Alabama News

WWE Friday Night SmackDown heads to Nashville, Tennessee this week. This will be a live showing, as last week’s episode was pre-recorded following Monday Night Raw due to the July 4th holiday.

One major matchup happening on SmackDown this week will be a WWE Tag Team Championship match between The Street Prophets and The Wyatt Sicks.

Since SmackDown is taking place in Nashville, four-time Grammy award winning artist Jelly Roll will be in attendance. The Nashville native is always a fan-favorite.

Ron Killings will also take on Aleister Black.

Fans looking to watch SmackDown this week can do so for free using a free trial offered by DIRECTV. Also, Sling offers a solid first-month discount to new users.

The July 4th pre-recorded episode was considered more of a ‘filler’ show, so this week’s rendition will be getting back to normal.

Fans looking to watch SmackDown this week can do so for free using a free trial offered by DIRECTV. Also, Sling offers a solid first-month discount to new users.

SmackDown will take place on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT.

The Snack Wrap is back!

McDonald’s cult favorite wrap with lettuce, cheese, chicken, and signature sauce inside a flour tortilla is out of retirement and back on the menu starting today (July 10).

The Snack Wrap is available in two flavors: Ranch, featuring hints of garlic and onion, and Spicy, which has a habanero kick. McDonald’s lovers can score the Snack Wrap for $2.99.

Wondering if the Snack Wrap tastes the same after a nearly decade-long hiatus? Writers from PEOPLE had the chance to try the wrap ahead of its release and here are their reviews:

-“I remember eating these in the back of my mom’s car when I was a kid and this just brought me all the way back,” one editor said of the Ranch flavor. “The tortilla is extra chewy and not grilled, the ranch is warm and melts into the lettuce. And the chicken? Crispy and tender. No notes, we’re so back.”

“McDonald’s brought back a classic — and they delivered! It still has its same signature taste, with the spicy version tasting just spicy enough to notice the heat,” one editor said. “It’s balanced with ranch dressing as well. You will def need more than one to really feel full, as it truly is a cute little snack.”

The former congressman and reality TV contestant whom President Donald Trump has picked as temporary head of NASA brings little experience with space policy and few apparent ties to Alabama.

Trump announced Sean Duffy – the current secretary of the federal Department of Transportation – as his pick for interim administrator of the space agency in a post on TruthSocial late Wednesday.

“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country’s Transportation Affairs, including creating a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control systems, while at the same time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them efficient, and beautiful, again,” Trump wrote.

On the X platform, Duffy posted a screenshot of Trump’s announcement along with the text, “Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.”

A former congressman and prosecutor, Duffy first gained fame by appearing on several MTV reality television programs, including 1997’s The Real World: Boston; Road Rules: All Stars (1998); and Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Battle of the Seasons (2002). He has also worked as a political commentator for CNN and for Fox News.

Duffy, a Republican, served in the U.S. House as representative for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019. Before Congress, he was district attorney in rural Ashland County, Wis., from 2002-2010.

In Congress, Duffy sat on the House financial services committee – where he was chairman of the oversight and investigations subcommittee — and on the House budget committee.

An AL.com review of Duffy’s record in Congress shows he did not sponsor or cosponsor a single bill directly related to NASA or space policy.

Duffy stands in stark contrast to Trump’s first pick to head NASA, a tech billionaire and space enthusiast with north Alabama connections.

The White House pulled the nomination of Jared Isaacman in May, shortly after proposing historically large cuts to NASA, including to flagship systems related to the Artemis moon program that are managed from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Administration spokeswoman Liz Huston told NBC News at the time, “it’s essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda.”

Isaacman is founder and CEO of the credit card payment processing company Shift4 Payments. He was a close ally of Elon Musk, having twice purchased flights into space aboard the latter’s SpaceX rockets. Trump withdrew Isaacman’s nomination shortly after the president had a public falling out with Musk as well as revelations that Isaacman had previously donated to causes related to both Democrats and Republicans.

Isaacman attended the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Aviation Challenge as a child and, in 2022, donated $10 million for the construction of the facility’s Inspiration4 Skills Training Center. He is also a member of the class of 2022 U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp Hall of Fame.

Duffy’s main connection to Alabama comes in the form of grants earmarked for state infrastructure projects under his tenure as head of the federal Transportation department.

In May, the DoT announced a $550 million grant had been finalized for work on the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Multimodal Project. That grant was initially announced in 2024, under the Joe Biden administration.

Four other grants for Alabama projects were also announced in May, totaling just over $43 million.

Prime Day now includes an impressive 20–30% markdown on Sol de Janeiro’s viral Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, and it’s not a minor discount. This body cream has millions of raving reviewers, including celebrity fans like Blake Lively, Selena Gomez and even supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, who used it (and related products) for a runway-ready glow.

With this Prime Day deal, you can now snag the full-size Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream for $38 down from its usual $48. This is a rare discount as this viral item almost never goes on sale. Free shipping is also included for Prime members, however, those who are not yet a member can take advantage of Amazon’s 30-day free trial.

RELATED: Amazon just slashed the price of the blue Yeti Tundra 35 hard cooler

According to Amazon, the Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is made with caffeine-rich guarana helps visibly smooth and tighten skin while cupuacu butter delivers deep hydration. It even earned high praise from dermatologists for reducing the look of cellulite and stretch marks.

“The iconic Sol de Janeiro body cream. Award-winning, visibly tightening, fast-absorbing body cream for moisturized skin. Warm gourmand Cheirosa 62 fragrance with delicious notes of salted caramel, pistachio and vanilla,” Amazon’s product details state.

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

Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday authorized flags be flown at half-staff throughout the state to honor people who lost their lives in the recent Texas floods.

“I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until sunrise Monday, July 14, 2025, in honor of those who lost their lives, including those from Alabama, in the recent deadly Texas Hill Country flooding,” she wrote in a release Wednesday.

Over 100 people lost their lives in the floods, including eight-year-old Sarah Marsh, of Mountain Brook, and many more are still missing, including Eddie Santana Sr., 69, and his wife, Ileana, 66, from Mobile and their granddaughter, five-year-old Mila Rosa Santana.

Ivey said the order was made in solidarity with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff until July 14.

“In solidarity with Texas and Governor Greg Abbott, I have ordered flags across Alabama to be flown at half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives — including Alabamians — in the floods in the Texas Hill Country, “ Ivey wrote in a post to Facebook.

“Flags should be lowered until sunrise Monday.”

As of Wednesday morning, the flood is reported to have killed over 120 people, about a third of them children, according to Newsweek.

Abbott said this week that authorities will work around the clock to find those that are still missing.

“Right now, our #1 job is to find every single missing person,” he wrote in a post to X.

“We will not leave until that job is done.”

President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas.

Amazon’s biggest sale of the year is coming to an end, but there’s plenty of excitement still available online.

Those looking to take a break from Prime Day are now flocking to the best sweepstakes casinos to play their favorite online slots from home.

After a long review process, I’ve identified four of the most exciting online sweepstakes slots available this week. Each of these games looks incredible, comes with unique bonus features and offers players some incredible payout opportunities.

Here are 4 of the best sweeps slots to play after Prime Day shopping

Amazon’s Prime Day has been a global phenomenon since it first launched in 2015. It’s one of the internet’s biggest sales and offers some incredible deals on major brands.

Spending all day searching for the best sale can be draining, though. For a change of pace, many head to their favorite sweepstakes casino to relax and play slots.

There is no shortage of incredible high RTP slots available to play online. Below, I highlight four of the best sweeps slots to play this week:

Diamond Explosion 7s

Ruby Play has produced a huge number of exciting free and real money slots over the years. One of this developer’s best games is Diamond Explosion 7s, a five-reel slot game with 50 paylines and an average RTP rate of 96.82%.

• Where to play: Crown Coins

Diamond Explosion 7s has a unique theme filled with classic slot symbols, including four-leaf clovers, cherries and BAR symbols. Players will also recognize the exciting soundtrack that will remind long-time players of the classic slot machine sounds found inside Las Vegas casinos.

This game is filled with amazing bonus features. One of the most exciting is the Jackpot Pick Deluxe Feature, which is randomly triggered during gameplay. This bonus round gives players access to four jackpots, the largest of which can offer a solid payout of 800x your wager.

Brick House Bonanza

Another extremely exciting five-reel slot is Brick House Bonanza. This game was launched by Pragmatic Play in June, and it has quickly turned into one of the most popular games on Real Prize and at a variety of real money casinos. It features 243 paylines with an average RTP rate of 96.50%.

• Where to play: Real Prize

Brick House Bonanza is set in the theme of the Three Little Pigs and features symbols connected to this children’s story, including pigs, wolves and building material. The graphics are sleek and look fantastic using a computer or a smartphone.

Pragmatic Play always packs its slot games with great bonuses. One of the most exciting connected to Brick House Bonanza is the free spins round, triggered by landing six or more scatter symbols. Players can earn huge jackpot prizes during this round, the largest of which offers a payout of 5,000x their wager.

Amazonia Wins

Another one of the best slots to play while taking a break from Prime Day is Amazonia Wins. This is a brand-new game launched by 3 Oaks Gaming that features five reels, 25 paylines and a huge maximum payout of 20,000x your wager.

• Where to play: Mega Bonanza

Amazon-themed slots are not necessarily uncommon. Amazonia Wins features elements of the ancient Amazon, yet it doesn’t go overboard with animations and clips. It is more of a classic slot game, offering a simple design and several great bonus rounds.

Each time a bonus or super bonus emblem is earned, players add to their Golden Idol Progress Meter. Once this meter is completely filled, players gain access to the free spins round, in which huge multipliers and four different jackpots can be earned.

Alien Invaders

Pragmatic Play is constantly launching new games. One of this developer’s latest games is Alien Invaders, a five-reel slot game with 20 paylines, an average RTP rate of 96.50% and a maximum payout of 5,000x your wager.

• Where to play: McLuck

As one might expect from a brand-new slot, Alien Invaders has some incredible graphics. It’s filled with various alien symbols and showcases a floating alien figure to the right of the screen that reacts when winning combinations are landed.

Many players are already praising the various bonus features connected to Alien Invaders. Players who land three or more scatter symbols trigger the free spins round, in which a win multiplier remains in place for every single spin. This game looks incredible, has a solid RTP and offers bonuses that can earn players some massive payouts.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

Rick Springfield made it a point to call out Craig Melvin after the ‘Today’ show host yawned during the live interview with the 80s rock icon.

On Thursday, the 75-year-old legend was talking about his 1980 hit “Jessie’s Girl,” then asked Melvin, “Am I boring you?”

“Not at all, Rick. I apologize,” Melvin responded as he, Al Roker and Jill Martin laughed at Springfield’s comment.

“It’s early,” the “Don’t Talk to Strangers” singer responded. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll yawn, too.”

Melvin didn’t help himself, trying to explain it away as a cough.

Springfield didn’t let it go throughout the interview.

“I like this guy!” Roker declared.

Springfield, 75, also revealed new details about the brain injury he sustained more than two decades ago.

He shared he recently learned he had lasting damage from a fall during a Las Vegas concert he performed 25 years ago.

“I was doing the show in Vegas, and I fell actually 25 feet to a steel stage,” Springfield said.

During a mid-show stunt, Springfield was meant to be suspended from a beam on a gravity-fed harness system, but “it wasn’t tied off,” the singer revealed. “I slammed (onto the stage), and then the beam hit me on the head and then my head hit the (stage) again.”

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 DeKalb County man remains in jail on multiple charges after authorities say he kicked a kitten to death and assaulted his father.

Dustin Blake Burt, 29, of Valley Head, is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on $4,000 bond.

According to court documents, the incident allegedly happened on July 1.

Burt, according to witnesses, kicked a kitten owned by a family member, killing it.

On the same day, after drinking, Burt punched his father in the head and put a hole in the wall of the home, cursing family members and refusing to leave.

He has been charged with cruelty to animals and third degree domestic violence, a misdemeanor.

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 11:38 a.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 12:30 p.m. for Madison and Jackson counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 11:38 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Moores Mill, moving east at 10 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Huntsville, Moores Mill, Gurley, New Market, Maysville, Princeton, Brownsboro, Larkin, Trenton and Garth.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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 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.
• 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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested 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 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. 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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 rapid water flow:

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:

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:

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

Prioritize visibility

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:

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:

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.

A suspect has been charged in the cold case 2021 shooting of a 28-year-old man in Tuscaloosa.

Frederick Dewayne Lewis, 22, is charged with murder in the slaying of Trevoris Sheppard, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit announced Thursday. Lewis was 18 at the time of the killing.

The shooting happened at 12:45 p.m., Oct. 19, 2021, in the 4400 block of 21st Street which is Hay Court apartments.

TVCU Capt. Jack Kennedy said Sheppard was walking home when he was killed.

Sheppard was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Kennedy said investigators continued to work on the case, re-examining the known evidence, as well as developing new leads both with technology and community involvement.

Earlier this month, the case was presented to a Tuscaloosa County grand jury, which returned the indictment against Lewis.

A motive has not been disclosed.

Lewis was taken into custody on July 5. He has since been released after posting $75,000 bond.

“All homicide cases are a priority for the Violent Crimes Unit, and all cases remain active and open until an arrest has been made,” Kennedy said.

“All investigators that worked on this case, from the initial response, the continual follow-up, and the eventual reexamination and presentation to grand jury are to be commended.”