Ben Flanagan
Riyadh
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Articles by Ben Flanagan
Alabama and Tennessee fans gather on campus for SEC Nation, tailgating and more in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
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Rece Davis once waved off Nick Saban during 'College GameDay', and here's what happened
You often hear pro football players tell their “Welcome to the NFL” stories, when they learn some lessons the hard way as they transition from their amateur status. Rece Davis, an ESPN legend, is hardly an amateur. Decades of experience broadcasting at the highest level and covering every top sporting event prepared him for sharing the “College GameDay” desk with Nick Saban.
Tuscaloosa Police Department vehicles.
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University of Alabama students brave through the sweltering heat in front of Denny Chimes during the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
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Labaron Philon Jr. smiles on the bench as the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team hosts the Missouri Tigers in Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
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Steven Spielberg movies ranked from best to worst
4 hours ago Taylor Swift became the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday night, with her fiancé Travis Kelce in attendance to support her. The 14-time Grammy winner has had a remarkable career to this point, so who do you get to introduce her for this milestone? How about one …
Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry answers questions from reporters before the 2023 Rose Bowl. McKinstry was one of the first football players from Alabama to cash in on college football's new economic system.
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Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Final Chamber’ tour to stop in Virginia Beach this fall Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The iconic hip-hop group will bring “The Final Chamber” tour to the Virginia Beach amphitheater on Sept. 16. Special guests Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will also perform. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available starting Tuesday via Citi Presale. General sale begins 10 a.m. Friday at livenation.com.
Alabama prison DOC director invited Kay Ivey to the Oscars: ‘We have not heard back'
The director of a movie exposing the conditions within the Alabama prison system has invited Kay Ivey to the Academy Awards. But don't expect to see the Alabama governor on the red carpet next week. Andrew Jarecki, co-director of the Oscar-nominated documentary “The Alabama Solution,” appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” this week to promote his film ahead of the 98th Annual Academy Awards, where it's up for best documentary feature.
Country music superstars announce Alabama stadium concert in 2026
Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s Big Ass Stadium Tour will visit Alabama in 2026. Part two of the tour will hit Protective Stadium in Birmingham on May 26, 2026, Live Nation announced Monday. The Tuesday night show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Presale begins Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. local time. Learn more. (Another presale will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.) Prices range from $39.50-$279.50 (plus taxes and fees). Fellow country star Carter Faith will also perform.
Iconic Grammy-winning band announces Alabama show on 2026 world tour
Alabama Shakes will perform at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Tuscaloosa this summer, the venue announced Friday. The Grammy-winning group born out of Athens, Alabama, will hit the Druid City stage Friday, June 12. The Secret Sisters will also perform at the show. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 20. You can purchase via mercedesbenzamphitheater.com. The show falls the night before the group performs at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
Legendary actor from ‘The Godfather’ dead at 95: ‘Lasting and unforgettable’
Robert Duvall, the legendary Hollywood actor known for roles in classics like “The Godfather” trilogy and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” has passed away. He was 95. Duvall’s wife Luciana released a statement via the actor’s official social media. “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time,” the statement said. “Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.
Documentary showing Ala. prison conditions via video from contraband phones earns Oscar nomination
By Ben Flanagan al.com LOS ANGELES — “The Alabama Solution,” a critically acclaimed documentary about Alabama’s prison system, earned an Academy Award nomination Thursday. The film, co-directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, chronicles the state’s maximum-security lockups using footage from inside prison walls taken by inmates on contraband cellphones. | READ NEXT: Why ‘Roofman’ gets crime — and accountability — so wrong You can stream “The Alabama Solution” on HBO Max.
WWE legend donates $5,000 to Ford worker who called Trump ‘pedophile protector’
Jim Cornette, the popular pro wrestling podcaster and former WWE personality, made a huge donation to the GoFundMe supporting TJ Sabula, the suspended Ford plant employee who received the finger from President Donald Trump after calling the president a “pedophile protector.” As of Thursday, the “TJ Sabula is a patriot!!” fundraiser had collected nearly $500,000, with the wrestling icon and vociferous Trump critic sending $5,000 Sabula’s way.
WWE legend donates $5,000 to Ford worker who called Trump ‘pedophile protector’
‘Everything On The Menu With Braun Strowman’ Renewed For Season 2 At USA Network USA Network has its first unscripted hit of the Versant era. The cable network has renewed food and travel series Everything on the Menu with Braun …
'Seinfeld' and Alabama football: A season about nothing
If you had Ty Simpson bingeing Seinfeld before big games on your bingo card, congratulations, because we certainly didnt. During a press conference ahead of Alabamas College Football Playoff opening round game at Oklahoma this week, the Crimson Tide quarterback clued us in on some pregame routines, including a little pop culture consumption. Simpson said he cranks up the country music, including artists like Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Luke Combs. Pretty standard for a 20-something in 2025.
Comedian who dissed Nick Saban whines about Notre Dame snub: ‘My day is ruined’
You really don’t want Bama, not even Shane Gillis. At least not in the College Football Playoff...
Legendary Alabama rockers reunite on Colbert show
Drive-By Truckers reunited with Jason Isbell for a performance of “Hell No, I Ain’t Happy” from their newly expanded box set “The Definitive Decoration Day,” featuring the band’s classic 2003 album. Front and center were the band’s three guitar players Patterson Hood, Isbell and Mike Cooley, backed by keyboardist Jay Gonzalez, bassist Matt Patton, and drummer Brad Morgan.
Legendary Alabama rockers reunite on Colbert show
9 hours ago Drive By Truckers reunite with Jason Isbell for a performance of "Hell No, I Ain't Happy," from 'The Definitive Decoration Day,' a comprehensive and expanded box set edition of the band's classic 2003 album. Listen to more music and find tour date information at https://www.drivebytruckers.com.
The Quad on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa.
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Paul Finebaum on set, as Alabama and Tennessee fans show up for "SEC Nation" before the Crimson Tide host the Volunteers in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
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‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant slams Trump: ‘F--- that guy’
After his elimination on the current season of “Dancing with the Stars,” actor and late night vet Andy Richter sounded off on President Donald Trump, with no fear of stepping on any toes. In a sitdown with Entertainment Weekly, the longtime Conan O’Brien sidekick and host of podcast “The Three Questions With Andy Richter” was asked how he and his former on-air partner would heave treated Trump’s crackdown on other late night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant slams Trump: ‘F--- that guy’
After his elimination on the current season of “Dancing with the Stars,” actor and late night vet Andy Richter sounded off on President Donald Trump, with no fear of stepping on any toes. kAmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^6H]4@>^2?5J\C:49E6C\D=2>D\ECF>A\4C24<5@H?\@?\=2E6\?:89E\``gdbbfeQ E2C86ElQ03=2?<Q C6=lQQ E:E=6lQ9EEADi^^6H]4@>^2?5J\C:49E6C\D=2>D\ECF>A\4C24<5@H?\@?\=2E6\?:89E\``gdbbfeQmx? 2 D:E5@H? H:E9 t?E6CE2:?>6?E (66<=Jk^2m[ E96 =@?8E:>6 r@?2? ~’qC:6?
Walton Goggins’ 7 best performances
Walton Goggins turns 54 today. To wish the Birmingham native a happy birthday, we want to look back at some of his finest work. Having worked with Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Jon Favreau and Robert Duvall, it’s tough to narrow down his phenomenal work to just a handful of movies and shows that we love the most.
Walton Goggins’ 7 best performances
How Aimee Lou Wood channeled “White Lotus” character to shake off body dysmorphia during filming Chelsea in The White Lotus season 3 wasn't just a support system for Walton Goggins' Rick, she also was a source of inspiration for the star who played her, Aimee Lou Wood. "Acting has always been a safe place for me to work out my feelings," Wood said in a new interview with Harper's Bazaar, adding, …
Morgan Wallen to perform at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2026
Morgan Wallen, the country music superstar and massive draw for college football fans, will perform in Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2026. Wallen’s “Still the Problem Tour” will stop at the home of the Alabama football team on April 18, 2026. Special guests for this show include Ella Langley, Vincent Mason, and Zach John King. The tour — 21 shows in 11 stadiums — kicks off April 10 in Minneapolis. It also includes two consecutive nights at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Molecular consequences of mitochondrial replacement may be masked from organismal traits in Tigriopus californicus
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Denova JR, Flanagan BA, Jah M, Applebaum SL, Edmands S (2025) Molecular consequences of mitochondrial replacement may be masked from organismal traits in Tigriopus californicus. PLoS One 20(10): e0335181.
Finebaum for Senate? It's not a farce. It's a symptom of a broken political system that puts the rich and the famous at the head of the line.
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Inside the north upper deck of Bryant-Denny Stadium before the Alabama Crimson Tide faced the Texas Longhorns in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
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UA athletics director Greg Byrne. Alabama fans at ESPN "College GameDay" on the Quad before the Crimson Tide's game against Georgia in Tuscaloosa Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
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Legendary rock singer’s encore cut short after fans rush stage
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VOLUME 18: PIRATES!
jenny_kwski3 Something unspoken lies underneath the whole of cinephilia. Well, not exactly unspoken. In fact, we talk about it all the time when we’re soliciting full director filmographies on Twitter, when we’re noting down streaming dates on services we have no intention of subscribing to, and when we faux-ironically whine about not getting a KG invite.
‘Forrest Gump’ actress breaks silence: Was Jenny the movie’s true villain?
1 day ago Let's Finish That Conversation From 30 Years Ago - Robin Wright On Reuniting With Tom Hanks Actress Robin Wright says she and her "Here" costar Tom Hanks picked up right where they left off 30 years ago after filming "Forrest Gump." "Here" opens in theaters this Friday.
Legendary director sets record straight after emphysema diagnosis: 'I will never retire'
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Legendary actress from ‘The Shining’ dead at 75
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13 most beautiful spots on the University of Alabama campus
13 most beautiful spots on the University of Alabama campus The University of Alabama has one of the most beautiful campuses you will see in America. It’s hard enough picking one spot that encapsulates its …
‘Jaws’ actress dead at 77
Susan Blacklinie, the actress featured during the iconic and terrifying opening scene of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster film “Jaws,” has passed away. She was 77. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Two-a-days football show no longer streams
Who remembers “Two-A-Days?” No, we don’t mean your personal glory days practicing twice a day for your high school football team, but the MTV reality series about the Hoover High School football program. Ring a bell? Ding! kAmu@C>6C w@@G6C 9625 4@249 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]2=]4@>^9:89D49@@=DA@CED^a_ac^_c^A6==\4:EJ\3@2C5\G@E6D\E@\7:C6\7@@E32==\4@249\CFD9\AC@ADE\27E6C\@?6\D62D@?\H:E9\A2?E96CD]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm#FD9 !C@ADE >256 ?6HD 282:?
VOLUME 16: VISCERA
Blaise Radley “If you can’t bear pain, you don’t live up to your reputation.” That line, spoken in Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-li’s The Boxer from Shantung (1972), speaks to a common sentiment found in the many kung fu films produced in Hong Kong under the Shaw Brothers. For the humble martial artist, the body isn’t only the means by which they perform their craft, or enact violent comeuppance on local goons, it’s a physical manifestation of their reputation in the wider community.
Garden & Gun names this Alabama city among 4 best Southern destinations in 2024
'90s Teen Idol Andrew Keegan Clears Up Rumors He Became a "Cult Leader" Andrew Keegan went from teen idol to cult leader—or so many people believe. In the late '90s and early 2000s, the actor came to fame via roles in 10 …
The role of mitochondria in sex- and age-specific gene expression in a species without sex chromosomes
Abstract Mitochondria perform an array of functions, many of which involve interactions with gene products encoded by the nucleus. These mitochondrial functions, particularly those involving energy production, can be expected to differ between sexes and across ages. Here we measured mitochondrial effects on sex- and age-specific gene expression in parental and reciprocal F1 hybrids between allopatric populations of Tigriopus californicus with over 20% mitochondrial DNA divergence.
Colbert, Meyers joke about Alabama book mistakenly deemed sexually explicit
With the writers’ strike over and late night talk shows back in full swing, it was really only a matter of time before Alabama wound up the punchline …
A STAR IS BURNS
Blaise Radley Over the course of its (remarkably still ongoing) 34-season run, Matt Groening has only asked that his name be scrubbed from the credits of The Simpsons on one occasion. Let that sink in for a moment. When jerkass Homer refused to give poor old Abe his kidney not once, but twice, Groening’s name was there. When Homer got botched laser eye surgery and his eyes made that horrible sound as they crusted over, Groening’s name was there.
THE HUMAN SURGE 3
Joseph Owen Notes from Locarno, 2023 Another confession. When I first attended the Locarno Film Festival in 2017, I wrote 33 articles in ten days. During the festival, I reviewed 23 films, interviewed seven directors, summarised two press conferences and wrote one preview. I was paid nothing by my accredited outlet for this masochistic effort, although the festival, unprompted, covered the costs of my flights and accommodation.
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Orla Smith My first Letterboxd diary entry was created on January 2nd, 2015. It was for The Theory of Everything (2014). I definitely wrote a review of it then, but I don’t know what it said because I’ve deleted it. If you click back to the beginning of my Letterboxd diary, there are very few words left standing — just contextless logs and ratings from a different time. This is a new development.
MADE IN U.S.A
Esmé Holden As Jean-Luc Godard moved from one medium to another, from prose to filmmaking, he remained a critic. He brought a linear, argumentative style to his films, many of which are about the process—and sometimes the joy—of learning. But his fragmentary polemics were far more suited to an image’s strange mix of definitiveness, since it sits right in front of you, and ambiguity, for there is a less established way to read it.
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