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General

Trump budget cuts 988 hotline’s LGBTQ+ youth support: ‘Suicide prevention is about people not politics’

The 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will stop providing tailored support options to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults on July 17, according to a statement on a federal agency’s website.

The decision preempts the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adult services, and is raising alarm bells among LGBTQ+ advocates.

Federal data shows the LGBTQ+ youth program has served nearly 1.3 million callers since it started in September 2022. The services were accessible under the “Press 3” option on the phone or by replying “PRIDE” via text.

The decision was was made to “no longer silo” the services and “to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said in a statement dated Tuesday on its website.

News of the LGBTQ+ service shutting down comes as the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors on Wednesday.

The Trevor Project said it received official notice Tuesday that the program was ending. The nonprofit is one of seven centers that provides 988 crisis support services for LGBTQ+ people — and serves nearly half of the people who contact the lifeline.

“Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a statement Wednesday. “The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.”

In its statement on the 988 decision, SAMHSA referred to the “LGB+ youth services.”

Black called the omission of the “T” representing transgender people “callous.” “Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” he said.

The Trevor Project will continue to run its 24/7 mental health support services, as will other organizations, and leaders of 988 say the hotline will serve anyone who calls with compassion.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 49,300 suicides in 2023 — about the highest level in the nation’s history, based on preliminary data.

Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of suicide, including a 2024 analysis by the CDC that found 26% transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide in the past year. That’s compared with 5% of cisgender male and 11% of cisgender female students.

Young transgender people flooded crisis hotlines with calls after President Donald Trump was re-elected. Trump made anti-transgender themes central to his campaign and has since rolled back many civil rights protections and access to gender-affirming care.

Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 into law in October 2020.

The specific 988 subprogram for LGBTQ+ youth cost $33 million in fiscal year 2024, according to SAMHSA, and as of June 2025, more than $33 million has been spent on the services. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal called for keeping 988’s total budget at $520 million even while eliminating the LGBTQ+ services.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to wrap SAMHSA and other agencies into a new HHS office called Administration for a Healthy America, where it would coexist with employees from other agencies responsible for chemical exposures and work-related injuries.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

General

Dallas Cowboys waive former Auburn defensive tackle again

For the second time in 10 months, the Dallas Cowboys have waived former Auburn defensive tackle Justin Rogers.

The NFL team announced the transaction on Wednesday, six days after the Cowboys completed their offseason program. Dallas players report for training camp on July 21 in Oxnard, California.

The Cowboys waived Rogers after agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, who earned All-United Football League recognition while playing for the Birmingham Stallions this season.

It marked the second time on Wednesday an NFL team had waived a former Auburn player to create a roster spot for a player from the Stallions. The New York Jets parted ways with kicker Anders Carlson after signing Birmingham kicker Harrison Mevis.

After acquiring Rogers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Dallas waived the defensive tackle when it reduced its preseason roster to the regular-season limit of 53 active players last year.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed Rogers for their practice squad, but he returned to the Cowboys when they signed him to their active roster on Dec. 19. Though eligible, Rogers did not play in the final three weeks of the season.

A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Winfrey played in 13 games for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie. But he did not make the team the next season and spent 2023 on the New York Jets’ practice squad. Winfrey was out of football in 2024 before making a comeback this spring with Birmingham.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Flood advisory for Henry and Houston counties Wednesday night due to substantial rain

On Wednesday at 7:31 p.m. the National Weather Service released a flood advisory in effect until 9:30 p.m. for Henry and Houston counties.

The weather service says, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” comments the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

Move to higher ground:

If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Children’s cough syrup recalled for bacterium that can cause food poisoning

A children’s cough syrup has been recalled due to the rick of it causing bacterial infection.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup is being recalled by Medtech Products Inc. due to the detection of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

The lots were distributed nationally from Dec. 14, 2022 to June 4, 2025.

Bacillus cereus can cause two different types of food poisoning or food-borne illness.

According to the FDA, one type involves nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps that can start one to six hours after eating or drinking contaminated food.

The second type can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea that can begin eight to 16 hours after eating or drinking contaminated food.

All of the affected medication have the same universal product code numbered 7-56184-10737-9.

The FDA also provided the following lot numbers and expiration dates for the products:

Lot 0039 expires 11/2025
Lot 0545, expires 01/2026
Lot 0640, expires 02/2026
Lot 0450, expires 05/2026
Lot 1198, expires 12/2026

While no serious conditions have been reported yet consumers are encouraged to contact their doctor if they experience issues after using the recalled children’s cough syrup.

Medtech will also be offering refunds for those who bought the impacted products.

Other Little Remedies products are not affected by the recall, the FDA said.

General

Montgomery man accused of setting kidnapped woman on fire at motel

A Montgomery man is behind bars, accused of setting a woman on a fire at a motel.

Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 4 a.m. Monday to the motel in the 1200 block of West South Boulevard on a report of an assault and kidnapping.

Deputies safely recovered the victim. She was hospitalized with serious injuries, said Assistant Chief Deputy Wesley Richerson.

A short time later, deputies located and arrested 26-year-old Amajay Shomari Nelson-Cox. He is charged with first-degree assault and first-degree kidnapping.

Charging documents against the suspect said he poured an accelerant onto the woman’s body and lit her on fire.

Nelson-Cox was booked into the Montgomery County Detention Center at 8:21 p.m. Monday and remains held without bond.

Richerson said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not said if the suspect and victim know each other.

“The safety of our community is our top priority,” Richerson said.

“We are committed to ensuring violent offenders are held accountable for their actions. We will not spare any resources to protect victims and bring justice to those who do them harm.”

Anyone with additional information is asked to call investigators at 334-832-4980 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP.

General

Greg Byrne reveals how Alabama will divide revenue-sharing between sports

The recent approval of the House v. NCAA settlement has made it permissible for schools to pay college athletes directly for the first time ever. For the first year of the settlement, universities will be allowed to share up to around $20.5 million with players.

The money, which will be split among all sports, has created a new question. How will the cash be divided up among programs?

During an interview with the Crimson Tide Sports Network, a clip from which was released on Wednesday, UA athletics director Greg Byrne described how Alabama would assign its dollars.

Off the top, the Tide will use $2.5 million to fund new scholarships, as is allowed under the settlement. After that, Byrne said the money will go to sports in order of how much revenue they generate.

“We have taken the approach that it’s based off of revenue generation,” Byrne said. “We think that’s a solid approach. We think that’s one that makes sense for our program. As you’ve heard me say many times, football is the engine that pulls the train. And at the same time too, our two sports that turn a profit are football and men’s basketball, so they will have the highest percentage of that rev share.”

Alabama football reported $140.3 million in revenue and $113.8 million in expenses to the NCAA for Fiscal Year 2024, for a $26.4 million surplus. Alabama men’s basketball program brought in $21.3 million in FY 2024, which included its first Final Four run, while spending $15.3 million, for a surplus of nearly $6 million.

Byrne said the rest of the revenue share money will go to the Crimson Tide’s other ticketed sports. For Alabama that includes softball, baseball and gymnastics and women’s basketball.

“I’ve heard all over the yard how schools are doing it and how many sports,” Byrne said. “I know one that we compete against all the time is only doing three sports. I know that some schools are doing a little bit for everything. I’m not sure how big of a difference that will make at the end of the day when you’ve just carved off a small sliver for a sport.

“But we have a plan, and I’ve told our coaches in this, it’s fluid. We’re doing the very best we can to make the decisions that we are with the information that we have right now.”

Byrne said he has been direct with Alabama’s coaches about where their programs stand financially.

“Sometimes in the past, where they’ve heard me say, ‘Hey, we’ve gotta watch the dollars and cents,’ it probably hasn’t resonated as well as we needed it to,” Byrne said. “So we’re being more realistic with that. Now, with that said, we’re fortunate. We are a program this is in much better shape than 99% of other programs out there, and what we want to do is make sure we can still say that, three, five, eight and 10 years down the road, not just today.”

General

Alabama medical cannabis commission takes big step toward getting products to patients, lawyer says

Hearings to help determine what companies can dispense medical marijuana in Alabama will be a step forward for the state’s long-delayed program, a lawyer involved in the process said Wednesday.

Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission General Counsel Justin Aday said legal challenges remain but that the AMCC could resolve a key issue by finally issuing licenses to dispensaries.

The AMCC is preparing to have an administrative law judge hold investigative hearings for the companies competing for the limited number of dispensary licenses.

“I guess after being stalled for two years now, it may be difficult to describe it as anything but a breakthrough,” Aday said.

The Legislature authorized medical marijuana four years ago and created the AMCC to license growers, processors, transporters, and dispensaries, as well as integrated companies that will do it all.

The AMCC began awarding licenses two years ago, but lawsuits filed by competing companies and missteps by the commission have prevented any products from reaching patients.

The AMCC has successfully issued licenses for cultivators, processors, transporters, and testing labs.

See more: Medical marijuana plants growing in Alabama under careful conditions, tight security

Licenses for dispensaries and for integrated companies have been tied up in court since the AMCC awarded them in December 2023.

Aday said rulings by the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and the Montgomery County Circuit Court have opened the door for the investigative hearings.

“In summary, in the dispensary category, the trial court stayed its own proceedings in favor of investigative hearings taking place,” Aday said.

An administrative law judge who presided over the hearings for the cultivator, processor, and transporter licenses will conduct the dispensary license hearings, Aday said.

Issuance of a dispensary license would clear the way for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners to certify doctors who will be authorized to recommend medical cannabis to patients.

“They won’t issue any certification to any physician to recommend medical cannabis until at least one license has been issued to a cultivator, a processor, a transporter, and a dispensary,” Aday said. “Or at least one license has been issued to at least one integrated facility.”

“So once either a dispensary license has been issued or an integrated facility license has been issued, then that’s the condition that’s needed for the Board of Medical Examiners to certify physicians, which in turn can certify patients, which it turn can go and purchase products.”

The AMCC is also planning investigative hearings in the integrated license category, which involves the largest companies and which has been the subject of the most litigation.

Aday said the AMCC is planning to hire former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bernard Harwood to serve as administrative law judge over the integrated license hearings.

Aday cautioned that the legal delays that have frustrated patients and advocates for two years are not over.

“We do still have pending litigation with the circuit court and the court of appeals. So, there are still issues to be resolved,” Aday said.

“And so some might argue, isn’t this premature to undertake this with things still pending in the courts?

“But our position is there’s no injunction that’s preventing this. And patients that are out there in need, they don’t deserve us to be dragging our feet and delaying this process any further.”

On Tuesday, during a brief Zoom meeting, the AMCC awarded a testing lab license to Green Health Lab LLC.

Green Health becomes the second licensed testing lab. The AMCC previously awarded a license to Certus Laboratories.

The Alabama law passed in 2021, called the Compassion Act, allows companies to make gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, oils, and other forms of medical marijuana products.

Patients who receive a medical cannabis card will be able to buy them at licensed dispensaries.

The law allows certified doctors to recommend the products for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, weight loss and nausea from cancer, depression, panic disorder, epilepsy, muscle spasms caused by disease or spinal cord injuries, PTSD, and others.

General

Thunderstorms with quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in North Alabama Wednesday

On Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 6 p.m. for Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Madison counties.

Expect quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 5:19 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Rogersville, or 18 miles east of Muscle Shoals, moving northeast at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Athens, Rogersville, Ardmore, Killen, Town Creek, Lexington, Courtland, Harvest, North Courtland and Elkmont.

The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Conecuh and Escambia counties Wednesday evening

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6 p.m. for Conecuh and Escambia counties.

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 5:15 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 4 miles east of Castleberry, or 10 miles south of Evergreen, moving northeast at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

The alert is for Evergreen, Castleberry and I65 And US 84.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Democrat tells Pete Hegseth to ‘be a man’ and provide information on LA immigration order

Michigan U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin had a heated exchange Wednesday with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over whether he has given an order authorizing members of the military to “detain and arrest protesters” in Los Angeles.

“What is the order?” the Democrat asked during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. “Be a man, list it out. Did you authorize them to detain or arrest? That is a fundamental of democracy. I’m not trying to be a snot here. I’m just trying to get the actual — did you authorize them to do that?”

Hegseth did not provide a direct answer to the question. He said that the 4,700 United States Marine Corps and National Guard troops deployed amid immigration protests in Los Angeles are “there to protect law enforcement, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers who are trying to do their job, deporting illegals who … were allowed in by the previous administration.”

The argument played out Wednesday in the final minutes of an Armed Services Committee hearing over the Pentagon’s 2026 budget request. Slotkin appeared exasperated over Hegseth’s comments and his unwillingness to provide a straightforward answer in the aftermath of President Donald Trump becoming the first commander in chief since 1965 to send National Guard troops to a state without cooperation from its governor.

In that instance, which Slotkin alluded to, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect voting rights protesters from violence against the wishes of segregationist Gov. George Wallace.

“Have you given the order for (troops) to be able to shoot at unarmed protesters in any way?” the freshman senator asked Hegseth again, whom she indicated was laughing at her question.

The embattled Defense Secretary responded: “What is that based on? What evidence would you have that an order like that has ever been given?”

Slotkin, who previously served as a Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Defense official, cited statements from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper that Trump asked officials in 2020 if troops could shoot protesters “in the legs” amid unrest following the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

Esper later told NPR in 2022 about that exchange: “We reached that point in the conversation where he looked frankly at (Joint Chiefs of Staff) Gen. [Mark] Milley and said, ‘Can’t you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?’ … It was a suggestion and a formal question. And we were just all taken aback at that moment as this issue just hung very heavily in the air.”

Slotkin referred to those comments and Esper during the exchange with Hegseth.

“He had more guts and balls than you, because he said, I’m not going to send in the uniform military to do something that I know and my gut isn’t right,” Slotkin told Hegseth.

Hegseth responded: “Senator, I’d be careful what you read in books and believing it, except for the Bible.”

Slotkin, taken aback, said: “Oh my God. So your former predecessor — I guess that’s not enough for you. Okay.”

Slotkin then pivoted to a question about U.S. preparedness for the fallout in the Middle East from Israel’s recent bombing raids over Iran.

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