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Expanding the NCAA Basketball Tournament to 76 teams? That way lies madness

They’re going to do it, aren’t they? History, tradition and public sentiment be damned.

They’re going to mess with success, fix what isn’t broken, add Botox and fillers to the Mona Lisa. It’s what they do, isn’t it? Not because they should. Because they can.

They’re going to expand the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament from 68 teams to 76 teams, and they’re going to do it for the upcoming 2025-26 season. That’s the prevailing sentiment in college basketball circles. There have been too many trial balloons floated in that direction, the latest by NCAA President Charlie Baker. Never mind that every time one of those balloons goes up, it comes under heavy fire from people that love college hoops.

This is not March Madness.

It’s madness. Period.

March Madness is three extended weekends of symmetry, intensity and unpredictability, emerging and established stars sharing the same stage, underdogs taking a bite out of big dogs, all capped by One Shining Moment. It’s the quintessential college sports championship experience just the way it is.

According to @CBKReport on X, six of the top seven most-watched basketball games in 2025 were NCAA Tournament games. The other was Game 7 of the NBA Finals in which Oklahoma City pulled away from wounded Indiana in an anti-climactic clunker.

Three of the top four games on that list were Florida’s national championship comeback over Houston at No. 1, Houston’s national semifinal comeback against Duke at No. 3 and Florida’s national semifinal thriller over Auburn at No. 4.

The Elite Eight games in which Auburn pulled away from Michigan State and Duke ran away from Alabama came in at Nos. 5 and 7. Which means three of the seven most-watched basketball games of this year – college or pro – involved Auburn or Alabama.

It’s proof of concept, example number eleventy billion. Make your mark in March Madness, and a state formerly known for football only can capture the nation’s attention in roundball as well.

Actual madness is taking the proven formula that attracted all those eyeballs and tweaking it for reasons that have yet to be made clear and presented in a convincing, compelling presentation.

Should the tournament expand because the number of Division I basketball schools has increased considerably, up to 364 last season? Part of the beauty of the current long-standing format is that it maintains an optimal balance of opportunity and exclusivity.

Conference tournaments, which grab nationwide attention during Championship Week and serve as a tasty appetizer before the Big Dance, give every school a chance to play its way into the NCAA Tournament. Witness Alabama State’s inspiring run through the SWAC Tournament in March.

The Hornets played their way into the First Four, where they earned the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory with a stunning full-court Hail Mary pass and finish to beat St. Francis. That gave State a chance to put an early scare into No. 1 overall seed Auburn in the first round.

An expanded tournament won’t give us more Alabama States. It’ll give us more teams like Oklahoma and Texas, who went 6-12 in their debut seasons in the SEC but still landed NCAA at-large bids.

Remember the talking point that power conference teams that finish down in the standings need the additional bids an expanded field would provide because they’re more likely to survive and advance, like NC State 2024? The 10th-place Wolfpack had to win the ACC Tournament that year to reach the NCAA Tournament, then found a way to make it to the Final Four as an 11 seed.

Nice story, but the SEC shot down that argument in 2025. It didn’t need a 76-team field in March to shatter the old record by putting 14 teams in the NCAA Tournament field. There was enough room for Alabama State and Troy, which won the Sun Belt Tournament, as well as Texas and Oklahoma.

The 68-team field is big enough for bluebloods and new bloods, for Alabama State to complete a Hail Mary and for Johni Broome to finish off Michigan State with one arm to send Auburn to its second Final Four.

Why mess with success? Why try to improve upon the closest thing to perfection you’ll find in any postseason in any sport at any level? Why not leave well enough alone and focus all your bracket-busting energy elsewhere?

Like on the College Football Playoff. It needs all the help it can get.

General

Immigration raid, your favorite ‘Unsung’ barbecue joints: Down in Alabama

We’ve had recurring segments on the podcast that looked at This is Alabama’s “Unsung Alabama” summer story series. Check out today’s episode for that — and then submit your nomination for the most unsung Alabama barbecue joint.

Illegal-immigration raid

P.J. Lavoie of Homeland Security said that, on Tuesday, authorities detained 36 people believed to be in the country illegally who were working at the construction site for a Gulf Shores High School facility, reports AL.com’s Patrick Darrington.

Lavoie said 20 of the 36 had some form of criminal history, though not all of those are suspected of violent offenses. One is facing federal charges over allegedly assaulting a federal agent.

Tips from citizens led to the raid. Lavoie said that, during the raid, several of the construction workers ran off and even drove through a fence to get away.

The City of Gulf Shores and Gulf Shores City Schools released a joint statement saying the general contractor was responsible for the construction site and workers.

RIP John Pruett

Longtime Huntsville Times sports journalist John Pruett passed away after a long illness, reports AL.com’s Creg Stephenson and Ben Thomas.

Pruett was at the Times for more than 40 years. He was the sports editor and columnist for years until his 2008 retirement.

He was named Alabama’s sportswriter of the year 17 times by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. He won the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Mel Allen Media Award, twice won the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Henry Kirby Award for story of the year, is in the ASWA Hall of Fame and was named as one of ASWA’s 50 Legends.

Pruett, who was originally from Cullman, was 83 years old.

Special election

State Rep. Matt Woods, a Walker County Republican, is jumping from the House to the Senate after winning Tuesday’s special election, reports AL.com’s Mike Cason.

The election was to fill a seat left vacant when former Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed left to work in Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration.

Scooby Don’t

Tuscaloosa Police are looking for someone who broke into the Highway 82 Duncanville Quick Stop while wearing a Scooby-Doo costume, reports AL.com’s Heather Gann.

The intruder activated the alarm at 3:45 a.m.

So far he’s gotten away with it, too. Although police do have video of the suspect, and they shared images that are a lock to go viral. They say the suspect looks to be a 5-foot-9 white male and stole cash and coins.

Quoting

“My husband himself even being from Iran supported Trump, his immigration policies and understood he was trying to protect the American people and was praying he helped free the Iranian people.”

Morgan Karimi, to Newsweek, after her husband was detained by ICE in Locust Fork. Ribvar Karimi is a former member of the Iranian Army who, according to the Department of Homeland Security, could be deported because he did not complete a procedural step to become a citizen. Morgan said Ribvar’s military service allowed him to obtain a passport and leave Iran.

By the Numbers

That’s how many vehicles Hyundai’s Montgomery plant produced for export this month as it turned its focus to producing automobiles for domestic sale under President Trump’s 25% tariff on imported cars and trucks.

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General

Former Troy standout on NFL: ‘You’re growing or you’re dying’

As a fifth-round rookie from Troy, Javon Solomon played 134 defensive snaps for the Buffalo Bills in 2024. Of the five defensive ends who played more snaps for Buffalo last season, three are no longer with the Bills.

But that doesn’t automatically mean more action for Solomon in his second NFL season. While Von Miller, Dawuane Smoot and Casey Toohill are gone, Buffalo signed five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa and drafted Landon Jackson from Arkansas in the third round on April 25 to join Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Solomon.

“At the end of the day, football is competition,” Solomon said, “so you got to go out there and put your best foot forward every time you step on the grass. But having a room like that, being able to learn from them guys, man, that’s a big opportunity for me. You know what I’m saying? Like whatever position I’m in, I’m hearing what they’re saying, leaning on those guys to be able to see what I can do to just naturally get better, and, end of the day, that’s kind of what matters in football.

“Either you’re going to be growing or you’re going to be dying, so you have to have that constant mindset: Well, I’m getting better.”

Although he saw most of his action on special teams with 241 plays, Solomon contributed two sacks, six quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for the Buffalo defense as a rookie.

“Our playbook’s the same,” Solomon said. “We haven’t changed anything too much. So now being able to pay attention to the details and be able to just fine-tune things, because back then, I’m just running out there, I’m just trying to do my job every single play. But now I can do my job at a higher level because I’m excelling because I actually know what my guy’s doing, I know what the whole line is doing, and so that’s just what it kind of is.”

Solomon said a season of experience and another offseason of practice had made a noticeable difference.

“Then I was looking,” Solomon said. “I was, like, I’m trying to look at, oh, let me see what I could do different at the top of the rush. But every rush starts with a get-off. I’m missing the key point — the initial point of the rush. So now I’m focused on the main: What’s my stance like? What’s my angle like? Where are my eyes at? So that’s all before the ball’s even snapped, so now there are different keys coming in that I have to make sure I’m incorporating into my game so I can excel, so I can make those almost become actual sacks, you know, actual numbers.

“So that was probably the biggest thing — understanding pre-snap, just pre-snap stuff. Now it’s learning at the top of the rush. How can I get that toe turn so I can be facing the quarterback? Maybe make that play. How I can just maybe stick an arm out, maybe just to get the ball out. It’s little things like that.”

The Bills have completed their offseason program. Buffalo will be back at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, for training camp, with the rookies reporting on July 15 and the veterans on July 22. The Bills start their three-game preseason schedule on Aug. 9 against the New York Giants.

Before leaving for the summer break, Solomon said he would be ready for training camp.

“I’m the type of guy, I kind of bounce around a little bit,” Solomon said, “so I’ll probably be in Dallas for like two weeks, then I’ll go down to South Florida a little bit. You know, there’s different training facilities with different trainers I like, so I like to maybe try to hit those. I like to get a different feel for things, so kind of go back and forth from those and get back up here probably like two weeks before training camp, work with Will (Greenberg), he’s the new strength coach, and he’s doing a great job, so to be able to get some work in with him, just be in the best shape.

“And I got a list of things I’m going into the summer with, and Will’s definitely going to help me out with some of those things, so we’re doing some Pilates, doing yoga, doing swimming, we got a bunch of things locked in.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Rocket Classic livestream: Where to watch golf tournament round 1, TV, schedule

The first round of the Rocket Classic is scheduled to begin today, as golfers compete in the tournament this morning. The coverage will begin at 5:45 a.m. CT on ESPN+. Fans can watch round 1 of the Rocket Classic online by purchasing a monthly ESPN+ subscription for $11.99.

Cam Davis won the Rocket Classic last year, so he is looking to win the trophy again in 2025. He is coming off a poor performance in his last outing, so Davis will try to bounce back in round 1 today.

Benjamin Griffin will be another key golfer to watch at this tournament, as he played well in his last outing. He ended his most recent tournament with a -7 score, which was good enough for 14th place. If he continues to play at a high level, then Griffin could secure the victory at the Rocket Classic.

Keegan Bradley emerged victorious at his last tournament outing, so he is looking to win a second-straight tournament this week. He recorded a -15 score in the last event, so he will try to perform similarly at the Rocket Classic.

Fans can watch round 1 of the Rocket Classic online by purchasing a monthly ESPN+ subscription for $11.99.

General

Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Lauderdale and Colbert counties Thursday – wind gusts reaching 40 mph

The National Weather Service issued a report at 4:01 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 a.m. for Lauderdale and Colbert counties.

Be ready for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:01 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Littleville, or near Tuscumbia, moving northwest at 5 mph,” says 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 Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Littleville, Leighton, Underwood-Petersville, Posey Loop, Northwest Alabama Regional Airport and New Bethel.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it 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.
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 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.
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.
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, as they 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 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.

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 heavy rain: Essential safety measures 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:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

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:

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

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:

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:

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.

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

Dear Annie: I’m losing my sister to motherhood

Dear Annie: My sister, “Renee,” and I have always been close, but things changed after she had a baby last year. I was genuinely happy for her, and I’ve tried to be supportive — dropping off meals, babysitting when I can, texting to check in. But ever since the baby was born, she’s been distant and, honestly, a little cold.

She cancels plans last-minute, rarely responds to my texts, and when we do talk, she only wants to discuss the baby. I’ve invited her to lunch or coffee just the two of us, but she always says she’s too busy or tired. I get that motherhood is overwhelming, but I miss my sister. When I brought it up gently, she snapped and said I don’t understand what it’s like to be a parent, which hurt.

I don’t have kids, and I don’t plan to, but that shouldn’t make me less important in her life. I’m not sure if I should give her more space or try harder to stay close. I just don’t know how to reach her anymore.

Is this just a phase, or have we outgrown our bond? — Left Out and Let Down

Dear Left Out and Let Down: Change is the only constant in life, and your sister’s life just changed dramatically. No, your relationship will never be the same as it was before, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never be close again.

This season, for her, is all about the baby. It’s not even her fault; it’s hard-wired into our DNA thanks to evolutionary biology. But this season will end, as all seasons do, and she will eventually gain some free time back.

In the meantime, continue supporting her and building your relationship with your new niece or nephew. You will readjust to your new roles in due time and regain the closeness you once shared; it just might look a little different.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Alabama until 2 a.m. Thursday – gusts to hit 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 1:33 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 a.m. for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston and Walker counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:33 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Carbon Hill to near Millport. Movement was northwest at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Hamilton, Winfield, Fayette, Carbon Hill, Vernon, Sulligent, Millport, Lynn, Guin, Hackleburg, Brilliant, Glen Allen, Detroit, Kansas, Nauvoo, Belk, Beaverton, Gu-Win, Eldridge and Ashbank.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

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 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.
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 wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Slow down and drive with care:

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.

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:

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:

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.

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

Update: Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in East Central Alabama Thursday – wind gusts reaching 50 mph

The National Weather Service issued an updated report at 1:39 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 2:45 a.m. for Tallapoosa, Chambers and Lee counties.

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are probable.

“At 1:39 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Trammel Crossroads to near Bleecker. Movement was southwest at 35 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 Auburn, Opelika, Dadeville, Camp Hill, Notasulga, Lafayette, La Fayette, Jacksons’ Gap, Waverly, Cusseta, Beulah, Beans Mill, Auburn University, Sturkie, Beauregard, Bleecker, Trammel Crossroads, Ridge Grove, Buffalo and Chambers County Lake.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 3 a.m. for southeastern and east central Alabama.”

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 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’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from 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 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

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

Today’s daily horoscopes: June 26, 2025

What is a story? So many think they are telling one when in fact it has none of the elements: a character in their usual state, a disruption that changes everything, a struggle to adapt and a resolution — even if it’s unresolved. Mercury’s shift today invites you to think like a storyteller. What’s the shake-up? What’s your response? How will this change you?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When feelings of self-doubt come in, instead of feeling successful and free to celebrate your wins, you shrink. Perhaps it’s to avoid jealousy, judgment or discomfort. A true friend should make you feel proud and safe being fully yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don’t expect everyone to be like you. Some are gentle, some are bold, some are quirky or intense — and you make room for all of it. Because of your inclusive spirit, each member of your team feels valued in their own way, and the group thrives.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Pay attention to how a person acts when no one’s watching and nothing’s at stake. That’s the real them — and it’s the version you’ll see when things get hard. If their kindness is consistent when it’s easy, you can bet it’ll hold when it’s not.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A particular connection becomes a central focus and source of light. Most auspiciously, it’s a connection with self — self-acceptance, self-love and alignment with your purpose — which naturally brightens every other part of life, radiating to other relationships, work, creativity and beyond.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Once more, your sensitivity will make you a powerful communicator. Here you go again, framing a message so it lands well, and because of that, you often succeed in getting cooperation, understanding and agreement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When your mind turns to thoughts that some might consider “edgy” or even “dark,” you’re not being dramatic. Your mind is ringing at a tone of plain truth from a person who’s doing a lot with not enough support.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A friend will show up for you in surprising, generous ways. Their range of support and willingness to give it might even amaze you. Your genuine gratitude — especially when expressed — strengthens the bond and keeps the support flowing naturally.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can know your work like the best of ‘em, tackle it like the consummate pro, but regardless of mastery, you can’t practice the unpredictable. Experience makes you quick, flexible and improvisational. The plot twists, then you do, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You think you’re just a few steps from the finish line, but as you near the exit, a whole new wing reveals itself. Do you really want this whole new trajectory? Take a minute to play it out in your imagination before you decide.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You and a certain someone share a private, unique language. The words are the same ones you use with the rest of the world, but between you, they carry secret meaning — a quiet signal of a bond that’s deepening.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It’s no secret you’re drawn to the quirky — people with odd interests and unusual charms. You recognize the rare gifts they bring to your life, and today those gifts include unexpected entertainment and a dose of specialized wisdom.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You acknowledge people with the fullness of your being, and that is enough. Your complete and tender attention for five minutes is better than hours of obligated service. You can say yes to a person without saying yes to the thing they want you to do.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 26). You formulated some wishes in sacred secret — not a dream for fame and fortune, but for being useful to something bigger than yourself… being in flow with a scene, a pulse. In some ways, you already are, but this year will make this more obvious and celebrated. More highlights: A patron to your art, a partner to your business ideas and a support system for your domestic flow. Taurus and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 4, 1, 29 and 18.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Ariana Grande will be featured on Barbra Streisand’s upcoming duets album, “The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two,” set for a cosmically auspicious summer release that happens right in line with Grande’s solar return. Grande was born when the sun and Mercury were in nurturing Cancer, and the moon was in Libra, the sign of beauty and harmony. Venus in Taurus lends tenacity, grit and a killer voice to the mix.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

NBA Draft first-round picks affect former first-rounders from Alabama

For the second year in a row, the first round of the NBA Draft passed without a prospect who played at an Alabama high school or college getting picked.

But what happened on Wednesday night in Brooklyn likely did affect former first-rounders with Alabama basketball roots, particularly Crimson Tide alumni Brandon Miller and Collin Sexton.

The second selection in the 2023 NBA Draft by Charlotte, Miller played in only 27 games for the Hornets in the 2024-25 season because of a wrist injury after he’d made the All-Rookie team the previous year.

Miller is a 6-foot-9 wing. Charlotte came away from Wednesday’s picks with two 6-foot-7 wings in Duke’s Kon Knueppel at No. 4 and Connecticut’s Liam McNeeley. To further the seeming duplication of the picks, Knueppel and McNeeley are considered sharpshooters, and Miller took 11.4 3-point shots per game last season.

But the incoming rookies were picked as complements to Miller, with their shooting and passing abilities holding potential to open space for the more athletic third-year pro to blossom.

On other hand, the Utah Jazz’s two first-round selections appear to support reports that the NBA team is trying trade Sexton after the guard led the team in points in the 2024-25 season. The Jazz added two guards – Rutgers’ Ace Bailey at No. 5 and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18.

Sexton was the eighth pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Another former first-rounder from Alabama, 2023 No. 21 pick Noah Clowney, got five new teammates in the first round on Wednesday night as the Brooklyn Nets reeled in the eighth, 19th, 22nd, 26th and 27th selections. But only one could have much impact on Clowney’s court time – 7-foot-0 Michigan forward Danny Wolf. Clowney is a 6-10 forward.

As expected, the 79th annual draft started with the Dallas Mavericks taking Duke forward Cooper Flagg.

Twenty-nine picks followed, with 10 made on behalf of other teams. Because trades cannot be completed until the NBA’s new league year begins on July 6, the deals won’t be official for 11 more days.

In addition to Clayton, four more players were chosen from the SEC – Texas guard Tre Johnson at No. 6 by the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 by the New Orleans Pelicans, South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9 by the Toronto Raptors and Georgia forward Asa Newell at No. 23 by the Pelicans (but traded to the Atlanta Hawks).

The first-round picks included:

1. Dallas Mavericks: Duke forward Cooper Flagg

2. San Antonio Spurs: Rutgers guard Dylan Harper

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe

4. Charlotte Hornets: Duke guard Kon Knueppel

5. Utah Jazz: Rutgers guard Ace Bailey

6. Washington Wizards: Texas guard Tre Johnson

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears

8. Brooklyn Nets: BYU guard Egor Demin

9. Toronto Raptors: South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles

10. Houston Rockets: Duke center Khaman Maluach (proposed trade to Phoenix Suns)

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Washington State forward Cedric Coward (proposed trade to Memphis Grizzlies)

12. Chicago Bulls: French forward Noa Essengue

13. Atlanta Hawks: Maryland center Derik Queen (proposed trade to New Orleans Pelicans)

14. San Antonio Spurs: Arizona forward Carter Bryant

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Georgetown center Thomas Sorber

16. Memphis Grizzlies: Chinese center Yang Hansen (proposed trade to Portland Trail Blazers)

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: French center Joan Beringer

18. Washington Wizards: Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (proposed trade to Utah Jazz)

19. Brooklyn Nets: French guard Nolan Traore

20. Miami Heat: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis

21. Utah Jazz: Illinois guard Will Riley (proposed trade to the Washington Wizards)

22. Atlanta Hawks: North Carolina guard Drake Powell (proposed trade to Brooklyn Nets)

23. New Orleans Pelicans: Georgia forward Asa Newell (proposed trade to Atlanta Hawks)

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Colorado State guard Nique Clifford (proposed trade to Sacramento Kings)

25. Orlando Magic: Michigan State guard Jase Richardson

26. Brooklyn Nets: Israeli guard Ben Saraf

27. Brooklyn Nets: Michigan forward Danny Wolf

28. Boston Celtics: Spanish guard Hugo Gonzalez

29. Phoenix Suns: Connecticut guard Liam McNeeley (proposed trade to Charlotte Hornets)

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Penn State center Yanic Konan Niederhauser

The NBA will return to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the second and final round of the 2025 draft at 7 p.m. CDT Thursday. ESPN will televise the second round.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.