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General

Iconic retail store closing despite efforts to save it

An iconic Southern shopping destination is closing its doors.

Neiman Marcus’ flagship location in downtown Dallas is closing on March 31. The shutdown of the historic retailer will continue despite pushback from the community, including a consortium led by downtown business groups who have called for continued negotiations.

Its owners remain firm, however.

“Our decision to close the Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store is final and we are moving forward as such,” owners Saks Global Operation Group said in a statement to CBS News.

Saks cited a lease dispute – and not poor performance – as the reason for the store’s closure. According to the Street, Neiman Marcus received a notice from its landlord on Feb. 18 regarding the termination of its occupancy. The lease, first signed some 99 years ago, expired in January 2025 but was extended until March 31.

Saks acquired Neiman Marcus in 2024 and also owns Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Off 5th.

The iconic chain will keep a presence in the city, opting to invest $100 million in the renovation of its NorthPark Neiman Marcus location.

Neiman Marcus currently has 36 locations across the U.S.

General

Observations of QB Keelon Russell from Alabama football practice

Alabama football landed one of the country’s top recruits in freshman quarterback Keelon Russell. That’s not hyperbole.

Flipping Russell from SMU, he was the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class per the 247Sports Composite. Nick Sheridan, the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, led the way in his recruitment.

Russell arrived in Tuscaloosa in January and took part in his second spring practice with the team Wednesday. The Alabama quarterback competition is in its infancy, and Russell figures to be in the mix along with Ty Simpson and Austin Mack.

“He’s excited about what this growth’s going to be even during this spring,” Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday. “But his ceiling and what he accomplished through what you can see on the high school film, he’s a pretty elite quarterback coming in as a high school senior, current freshman for us.”

Would Russell really be able to start right away as a true freshman? Or will he need some time to develop?

Wednesday’s practice provided the first chance for reporters to see Russell in action on the practice field in Tuscaloosa. UA provided a 20-minute or so viewing period, which didn’t provide much of a glimpse. Just individual drills, really. There was nothing against defenses. Certainly nothing close to live football. But it was a glimpse nonetheless.

AL.com spent the entire viewing period watching Russell. We’ve seen Simpson and Mack practice before. So, we decided to focus on Russell the first chance we had. Here’s what we noticed.

Keelon Russell observations from Alabama football practice

During the first portion of practice that reporters got to see, the quarterbacks were throwing passes to receivers against air toward the corner of the end zone. One pass that stood out was a throw Russell made to running back Daniel Hill on the right side. It took some touch, and Russell dropped it right over Hill’s shoulder. The next throw, however, was a little off target from the receiver. Then Russell hit Rico Scott on a throw that looked to be about 10-15 yards near the sideline allowing Scott to go into the end zone. Exact distances were difficult to determine because most of the quarterback passing occurred on the far side of the field, away from where reporters could stand.
Then the quarterbacks threw against air in the other direction of the end zone, throwing passes that required touch from about 20 yards out, among other routes.
At one point, Russell hit Ryan Williams on a short pass near the sideline.
One thing that stood out about this passing drill: Russell maximized his reps. The whistle blew and the clock hit zero, signaling it was time to move to another drill. Russell quick got one more throw in, hitting walk-on receiver Miguel Camboia on a short outside route.
Drill 2: The quarterbacks practiced handoffs and the footwork involved in that. They completed this drill closer to reporters, so it provided more of a chance to see Russell up close. He’s fairly slim, even after the weight gain. Russell is now listed at 6-3, 192 pounds, up from 175. It’s easy to see he’s the smallest of the three quarterbacks, which makes sense considering time spent in college. Simpson and Mack look like they’ve been part of college strength programs for multiple years, because they have. Russell doesn’t as much, which makes sense considering he’s only been in Tuscaloosa since January. Simpson is listed at 6-2, 210 pounds and Mack is listed at 6-6, 235 pounds.
The pecking order through these handoffs, for whatever it’s worth, went Simpson, Mack then Russell. That’s likely because of seniority.

Drill 3: The quarterbacks took shotgun snaps and threw routes downfield along the sideline against air once again. Then the quarterbacks threw routes across the middle. Russell had one throw that was a rifle to freshman tight end Marshall Pritchett across the middle.
After that throw, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb took a minute to coach up Russell. Grubb was demonstrating as if he were a quarterback moving his feet in the pocket while looking for a receiver downfield.
Speaking of coaching, Russell is going to have plenty of good input. During the media viewing period, DeBoer, Grubb, co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan and offensive analyst Mitch Dahlen could all be seen spending some time working with the quarterbacks. That’s good news for Russell, who will have a chance to hear from several experienced voices. DeBoer, Grubb, Sheridan and Dahlen were all together in Washington working with Michael Penix Jr. DeBoer, Grubb and Dahlen all worked with Jake Haener at Fresno State too. Both Penix and Haener became NFL quarterbacks.
The rest of the time: Quarterbacks spent the rest of the media viewing period throwing a few different types of routes to pass catchers, some against a staffer pretending to be a defender and provide slight coverage of a receiver, tight end or running back. Others were against air. One throw that stood out: Russell hit Jaylen Mbakwe on a pass against air downfield. Russell also found Germie Bernard on a seam route at one point.

Final thoughts

Drawing conclusions about the quarterback battle and Russell’s chances is not reasonable based on this viewing. It’s about four periods of practice, and not even against a defense. But, it still was good to get first-look at Russell practicing to see him work in person.

Though he looks like a freshman physically, he can certainly throw the football well. Take that for what it’s worth and don’t make it more than it is. How that translates into actual football won’t be determined until we get to see him in some actual game action.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

General

Glock switch ban moves forward in Alabama House

The Alabama House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Wednesday approved a bill that would make possession of a Glock switch a Class C felony.

SB116, brought forth by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery, would make possessing any part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a pistol into a machine gun, often known as Glock switches, punishable by a term between 366 days and 10 years, according to state code.

Rep. Philip Ensler, D-Montgomery, who brought forth the House version of the bill earlier this month, presented the bill to the committee on Barfoot’s behalf.

It was approved with an amendment that would put the proposed law into effect immediately if it were signed by Gov. Kay Ivey.

Currently, there is no state law that makes Glock switches illegal, although they are illegal federally.

“We recognize this is a problem in our community,” Ensler said.

“The sooner it can be signed by the governor and go into effect, the better.”

SB116 was previously amended in the Senate to enforce penalties for the possession of a machine gun conversion device even if it cannot be proven that someone was “knowingly” in possession.

The bill now moves to the House floor for a full vote.

Despite arguments from Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, and Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, that the state’s new permitless carry policy could be to blame for increased gun violence, Barfoot has said that “guns and conversion devices are not the real problem.”

“The real problem are the people who use those,” he said previously.

He said in the Senate last week that regulating firearm devices is a “balancing act” with 2nd Amendment rights.

General

Alabama’s 2026 governor’s race will be ‘one for the history books’: Frontrunner teases run against Tuberville

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth today appeared to hint at soon making the long expected announcement he is running for governor of Alabama.

In the social media post, Ainsworth is pictured after participating in a race and states that he has been, “eating my Wheaties and getting into running shape.”

Ainsworth’s tweet, which linked to a story about Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s possible run for governor, said the “race may be shaping up to be one for the history books.”

Ainsworth previously stated that he would announce whether he was running for governor or returning to the private sector by March 2025.

“The only position I’d have an interest in running for when my time is up, and I am term-limited, would be governor,” Ainsworth said.

“And so, I’ll either run for governor or go back to the private sector. I imagine I will make a decision on that sometime (around) the beginning of next year, probably February or March, something like that, about what I’m going to do.”

AL.com left a message with Ainsworth’s office but have not received a response back yet.

Ainsworth’s post hinting a potential run was in reference to Tuberville, R-Ala, also acknowledging a possible run for governor.

In January, Tuberville told reporters that he would not rule out a run for governor. But on Tuesday, Tuberville again hinted at running for Alabama’s top political position.

According to Punchbowl News, Tuberville has told colleagues that he is considering running for governor instead of seeking re-election in 2026.

Tuberville told the outlet that he would make a decision by May.

So far Ainsworth has been the presumptive favorite to succeed Gov. Kay Ivey.

However, Tuberville would likely become the frontrunner if he joined the race due to his name recognition and alliance with President Donald Trump.

Other potential candidates who have thrown their name out there include Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis.

No one has officially announced their run for governor yet.

As Ainsworth said, if Tuberville were to run for governor it could make the 2026 governor race, “one for the history books.”

General

‘The Masked Singer’ Group B premiere: How to watch, where to stream free

A new episode of The Masked Singer airs on FOX Wednesday, March 5 at 8/7c.

On this week’s episode, five new masks appear as the Voices of Olympus to perform renditions of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” “Bad Blood,” “Rewrite the Stars,” “Espresso,” and “Saving All My Love For You.”

This season’s remaining 13 contestants yet to perform include Bat, Boogie Woogie, Cherry Blossom, Griffin, Nessy, Pearl, Mad Scientist Monster, Space Ranger, Yorkie and Stud Muffin. Five of these contestants will participate in the upcoming round of episodes set aside for Group B. Tune in to this week’s episode to see which characters take to the stage.

Where can I stream The Masked Singer season 13?

Those interested in joining the judges to identify the singers behind the masks can catch the show through Fubo and DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers to take advantage of before deciding whether or not they want to commit to a paid plan.

What is Fubo?

Fubo is much like any other streaming service, but instead of simply offering on-demand streaming, it offers a plethora of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service but also offers over 100 live TV channels through its basic package at just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Users can stream a variety of shows and movies on-demand and even have the option to record favorite shows.

What is DirecTV Stream?

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

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

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

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

Which contestants were revealed in Group A?

Honey Pot was revealed to be Cedric the Entertainer, while Fuzzy Peas, who was revealed to be Oscar De La Hoya, was the next to be unmasked. Ant was then revealed to be Aubrey O’Day, leaving Paparazzo and Coral as the remaining Group A contestants that moved on to the next round.

See more of Paparazzo and Coral in upcoming episodes which release weekly on Wednesdays on FOX.

General

‘Survivor’ season 48 episode 2: How to watch, where to stream free

Survivor 48 returns this week with a brand new episode on CBS Wednesday, March 5 at 8/7c.

On this week’s episode, a frantic idol hunt that could save or ruin one castaway’s game takes place, and three castaways are sent away on a journey.

Also in this episode, a tribe decides to take a leap of faith in this week’s second immunity challenge.

In case you missed the premiere episode last week, 18 new castaways landed in Fiji and were divided into their first tribes—Civa, Lagi and Vula. Idols were hunted, but only one was found. The first tribal council of the season proved to be an eventful one filled with drama, which was brought on by two contestants clashing over their personality and social differences.

Where can I watch season 48 of Survivor?

Those interested in watching this season of the hit reality competition show can stream on CBS through Fubo and DirecTV Stream—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers.

What is Fubo?

Fubo is much like any other streaming service, but instead of simply offering on-demand streaming, it offers a slew of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service but also offers over 100 live TV channels through its basic package at just $84.99 a month following its 7-day free trial.

Users can stream a variety of shows and movies on-demand and even have the option to record favorite shows and movies through Fubo’s unlimited DVR feature.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same channels and features. The base package, otherwise known as the Entertainment package, includes over 90 channels available for streaming for just $86.99 a month after its free trial.

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

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

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

Season 48 tribes and their remaining members

Civa

Kyle Fraser, 31, an attorney from Brooklyn, New York
Mitch Guerra, 34, a P.E. coach from Waco, Texas
Chrissy Sarnowsky, 55, a fire lieutenant from Chicago, Illinois
Kamilla Karthigesu, 31, a software engineer from Foster City, California
David Kinne, 39, a stunt performer from Buena Park, California
Charity Nelms, 34, a flight attendant from St. Petersburg, Florida

Lagi

Shauhin Davari, 38, a debate professor from Cosa Mesa, California
Eva Erickson, 24, a PhD candidate from Providence, Rhode Island
Joe Hunter, 45, a fire captain from West Sacramento, California
Thomas Krottinger, 34, a music executive from Los Angeles, California
Bianca Roses, 33, a PR consultant from Arlington, Virginia
Star Toomey, 28, a sales expert from Augusta, Georgia

Vula

Saiounia “Sai” Hughley, 30, a marketing professional from Simi Valley, California
Kevin Leung, 34, a finance manager from Livermore, California
Cedrek McFadden, 46, a surgeon from Greenville, South Carolina
Justin Pioppi, 29, a pizzeria manager from Winthrop, Massachusetts
Mary Zheng, 31, a substance abuse counselor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

General

Observations from Alabama’s 2nd spring football practice of 2025

Alabama football held its second session of spring football on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide took to the field early in the morning, after spring ball began Monday.

UA let reporters in for several periods Wednesday morning, as it continued prep for April 12’s A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Here’s what we saw on the field Wednesday.

– Reporters were allowed in at the beginning of the sixth period. Weather in Tuscaloosa was 51 degrees, but felt colder due to heavy winds. The sun was behind clouds throughout the observable periods.

– The observation periods included group and individual drills. No offense vs. defense football was practiced in front of reporters.

– Players were in shells for the observable periods, donning helmets and shoulder pads.

– New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was on the field, clad in all black. He seemed to mostly be focusing on the Crimson Tide’s quarterbacks.

– The offense and defense were on separate fields, with one of UA’s three practice gridirons going unused.

– Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack floated between groups on the defensive field. He largely focused on Alabama’s linebackers during practice last season, but has relinquished some of those duties.

– Chuck Morrell, on staff in an off-field role last season, was coaching the linebacker group. During the seventh period, he led the LBs through a drill seemingly meant to simulate getting off run blocks, using pads held by UA staffers.

– Alabama’s safeties practiced tracking down balls thrown by staffers during the seventh period. Meanwhile, the cornerbacks simulated making contact with receivers at the line of scrimmage.

– Kalen DeBoer hung around the field with the Crimson Tide’s offensive players. He paused briefly during the eighth period for an on-field conversation with athletics director Greg Byrne.

– Tight end Marshall Pritchett was wearing a black jersey, signifying a non-contact participant in practice, though was still going through drills during the observable periods. He was not among the players DeBoer listed Monday, who would be out or limited during the spring.

– Wide receiver Isaiah Horton and defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham were spotted riding exercise bikes.

– The Alabama quarterbacks were mostly throwing without defenders throughout the observation time. Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell and Austin Mack all looked mostly sharp and accurate, though obviously lacking a degree of difficulty without the defense.

– UA’s running backs practiced taking handoffs from the QBs during the seventh period.

– Music was only playing on the defensive field on Wednesday. The playlist leaned heavily into classic rock, including AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” and the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.”

– The observable time ended at the conclusion of the ninth practice period. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive players are scheduled to speak to reporters after practice ends Wednesday.

General

There’s already a sale on Zach LaVine’s Kings jersey for almost $40 off

Zach LaVine was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings in early February, as he was one of the hottest names to watch near the trade deadline.

LaVine’s bounced around the league since being drafted in 2014 but has remained a prolific scorer. It’s no different even as the newest member of the Kings, where he’s averaging 22.5 points per game in 11 contests with the team.

Kings fans can grab LaVine’s jersey for a surprising discount on Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Zach LaVine’s Kings jersey already on sale following last month’s trade

The Nike Adult Sacramento Kings Zach LaVine #8 Hardwood Classic Purple Jersey is on sale for $84, down from $120. Dick’s Sporting Goods doesn’t allow you to see the sale price until you add the product to the cart.

Kings fans should be aware that this is a pre-order item. Despite that, free shipping is automatically added to the order at checkout!

General

Latest Trump presidential poll: Big change in numbers are a troubling sign for White House

An average of national polls shows more Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump than approve of the job he’s doing, a first since he took office in January.

FiveThirtyEight.com’s average of national polls showed 47.9% of respondents disapprove of the job Trump is doing compared to 47.6% who approved. The shift marks the first time since Trump took office in January that the president’s approval ratings were upside down.

The average of the polls is projected to fall within this range 95% of the time, FiveThirtyEight.com said.

Individual polls show numbers continue to vary widely. The Ipsos/Reuters poll has Trump’s disapproval rating at 51% compared to 44% approval for a negative 7 points. Forty-nine percent said the country is on the wrong track compared to 34% who said it was headed in the right direction.

For those who think America isn’t headed in the right direction, cost of living was the most cited problem (60%) followed by the economy (51%), national politics (50%), foreign policy (49%) and employment and jobs (47%). Immigration policy was the only specific issue where more Americans said it was going in the right direction (48%) than off on the wrong track (39%).

The Ipsos/Reuters poll was conducted March 3-4 based on a sample of 1,174 residents with a margin of error of plus/minus 3.1 percentage points.

Emerson College’s poll shows far different results – approval of 48% vs. disapproval of 43% for an approval rating of plus-5 points. The poll shows Trump’s job approval rating unchanged since February while his disapproval rating ticked up 1 point. The economy was the top concern (41%) followed by threats to democracy (18%), immigration (13%) and healthcare (8%).

Respondents were also divided on the role of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the group that’s charged with making massive cuts to federal expenses. Forty-one percent approved of the job DOGE was doing compared to 46% who disapproved and 13% were neutral.

The Emerson College Poll was conducted March 2-3 among 1,000 voters with a sampling of error of plus/minus 3 percentage points.

General

Fan poll: Who had the best girls basketball Final Four performance?

Seven girls teams earned championships at the recent AHSAA basketball finals with a player from each winning team selected MVP.

Hoover won Class 7A with Kaitlyn Gipson earning MVP while Park Crossing’s Saniya Jackson led the Thunderbirds to the Class 6A title and Scottsboro’s Isabelle Nelson won Class 5A MVP. Other MVPs were Class 4A Trinity’s Francie Morris, Class 3A Lauderdale County’s Shila Marks, Class 2A Pisgah’s Madeline Flammia and Class 1A Spring Garden’s Ace Austin.

Fan voting will decide the AL.com girls top tournament performances from the list below.

Ace Austin, Spring Garden: The Class 1A MVP — her third straight MVP — led the Panthers with 40 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals in the championship and had a triple double in the semifinal win over R.C. Hatch with 32 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals.

Natalie Barton, Saint James: Had 17 points, 4 assists and 4 steals in the Class 3A championship loss to Lauderdale County and added 12 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in the semifinal win over Sylvania.

Chauncey Dixon, McIntosh: Scored 28 points with 10 rebounds, 7 steals, 5 blocks and 4 assists in the Class 1A semifinal loss to Brilliant.

Madeline Flammia, Pisgah: Helped the Class 2A Eagles to their 11th state championship with 15 points, 7 assists and 2 steals in the win over top-ranked Decatur Heritage and had 9 points, 5 steals and 7 assists in the semifinal win over Highland Home.

Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover: Led the Class 7A Bucs with 17 points, including 9-of-12 at the free throw line, in the championship and had 21 points, 9 assists and 6 steals in the semifinal win over Central-Phenix City.

Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing: Keyed the Class 6A Thunderbirds’ first championship with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in the win over Chelsea and added 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists against seven-time defending champion Hazel Green in the semifinal round.

Shila Marks, Lauderdale County: Scored 32 points with 4 rebounds in the Class 3A title win over Saint James and had 23 points, making 9-of-11 shots, and added a team-best five steals in the win over T.R. Miller.

Genie McGhee, Decatur Heritage: Led the Eagles with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 blocks and 5 steals in the Class 2A title loss to Pisgah and had 13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, 7 steals and 4 assists in the semifinal win over Abbeville.

Francie Morris, Trinity: Contributed 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in the Class 4A title win over Good Hope and added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the semifinal win over Plainview.

Isabelle Nelson, Scottsboro: Led the Class 6A Wildcats to their first title with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocked shots and 3 steals in the title win over Ramsay and had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 8 steals in the semifinal win over Vigor.

If you can’t see the poll below, use this link: Best Final Four Performance.

Remember to click “Finish Survey” to submit your vote.