Alabama News

If you’ve been waiting on the perfect time – and price – for a nugget countertop ice maker, today is your day.

Walmart Deals Week is the perfect time to score markdowns on some best-selling items. There’s a flash deal now on a countertop ice maker that’s a customer favorite.

The Qunler Nugget Ice Maker is normally $589 but is marked down by more than $390 to a great price of $199. The high-production ice maker churns out 44 pounds of ice per day and turns out a batch in as little as 10 minutes.

It’s also quiet, something that can be hard to find in countertop ice makers. The large capacity ice maker features a 1.8L water tank and can hold up to 2.6 pounds of ice at a time, reducing the need for frequent refills.

Its convenient, removable basket makes removing the ice easy and the pull-out water tank is perfect for simple filling and cleaning. It even has a self-cleaning function that activates with a press of a button.

The ice maker has an LED control panel with a touch screen for easy operation and control.

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A recent episode of the popular reality dating show is proof that you never know where you might hear a “War Eagle!”

On Monday night’s episode of the reality series “Love Island USA,” which streams on Peacock and shows singles living together on a luxury island where they have to either pair up or get the boot, Alabama native Olandria Carthen, of Decatur, let her current match, Nic Vansteenberghe, know where her college football loyalties lie after he asked if she was a Bama fan.

The conversation kicks off with Vansteenberghe saying he’s traveled the world, but has never been to Carthen’s home state of Alabama. This prompts Carthen, a Tuskegee University alumnae, to ask the most essential of questions — do you like college football?

Related: Alabama man to appear in upcoming season of popular reality series

The Florida native says that he does, and begins to launch into a story about “Bama” before double-checking to see that she’s a fan. She’s quick to correct him that she is, in fact, an Auburn fan.

Vansteenberghe reacts to the news that she is an Auburn fan with surprise, calling it “weird,” but Carthen is quick to defend the Tigers.

“No, that’s not weird,” said Carthen. “That’s not weird because I love — something about being an underdog just gives me chills, and I love college football season. Saturdays, I’ll just be at home watching college football.”

You can see the full exchange at the 40-minute mark of episode 31, season 7 of “Love Island USA” on Peacock.

AMC is offering a big summer discount for movie fans.

Starting today, the movie theater chain will 50% off movie tickets on Tuesdays. The chain will also offer half-priced admission on Wednesdays for members of the AMC Stubs rewards program.

The discounts won’t just apply to movie tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. AMC is also offering 50 % off its small popcorn and drink combinations on those days.

The 50% Off Tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are available to the more than 36 million AMC Stubs members, including those who sign up for the free AMC Stubs Insider tier, the chain said in a press release.

Guests who are not currently AMC Stubs members can join for free through the AMC mobile app, AMCTheatres.com, or at any AMC theatre location. Membership provides access to exclusive offers and year-round savings, including discounted tickets, reward points, birthday perks, and more.

AMC moviegoers will also notice another big change this summer. AMC is running a “platinum spot” with pre-movie commercials alongside traditional film trailers that play for its audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In a statement, the theater chain explained why it decided to show more pre-movie advertising.

“While AMC was initially reluctant to bring this to our theaters, our competitors have fully participated for more than five years without any direct impact to their attendance. This is a strong indication that this NCM pre-show initiative does not negatively influence moviegoing habits,” AMC said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Birmingham meteorologist James Spann is calling for “empathy and kindness” on behalf of the families of victims of Texas flooding, after receiving “nasty messages and verbal threats.”

The issue for Spann: Theories that cloud seeding caused the catastrophic flooding that has claimed more than 100 lives, with more than 20 victims still unaccounted for.

In a Facebook post, the ABC 33/40 meteorologist says categorically: “Cloud seeding did not cause last week’s Texas floods.”

“Cloud seeding can only enhance rain from existing clouds by up to 20%—it cannot create massive deluges,” Spann said. “The last reported cloud‑seeding flight by Rainmaker Technology occurred on July 2, over 24 hours before the floods began, and the seeded clouds had already dissipated.”

Cloud seeding has been around for 80 years. It involves dropping tiny particles—usually silver iodide crystals—into clouds to trigger rain or snow. It has been used for many years in Texas to mitigate drought conditions. About 31 million acres of Texas land is affected by cloud seeding programs, according to MYSA.

Rainmaker is one of the companies employed for cloud seeding. Its CEO, Augustus Doricko, stated on social media in response to criticism that the rain had dissipated a day before the flooding began.

“Did Rainmaker conduct any operations that could have impacted the floods? No,” Doricko wrote.

Instead, Spann said the flooding was caused by a stalled weather system, powered by moisture from Tropical Storm Barry, air flowing from the gulf and the terrain in the hill country.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, the U.S. Geological Survey has recorded the Guadalupe River as flooding more than a dozen times since 1978. However, the 2025 has been one of its worst, with the river rising 26 feet in 45 minutes.

“The Texas floods were caused by natural weather dynamics—not human interference or weather modification efforts. It was not caused by Democrats or Republicans,” he said.

“I’m asking that you put the political rhetoric and nonsense conspiracy stuff aside for a while… let these poor families grieve. Consider empathy and kindness.”

President Donald Trump on Monday said the Coast Guard and state first responders have saved more than 850 people from the flooding.

Alabama football has been on a recruiting heater.

That includes landing five five-stars (per On3/Rivals) so far in the 2026 class. The latest committed Saturday in five-star safety Jireh Edwards.

General manager Courtney Morgan made clear Alabama can’t rest, though. These are only verbal commitments

“It’s really a culmination of a year of hard work,” Morgan told Rivals in an interview recently. “To us, it’s really not over until it’s over. It’s good momentum but we also know we have to keep them until December.”

Morgan secured the No. 3 recruiting class in 2025, and he will look to do that again in 2026. As of Tuesday, Alabama sits at No.5 in the On3/Rivals rankings and No. 3 in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Morgan joined Alabama after coming with coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington. Morgan was literally on the plane with DeBoer when DeBoer first landed in Tuscaloosa. Morgan has been managing the roster ever since.

In total, Alabama has secured 19 verbal commitments in the 2026 recruiting class so far. That includes top players such as Edwards, edge defender Xavier Griffin, wide receiver Cederian Morgan, cornerback Jorden Edmonds, athlete Zyan Gibson, running back Ezavier Crowell, and more.

For the 2025 college football season, Alabama is +500 on FanDuel to win the SEC title next season. Our comprehensive guide to Alabama’s championship odds provides a closer look at their chances to win it all next season, as well as their other futures odds.

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

The Transportation Security Administration is moving away from a long-standing security procedure put in place more than 20 years ago.

Passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes and walk barefoot when going through TSA checkpoints. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the change in a message posted on X Tuesday.

The change, designed to speed up processing through airports, was made possible by advances in technology that enabled more comprehensive screenings, even for passengers wearing shoes.

“These enhancements are based on updated intelligence, risk assessments, and a shift in known threat vectors. The change reflects confidence in the agency’s ability to detect threats through multiple security layers—both visible and behind the scenes,” TSA said in a statement.

The new policy officially went into effect July 7 and applies to all U.S. airports and passengers who have Real-ID compliant documents. TSA officers may still request footwear to be removed in specific situations where additional screenings is warranted, the agency warned.

The shoe removal rule has been in place since 2006, several years after a British man, Richard Reid, attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes. The high-profile incident occurred in December 2001, just months after the 9/11 attacks. Reid’s explosives failed to detonate and the plane landed safely in Boston after the “shoe bomber” was subdued by passengers, NBC News reported.

New players who join today can get 100% extra coins on their first purchase with our Mega Frenzy promo code welcome offer. Discover all there is to know about Mega Frenzy Casino and its offerings.

Mega Frenzy casino sign-up bonus

At Mega Frenzy casino, new players can get 20,000 Gold Coins and 20 free Sweeps Coins for $9.99, which is 100% extra coins than the standard purchase.

All you need to do to claim this Mega Frenzy promo code offer is sign up for a new account, navigate to the Purchase Now section and buy the Welcome Offer pack. This pack is usually $19.99 but new players get it for only $9.99 when you sign up with our link.

Unfortunately, Mega Frenzy does not provide a typical no deposit sign up bonus, just a first purchase offer. However, there is a daily log-in bonus that you can claim on your first day after registering.

Mega Frenzy vs. High 5 vs. WOW Vegas

Here, I will show you a comparison of the Mega Frenzy promo code welcome offer up against sign-up offers from two fellow online sweepstakes casinos:

New players who use our High 5 Casino promo code can receive 700 Game Coins and 55 free Sweeps Coins, along with 1 additional SC each day for five days. Not only that, but players get 400 Diamonds as well. All of this for $29.99.

The WOW Vegas Casino promo code, meanwhile, dishes out 250,000 WOW Coins and 5 free Sweeps Coins as a no purchase bonus over the course of your first three days. From there, you can buy 1.5 million WOW Coins and 30 free Sweeps Coins for $9.99.

There is no denying that WOW Vegas reigns supreme in this comparison, as it provides new players with a no purchase bonus in addition to a first purchase offer.

How do you get Sweeps Coins at Mega Frenzy casino?

There are a few ways to get a hold of Sweeps Coins at Mega Frenzy casino but know you are unable to purchase them directly.

Instead, Sweeps Coins often come as a free add-on in the purchase of Gold Coins. Another way to acquire Sweeps Coins at Mega Frenzy is to receive them via promotional offers. You can win more of them by playing games in SC mode.

Is Mega Frenzy a no deposit casino?

Yes, Mega Frenzy is a no deposit casino. You will never be required to make a purchase to play at Mega Frenzy casino, as it adheres to a free-to-play structure. Coins will be awarded each day through promotions, making it so you never have to make a purchase in order to play.

Can I redeem Sweeps Coins for cash at Mega Frenzy Casino?

Yes, Sweeps Coins are able to be redeemed for money at Mega Frenzy Casino. Each Sweeps Coin is equivalent to $1, and you will need at least 100 Sweeps Coins to successfully redeem them for cash.

Sweeps Coins and Gold Coins are very different. You can purchase Gold Coins, but you cannot redeem them, as they are only used to play games for fun. Only Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash at Mega Frenzy Casino.

Mega Frenzy casino bonuses for existing users

Mega Frenzy impresses with its lineup of promotional offerings for existing players. See the list below:

Mega Frenzy casino daily log-in bonus

All players get a spin on the Mega Wheel every 24 hours. The only thing you need to do is log into your account each day. You can win up to 0.4 free Sweeps Coins with every spin.

Mega Golden Wheel

You can get a spin on the Mega Golden Wheel if you make $50 worth of Gold Coins purchases in a given week. Every spin comes with free Sweeps Coins, the most being a whopping 20 free SC.

Mega Drop

By spinning 100 Gold Coins or more on any game found throughout Mega Frenzy, you earn one of the following Gold Coin prizes:

• 1,000 GC
• 5,000 GC
• 10,000 GC
• 20,000 GC

Missions & Badges

At Mega Frenzy, you will find creative missions that you can complete to earn exclusive badges and rewards. Missions can include specific gameplay actions, achievements and time-specific challenges.

Mega Frenzy sweepstakes casino refer-a-friend bonus

It’s difficult to find a referral program at Mega Frenzy Casino, which is disappointing considering just about every competitor has a referral bonus.

Mega Frenzy Hype Club

Spin 100 Gold Coins or more to earn 100 points, which will help you level up en route to earning exclusive rewards. There are a total of 11 different levels in the Hype Club. Progress through levels to earn bigger daily bonuses, birthday rewards, and more.

Frenzy Club

The Frenzy Club is an invite-only loyalty program that comes with VIP perks, freebies, priority redemptions and a personal VIP host. Play games and stay active to have a chance at joining the Frenzy Club.

Mega Frenzy casino banking options

Below, I will go over the banking experience at Mega Frenzy casino from beginning to end:

Purchase options from Mega Frenzy Sweeps Casino

Redemption methods at Mega Frenzy Casino

As you can see, there are two purchase options available with credit card and instant bank transfer. The $0.99 minimum purchase is very favorable, and purchases always process instantly.

For redemptions, I found that Mega Frenzy Casino delivers one of the speediest redemption processing speeds in the business. Unfortunately, the only redemption method is bank transfer, and you need a minimum of 100 Sweeps Coins to redeem them for cash, which is a bit high.

Available games at Mega Frenzy casino

You will find over 300 games throughout Mega Frenzy. The selection is mostly made up of slots, but the site offers social live casino games as well.

The live-dealer section has over 20 different joinable lobbies, including variations of the following favorite table games:

• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Dragon Tiger

Mega Frenzy even has live casino versions of Top Card, Crash and Andar Bahar available for all players. Notably, the Mega Frenzy live casino section is powered by ICONIC21.

When it comes to free-to-play slots, you will find a few hundred high quality choices from top software developers such as Pragmatic Play, Playson and Betsoft. Mega Frenzy supplies classic slots and Megaways, as well as Hold and Wins.

Popular games at Mega Frenzy sweepstakes casino

There are hundreds of good slot options available at Mega Frenzy. So, I have compiled some information on five popular titles that you can try:

Mega Frenzy casino user experience

Mega Frenzy delivers an above average overall user experience when it’s all said and done. Here’s why:

For starters, you will be well taken care of at Mega Frenzy with daily promotional offers. Mega Frenzy takes the promos well beyond only a daily log-in bonus. Rather than that, it supplies players with several other ways of attaining extra Gold Coins and free Sweeps Coins.

When it comes to gameplay, you won’t encounter any issues as long as you have a stable internet connection. I played slots and live dealer games at Mega Frenzy, both performed smoothly without lagging or glitching.

The layout of Mega Frenzy, meanwhile, is pretty easy to navigate, even as a brand new player. Promotions are boldly advertised, a helpful menu is on the left hand side and your coin balances are easily visible at the top of the screen.

Banking is a little bit of a mixed bag at Mega Frenzy. I love the quick redemption speeds, but the banking options are limited and the minimum redemption limit ($100) is high.

All in all, though, Mega Frenzy is amongst the best online sweepstakes casinos when it comes to user experience.

Customer support at Mega Frenzy casino

The customer support at Mega Frenzy is largely very helpful. You can get in touch with a support representative via email. From my first-hand experience, I found the support via email is responsive and eager to resolve any issue.

If you prefer, Mega Frenzy offers a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page that includes answers to common inquiries related to topics such as banking, gaming, coins and more.

The unfortunate part of the customer support at Mega Frenzy is that there is no live chat function available. Live chat is unquestionably the simplest way to resolve online sweeps casino issues, so hopefully Mega Frenzy introduces one in the future.

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: N/A
• Live chat: N/A
• FAQ page: Available on site

Legal status and info for Mega Frenzy

Mega Frenzy casino is a legal online sweepstakes casino in all US states aside from Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New York, Nevada and Washington.

The site adheres to online sweepstakes casino gaming guidelines by utilizing a dual currency system and by maintaining a free-to-play model.

You can trust that Mega Frenzy Casino is a legitimate operator that uses SSL encryption technology and identity verification to ensure player safety.

Mega Frenzy sweeps casino 3 main takeaways

After spending hours scouring the ins and outs of Mega Frenzy Casino, I came away with three main findings.

• Great promotions for existing players: An array of ongoing promotions are available for existing players at Mega Frenzy. The wheel spins, mega drops, missions and loyalty program are a very good lineup of offers.
• Rapid redemptions: The ability of Mega Frenzy casino to process redemptions in under 24 hours is a standout aspect of the site. Many competitors can take up to five business days to fully process requests.
• High quality gaming experience: The combination of elite software and UX make for a top-tier overall gaming experience. Whether you’re playing slots or live-dealer games, you will have an enjoyable time.

Pros and cons of Mega Frenzy Casino

Pros:

• Elite promos for existing users
• Great gaming experience
• Very quick redemption speed

Cons:

• No referral program
• High minimum redemption limit

Mega Frenzy FAQ

Is Mega Frenzy casino legit?

Yes, Mega Frenzy is considered to be a fully legitimate operator in 2025. The site encrypts player data with SSL technology, while also utilizing identity verification before accepting redemption requests.

In which states does Mega Frenzy Casino operate?

Mega Frenzy is accessible in all US states except for Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New York, Nevada and Washington.

Does Mega Frenzy casino pay out real money?

Absolutely. All players have the opportunity to collect 100 Sweeps Coins ($100) or more and redeem them for real money.

How long does it take Mega Frenzy casino to pay winnings?

Mega Frenzy casino processes redemption requests very quickly. You should receive your winnings within 24 hours following your request.

Who owns Mega Frenzy?

Mega Frenzy is a 2025-established online sweepstakes casino that is owned and operated by a company named Heuston Gaming Limited.

Before the real college football season starts in late August, fans were able to get the virtual season underway on Monday.

It was the early release date for EA Sports’ College Football 26, the second year in a row EA Sports has produced a college football game after a 10-year hiatus.

Last year’s game became one of the most popular video games of the year, resulting in another title in 2026. The most recent edition has even more features than last year, including real life coaches coming into the game.

The players are back too, and Auburn has a few more highly rated players than in the previous game. Junior defensive end Keldric Faulk leads the way at a 93 overall, with wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. joining him in the 90s club at a 92 overall.

Here are the top 10 highest-rated Auburn players in the game:

1. DE Keldric Faulk, 93 overall
2. WR Eric Singleton Jr. 92 overall
3. WR Cam Coleman, 89 overall
4. C Connor Lew, 88 overall
5. CB Raion Strader, 87 overall
6. CB Kayin Lee, 85 overall
7. S Kaleb Harris, 84 overall
8. QB Jackson Arnold, 84 overall
9. OL Dillon Wade, 83 overall
10. RB Damari Alston, 83 overall

Others tied at 83: RB Durell Robinson, RB Jeremiah Cobb

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

McDonald’s is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the McMuffin with three new versions.

Starting today, the breakfast chain will release three versions of the egg breakfast sandwiches: a Spicy Egg McMuffin, a Spicy Sausage McMuffin, and a Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg.

Each sandwich will be topped with McDonald’s signature Spicy Pepper Sauce, reports Food & Wine.

According to McDonald’s Menu Spotter, the Spicy Egg McMuffin recipe features an egg on a toasted English Muffin topped with butter, Canadian bacon, American cheese and a spicy pepper sauce.

This week also marks the return date for McDonald’s Snack Wrap. The cult favorite– packed with lettuce, cheese, chicken, and signature sauce inside a flour tortilla– returns to the McDonald’s menu on July 10.

McDonald’s is extending its hours

McDonald’s has extended its hours at locations across the country for the summer.

Restaurants in non-traditional locations like airports and shopping malls will likely not extend hours, the company said. Franchise owners will decide which menu items will be available during the late-night hours.