General News

General

Marrazzo’s leave, lottery hopes, obese cities: Down in Alabama

It’s National Walking Day, which was brought to use a few years ago by the American Heart Association. Which dovetails nicely with our last news item.

The doctors are out

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, the infectious-disease expert who left UAB to replace Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been caught up in the Trump administration’s health-worker layoffs, reports AL.com’s Savannah Tryens-Fernandes.

Marrazzo has reportedly been placed on leave from her job as NIAID’s director and instead asked to join the Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare services to Indian tribes and on reservations. She’s supposed to decide by today whether to take that assignment.

She has been with NIAID since 2023. She came to that job from UAB, where she led the division of infectious diseases for seven years.

You might’ve seen her during the COVID-19 pandemic, doing media rounds to provide updates on the virus and mitigation recommendations.

Don’t bet on it

So much energy was spent on last year’s near-miss lottery/gambling legislative package that you had to wonder whether it would come up at all this year.

Like it does every year.

Well, as state lawmakers returned from Spring Break Tuesday, state Sen. Greg Albritton, an Atmore Republican, said he’s trying to round up the 21 votes needed to pass a measure that would put a lottery and gambling on the ballot for voters to decide, reports AL.com’s Mike Cason.

So far, Albritton said, he doesn’t have the votes yet. Which means Alabamians could be faced with another year of having to drive to another state to make statistically poor spending decisions.

Last year’s gambling package was a comprehensive plan that included a lottery, casinos, sports betting, a compact with the Porch Band of Creek Indians and a commission to regulate gambling.

This year’s proposal is similar minus the full-scale casinos with table games.

Carrying our weight

Here we go again: A new analysis from the financial site WalletHub showed that three Alabama cities were among the most obese cities in the nation, reports AL.com’s William Thornton.

That’s not just based on what the scale says. The analysis used 19 metrics measuring weight, health and fitness. They studied how many people were literally overweight, the frequency of symptoms of obesity such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and how much people get off the couch and move around.

Mobile placed fourth nationally. Birmingham 10th. And Huntsville 32nd.

The top three most obese cities in the nation were McAllen, Texas, Little Rock, Ark., and Jackson, Miss. Also in the top 10 are Shreveport, La., Augusta, Ga., Lafayette, La. and Fayetteville, Ark.

One can only speculate that if the people in the rest of the country knew how to make a southern dinner, they wouldn’t get up from the table so soon, either.

By the Numbers

$2 million

That’s how much Charles Barkley says he’s spending to battle blight in Birmingham and his hometown of Leeds.

More Alabama News

Born on This Date

In 1941, Former Surgeon General of the United States David Satcher of Anniston.

In 1945, Hall of Fame pitcher and former Braves broadcaster Don Sutton of Clio.

In 1947, singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris of Birmingham.

In 1948, former college football coach Danny Ford of Gadsden.

The podcast

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General

Dense fog advisory affecting Southeast Alabama until Wednesday morning, visibility as low as 1/4 mile

A dense fog advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 3:31 a.m. in effect until 9 a.m. for Coffee, Dale, Henry, Geneva and Houston counties.

The weather service adds to prepare for, “Visibility around one quarter mile at times in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” explains the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions

When a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility can plummet to a quarter-mile or less. These conditions pose challenges for travel, so exercise extra caution on the road or consider postponing your trip if possible.

If driving in fog becomes unavoidable, remember these safety tips:

Moderate your speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights. If you have fog lights, use them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.

Keep your distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.

Zero visibility strategy:

In situations of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a secure location, such as a nearby business’s parking lot, to pull over and come to a stop.

Limited parking options:

If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

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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Coastal flood advisory affecting Mobile and Baldwin counties until Wednesday evening

At 3:28 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service released a coastal flood advisory valid between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service describes, “Minor coastal flooding expected.”

“Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected,” comments the weather service. “If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”

Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts

  • Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

  • Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

  • Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

  • Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the weather service for your safety

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

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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Wind advisory in place for Mobile and Baldwin counties until Thursday evening, driving may be unsafe

At 2:37 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory valid from 10 a.m. until Thursday 7 p.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service states, “Southeast winds up to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” comments the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Navigating high wind alerts: What each level means

When it comes to high wind alerts, staying informed is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the weather service and what each level entails:

High wind warning: Take action!

Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Wind advisory: Take action!

Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared!

Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

How to prepare before strong winds approach

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

How to act during strong winds

Take shelter:

  • Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
  • If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

If caught outside or driving:

  • Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
  • If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

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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General

Wind advisory for Southwest Alabama until Thursday evening – winds gusting up to 40 mph

On Wednesday at 2:37 a.m. a wind advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 10 a.m. until Thursday 7 p.m. for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox and Monroe counties.

The weather service says, “South winds up to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” says the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”

High wind alerts: Your guide to safety

When it comes to high wind alerts, staying informed is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the three-tiered alert system from the weather service and what each level entails:

High wind warning: Take action!

Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Wind advisory: Take action!

Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared!

Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

How to prepare before strong winds approach

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

How to act during strong winds

Take shelter:

  • Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
  • If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

If caught outside or driving:

  • Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
  • If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

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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General

Wind advisory affecting Central Alabama until 1 a.m. Thursday – gusts as high as 40 mph

On Wednesday at 2:19 a.m. the National Weather Service released a wind advisory valid from 10 a.m. until Thursday 1 a.m. for Perry, Chilton, Coosa, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga and Lowndes counties.

The weather service states, “South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” says the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.”

High wind alerts: Your guide to safety

When it comes to high wind alerts, understanding the levels of risk is crucial. The weather service classifies them into three distinct categories:

High wind warning: Take action!

Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Wind advisory: Take action!

Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared!

Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

How to prepare before strong winds approach

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

How to act during strong winds

Take shelter:

  • Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
  • If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

If caught outside or driving:

  • Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
  • If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

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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Today’s daily horoscopes: April 2, 2025

It’s been said that two dogs are easier to manage than one. The legend holds for two minds, two hands and two hearts. Then again, there are terrible twos, as in two cooks in the kitchen and two drivers of the car. The moon in the sign of the Gemini twins conjunct lucky Jupiter begs the question: What will happen if we double it?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Disharmony is erosive. What rubs the wrong way creates debris — dust that diminishes each side. Supportive arrangements galvanize. Strength in unity will be a theme. You’ll seek, find and live it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There’s a question you’re mulling. The best possible answer will come to you today, which is so simple it almost seems like a non-answer: Keep moving forward, doing what must be done, letting life carry you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Indecision can create unnecessary delays, but clarity cuts through the noise. You’ll make decisions. Small ones count. Your decisiveness is so attractive, each choice adding momentum and a confidence that’s magnetic to those around you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Integrity guides your actions, and clarity shapes your choices on this day of striving to accomplish what is correct, respectful, kind and prudent. To achieve these foundational qualities is to achieve meaningful success.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re growing into the knowledge that you are meant for reciprocity. You haven’t always been attracted to people and situations that give back, but as you continue to honor yourself, the scenes with potential to fulfill you will start to feel like home.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s an undeniable energy about you today, one that naturally pulls people in. As the star — charismatic, attention-drawing, naturally at the center of things — you have a responsibility to stay grounded and wield your power with compassion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Emotions may feel unrelated to actualities today. It’s as though random feelings are wired to undesignated controls, and you have no idea which will do what until someone starts twisting the knobs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re a walking polygraph test. You have your own methods for truth-detecting. If it hurts a little, it might be true. If it causes a laugh, a blush, a blink, an elevated heart rate — it might be true.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re growing into someone who sees things for what they are and isn’t afraid to reassess relationships that no longer feel right. This clarity allows you to make room for connections that truly resonate with who you are now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The best way to start things off is with a clean slate with no debts, grudges or assumptions about how things will go. Unfortunately, hardly anything starts off like that. The second-best way to begin is in the spirit of openness and optimism.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). These tasks are opportunities, not obligations. There’s nothing you have to do. Every option is optional. You do what you want to do because you want to do it. Believing this, you’ll find every activity more energizing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The trick to your productivity is in knowing how much to do and when to stop. If you put in more effort than is needed, you will accomplish less. Tell the finish line to speak to you.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 2). Your third eye has a vivid and vibrant focus illuminating the path that no one around you sees. Thus, this is a year of moves that are bold, accurate and entertaining to witnesses. More highlights: Collaborations, sporty fun and team wins. A venture flourishes, and your financial strategy clicks into place. You’ll receive loving letters, gestures or other signals to be treasured forever. Capricorn and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 10, 3, 33 and 17.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Emmylou Harris recently participated in a benefit concert honoring her friend Joan Baez and celebrating Baez’s significant contributions to folk music and activism. Aries is the sign of warriors of all kinds, including social justice warriors, road warriors and more. The 12-time Grammy Award winner has natal Mercury, Venus and Mars in poetic Pisces, shining through the musical storytelling.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

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Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65.

Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press.

Val Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies.

“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” he says toward the end of “Val,” the 2021 documentary on his career. “And I am blessed.”

Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. His break came in 1984’s spy spoof “Top Secret!” followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including “MacGruber” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”

His movie career hit its zenith in the early 1990s as he made a name for himself as a dashing leading man, starring alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in 1993’s “Tombstone,” as Elvis’ ghost in “True Romance” and as a bank-robbing demolition expert in Michael Mann’s 1995 film “Heat” with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

The actor — who took part in the Method branch of Suzuki arts training — threw himself into parts. When he played Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” he filled his bed with ice for the final scene to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. To play Morrison, he wore leather pants all the time, asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison and blasted The Doors for a year.

That intensity also gave Kilmer a reputation that he was difficult to work with, something he grudgingly agreed with later in life, but always defending himself by emphasizing art over commerce.

“In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio,” he wrote in his memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.”

One of his more iconic roles — hotshot pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise — almost didn’t happen. Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott for “Top Gun” but initially balked. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” he wrote in his memoir. He agreed after being promised that his role would improve from the initial script. He would reprise the role in the film’s 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”

One career nadir was playing Batman in Joel Schumacher’s goofy, garish “Batman Forever” with Nicole Kidman and opposite Chris O’Donnell’s Robin — before George Clooney took up the mantle for 1997’s “Batman & Robin” and after Michael Keaton played the Dark Knight in 1989’s “Batman” and 1992’s “Batman Returns.”

Janet Maslin in The New York Times said Kilmer was “hamstrung by the straight-man aspects of the role,” while Roger Ebert deadpanned that he was a “completely acceptable” substitute for Keaton. Kilmer, who was one and done as Batman, blamed much of his performance on the suit.

The Times was the first to report his death on Tuesday.

“When you’re in it, you can barely move and people have to help you stand up and sit down,” Kilmer said in “Val.” “You also can’t hear anything and after a while people stop talking to you, it’s very isolating. It was a struggle for me to get a performance past the suit, and it was frustrating until I realised that my role in the film was just to show up and stand where I was told to.”

His next projects were the film version of the 1960s TV series “The Saint” — fussily putting on wigs, accents and glasses — and “The Island of Dr. Moreau” with Marlon Brando, which became one of the decade’s most infamously cursed productions.

David Gregory’s 2014 documentary “Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau,” described a cursed set that included a hurricane, Kilmer bullying director Richard Stanley, the firing of Stanley via fax (who sneaked back on set as an extra with a mask on) and extensive rewrites by Kilmer and Brando. The older actor told the younger at one point: “‘It’s a job now, Val. A lark. We’ll get through it.’ I was as sad as I’ve ever been on a set,” Kilmer wrote in his memoir.

In 1996, Entertainment Weekly ran a cover story about Kilmer titled ″The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.″ The directors Schumacher and John Frankenheimer, who finished “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” said he was difficult. Frankenheimer said there were two things he would never do: ″Climb Mount Everest and work with Val Kilmer again.″

Other artists came to his defense, like D. J. Caruso, who directed Kilmer in ″The Salton Sea″ and said the actor simply liked to talk out scenes and enjoyed having a director’s attention.

″Val needs to immerse himself in a character. I think what happened with directors like Frankenheimer and Schumacher is that Val would ask a lot of questions, and a guy like Schumacher would say, ‘You’re Batman! Just go do it,‘″ Caruso told The New York Times in 2002.

After “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” the movies were smaller, like David Mamet human-trafficking thriller “Spartan”; ″Joe the King″ in 1999, in which he played a paunchy, abusive alcoholic; and playing the doomed ‘70s porn star John Holmes in 2003’s “Wonderland.” He also threw himself into his one-man stage show “Citizen Twain,” in which he played Mark Twain.

“I enjoy the depth and soul the piece has that Twain had for his fellow man and America,” he told Variety in 2018. “And the comedy that’s always so close to the surface, and how valuable his genius is for us today. Still, we battle racism and greed. The same country, it’s greatness and it’s tragedy.”

Kilmer spent his formative years in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. He attended Chatsworth High School alongside future Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and future Emmy winner Mare Winningham. At 17, he was the youngest drama student ever admitted at the Juilliard School in 1981.

Shortly after he left for Juilliard, his younger brother, 15-year-old Wesley, suffered an epileptic seizure in the family’s Jacuzzi and died on the way to the hospital. Wesley was an aspiring filmmaker when he died.

″I miss him and miss his things. I have his art up. I like to think about what he would have created. I’m still inspired by him,″ Kilmer told the Times.

While still at Juilliard, Kilmer co-wrote and appeared in the play “How It All Began” and later turned down a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders” for the Broadway play, “Slab Boys,” alongside Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn.

Kilmer published two books of poetry (including “My Edens After Burns”) and was nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for spoken word album for “The Mark of Zorro.” He was also a visual artist and a lifelong Christian Scientist.

He dated Cher, married and divorced actor Joanne Whalley.

He is survived by their two children, Mercedes and Jack.

____

By Mark Kennedy and Andrew Dalton AP Entertainment Writer

Kennedy reported from New York.

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Dense fog advisory in place for Mobile and Baldwin counties until Wednesday morning – quarter mile visibility

The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory at 8:53 p.m. on Tuesday valid from 11 p.m. until Wednesday 9 a.m. for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service says to be ready for, “Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.”

“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” adds the weather service. “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

Guidance from the weather service for navigating foggy conditions

If a dense fog advisory is issued for your area, it means that widespread dense fog has developed and visibility often drops to just a quarter-mile or less. These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind:

Reduce speed:

Slow down and allocate extra time for your trip to reach your destination safely.

Visibility matters:

Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights. Utilize fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Avoid high-beams:

Refrain from using high-beam lights, as they create glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.

Keep your distance:

Maintain a significant following distance to account for abrupt stops or shifts in traffic patterns.

Stay in your lane:

To ensure you are staying in the correct lane, use the road’s lane markings as a guide.

Zero visibility strategy:

In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, activate your hazard lights and seek a safe spot, like a nearby business parking lot, to pull over and stop.

Limited parking options:

If no designated parking area is available, pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.

By adhering to these precautions from the weather service, you can navigate foggy conditions more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring your personal safety.

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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General

Wind advisory for Alabama for Wednesday and Thursday – wind gusts reaching 40 mph

The National Weather Service released a wind advisory at 8:41 p.m. on Tuesday valid from Wednesday 10 a.m. until Thursday 1 a.m. for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Sumter, Greene, Hale and Bibb counties.

The weather service adds, “South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” says the weather service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.”

High wind alerts: What each level signifies

When it comes to high wind alerts, understanding the levels of risk is crucial. The weather service classifies them into three distinct categories:

High wind warning: Take action!

Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Wind advisory: Take action!

Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared!

Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

How to prepare before strong winds approach

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

How to act during strong winds

Take shelter:

  • Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
  • If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

If caught outside or driving:

  • Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
  • If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

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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