Alabama News

President Donald Trump’s “one big beautiful bill” extends the life of a flagship NASA program he once dismissed as “grossly expensive and delayed.”

His expected signature Friday would be an about-face worth potentially billions of dollars to north Alabama’s space economy.

Last month, the White House’s budget proposal for NASA included historically large cuts, mainly to the space agency’s science programs. But it also called for the phaseout of the Space Launch System and its Orion crew capsule after 2027’s Artemis III, which will put astronauts on the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. SLS and Orion had been expected to be used in up to 10 missions in the Artemis moon-to-Mars program.

Congress, though, included nearly $10 billion in additional funding for SLS, Orion and the Lunar Gateway station. The provision initially came from an amendment by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who said “targeted, critical investments” are needed to ensure the U.S. establishes a moon colony before China does.

Both the Senate and the House included Cruz’s additional funding in their adopted versions of Trump’s tax and spending bill.

Sen. Katie Britt said on X the legislation, “delivers on major promises” and will bring significant investment to north Alabama’s space industry. That includes $100 million for construction and infrastructure projects at Marshall Space Flight Center and $4.1 billion for the Artemis IV and V missions.

Rep. Dale Strong, whose 5th District includes Huntsville, said in a new release, “From our space, defense, and manufacturing sectors to our working families, farmers, and small business owners — all of North Alabama will benefit from President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill.”

If Trump signs the legislation, as he is expected to do, north Alabama stands to gain from at least two additional Artemis missions run from Marshall Space Flight Center.

A 2024 study found Alabama enjoyed $5.1 billion in economic impact due to NASA’s Artemis-related work — more than any other state. It attributed much of that to the reach of Marshall and the contracting it oversees.

Marshall Space Flight Center is NASA’s lead center for SLS, managing the booster, engines, stages, and integration. Marshall is one of NASA’s largest field centers, employing nearly 7,000 federal workers and contractors.

Major Huntsville aerospace contractors including Boeing, Dynetics, Aerojet Rocketdyne, United Launch Alliance and Teledyne Brown Engineering contribute to the development, production and operation of the SLS’s various elements.

A Falkville man has been charged with capital murder after a shooting Thursday morning.

Hartselle police say Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, is being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond.

According to police, officers were called at about 9 a.m. to respond to a report of a man with a firearm at a Stage Road residence.

While enroute, they were told by dispatchers that an argument was reportedly occurring at the residence, accompanied by gunfire.

An unarmed man in the front yard cooperated with officers once they arrived, police said.

Police found Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, dead at the scene.

“This was an isolated incident, and there is no continuing threat to the public,” police said in an announcement. “The Hartselle Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Fox during this difficult time.”

NASA’s moon program continues to drive cost overruns, government auditors said in a new report, led by the space agency’s troubled Orion crew module.

In a review of 38 current NASA projects that cost $250 million or more, the Government Accountability Office found Artemis-related programs accounted for most of the $500 million in cost overruns since last year. The human spaceflight crew capsule, known as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle program, accounted for over $360 million of that total.

Orion’s overruns resulted from several “technical and development issues,” auditors wrote, including performance problems with the crew capsule’s heat shield that were identified during the Artemis I flight, design issues within the life-support system and software development delays.

Artemis is NASA’s $93 billion, decade-long human lunar exploration program, which includes plans for a permanent colony on the moon as a step toward crewed Mars missions. Marshall Space Flight Center manages many aspects of the program, including the Space Launch System rocket and Orion.

“As the number of Artemis projects grows, so does the challenge of integrating them together,” auditors wrote. “These highly complex and interdependent systems will need to be successfully integrated to support individual Artemis missions, which are more complex than any previous human space flight programs.”

In December, NASA released findings from its two-year-long investigation into “unexpected behavior” of the protective coating on the Orion capsule that emerged after it returned from the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission.

Testing revealed 100 spots where charring formed and then flaked off the 16-foot-diameter heat shield, which the agency called “unexpected behavior.” It intends to address the issue by modifying the trajectory of Artemis II, which will send a crew into lunar orbit and then back to Earth.

That launch has been delayed until April 2026, with Artemis III planned for mid-2027. The agency had intended to launch the program’s second flight in September, with the third – which will land humans on the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972 – in September 2026.

Against a backdrop of other big-ticket programs, the Artemis issues are more glaring. Auditors found that most major projects launched since NASA’s last evaluation in 2009 — 30 out of 53, or 56.6% — have avoided major additional costs.

Yet three Artemis projects – SLS Block 1, Orion and Exploration Ground Systems — accounted for nearly $7 billion of total cost overruns. That comprises almost half of the total overruns racked up by the 53 projects since 2009.

The report followed weeks of uncertainty surrounding NASA’s flagship human spaceflight program. President Donald Trump proposed phasing out SLS and Orion in the White House’s budget outline for NASA, but the House and Senate added back nearly $10 billion for those and related programs into the president’s tax and spending bill.

Trump was expected to sign the bill Friday.

Thifty Ice Cream, the beloved ice cream chain inside of Rite Aid stores, may be rebounding from bankruptcy.

The ice cream counter was a staple inside of Rite Aid locations. In early May, Rite Aid announced it was filing for bankruptcy for a second time as it looked for a buyer.

According to The Street, 500 hand-scooped ice cream counters inside Rite Aid were are set to close. Since these locations are inside the Rite Aid pharmacies, they couldn’t be sold as a separate asset, The Street reported at the time.

Now, it looks like the ice cream shops may have a buyer.

Fast Company, noting a bankruptcy filing, reports Rite Aid has chosen a successful bidder for its Thrifty Payless subsidiary.

According to Fast Company, the purchaser is Hilrod Holdings, a limited partnership with ties to Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks, top executives at energy drink behemoth Monster Beverage.

Alabama has set another execution date, planning to put two men to death using nitrogen gas about a month apart.

On Thursday afternoon, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Geoffrey Todd West will be executed sometime between 12:00 a.m. on September 25, and before 6 a.m,. September 26. He’s set to die by inhaling pure nitrogen gas– a method first used in Alabama last year.

West, 49, has been on Alabama Death Row for over 28 years for the March 1997 killing of Margaret Parrish Berry.

Court records show that on the evening of March 27, 1997, West and his then-girlfriend drove to a gas station where he had previously worked on Noccalula Parkway in Etowah County. According to court records, West had told people that he planned to rob the gas station.

Berry was working at the Chevron as an attendant. Records state that West went in the store, stole about $250 from a can where the store’s money was kept, and shot Berry in the head while she was lying on the floor.

At his original trial, a jury voted 10-2 for the death penalty.

West’s execution date is set for about a month after David Lee Roberts, who is set to die by also breathing in pure nitrogen gas on August 21.

Roberts is set to be the fourth man executed in Alabama this year. If he dies, West will be the fifth.

In February, Alabama executed Demetrius Terrence Frazier. The state was set to next execute Robin “Rocky” Myers, but in a rare move, Alabama Gov. Ivey commuted his sentence to life in prison.

James Osgood was executed in April, and on June 10, Gregory Hunt was put to death.

The Yellowhammer state led the nation in executions last year by executing six people: Kenneth Smith, Jamie Mills, Keith Gavin, Alan Miller, Derrick Dearman, and Carey Grayson.

Planning to light up the sky this Independence Day? In Alabama, your ability to legally enjoy fireworks depends largely on where you live.

While fireworks are generally illegal within incorporated towns and cities across the state, they remain legal in most unincorporated areas. However, even in areas where fireworks are permitted, specific ordinances may restrict when they can be used or limit noise levels.

The local police or sheriff’s office in your area can provide you with the specific laws regarding fireworks.

What’s legal in Alabama?

Class C consumer fireworks are permitted for use in Alabama. Those generally permitted include:

• Bottle Rockets
• Roman Candles
• Firecrackers
• Sparklers
• Smoke Bombs
• Wheels and Spinners

Ground salute fireworks containing more than two-grains of explosives or fireworks purchased via mail are prohibited.

Federal law continues to ban Cherry Bombs, Silver Salutes, and M-80s since 1966 due to the large amounts of explosives contained in the fireworks.

Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to purchase fireworks. It is also illegal under state law to sell fireworks to anyone who appears intoxicated or unable to handle fireworks responsibly.

The sale of fireworks from tents, cars, or car-pulled trailers is illegal in Alabama. Mobile homes can be used as sales locations as long as they measure at least 8 feet wide by 32 feet long and have had their wheels removed.

Legal fireworks can only be sold during two specific seasons: from June 20 to July 10 and from December 15 to January 2 each year.

The Indiana Fever play against the Las Vegas Aces in a WNBA game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on Prime Video. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by Prime Video.

The Fever enter this matchup with an 8-8 record, and they are coming off a 74-59 win against Minnesota in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Fever will need to rely on their star guard Kelsey Mitchell. She leads the team in scoring, as she averages nearly 19 points per game.

Notably, Mitchell has scored at least 20 points in four of her last five games. With this in mind, she will try to continue her offensive success this evening.

The Aces also enter this matchup with an 8-8 record, and they are coming off an 84-81 win against Phoenix. During the victory, A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas offense. She ended the game with 26 points, and she led the team with seven assists.

If Wilson continues to play at a high level tonight, then the Aces will be a difficult team to beat.

Fans can watch this WNBA game for free online by using the free trial offered by Prime Video.

A brand new episode of the hit reality series Jersey Shore Family Vacation premieres on MTV Thursday, July 3 at 8/7c.

Cord cutters hoping to catch this week’s new episode of Jersey Shore Family Vacation can stream the series through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

Previous episode recap

For those who may have missed last week’s wildly entertaining episode, Mike took vacation mode to an extreme level by organizing a farm adventure for the entire group. In doing so, comedic moments and a nostalgic level of camaraderie were reached as the group stepped out of their comfort zones and participated in daily farm chores.

While there, Angelina showcased her interest in the paranormal by ghost hunting in their unconventional Airbnb—an old, spooky farmhouse. Throughout her impromptu investigation, she reported tell-tale signs of paranormal activity like feeling cold spots throughout the property and more.

What to expect from this week’s new episode

On this week’s episode, the gang’s time on the farm is slowly coming to a close, but before they ditch their plaid shirts and cowboy hats, the gang participates in a farm to table meal.

Though the majority of their stay on the farm was filled with long-lasting, fun memories, there’s lingering questions on whether or not the meal will be a peaceful one.

How to watch Jersey Shore Family Vacation season 8

Those interested in catching this week’s new episode and the rest of season eight can find the series available for streaming through the platforms listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month and one month free of AMC+ ($45.99 a month after first month)

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Sling?

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

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

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

House Republicans lifted President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final passage Thursday, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline.

Trump is expected to sign the bill tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET, the Associated Press reported.

The tight roll call, 218-214, came at a potentially high political cost, with two Republicans joining all Democrats opposed.

GOP leaders worked overnight and the president himself leaned on a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition and send the bill to his desk to become law.

The outcome delivers a milestone for the president and his party, a longshot effort to compile a lengthy list of GOP priorities into what they called his “one big beautiful bill,” an 800-plus page package. With Democrats unified in opposition, the bill will become a defining measure of Trump’s return to the White House, with the sweep of Republican control of Congress.

Along with the two Republican House members who voted against the bill dubbed by Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” three GOP senators voted “no” on Wednesday.

Here are the five Republicans who voted against Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

Massie drew Trump’s wrath over his opposition to the bill, with the Kentucky congressman slammed by the president in several Truth Social posts:

“He’ll undoubtedly vote against the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, even though non-passage means a 68% Tax Increase for everybody, and many things far worse than that. MAGA should drop this pathetic LOSER, Tom Massie, like the plague!” Trump posted last week.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.

Fitzpatrick, who joined Massie in voting against the bill, did not face the same backlash from Trump as his Kentucky counterpart.

The Pennsylvania Republican, who bills himself as an “independent voice” on his X account, cited the Senate version of the bill’s Medicaid provisions for his “no” vote.

“The original House language was written in a way that protected our community; the Senate amendments fell short of our standard. I believe in, and will always fight for, policies that are thoughtful, compassionate, and good for our community. It is this standard that will always guide my legislative decisions.”

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Paul, a fiscal conservative, was concerned about estimates showing the legislation would increase the country’s debt.

“Bottom line: I offered my vote for fiscal sanity. Congress chose to sell out taxpayers instead. Only once the bill is released, we will know what the true price was,” he posted to X on Wednesday.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine

Collins pointed to the bill’s Medicaid cuts as her rationale for voting against it.

“While I continue to support the tax relief I voted for in 2017, I could not support these Medicaid changes and other issues,” the Maine senator said.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Like Massie, Tillis incurred Trump’s wrath after the North Carolina Republican delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor.

“So what do I tell 663,000 people in two years or three years, when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off of Medicaid because the funding is not there anymore?” Tillis said of his constituents.

In turn, Trump said he would be interviewing contenders to primary Tillis.

“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Tillis announced he would not seek re-election instead of going up against a Trump-funded primary challenger.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Virginia Madsen is mourning the loss of her brother and fellow actor, Michael Madsen. The “Kill Bill” and “Reservoir Dogs” star died at 67 years old from what appeared to be a cardiac arrest, according to his representatives.

Virginia is Michael’s younger sister. The two supported each other’s acting careers over the years and often showed up on the red carpet for each other’s premieres.

“My brother Michael has left the stage,” Virginia wrote in a statement to Variety. 

“He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother — etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.”

“We’re not mourning a public figure,” she continued.

“We’re not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.”

Virginia concluded, “I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we’ll share how we plan to celebrate his life — but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can’t.”

Michael Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on Thursday morning, according to his rep. His manager issued a statement revealing Michael was working on a new book, “Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,” before his death. The project is currently being edited.

The two siblings appeared together as fictionalized versions of themselves in director Michael Mongillo’s 2007 comedy mockumentary “Being Michael Madsen.”

The film included many of Michael’s former co-stars, including David Carradine, Harry Dean Stanton and Daryl Hannah.

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