Alabama News

The Philadelphia Phillies play against the Boston Red Sox in an MLB game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. CT on TBS. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Phillies enter this matchup with a 57-43 record, and they are coming off a close 3-2 win against Boston.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Phillies will need to rely on their star player Kyle Schwarber. He leads the Philadelphia offense with 32 home runs and 74 RBI, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.

The Red Sox enter this matchup with a 54-48 record, and they have lost three of their last four games.

In order to turn things around tonight, the Red Sox will need a great performance from their star player Jarren Duran. He leads the Boston offense with 105 hits this season, so he will try to continue his great play this evening.

Notably, Duran also leads the team with 25 doubles and 10 triples.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Chicago Sky play against the Minnesota Lynx in a WNBA game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN 3. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Sky enter this matchup with a 7-15 record, and they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Sky lost 86-49 against the Atlanta Dream.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Sky will need a great performance from their star player Angel Reese. She leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists this season.

Notably, Reese is averaging a double-double with 14 points and nearly 13 rebounds per game.

The Lynx enter this matchup with a 20-4 record, and they have won back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 79-66.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Lynx will need to rely on their star player Napheesa Collier. She leads the team in scoring, as she averages more than 23 points per game.

Fans can watch this WNBA game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A day after Donald Trump threatened to hold up a deal for a new football stadium in the nation’s capital if the Washington Commanders did not go back to the name Redskins, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president’s comments were not a joke.

“The president was serious,” Leavitt told reporters Monday while answering questions on the White House driveway. “Sports is one of the many passions of this president and he wants to see the name of that team changed.”

Asked why he’s getting involved, Leavitt called Trump a “nontraditional president” and said sports fans are behind him on this.

“I think you’ve seen the president gets involved in a lot of things that most presidents have not,” Leavitt said. “He’s a nontraditional president. He likes to see results on behalf of the American people and, if you actually poll this issue with sports fans across the country, and even in this city, people actually do support the president’s position on this and the name change.”

After former President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress late last year to transfer land from the federal government to the District of Columbia, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the team reached an agreement in April to build on the site of the old RFK Stadium. That is still pending approval by the Council of the District of Columbia.

“I think the thing that we should focus on in D.C. is doing our part,” Bowser said. “I have worked for the better part of 10 years to get our part completed, including getting control of the land, coming to an agreement with the team and advancing a fantastic agreement to the council, so we need to do our part.”

Dan Snyder, who had said multiple times as owner since 1999 that he would never change the name, did so in July 2020 after facing mounting pressure from sponsors and critics. Washington Football Team was used for two seasons before Commanders was unveiled as the permanent name in early 2022.

Josh Harris, whose group bought the team from Snyder in 2023, said earlier this year the Commanders name was here to stay.

Savannah Romero, co-founder and deputy director of the Black Liberation-Indigenous Sovereignty Collective, said in a statement Monday responding to Trump that “Native Americans are not mascots.”

“To equate Native people with cartoonish mascots alongside animals is a gross and ongoing tactic of dehumanization,” said Romero, who is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Nation.

The National Congress of American Indians has since 1950 considered eradicating Native-themed mascots one of its priorities. President Mark Macarro called any attempt to purport to speak for Native communities “an affront to tribal sovereignty.”

“Imagery and fan behaviors that mock, demean, and dehumanize Native people have no place in modern society,” Macarro said in a statement. “NCAI will continue to stand in support of the dignity and humanity of Native peoples.”

At least one organization, the Native American Guardians Association, has filed petitions to bring back the Redskins and Cleveland Indians names.

A handful of fans who were asked by The Associated Press for their opinion generally dismissed Trump’s comments. Ender Tuncay, who grew up in the Washington area and returns to visit family, called it “typical Trump stupidity.”

“It’s just him focusing on things that aren’t consequential and trying to distract from the actual issues that are going on,” Tuncay said, adding he does not care what the name is. “But I’d like them to get the new stadium, for sure. I like this site where it is. My parents used to tell me stories of how great RFK was back when we were really, really good.”

Ford Flemmings, who worked as a vendor at the old RFK Stadium, said everyone is on the bandwagon with the name Commanders now that the team is winning.

“I liked Washington when it was just plain Washington,” Flemmings said. “If they change their name, so be it. I’ll still be a Washington (fan), whatever the Washington team is.”

___

AP White House reporter Darlene Superville and video journalist River Zhang contributed to this report.

Another new online sweepstakes casino has entered the fray! Lucky Stake went live in June and is quickly gaining a fanbase throughout the country. Below, I highlight the new Lucky Stake promo code and explain what it provides to players.

Lucky Stake is a great new sweeps casino with a plethora of interesting features. After breaking down this platform’s welcome offer, I’ll discuss one of its most exciting games available this week.

Lucky Stake promo code at a glance

Lucky Stake promo code: How to claim this offer

New online sweepstakes casinos are launching in the US seemingly every month. This year has been a big year for the sweeps casino industry, with several world-class sweeps casinos already going live.

With online real money casinos legal in only seven states, sweepstakes casinos offer the best alternative for those looking to play casino games from anywhere.

Lucky Stake launched in June. Word is spreading fast among players, as this platform provides nearly everything a casino fan could ask for.

The welcome bonus at Lucky Stake is excellent, allowing players to earn a 150% bonus on their first purchase of Gold Coins.

Here is how to claim this offer today:

1. Click any of our Lucky Stake promo code links or banners shown on this page.
2. Click the Join Now button on the Lucky Stake landing page.
3. Create a new account with Lucky Stake by providing some basic personal information.
4. Agree to the Lucky Stake Terms & Conditions.
5. Visit the Lucky Stake coin store.
6. Make a purchase of Gold Coins for $9.99 (normally $24.99).
7. Receive a 150% bonus on this first purchase to receive 50,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins.

A 150% first-purchase bonus is excellent. Many competing sweeps casinos offer first-purchase boosts, yet they are generally set at a 100% boost.

Without using our Lucky Stake promo code link, players would need to spend $24.99 to earn the same number of Gold Coins and (free) Sweeps Coins.

The design of Lucky Stake is great, too. This allows the entire signup process to take only a few minutes. Purchases are processed instantly, too, allowing players to use the coins they have earned from this welcome offer to begin playing right away.

Lucky Stake has clear terms and conditions for its welcome offer. I highlight some of these rules, along with some additional basic terms and conditions connected to Lucky Stake as a whole, below.

Lucky Stake promo code terms and conditions

Every reputable online sweepstakes casino offers a full list of terms and conditions.

Here is a look at some of the most important rules connected to Lucky Stake and its welcome offer:

• All players must be at least 18 years old to join;
• Lucky Stake is not available in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Utah, Washington and West Virginia;
• To earn the 150% first-purchase bonus of 50,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins, players must make a purchase of $9.99;
• All Sweeps Coins earned from this bonus come with a 1x playthrough requirement;
• Lucky Stake has the ability to close players’ accounts at its discretion.

These rules are very standard.

Members of Lucky Stake have access to more than 1,000 games, including a huge variety of high RTP slots, video table games and live-dealer tables. So, which game is worth playing on this platform this week?

Best game offered by Lucky Stake this week

It’s not uncommon for new online sweepstakes casinos to offer a limited number of games. Lucky Stake has taken a different route and came straight out of the gate with more than 1,000 games from world-class developers.

I was happy to see Lucky Stake offers more than slots. Players have access to 13 video table games and 24 live-dealer tables.

That is more live-dealer games than many of the largest, best sweepstakes casinos provide players.

Of course, slots remain the most popular type of online casino game in the country. I took some time looking at many of the different varieties available.

Learn about the most exciting title available below:

Banana Town

New players at Lucky Stake are likely to enjoy how easy it is to find the different games available. Each type of casino game is categorized, and a helpful search bar is available for those looking to play specific titles.

I noticed Banana Town was listed as one of this site’s “Popular” games and decided to give it a try. I was hooked immediately and feel it’s one of the best online slots available to play right now.

Banana Town is a six-reel slot game developed by Relax Gaming. It has an average RTP rate of 96.12% and offers a maximum payout of 10,000x your wager.

Unlike many more classic online slots, Banana Town utilizes a “Pay Anywhere” system. Players are able to score winning combinations by landing eight or more matching symbols anywhere on the grid. This is a great feature that helps players earn wins fairly consistently.

There is no shortage of fun bonus features available, too. The free spins round is great and can be triggered by landing three or more bonus symbols anywhere on the grid. I was not able to trigger this round, but there is some huge multipliers for those who do.

For fans of the classic Donkey Kong games, Banana Town is likely to induce some nostalgia. It has retro graphics that look like the games from the first Nintendo system. The gameplay is extremely modern, however, and ran smoothly on my laptop the entire time I played.

Banana Town launched in 2022 and is now one of the most popular online free slots and real money slots being offered today. It’s fun, has a unique theme and offers players great opportunities to strike it big.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

Tom Troupe, a longtime Broadway actor and writer best known for his television appearances in “Star Trek” and “Cheers,” has died.

He was 97.

Troupe died Sunday, July 20, five days after his birthday in his Beverly Hills, Ca., home from natural causes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Troupe’s Broadway career began in 1957 with “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

He also starred in “The Lion in Winter,” “Fathers Day” and “The Gin Game” with his late wife and fellow actress Carole Cook.

Over his decades long career Troupe made 75 TV appearances, including “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Fugitive,” “Mission: Impossible,” “The Wild Wild West,” “Knots Landing” and “Frasier.”

He starred as Bob Gilroy in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” Judge William E. Grey in “Cheers,” Tancred Baumgartner in “ER” and Lt. Harold in the original “Star Trek” series, according to his IMDb.

He is also credited in several films such as “The Big Fisherman,” “The Devil’s Brigade” and “Summer School.”

Troupe is survived by his son, Christopher Troupe, as well as a granddaughter.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Entertainment Community Fund or the Pasadena Humane Society, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

President Donald Trump Tuesday compared immigration under former President Joe Biden to the attendance figures at the Alabama-LSU game he watched in 2019.

In a wide-ranging set of remarks at the White House, Trump said Biden allowed millions of immigrants to come into the United States “prior to election time.”

Trump was appearing with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to announce a trade deal.

“They allowed millions and millions of people to come into our…I mean, you saw it,” Trump said of the Biden Administration.

“They opened the gates. If you took an Alabama-LSU football game that holds 128,000 people, I was there, 128,000 people, and I liked them and they liked me, but if you took that and doubled it, that’s what used to flow into our country on a daily basis.”

Trump attended the game on Nov. 9, 2019, a 46-41 win by LSU.

At that time, 101,821 people attended, a record crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which underwent extensive security arrangements to accommodate Trump during his visit.

He came back for a second time last September 28 for the Alabama-Georgia game, and gave a speech in Tuscaloosa in May.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, encounters at the U.S. Southern Border are down sharply this year.

In June, a total of 9,306 were reported, down from 130,415 a year ago, and 207,834 that same month in 2022.

The warning was issued for Dale County.

“The storms which prompted the warning have weakened below severe limits, and no longer pose an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds are still possible with these thunderstorms,” says the National Weather Service.

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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.
• 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’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.
• 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 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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 swollen waterways:

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:

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:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

On Tuesday at 3:32 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 3:45 p.m. for Henry County.

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

“At 3:32 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 8 miles southeast of Abbeville to 7 miles north of Headland to 8 miles south of Blue Springs, moving south at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Abbeville, Headland, Newville, Haleburg, Shorterville, Barnes, Tumbleton, Edwin, Kirkland Crossroads, Blackwood, Hardwickburg, Capps, Grandberry Crossroads, Murphy Station, Graball, Screamer, Headland Municipal A/P, Dancey, Miller and Lawrenceville.

According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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.
• 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 forested 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.

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

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 swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside 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:

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:

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.

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.

Huntsville’s congressman is inviting north Alabama high school students who are interested in attending one of the U.S. service academies to an information session next month.

Rep. Dale Strong of the 5th Congressional District will hold an Academy Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at Huntsville High School’s gymnasium, 2304 Billie Watkins St. SW.

Each member of Congress is authorized five slots at each service academy, meaning each typically has one nominee admitted per academy per year. More information on the nomination process will be provided at the event.

“The fact that so many student leaders willingly offer themselves to serve our nation in uniform speaks volumes of the patriotism held by our district’s youth,” Strong said in a news release. “It is my honor to nominate young men and women to attend U.S. service academies and ensure students are aware of the many avenues to military service.”

The event will include academy representatives from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy, as well as Marion Military Institute.

Also on hand will be recruiters with the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force/Space Force and Coast Guard, along with representatives from ROTC programs around the state.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined 27 other attorneys general in asking the NCAA to erase records of transgender women who competed in women’s college sports.

Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate, signed the letter by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch to Charlie Baker, president of the NCAA.

“We, the undersigned Attorneys General, write today to urge the NCAA to restore to female athletes all championships, titles, wins, awards, records, and other recognitions that were wrongfully awarded to male athletes competing in NCAA women’s category events, as the U.S. Department of Education urged in its February 11, 2025 letter to the NCAA,” the letter says.

“The policies that were created, promoted, and encouraged by the Biden Administration and the NCAA not only enabled biological men to compete against women in sporting events across the country, but denied deserving women the recognitions they had earned in events that you managed.”

The letter is the latest a series of steps by Republican leaders and the Trump administration to reverse and restrict transgender rights.

In February, the president signed an executive order designed to prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls’ or women’s sports.

Read more: Former Alabama volleyball player joins lawsuit against NCAA over alleged transgender athlete

In response, the NCAA changed its policy that had previously allowed transgender women to compete and restricted participation to those who were assigned female gender at birth.

The attorneys general, in the letter to the NCAA, said the new policy does not go far enough.

“We encourage you to extend this policy to practice as well,” the attorneys general wrote. “Athletics is not only about what happens during competition.

“The opportunities to train, hone your skills, and develop the bonds of a team occur on the practice field as well. Further, injuries from unfair biological advantages are just as real in practice. Your policy stops short of full fairness for women athletes.”

Three weeks ago, the University of Pennsylvania reached an agreement with the federal government and said it would apologize to female athletes who were disadvantaged by the participation of swimmer Lia Thomas, who became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title in 2022.

The Alabama Legislature passed a law in 2023 banning transgender women from competing in college sports.

That expanded a law passed in 2021 that applied to K-12 public schools.

This year, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law a bill defining sex as determined at birth.