Alabama News

The Food and Drug Administration has recalled more than 67,000 cases of deodorant sold at major retailers due to manufacturing practices that violate federal regulations.

Three types of Power Sticks deodorants made by Pennsylvania-based A.P. Beauville, were recalled due to what was described as “deviations from Current Good Manufacturing Practice” regulations. More than 20,000 cases of each product were recalled.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices, known as CGMPs, are regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure drugs are safe. CGMPs include things like the quality of raw materials, operating procedures, product quality and testing laboratories.

“This formal system of controls (CGMPs) at a pharmaceutical company, if adequately put into practice, helps to prevent instances of contamination, mix-ups, deviations, failures, and errors,” the FDA said.

The FDA didn’t specify which CGMP regulation wasn’t followed.

The recall was initiated July 10 and includes:

• Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Powder Fresh 1.8 oz – 21,265 cases
• Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Spring Fresh 1.8 oz – 22,482 cases
• Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant – 1.8 oz. – 23, 467 cases

You can go here to see a list of lot numbers.

The products were distributed nationwide and sold through Walmart and Dollar Tree and online at Amazon.com.

What should you do if you own one of the deodorants?

The FDA hasn’t issued information on what you should do if you have one of the recalled products. Generally, you are able to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. It’s also recommended you clean the area where the product was stored.

Work is expected to begin before the end of the year to bring Rural King to Gadsden.

The new store will be located in the former Gregerson’s Midtown Center and Cash Saver grocery store.

The home, farm and supply retailer plans to invest about $12 million in the project to renovate the existing building.

The project is expected to create about 90 jobs.

Since its founding in Mattoon, Ill. in 1960, Rural King has grown to more than 130 stores in fourteen states. The chain opened stores in Saraland and Jasper this year.

Mayor Craig Ford, in announcing the project, called it a “fantastic opportunity” for Gadsden, as the store is expected to draw business from neighboring Cherokee County.

It could also spur development in the shopping center.

“Not only are we bringing in one of the fastest-growing businesses in the Southeast, but it’s also a chance to bring new life to one of our major downtown shopping areas,” Ford said.

Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, during a recent interview called out George Clooney and other prominent Democrats who called for Biden to drop out of last year’s presidential race.

A year ago today, on July 21, 2024, Biden announced he was ending his bid for reelection following a debate with Donald Trump on June 27 that raised concerns about Biden’s candidacy.

“On one occasion, Biden appeared to lose his train of thought, stopped speaking and concluded with the line, ‘we finally beat Medicare,’” reads a previous report from USA Today.

At the time, members of Biden’s administration said his debate performance could be attributed to exhaustion from the former president’s busy schedule that week.

But in an interview lasting more than three hours with YouTube show Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan Hunter said that that wasn’t the whole story.

“I know exactly what happened in that debate,” Hunter told Callaghan.

“He flew around the world ‒ basically the mileage that he could have flown around the world three times. He’s 81 years old. He’s tired as s–t. They give him Ambien to be able to sleep.“

Ambien, generically known as zolpidem, is a sedative medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, according to GoodRx.

“He gets up on the stage, and he looks like he’s a deer in the headlights, and it feeds into every f—ing story that anybody wants to tell,” Hunter continued.

He then turned his attention to Clooney, who published an op-ed in The New York Times in July 2024 calling for Biden to step down as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Clooney, a longtime fundraiser for the Democratic party, wrote that he still considered Biden a friend and added that his plea was “about age. Nothing more. But also nothing that can be reversed.”

“We are not going to win in November with this president,” he wrote.

“…This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly.”

“We can put our heads in the sand and pray for a miracle in November, or we can speak the truth,” he continued.

Clooney was joined by actor Rob Reiner and several Democratic lawmakers in his plea.

Less than two weeks later, Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“F— him [Clooney]!” Hunter told Callaghan in Monday’s interview.

“F— him, f— him and everybody around him.”

“What do you have to do with f—ing anything? Why do I have to f—ing listen to you?” he continued.

“What right do you have to step on a man who’s given 52 years of his f—ing life to the service of this country and decide that you, George Clooney, are going to take out basically a full-page ad in the f—ing New York Times to undermine the president?”

Hunter went on to call out Democratic strategist James Carville, former Obama adviser David Axelrod, and the hosts of Pod Save America.

“They’re all going to insert their judgment over a man who has figured out, unlike anybody else, how to get elected to the United States Senate over seven times, how to pass more legislation than any president in history, how to have a better midterm election than anybody in history, and how to garner more votes than any president that has ever run,” he said.

Despite leaving office six months ago, Biden and his presidency seem to remain on the minds of many, including Trump.

The House has launched investigations asserting that Biden’s closest advisers covered up a physical and mental decline during the 82-year-old Democrat’s presidency, according to AP News.

The Senate has also started a series of hearings focused on his mental fitness. And Trump’s White House has opened its own investigation into the Biden administration’s use of the presidential autopen, which Trump has called “one of the biggest scandals in the history of our country,” the outlet reports.

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Big Bass Bonanza Megaways

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Fire Stampede Connect & Collect

• Developer: Pragmatic Play
• Average RTP rate: 93.99%
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Fire Stampede Connect & Collect is a five-reel, five-row slot from Pragmatic Play. It features 1,875 different ways to win. The Connect & Collect feature, when triggered, offers respins and free spins.

The grand jackpot of 4,275x your spin can be won on any spin during the base game. Fire Stampede Connect & Collect possesses a dusty desert plains theme with symbols like cacti, eagles and nuggets of gold.

While the 93.99% RTP rate is a tad low, the game’s fun features and enticing visuals make up for it. If you want to find out more about the meaning of (RTP) return to player, we have you covered.

Space Wars Megaways XXXtreme

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Dragon’s Luck Power Reels

• Developer: Red Tiger Gaming
• Average RTP rate: 96.10%
• Max win: 3,888x bet

I have a classic Red Tiger Gaming slot for you to try this week. Dragon’s Luck Power Reels has a five-reel, four-row grid with 20 fixed paylines.

You will come across symbols such as lotus flowers, koi carp, rabbit gods and the Lucky 138 coin, which pays up to 1,380x your stake. Free spins are prevalent throughout this Asian culture-themed slot. The maximum payout is also solid, at 3,888x your spin.

Red Tiger Gaming produces many of the best free slots that pay real money, and Dragon Luck Power Reels is certainly amongst the top choices.

Money Stacks

• Developer: Pragmatic Play
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Another Pragmatic Play-developed slot makes the cut this week. Money Stacks is a 6×4 slot that boasts a classic free spins feature, in which up to six scatters trigger 30 spins with multiplier wilds up to 5x your spin.

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Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

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ATOP LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Maine (AP) — The founder of Burt’s Bees envisioned a tribute to Henry David Thoreau when she began buying thousands of acres of logging company land to donate for what would become the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

But there was a major pivot: The monument’s new welcome center tells its story not from the perspective of the famed naturalist but through the eyes of the Wabanaki tribes who were the land’s original inhabitants.

Roxanne Quimby’s family collaborated with four tribal nations, private entities and federal officials to create the $35 million center that the National Park Service opened to the public on June 21, providing a focal point for the 87,500-acre (354 square kilometer) monument.

Dubbed “Tekαkαpimək” (pronounced duh gah-gah bee mook), which means “as far as the eye can see” in the Penobscot language, the contemporary wood-clad structure atop Lookout Mountain provides a stunning view of Katahdin, a mountain of key importance to Penobscot Nation, one of four Wabanaki Confederacy tribes in present-day Maine.

“It’s a sacred mountain. For Penobscot people, it’s really the heart of our homeland,” said Jennifer Neptune, a Penobscot who contributed artwork and written interpretations for the exhibits.

Reflecting the land’s Native stewards

Philanthropic funds covered the construction costs and land purchases for the monument, which is now now maintained by the park service. Tekαkαpimək donors included L.L. Bean, Burt’s Bees and the National Park Foundation, funneled through the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, along with the Quimby family. Quimby sold Burt’s Bees, maker of lip balm and other products, as she turned her attention to philanthropy.

Off the grid and reachable only by unpaved roads, the center features an amphitheater and eastward lookout for sunrise ceremonies led by the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes, known collectively as the “people of the dawn.” The vista stretches over land the tribes traversed for thousands of years. The other side faces Katahdin, which at 5,269 feet (1,606 meters) is Maine’s tallest peak.

Inside, exhibits and artwork teach visitors about birch bark canoes, ancient fishing techniques, the night sky and local wildlife, with translations in Wabanaki languages. Floor tiles reveal an intricate map of tributaries to the Penobscot River, which flows past the island home of the Penobscot reservation to the ocean.

The welcome center has opened amid President Donald Trump’s campaign to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives nationwide, including by issuing an executive order aimed at “restoring truth and sanity to American history” that prompted Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to order a review of signs, memorials and statues.

While the Trump administration’s moves have created some unease, a formal management agreement between the federal government and the tribal nations involved should protect the center’s focus on the Native Americans who were stewards of this land for centuries, said Quimby’s son, Lucas St. Clair, who marshaled his mother’s effort to have the land donated to the National Park Service.

“We can do better about teaching the real history of the United States,” and the welcome center attempts that, he said. ”It’s not an insult to America. We’re not trying to talk badly about America,” he said.

Pivoting the focus

When Quimby began buying the land in the 1990s, she was inspired by Thoreau’s travels through the region, which included an 1857 journey led by a Penobscot guide, Joe Polis, that he chronicled in “The Maine Woods.”

But the focus began to shift in 2014 when her son joined a group led by tribal leaders that retraced Thoreau’s lengthy travels on the 150th anniversary of that book’s publication. St. Clair realized there was a richer story to tell.

St. Clair began consulting with the tribes, only to be humbled two years later, after President Barack Obama’s interior secretary traveled to Maine to celebrate the land’s designation as a national monument. A tribal leader chided St. Clair because no tribal members were invited to speak.

The omission had revealed a cultural blind spot: “It just felt like, oh my gosh, I missed the boat on this one,” St. Clair recounted.

Another pivotal moment came after the unveiling of the first welcome center design, which Neptune said was inspired by a New England farmhouse-style structure that once served loggers in the area.

Tribal representatives felt the design smacked of colonialism and oppression, Neptune said. Lawyers were brought in to protect tribal heritage and intellectual property, while the non-natives involved made deeper efforts to understand Wabanaki culture, and the architect collaborated with an expanded tribal advisory board on a new design evoking a moose’s antlers, inspired by a story of a tribal hero.

James Francis, the Penobscot Nation’s tribal historian, hopes this collaboration serves as a template for future projects involving Native Americans.

“The real achievement of this project was the connection to Maine and how it was done — bringing in the Wabanaki people and giving them a voice,” he said.

Would Thoreau approve?

Quimby said the original design was beautiful, but the discussions with tribal members were eye-opening.

“The more we went along with it, the more we realized that they could make an enormous contribution,” Quimby said.

According to the tribe, Thoreau made a major contribution to Penobscot history by documenting their place names, and once wrote in a journal that “the Indian language reveals another wholly new life to us.”

Thoreau would approve of Quimby’s steps to conserve land for future generations, said Will Shafroth, former president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, which raises money to assist the National Park Service.

“You have to believe that Thoreau would basically sit on the side of the river and thank God she and her family did this,” Shafroth said.

A brand new episode of the hit reality dating competition series Bachelor in Paradise premieres on ABC Monday, July 21 at 8/7c.

Those hoping to tune in to this week’s new episode can stream the hit ABC series through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers.

Previous episode recap

Last week’s episode left a lot to unpack and included an uncomfortable rose ceremony that left many viewers across Bachelor Nation with their jaws on the floor.

One of the most notable departures that happened during last week’s rose ceremony was the season’s recent addition—Justin Glaze, who offered his rose to his ex-girlfriend, Susie Evans, despite their rocky history filled with unresolved feelings. With her decline to accept his rose, Glaze departed the show after joining for just one episode.

Additionally, Lexi Young and Alli Jo Hinkes also failed to receive a rose, leading to their early departures alongside Glaze.

Following the dramatic rose ceremony, Sean McLaughlin and Andrew Spencer arrived in Costa Rica with date cards in hand. Unfortunately for some of the contestants, the new arrivals tested the strength of already-established connections, leading to tensions rising even further.

On a more positive note, episode three also included the introduction of the “Golden” contestants which feature some fan-favorites from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette including April, Leslie, Kim, R.J., Natasha, Kathy, Jack and Charles K.

What to expect from this week’s new episode

The introduction of the Golden contestants last week set up a great lead in to this week’s episode. Though many of the Golden contestants arrived during last week’s drama-heavy episode, more contestants are gearing up to hit the resort this week including Gary Levingston.

Gary is set to arrive with a date card in hand as the Goldens turn up the heat and bring the party to paradise. Meanwhile, Kat discovers surprising details about Dale’s connection with the recently eliminated Alli Jo, and the episode is set to finish out with an unexpected rose that shakes up the evening.

How to watch Bachelor in Paradise season 10

Those looking to keep up with season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise can stream the weekly releases through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers.

What is Fubo?

Although primarily known as one of the most popular sports-focused streaming platforms, Fubo offers its subscribers much more than just sports related content. Fubo users can access over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, MTV and more.

Subscribers can also enjoy a plethora of on-demand content in the form of hit TV shows and blockbuster movies and gain access to useful features such as the unlimited DVR feature.

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.

Facebook has deleted about 10 million profiles since the start of the year.

Forbes reports the social media platform confirmed it is cracking down on profiles that impersonate large content producers. The crackdown is in addition to 500,000 accounts found to have been engaging in “spammy behavior and fake engagement.”

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, plans to continue deleting fake and spam profiles.

In an announcement, Meta doubled down on the its policy, saying Facebook “ aims to be a place where original content thrives, and creators are rewarded for their hard work and creativity.”

What if my account was deleted in error?

While Meta said it’s deleting spam accounts, Forbes reports some Facebook users have claimed their profiles have been deleted in error.

Facebook said it alerts users who have had their accounts suspended with an email. Users who think their accounts have been suspended in error can appeal the suspension within 180 days. After that time, the account will be permanently disabled.

Facebook may permanently disable accounts without notice in “cases of severe or time-sensitive violations.”

Facebook ends fact-checking

Earlier this year, Meta said announced it is scrapping its third-party fact-checking program and replacing it with a Community Notes program written by users. The company said it decided to end the program because expert fact checkers had their own biases and too much content ended up being fact checked.

Stanley’s all-new pastel green Pistachio drinkware collection just dropped, and if you’ve been eyeing the viral 40-ounce Quencher in this fresh summer color, don’t wait. The limited-edition color is already selling fast, and fans know these launches rarely stick around.

The new eye-catching Stanley Pistachio color collection features a full lineup of Stanley favorites including the IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler, the AeroLight Transit Bottle and the classic Adventure Quencher in multiple sizes. But as always, the 40-ounce Quencher is the star of this collection. Known for its oversized capacity, comfortable handle, and viral status on TikTok, this cult-favorite tumbler tends to sell out quickly.

All products included in the new Stanley Pistachio color collection are as follows:

RELATED: Stanley’s Summer Edit collection debuts in trendy pastel colors

Right alongside Pistachio, Stanley also introduced the dreamy pastel-blue Dew Drop collection. It also includes Stanley favorites like the 40oz FlowState Quencher, 30 oz IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler and even a 7.4‑quart All‑Day Julienne Mini Cooler. This lineup taps into the current “blue everything” trend.

Those interested in these new Stanley summer color collections can checkout the full rundown here.

At 2:08 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service released a heat advisory in effect until Tuesday at 9 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Cullman counties.

The weather service states to prepare for, “Heat index values up to 107 degrees.”

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” comments the weather service.

Beating the heat: Heat safety guidelines from the weather service

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Seek cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable.
• Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and make sure to check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Child and pet safety: Never leave young children and pets unattended in hot vehicles – car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
• Caution outdoors: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
• Select the ideal time: If possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when the heat is less intense.
• Recognize heat-related issues: Recognize the warning signs and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Stay cool with clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool.

Additional tips for outdoor workers:

• For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
• In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat’s potentially dangerous effects.

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.

Walmart is offering tons of deals on bikes and electric scooters this week, including a major discount on the best-selling AOVOPRO Electric Scooter perfect for commuters.

With this Walmart deal, you can score the AOVOPRO Commuter E-Scooter for only $289 instead of its original list price of $600. This is a more than $300 discount overall. Free shipping is also included for both regular customers and Walmart+ members.

RELATED: Is a Walmart+ membership worth it? 5 benefits of being a member

Whether you’re going to class or navigating a large city, the AOVOPRO Electric Scooter was designed specifically for commuters. The adjustable and soft seat, combined with the front dual hydraulic shock absorber and rear spring shock absorption, ensures a comfortable riding experience, even on long-distance commutes. The scooter’s 14-inch tires further enhance ride comfort by absorbing most shocks. For added convenience, it comes with a detachable carry basket for carrying groceries and packages, along with a mobile phone holder for easy navigation.

This E-Scooter has a default maximum speed of 22 MPH and a mileage range of 21-28 miles on a full charge. Powered by a 48V-54.6V lithium-ion battery and a 500W motor, it can support a maximum load of 264 lbs and takes 4-5 hours to fully charge. Not to mention, it is foldable, waterproof and weather-resistant.

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Walmart’s website here.