Alabama News

Alabama’s Mr. Baseball, Steele Hall, moved to Knoxville, Tenn., last week to start his college baseball career.

It may be a short stay.

The former Hewitt-Trussville star is expected to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft on Sunday night.

“We’ve always told Steele to live in the moment, take what is known,” said his father, Matt Hall. “We know right now he has the opportunity at Tennessee and that needs to be his focus until something changes. Steele wants to be drafted, wants to be a Major League player as soon as possible, but until it happens, he is a Tennessee Volunteer.”

The first three rounds of the draft will start at 5 p.m. Sunday. Hall will watch it with his family and friends in downtown Trussville. Most projections have Hall drafted somewhere just outside the top 10 picks.

ESPN projects the Texas Rangers to select him at No. 12 overall. MLB.com has Hall going to the Tampa Bay Rays at No. 14. Bleacher Report has the Phillies selecting him as the 26th pick.

“I don’t think Steele has pinpointed one particular team he would most like to play for,” Matt Hall said. “Some of the workouts he has enjoyed more than others, but he plays it pretty cool. He’s definitely excited and anxious. He wants to hear his name called, and I don’t think it matters what team it is. I know he is just ready to solidify whatever the next chapter in his life is going to be.”

If Hall is selected by the Rangers at 12 or the Rays at 14, he would be entitled to a signing bonus in excess of $5 million, according to MLB’s draft pick slot value system.

“It seems like by Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, it may be narrowed down a bit to maybe a few teams he could possibly go to,” Matt said. “I think there will be a little more clarity then.”

Hall said Steele was invited to 16 or 17 Major League workouts over the summer and attended six. He also was invited to attend the Draft and All-Star Weekend in Atlanta but decided instead to watch it with those close to him.

Hall hit .484 for Hewitt-Trussville this season with 8 homers, 14 doubles, 35 RBIs and 46 runs scored. In addition to being named Mr. Baseball by the Alabama Sports Writers Association in June, he also was named the 7A Player of the Year by the ASWA and Alabama Player of the Year by MaxPreps.

“God has truly blessed Steele with the athleticism to play this sport at the highest level,” Huskies’ coach Jeff Mauldin said recently. “If he keeps his head on straight and keeps the same drive he’s always had, he will play shortstop in the major leagues for a long time. A lot of scouts we talk to believe just that.”

If Hall is indeed selected in Round 1 on Sunday, he would be the first player selected in the first round straight from an Alabama high school since UMS-Wright’s Maddux Bruns went 29th to the Dodgers in 2021.

Another former Hewitt-Trussville Mr. Baseball winner, Alabama pitcher Riley Quick, could also be drafted Sunday night. ESPN projects Quick to be selected at No. 61 by the Kansas City Royals.

The final 17 rounds of the draft are Monday.

Walmart is offering the top-rated Blackstone Outdoor Tabletop Propane Pizza Oven for the cheapest price we’ve ever seen during Walmart Deals Week happening now through Sunday, July 13.

While the Blackstone Tabletop Pizza Oven usually sells for $197, you can now get one for only $97 with free shipping. The lowest we’ve seen this pizza oven sell for thus far is $147, making this limited time sale price a great deal to take advantage of.

RELATED: Walmart is offering an insane deal on the GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker

The Blackstone Portable Pizza Oven notably features motorized rotating pizza stone that which ensures your pizza cook evenly without manual rotation. This makes the cooking process more convenient and less prone to burning or unevenly cooked spots. The rotating stone requires either an AC electric plug-in or 4 AA batteries to operate.

“Make pizza anytime, anywhere with this compact Blackstone Tabletop Propane Pizza Oven. Bring this pizza oven with you to a campout, the beach or wherever else you are adventuring. Make up to 13″ pizzas on the 13″ rotating pizza stone,” the product description states.

“This oven heats up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and can cook a pizza in as little as two minutes so you can efficiently keep a crowd fed and happy. Turn on the rotating pizza stone by using the start and stop button so you can get a nice even cook without manually rotating your pizza. Whether you want to stick to your favorite go to pizzas or create new topping combinations, this Blackstone tabletop pizza oven is a great choice for efficiently cooking this classic dish.”

Those interested in this deal can checkout more details on Walmart’s website here.

Four people were taken into custody Thursday night after authorities said they were trying to smuggle contraband into an Alabama prison.

Alabama Department of Corrections officers were alerted to possible trespassers at Ventress Correctional Facility in Clayton.

ADOC K-9s began to track the area and found Karl Oscar Fastnacht trying to introduce contraband, said spokeswoman Kelly Betts.

A short time later, officers found a vehicle nearby with three more suspects waiting inside. They were identified as Jimmy Harden Murphy, Deunate Tarez Jews, and Stephanie Donnell Wilson Chapman.

Investigators seized Black and Mild cigars, 14 cell phones, charging blocks, 8 grams of fentanyl and 6 grams of ecstasy.

All four are charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband, second-degree promoting prison contraband, possession of a controlled substance and trafficking fentanyl.

They remain held in the Barbour County Jail.

The hit true-crime docuseries Evil Lives Here returns to Investigation Discovery with all new episodes Sunday, July 13 at 9/8c.

Those hoping to tune in for another season of Evil Lives Here can stream the premiere live through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Evil Lives Here about?

Throughout the series, chilling scenarios unfold as loved ones of killers take to the screen to reveal what it was like to know the killer.

Each hour-long episode puts viewers in the shoes of the loved one, who first notices that something is amiss, interprets the puzzling signs and clues, and eventually comes face-to-face with the horrible truth: that the person has a very dark side.

Exclusive interviews and firsthand accounts of the critical moments leading up to the vicious acts showcase devastating, often undiscussed consequences on the people who have nurtured, loved and raised a murderer.

How to watch Evil Lives Here without cable

Those interested in catching the new and upcoming episodes of the long-running ID true-crime series can find the show available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV and Sling.

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

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

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

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

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

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Investigation Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

The widely beloved Sci-Fi drama Foundation returns to Apple TV+ with the debut of its highly anticipated season three premiere Friday, July 11.

Those hoping to catch the return of the hit Apple TV+ original series can stream Foundation exclusively on the streaming platform. Those not already an Apple TV+ subscriber can enjoy a 7-day free trial before committing to a paid subscription.

What is Foundation about?

For those unfamiliar with the popular series, Foundation is based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov and chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

What to expect from Foundation season 3

According to an Apple TV+ press release, season three picks up 152 years after the events of season two and focuses on The Foundation, which has become increasingly established far beyond its humble beginnings while the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has dwindled.

Throughout the season, both galactic powers forge an uneasy alliance as a threat to the entire galaxy appears in the fearsome form of a warlord known as “The Mule.” The new warlord has his sights set on ruling the universe by using physical and military force as well as mind control.

In addition to the entertaining season three plot, new characters and stars are introduced to the series including Emmy award winner Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern, Tómas Lemarquis, Alexander Siddig, Academy Award winning Troy Kotsur and Pilou Asbæk.

Those who have watched seasons one and two will be happy to see the return of fan-favorite characters such as Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann and Rowena King for the upcoming season, too.

Season 3 episode information

Season three consists of 10 new episodes, and like other Apple TV+ original shows, season three of Foundation will release a new episode each week beginning with its debut on Friday, July 11.

A new episode will release weekly thereafter with the tenth and final season three episode set to release on Friday, Sept. 12.

How to watch Foundation season 3

Those interested in continuing the entertaining storyline can catch Foundation season three available exclusively through Apple TV+.

Those currently without a subscription to Apple’s streaming service can enjoy a 7-day free trial before committing to a paid subscription.

What is Apple TV+?

Designed by Apple, Apple TV+ is a popular streaming service that offers exclusive Apple Original shows and movies from some of the industry’s top talent. New content arrives each month meaning users will never be short of entertaining content to watch.

Along with popular original series like Foundation, subscribers can catch other popular Apple TV+ movies, documentaries and award-winning shows.

The brand new crime drama series Dexter: Resurrection premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime Friday, July 11.

Those hoping to catch the highly anticipated premiere of Dexter: Resurrection can stream the series exclusively through Paramount Plus. Those who have yet to set up a subscription through the popular streaming platform can enjoy a 7-day free trial before committing to a paid plan.

What is Dexter: Resurrection about?

According to a Paramount Plus press release, Dexter: Resurrection centers on anti-hero Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), who lies in a coma after having taken a bullet directed at him by his own son, Harrison (Jack Alcott).

When Dexter awakens, he discovers that Harrison has left for New York City. Realizing the enormity of what he’s put his son through, and determined to make things right, Dexter sets out to reunite with Harrison.

Throughout the debut season, Dexter and Harrison work to navigate their own darkness, but unfortunately for them, they find themselves deeper than they could have ever imagined.

What we know about Dexter: Resurrection season 1

The debut season of Dexter: Resurrection is scheduled to have 10 episodes with the first two releasing on Paramount Plus Friday, July 11 at approximately 12 a.m. Eastern Time. Following the two-episode drop, the remaining eight episodes will release every Friday through to the season finale.

Dexter: Resurrection sees the return of not only Hall and Alcott, but also other returning favorites such as Detective Angel Batista (David Zayas) and Dexter’s adoptive father, Harry Morgan (James Remar).

In addition to the fan-favorites reprising their roles for latest installment in the Dexter® Universe, new characters are being introduced throughout the season including Emmy® Award winner Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Kadia Saraf, Dominic Fumusa and Emilia Suárez.

Along with the incredible star-studded regular cast members for the upcoming debut season, Paramount Plus released the lineup of guest stars making an appearance in Dexter: Resurrection season one. Confirmed guest stars include Neil Patrick Harris, Krysten Ritter, Eric Stonestreet and David Dastmalchian.

How to watch Dexter: Resurrection season 1

Those interested in watching the fourth installment of the beloved franchise can stream the two-episode premiere exclusively through Paramount Plus.

What is Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is one of the most popular live streaming services on the market now. Through Paramount Plus, subscribers can access exclusive originals, movies and documentaries all in one place.

As of now, Paramount Plus offers two plans for new subscribers to choose from, and both offer week-long free trials for new subscribers to enjoy. The base plan, Paramount+ Essential starts at just $7.99 a month and includes exclusive originals, the ability to stream on up to three devices concurrently, access to CBS News 24/7, and access to select Showtime series. This plan is also ad-supported.

The Paramount+ with Showtime plan starts at just $12.99 a month and includes everything that comes with the Essential plan plus 4K content, downloadable movies and shows, and all of Showtime’s content. Those hoping to ditch ads can do so through this plan.

Amazon just slashed the price of the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Billy Corner Flag Cap, a must-have men’s fashion staple, but this deal won’t last long.

With this Amazon Prime Day Deal, you can score the Tommy Hilfiger Dad Hat for just $10 as compared to its typical $20 price tag. Free shipping is also included for Prime members. Those who are not yet a member can take advantage of Amazon Prime’s 30-day free trial with the option to cancel before the trial period ends.

RELATED: Amazon is giving away 3 months of Audible for free during Prime Day

The Tommy Hilfiger Dad Hat features its iconic yet understated flag embroidery design. This provides subtle branding that isn’t too overwhelming while maintaining a classic and clean look. Overall, the flag design adds a touch of iconic Tommy Hilfiger style without being too flashy.

“Tommy Hilfiger’s Billy baseball hat is one you’ll keep on heavy rotation, thanks to the understated flag embroidery, classic look and adjustable construction. This will be your go-to lid even on good hair days,” Amazon states. “Made in pure, 100% cotton canvas with six-panel construction, ventilating grommets and an adjustable strap closure, Tommy Hilfiger’s dad hat fits to a T, stays naturally cool and keeps the sun at bay.”

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Amazon.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 12:39 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:45 p.m. for Marshall, Jackson and DeKalb counties.

Residents can be ready for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 12:39 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northeast of Grant, or 7 miles southwest of Scottsboro, moving east at 15 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Scottsboro, Rainsville, Henagar, Sylvania, Hollywood, Powell, Section, Pisgah, Dutton and Langston.

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

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

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

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek 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, 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 in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

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:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

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.

Two knockout specialists will be doing at it in New York this weekend, with Hamzah Sheeraz set to make his super middleweight debut against Edgar Berlanga.

Sheeraz is 21-0-1 in 22 career fights, with 17 TKOs (81% knockout rate). Berlanga, his opponent, is 22-0 with 17 TKOs as well. This should be an exciting matchup to watch.

Fans looking to watch the Sheeraz vs Berlanga fight can do so on DAZN, offering some solid deals to watch the main event. Here’s the three options:

• Sheeraz vs Berlanga fight for $59.99 (one-time purchase)
• Next week’s Usyk vs Dubois fight for $59.99 (one-time purchase)
• BUNDLE DEAL: Get BOTH Sheeraz vs Berlanga & Usyk vs Dubois fight for $94.99 (21 % savings)

Here’s everything you need to know before Sheeraz and Berlanga face off:

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Where: Louis Armstrong Stadium, Flushing, NY

Time: Undercards begin at 5:30 p.m. ET

Fans looking to watch the Sheeraz vs Berlanga fight can do so on DAZN, offering some solid deals to watch the main event.

The 2025 MLB season has been underway for quite a while at this point. The 95th MLB All-Star game is just a few days away, with this year’s contest being played at Truist Park in Atlanta.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the defending World Series champions after taking down the New York Yankees in five games last year. They’ve picked up right where they left off, with the second-best record in the MLB behind the Detroit Tigers.

The Dodgers recently announced a very special promotion next month, as they’ll unveil a new Kobe Bryant bobblehead on 8/8 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive the bobblehead, which has Bryant in his gold Lakers ‘24′ uniform while holding a baseball bat.

Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January of 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others. The Dodgers continue to honor Bryant’s legacy, as his influence still reigns supreme in the Los Angeles area. Fans looking to purchase tickets can do so here:

• Gametime – Prices starting at $158 (cheapest)
• Seatgeek – Prices starting at $159
• Vivid Seats – Prices starting at $168
• Stubhub – Prices starting at $170