Alabama News

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.

© 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

A 36-year-old Chelsea man is facing numerous charges after he led police on a wild chase and injured multiple officers during the ordeal.

Cody Blake Wilson is being held without bond on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, attempting to elude, assault on a police officer, receiving stolen property, escape, resisting arrest, drug possession and theft of property, jail records show.

Wilson has a lengthy arrest record and is also being held on six motions to revoke his bond on previous charges.

“He needs to remain in jail,” said Pelham police Chief Edward Delmore. “Obviously this is a guy who, if not apprehended, would have hurt someone without question.”

At least four officers sustained minor injuries during pursuit and subsequent arrest, including an Alabama state trooper who Delmore said was intentionally targeted by Wilson with his vehicle. Another officer was stuck with a needle.

All of the officers are doing Ok.

Delmore said the incident began late Wednesday afternoon when Pelham detectives received information that a stolen vehicle was possibly in the 3000 block of Pelham Parkway.

Two detectives encountered the vehicle and tried to take the driver – later identified as Wilson – into custody.

“They had him at gunpoint be he fled the scene,” the chief said.

At that point, marked police units became involved, and the pursuit traveled southbound on I-65.

At mile marker 228, a state trooper attempting to deploy spike strips was hit by Wilson.

“It appears in the video that we viewed and from the officers who witnessed the incident, that (Wilson) tried to intentionally strike the trooper,” Delmore said. “Luckily that was just a glancing blow.”

Wilson, the chief said, was already wanted on a felony theft of property charge.

“A couple of weeks earlier, I’m told, this same individual was involved in a collision with a Calera police officer while attempting to flee and the Calera police officer was injured and remains off duty, or at least on light duty.”

A short time later, at mile marker 233, Wilson was stopped when law enforcement officers used a pit maneuver. When he lost control of his vehicle, he fled on foot.

When he was captured, Delmore said, he began to fight and resist arrest.

Calera Police Chief David Hyche previously said one of his officers was bitten, and another possibly stabbed with a syringe. Those injuries were also minor, Delmore said.

Wilson was taken to Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

As a medical worker was attempting to adjust the straps holding him down, Delmore said, the handcuffed suspect was able to free himself from the gurney he was on and get to the front of the ambulance in an attempt to steal the ambulance.

“Fortunately, the keys weren’t in the ambulance,” the chief said. “Our officers were able to subdue him.”

A Pelham officer sustained a minor injury to his shoulder in the scuffle, Delmore said.

Additionally, Hyche said Wednesday his officers have been involved in at least two previous pursuits with Wilson.

“We see it all too often where an offender who has significant charges is released and then recommits an offense and often puts lives in dangers, as this individual did yesterday,” Delmore said. “I think it’s something our judicial system should take notice of.”

Multiple agencies assisted in the incident including ALEA, Pelham, Alabaster, Jemison police and deputies from Chilton, Jefferson, and Shelby counties.

“When a suspect chooses to flee law enforcement that choice endangers the public, law enforcement and themselves,” Hyche said Thursday. “This is the second time I am aware of that we have had to pursue this particular individual.”

“We are very lucky that the trooper struck by the suspect’s vehicle was not killed or more severely injured,” Hyche said. “We are waiting now on tests results for communicable diseases since our officer was stuck with needle.”

“We shouldn’t have to deal with the same offenders over and over and endanger these officers’ lives, but the trend continues,” Hyche said. “I am grateful that Alabama now has a felony attempting to elude law but that has clearly not solved the problem. I hope our lawmakers and judges will look at this and work with us to keep dangerous criminals off the street.”

The City of Bessemer dedicated a street to Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Thursday, taking the former Alabama All-American back to where he grew up at 2305 Fairfax Ave.

After unveiling a sign that reads, “Fairfax Avenue dedicated in honor of DeMeco Ryans,” the NFL coach quipped: “I guess I finally found the road to success.”

A high school star at Bessemer’s Jess Lanier, Ryans followed his Crimson Tide career with 10 seasons as an NFL middle linebacker before pursuing coaching.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have a street named after me,” Ryans said at the dedication ceremony. “This recognition means more than words can express. Thank you to everyone here who made this possible. This street may carry my name, but it represents the journey, the support, the shared work of so many, starting here with my parents. For them, being able to purchase a home here, allowing us to grow up here, thank you for all the hard work and sacrifice that you guys have done for me.

“I vividly remember running up and down these streets playing in the middle of the road, playing football, playing basketball. You had to watch out on this street because cars go pretty fast. It was definitely a lot of fond memories growing up here. And to all my wonderful neighbors who showed up today, thank you. We had wonderful neighbors. You knew you couldn’t get in any trouble because they’d tell your parents on you.

“This just shows what it takes. It takes a village to raise children, and I had a village here on Fairfax, and it was a lot of great moments, a lot of great people, a lot of great friendships – just a lot of support. And I’ll always remember Bessemer for this support. I’ll always remember all of you for the love you guys have shown me. And now to have this sign here is such a huge honor.”

RELATED: DEMECO RYANS GOT THE COACHING ITCH BACK HOME IN BESSEMER

Ryans was an All-State linebacker at Jess Lanier High School in 2001. Opened in 2010, Bessemer City replaced Jess Lanier as the community’s high school while retaining the Purple Tigers legacy.

Ryans went from Jess Lanier to Alabama, where he was a unanimous All-American, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy for the 2005 season as a senior. He capped his college career as the Defensive MVP of the 2006 Cotton Bowl in Alabama’s 13-10 victory over Texas Tech.

A second-round selection of the Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft, Ryans won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection for Houston.

Ryans returned to the Texans as their head coach after spending two years as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Ryans won the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2023 NFL Coach of the Year Award in his first season with Houston.

The Texans have a 20-14 regular-season record and have won a playoff game in each season since Ryans became Houston’s coach. The Texans won 11 total games in the three seasons before Ryans arrived.

“You have been such an inspiration to us in this city and such an inspiration to all of these young men that you see behind you,” Bessemer Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley said on Thursday. “We have followed your career from Little League to Jess Lanier High School to the University of Alabama to the Houston Texans to the Philadelphia Eagles, and we’ve also followed it from San Francisco and now to the Houston Texans. And we are so, so proud of you.

“And one thing that I am most proud of is that you are so proud of Bessemer, Alabama.”

Ryans will be the speaker for the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce’s 34th annual An Evening of Honor at 5 p.m. CDT Thursday at Bessemer Civic Center.

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

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

UGG slippers are often popular in fall and winter, however, the brand new UGG GoldenGlow Platform Slide is perfect for hot summer days, and now you can score a pair of these new UGG Platform Slides at a super rare discount, but only for a limited time.

With this online deal, you can score the UGG GoldenGlow Platform Slides for $62 instead of the original list price of $90. This UGG slide is available in five colors, Black, Dark Sand, Jasmine, Golden Apple and Sun Pink, all of which are available at the same discount. Free shipping is also included.

It’s worth noting that, while reviewers love the UGG GoldenGlow Platform Slide, many mention it runs large and recommend sizing down.

RELATED: Mustard Seed UGGs are back, but only for a limited time

The UGG Goldenglow Slide is designed as a comfortable and stylish sandal, focused on providing ease and support for daily wear. It features a popular platform look with adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit. Meanwhile, its cushioning and ergonomic design make it ideal for extended wear.

“Go ahead, let yourself shine. The GoldenGlow Slide is a versatile sandal with a sunny disposition. The outsole is made with super light and springy sugarcane EVA, it’s airy, easy and bounces back,“ UGG states. ”The upper features three adjustable straps made from 100% recycled fibers, so you can create the perfect fit, whether you’re rocking socks or not.”

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on UGG’s website.