Alabama News

A Toomer’s Corner record has been set, and it was done by a former rival SEC quarterback.

Eli Manning, with help from former Auburn quarterbacks Patrick and Bo Nix and the Auburn faithful, set a new mark for the number of toilet paper rolls used to roll the iconic trees.

WSFA confirms more than 7,000 rolls of toilet paper were used. Manning, the former New York Giants Super Bowl-winning quarterback, was in Auburn for his ESPN+ show, Eli’s Places.

Auburn University publicized the event heading into the July 4 weekend.

The reaction to the event was met with negative reaction from the fan base, even if the turnout for the event was a positive.

Here is just a sampling:

“I cannot tell you how much I hate this. We should only roll when we win. We deserve whatever curse comes from this for selling out.” – Annie Harvell

“Would love to have seen this for someone with Auburn ties!” – Kashundra Brewer

“No better way to jinx our football season than to roll Toomer’s for no reason. 2-10 here we come.” – Steve Horowitz

“Not doing anything ‘for Eli’….tell him to come back for the next Auburn victory when it’s legit to roll the corner.” – Kecia Howell

“Rolling the trees used to mean something, now an ex-Ole Miss QB and Disney sell out can do it for Instagram! What a world we live in.” – Michael Smith

“Can’t believe all the negativity. Why would we not want to bring notariety to our university and our traditions. Toomers has been rolled many times that did not coincide with an Auburn win.

“And besides, It would be our world record, not his.” – Regina Howell Houser

“Next, maybe Cam can go to Alabama and participate in their traditions.” – Josh Franklin

“A sad auburn day! this is unfortunate. leadership should be disciplined, fired, run out of town.” – Neil Beasley

“Great way to kick off orientation!” – Joyce MacDonald

“I SO wish I could be there. I tell ya, though, that Last Roll in 2013 is going to hard to beat…and I was there for that one!! WDE!!” – Ginny Skater

“This is such a bad idea, please reconsider. This is a staged stunt not an organic act of celebration. Is Eli going to be paying the cost for the city to clean it up?” – Kimberly Harris Tucker

The 2025 MLB season has been underway for quite a while at this point. The 95th MLB All-Star game is just a few days away, with this year’s contest being played at Truist Park in Atlanta.

Two Braves were named to the NL All-Star roster this year and will play on their home field. Ronald Acuna Jr was named a starter in the outfield, while Matt Olson was listed as a reserve.

The 2025 MLB All-Star game will take place on Tuesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans looking to see the All-Star game in Atlanta next week will need to grab tickets quickly, as multiple sites are listing tickets for over $200 as the cheapest option:

• Gametime – Prices starting at $193 (cheapest)
• Vivid Seats – Prices starting at $224
• Seatgeek – Prices starting at $265
• Stubhub – Prices starting at $279

Fans looking to see their favorite players in this year’s MLB All-Star game should jump at the opportunity. Here’s a look at the AL and NL starters:

AL:

• Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Mariners
• First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
• Second base: Gleyber Torres, Tigers
• Third base: José Ramírez, Guardians
• Shortstop: Jacob Wilson, Athletics
• Outfield: Aaron Judge, Yankees
• Outfield: Javier Báez, Tigers
• Outfield: Riley Greene, Tigers
• Designated hitter: Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles

NL

• Catcher: Will Smith, Dodgers
• First base: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
• Second base: Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
• Third base: Manny Machado, Padres
• Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Mets
• Outfield: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
• Outfield: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
• Outfield: Kyle Tucker, Cubs
• Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed Lulu’s Law, which would establish a system to issue a public notice to cellphones when there’s been a shark attack nearby.

The bill, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is named after Mountain Brook teenager Lulu Gribbin, who was one of three people bitten by a shark in a string of attacks off the Florida Panhandle last year.

She lost her left hand and a portion of her right leg in the attack.

“Just over a year since Lulu survived a nearly fatal shark attack, I couldn’t be more honored to see the Senate unanimously pass this legislation,” Britt wrote in a recent release.

“Lulu’s grit, strength, and faith have truly inspired our nation and her determination to help other families and beachgoers is nothing short of remarkable.”

According to the release, Lulu’s Law would direct the Federal Communication Commission to issue an order that includes shark attacks as an event for which wireless emergency alerts may be transmitted.

Specifically, Lulu’s Law would “empower authorized local, state, tribal, and federal government authorities to quickly deploy warnings via mobile phone alert messages to the public if a shark has attacked someone or if the conditions enhancing the possibility of a shark attack are present,” the release adds.

“Lulu’s Law is commonsense legislation that would empower authorities to quickly and accurately put information in the hands of beachgoers to help keep them out of harm’s way,” Britt wrote.

Gribbin, 16, and her parents have been outspoken supporters of the legislation.

“This bill will help prevent future attacks,” Gribbin told Alabama legislators in May.

“It’s like an Amber Alert when a child goes missing. It will send an alert when there has been a shark attack.”

The law will officially go into effect in Alabama on Oct. 1 after receiving Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature in early May.

“Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world,” Ivey said in a previous statement.

“The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America.”

Supporters said the legislation will be an added measure of assurance for those headed to the beach.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will create rules for the new alert system, according to the bill’s text.

The legislation has received bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress with Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Bill Cassidy, R-La., Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Chris Coons, D-Del. signing on as Senate cosponsors.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala. introduced Lulu’s Law with Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala., as a cosponsor.

The Senate version of the bill will now go to the House for a vote.

“Real change for families like ours who just want to keep our children safe is now one step away,” said Lulu’s parents Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin.

“We strongly encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this commonsense legislation that could prevent future shark attacks.”

The brand new reality series Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind premieres on E! Wednesday, July 9 at 10/9c.

Those interested in catching the premiere of the new series can find it available for streaming through Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind about?

The new E! original series follows nine celebrities and social media influencers as they go through a transformative journey of self-discovery at the “Rewind Retreat.” While there, they decide whether to reverse previous plastic surgeries and return to a more natural look or keep their current look.

Through eye-opening challenges, unexpected emotional connections and laugh-out-loud moments, the participants are asked to look within while reassessing their concept of beauty.

How to watch Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind

Those interested in catching the debut season of the latest E! network reality series can stream the show’s premiere through Fubo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Fubo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription through their platform half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like E!. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

The 2025 NFL season is quickly approaching. Teams are currently away for the summer but will be ramping up for training camp in two weeks. Week 1 is just about two months away and it’ll be here in no time.

An interesting storyline to follow this offseason has been about the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback room. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson has dealt with injuries and inconsistent play, leading the front office to sign veteran Daniel Jones. The battle between Richardson and Jones will be interesting to watch during training camp, as the winner will be the Week 1 starter.

The Colts will host the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis on September 7. Fans looking to see the Colts take on the Dolphins can do so for pretty cheap, as multiple sites are listing tickets for under $100:

• Vivid Seats – Prices starting at $71 (cheapest)
• Gametime – Prices starting at $73
• Stubhub – Prices starting at $79
• Seatgeek – Prices starting at $124

Colts fans are one of the most passionate groups in the NFL. They always pack Lucas Oil Stadium, so it’ll be no different for Week 1. Fans should definitely take advantage of these cheap prices now.

The Colts will take on the Dolphins on September 7, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Two Alabama brothers are under arrest, accused of shooting at each at a Montgomery apartment.

One of the brothers was wounded, and a woman caught in the crossfire was critically injured.

Radchavius Jackson, 22, and Jordan Harrison, 25, are both charged with first-degree assault, said Montgomery police Lt. David Wise.

The shooting happened at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 5000 block of Paddock Club Court.

Charging documents allege Jackson pulled a gun and fired several rounds at his brother, Harrison, striking him in the leg.

Harrison then pulled a gun and fired several shots back at his brother, instead hitting a 21-year-old woman in the back, left arm and chin.

Both suspects are being held in the Montgomery County Detention Center.

Interest is growing in bringing an IKEA furniture retailer to Huntsville. But is the talk real? Or just wishful thinking?

A social media post about IKEA opening in Huntsville is going viral in the Madison County community after a user posted a chat with the IKEA help bot.

The chat wrote that they haven’t “officially announced” if they will bring a location to Huntsville and indicated it could be a full-size IKEA store or a pickup location. According to the chat, “store format and opening date are still being finalized.”

However, when the same chat service was contacted by AL.com and asked if Ikea was coming to Huntsville, a representative replied, “IKEA has not officially announced a new store or pickup point in Huntsville, Alabama.”

AL.com reached out to its media contact for comment, but IKEA leaders have not responded.

If Huntsville were tapped for a full-size IKEA, it would be the first of its kind in Alabama.

IKEA among the most-wanted retailers

IKEA has landed on Huntsville’s list of most-wanted retailers before.

People across the Rocket City want to bring in the Swedish furniture giant that’s known for its large warehouses featuring showrooms with furniture and decor. The store also offers a wing where you can buy pieces to build personalized furniture. Shoppers also have the option to visit its restaurant and get its famous Swedish meatballs.

Huntsville has gained the majority of the retailers on its 2011 list of most-wanted businesses, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market and Cheesecake Factory, among many others.

What’s Plan & Order Point?

What if Huntsville doesn’t land a full-size IKEA? It could get a “Plan & Order Point.” The concept features smaller stores dedicating the planning kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms but there are no items to purchase and take home that day.

Instead, it’s a space where people can design areas with the help of in-house specialists or use self-service tools to design a piece of furniture. It’s also used as a pick-up point for ordered items. These already exist in Nashville and Birmingham.

The closest warehouse location is in Atlanta. In 2018, IKEA canceled plans to build stores in Nashville, Tennessee, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet so far but has months still to go.

What are forecasters expecting at this point?

Colorado State University issued a forecast update on Wednesday and slightly decreased the number of storms expected before the season ends on Nov. 30.

However, forecasters are still thinking the heart of the season will likely be a busy one.

The updated CSU forecast is predicting 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger storms).

Earlier forecasts predicted 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

NOAA’s hurricane outlook, issued in late May, predicted 13-19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes. NOAA will update its forecast too, but not until early August.

So far in 2025 there have been three tropical storms, Andrea, Barry and Chantal. All of them have been weak and short-lived. But they still mad

Andrea stayed at sea in the central Atlantic and was only a named storm for one day.

Barry made landfall as a tropical depression in late June on Mexico’s Gulf Coast. However, Barry’s remnants helped cause the recent deadly flash flooding in Texas along with another weather system.

Chantal made landfall in the past week in South Carolina and spread flooding rain into the mid-Atlantic states.

Colorado State University has been issuing hurricane outlooks for more than four decades now.

The updated forecast lowers its numbers a bit because of wind shear in the Caribbean, which is expected to continue for a while.

Wind shear tends to dampen tropical activity and can tear storms apart before they can develop.

The CSU forecast said “high levels of Caribbean shear in June/July are typically associated with less active hurricane seasons.”

But don’t let your guard down yet: The CSU report said Atlantic ocean temperatures continue to be warmer than average (though not as warm as last year) and forecasters are not expecting El Nino to become a factor for a while (El Nino conditions typically favor less activity in the tropical Atlantic).

“We anticipate a slightly above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the updated forecast report said.

“As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season. Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity.”

And CSU is continuing to forecast an above-average probability for a major hurricane making landfall.

Here are those probabilities in the updated report:

• Entire continental U.S. coastline: 48 percent (average from 1880–2020 is 43 percent)
• U.S. East Coast Including Peninsula Florida (south and east of Cedar Key, Fla.): 25 percent (average from 1880–2020 is 21 percent).
• Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle (west and north of Cedar Key, Florida) westward to Brownsville: 31 percent (average from 1880–2020 is 27 percent).

Read the full forecast update from Colorado State University here.