Mississippi has been ranked as the deadliest state for driving during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to a new study. Thanksgiving is not only one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the United States, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. New analysis by researchers at the personal injury law firm Andrew Pickett Law looked at fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 2014 to 2023. It determined which states had the highest number of deaths per capita during the Thanksgiving holiday period. According to the study, Mississippi tops the list as the most lethal state for Thanksgiving driving, recording 33. 77 deaths per 1 million residents during the decade-long review. That figure is 127 percent higher than the national average of 14. 88 fatalities per million. Southern states dominated the highest rankings. Alabama came in second place, with 25. 87 deaths per 1 million residents, a rate that is 74 percent higher than the U. S. national average. South Carolina followed closely in third place, with 25. 59 fatalities per 1 million, or 72 percent above the national average. Louisiana came fourth, recording 25. 12 deaths per 1 million residents, which is 68. 84 percent higher than the average. South Dakota rounds out the top five, with 24. 81 fatalities per 1 million residents, 66. 78 percent higher than the national rate. “With millions of Americans on the road this holiday season, it’s more important than ever to prioritize safety,” Andrew Pickett, founder of the Florida-based firm, said in a statement on the study. “Simple steps like slowing down, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence can make a real difference in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone gets home safely for Thanksgiving.” According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), at least 73 million people are expected to travel by car during the Thanksgiving travel period from November 25 to December 1. That’s nearly 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travelers, and 1. 3 million more than last year. The figure could climb even higher if some air travelers opt to drive due to flight cancellations. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 600, 000 emergency roadside calls over the Thanksgiving period, helping stranded drivers with dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks. According to the AAA, the NHTSA reports that 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving celebrations from 2019 to 2023, accounting for 35 percent of all traffic fatalities over that period.
https://www.newsweek.com/mapped-americas-deadliest-states-driving-thanksgiving-travel-11100405
Tag Archives: alabama
Central Alabama Water elige a Jeff Thompson como director ejecutivo
20 de noviembre de 2025 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama Agencias. La mayor empresa de servicios de agua de Alabama tiene un nuevo líder. La Junta Directiva de Central Alabama Water seleccionó hoy a Jeff Thompson como el primer director ejecutivo (CEO) de la organización. Thompson regresa a la empresa de servicios de agua más grande de Alabama desde DC Water en Washington, D. C., donde se desempeñó como Director de Operaciones (COO) y Vicepresidente Ejecutivo desde 2023 hasta 2025. Su primer día de trabajo en Central Alabama Water es el 20 de noviembre de 2025. “En nombre de mis compañeros miembros de la junta, doy la bienvenida a Jeff a Central Alabama Water (CAW)”, dijo Tommy Hudson, presidente de la Junta de CAW y miembro del Comité de Búsqueda de CEO. “Confiamos en que Jeff es la persona adecuada para el puesto y esperamos que se ponga manos a la obra de inmediato. Esto marca un hito en nuestro trabajo para transformar Central Alabama Water en una organización moderna y eficiente enfocada en sus clientes”. Thompson brindó liderazgo ejecutivo y visión estratégica a un equipo de más de 850 profesionales de operaciones e ingeniería en DC Water. Supervisó un presupuesto anual de operaciones y mantenimiento de más de $300 millones y un programa de mejora de capital a 10 años de $9. 62 mil millones. Antes de unirse a DC Water, Thompson fue Gerente General Adjunto de Operaciones y Servicios Técnicos de 2019 a 2023 para la Junta de Obras de Agua de Birmingham. Fue responsable de dirigir actividades operativas como recursos hídricos, tratamiento de agua, servicios de laboratorio, seguridad y cumplimiento normativo. Bajo su liderazgo, la empresa de servicios públicos cumplió o superó todos los requisitos de calidad del agua. La carrera de Thompson comenzó en 1990 como ingeniero de recursos hídricos para The Walt Disney Company. Además de Alabama y Washington, D. C., ha ocupado puestos ejecutivos en empresas de servicios públicos en Florida, Rhode Island y Massachusetts. “Esta es una oportunidad increíble para trabajar junto al equipo de Central Alabama Water y servir a nuestros clientes”, dijo Thompson. “Agradezco a los miembros de la junta por depositar su confianza en mí y espero con ansias lo que lograremos juntos. En los próximos meses, planeo escuchar, visitar a las partes interesadas y clientes locales y elaborar un plan para ayudar a CAW a convertirse en una empresa de servicios públicos de clase mundial”. Thompson obtuvo una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Ingeniería Civil de la Universidad de Central Florida y un MBA Ejecutivo de la Universidad de Alabama. Thompson es un ingeniero profesional licenciado en el Estado de Florida. Es miembro de varias organizaciones profesionales, incluyendo la Asociación Estadounidense de Obras de Agua (American Water Works Association), La Fundación de Investigación del Agua (The Water Research Foundation), la Asociación de Agencias Metropolitanas de Agua (Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies), la Sociedad Nacional de Ingenieros Profesionales (National Society of Professional Engineers) y la Sociedad Estadounidense de Ingenieros Civiles (American Society of Civil Engineers). La Ley 2025-297 requirió que la Junta de CAW contratara a un CEO para gestionar las operaciones. Además de Hudson, el comité de búsqueda estuvo formado por el vicepresidente de la junta, Phillip Wiedmeyer, y el miembro de la junta, David Standridge.
https://latino-news.com/central-alabama-water-elige-a-jeff-thompson-como-director-ejecutivo/
Thousands watched this ship leave Philadelphia. It is about to get a surprising second life.
Officials in Florida have pinpointed where they will sink a famous ocean liner that spent nearly three decades docked in Philadelphia. Okaloosa County officials announced Tuesday that the historic liner will be scuttled off the Gulf Coast early next year, creating the world’s largest artificial reef. After being towed south earlier this year, the SS United States now awaits its final voyage. For years, the ship was the subject of repeated failed restoration efforts while docked indefinitely at the Camden Waterfront. With a court order pressuring stewards to relocate the ship, it was sold to the Florida county and later taken to Mobile, Alabama. The ocean liner’s February departure created a spectacle, luring thousands to the shores of the Delaware River to watch the ship pass by. A sinking date was not announced in Okaloosa County’s latest update on the project. Originally, officials expected to scuttle the ocean liner by the end of the year. County officials said it will be sunk about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin East Pass and 32 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. The SS United States remains docked in Alabama as workers prepare it for deployment. Okaloosa County purchased the ship last year for about $1 million, part of a roughly $10 million project. The project includes $1. 5 million in contributions from Pensacola tourism officials and Florida’s chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). Visit Pensacola, a marketing organization for Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, is contributing $1 million, while the CCA provides the remaining $500,000, Okaloosa officials said. “This collaboration will foster amazing adventures for generations of visitors and create a tourism economy that will benefit the state and the entire Northwest Florida region,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said in a statement. “The contributions will be used for the deployment of the SS United States as an artificial reef, with a portion being used for a multi-year marketing campaign to promote the SS United States as a worldwide premier diving destination,” he added.
https://www.nj.com/news/2025/11/thousands-watched-this-ship-leave-philadelphia-it-is-about-to-get-a-surprising-second-life.html
Some States Could See Meteor Shower, Northern Lights at Same Time Wednesday
**Rare Celestial Show: Taurid Meteor Shower and Northern Lights May Appear Simultaneously Across Dozens of U.S. States**
*Wednesday night offers a unique astronomical event as viewers across many states could witness both the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—potentially visible as far south as Alabama.*
—
### Why This Matters
The sky over the United States on Wednesday night presents a rare opportunity: the potential to see the aurora borealis at unusually low latitudes alongside the peak of the Taurid meteor shower. This exceptional event is driven by a severe geomagnetic storm caused by recent solar activity, setting the stage for millions to witness light displays typically reserved for northern regions.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “While not unprecedented, it is quite unusual for the aurora to be visible at these low latitudes, probably only occurring once or twice per solar cycle.” The solar activity responsible involves Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) — bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields that can produce bright auroras and, in rare instances, push the northern lights far from the polar circles.
—
### Best Viewing Times and Conditions
Experts suggest the ideal window to witness the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. For the best experience, viewers should find dark, open areas away from city lights. Using long-exposure photography or smartphone cameras may help capture auroral colors and patterns invisible to the naked eye.
Adding to the spectacle, the Taurid meteor shower will peak Wednesday night, promising extra brilliance. Known for producing slow-moving fireballs, the Taurids are easier to spot even in areas with light pollution.
—
### States With the Highest Likelihood to See the Northern Lights
Based on NOAA forecasts and multiple reports, the following states have the highest probability of aurora visibility on Wednesday night:
– Alaska
– Washington
– Oregon
– Idaho
– Montana
– North Dakota
– South Dakota
– Minnesota
– Wisconsin
– Nebraska
– Michigan
– Illinois
– Iowa
– New York
– Maine
– Vermont
– New Hampshire
– Wyoming
Other states with possible, though lower, chances—especially under favorable conditions—include parts of:
– Nebraska
– Indiana
– Ohio
– Pennsylvania
– Massachusetts
– Colorado
Occasionally, during the strongest geomagnetic storm periods, the aurora may reach as far south as Alabama, California, Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia.
*Note:* Cloudy skies may hinder viewing efforts, so skywatchers are encouraged to check local weather forecasts before venturing out.
—
### Taurid Meteor Shower: What to Expect
The Taurid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night and is visible across the entire United States. It is famous for slow, bright meteors, sometimes called fireballs. This year, viewing conditions are especially favorable because the shower coincides with a last-quarter moon, resulting in darker skies.
The best time to observe Taurids runs from late evening through the pre-dawn hours, increasing your chances of catching a spectacular meteor streak across the sky.
—
### What Experts Are Saying
A spokesperson from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) told *Newsweek*:
“We don’t have any specific details on the Taurid meteor shower, but its activity peaks November 11-12. Some folks may be able to see both aurora and meteor showers tonight, assuming skies are favorable [clear].”
On social media platform X, the SWPC posted:
“G3 geomagnetic conditions are currently observed. G4 conditions with a chance for higher levels remain possible as another CME is expected to arrive midday (EST).”
Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci of MyRadarWX shared on X:
“A SEVERE (G4) or EXTREME (G5) geomagnetic storm remains POSSIBLE TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Make plans now to hunt for the aurora borealis with your loved ones! This depends on the timing of the ‘grand finale’ CME, a magnetic shockwave. If it arrives too early, we might only catch the tail end of the storm at night. You could also witness a rogue Taurid meteor! The meteor shower doesn’t produce many meteors, but some sporadic, bright shooting stars may appear.”
—
### What to Do Next
For those eager to experience this extraordinary celestial event, keep an eye on updated weather and geomagnetic forecasts. Seek out dark, open locations far from artificial lights to enhance your viewing experience.
This convergence of the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights offers a rare chance to witness two of nature’s most striking sky phenomena simultaneously.
—
### Impact on Technology
While this geomagnetic activity creates incredible viewing opportunities, it can also affect radio communications, GPS, and satellite operations. Although widespread disruptions are not guaranteed, observers and infrastructure managers should monitor updates from SWPC and local meteorological offices to stay informed.
—
Stay tuned and clear skies!
https://www.newsweek.com/some-states-could-see-meteor-shower-northern-lights-at-same-time-wednesday-11035647
Updated SEC football conference standings entering Week 12
Another exciting weekend of SEC football action has officially passed, bringing us closer to the highly anticipated conference championship game in Atlanta. With just a few weeks remaining until the December showdown, the SEC still needs to determine which two teams will earn the coveted trip to compete for the conference title.
Following Week 11, the race for the SEC championship became a bit clearer, as two teams remain tied at the top of the standings. Notably, Alabama secured a crucial 20-9 victory over LSU, keeping their title hopes alive. But are there any other teams within striking distance as we head into Week 12?
Here is a look at the updated SEC football conference standings entering Week 12 of the 2025 season:
**Updated SEC Football Conference Standings Entering Week 12:**
1. **Tied – Texas A&M, Alabama (6-0)**
3. **Georgia (6-1)**
4. **Ole Miss (5-1)**
5. **Texas (4-1)**
6. **Vanderbilt (4-2)**
7. **Oklahoma (3-2)**
8. **Tennessee (3-3)**
9. **Missouri (2-3)**
10. **Tied – LSU, Florida (2-4)**
12. **Kentucky (2-5)**
13. **Mississippi State (1-5)**
14. **Tied – Auburn, South Carolina (1-6)**
16. **Arkansas (0-5)**
As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on these teams to see who can rise to the top and secure a spot in the SEC Championship game. Stay tuned for more updates as Week 12 approaches!
https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/crimson-tide/football/2025/11/09/sec-football-conference-standings-week-12/87171552007/
Alabama ‘porch pirate’ suspect, dressed as woman, arrested [photo – yikes]
**Alabama ‘Porch Pirate’ Suspect, Dressed as Woman, Arrested**
*Posted on October 31, 2025 by Theresa Grundman | News Nation Now*
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A man suspected of stealing packages from porches in Mobile, Alabama, and Mississippi has been arrested, according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Deputies reported that at around 1 a.m. on Friday, they observed a black Ford Escape driving at a high rate of speed near the Boe Road extension and Spanish Trail. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver—identified as Todd Anthony Bond—was found with several packages in the car. These packages matched descriptions of items recently stolen from other residents’ properties.
Bond, a 46-year-old resident of Jackson, Mississippi, was arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property.
—
**Community Reactions:**
– *User simpson96:* “Hot!! I think it moved.”
– *User shelterguy:* “Now I feel like watching The Boondock Saints again. /iykyk”
– *User Salamander:* “Looks like he specializes in back porch piracy.”
– *User Joe 6-pack:* (No comment provided)
– *User dayglored:* “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24”
– *User butlerweave:* “His roots are showing, LOL.”
—
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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4350319/posts
ClutchPoints’ 2025 Week 9 SEC Football Power Rankings
Week 8 of the college football season has concluded. Some SEC teams took major victories, while other big-time teams found themselves on upset alert. Two teams remain undefeated in conference play, but six others have just one loss. This has led to significant changes in the 2025 SEC Football Power Rankings.
### 1. Alabama (-)
Alabama remains at the top of the SEC Power Rankings with six straight wins. Meanwhile, Kalen DeBoer has donned his black hoodie in six consecutive games. Alabama faced Tennessee in Week 8 and dominated early. On the last play of the first half, Alabama intercepted a pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. They led by 16 at halftime and went on to win the game 37-20. This marked their fourth straight win over a ranked opponent. The Crimson Tide are now 4-0 in conference play and 6-1 overall. Alabama will hit the road in Week 9 to face South Carolina.
### 2. Texas A&M (+1)
Texas A&M is the only undefeated team in the conference, standing at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. This past week, they faced Arkansas in a tight game early on, but the Aggies built a 38-27 lead by the end of the third quarter. Arkansas fought back and scored with nine seconds left to narrow the gap to three points. However, Texas A&M recovered the onside kick and secured a 45-42 victory. The Aggies will travel to take on LSU in Week 9, looking to notch their second win over a ranked opponent this season.
### 3. Georgia (+1)
Georgia moves up one spot in the rankings, improving to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The game against Ole Miss was a struggle early, with the Rebels scoring on all three of their first-half drives to lead by one at halftime. Ole Miss continued its strong start with a 75-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the half and scored on its next possession as well, tallying five consecutive touchdown drives. However, Georgia’s defense tightened up, limiting Ole Miss to just 13 yards the rest of the game. The Bulldogs completed a comeback victory, 43-35. Georgia will have the week off in Week 9 before facing Florida in Week 10.
### 4. Ole Miss (-2)
Ole Miss has fallen to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The Rebels have been solid all year, balancing good defense with great offense. In their game against Georgia, they scored touchdowns on their first five possessions but could not hold on, falling 43-35 in their first defeat of the year. Ole Miss will visit Oklahoma in Week 9.
### 5. Vanderbilt
After an exciting 2024 season that included an upset over No. 1 Alabama and a 7-6 finish, Vanderbilt’s story is far from over. The Commodores are ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll—their first Top 10 appearance since 1947—and currently stand at 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Last week, Vanderbilt hosted LSU, leading 17-13 at halftime before scoring touchdowns on both third-quarter possessions to take a ten-point lead. The defense shutdown LSU in the fourth quarter, allowing only three points in a 31-24 victory. Vanderbilt remains home in Week 9, hosting Missouri.
### 6. Missouri (+1)
Missouri jumps one spot after edging Auburn in Week 8. The Tigers improved to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play. It was an ugly win; the offense struggled in the second half and Auburn took the lead in the fourth quarter. Missouri tied the game with a touchdown at 5:07 remaining and drove for the win, but an interception by Beau Pribula sent the game to overtime. After missed field goals by both teams in the first overtime, Pribula redeemed himself with a rushing touchdown in the second overtime. The defense held firm, securing a 23-17 victory. Missouri will travel to Vanderbilt in Week 9.
### 7. Tennessee (-1)
Tennessee drops one spot following their Week 8 loss to Alabama. The Volunteers are now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Their only previous loss was an overtime defeat against Georgia. However, they struggled against Alabama, who controlled the first half, including a defensive touchdown. Tennessee was unable to mount a comeback, falling 37-20. They will look to rebound in Week 9 with a visit to Kentucky.
### 8. Oklahoma (+2)
Oklahoma bounced back from its first loss of the season with a road win over South Carolina in Week 8. The Sooners scored on their opening drive and again early in the second quarter, holding a seven-point lead at halftime. Although the offense stalled in the second half—with John Mateer throwing for just 150 yards—the defense stepped up. Oklahoma won decisively, 26-7, improving to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. They face a tough challenge next week as they host Ole Miss.
### 9. LSU (-4)
LSU experiences a significant drop after their second loss of the season. The Tigers are 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play. Offensively, LSU scored 24 points against Vanderbilt—their highest total against an FBS opponent this year (previous high was 23 vs. Louisiana Tech). However, the defense surrendered 31 points, which is the most points they’ve allowed all season. LSU has only allowed more than ten points twice this year, both of which resulted in losses. The Tigers hope to tighten their defense ahead of a Week 9 home game against Texas A&M.
### 10. Texas (-1)
Texas slips one spot despite moving to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. In their narrow overtime win against Kentucky, the Longhorns struggled offensively; Arch Manning threw for just 132 yards, and the team managed only 179 yards total. The defense gave up 395 yards but still helped the team to a 16-13 victory in overtime. Texas will visit Mississippi State in Week 9.
### 11. Florida (-)
A Week 8 win was not enough to save Billy Napier, who has been fired as Florida’s head coach. The Gators defeated Mississippi State 23-21, relying on a late defensive stand to seal the victory. Mississippi State had rallied from a nine-point deficit, but an interception by Blake Shapen helped preserve Florida’s win. The Gators now stand at 3-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Florida will have the week off in Week 9.
### 12. Mississippi State (-)
Mississippi State, with low preseason expectations, is 4-3 overall but 0-3 in conference play. They had an opportunity to beat Florida but were hampered by questionable play-calling. On second down at Florida’s 29-yard line with 21 seconds left, they opted to pass instead of setting up a likely game-winning field goal, resulting in an interception. Mississippi State will host Texas in Week 9.
### 13. Auburn (-)
Auburn could be the next SEC coach on the hot seat, falling to 3-4 overall and 0-4 in conference play. The Tigers had a chance to secure their first conference win against Missouri but were undone by a turnover and three missed field goals in double overtime. Auburn will host Missouri in Week 10.
### 14. Arkansas (-)
Arkansas’ latest stint under Bobby Petrino got off to a rough 0-2 start in conference play. The Razorbacks fought hard and scored three touchdowns in the second half against Texas A&M but fell short in a 45-42 loss, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Arkansas will visit Auburn in Week 10.
### 15. Kentucky (+1)
Kentucky nearly pulled off a major upset over Texas in Week 8. The Wildcats outgained the Longhorns by over 200 yards but struggled to convert yards into points. They missed a long field goal at the end of the first half and, in overtime, turned the ball over on downs at the Texas 3-yard line. Texas kicked a field goal to win 16-13. Kentucky will visit Tennessee in Week 10.
### 16. South Carolina (-1)
South Carolina drops one spot heading into Week 9 after their loss to Oklahoma. The Gamecocks will face Alabama at home next week, a daunting challenge as they seek to turn their season around.
—
The 2025 SEC Football landscape is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams jockeying for position as the season enters its critical stages. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups in the coming weeks as teams strive for conference dominance.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/clutchpoints-2025-week-9-sec-football-power-rankings