Ivana Hrynkiw, an investigative reporter for AL.com, is a finalist in the 2025 Livingston Awards for her series that prompted immediate and lasting changes to Alabama’s parole system.
“Ivana does the sort of work that changes lives,” said Challen Stephens, acting vice president of news for Alabama Media Group. “Last year her reporting helped numerous people emerge from the state’s troubled prison system. And we’re happy to see her recognized nationally.”
Hrynkiw’s reporting found that Alabama in 2017 paroled most prisoners who were eligible. But under new leadership, paroles fell to just 8% by 2023. That’s despite the parole board’s own guidelines suggesting more than 80% of prisoners should qualify for a second chance.
The series has led to significant impact. The parole rate rose to 20% the month after the first article, and finished 2024 at 20%, according to state data. That comes out to roughly 250 more people getting out of prison last year than in 2023.
Lawmakers also held hearings and demanded answers, as prisoners featured on AL.com found lawyers or got new hearings that resulted in their release.
The Livingston Awards honor the best reporting and storytelling in the nation by journalists under 35. The Wallace House Center for Journalists and the University of Michigan today announced finalists in categories recognizing local, national and international reporting.
“In a world where algorithms and devices often constrict our view and narrow our understanding, these finalists exemplify the fierce commitment of reporters to dig beyond dominant narratives,” said Lynette Clemetson, director of the awards and the Wallace House Center for Journalists. “Their work uncovers overlooked stories and voices that demand our attention. We invite you to read, watch, and listen to some of the most compelling journalism of the past year.”
Hrynkiw is a finalist in the local reporting category, alongside journalists from The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and outlets across the country.
The panel that judges the Livingston Awards includes leading journalists from, PBS, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Reuters, the Columbia Journalism Review and ABC News, among others.
A brand new episode of the hit singing competition series The Masked Singer premieres on FOX Wednesday, April 23 at 8/7c.
This week, the remaining five contestants are competing in the Quarterfinals and out of those five, four will be moving onto the Semifinals next week. Boogie Woogie, Coral, Mad Scientist Monster, Nessy and Pearl are the remaining contestants this season.
This week’s theme is “Soundtrack of My Life,” and the performances will include renditions of “Sk8er Boi,” “Million Reasons,” “Golden Hour,” “Your Love,” and “The Scientist.”
Where can I watch The Masked Singer season 13 Quarterfinals?
Those interested in catching these can’t-miss performances and the chance to see which four contestants are moving onto next week’s Semifinals can stream the series through Fubo or DirecTV Stream—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers.
What is Fubo and DirecTV Stream?
Fubo and DirecTV Stream are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.
Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.
Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.
DirecTV Stream mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much 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.
Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.
Who was unmasked on the last episode of The Masked Singer?
In case you missed last week’s Merging of the Masks episode, Paparazzo was unmasked and revealed to be Matthew Lawrence, an actor well known for his roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Boy Meets World.
On Wednesday at 8:32 p.m. an updated flash flood warning was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 9:45 p.m. for Colbert, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties.
“At 8:32 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms continuing to produce moderate to heavy rain along a line from Cherokee to north of Leighton. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain has fallen and additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inches is possible,” says the weather service. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Rogersville, Town Creek, Cherokee, Littleville, Leighton, Courtland, North Courtland, Colbert Heights, Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, New Bethel, Pride Landing, Whiteoak, Crooked Oak, Ford City, Posey Loop and Red Rock.
According to the weather service, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
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 released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that 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.
Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:
Seek 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.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before 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 sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
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 heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the weather service. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
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:
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 to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
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:
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:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
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.
The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 4:54 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 5:45 p.m. for Jackson and DeKalb counties.
The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 4:54 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Fyffe, or 7 miles west of Rainsville, moving north at 10 mph,” states 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 Dutton, Fyffe, Langston, Lakeview, Guest, Rainsville, Peeks Corner, Powell, Chigger Hill and Section.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, 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. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
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, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
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 initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
The Los Angeles Kings play against the Edmonton Oilers in game 2 of their NHL Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 9 p.m. CT on TBS. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Kings enter this matchup with a 1-0 series lead, as they defeated Edmonton 6-5 in the series opener. During the victory, five Los Angeles players scored a goal: Quinton Byfield, Phillip Danault, Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, and Andrei Kuzmenko.
Danault scored a team-high two goals in the game, so he will try to perform similarly this evening.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Oilers will need to rely on their star forward Leon Draisaitl. He led the team with 106 points and 52 goals during the regular season, which highlights his offensive prowess.
Draisaitl scored one goal and accrued one assist in the series opener, so he will look to continue his offensive success tonight.
Fans can watch game 2 of this NHL Playoff series for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
Jessica “Bonnie” Brown was shot to death April 15, 2023, leaving behind five children. (GoFundMe)
The couple’s children – who ranged in age at the time from 12 to 5 – were home during the dispute and one of them went to a neighbor’s house where 911 was called.
When an officer arrived at the home, Fultondale Police Chief Marcel Walker said, Brown answered the door.
“Her husband snatched her back inside,‘’ Walker said at the time.
Moments later, the officer heard gunshots and had to retreat until backup arrived.
A five-hour standoff ensued. The standoff ended when police fired tear gas into the home.
The children were not harmed and were taken from the scene by family members, police said.
At the time of the deadly shooting, Sanders was awaiting trial on a domestic violence/strangulation charge that listed Brown as the victim.
Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts, who prosecuted the case with Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Ould, said Sanders has some significant mental issues.
Prior to settling the case, Sanders’ defense attorneys, Mike Blalock and Tommy McFarland, were seeking to have the judge bar the death penality because of Sanders “severe mental illness.”
Prosecutors consulted with the victim’s family and decided to settle the case instead of risk a verdict at trial of no guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
“This defendant deserves to serve his time at the Department of Corrections not receiving treatment at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility,” Roberts said. “Jessica’s family and the Fultondale Police Department are satisfied, under the circumstances, that the defendant admitted his guilt and will serve a long sentence in the Department of Corrections.”
A bill to require tablets and smartphones to require the activation of filters to block obscene material from minors moved one step closer to becoming Alabama law Wednesday.
SB186 by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, was approved by the Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee.
Similar legislation has been proposed before but has not passed.
“This is far worse than library books,” Sells said. “That’s words. This is videos and real people doing real life things.”
The bill says smartphones and tablets activated in Alabama must:
Contain a filter.
Ask the user to provide the user’s age during activation and account set-up.
Automatically enable the filter when the user is a minor (under 18).
Allow a password to be established for the filter.
Notify the user of the device when the filter blocks the device from accessing a website.
Allow a non-minor who has a password the opportunity to deactivate and reactivate the filter.
The bill says the manufacturer is subject to civil liability if a device is activated in the state, does not enable the required filter when it is activated, and allows a minor to access obscene material.
The Alabama attorney general could pursue civil penalties against violators, according to the bill.
Lobbyists representing the wireless industry and others have opposed the bill in previous years. They said they agreed with the intent but said it was not the best way to protect children.
On Wednesday, the committee removed a section of the bill that would have allowed parents to file lawsuits against companies for violating the law. Sells said that satisfied some of those who were against the bill.
“With this amendment, the opposition has agreed to lay off of it,” Sells said.
The amendment also changed the effective date from June to October should the bill become law.
Utah has passed a similar law.
Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, asked who would manufacture the devices that met the requirements specifically for Alabama and if there would be additional costs.
Sells said every phone is already equipped with the filters and that complying with the law would be a software fix.
Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, said she had received emails from people who called the bill government overreach and who said that it was the responsibility of parents to protect their children from porn.
In response, Sells likened the bill to laws that prohibit children from buying alcohol and tobacco.
“Nothing up here we do is 100%,” Sells said. “Will this work 100%? Definitely not. Can they find a way to get around it? Sure, somebody can. But I think we need to do something.”
The committee approved the bill on a voice vote, with Clarke and Ensler abstaining.
The approval puts the bill in position for consideration by the full House.
Kelly Ingram Park, the heart of the Birmingham Civil Rights movement, will continue to serve as a representation of empowerment and progress at the upcoming TEDxKelly Ingram Park event on Sept. 25 at Sidewalk Cinema, organizers said.
“Birmingham is an innovative hub. We have the citizens that are thinking outside the box and they deserve to be recognized globally,” Roosevelt Morgan, the organizer for TEDxKelly Ingram Park, told AL.com.
TED is a non-profit bringing people together to share ideas, spark conversations and deepen understanding through short, powerful presentations, often called ‘TED Talks.’ Their goal is to inspire individuals and communities to take action on ideas through a variety of programs. TEDx events are locally-led and self-organized to highlight community-led work.
“The theme of this TEDx is ‘Pushing the Needle Forward,’ because Birmingham is going forward,” Morgan said. “We’re walking in the right direction and I want to make sure that not only our citizens know that, but that the world knows it.”
Kelly Ingram Park historically served as an assembly spot for protests and demonstrations in the 1960s of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and the Children’s Crusade. It’s located across the street from both the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and 16th Street Baptist Church, where 4 little girls were killed by a Klansman’s bomb.
Now, with its emotional connection to history and powerful sculptures depicting the civil rights struggle in Birmingham, the park will continue to push forward big ideas that change the world, Morgan said.
Morgan, who is the vice president of workforce readiness for the Birmingham Society of Human Resource Management, said he wants to give people of all backgrounds the opportunity to share their big ideas.
“This is an event where I want people to learn and grow and even network. I want people to know that bigger things are coming to Birmingham,” Morgan said.
TEDxBirmingham: ‘Changing lives’
TEDx events are organized independently under a free license granted by TED. These events are not controlled by TED. The new TEDx events, including TEDxKelly Ingram Park and TEDxAlabaster, happening August 15, are their own entities and are not organized under TEDxBirmingham.
Matthew Hamilton, co-organizer of TEDxBirmingham from 2014 to 2019, said TEDx events have changed lives.
“Businesses and nonprofits were created at these events because people were sharing ideas,” Hamilton told AL.com. “Our speakers continue to progress, and grow in their own careers and impact the community, Some still say that was driven by TEDx.”
TEDxBirmingham was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton said the speaker series may make a comeback in the future.
“We knew that we had something special here where you’re bringing people from totally different worlds together around ideas focused on improving the community or changing lives,” Hamilton said.
“Magic can happen. With these new events, TEDx Kelly Ingram Park and TEDxAlabaster, that’s what I hope that they’re able to achieve.”
TEDxKelly Ingram Park is still accepting applications for speakers and anyone is welcome to apply. Proposals can be submitted to [email protected] Speakers will be officially chosen at the end of May.
Dear Eric: I am the oldest of five siblings, all now in our 70s and all professionals. We grew up blue-collar and “genteel poor.” The problem arises with the jealousy and hatred the others harbor toward me. They spent their lives acquiring pricy trinkets and foreign cars and generally living well beyond their means, while I planned, saved and invested well.
I retired comfortably eight years ago and now, with my wife, travel extensively and enjoy life. My siblings bitterly resent this and the painful reality that they can never afford to retire. For some reason they blame me, as if life is a zero-sum game, when all I have ever done is put money in their pockets and never asked for anything in return.
It’s late in the day, and I’d like to set matters straight. We stopped speaking 10 years ago. What do you suggest?
– Frustrated Eldest Son
Dear Son: I’m curious what you mean by “set matters straight.” If what you want is for your siblings to realize the error of their thinking and stop resenting you, you’re likely to remain frustrated. It sounds like you resent them for their resentment, which is totally understandable. But do you also judge them for the way they chose to live? Is this animus a two-way street?
You haven’t spoken in a decade, but you write that they resent your happy retired life of the last eight years. How is this information getting to you and what are you doing with it when it does?
A way to move forward is to wipe the slate clean (or as clean as one can with siblings; that slate is always going to be fingerprint-smudged). Reach out to them and acknowledge that you’ve had your differences in the past, you wish them well, and you don’t want to spend the rest of your days estranged. Ask them if they’re willing to try again. This means accepting that sometimes you just don’t see eye-to-eye, but no one needs to convince anyone else of anything. If they can listen to you without judgment, and you can do the same, you have something to build on.
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
Dear Eric: Over the years I noticed one of my spouse’s sisters seemed generally overly sensitive with sudden emotional outbursts and a tendency to play the victim.
My spouse’s last living parent died, and the estate needed to be divided equally between all of the siblings. Sister loaded up her car with many valuable items before making her way back home after the funeral. That annoyed the other siblings, as these items should have been part of the estate accounting to be divided, but they didn’t confront her.
Spouse and the other siblings decided to let her get her way, resulting in her inheriting a very, very sizable inheritance, much more than any of the siblings. It became clear that spouse and siblings are afraid of her, and I told spouse this. What’s done is done, but how am I supposed to act around the sister in the future?
Spouse does not want me to discuss this with her. I’m not a good actor. I don’t want her to stay at my home if she visits, but spouse does. I’m disappointed in spouse’s and siblings’ timid behavior, but I’m angry at her selfishness and total disregard for fairness. I don’t know how to move forward.
– Inappropriate Inheritance
Dear Inheritance: Sometimes we just have to let other people’s toxic families be toxic. There is an unhealthy dynamic between your spouse, your spouse’s siblings and their sister. This has probably been the case all of their lives. Attempting to rearrange these relationships is just going to cause marital strife for you.
The relationship you can and should focus on is the one between you and your spouse. You’ve said what you needed to say about what happened with the inheritance. Your spouse has also expressed an opinion about how to move forward. I would encourage you to follow your spouse’s lead. You don’t have to acquiesce to the sister’s future demands or even be friendly. You might choose to be out of town when the sister visits. But I implore you to make peace with your disappointment in your spouse. The sister has already poisoned so many wells with her own behavior; don’t let her poison your marriage also.
Here’s an internal script: I wish my spouse had been treated fairly. I can’t control the various life factors that caused my spouse and the siblings to act the way that they did. There is so much else that I value about my spouse, and I will choose to focus on that, because by doing so I am also providing support for my spouse during a difficult and draining time.
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.