Alabama News

A brand new episode of the hit survivalist reality competition series Alone premieres on the History Channel Thursday, July 10 at 9/8c.

Cord cutters hoping to tune into this week’s new episode can stream the premiere live through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

Previous episode recap

Last week’s episode proved to be a tough watch as one of the most intense medical emergencies in the show’s history played out on screen. Suddenly feeling severely ill and vomiting blood, Will made the decision to trigger his emergency beacon.

After receiving treatment from the dedicated medics, Will was diagnosed with acute colitis and was evacuated to receive further medical treatment.

While Will’s sudden departure was the most notable incident that happened in episode four, viewers also caught glimpses of other contestants as they worked to collect one of the most precious life-saving resources—water.

Both Kelsey and Douglas created water catching contraptions and turned their attention to storing the water. While both were innovative and creative when it came to accumulating as much of the priceless resource as they could, other survivors suffered from dehydration including Pablo, who pulled himself from the competition on day five.

On this week’s episode, the remaining six contestants have made it past day five and are finally settling, as best they can, into their unforgiving environment.

How to watch Alone season 12 without cable

Those interested in watching the remaining six contestants as they regain their footing and adapt to their surroundings can stream this week’s new episode through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

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

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

What is Philo?

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

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

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

What is DirecTV?

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

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

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

What is Sling?

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

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

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

As tourists swarm beach towns on the Gulf Coast, a few photographers have discovered other, lesser seen visitors.

Gulf Bay Photography on Thursday morning captured footage of what appears to be a shark off the coast of Pensacola Beach.

This isn’t the first time in the past week beachgoers got a surprise visit.

On July 3, Arkansas couple Jodi and Andrew Jobe captured another video of what appears to be a shark just off the shore of Orange Beach.

While scientists say shark numbers are back on the rise after the population fell rapidly due to overfishing in the 1960s, the rise of video footage of shark sightings, often captured on people’s cell phones or other technology like drones, is also altering people’s perception.

“Everyone having a phone with a camera now … what was once just a fish story, is now broadcast through social media, inflating public perspective,” Robert Hueter, a shark researcher based in Sarasota, Fla., told AL.com previously.

The state lawmaker wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday she filed for divorce “on biblical grounds,” cryptically saying she is ending the marriage “in light of recent discoveries.”

“Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds,” state Sen. Angela Paxton, a Republican, posted to X.

“I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage,” Angela Paxton continued.

She did not say what those “recent discoveries” entailed.

 “I move forward with complete confidence that God is always working everything together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.”

Angela Paxton hold the north Texas Senate seat once occupied by her husband before he ascended to statewide office.

Ken Paxton tenure as attorney general was stained when he was impeached in 2023 by the Texas House of Representative amid allegations he improperly used the powers of his office to protect Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, who was indicted on federal charges of making false statements to banks, the Associated Press reported.

Most of the roughly 20 witnesses at Paxton’s impeachment trial were former aides who were suspicious of his business relationship with Paul and his romantic one with Laura Olson, who worked for Paul, according to the AP.

They told of taking their concerns to the FBI and how Paxton’s extramarital affair might explain why Paxton seemed so determined to help Paul fend of the federal investigation that would eventually lead to Paul’s indictment on fraud charges.

Defense attorneys called four of Paxton’s current employees who testified they have seen Paxton do nothing wrong and are proud to work for him.

The Texas Senate acquitted Paxton of the charges.

The divorce filing comes as Ken Paxton is running in the GOP primary for Senate against Sen. John Cornyn in 2026.

Trump, who has praised both Paxton and Cornyn, has not made an endorsement in the race.

An historic landmark in Birmingham’s history – and a prime piece of downtown real estate – has a new owner.

Non-profit organization KultureCity has purchased the Powell Avenue Steam Plant for $11 million.

“This transformational move marks a bold new chapter for the organization and a historic investment in the city where its global mission first began,” the organization announced in a news release.

And the entity has sweeping plans for what was once the Magic City’s first electrical power plant, saying it intends to make a “national landmark of accessibility, creativity, and community transformation.”

Founded in 2013, KultureCity provides services to assist those with sensory processing disorders.

In April, actress Ming-Na Wen, a KultureCity board member, shared images of possible development for the property.

KultureCity CEO Julian Maha said there are no immediate plans for construction to begin, but the group sees the tract “as, really, two pieces of property.”

There is the steam plant building, which has 80,105 square feet, and the adjoining 1.5-acre outdoor parking lot area.

Maha said the lot can be a “space for the City of Birmingham.”

“That would include a water play area, which the City of Birmingham doesn’t have,” he said. “A place for an inclusive playground, which the city doesn’t have. But on top of that, also developing an amphitheater with our partnerships nationally, to develop and push the boundaries of accessibility.”

KultureCity’s announcement also mentions “green gathering zones, all designed to prioritize accessibility from the ground up.”

“We also envision that front space being used as a common area where we can hold events, Christmas markets, Fourth of July events. Imagine a New Year’s Eve party where you’ve got those two beautiful spires (the smoke stacks) that can be used for ball drops,” Maha said.

For the power plant building itself, Maha said it can serve as a central meeting location, not only for KultureCity but its partner organizations.

“Inside the building, we’re still in talks,” he said. “Whatever it is, it’s going to be something very revolutionary, not just for the population we serve, but for the city, the State of Alabama and beyond.”

Maha said the organization plans a national RFP for design work.

“When finished, it will be the oldest repurposed power plant in the entire world,” he said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of interest from that standpoint in how it could serve.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the restoration project will “not only preserve a part of our city’s history, but it will also shape a national future we can all be proud of.”

“With KultureCity planting even deeper roots in our city, we are becoming the epicenter for accessibility, innovation, and leadership in the disability space,” he said.

The Powell Avenue Steam Plant, which once provided electricity for downtown and powered the city streetcar system, was listed in January for sale with an asking price of $10 million.

Situated at 1830 Powell Ave. S. the plant was built in 1895 by the Consolidated Electric Light & Power Co.

While the building has a long history, it also has been the subject of at least three stalled attempts to redevelop it in recent years. Alabama Power acquired the plant in 1952.

It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

However, after several plans by Alabama Power and Orchestra Partners, the utility announced it was withdrawing late last year from a planned redevelopment of the plant.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to get the iconic Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, Walmart Deals Week is it.

Walmart has a restored Premium Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer on sale for $179, a savings of $140 off the regular price of $319. It’s the lowest price on a Dyson hairdryer we’ve seen in a while. You can read more about Walmart’s restored products here.

The iron and fuchsia hair appliance has a powerful V9 digital motor that’s made for fast-drying. It has three precise speed and four heat settings.

The best thing about the dryer is that it helps prevent extreme heat damage to protect your hair’s natural shine. The dryer measures air temperature every 40 seconds, keeping the temperature under control with high-velocity airflow.

Dyson’s Supersonic hairdryer comes with magnetic attachments that can be quickly and easily adjusted. One of the most useful is the styling concentrator that allows for precise styling without disturbing other sections. Best of all, the heat shield technology ensures the surfaces of the attachments stay cool during use.

The dryer has a lightweight design thanks to a motor that’s positioned in the handle.

You can order yours here.

You can now achieve salon-grade blow outs at home with Dyson’s all new Supersonic r™ professional hair dryer, and it’s already on sale for a rare $50 discount. This steal is perfect for beauty enthusiasts who want to score this new Dyson technology for less than its normal retail price.

Initially released in early 2024, the Supersonic r™ hair dryer was only available to professional hair stylists, but is now available for anyone to purchase. The new hair dryer is not only more efficient than Dyson’s original Supersonic hairdryer, but incredibly lightweight.

RELATED: Sol De Janeiro’s viral Bum Bum Cream is on sale during Prime Day

A notable feature of the Dyson Supersonic r™ hair dryer is its intelligent attachments. Each attachment is designed to be preset with the optimal temperature and airflow tailored to various styling needs, including reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Meanwhile, the innovative RFID chips in the attachments remember the last used settings, ensuring a personalized experience every time you use the dryer.

The Supersonic r™ hair dryer is also equipped with ten heater foils positioned strategically within its design to distribute heat uniformly. This allows for precision styling without the risk of extreme hot or cold spots, which can cause heat damage. The ability to maintain a consistent temperature leads to faster drying times and healthier-looking hair.

Lastly, the new Dyson hairdryer is designed to be 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter. Overall, it weighs about 0.7 pounds, making it Dyson’s lightest hair dryer to date.

Those interested can checkout the full listing on Dyson’s website here.

Generative AI was used to provide product description for this story, based on data provided by Dyson. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.

Donald Trump considered pardoning Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator during his first term after becoming “very wary” about what information she could reveal, according to journalist and Trump biographer Michael Wolff.

Trump “became very wary about the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell, and asked whether or not: ‘what could she say?’ ‘what would she say?’ And should he pardon her,” Wolff said on the Daily Beast podcast Wednesday.

Trump was a longtime friend of Epstein, whom he once called a “terrific guy.”

“He’s a lot of fun to be with,” Trump said in a 2002 New York magazine profile on Epstein, according to the Associated Press.

“It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it – Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”

In 2019, then-counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway claimed Trump had not talked to Epstein, who later killed himself while in federal custody, for 10 or 15 years.

Maxwell was found guilty in December 2021 of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, between 1994 and 2004. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022, the Associated Press reported.

Epstein sexually abused children hundreds of times over more than a decade, exploiting vulnerable girls as young as 14. Prosecutors said Maxwell, his longtime companion, helped him and made the abuse possible.

A federal three-judge panel upheld Maxwell’s sentence in September.

Trump ultimately did not pardon Maxwell.

Trump insiders were uneasy about a possible pardon for Maxwell, according to Wolff, who has written several books about the Trump presidency.

“Behind the scenes, this was a discussion. Everybody around him was kind of like, ‘oh God, we hope she won’t say anything but we really hope he doesn’t pardon her,’” Wolff said.

In a Sunday night memo detailing its investigation into Epstein, the DOJ and the FBI claimed there was “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed co-conspirators who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him, Axios first reported.

The administration’s stance rankled high-profile MAGA influencers who demand the so-called “Epstein list” be revealed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Windows users have all been there– the dreaded error message, otherwise known as the “Blue Screen of Death.”

After 40 years, Microsoft is changing the design of the error screen, including the color. The software maker has announced the screen will be replaced by a “Black Screen of Death.”

The change to the black screen, reports The New York Times, comes the wake of last year’s CrowdStrike outage, a major internet outage that disrupted banks, media outlets and companies across the world.

The Verge reports , Microsoft will finalize the transition to the new Black Screen of Death for current Windows 11 users “later this summer.”

More Microsoft changes

In May, Microsoft officially discontinued Skype, its internet-based phone and video service.

Microsoft first announced it would discontinue Skype in February.

“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey,” Jeff Teper, president of collaborative apps and platforms at Microsoft, said in a blog post at the time.

Little Caesars is launching a new value menu.

The pizza chain is launching a nationwide “More for $9.99″ menu with six mix-and-match options.

“As the value leader in pizza, we don’t follow trends—we set them. Our new $9.99 menu is a bold move that provides unbeatable variety and flavor at a price that speaks for itself,” said Greg Hamilton, CMO at Little Caesars, in a press release. “We know our customers expect more from Little Caesars, and this menu proves what most people already know – that Little Caesars consistently gives guests more for their money.”

Guests can choose between six combinations for $9.99:

• Two Large Classic Pepperoni or Cheese Pizzas, or one of each flavor
• One Classic Pepperoni Pizza and one order of Crazy Puffs
• The new Fantastic Four-N-One pizza with a Crazy Combo that includes Crazy Bread and Crazy Sauce
• One Pretzel Crust Pizza with a Crazy Combo that includes Crazy Bread and Crazy Sauce
• One Crazy Puffs Party Pack with twelve Pepperoni or Cheese Crazy Puffs, or a combination of both flavors