Alabama News

The new University of Alabama campus president will begin his tenure with a paycheck that puts him among the highest-paid university employees in the state.

Peter Mohler will receive a salary of $800,000 through Sept. 30, 2026 with an annual performance bonus of $75,000 in 2025 and $150,000 in 2026. Mohler also will get $30,000 for relocation expenses, according to a contract approved today.

This is a slight increase, about 2%, from his salary of $753,324 when he served as the Ohio State University’s interim president in 2023, according to records reviewed by AL.com.

Former president Stuart Bell’s base salary was $775,842 as of July 2024. UAB President Ray Watts earns more than $1 million, according to recent AL.com reporting.

Other salaries approved by the board include seven University of Alabama athletics coaches. The lowest was $180,000 for the men’s and women’s swimming coach and the highest was $1.275 million for the baseball coach.

Football coach Kalen DeBoer’s contract is about $10 million.

Mohler joins Alabama during a critical period in the school’s history. UA administration celebrated record enrollment last year of more than 40,000 students.

Meanwhile, the University of Alabama System board of trustees faces a lawsuit from two professors and the student chapter of the NAACP for its interpretation of the state’s anti-DEI law.

President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked an immigration crackdown that swept up one of UA’s international graduate students. He self-deported.

A Trump executive order also triggered terminations of National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants, including millions of dollars in funding for UA researchers working on computer science, COVID-19 and kidney disease.

Mohler served as Ohio State’s vice president for research and was acting president in 2023.

He will begin his term July 21.

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 2:44 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Mobile County.

The storms are foreseen to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Mobile Regional Airport, or near Midtown Mobile. This storm was nearly stationary,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Midtown Mobile, Tillmans Corner, Tanner Williams, I10 And I65 and Mobile Regional Airport.

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

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety 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 protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

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 shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

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.

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A man accused of shooting a Morgan County woman last week told a 911 dispatcher he killed her moments before police arrived to arrest him, according to court documents.

Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, of Falkville, is being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond, charged with capital murder.

He is accused of killing Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, who was found dead at the scene at a Stage Road residence in Hartselle Thursday.

Court documents filed against Young say that he drove to the home on Thursday before 9 a.m. armed with a .45 pistol, intending to kill Fox.

Once he exited his vehicle, he saw her inside the home. She saw him and dialed 911, saying there was a man with a gun outside her house.

As Young walked toward the house, he fired into it, according to investigators.

He broke the front door’s glass, entered, and fired at Fox as she ran toward her bedroom. There he shot her, then struck her in the head with the weapon after it ran out of ammunition. He also kicked her with his steel-toed boots, authorities say.

Once Young called 911, the document stated, he told dispatchers his name and location and said that he had killed Fox.

He waited for officers, who took him into custody at the scene. He also told an officer that he was responsible for her death.

Fox was pronounced dead in the home.

In a statement in her obituary, Fox’s family called her “a loving mother, grandmother, and sister and she loved taking care of people.”

“In the words of her children, ‘Our mom was the most kind, caring and trusting person we know. She never met a stranger, and she would give the shirt off her back for anyone even if it was the only thing she had to give. If you knew her, you were her family, friend, or unofficial adopted child. She is loved and missed by many. We just ask for all your prayers as we go through this difficult time of grief and healing.’”

Huntsville residents now have more options for Asian food and sub sandwiches.

Parkway Hibachi Buffet opened Saturday at Parkway Place Mall, while Jersey Mike’s will open on Memorial Parkway on Wednesday.

Parkway Hibachi Buffet is the first Alabama location for the restaurant franchise. Located on the lower level of the mall near Belk, it offers a selection of Chinese, Japanese and American food items, including fresh seafood.

The menu includes sushi, stir-fry, hibachi and burgers.

Parkway Place Marketing Director Amanda Homelvig said diners are welcomed into a clean modern, upscale interior, designed to provide a relaxed and stylish environment that elevates the overall experience, and is perfect for a casual lunch, special occasion, or night out.

“The community’s response has been incredible,” she said. “They kept the restaurant buzzing all weekend. It’s clear everyone was excited for this new dining option, and we’re so happy to see that energy.”

It is open 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The restaurant has more than 9,000 square feet, with four different dining areas.

Jersey Mike’s grand opening fundraiser

Jersey Mike’s Subs known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, will open at 9070 Memorial Parkway SW on Wednesday.

Franchise owners Matea Cox, Andrew Curde and Chris Daniels will hold a grand opening and fundraiser from Wednesday to Sunday support the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $2 contribution to the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mike’s app or through third-party delivery partners. Curbside pickup is available for orders placed in Jersey Mike’s app.

Jersey Mike’s meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled on in-store baked bread. Jersey Mike’s guests can have their subs made Mike’s Way® with vegetables – onions, lettuce and tomatoes – topped off with red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend. Cheesesteaks – both beef and chicken – are also grilled fresh.

The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has more than 4,000 locations open and in development, including restaurants in Athens and Madison. The chain started in 1956.

Other openings

• In addition to Parkway Hibachi Grill, jewelry store Lovisa opened at Parkway Place on June 27. It is on the lower level, across from Victoria’s Secret and PINK. According to the Lovisa website, the store will offer earrings, necklaces, rings and wristwear, as well as accessories. It will also offer in-store body piercing services.
• FirstBank celebrated the grand opening of its newest Huntsville location at 401 Franklin Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24 and a public grand opening on June 27. The new branch serves as a retail location, executive office, and mortgage office. The opening expands the bank’s footprint in the area. It has another location in Providence. FirstBank is partnering with Free 2 Teach for a school supply drive, with donation drop-offs accepted at both the new Twickenham branch, as well as its Providence location.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court won’t reconsider its decision in a redistricting case that went against two Native American tribes that challenged North Dakota’s legislative redistricting map, and the dispute could be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case has drawn national interest because of a 2-1 ruling issued in May by a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that erased a path through the federal Voting Rights Act for people in seven states to sue under a key provision of the landmark federal civil rights law. The tribes argued that the 2021 map violated the act by diluting their voting strength and ability to elect their own candidates.

The panel said only the U.S. Department of Justice can bring such lawsuits. That followed a 2023 ruling out of Arkansas in the same circuit that also said private individuals can’t sue under Section 2 of the law.

Those rulings conflict with decades of rulings by appellate courts in other federal circuits that have affirmed the rights of private individuals to sue under Section 2, creating a split that the Supreme Court may be asked to resolve. However, several of the high court’s conservative justices recently have indicated interest in making it harder, if not impossible, to bring redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.

After the May decision, the Spirit Lake Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians asked the appeals court for a rehearing before all 11 judges. Attorneys general of 19 states, numerous former U.S. Justice Department attorneys, several voting rights historians and others also asked for a rehearing.

But in a ruling Thursday, the full court denied the request, which was filed by the Native American Rights Fund and other groups representing the tribes. Three judges said they would have granted it, including Circuit Chief Judge Steven Colloton, who had dissented in the previous ruling.

The majority opinion in May said that for the tribes to sue under the Voting Rights Act, the law would have had to “unambiguously” give private persons or groups the right to do so.

Lenny Powell, a staff attorney for the fund, said in a statement that the refusal to reconsider “wrongly restricts voters disenfranchised by a gerrymandered redistricting map” from challenging that map.

Powell said Monday that the tribes are now considering their legal options.

Another group representing the tribes, the Campaign Legal Center, said the ruling is “contrary to both the intent of Congress in enacting the law and to decades of Supreme Court precedent affirming voters’ power to enforce the law in court.”

The office of North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

The groups said they will continue to fight to ensure fair maps. The North Dakota and Arkansas rulings apply only in the states of the 8th Circuit: Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. In the wake of the Arkansas decision, Minnesota and other states have moved to shore up voting rights with state-level protections to plug the growing gaps in the federal law.

The North Dakota tribes filed their lawsuit in 2022. The three-judge panel heard appeal arguments last October after Republican Secretary of State Michael Howe appealed a lower court’s November 2023 decision in favor of the tribes.

In that ruling, U.S. District Judge Peter Welte ordered creation of a new district that encompassed both tribes’ reservations, which are about 60 miles (97 kilometers) apart. In 2024, voters elected members from both tribes, all Democrats, to the district’s Senate seat and two House seats.

Republicans hold supermajority control of North Dakota’s Legislature.

Seven Alabama coaches got new contracts approved Monday, including baseball coach Rob Vaughn and women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry.

The compensation committee for the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees met virtually Monday and approved all athletics employment contacts. The list of seven included Vaughn, Curry, men’s basketball assistants Brian Adams and Chris Fleming, women’s tennis coach Jonatan Berhane, swimming coach Margo Geer and women’s rowing coach Kumari Lewis.

Vaughn’s new deal is for $1.275 million annually on a new five-year deal through June 30, 2030. Vaughn was making $900,000 annually on his five-year deal signed in 2023. Vaughn is heading into his third season with the Crimson Tide. During the first two, each of his Alabama teams have made it to the NCAA Tournament. Neither made it past a regional.

Curry received a raise to $700,000 on a new five-year deal through June 30, 2030. Under Curry’s previous deal agreed to in 2024, she was making $650,000 annually. Alabama has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons under Curry with four appearances in the past five seasons. None of those teams has made it past the first weekend, but the Crimson Tide earned its highest seed yet under Curry this past spring as a No. 5 seed.

Adams is heading into his second season as an assistant coach on Nate Oats’ Alabama men’s basketball coaching staff. Adams ran the defense for the team that reached the Elite Eight. Fleming is a new addition to the staff. He replaced Ryan Pannone, who took the Arkansas State head coaching job.

Both of Adams and Fleming’s new deals go through April 30, 2027. Each will make $400,000 annually. As part of Fleming’s deal, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne explained “there will be a slight offset for his remaining term with the Portland Trailblazers.” But Fleming’s average salary will be $400,000 nonetheless.

Berhane’s new deal is a three-year contract through June 30, 2028 for $150,000 annually. Geer’s deal will be for $180,000 annually, running through April 30, 2028. Meanwhile, Lewis’ deal as a new hire has a deal for four years running through June 30, 2029 for $180,000 annually.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Tim Tebow is now a girl dad.

The SEC Network analyst, 37, and his wife Demi-Leigh Tebow, 29, announced on social media they welcomed their baby on Sunday.

“Our daughter is here!” the Monday post read. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the blessing and gift of this new little life.

“We’re so grateful to the whole medical team that assisted us in the best way possible during my labor and delivery. From our doctor to our nurses and all the hospital staff — we are so grateful and thankful for you.”

The former Florida Heisman Trophy winner and his wife said they will announce the name of their daughter at a later date.

“Thank you to everyone who’s been praying with us over her arrival. We are so incredibly thankful for all of the love and support we’ve felt,” the post concluded.

Tebow and his wife married in January 2020 after meeting in 2018.

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

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

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

What is Bachelor in Paradise?

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

What we know about Bachelor in Paradise season 10 so far

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

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

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

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

Meet the Bachelor in Paradise season 10 cast

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

How to watch Bachelor in Paradise season 10

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

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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