Alabama News

Walmart+ has quickly become one of the most popular retail-based memberships as more shoppers look to cut costs and add convenience to their daily routines, but most are skeptical at first if the cost is worth the reward.

Walmart+ comes with a variety of benefits that go beyond the average grocery haul. And, the best part is, you can test drive a membership with the 30-day free trial before making a final decision. However, if you’re still hesitant, here are just five of the many standout perks that make a Walmart+ membership worth it.

Free shipping and same-day grocery delivery

One of the biggest draws of Walmart+ is its free delivery options. Not only do members get unlimited free shipping on eligible items with no order minimum, they also get same-day delivery on groceries, household essentials and more, saving members not only money, but tons of time and effort in the long run.

Discounts at the pump

Walmart+ members can also save at the gas station, with up to 10 cents off per gallon every single time you want to fill up. This perk can be used at over 13,000 locations including Exxon, Mobil and select Walmart and Murphy USA stations. With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, this Walmart deal can pay off quickly, especially for daily commuters or frequent travelers.

Mobile Scan & Go checkout

Walmart+ in-store shoppers can take advantage of Walmart’s Scan & Go feature, which lets you scan items with your phone as you shop and pay through the app with no waiting in line required. This is another huge time-saver, especially for those who had to stop by the store last minute, but just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Free Paramount+ streaming access

A Walmart+ membership also just so happens to come with a free subscription to Paramount+ Essential (the ad-supported plan) which grants you access to popular shows, movies and live sports. This particular Walmart deal is a nice perk for anyone who is already paying for this plan out of pocket or is just interested getting a subscription.

Exclusive perks and partner deals

From discounted Burger King meals to free tire repair at Walmart Auto Centers, Walmart+ members also get rotating access to exclusive offers and partner perks. Some recent promotions have included free trials of Apple services, pet care support through Pawp and travel discounts through Expedia.

Those interested in a membership can checkout the full rundown of these benefits and more at Walmart.com/plus.

Heat advisories have been issued for part of Alabama for Wednesday.

The National Weather Service expects highs on Wednesday will peak in the mid-90s, which is bad enough.

But tomorrow’s combination of heat and humidity will make it feel hotter in many spots, and the heat index could make it into the triple digits.

Heat advisories will be in effect on Wednesday for north and west Alabama (the counties in orange below):

• For north Alabama, a heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the following counties: Cullman, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Lawrence. The weather service said the heat index could range between 105 and 109 degrees in those areas tomorrow afternoon.
• For central Alabama, another heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for these counties: Bibb, Blount, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar,Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston. The heat index could climb as high as 106 in those counties on Wednesday.

Temperatures will back off, just a little, from Thursday through the weekend, with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s expected, according to weather service forecasts.

The weather service offers these safety tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

A Democratic effort to release the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files was blocked Tuesday along a party line vote Tuesday in the House of Representatives.

Every Democrat voted in favor of Rep. Ro Khanna’s, D-Calif., procedural measure that would have forced the Department of Justice to release the files online within 30 days.

Meanwhile, every House Republican in the chamber voted against the release, killing the measure.

Democrats have seized on the issue since the DOJ and FBI released a joint memo July 6 stating there was “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed co-conspirators who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him, Axios first reported.

The memo stirred outrage among Trump’s most ardent supporters who trusted the president’s word during the campaign to release the files.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the Republicans who voted against the release of the files raises questions.

“Why after promising for all these years to release the Epstein files will President Trump not release them? And we know they were friends and we know they hung out and we know there are all these pictures together,” Raskin said.

He pointed out that Trump biographer Michael Wolff observed photos of Trump and Epstein with minor girls.

“Where does that leave us? That doesn’t look good if they then cover up all the information,” Raskin said. “Come clean and release the information as the Republicans have repeatedly promised to do.”

Khanna was behind another measure to release the files that did not get past the House Rules Committee on Monday night.

“They voted to block my amendment that called for the full release of the Epstein files while protecting the victims’ identities. Let’s just be clear: They voted to protect rich and powerful men who were abusing, assaulting and abandoning young women,” Khanna said on the House floor Tuesday while explaining his measure that failed a short while later.

A 21-year-old Hayden man is charged in the death of his girlfriend who was killed when police say he recklessly tried to beat a train and failed.

LaDonald Dewayne Phillips Jr. went before a Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff judge Tuesday to face a charge of manslaughter in last year’s traffic crash death of 21-year-old Claudia Mae Dreffs.

Phillips was arrested last week on the felony charge.

At the time of his arrest, he was already awaiting trial on a charge that he was driving recklessly and endangered Dreffs the year before her 2024 death.

The fatal crash happened at 1:17 p.m. on Oct. 30, at 32nd Street and Carolina Avenue in Bessemer.

Phillips was the driver of a Chevrolet Suburban that Wednesday afternoon, traveling westbound on 32nd and tried to pass as the crossing arms were down and lights flashing.

The Amtrak train was traveling south from Birmingham to New Orleans.

Charging documents against Phillips allege he caused Dreffs’ death “in a reckless and wanton manner with disregard for human life.”

Another vehicle was stopped at the railroad crossing, documents state, and Phillips drove around that vehicle to try to beat the train and was struck.

Dreffs and Phillips were both ejected from the SUV.

Dreffs was pronounced dead at 1:22 p.m., about 50 yards from the crossing.

Phillips was taken to UAB Hospital with critical injuries.

At the time of the crash, Phillips was already facing a charge of domestic violence-reckless endangerment of Dreffs.

According to court records, Phillips on Thanksgiving Day 2023 was speeding and driving recklessly without his lights on when he crashed through a locked chain link gate, creating the risk of serious injury.

Bessemer Cutoff Assistant District Attorney Lori Frasure asked that his bond be revoked in that case, which a judge ordered in June.

At the time of his arrest on the manslaughter charge, Phillips was in the Blount County Jail on charges of domestic violence, DUI, and driving while his license was revoked.

He pleaded guilty last week to a Blount County charge of domestic violence-harassment of his new girlfriend after he threatened to harm her and dragged her through the house and took her phone while she was trying to leave.

Phillips is set to return to court before Judge David Carpenter on July 24 for a preliminary hearing and a bond hearing.

He remains held in the Jefferson County Jail.

A brand new season of the hit A&E reality series Road Wars premieres on the network Tuesday, July 15 at 9/8c.

Those looking to check out the latest season of the long-running series can stream Road Wars season five through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Road Wars about?

For those unfamiliar with Road Wars, the show further proves that roadways can be a wild, dangerous and unpredictable place; with violent road rage incidents increasing drastically over the last decade, “road raging” is a human behavior that has become widely known and is one of the many threats to everyone on the road.

Road Wars takes a deep dive into American roadways, examining extreme human behavior, wild water and insane accidents causing trouble for drivers all over the country.

Season five kicks off in Missouri where a rideshare driver is repeatedly rammed by a trailing sedan for no apparent reason. Meanwhile, a cyclist is thrown from his bike when an approaching car rear-ends him, and a mechanic in Georgia has to answer to police after an incident on the road.

How to watch Road Wars season 5

Cord cutters eager to check out the new season of Road Wars can stream the premiere live 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.

Out of the three streaming services 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 A&E. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

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).

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 3:36 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Henry County.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are likely.

“At 3:36 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 9 miles northwest of Blakely, moving southwest at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Fort Gaines, Columbia, Haleburg, Shorterville, Walter F. George Lock And Dam, Barnes, Miller, Zetto, Hayes, Rock Hill, Hilton and Hardwickburg.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

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

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

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:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

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:

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.

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.

Of the many factors working against Jackson Arnold at Oklahoma, one was the Sooners’ battered wide receiver room.

Arnold lost pass catchers left and right due to injuries last season, creating a lack of both continuity and talent. At Auburn, barring another slew of injuries — he won’t have a talent problem out wide.

The Tigers have one of the most talented receiver rooms in the SEC, highlighted by Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr., the top wide receiver in the transfer portal this offseason.

After arriving at Auburn in January, Arnold has made it a point to spend as much time with his receiver as possible that offseason. He pointed to that as his reason for skipping the Manning Passing Academy this summer, an event he attended in 2024.

“I felt like for me I needed to be around these guys as much as I possibly can and I know that going there would’ve meant I’d miss a couple workouts with those guys, and I feel like that wasn’t fair to them,” Arnold told reporters during spring practice.

He was asked at SEC Media Days on Tuesday how those workouts are going, giving an update on the adjustment to Auburn.

“It’s been good,” Arnold said. “Those dudes absolutely love to work. I got receivers hitting me up at eight o’clock at night trying to throw and it’s just, I love that. Because for me, that shows that they care about it, and they want to go out there and be great.”

Arnold gave more context to those comments in an interview with The Next Round, singling out Coleman as one of the receivers who likes to get work in at night.

“I got Cam texting me at 8:30 at night wanting to throw damn near every night. Like dude, chill out. I’ve gotta rest my arm too,” Arnold said with a smile.

When it comes to building chemistry, Arnold said he doesn’t go about in extravagant ways, but he and the group spends a lot of time hanging out outside of football.

“There doesn’t always have to be theatrics involved with everything. If I go and take the O-line out to dinner, like I’ll take them out to dinner, but I don’t have to post about it,” Arnold said. “I just want to go out there and be with my guys and go hang out with the receivers and hang out with running backs and tight ends and whoever.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

Donald Trump’s latest explanation on the Epstein files defies logic, according to the president’s critics.

On Tuesday afternoon, Trump told reporters that Attorney General Pam Bondi did not tell him that he was named in the files, which he alleged were “made up” by former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden and FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump fired over the Russia investigation.

“She’s given us just a very quick briefing, and in terms of the credibility of the different things that they’ve seen. And I would say … these files were made up by Comey, they were made up by, Obama, they were made up by Obama … and we went through years of that,” the president said.

“With the Russia Russia Russia hoax, with all the different things that we had gone through, but [Bondi] is handling [the Epstein situation] very well, and it’s gonna be up to her. Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.”

Meanwhile, Bondi avoided a question on whether she would be open to releasing credible evidence.

“I’m not going to talk about Epstein,” she said during a news conference on fentanyl.

The president’s critics claimed his explanation on Tuesday afternoon did not make sense.

“Trump got a ‘very quick briefing’ on the Epstein files but long enough to know they were ‘made up’ by Comey, Obama and Biden. Got it!” tweeted former Obama National Security Council staffer and “Pod Save America” co-host Tommy Vietor.

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat, suggested Trump’s response was unhinged.

“Yeah he’s spiraling,” Smith tweeted.

Trump has been dogged by the Epstein case since Sunday, when a joint Department of Justice and FBI memo was released saying there was “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed co-conspirators who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him, Axios first reported.

The memo stirred outrage among Trump’s most ardent supporters who trusted the president’s word during the campaign to release the files.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian twice rebuilt his career with Alabama football. Along the way, he found one of his key staff members.

Sarkisian, speaking to reporters Tuesday at SEC media days, was asked about what AJ Milwee brings to his staff. He offered a glowing review for the Longhorns’ co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

“We forged a great relationship at Alabama when I was the quarterback coach/offensive coordinator,” Sarksian said. “Coach Milwee was an analyst on staff. He had just come from Akron, where he was one of the offensive coordinators in the country. When I got the job at the University of Texas, he was the first guy I hired. We had worked step by step all through those two years at ‘Bama, winning a national title, brought him here to Texas, and he’s grown into now he’s not just our quarterback coach, he’s our co-offensive coordinator.”

Milwee has a huge job this season. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the Longhorn quarterback will feature a legendary last name, when Arch Manning assumes the role.

It’s up to Milwee to help make sure that the former five-star prospect, who waited his turn for two seasons in Austin, develops on schedule. Sarkisian had no doubt that the Boaz native is up to the task.

“There’s nobody I work closer with on a daily basis than A.J. Milwee,” Sarkisian said. “From the development of game plans, to the scripting of practice, to talking about play calls during the game, to recruitment of players. I think he forges a great relationship with all the guys in that room.

“There’s not a day or a moment in the day where I don’t feel very comfortable, if I can’t do something, that AJ Milwee can handle it and handle it at a really high level. So we’re very fortunate to have him.”

A pizza chain with hundreds of locations in 23 states is opening an Alabama location.

Jet’s Pizza is scheduled to open this summer at 1079 Balch Rd, Suite I in Madison, according to its website.

The chain, which began in Michigan in the 1970s, previously had some restaurants in Alabama.

Jet’s Pizza offers Detroit-style pies, with hand-tossed round, thin-crust, and New York-Style pizzas.

It also has wings, salads, bread and desserts.

Jet’s Pizza offers Detroit-style pies, characterized by a thick, crispy crust, as well as hand-tossed round, thin-crust, and New York-Style pizzas.

It also has wings, salads, bread and desserts.