, Dug Hill, Geiger, Warsaw, Boyd, Livingston, Lilita, Bluffport, Cuba and Gainesville.

According to the weather service, “A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1 a.m. for southwestern and west central Alabama. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

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.
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 with no 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 forested 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents 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:

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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant 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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

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.

General

Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in West Central Alabama Tuesday evening

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 6:18 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7 p.m. for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Sumter and Greene counties.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 6:17 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles east of Aberdeen to 6 miles east of Bent Oak to near Shuqualak. Movement was east at 35 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Aliceville, Cody, Ethelsville, Detroit, Henson Springs, Carrollton, Dillburg, Moores Bridge, Wayside, Richard Arthur Field, Panola, Fayette, George Downer Airport, West Greene, Guin, Kirk, Pleasant Ridge, Lewiston, Benevola and Pine Springs.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1 a.m. for west central Alabama.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

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’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.
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 with no 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 forested 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 no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

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:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

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:

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.

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.

General

Alabama bill removing youthful offender status in some murder cases sparks debate: ‘They have no second chance’

A bill that would require people under 21 who are charged with murder to be tried as adults passed the Alabama House of Representative on Tuesday after several lawmakers spoke in opposition to the legislation, including a retired circuit judge.

Current law says that a minor charged as an adult for any crime can apply to a judge for youthful offender status and be tried in juvenile court.

HB146 by Rep. Phillip Pettus, R-Killen, would take away that discretion for judges if the charge is for capital murder or intentional murder.

Pettus, a retired state trooper, said a Clay County case from about eight years ago was one in which a teen defendant was unjustifiably granted youthful offender status after shooting his ex-girlfriend in the head and throwing her over a cliff.

Pettus also noted that shooters in the mass shooting in Dadeville in 2023 were eligible for youthful offender status, although he said none were granted that.

Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, a former St. Clair County circuit judge, opposed the bill. Hill said he hears legislators saying they don’t want judges making law or legislating from the bench, and he agrees, saying “judges should never, never, legislate from the bench.”

“However, the court handles cases and controversies that come before it,” Hill said.

“And to remove the discretion of the judge who knows the facts of the particular case that is coming before that judge, you are eroding the ability of the court to make the decisions that it needs to make.”

Several Democratic lawmakers also spoke in opposition to the bill.

Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said judges should be able to use their experience to decide when youthful offender status is appropriate, even for youths who have committed murder.

“It’s sending a very bad message to our children, for us to sit here today and say, ‘We can’t forgive you, we can’t give you a second chance, we want you the first time to be criminalized as an adult,” Warren said.

Pettus said he looked at it differently. He said three years is the maximum sentence if a defendant is tried as a juvenile.

“I look at the victim and the victim’s family,” Pettus said. “The child that got killed. They have no chance for the rest of their life. They have no second chance. They’re dead.”

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, offered an amendment that narrowed the scope of the bill, which originally applied to all categories of murder charges.

Under the amendment, judges could still grant youthful offender status on some categories, such as cases in which the defendant is charged with causing death by reckless conduct or extreme indifference to human life.

The amended bill applies only to capital murder and intentional murder charges.

The bill passed by a vote of 67-33. It moves to the Senate.

General

Might want to grab the limited-edition Alabama Crimson Tide St. Patrick’s Day gear before it sells out

Selection Sunday nears for the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team, who are looking to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. One day after just happens to be St. Patrick’s Day, which means Alabama fans will be out and about celebrating.

In order to make sure everyone has the proper attire; Fanatics just dropped some Crimson Tide St. Patrick’s Day gear fit for every fan.

Alabama Crimson Tide St. Patrick’s Day gear available now on Fanatics

The Alabama Crimson Tide St. Patrick’s Day Lucky T-Shirt – Black is available for $29.99. They have a full-size run in stock, ranging from S-5XL.

Fanatics also has some other options available, including polos, quarter zip-ups, and more t-shirts.

General

Tornado watch for Central Alabama until 1 a.m. Wednesday

A tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 5:41 p.m. in effect until Wednesday at 1 a.m. for Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry and Sumter counties.

Tornado watches and warnings: Your safety guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let’s break it down:

Tornado watch: Be prepared!

A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.
It’s your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.
While it doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, it’s a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
This is the real deal – there’s an immediate danger to life and property.
Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris.
Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.

Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches.

Prepare for a tornado

Be weather-ready:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings

Sign up for alerts:

Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.

Create a communication plan:

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.

Practice your plan:

Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.

Prepare your home:

Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Extend a helping hand:

Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.

Tornado safety: What to do when the twister hits

When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits.

At work or school:

Outdoors:

If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.

In a vehicle:

Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best course of action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car while covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek safety in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent.

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.

General

Update: Tornado watch for South Alabama until 1 a.m. Wednesday

The National Weather Service issued an updated tornado watch at 6:49 p.m. on Tuesday in effect until Wednesday at 1 a.m. for Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties.

Tornado watch vs. Tornado warning: Know the difference

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let’s break it down:

Tornado watch: Be prepared!

A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation.
It’s your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.
While it doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, it’s a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.
This is the real deal – there’s an immediate threat to life and property.
Your response should be quick: seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
If you’re in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, find the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement.

Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches.

Prepare for a tornado

Be weather-ready:

Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.

Establish a communication plan:

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Practice your plan:

Secure your home:

Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Extend a helping hand:

Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.

Staying safe during a tornado: Quick actions to take

When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you are at home and a tornado warning is issued, make your way to the basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Don’t forget to ensure the safety of your pets if time allows.

At work or school:

Outdoors:

If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.

In a vehicle:

Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.

Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent.

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.

General

Auburn sharpshooter receives national honors following standout performance

After setting a new season high at Kentucky last weekend with 30 points scored, Auburn Basketball’s Miles Kelly was named the AP national player of the week.

Kelly made nine 3-pointers, shooting 63.4% from beyond the arc against the Wildcats. He finished just six points off his career high of 36 at Louisville on Feb. 10, 2024, as a member of Georgia Tech’s basketball team.

In the Tigers two victories last week, Kelly shot 12-of-19 from 3-point territory, only missing 10 shots in two games.

Kelly is shooting 41% from deep this season and is the Tigers third-leading scorer averaging 11.5 points per game.

“I just came out feeling it,” Kelly said after the victory over Kentucky. “The first possession down, they went to me, and I knocked the shot down. After that, I was feeling it from there. Rupp rims, I love them. It felt good. Every time I shot the ball; I thought it was going in.”

The Tigers play Texas A&M tonight at 8 p.m. and can be watched live on ESPN.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at [email protected].

General

‘Deal or No Deal Island’ season 2 episode 9: Where to watch, how to stream free

A new episode of the hit spinoff show Deal or No Deal Island is premiering on NBC Tuesday, March 4 at 9/8c.

On this week’s episode titled “Million Dollar Walk,” a romantic ploy is made to wrestle control of the game from the remaining six players. Tune in to see if it really is just a ploy to advance in the game, or if there’s a deeper motive behind the gesture.

This week, the remaining contestants are still recovering from last week’s events which included a vital alliance shattering and a surprising shift in the game.

Where can I watch Deal or No Deal Island?

Cord cutters who have long since ditched traditional cable can still catch the show on Fubo and DirecTV Stream—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers before making the decision 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 multitude of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.

Fubo is considered one of the top sports-focused live streaming services out on the market, but it also provides its users the ability to stream 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 and movies through Fubo’s unlimited DVR feature.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream offers many of the same channels and features that Fubo does. The base package includes over 90 channels available for streaming for just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial.

Another DirecTV Stream plan known as the Choice package, is normally $114.99 a month, but through an ongoing promotion, pay just $89.99 a month for your first three months to access over 125 channels.

The Ultimate package, normally $129.99 a month, is part of the current DirecTV Stream’s promotion, too. Pay $104.99 a month for your first three months and enjoy over 160 channels.

Those interested can compare all DirecTV Stream’s packages and learn more about the ongoing promotion here.

Who are the remaining players in Deal or No Deal Island?

Phillip Solomon
Alexis Lete
Courtney Kim (C.K.)
Parvati Shallow
Dickson Wong
David Genat

General

Drastic cuts to scientific research funding will impact coastal Alabama economies and culture: op-ed

This is a guest opinion

Scientific discovery, research, and development grow Alabama’s economy by supporting jobs, and industry. Government research grants are investments in scientists’ work to cure diseases, grow our food and ensure it is safe, respond to emerging threats (bird flu), create innovative technology, and discover new sources of energy. Alabama received over $90 million dollars from the National Science Foundation and another $380 million from the National Institutes of Health last year, which then generated more than a billion dollars for Alabama’s economy. Yet today, Alabama’s continued excellence in research is being threatened by government actions including grant funding cuts and freezes, preventing information sharing and collaborations, and termination of colleagues at government agencies that facilitate scientific research efforts.

These funds not only support science but provide jobs for many people who support research efforts that in turn go back into our economy. Grant funds pay salaries for scientists as well as scientists-in-training including graduate and undergraduate students, and high school interns. Most research faculty have 9-month appointments and use grant funds to pay their remaining three-months of salary. Universities also receive a portion of these grant funds, which are necessary to pay for infrastructure and salaries for support staff, including secretaries, custodial and maintenance personnel, and many other workers that enable scientific research. Their salaries are spent supporting a myriad of local businesses and municipal budgets through sales taxes.

Cuts in federal funding for science hurt research progress, delay, or derail important discoveries. The accountability and rigorous peer review that comes with securing research grants ensures that funds are used effectively and legally. This system encourages innovation while maintaining high standards and accountability for spending tax-payer dollars. Continued support for scientific funding is essential for addressing many societal challenges and requires continued support from citizens and government leaders.

Oyster research is but one example of how federal dollars benefit Alabama. Oysters are a favorite dish of Alabamians and intimately tied to our culture, generating an income for many of our watermen. Gulf oyster populations are declining and remain at or below historic low levels in Alabama and Mississippi, and globally populations have declined more than 85%. Here on the Gulf Coast, research seeks to restore oyster habitat and reverse this decline, protecting not only our waterways but also the fishing industry. Using federal funding from Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Alabama Coastal Management Program, and from the National Science Foundation (NSF) coastal scientists have uncovered innovative methods to help bring oysters back to our waters (oyster restoration success) by finding ways to increase their survival, which will in turn save the jobs of our watermen and businesses tangentially dependent on them.

In this local example, federally funded research resulted in a recent important discovery which led to the creation of a new oyster reef habitat in Bayou la Batre. This research in turn created jobs for more than a dozen people, engaged nearby high school students in research, and then generated funds that helped repair infrastructure and provided salaries for numerous support staff connected through this project. Please keep science funded, it directly benefits all of us and improves our economy.

Dr. Lee Smee is Chair of University Programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and a Professor at the University of South Alabama in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. He is an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster of Troop 251G in Mobile.