Alabama News

A brand new season of the hit reality dating series Bachelor in Paradise is set to hit ABC with its season 10 premiere Monday, July 7 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to tune in for this monumental season can stream The Bachelor spinoff series through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy.

What is Bachelor in Paradise?

For those unfamiliar with the series, Bachelor in Paradise brings back fan-favorite stars and villains from the largely successful parent shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette for yet another chance to find love.

What we know about Bachelor in Paradise season 10 so far

As Bachelor Nation is one of the most dedicated fanbases around the world, the network has been teasing the highly anticipated return for months now and has released the jaw-dropping season 10 cast members, the new filming location and more.

Typically, Bachelor in Paradise is filmed at the Playa Escondida Resort in Sayulita, Mexico, but this year, the show is sending the hopeful romantics to Costa Rica.

Along with the typical cast members vying for a second chance at love, it was announced earlier this year that the Bachelor franchise host Jesse Palmer will return as host for this upcoming season, and fan favorite Bachelor Nation alums Wells Adams and Hannah Brown will make appearances throughout the series as bartenders.

In another jaw-dropping twist, it was announced earlier this month that in addition to the typical 16 cast members hitting the sandy Costa Rican shores, fan-favorites from the Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette are joining in the fun as contestants for season 10, too.

Meet the Bachelor in Paradise season 10 cast

• Alexe Godin – The Bachelor, season 29
• Bailey Brown – The Bachelor, season 29
• Brian Autz – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Dale Moss – The Bachelorette, season 16
• Hakeem Moulton – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Jeremy Simon – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Jess Edwards – The Bachelor, season 28
• Jonathon Johnson – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Justin Glaze – The Bachelorette, season 17
• Kat Izzo – The Bachelor, season 27
• Kyle Howard – The Bachelorette, season 17
• Lexi Young – The Bachelor, season 28
• Ricky Marinez – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Sam McKinney – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Spencer Conley – The Bachelorette, season 21
• Zoe McGrady – The Bachelor, season 29
• April Kirkwood – The Golden Bachelor, season 1
• Charles “CK” King – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1
• Jack Lencioni – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1
• Kathy Swarts – The Golden Bachelor, season 1
• Keith Gordon – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1
• Kim Buike – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1
• Leslie Fhima – The Golden Bachelor, season 1
• Natascha Hardee – The Golden Bachelor, season 1
• Ralph “RJ” Johnson – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1
• Gary Levingston – The Golden Bachelorette, season 1

How to watch Bachelor in Paradise season 10

Those hoping to catch the highly anticipated return of Bachelor in Paradise can stream the season 10 premiere through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid 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.

Paul Finebaum, in only the way the ESPN analyst could, trolled Hugh Freeze by calling out the Auburn coach for being trolled by Lane Kiffin.

“The one place I wouldn’t be in public right now is a golf course,” Finebaum told McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on WJOX-FM 94.5. “I’m all for enjoying yourself. We all do it. We all have fun, especially this time of the year. When you subject yourself to a picture and Lane Kiffin can troll you in a nanosecond, that’s a disaster, and that’s really where they are right now.”

Auburn had four players decommit in the three weeks leading up to July 4.

Finebaum said Monday it’s time to stop blaming former Auburn coach Bryan Harsin.

“When I was in Auburn during the season, I got the song and dance from (Auburn AD) John Cohen about what they inherited,” Finebaum said. “OK, I bought it, but that’s over now. Hugh Freeze has had a couple of seasons, the recruiting looked to be on fire, and now it doesn’t, so quit going back and blaming everything on Bryan Harsin.

“That has to end. That is a terrible message from Cohen. It’s a terrible message from Freeze. They need to sell themselves and quit blaming other people. If they keep pushing this narrative, well, I won’t say it is going to blow up in their face, I think it has already blown up in their faces.

“When you are under assault and your message isn’t working, change the narrative.”

With SEC Media Days right around the corner, Finebaum knows the topic will come up with Freeze meets the media.

“I think a situation that did not look dire a couple of weeks ago is starting to look bad perceptively,” Finebaum said. “That’s all we’re talking about. We’re literally on the deadest two weeks of the year, but if Hugh Freeze walks into Atlanta and tries the same song and dance, it will explode.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Monday at 1:33 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. for Dale, Henry and Houston counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:32 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Midland City, or near Headland, moving north at 10 mph. The Dothan Regional Airport reported a 37 mph gust at 1:28 p.m.,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Headland, Dothan, Midland City, Kinsey, Pinckard, Grimes, Newville, Napier Field, Sylvan Grove, Echo, Kirkland Crossroads, Blackwood, Mabson, Kelly Springs, Browns Crossroads, Goldberg Field, Headland Municipal A/P and Dancey.

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

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips 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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

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’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, 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.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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 swollen waterways:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

Slow down and stay cautious:

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:

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

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

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely 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.

Very few Americans would have trouble recognizing the opening notes of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic anthem, “Sweet Home Alabama.” And when they do recognize it, they typically “turn it up,” as the singer commands.

Recorded in 1974, the song has been featured in films, on television and at sporting events. We’re revisiting our list honoring one of the most popular Southern rock songs of all time: 15 things we have to explain about the song “Sweet Home Alabama.”

1. The band is not from Alabama.

Although the song mentions three cities in Alabama, the three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd who wrote the song are not from the state. Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington were from Jacksonville, Fla., and Ed King was from Glendale, Calif.

2. Band members recorded in Alabama.

Members of the band were familiar with Alabama because, from 1970-’72, they recorded other songs at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield. However, “Sweet Home Alabama” was actually recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Ga.

3. It’s ‘Swampers,’ not ‘swamplands.’

People have been known to incorrectly sing the line: “Now Muscle Shoals has got the swamplands.” Although the city does lie on the banks of the Tennessee River, it is not located in a swamp. The area is called “the shoals” because of the land’s sandy, silty makeup. So why mention “Swampers?” Read on ….

4. The Swampers were studio musicians.

“Swampers” was the nickname given to the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, a group of studio musicians who initially played at FAME Studios before leaving in 1969 to form Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, according to Matt Wake on AL.com. They were the first rhythm section to own a studio and operate publishing and production companies. The musicians and their story are the subject of the documentary “Muscle Shoals.” The Sheffield studio at 3614 N Jackson Highway, has been restored and is used as a working studio and a museum. Famous musicians who have recorded there include Cher, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and Bob Segar.

MORE: The 20 best songs ever recorded in Muscle Shoals

5. The intro was a signature of one member.

The “1, 2, 3” count-in at the beginning of the song is done by guitarist Ed King, which was a signature of his, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.

6. Was there a feud with Neil Young?

Much has been written about members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the “feud” with Neil Young. The song includes the lines: “Well, I hope Neil Young will remember, A Southern man don’t need him around anyhow.” While the lyrics of “Sweet Home Alabama” do take Young to task for bashing the entire South as racist in his songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” band members reportedly had a good-natured relationship with Young and were fans, according to an AL.com article by Matt Wake. Ronnie Van Zant is even wearing a Neil Young T-shirt on the cover of Street Survivors, the last Lynyrd Skynyrd album before his death in a 1977 plane crash.

7. Neil Young sang it at the tribute for Van Zant.

Neil Young performed “Sweet Home Alabama” at a memorial event for the three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd who died in a plane crash in 1977: singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and vocalist Cassie Gaines. You can hear him sing “Alabama” and “Sweet Home Alabama” at the tribute below.

8. The iconic ‘turn it up’ was not planned.

The now-famous moment at the beginning of the song when Ronnie Van Zant says, “Turn it up,” was not planned. He was telling an engineer to turn up the volume in his headset but it sounded great, so it was left in the final recording.

9. Who was singing background?

Immediately following the line, “Well, I heard Mr. Young sing about her,” a voice can be heard lightly singing in the background: “Southern Man.” Although some people think this was a recording of Neil Young, it is actually the voice of Lynyrd Skynyrd producer, Al Kooper, impersonating Young, according to an AL.com article.

10. Booing the governor.

When the song was released, the governor of Alabama was George Wallace, best known for his “stand in the schoolhouse door” to oppose integration. The line “In Birmingham they love the governor,” along with negative remarks about Neil Young, led many people to believe band members were racist. However, most people overlook the words that follow: “Boo! Boo! Boo!” and the line, “We all did what we could do,” according to NPR. Some people believe that is a reference to those who tried to vote Wallace out of office. Oddly enough, songfacts.com reports Wallace loved the song and made band members honorary lieutenant colonels in the state militia.

11. No judgment here.

The reference to Watergate in a song about the South mystifies some people: “Now Watergate does not bother me/Does your conscience bother you?” According to Wide Open Country, the lyric defends fellow progressive Southerners. “A Southern rock band that went on to back gun control (’Mr. Saturday Night Special’) and saving the environment (’All I Can Do Is Write About It’) took pause in its biggest song to point out that the South didn’t have the market cornered on rotten politicians.”

12. Who has the answer?

Near the end of the song, Ronnie Van Zant says, “Montgomery’s got the answer,” a reference to the Alabama’s capital city – although many citizens would disagree.

13. It was a message on car tags.

In 2009, when Bob Riley was governor, the state of Alabama began printing the words “Sweet Home Alabama” on its car license plates.

14. It has been featured in numerous movies.

You can hear it in “Forrest Gump,” 2003’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Crimson Tide,” “Con Air,” “Joe Dirt,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Despicable Me,” among others.

15. It is not Alabama’s state song.

Although people have pushed many times to have the song declared Alabama’s state anthem, it has not been seriously considered, likely because of the political and negative references. The Alabama state song is “Stars Fell on Alabama.”

The brand new reality special Christmas at Sea joins the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas in July event with its premiere on the network Monday, July 7 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to catch the latest Christmas in July release can stream the premiere through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Christmas at Sea about?

To help celebrate the upcoming holiday season, the Hallmark Channel invited Hallmark superfans to celebrate the holidays aboard a Christmas cruise to the tropics, filled with festive fun and celebrity surprises.

Featuring Hallmark stars such as Benjamin Ayres, Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach and more, Christmas at Sea gave the network’s most dedicated fans the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact closely with some of the biggest stars.

How to watch Christmas at Sea

Cord cutters interested in catching the premiere live tonight can stream the new release through the streaming 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 the Hallmark Channel. 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).

More on Hallmark’s Christmas in July

Hallmark is pulling out all the stops this year with an unbelievable amount of content included in their Christmas in July event. This year, fans of the network can enjoy a four-movie collection, a new limited series, and the Christmas at Sea special.

The limited series, Holidazed, officially debuted Sunday, July 6 with a double-episode premiere, and the remaining six episodes will be released in two-episode increments each Sunday at 8/7c.

The Unwrapping Christmas movie collection kicked off with its first movie premiere, Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle, on Saturday, July 5 meaning the remaining three movies in the collection will release throughout the month on Saturdays at 8/7c.

This is an opinion cartoon.

Is it just me or does Sen. Katie Britt’s ‘motherly’ giddy enthusiasm for a law that cuts taxes for the rich at the expense of Alabama’s poor have a creepy ‘Mommie Dearest’ vibe?

My colleague Kyle Whitmire offers his take in a column under the headline: Katie Britt didn’t flinch.

A few excerpts:

Whoever hands out the U.S. Senate speaking gigs must have it in for Sen. Katie Britt.

A year and a half ago, Britt went on national television to deliver the State of the Union rebuttal to President Joe Biden and walked away from it, deep sigh, a sitting duck for Saturday Night Live.

And if anyone had forgotten that, Britt returned to national television again this weekend — on a show called “State of the Union,” no less — to defend the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” to CNN host Jake Tapper.

I know somebody had to go sell that stinker a day before the Senate vote, but couldn’t it be somebody other than Britt? Hasn’t Britt learned to say “no” yet? Sure, she called her autobiography “God Calls Us to Do Hard Things,” but that doesn’t mean every lousy speaking request is coming from the Almighty.

Katie Britt on Trump budget: ‘Accountability’ needed for SNAP, Medicaid

Let’s be clear what this bill does. It cuts federal spending on programs for poor people but still increases the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next 10 years, according to the latest estimates.

These are the 5 Republicans who voted against Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

How does that work? At the same time it cuts programs for the needy, like Medicaid and food stamps, it’s cutting taxes for the rich. By even more. It’s like Robinhood, only backwards.

Meanwhile, the bill offloads responsibility for the safety net programs onto the states, including Alabama.

As Britt has campaigned for the bill, one Senator has voiced some skepticism — the senior senator from Alabama, Tommy Tuberville.

“Everybody that’s going to be in state government is going to be concerned about it,” Tuberville told Politico three weeks ago. “I don’t know whether we can afford it or not.”

Tuberville has a reason to be worried, as the odds-on front runner for Alabama governor, he might have to clean up this Big Beautiful mess back home. That still hasn’t stopped him from voting for it to clear procedural hurdles, though.

Read all of Whitmire’s column here.

JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group andAL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter@Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @[email protected].

Target is offering insane deals and discounts during Target Circle Week, including a $50 gift card offer with the purchase of the super-sleek Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series 3-in-1 Coffee Machine now through July 12.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee and Cold Brew Machine usually sells for $600 and is now on sale for $509. However, Target Circle members will not only get this discount, but also receive a gift card with this purchase. Luckily, anyone with an email and phone number can sign up for Target’s loyalty program and take advantage of this deal.

RELATED: Target celebrates rewards members with Target Circle Week sales event

According to Target, all features included in the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series are as follows:

• Brew without limits with three countertop machines in one
• The ultimate guided experience, no guesswork required
• Integrated conical burr grinder delivers a fresh and precise grind
• Built-in scale for precise, weight-based coffee dosing
• Effortless hands-free frothing for perfect microfoam in four preset settings
• Choose from three brewing temperatures for every roast of bean
• Extract espresso at a lower temperature for smooth, flavorful drinks
• Assisted tamper delivers the perfect puck for even water distribution

“The ultimate guided experience that makes espresso uncomplicated. The Ninja Luxe™ Café Premier Series is an intelligent espresso & coffee system with unmatched 3-in-1 versatility (no guesswork espresso, well balanced drip coffee and rapid cold brew), that helps you elevate your coffee routine and create café-quality drinks at home,” Target’s product details state.

“Barista Assist Technology™ guides you to the perfect cup from grind size recommendations to automated brew adjustments, while the Dual Froth System effortlessly creates perfectly textured microfoam hands-free.”

Those interested can checkout the full listing on Target’s website here. You can also browse all Target Circle Week deals here.

HONOLULU (AP) — A high-altitude plateau on the Big Island is the only place in Hawaii where thousands of ground forces can practice firing live munitions. It’s also a place many Native Hawaiians consider the spiritual heart of the island.

The U.S. military wants to keep training at this spot, called Pohakuloa, so it’s ready to quickly send troops to Asia and the Pacific. Its importance to the U.S. is only growing as China becomes more assertive, particularly regarding Taiwan.

But the Army’s lease for state lands beneath a key part of the training range expires in 2029. Native Hawaiians upset with the U.S. military’s history of damaging Hawaiian lands with target practice and fuel leaks want the Army out.

“They have bombed and contaminated not just our land but our waters,” said Healani Sonoda-Pale, a community organizer with the Hawaiian sovereignty group Ka Lahui Hawaii. “When does this end?”

A problematic history

The military controls about 5% of Hawaii’s land, including bases for all branches. It has programs and staff to protect endangered and threatened species, prevent fires, and plant native plants.

But past incidents have made many Native Hawaiians skeptical.

The Navy turned the island of Kahoolawe, off Maui, into a bombing range after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The Navy returned it in 1994 after years of protests. But subsequent cleanup efforts have been incomplete. Live grenades and bombs remain scattered across a quarter of the island.

Memories are still fresh from when the Navy spilled jet fuel into Pearl Harbor’s drinking water from a network of underground fuel storage tanks and pipes in 2021. The leak prompted 6,000 people to seek medical care for rashes, nausea and other ailments and contaminated a Honolulu aquifer. The disaster occurred after admirals spent years dismissing community calls to move the tanks. On Tuesday, Honolulu’s water utility sued the Navy seeking to recoup an estimated $1.2 billion that it has had to spend because of the spill.

Also on Oahu, environmental advocates say Army live-fire training in Makua Valley sparked wildfires and destroyed native forestland and sacred cultural sites. A legal settlement stopped such training in 2004.

The cultural significance of Pohakuloa

Pohakuloa consists of rocky plains, hills and brush about 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level between the Big Island’s tallest volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It hosts endangered species including the Hawaiian catchfly shrub.

Early Hawaiians ventured across the plateau to reach a Mauna Kea quarry that produced high-quality basalt for stone tools and to travel between coastal towns.

In 2022, Army staff discovered ancient wooden “kii,” or figures, in a lava tube, an underground passageway created by molten rock. Consultants said the figures are from human burials, and state preservationists say they’re among Hawaii’s most significant archaeological finds.

Pohakuloa Training Area spans more than 200 square miles (518 square kilometers). The section in question is only 17% of that total, but it’s critically located in between two larger federal parcels. Troops fire munitions from the state-owned parcel onto federal lands.

The land’s importance for training and deterrence

Other live-fire training areas in Hawaii are too small to accommodate battalions and brigades.

Commanders say it would take too long to send troops, trucks and helicopters to the U.S. mainland for drills.

“What we anticipate in a future fight is that we will not have the time to recover that equipment and to position ourselves back into the region,” said Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees, U.S. Army Pacific chief of staff.

Pohakuloa training, he said, allows troops to “move from Hawaii into the Indo-Pacific, into key terrain, to be prepared to meet our adversaries, or more importantly, to deter them.”

The Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force exercise there, as do allied and partner militaries. The Hawaii National Guard accounts for one-quarter of Pohakuloa’s training. County fire and police departments use it too.

Negotiations to exchange land

The Army prepared an environmental impact statement, including public feedback, that analyzed how the military’s continued use of the land would affect plants, animals and cultural heritage.

On May 9, the state land board rejected it after hearing hours of often emotional testimony in opposition. Among other issues, the board cited inadequate inventory of unexploded ordnance and insufficient inventory of ancient burials and associated artifacts.

The Army is considering whether to appeal. It could also negotiate a land exchange with the state instead.

Such talks can’t begin until the Army finalizes its environmental study with a decision about its plans. The defense secretary’s office then must sign off on acquiring land.

Alice Roberts, U.S. Army Pacific’s program manager for training land retention, said the service has had some informal conversations, including trying to understand the state’s swap criteria.

Buying the land would be a “a big hurdle,” for the Army, she said, because two-thirds of the state House and Senate would need to approve such a transaction.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Democrat, said the Army must double down on being good stewards and make up for the military’s past mistakes.

Tokuda wants the military to help increase Hawaii’s housing supply, given that service members occupy 14% of Oahu’s housing stock and that high housing costs are driving residents out. She said it could bolster Hawaii’s water and sewer infrastructure.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green suggested in an interview with Hawaii News Now that the military could take the land through eminent domain, but Tokuda said she hasn’t heard anyone in the military or President Donald Trump’s administration mention that.

A call for a cleanup

Kaialiʻi Kahele, the chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which advocates for Native Hawaiians, wants to see what federal lands the Army would offer. He wants to know whether it would be willing to reduce the impact of its training, and what sort of clean up and community benefits it would provide.

“We have to get to a point where you do training and then you clean up your mess,” said Kahele, a former congressman who served more than 20 years in the Hawaii Air National Guard and is now in the Air Force Reserve.

“That should be the model of training that respects aina, respects this place and its culture and its people,” he said, using the Hawaiian word for land.

Matt Cameron is leaving Pearl Jam after 27 years.

The drummer posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking his band mates.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron’s statement read. “Much love and respect to Jeff (Ament), Ed (Vedder), Mike (McCready) and Stone (Gossard) for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter. I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Vedder, Gossard, McCready and Ament also posted a statement thanking Camerson.

“From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer,” the statement read. “He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.”

Cameron joined Pearl Jam, known for its grunge sound, in 1998 a year after Soundgarden broke up in 1997.

Cameron was also inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first in 2017 for his work with Pearl Jam and, this year, for his contributions to Soundgarden.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

Family members continue to search for Mobile couple Eddie Santana Sr., 69, and his wife, Ileana, 66, along with their daughter-in-law and granddaughter following this weekend’s deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas.

According to a post from family member Kali Vazquez, the couple were staying in a cabin by the river in Kerrville with their son Eddie Santana Jr., 39, his wife Camille Santana, 38, and their 5-year-old daughter, Mila Rosa Santana, when their cabin was swept away while they were inside.

Eddie was found alive and discharged from a local hospital Sunday morning, July 6, according to a post from his brother Michael.

Michael flew into Texas this week to aid in the search, according to his Facebook page.

‘Praying for comfort, strength and hope’

In a Monday post, representatives for Mobile car dealership Joe Bullard Automotive expressed their sympathy for Michael, a former employee, and his family.

“We are praying for comfort, strength, and hope for the entire Santana family,” the post reads.

Gov. Greg Abbott vowed this week that authorities will work around the clock to find those that are still missing and told AP News new areas were being searched as the water receded.

As of Monday morning, the flood is reported to have killed at least 82 people, according to AP News.

Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, was among the victims.

Marsh was attending Camp Mystic, a Christian retreat near Hunt in Kerr County, when torrential rain and storms that started late Thursday caused the river to swell from seven feet to 29 feet in less than two hours, flooding the camp.

According to AP News, the destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles.

Flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday.

President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas.

“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” he wrote in a post to X.