Category: General

General

Session finale, obesity rankings, celeb golfers: Down in Alabama

It’s National Buttermilk Biscuit Day.

Because we’re the news, and in the news anything positive is followed by a “but,” we’re going to try to suck the fun right out of National Buttermilk Biscuit Day by sharing a news story on obesity rates in the report below.

One more day

Today Alabama lawmakers will meet for their final working day of the 2025 regular legislative session.

They left off last week with Democrats slowing things down considerably, leaving numerous live measures, including a glut of local bills.

The Alabama Daily News reports that Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, a Cullman Republican, said those local bills will be the top priority today.

State Sen. Bobby Singleton, a Greensboro Democrat, said the way for Republicans to avoid a slowdown today is to pass his gambling bill affecting Greene County and to make changes to pending bills on police immunity and the Alabama Department of Archives and History Board.

Also, the bill to regulate sales of products containing hemp-derived THC has already passed and is awaiting Gov. Kay Ivey’s approval, but AL.com’s Mike Cason reports that it is drawing fire from multiple fronts.

Store owners are arguing government overreach that’ll be onerous on their businesses while conservative groups such as the Alabama Policy Institute are arguing that it effectively legalizes recreational marijuana.

Those two sides are hoping the governor will veto the bill.

A few more pounds

Alabama has moved up the most recent obesity rankings from U.S. News & World Report. And we’re getting awfully close to the 40% threshold for people with a body mass index of 30 or higher.

If you score a 30 or higher on the BMI, you are considered obese by that measure. Of course, BMI is an imperfect measure on the personal level because it takes into account only height and weight. But looking at general stats over a statewide population, it’s a decent indicator whether we have lots of neighbors at risk for all those maladies that are more likely to affect obese people.

The latest data was from 2023 and ranked Alabama fifth in the nation, up from seventh the year before, reports AL.com’s William Thornton.

The study found that 39.4% of Alabamians are obese. In first place was West Virginia at 41.7%, followed by Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Here’s the part when I interject that we are handicapped by the fact that southern food is much harder to pass up than most.

The least-obese state, according to the study, was Colorado at 24.6%.

Regions Tradition Pro-Am

The best part of being famous surely must be the golf celebrity pro-am circuit. Imagine being able to shoot 106 at some of the nation’s finest golf courses, paired up with a PGA pro and your fellow famous people.

“Yeah, me and Darius Rucker and Alice Cooper and Justin Thomas are teeing off at 8 at Century. I wonder what unfamous people are doing today.”

The Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am is today at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Hoover. And unless you’re getting to play or have a gallery ticket, the most fun part of it is checking out the pairings to see who’s teeing it up together.

As usual, it’s heavy with Alabama-connected celebrities.

Hugh Freeze and Kalen DeBoer are both in the tournament, in different groups. Former Crimson Tide quarterbacks Greg McElroy and A.J. McCarron are in a group with Taylor Hicks and pro Tom Lehman. Nick Saban is playing with Charles Barkley in Stewart Cink’s group.

But the most interesting Alabama-connected group might be the one with former Auburn coach and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville. He’s in a foursome with Alabama-born country stars Jamey Johnson and Riley Green. The pro in that group is John Daly.

You have the outspoken senator who people speculate wants to run for governor amid questions over whether he’s been an Alabama resident long enough, if he is one at all. And you have the very colorful golf pro who touts his excesses alongside a country singer who’s opened up about his road to sobriety and 13 years without alcohol and another who first came to fame as a contestant on a show called “Redneck Island.”

How many notebooks could a tag-along reporter fill up in those 18 holes? At least Johnson might come away with a new song. Maybe call it “The High Cost of Keeping Up With John Daly.”

Quoting

“Amateur.”

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, in a one-word tweet about Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s announcement that he was holding up President Trump’s Justice Department nominees. Tuberville famously (or infamously, depending on your perspective) previously held up President Biden’s military nominees for months, coming under fire from Democrats and Republicans alike.

More Alabama News

Born on This Date

In 1954, current Congressman Gary Palmer of Haleyville.

The podcast

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: May 14, 2025

With moods and swing sets, you can’t widen the range without widening it both ways. Today’s passionate lunar trine is a reminder: You can’t soar forward without first feeling the stomach drop of the backward pull. Accept the high-low reality and then consider giving up any struggle or resistance to the backward rush. Why dread what is only setting you up to soar smile-first into the sky?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your strongest bonds won’t be built on shared interests but on shared rhythm. You may not have the same taste or passions, but you have a similar way of moving through the world — easy does it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When people are afraid to speak up, the silence leads to flawed outcomes, because valuable insight is being suppressed. Today’s environment is hierarchical and full of unspoken rules. It will take courage, but talk anyway.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The truth is you are intense. You are funny. You are busy. You’ll feel most at home with people who are serious like you are. If they don’t bring wit, clarity or fire, they don’t get to sit in your front row.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You won’t get special treatment today, but just remember: Those who receive better treatment and premium opportunities may excel in the short term, but the long game is anyone’s to win. Strength, cleverness, skill, strategy — these are all things developed in adversity.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Don’t let anxiety make your choices for you. With your nervous system pushing you to your “safest” option, pause to ask something higher than the fear whether an option would be right for you if you had no fear.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Gratitude rushes in for your full and complex life. You give care, you create, handle logistics, celebrate and yes, you grieve, too. You’ve loved deeply and known all sides of that love, including the bliss and the pain of loss.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your social talents move the action today. You’ve a keen instinct for connecting people who will benefit from knowing one another. The vibes where you are make people feel comfortable and like you really care, and you do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Tell people what you’re up to. It’s unfinished, but you can show enough to stay in the conversation. Hold your spot so that when you’re ready for the big reveal, you won’t be building interest from ground zero.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Every challenge is a teacher. There are people you keep trying with, even though you know they will be difficult. Handling them sharpens your skill and builds your confidence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Get organized. You’ll soon take your talents and goods to more people, and you may need to travel for this, or at least be lighter on your feet, ready to adapt to many different kinds of situations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There’s a way to save your energy and money now. Things have shifted, and you will shift, too. You’ll realize there’s something you can take on yourself instead of paying for. New tools and tech will help with this.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Today’s theme centers on the flow of material items in and out of your life. You’re not interested in excess and have no desire to waste resources. However, such things may happen along the way to an ambitious goal.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 14). This year brings more lightness and freedom than you’ve had in ages. You’ll leave behind something weighty — an identity, a dynamic, a debt — and feel 20 pounds lighter in every way. More highlights: You’ll raise your rates, name your worth and be met with a yes. You’ll also shine on camera, start a new tradition and receive a destiny-shifting invitation. Aries and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 22, 10, 37 and 9.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cate Blanchett continues to captivate audiences with her nuanced performances, most recently in the Apple TV+ miniseries “Disclaimer,” a performance which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Blanchett’s Taurus sun and well-aspected natal Neptune suggest a capacity for grace amidst emotional turbulence, aligning with her portrayal of morally ambiguous characters.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

General

Alabama sheriff’s employee arrested, accused of hiding boyfriend suspected of murder

An employee of the Mobile County Sheriff’s office was arrested Tuesday for allegedly hiding her boyfriend who is suspected murder.

Andrea Nettles, a community resource officer, is charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, according to the sheriff’s office.

Her boyfriend Gregory Jowers was arrested Monday with the help of the US Marshalls Fugitive Task Force, the sheriff’s office said in a press release. Jowers was wanted for the fatal assault of John Fabian on Christmas last year, according to the sheriff’s release.

Jowers was found and arrested at the home he shared with Nettles on Forrest Oaks Drive.

Andrea Nettles is no longer employed by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office,” the sheriff’s office said Tuesday evening.

General

Judge reduces Menendez brothers’ murder sentences, putting them a step closer to freedom

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Erik and Lyle Menendez will have a new shot at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers’ sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life. They’re now eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26. The state parole board must still decide whether to release them from prison.

“I’m not saying they should be released, it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic said. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”

The brothers did not show any apparent emotion during most of the testimony as they appeared via livestream video, but chuckled when one of their cousins, Diane Hernandez, told the court that Erik Menendez received A+ grades in all of his classes during his most recent semester in college.

“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle said in a statement to the court. “The impact of my violent actions on my family … is unfathomable.”

The brothers have served nearly 30 years in prison for the double murder of their parents. They still need approval from the state’s parole board and could potentially go free on time served.

They were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.

The case has captured the public’s attention for decades — and last year, the Netflix drama “ Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story ” and documentary “The Menendez Brothers” brought new attention to the case. Supporters of the brothers have flown in from across the country to attend rallies and hearings in the past few months.

Hearing begins with testimony from a family member

The defense began by calling Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, who testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions.

“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,” Baralt said. “They are universally forgiven by our family.”

Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, said she had recently taken her 13-year-old son to meet the brothers in prison, and that they would contribute a lot of good to the world if released.

Hernandez, who also testified during Erik and Lyle’s first trial, spoke about the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household when she lived with them and the so-called “hallway rule.”

“When Jose was with one of the boys … you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor,” Hernandez said of the father.

Judge to rule on a lesser sentence

Attorneys for the brothers must prove they have been rehabilitated in prison and deserve a lesser sentence of 50 years to life. That would make them eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26.

Their defense attorney, Mark Geragos, said outside the court Tuesday that he wants the judge to reduce their charges to manslaughter and give them time served to allow them to be immediately released.

At least seven family members are expected to testify at the hearings.

Los Angeles County prosecutors argued against the resentencing. They say the brothers have not taken complete responsibility for the crime.

Geragos emphasized that the purpose of resentencing is to “encourage rehabilitation.”

“That is the law,” Geragos said, “not relitigate the facts of the crime as the D.A. wants to do.”

Former district attorney and fami

ly support resentencing

The previous LA County District Attorney George Gascón had opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. His office said the case would’ve been handled differently today due to modern understandings of sexual abuse and trauma, and the brothers’ rehabilitation over three decades in prison.

A resentencing petition laid out by Gascón focuses on the brothers’ accomplishments and rehabilitation. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for their fellow inmates.

A former judge who said he considered himself tough on crime, Jonathan Colby, told the court that he was impressed with the programs the brothers started during their time in prison to provide aid and care for older and disabled inmates. He got to know them over a series of prison visits.

“There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly,” he said.

Former inmate Anerae Brown cried as he testified about how the brothers helped him heal and get on the path to rehabilitation, leading to his release from prison.

He called the programs they started “Menendez University.”

“I have children now,” he said. “Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”

The new LA prosecutor changed course

The current district attorney Nathan Hochman said Tuesday that he believes the brothers are not ready for resentencing because “they have not come clean” about their crimes. His office also has said it does not believe they were sexually abused.

“Our position is not ‘no,’ it’s not ‘never,’ it’s ‘not yet,’” Hochman said. “They have not fully accepted responsibility for all their criminal conduct.”

Recently, prosecutors cited the forensic psychologist’s analysis that said the brothers had recently broken prison rules by smuggling cellphones inside, which Hochman argued demonstrated an inability to regulate their own behavior. It came to the conclusion that they were “moderately more likely” than others to engage in violence in the community, Hochman said.

Hochman’s office attempted twice to withdraw the resentencing petition but both attempts were rejected by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic. He could decide on the resentencing from the bench or issue a written ruling later.

___

This story has been updated to correct the ruling was issued Tuesday, not Friday, and fixes the spelling of Baralt’s first name.

By Jaimie Ding of the Associated Press.

General

Moody takes down Houston Academy in Class 5A state softball championship for first title

Some go for Gatorade baths. Others go for confetti.

For Moody, a state softball crown meant jumping into the lake at Choccolocco Park.

The Blue Devils fended off Houston Academy on Tuesday with a 7-4 victory in the Class 5A state championship, earning the program’s first state softball championship.

Moody capped off an undefeated run in the Class 5A tournament with the showing, also knocking off Boaz (7-1), Brewbaker Tech (5-0) and Springville (6-5) along the way.

The victory for the Blue Devils came one season after falling to Jasper in the Class 5A final, which coach Becky Seymour was a motivating factor for her group heading into Tuesday’s matchup.

“Very grateful, very blessed that we’re leaving in a different position than we left last year,” she said. “This team came in, and it says a lot when you’ve been here before. The expectations, they didn’t let it get bigger than what it was. It’s a game. This is a game, and we have to treat it as such. We just looked at it as one more game, one more game.”

Moody finished the year 41-7 and ended on a 19-game winning streak.

The matchup on Tuesday was tied 4-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Blue Devils scoring 3 runs to take a lead they never lost.

Tournament MVP Taylor Rogers got the scoring streak started with a go-ahead RBI double to score Zoey Terry. Kendall Trimm and Abi Gray also drove in one run apiece for Moody in the key inning.

“One of the things I’m probably most proud of with this team is they have no quit in them at all,” Seymour said. “They never quit. They never give up.

“They just never quit, they never got down and never counted themselves out. They have so much fight in them and that’s just a testament to leadership and who they are as individuals.”

Gray went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate for Moody and led the team with 2 RBIs in the championship victory, while Rogers and Lacey Nichols both collected a pair of hits apiece in the win.

Houston Academy’s Jadyn Rausch went 2-for-3, while Emily Adams and Paige Welch both drove in one run apiece for the Raiders.

“I’m so proud of the way my team responded,” the Moody coach said. “After spring break, we took some time off, and they came back, and they had a vision and a goal, and we worked every single day for that goal and towards that vision and they surpassed everything I’ve asked them to do all year.

“One of the biggest things was playing for something bigger. They truly, truly represented what Moody softball was all about. So I’m very proud of them.”

The team is keyed by eight seniors, who Seymour credited with leading the team in a banner year in varying roles across the field.

“They took this team and said, ‘You know what? We’re going to do this,’” she said. “With the leaders that I have and the qualities that they have as individuals and as leaders on the field, the rest of them got on board with it, and they said, ‘Hey, we’re here for you.’”

General

This fan-favorite Dr. Pepper flavor is back on shelves

Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut has finally made a comeback.

The fan-favorite limited-edition soda with coconut flavor is back on retail shelves according to All Recipes.

Dr Pepper released its Creamy Coconut flavor in May 2024. The flavor combined the original 23 Dr Pepper flavors with layers of tropical coconut flavor for a creamy finish.

Allrecipes reports the soda will be available in 12-ounce 12 packs and 20-ounce bottles through the Fourth of July.

What Does Dr Pepper’s Creamy Coconut Soda Taste Like?

Here’s how People Magazine described the soda:

“The coconut flavor is reminiscent of a virgin piña colada versus rather than straight-up coconut. Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut Zero Sugar has a little more of an artificial coconut bite than its full-sugar counterpart but still supplies the fruity flavor.”

Here’s how Allrecipes described the soda:

“The sweet, tropical flavor pairs well with the peppery, vanilla, and caramel notes of the pop. Like any Dr Pepper, it truly has a unique flavor unlike anything else on the market—especially because this is the only coconut-flavored dark soda out there.

General

Restaurant chain plans to close more than a dozen locations

Despite a rebrand, popular restaurant chain Noodles & Company is planning to shutter over a dozen locations.

In a company press release, Noodles & Company announced it will shutter between 13 to 17 locations this year.

“We are very pleased with the strong comparable restaurant sales and traffic performance we achieved during the first quarter despite a challenging macroeconomic environment,” said company Chief Executive Officer Drew Madsen in the press release. “Our momentum is being driven by our fully reimagined new menu that launched on March 12th, supported by increased marketing investment and a new brand strategy. Since the new menu introduction, comparable sales have increased by approximately 5% through April.”

While the company has plans to shutter locations, it also reported that “same-store sales” are up 4.4%. The restaurant chain also debuted a new menu earlier this year, reports QSR Magazine.

So far, Noodles & Company has not announced which locations will close.

General

Alabama Gov. Ivey urged to veto THC bill by groups with far different views of what it means

Gov. Kay Ivey is getting plenty of advice on what to do with a bill that would regulate sales of gummies, drinks, and other consumable products containing the marijuana chemical THC that is derived from hemp.

That includes advice from people who are urging the governor to veto the bill, HB445 by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, but for entirely different reasons.

On one side are store owners who say the regulations are an overreach that will put them out of business and deprive their customers of products they depend on to relieve symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

On the other side are those who say HB445 is weak and that it gives legal status to products that should be banned in a state where possession of marijuana remains a crime.

Among those who make that point are the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative research and advocacy organization that says its mission is to promote “free markets, limited government, and strong families.”

The API issued a press release last week saying HB445, sponsored by Whitt and Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, effectively legalizes recreational marijuana “under the guise of protecting children.”

The API noted that marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug under the federal controlled substances act, a category for drugs with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

“API stands opposed (to) the state condoning and taxing the illegal drug use of its citizens,” the organization said in its news release. “Picking winners and losers with spotty regulation and low taxation isn’t the answer.

“If this bill is signed, the real losers will be the citizens of Alabama dealing with the aftermath of drugs being sold legally statewide in grocery stores, in state sanctioned stores, and in stores in every community.”

Whitt responded to the API and other critics of his bill with an op-ed piece about what he called “nose growing narratives.”

Whitt said the hemp business advocates and those calling for ban on the products are special interest groups who did not get their way on the bill, which he said was a compromise.

“HB445 neither bans all hemp-derived THC products, nor does it legalize recreational marijuana,” Whitt wrote. “What it does is introduce commonsense controls on substances that are already federally legal.”

Whitt wrote that API President and CEO Stephanie Smith attacked his integrity with false statements because she said HB445 would make marijuana laws in Alabama more lenient than in Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal.

Smith said the API did not attack Whitt’s character. She stuck by the substance of API’s news release that urged Ivey to veto the bill.

“API’s entire focus has been on the harmful impacts that hemp-derived psychoactive THC has on its users and its broader negative effects on society,” Smith wrote in an email responding to Whitt’s op-ed.

“We have made comparisons to Colorado, where it is illegal to make and sell THC products that have been manufactured from hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids due to the harmful chemicals used to make these products.

“While non-synthetic recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, edible products are limited to no more than 10mg of THC per serving, the exact same limit in HB445, as passed by the Alabama Legislature.

“This is fact, not fiction. Even Colorado recognizes the serious health and psychological dangers of synthetic hemp-derived THC and banned it.”

The products containing THC derived from hemp – also known as Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 – are widely available in Alabama in specialty shops and in convenience stores, as well as online.

The shops also sell products with CBD, another cannabinoid that does not have the psychoactive effects of THC.

Whitt’s bill would ban smokable hemp products, which some businesses say are their most popular sellers.

It would regulate other products with THC, such as gummies, other edibles, and beverages.

It would restrict sales to retailers licensed by the ABC Board under a new license category. The stores would be restricted to people 21 and older, except that grocery stores could sell THC-infused beverages in designated areas with the products behind glass.

The bill would limit THC content per serving size and require products to carry labels that show ingredients as certified by an independent lab.

Direct shipments to customers, such as internet sales, would be illegal.

The bill would impose fines, and in some cases criminal penalties for violations, or for selling to customers under 21.

Marty Schelper, founder of the Alabama Cannabis Coalition, which advocates for legalization of marijuana, helped lead a protest in downtown Montgomery on Saturday urging Ivey to veto the bill.

Schelper said the hemp-derived products are particularly important in Alabama because the state’s medical marijuana industry, authorized by the Legislature four years ago to treat pain, anxiety, symptoms from cancer treatment, and many other conditions, remains stalled in court over licensing disputes. No products are available.

“The hemp industry has been providing what the Medical Cannabis Commission wanted to provide for the citizens,” Schelper said. “The hemp industry has been filling that void.

“So, if this legislation is signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, the citizens will not have access to hemp products that have been filling that void.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has urged Ivey to veto the bill because of the impact he said it would have on businesses.

Woodfin has been critical of the negative consequences of criminal sanctions for marijuana possession and has initiated pardons for people who were charged in municipal court.

The governor’s office has not said whether Ivey will sign the bill, only that it is under review.

The governor has several options. She could sign it into law, send it back to the Legislature with executive amendments, or recommended changes.

Or she could take no action and allow it to become law without her signature.

If the governor vetoes the bill, the Legislature could override the veto with votes by a majority of representatives and senators.

General

Arizona governor signs ‘Emily’s Law’ to alert when Native Americans go missing

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona’s governor on Tuesday signed legislation to create an alert system for Native Americans who have gone missing in the state, a measure that won unanimous approval from lawmakers in the wake of the disappearance and death of a San Carlos Apache teen.

With Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signature, Arizona becomes the latest state to join a movement that began in 2022 in Washington state to use alert systems to quickly share information about cases involving Native Americans.

Colorado, California and other states have adopted their own versions of such systems. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed what is known as “turquoise alert” legislation, and North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong approved a “feather alert.” The alerts take their names from items that hold spiritual and cultural significance to Native Americans.

Arizona’s “turquoise alert” legislation is also referred to as “Emily’s Law” to honor Emily Pike, whose remains were found Feb. 14 more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from a group home she left in Mesa, Arizona, in late January. Pike’s death spurred a resurgence of activism aimed at bringing more awareness to the disproportionate number of disappearances and violent deaths that have gripped Native American communities for decades, and prompted lawmakers to amend the bill to recognize her.

“It breaks my heart that we, the state of Arizona, didn’t even go looking for this little girl. No one looked for her,” bill sponsor Rep. Teresa Martinez said while on the House floor last week. “We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted.”

The Federal Communications Commission voted last year to establish a new national alert code for delivering messages to the public via television, radio and wireless phones about missing and endangered persons cases.

The commission reported that in 2023, more than 188,000 people who fall outside of the criteria for Amber Alerts went missing, noting that the new code will be particularly beneficial to Native American, Alaska Native and Black communities. Those groups constitute 40% of missing people in the U.S. despite each making up much smaller percentages of the overall population, according to the commission.

States have various alert programs that cover cases that can include children, specific minorities, people with disabilities and older adults. California in 2024 rolled out “ebony alerts” to inform the public about missing Black youths. Supporters say there have been successful outcomes with that system but that law enforcement could be issuing more alerts for those cases that meet the requirements.

The Arizona legislation creates a rapid response system for issuing and coordinating alerts for people reported missing under the age of 65, including those who are members of federally recognized tribes, if law enforcement finds the individual could be in danger or missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.

“Like my sister says, even though she’s not here with us, she’s still making a difference,” Pike’s uncle, Allred Pike Jr., said in an interview Friday.

Pike’s mother, Steff Dosela, has told reporters that it took a week for her to hear about her daughter’s disappearance from the group home. Lawmakers in the Arizona Senate are looking into Arizona Department of Child Services’ group home regulations.

The FBI announced last week that it was offering a $75,000 reward for information that would identify the person or people responsible for the disappearance and killing of Pike, whose remains were recovered by Gila County sheriff’s deputies on state land near the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. The reward is in addition to the $75,000 already being offered by the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

___

Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

General

Anticipate pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in Limestone County Tuesday, gusts could peak at 50 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 5:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m. for Limestone County.

The storms are packing wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 5:46 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Rogersville, or 12 miles west of Athens, moving east at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Cartwright, Athens, Tanner, Coxey, Cairo and Ripley.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

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.
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 forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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. Although water and metal do not 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.

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:

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:

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.

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:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

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 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:

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.

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.