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Mother and son arrested in Jasper fire that destroyed public defender’s office

A mother and son have been arrested following a weekend fire that destroyed the Walker County Public Defender’s Office in downtown Jasper.

Joseph Kolarchick, 19, and Amanda Jo Kolarchick, 42, are charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree theft of property and third-degree arson, Jasper police Chief J.C. Poe announced Wednesday.

Authorities said they’re still investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters responded about 4:30 a.m. Saturday to the massive blaze in the 400 block of 19th Street West.

Jasper Fire Chief Chris Uptain said firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:32 a.m. and began to battle the blaze and try to protect surrounding buildings. A private law office next door sustained a large amount of smoke and water damage.

Firefighters stayed on the scene for more than 12 hours, the fire chief said. The block was cordoned off for the next few days.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting in the investigation.

Poe said he arrived on the scene about 30 minutes after the fire was discovered.

“I had grave concerns that we were going to lose the entire block,” the police chief said. “Can’t enough be said for the fire department and what they did to contain the fire.”

Poe said the investigation turned criminal after a citizen told police about “unusual foot traffic” downtown earlier that morning. They were carrying items that seemed unusual, according to the witness.

“We started pulling video from business and City Hall downtown,” he said.

Firefighters responded about 4 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, to a massive blaze in the 300 block of 19th Street West in downtown Jasper.(Special to AL.com)

Videos showed the suspects carrying items, including a computer tower with the electrical plug dragging.

Police identified the suspects and spoke with them. He said investigators learned the mother and son went into the building to steal items.

The stolen items include a pistol, identification cards, and other disclosed items.

Poe said the suspect led investigators to the stolen goods.

“These two individuals have been homeless for quite a while,” Poe said.

“Joseph has been homeless since he was 15 or 16,” he said. “It’s an extremely sad situation.”

“They’re addicted, but they’re being booked in, and their addiction is going to be treated and looked after,” Poe said.

“It’s our intent to pursue this case aggressively,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Bryan Warren.

“This act has affected a number of individuals both professionally and personally,” Warren said. “Certainly, we want to keep them in our prayers.”

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Tom Moran: Trump’s worst nomination yet. And that says a lot.

President Donald Trump’s cabinet members are a ragtag band of loyalists, many of them profoundly unqualified, but all of them clear about their role: They are to serve as bobbleheads who do what they are told. It’s a pity and it’s dangerous, but he’s filling seats on his own team, the executive branch, and so was granted leeway.

Now, though, he’s trying to place a loyalist, a ferocious one named Emil Bove, on the Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, one notch below the Supreme Court. That’s not his team. That’s a separate branch, where no bobblehead belongs.

A judge is supposed to be a referee, but even Trump is boasting that his boy Bove is a cheerleader.

“He will do anything … that is necessary to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump posted on social media. “Emil Bove will never let you down.”

LET THE RECORD SHOW

Trump is not guessing about that. He’s looking at Bove’s record as a prosecutor, which shows a disdain for the rule of law at every stage.

This is the guy who led the purge of FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked on the prosecution of the January 6 rioters — even the 169 rioters who were convicted of assaulting cops that day, dragging them from their defensive lines to beat them with fists, feet, steel rods, and fire extinguishers.

Bove called the prosecutions “a grave national injustice.”

“That’s going after people who were just doing their jobs,” says New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D). Their targets, he says, were “people who viciously beat police officers. And violence against the police is not just wrong. It invites a level of lawlessness that is despicable.”

POLITICS OVER JUSTICE

Bove is also the guy who ordered that corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams be dropped, even though he conceded the decision was not based on the evidence or the law, but purely on politics. Adams was willing to cooperate with Trump’s deportations, and that was enough for Bove.

That was too much for the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case, Danielle Sassoon, a Trump appointee who quit in protest rather than sign her name to the order. One of her deputies, Hagan Scotten, a combat veteran, quit as well, offering this classic put-down in his resignation letter to Bove: “I expect you will find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”

INTENTIONAL DECEIT

All that, believe it or not, is not the worst of it. The most alarming evidence against Bove was revealed in late June when a member of his own team at the Department of Justice took us behind closed doors, where Bove was discussing the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant from Maryland who had been mistakenly sent to prison in El Salvador.

The question on the table: What if the courts order a halt to the deportations?

The whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, says Bove “stated that DOJ would need to consider telling the courts ‘f— you’” and ignoring its orders. He also says Bove intentionally misled federal judges during deportation hearings.

Stop the train. Pull the alarm.

“In and of itself, that should be disqualifying,” Booker says.

Bove denies Reuveni’s claim, as he must, but the story fits neatly with the other cases where Bove has shown disdain for the rule of law. And why would Reuveni make this up and derail his own career? This is a guy who had defended Trump’s deportations in court several times.

POTENTIAL ‘LASTING DAMAGE’

“This is a dangerous nomination,” says Sen. Andy Kim (D) of New Jersey, who met with Bove in March because this is considered a New Jersey seat on the Third Circuit. “He could cause lasting damage, well beyond Trump’s second term. . . I’m hard-pressed to think of someone who is more unfit for being a federal judge than Mr. Bove.”

Dig into Bove’s history, before he joined Trump in Washington, and you find more rot, more lies, more disdain for the rule of law. In 2018, as an assistant prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, a unit supervised by Bove prosecuted a banker accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran, Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad.

But the charges were dismissed after a judge found that Bove’s team withheld evidence from the defense, breaking a cardinal rule of prosecutorial ethics. In a scorching ruling, District Judge Alison Nathan concluded that Bove’s team “deliberately” misled the defense

Nathan was so appalled that she ordered all prosecutors and assistants in the Southern District to read her 42-page opinion. “The manifold problems that have arisen throughout this prosecution — and that may well have gone undetected in countless others — cry out for a coordinated, systemic response from the highest levels of leadership within the United States attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York,” she wrote.

Will Bove win confirmation? The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Thursday, and if its June 25 hearing on Bove’s nomination is any guide, Bove will be approved on a party line vote. Booker and Kim are not optimistic about the floor vote either, and both suspect that Trump may nominate Bove for a seat on the Supreme Court next.

“I’m deeply worried,” Kim says. “His mission is clearly to defend Trump at all costs.”

To defend Trump. Not the Constitution. Not the rule of law. But one man whose campaign to degrade our democracy seems to be running right on schedule.

Moran is a national political columnist for Advance Local and the former editorial page editor/columnist for The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J. He can be emailed at [email protected].

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Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds in Colbert and Lauderdale counties Wednesday

The National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 3:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Littleville, or 7 miles northwest of Russellville, moving east at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Killen, Littleville, Leighton, St. Florian, Posey Loop and Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.

The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
  • 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, which 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 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

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

Visibility matters:

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.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville set to lose 279 senior staffers – report

NASA is set to lose 2,145 highly experienced staff – including hundreds in Huntsville – under the Donald Trump administration’s downsizing efforts, according to a POLITICO report.

The publication reported Wednesday that documents show the federal employees are levels GS-13 to GS-15, indicating mid-to-senior positions, “with specialized skills or management responsibilities.” They represent most of the 2,694 civil service staffers who have agreed to leave under the administration’s efforts to trim the federal workforce.

More than 10% of those senior-level reductions – 279 in total – are to take place at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, according to the report. Trump’s budget proposal called for a total reduction at MSFC of 526 full-time equivalent positions. The POLITICO report means 53% of those reductions would come in the form of highly experienced staffers.

The reductions follow a budgetary back-and-forth surrounding NASA’s flagship Artemis moon program, with Trump’s budget proposal calling for a historically large cut that included phasing out the Space Launch System and Orion. The SLS is the super-heavy, expendable launch vehicle that is scheduled to carry crews to lunar orbit — aboard Orion — throughout the life of the agency’s Artemis moon program.

Both SLS and Orion are key programs for Marshall, one of the largest of NASA’s 10 field centers. It currently employs nearly 7,000 federal workers and contractors in Huntsville and manages a multibillion-dollar budget related to human spaceflight. MSFC is the agency’s lead center for SLS, managing the booster, engines, stages, and integration.

The House and Senate, however, restored billions in funding for Artemis missions and improvements to Marshall Space Flight Center in their adopted versions of the president’s spending plan, which Trump signed last week.

The senior staff reductions hit Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland hardest, with 607 planned departures, according to POLITICO. The totals at other centers include:

  • Johnson Space Center in Texas, 366
  • Kennedy Space Center in Florida, 311
  • NASA headquarters in Washington, 307
  • Langley Research Center in Virginia, 281
  • Glenn Research Center in Ohio, 191

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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‘On The Case with Paula Zahn’ returns with midseason premiere: How to watch without cable

The hit true-crime docuseries On The Case with Paula Zahn returns with its midseason premiere after year-long hiatus. The upcoming midseason premiere will air on Investigation Discovery Wednesday, July 9 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to tune in for new episodes can stream the midseason premiere and other upcoming episodes through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is On The Case with Paula Zahn?

For those unfamiliar with the long-running ID series, On The Case with Paula Zahn follows veteran journalist Paula Zahn as she steps out of the studio and into the field to unravel criminal investigations.

Throughout each episode, Zahn tracks the drama of each story by featuring the opinions of those closest to the case including law enforcement officials, the families of the victims and the incarcerated, lawyers from both sides, and first-time TV interviews with convicted murderers.

The upcoming midseason premiere follows Zahn as she teams up with a heartbroken mother who’s on a quest for justice. Determined to lead police to solve the murder of her daughter and close friend, Zahn and the victim’s mother work to examine the evidence and collect more.

How to watch On The Case with Paula Zahn season 27

Those interested in streaming the midseason premiere can find On The Case with Paula Zahn available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

Out of the three watch options listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

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 DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs 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 Investigation Discovery. 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).

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Homewood water service outage scheduled for Thursday night: What to know

Water service for customers in Homewood will be turned off Thursday night as crews complete infrastructure work.

Workers with Central Alabama Water, formerly known of the Birmingham Water Works Board will replace two 8-inch valves.

The outage is expected to begin at 11 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday.

About 76 service connections will be affected. Replacing the valves will improve water pressure in the area, officials said.

Crews will begin work at Tamworth Lane and Devon Drive.

Affected streets include:

  • Devon Drive
  • Rumson Road
  • Tamworth Lane
  • Windsor Drive
  • A portion of U.S. Highway 280

Customers during the outage may experience low water pressure or temporary loss of water service.

Once service is restored, customers are advised to run cold water through their faucets for five minutes to flush pipes if they experience air in their plumbing or brown water.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Be ready for strong thunderstorms in Northwest Alabama Wednesday afternoon – gusts as high as 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 2:48 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:45 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin counties.

Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:48 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Tishomingo State Park, moving east at 20 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Russellville, Tuscumbia, Red Bay, Cherokee, Littleville, Belgreen, Posey Loop, Allsboro, Rockwood and Red Rock.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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.
  • Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
  • 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.
  • Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 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 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents 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:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

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, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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.

Visibility matters:

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 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:

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.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Kristi Noem claims 1 in 6 Maui wildfire victims turned to prostitution to survive: Is that true?

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raised eyebrows on social media after claiming Wednesday that one in six survivors of the Maui wildfires resorted to offering “sexual favors” to survive.

Noem made the claim during the second meeting of the FEMA Review Council — the body determining whether the agency should be eliminated and reformed.

The secretary said the wildfires on Hawaii were among the examples of FEMA’s “gross mismanagement and negligence.”

“After the wildfires in Maui, residents voiced concerns that every FEMA employee that they spoke with had different answers” and they didn’t get “helpful assistance,” Noem said.

“The situation in Lahaina was so bad that one in six survivors were forced to trade sexual favors, other favors, for just basic supplies,” the secretary continued.

The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, according to the Associated Press. More than 100 people on Maui lost their lives.

Noem contrasted the wildfire survivors’ situation with those of “illegal aliens” who stayed in hotels for free in cities like New York.

“At the same time, illegal aliens were staying in luxury hotels using FEMA dollars,” Noem said.

The secretary’s comments on the wildfires were met with incredulity by liberal-leaning social media accounts, including Meidas Touch, which posted: “These people are insane.”

“She should be stripped of her post for spreading such lies,” tweeted another account critical of the Trump administration.

But according to reports, Noem’s claim is true.

Citing new findings, the Guardian reported in late May that “One in six female survivors surveyed felt forced to engage in ‘survival sex’ for necessities after 2023 catastrophic Hawaii fire.”

“Immigrant women and other limited English speakers felt particularly isolated and unsafe in emergency shelters, with some sleeping with their children in vehicles – or engaging in ‘survival sex’ for a safer place to stay, according to the new report by Tagnawa, a Filipino feminist disaster response organization in Hawaii, shared exclusively with the Guardian,” the outlet reported May 29.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in Central Alabama Wednesday afternoon – gusts as high as 40 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 2:39 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Shelby, Bibb and Chilton counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Brierfield Ironworks Park, or near Jemison, moving northeast at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Calera, Montevallo, Columbiana, Jemison, Wilton, Ashby, Brierfield Ironworks Park, Lay Lake, Shelby, Minooka Park, Waxahatchee Creek, Highway 145, CR 46 and and Spring Creek.

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

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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 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 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, which 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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 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.

Prioritize visibility

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 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:

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 limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

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.

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.

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$5,000 reward offered in Talladega quadruple homicide

A reward is being offered for information in the shooting deaths of four people found slain inside an Alabama apartment.

Crime Stoppers 215-STOP, formerly known as Central Alabama Crime Stoppers, on Wednesday announced a $5,000 reward for information in the slayings of Querida Lenora Rachelle Flores, 30, Jamari Rashad Evans, 27, Jeffreon Quejuantay Keith, 40 and Nicholas Lanod Keith, 44. All four lived in Talladega.

Talladega police were dispatched about 3:30 p.m. Saturday to the residence on Old Shocco Road. Officers went to the home after receiving a request for a welfare check on someone who had not been heard from since Thursday.

Once at the residence, police made entry and found three men and a woman dead. All had been shot, according to the Talladega County Coroner’s Office.

Authorities have not said how long the victims had been dead.

Repeated efforts to reach Talladega police and city officials for comment have been unsuccessful.

It was not immediately clear how long the victims had been dead.

The investigation is ongoing by Talladega police, the Talladega County Drug and Major Crime Unit, the Talladega County District Attorney’s Office, as well as several federal law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (833-251-7867).

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