Alabama News

An Alabama man is accused of tying children up in an underground bunker and allowing men to pay roughly $200 to sexually abuse them.

Andres Velazques-Trejo, 29, William Chase McElroy, 21, and Dalton Terrell, also 21, are jailed in connection with the horrific sex abuse and human trafficking of at least six children between the ages of 3 and 10 for more than a year.

A fourth person has been indicted but is not yet in custody.

That suspect’s name has not been released pending capture.

“He would tie one child to the bed, one child to a chair and one to one of the support poles,” Bibb County Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones said of Velazques-Trejo.

“Then he would allow people to pay to have sex with the children,” Jones said. “It’s hard to fathom that someone can do this to a child.”

Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade announced the indictments over the weekend.

Jones on Tuesday described the underground bunker as the basement of an old house at or near the home of a family member of McElroy.

The basement had been converted, at some point, to be used as a storm shelter and that’s where the repeated abuse took place between January 2024 and earlier this year.

Jones said the bunker had a concrete floor, an old bed, a couple of chairs and concrete pilings holding up the ceiling.

Wade’s weekend statement said the investigation began Feb. 4 of this year “following concerns regarding the sexual abuse of children in an underground bunker located in Brent.”

Two of the victims were found to be performing sex acts on each other.

When discovered, they reported that McElroy had done to them, or taught them to do, the things they were doing to each other, Jones said.

The accusations alleged the children were forced to endure vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex.

Records state one of the suspects “sold” children “to various clientele for sexual pleasure.”

Jones said the children were reportedly drugged by Velazques-Trejo pouring some type of white powder into their drinks.

“It’s hard to hear their stories and it’s hard to see pictures of this bunker where, according to some of the witnesses, they were drugged,” Jones said.

The victims are in DHR custody.

“As bad as it sounds with (Velazques-Trejo) drugging them, it may be a blessing in disguise because they don’t remember a lot of things,” Jones said.

“I’m hopeful through that they won’t have near the trauma they would have had if they had not been drugged.”

“I have a feeling as this story gets out, I feel like there are going to be more victims,” Jones said.

Authorities also believe there are many more suspects. He said there are allegations of up to another 12 men who may have paid to have sex with the children.

“We have no way of identifying these people unless somebody in the community comes forward and says this person told us they did this,” Jones said.

“The children wouldn’t know who they are.”

The grand jury on July 11 indicted McElroy on four counts of first-degree rape, six counts of first-degree human trafficking, six counts of first-degree sodomy and four counts of first-degree kidnapping.

He was initially arrested Feb. 11 on multiple counts of child sex abuse.

Charging documents from his initial arrest state he admitted to fondling the male victim and raping at least one of the young girls.

On April 25, investigators identified Terrell as another suspect and he, too, admitted to sexual intercourse with a minor, according to court records.

The grand jury indicted Terrell with six counts of first-degree rape, 12 counts of first-degree sodomy and five counts of human trafficking.

Terrell, records state, paid at least two adults to use the children – who are now ages 8,6, 10 and 3 – for sexual purposes, including rape and sodomy.

After more investigation, Velazquez-Trejo was arrested on April 29. He is charged with six counts of human trafficking.

The criminal complaint states he sold nude images of the victims to multiple people and sold the children themselves.

The suspects, all from Brent, will be arraigned on the indictments in August.

Court records indicate they all lived in mobile homes approximately a mile from each other at the time of their arrests.

Multiple agencies worked with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office on the investigation including Homeland Security Investigations, the Alabama Fusion Center, the Bibb County Department of Human Resources, the Child Advocacy Center Forensic Interview in Centreville and the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing.

Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

We looked at the best running backs in 1A, and now it’s time for the best wide receivers in 1A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST WIDE RECEIVERS, ALABAMA 1A

Aidan Abbott, sr., Maplesville

A second-team all-state selection for two consecutive years, Abbott recorded 40 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns last season. Red Devils coach Brad Abbott praises Abbott’s ability to catch passes in traffic despite facing frequent double coverage. Abbott never leaves the field, excelling as a linebacker on defense and dangerous punt returner on special teams.

Julian Barnes, sr., McIntosh

Barnes showed his receiving skills last season with 20 receptions and two touchdown catches. The senior will try to increase his production in his final campaign for the Demons.

Brady Baxter, sr., Meek

Described by Tigers coach Daniel Evans as a “Swiss Army knife” who has played multiple positions during his time at Meek, Baxter has worked hard this offseason to prepare for his senior season.

Michael Billups, sr., Pickens County

Billups returns to his original position at wide receiver for the Tornadoes after earning second-team all-state honors as a defensive back last season with 57 tackles and five interceptions. His combination of offensive skills and defensive instincts makes him one of the region’s most versatile players.

Jaxon Brown, sr., Meek

Brown achieved a remarkable feat last season that Tigers coach Daniel Evans has never seen before: He didn’t drop a single pass all year. Described as “the most competitive kid ever coached,” Brown brings determination and reliability to the receiving corps. He also contributes at outside linebacker.

Kannen Cheatham, so., Hackleburg

At 6-foot-2, Cheatham brings good size to the wideout position. Panthers coach Rod Hudson describes him simply as a “good athlete” with promising potential entering his sophomore season.

Javarian Davis, jr., Cherokee

Davis demonstrated his playmaking ability last season with five touchdown receptions and two interceptions. Cherokee coach Ben Floyd expects to see even greater production in Davis’ junior campaign.

Damien Dickerson, jr., Autauga Academy

Dickerson excelled for the Generals and received honorable mention all-state at wide receiver in 2024, establishing himself as one of the classification’s top returning pass-catchers.

Parker Ferguson, jr., Meek

Described by Tigers coach Daniel Evans as a “tall, athletic player,” Ferguson is expected to be a “matchup nightmare” for opposing defenses. He’ll also make it difficult to throw against him when he plays defensive back in his first year of varsity action.

Joshua Harris Jr., fr., McIntosh

Though just a freshman, Harris brings “big-play capability” to the receiver position, according to father and Demons coach Joshua Harris Sr. As a first-year varsity player, Harris Jr. will try to make an immediate impact in the McIntosh passing game.

John Marc Hobbs, so., Fruitdale

Hobbs made significant contributions as a freshman last season, with nine catches for 120 yards, plus 12 pass deflections and 41 tackles on defense. Pirates coach Lane Brown expects Hobbs to emerge as a leader on both sides of the ball this fall.

Cam Ingram, sr., Hackleburg

A four-year starter at wide receiver and cornerback, Ingram enters his senior season as the Panthers’ leading returning receiver. His experience and skill set make him a valuable piece of the puzzle for coach Rod Hudson and the Hackleburg squad.

Hank Johnson, so., Brantley

Johnson brings physicality to both sides of the ball, playing wide receiver and middle linebacker. Bulldogs coach Andrew Lowery highlighted Johnson’s ability and skills, noting that offensively “he is a guy that blocks really well and also is good with the ball in his hands.”

Conner Lane, so., Addison

A transfer entering his sophomore year with the Bulldogs, Lane brings “great hands and speed” per first-year Addison coach Mark Hastings. Lane is expected to provide depth and strength to the receiver and defensive back groups.

Javian Marshall, so., Georgiana

Marshall enters his sophomore season with what Panthers coach Berry Bess calls “huge upside.” A multi-position player (WR/QB/DB), Marshall has earned praise as a great teammate, hard worker and student of the sport who has “studied and developed at each aspect of his game.”

Cayson McElrath, sr., Valley Head

Dubbed an “all-around athlete” by Tigers coach Charles Hammon, McElrath brings game-changing speed to the receiver position. He has clocked a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at multiple camps and boasts a bench press max of 240 pounds. His combination of size and speed makes him a constant vertical threat downfield.

Jamari Nicks, so., Winterboro

Despite being a sophomore, Nicks has established himself as a big-play threat with 31 receptions for 568 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. He added 86 carries for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns. With elite route-running skills and a varsity veteran’s work ethic, Nicks has attracted offers from Arkansas and Tennessee, among others. Bulldogs coach Skylar Mansfield expects Nicks to “double his production” this season.

Jyrese Presley, sr., Georgiana

Panthers coach Berry Bess praises Presley’s athleticism and work ethic: “Jyrese is extremely athletic and works hard to develop his overall game. He has developed into a much better team leader and teammate heading into his final season.”

Dequavion Ray, fr., Billingsley

At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, Ray brings impressive size to the wideout position despite being an underclassman. He gained valuable experience playing varsity some as an eighth-grader last season. Bears coach Lanny Jones notes that Ray is “starting to grow into his big and athletic frame” and will need to step up to replace Kyle Boice, who has moved to quarterback.

Elijah Reed, so., Fruitdale

As a freshman, Reed planted himself as the Pirates’ go-to receiver, starting all 10 games and earning Washington County All-County honors. He finished with impressive numbers: 41 catches, 594 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Fruitdale coach Lane Brown describes Reed as a sure-handed target. “If you throw the ball his way, it is going to be caught,” Brown said.

Josh Reed, sr., Leroy

A three-year starter at defensive back, Reed is described by Bears coach Chan Lowe as a “huge target that has potential to change the game with his deep-threat ability.” His size and experience make him a matchup problem for opposing secondaries.

Frisco Robertson, sr., Wadley

Described by Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers as possibly “the best athlete in Class 1A,” Robertson is a dual threat at wide receiver and safety. Wadley plans to get the first-team all-state athlete around 10 touches per game, recognizing his quick-strike scoring ability. On defense, Robertson is approaching the Alabama state record for career interceptions, making him a game-changer on both sides.

Carson Rutledge, jr., Brantley

Rutledge uses his speed and agility to stretch the field vertically for the Bulldogs. Coach Andrew Lowery noted his receiver’s reliable hands and tackle-breaking ability after the catch. Rutledge also excels as a defensive back, covering significant ground in the secondary.

Demon Spraddling, sr., Wadley

Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers describes Spraddling as “electric with the ball in his hands.” Spraddling will serve as a wide receiver and backup quarterback (behind his twin brother, Damarious) and will play cornerback on defense.

Julius Sylvester, sr., Brantley

Size and speed make Sylvester a matchup problem for opposing defenses, particularly in vertical passing situations. Bulldogs coach Andrew Lowery also highlights his effectiveness in coverage and run support on defense, making Sylvester a valuable two-way contributor.

Zamerre Taylor, jr., Fruitdale

This will be Taylor’s first year playing football, but Pirates coach Lane Brown is excited about his potential. Described as “a big kid” with “great size and speed,” Taylor has shown his commitment by being in the weight room “any time it has been open.” The junior will split time between wide receiver and defensive end.

Max Westbrook, sr., Berry

Westbrook brings production on both sides of the ball, recording 28 catches for 331 yards and adding 72 tackles and four interceptions as a defensive back in 2024. His all-around game makes him one of the classification’s most complete players.

Judah Wilkins, so., Addison

Despite being a freshman last season, Wilkins earned a starting role and proved his versatility with 10 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns, plus 20 rushes for 92 yards. Bulldogs coach Mark Hastings describes him as “one of the most talented players on the team with great vision, speed, strength and exceptional hands.”

Kristofer Witherspoon, sr., Pickens County

Witherspoon was a reliable red zone target last season, turning 21 receptions into 229 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed 48 tackles, showcasing his versatility and rooting himself as a key two-way player for the Tornadoes.

Cory Yelder, jr., Leroy

After emerging as a significant receiving threat last season, Yelder is expected to form a dangerous duo with teammate Josh Reed. His continued development will be central to the Bears’ offensive success in 2025.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.

AL.com’s analysis of the top state high school volleyball teams and players continues today with AHSAA Class 2A.

Volleyball practice starts on Aug. 4 and the first matches will be played on Aug. 21.

Check out the AL.com sports staff picks as the top contenders in Class 2A.

Championship contenders

Pleasant Valley earned its second straight title last season — first under head coach Jennifer Mann, who was also an assistant on the 2023 team and won three titles as a player under Hall of Fame Pleasant Valley coach Sandy Hunter. The Raiders lost class Player of the Year Lily Henry to graduation, but she was the only senior on the championship team that included class Defensive MVP Madison Schwabe.

Winston County won its only title in 2001, but the Yellow Jackets are always a tough out and won to the semifinal round last year with a lineup that returns its key players, including Lynleigh Cobb with 703 kills last season.

G.W. Long has reached the Elite 8 each of the past eight seasons under coach Craig Long with a championship in 2019 and three more semifinal finishes. Essential players, including class Setter MVP Sawyer Hughes, return from last year’s group.

Lindsay Lane lost to Pleasant Valley in last year’s title match — its fourth trip to at least the semifinal round — behind graduated class Attacker of the Year Lydia Carter. The Lions regroup with a strong attack and experienced setter.

Teams to watch (A-Z)

Ariton

Belgreen

Cedar Bluff

Covenant Christian

Lexington

Mars Hill Bible

Sand Rock

Southeastern

Tuscaloosa Academy

West End

Westminster-Oak Mountain

Players to watch (A-Z)

Jaylee Calloway, Winston County, Sr., OH

Savannah Cherry, Southeastern, Jr., Middle

Maddie Clanton, Sand Rock, Jr., Setter

Saydee Coan, Covenant Christian, Fr., Setter

Lynleigh Cobb, Winston County, Sr., OH

Macy Davis, Lexington, Jr., Libero

Ella Estave, Covenant Christian, Sr., Libero

Kaylie Foster, G.W. Long, Jr., OH

Anna Claire Free, Ariton, Jr., OH

Kindal Grace, Cedar Bluff, Sr., OH

Kenzi Grantham, Ariton, So., Middle/Setter/RS

Riley Green, Lindsay Lane, Jr., Setter

Zoe Griffin, Covenant Christian, Sr., OH

Raina Gunter, Washington County, Sr., Middle

Isleigh Hicks, Southeastern, 5-8, Sr., Middle/Setter

Janaya Higgins, Cedar Bluff, Sr., Middle

Paitlyn Hughes, Sand Rock, Jr., Libero

Sawyer Hughes, G.W. Long, Jr., Setter

Kate James, Mars Hill Bible, So., Setter

Kalyn Jones, Lindsay Lane, Jr., Middle

Kaylie Joseph, G.W. Long, Sr., Middle

Caitlyn Lynch, Sand Rock, Sr., Middle

Maddie McKinley, Washington County, Sr., Middle

Kathleen Moncus, Lexington, Jr., Setter/RS

Olivia Montgomery, Westminster-Oak Mountain, Sr., Outside Hitter

Ella Parris, Pleasant Valley, Sr., Middle/DS

Anna Parrish, Winston County, Jr., Middle

Ellie Patterson, Pleasant Valley, Jr., Middle

Madison Schwabe, Pleasant Valley, Sr., OH/DS

Bryn Scott, Belgreen, Sr., Libero

Marli Stewart, Winston County, Sr., Setter

Alayna Tate, Belgreen, Sr., Setter

Bella Turner, Washington County, Sr., Libero

Sarah Turvey, Ariton, Sr., OH/DS

Georgia Valentine, Westminster-Oak Mountain, Sr., Outside Hitter

Rylie Walker, Cedar Bluff, Sr., Setter

Elise Wheeler, Pleasant Valley, Jr., Setter

Brenlee White, Lexington, Sr., Middle

Lilliana Willingham, Belgreen, Jr., Middle

Kelsy Wilson, Cold Springs, Jr., Middle

Molly Wright, Mars Hill Bible, Jr., OH/DS

Louisiana Tech’s date of entry to the Sun Belt Conference remains up in the air, which commissioner Keith Gill said could be a “challenge” for the league.

The Bulldogs will depart Conference USA “by July 1, 2027,” which could leave the Sun Belt in limbo for the 2026 season after Texas State exits for the Pac-12. Scheduling logistics would be difficult, Gill said, and the Sun Belt would likely scrap its East-West divisional format in a 13-team league.

“If we end up with 13, I think that’ll be a big challenge,” Gill said. “Scheduling football when you’re odd is really difficult, and so that certainly means somebody will have to play 12 games in a row, just because of the way it sets up and the way the math works.

“I think we’d have to absolutely get out of divisions. … That means that the East — because the West would be losing a game — would have to give up some games against their rivals to play teams in the West. So 13 is really a challenge, and so we hope we don’t have to find out what that looks like. … hope we don’t have to implement that plan because I do think it’s a challenge in terms of the way the football schedule falls out.”

Gill said that the Sun Belt has a scheduling policy not to have one team play more than seven weeks in a row, but that would have to be altered with a 13-team league. Currently, every team plays its six division rivals every year, then two from the other division.

It’s still possible Louisiana Tech could join the Sun Belt for 2026, but the school still has to work out an exit plan with CUSA. The Bulldogs leaving a year early would cost the school significantly more money.

“It will be interesting to see when they actually join,” Gil said. “That’s an open question, and so Louisiana Tech will have some conversations with their conference to kind of figure that out. And so we’ll see how that progresses.”

Texas State announced its departure for the Pac-12 on June 30, and the Sun Belt officially added Louisiana Tech on July 15. Gill said the speed of that announcement “speaks to the strength of our conference.”

Louisiana Tech was a member of the Sun Belt from 1991-2001, but left the league before it began playing a full football schedule. The Bulldogs have struggled in football in recent years, but are a traditional power in women’s basketball and have been highly competitive in baseball of late. “I think being able to add a school like Louisiana Tech, they have great tradition, they have great success, and it allows us to keep our momentum,” Gill said. “It allows us also to double down on the things that we do really well — our regional rivalries, common sense geography, making sure that games and fans have interest. And they have a great tradition of success.”

Texas State joined the Sun Belt in 2013 after moving up from the FBS level, and has been among the league’s top programs in softball and men’s basketball in the last half-decade. The Bobcats’ football program has improved steadily, going 8-5 and playing in back-to-back bowl games in 2023 and 2024.

Gill said the Bobcats have been “a great partner” and will be missed in the Sun Belt.

“They’ve been great people to work with, so I think it’s really a personal loss, losing friends in some ways, although we’ll stay connected and stay in touch, but I also think for the conference, they’ve been great,” Gill said. “They’ve had two bowls over the last two years, and it’s been amazing in terms of seeing those crowds at (bowl games).

“… They’ve been a great contributor to our success, and so we thank them for everything that they’ve done. We thank them for what a great partner they’ve been, and we certainly wish them the best in the future endeavors.”

Now Alabama has two quarterbacks committed to its 2026 recruiting class.

Tayden Kaawa has committed to the Crimson Tide, he told Rivals. He’s a four-star quarterback ranked No. 26 at his position, per the 247Sports Composite. Kaawa is also the No. 6 player in Utah.

Kaawa picked Alabama over BYU, Arizona, Arizona State, among others. He marks the 20th recruit that’s committed to the Crimson Tide in the 2026 class. Before Kaawa’s decision, Alabama was ranked No. 6 per 247Sports and Rivals.

Nick Sheridan, Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is listed as his primary recruiter.

Kaawa joins Jett Thomalla as the two quarterbacks committed to the Crimson Tide in this class. Thomalla flipped from Iowa State. He’s a four-star prospect and the No. 12 quarterback in the class.

Kaawa is listed at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds.

“For his size, Kaawa is not a bad athlete and shows the ability to take off and run on designed zone read plays and can extend plays when the pocket breaks down as well,” 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins wrote. “Can throw from different arm angles and is comfortable throwing rolling out to his right or his left. Needs to continue to progress in his ability to make quick reads, process the game and get the ball out on time but there’s some upside here because of the physical traits. Also a talented baseball player, good enough to potentially double sport in college but will likely focus on football at the college level.”

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

The 10th annual AJ McCarron Football Camp at Mobile Christian School’s Harrison Field on Saturday came with the usual July weather of Coastal Alabama. That made the truck-turned-lemonade-stand parked across from the registration tables a destination for those seeking to beat the heat.

But beyond ice-cold refreshment lay a link between the lemonade and the camp’s sponsor. Among those making the lemonade at her family’s Cups for a Cure stand was Starla Chapman, and more than a decade earlier, McCarron had come into her life when it seemed as though it was about to end.

“Today is just a full-circle moment,” said DeAndra Chapman, Starla’s mother, “by this being the 10th annual football camp and by her now being 16 years of age. Those are both huge milestones.

“On the way over here today, I was thinking about how more than 10 years ago, nobody could tell us that we would see this day. When you have a child that’s diagnosed with cancer, and not just diagnosed with cancer, they have such a rough road with treatment, it’s hard to see the other side.”

About two weeks before becoming the biggest of celebrities in Alabama – the quarterback of a national-championship Crimson Tide team – McCarron took a break from his preparations for the BCS title game against LSU to visit USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in his hometown of Mobile on Christmas eve in 2011.

“AJ walked into our lives literally while we were inpatient at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital,” DeAndra Chapman said. “He was visiting all the kids in the hospital, but something about he and Starla, they just made an instant connection right from the start, and they kept in contact ever since then.”

McCarron joined Team Starla, the youngster’s support group, and got a yellow wristband symbolic of childhood cancer victims and their fight for life. The quarterback wore the wristband as he led Alabama to a 21-0 victory over LSU in the BCS national-championship game on Jan. 9, 2012, and it sparked a curiosity that led to an outpouring of support for the young victim of acute myeloid leukemia.

“It’s awesome, the spotlight that we were able to put on her story and her journey,” McCarron said after Saturday’s camp. “I still remember walking into that hospital room and seeing her with tubes running to her nose and hooked up to every machine in there, so it’s awesome just to see her – a beautiful young woman, thriving and doing everything she’s doing. And then the fact that she drove here today makes me feel old. But it’s awesome. Happy to see her doing so well.”

But when McCarron led Alabama to the first of back-to-back national championships, Starla Chapman wasn’t doing well at all.

“Starla was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and had a very rough go with the treatment,” DeAndra Chapman said. “She went in remission the first month after the chemotherapy treatment. But around early January of 2012, she went into cardiac arrest due to the treatments, and we were told she wasn’t going to survive, and if she did, she would need a heart transplant and wouldn’t be able to go through cancer treatment because of that. But as you can see now, she is 16 years old and making great strides.

“She’s doing all the fun things that a 16-year-old does. She’s driving. Not only does she work on the back of the truck, but she also has a part-time job, so we’re enjoying the simple things, as most people would say, in life because after our journey with cancer, we’ve come to realize that the simple things mean the most.”

About two weeks after Alabama’s championship victory over LSU in 2012, McCarron and teammate Kenny Bell drew a crowd to Bel Air Mall in Mobile by signing autographs while taking donations for Team Starla. And while McCarron has gone on to nine seasons in the NFL and two more in spring football, the quarterback and the cancer survivor have remained connected. McCarron is Starla Chapman’s godfather, they appeared on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” together and she served as the flower girl at his wedding.

RELATED: AJ MCCARRON’S FOOTBALL FUTURE: ‘I DON’T EVER WANT TO SAY NEVER’

“It’s meant a lot to me, honestly,” Starla Chapman said. “Even though I haven’t been able to see him as much as I would like to, he’s come to my big celebrations, like when I was the IHOP kid chef, he was there, and that makes me happy that we have someone as cool as AJ in our corner.”

The money raised by Cups for a Cure is donated “to families of local children with cancer as well as local childhood cancer organizations such as Rapahope,” DeAndra Chapman said.

“We have been selling lemonade since 2012,” DeAndra Chapman said. “Immediately after Starla got out of the hospital, we were doing premade lemonade out of the dispenser and we were just taking donations and sending them to a childhood cancer foundation for research and things like that.

“It wasn’t until a year and a half ago, I talked to my husband and said, ‘I think I’m ready to take this to another level, start our own foundation and do fresh, hand-shaken lemonade.’”

The result was the Cups for a Cure truck.

“It’s extremely gratifying,” Starla Chapman said, “because I wish someone like us was there to help our parents. We had a lot of people that came together, but an organization such as ours would have been an amazing help when I was in the hospital.”

Next month, the child that was supposed to die 13 years ago will be beginning her junior year at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette.

“I’m looking forward to being on the honor roll,” Starla Chapman said. “I’ve been able to do it every year. And helping at our football games. We’ll be there with Cups for a Cure.”

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

Taco Bell’s Live Más Café is expanding its footprint.

The fast food chain’s newest venture features a beverage-focused menu of Taco Bell’s specialty drinks, including Coffee and Churro Chillers, agua frescas and specialty coffees, according to Nations Restaurant News. The cafe also has trained “Bellristas” who handcraft the specialty drinks on the spot.

The restaurant also offers some of Taco Bell’s fan-favorite foods.

The first Live Más Café celebrated its grand opening in San Diego last year, and to meet its growing demand, Taco Bell plans to open 30 more of the cafes in existing Taco Bell restaurants by the end of 2025.

According to a press release from the company, select Taco Bell restaurants across Southern California, Dallas, and Houston will be transformed in the coming months.

In a statement to TODAY.com in 2024, Taco Bell president Scott Mezvinsky said the new cafe concept is a way for the chain to elevate the customer experience.

“This innovative pilot concept is all about expanding the boundaries of what Taco Bell can be, creating a dynamic space where guests can experience our bold flavors in new and exciting ways,” said Mezvinsky.

USA TODAY reports Taco Bell plans to grow its drink revenue to $5 billion by 2030.

“We’re seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it’s for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s global chief food innovation officer. “So, we’re making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates.”

Mae Jemison coach Rico White has one word to describe longtime Auburn commit Hezekiah Harris.

“Baller.”

The 4-star EDGE rusher committed to Hugh Freeze and the Tigers more than a year ago and hasn’t wavered on that choice since. He is one of two Top 10 in-state seniors committed to Auburn after the Tigers received a commitment from Wadley’s Jaquez Wilkes on Monday.

Harris is rated as the No. 7 senior recruit in Alabama, according to the 247 composite rankings. Wilkes is No. 6. He is No. 8 on AL.com’s A-List of top senior recruits in the state of Alabama.

“You are talking about a baller,” White said at Huntsville High School Media Day on Monday. “He’s a great player, a great kid, a leader. I always challenge him to play like a 4 or 5 star, carry yourself like it, practice like it, and he does it. He will be a successful kid.”

A year ago, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Harris finished the season with 20 tackles for loss and 14 sacks for Mae Jemison. He has even bigger goals for his senior season, and they start Aug. 22 at Athens.

“I need to start off with at least two or three sacks in that first game,” he said.

White said Harris, who followed him from Anniston High to Mae Jemison following the 2022 season, is more than just a pass rusher.

“People look at his size and think he is just an edge rusher,” White said. “Hezekiah can play the run, the pass, whatever he needs to play, and I think his frame can hold a lot more weight, so I’m sure they will put some weight on him.”

Harris said he liked the atmosphere and the coaching staff at Auburn.

On defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, he said: “I like his coaching style. He’s a real fired up coach. I like that.”

On head coach Hugh Freeze: “He is more on the chill side, but he’s still a really great coach.”

 White has watched his star continue to grow since the sixth grade.

“He’s a student of the game,” he said. “He stays awake while everyone else is asleep. He is always studying the game. He dominates practice the same way he does in a game. He’s just that guy.”

White says Harris’ potential is unlimited once he gets into the SEC.

“He has self-motivation, but I can only imagine when he gets to college and is around kids with the same mindset and drive,” he said. “He can dominate on defense. When things are not going right at our place, he gets mad. He pushes everyone. He is going to be special.”

Alabama is among 18 states currently under a heat advisory from the National Weather Service.

Heat index highs are expected to soar this week into the triple digits due to a heat dome stretching across the central U.S.

And in order to stay safe in these 18 states, people are urged to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and wear light clothing.

“A heat dome will bring near record breaking hot conditions across the South-Central U.S. this week, with cities like Wichita Falls, Dallas, and Kansas City expected to hit 100 °F for the first time this season,” AccuWeather meteorologist Kai Kerkow recently told Newsweek.

“Nighttime temperatures will remain in the mid-70s to low-80s, offering little relief. The heat dome temporarily spreads east later this week.”

According to the Weather Channel, a heat dome occurs when descending air compresses and warms as it drops closer to the surface.

This sinking, warm air causes days-long heat waves and also dries out the ground and the air above it.

Thunderstorms have a tough time sprouting due to the suppressive motion of the air, so drought can begin or worsen under ridges of high pressure that last for longer than a week, the Weather Channel adds.

The air directly under such a system can become still with little to no wind.

This poses health risks to anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration.

Heat is the No. 1 weather killer in the U.S., with hundreds of fatalities each year, according to the NWS.

Many of these fatalities occur under heat domes.

Extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among seniors, young children, and people with chronic health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms can range from intense sweating and muscle cramps to dizziness and nausea.

Increasing temperatures can also intensify ground-level ozone pollution, creating further health concerns.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has identified the most common heat-related illnesses as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat cramps involve muscle pain or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs, and are often paired with heavy sweating.

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, tiredness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, the most dangerous form of heat illness.

Heat stroke, sometimes called sun stroke, is a life-threatening emergency. This can happen when the body’s temperature rises to 106°F or higher in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

Warning signs include extremely high body temperature, red or hot skin (which may be dry or moist), a strong and rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, confusion, and even unconsciousness.

Without immediate treatment, heat stroke can cause serious long-term health problems or be fatal. Medical help should be called right away if heat stroke is suspected, according to the ADPH.

To stay safe, officials have urged everyone to:

• Drink plenty of fluids—avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine.
• Stay inside air-conditioned rooms whenever possible.
• Seek shade or shelter from the sun outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
• Take cool showers or baths on hot days.
• Reduce or avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
• Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time.