Alabama News

General

New Alabama commercial airport: What to know before May 21 opening

Jesse Fosnaugh began his tenure as the director of the Gulf Shores International Airport on Dec. 30.

Since then, he’s administered the forthcoming opening of a new commercial air service from a new two-gate airport in Gulf Shores. It’s the first time Gulf Shores will have commercial air service in the city’s history. It’s also the first time Allegiant Air will provide service from an airport in Alabama.

Fosnaugh provides the details of the new airport, the inaugural flight and what people can expect:

Is everything ready for the opening on Wednesday? Is the construction officially completed, or will there be last-minute punch-list items that are needed to be completed? Everything will be ready for our first flight on May 21, 2025, on Allegiant. The first flight departs around 5:15 p.m. to Knoxville. The terminal is completed and tenants are currently outfitting their work areas, furniture is getting installed, and final placement of signs and other wayfinding is underway.

How many total employees are lined up to greet passengers on Wednesday? How many new TSA agents in Gulf Shores? How many new general employees and those in the new tower who will be handling commercial flights? While I cannot divulge specific TSA or FAA staffing numbers, between ticket agents, law enforcement, fire department, baggage handlers, TSA, rental car and airport operations staff, we expect nearly 50 employees to greet the flight on May 21.

How many people will Allegiant employ at the airport? Allegiant will be represented by a third-party business contractor, Trego-Dugan, to perform aircraft ground handling and ticketing functions. They expect around 20 people to be part of the operation here in Gulf Shores.

What other public resources will be present at the airport – i.e., will there be Gulf Shores police and fire rescue with a full-time presence? The airport will have multiple agencies involved in the day-to-day operations. Aircraft Rescue Firefighting and Airport Law Enforcement responsibilities will be fulfilled by Gulf Shores Fire Department and Gulf Shores Police Department. The Public Works Department of the city of Gulf Shores also provides all landscaping and groundskeeping for the airport. It takes a village.

Back in late December, some of the beach rentals said they had concerns about transportation options from the airport to the beach condos and rentals. Do those concerns still exist? If not, how have they been resolved when it comes to getting visitors from the airport to the beach rentals (non-hotels)? There will be a plethora of ground transportation options available once you arrive into the terminal. We have arrangements with multiple shuttle and ground transportation providers including Surfside Shuttle, Robin’s Rides, and Beach Express Taxi. We also have arrangements with Uber (and) Lyft to service the airport. Rental Cars will also be available with Enterprise and Alamo. Our visitors and residents alike are going to have a seamless experience getting in and out of the airport.

An overwhelming number of vacationers to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach visit the area via automobile. What is the goal for the new airport when it comes to bringing visitors to the area – (is there a percentage or a number that is being targeted in a particular time frame?) We fully expect to have 60,000 passengers in 2025. About 80% of these passengers will be visitors and 20% will be residents flying out. Our goal is to be the premiere gateway to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley. Our airport team will be an extension of the hospitality that our visitors and residents have come to expect. Using our airport will be easier than ever. A true world-class experience.

What time is the flight on May 21 to McGhee Tyson Airport? The flight arrives at 1:14 p.m. and departs at 5:15 p.m.

Is it a full flight? If so, how many passengers? We do not have confirmed numbers but the flight looks well-booked in both directions when we look to buy tickets online it looks to be about 65 people booked as of today for the first flight from Knoxville on 5/21.

What time should passengers show up for this inaugural flight? 3 hours prior

Any inaugural events planned at the airport on the 21st? We will have an invite-only ribbon cutting ceremony from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Will there be any inaugural swag given out at the airport – first flight keychains, or baggage tags or anything interesting like that? We’ll have a variety of exclusive swag for the inaugural event for our guests and passengers.

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Alabama’s growth, coastal airport, ballpark upgrades: Down in Alabama

Growth in Alabama

The U.S. Census Bureau released new population estimates last week, reports AL.com’s Ramsey Archibald.

The state of Alabama added around 40,000 new residents in 2024.

To nobody’s surprise, buoying that figure was the growth in North Alabama. Huntsville led the state by adding 4,174 people. Madison added 3,007, Athens 1,641 and Triana 455 (that’s over 10% growth).

Here are the 10 cities with the largest population growth last year, in order: Huntsville, Foley, Madison, Athens, Opelika, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Fairhope, Prattville and Loxley.

Note that you heard three Baldwin County cities in the top 10 and that Gulf Shores was the 13th-fastest-growing city in Alabama last year.

The highest growth rate last year was in the Jefferson County town of Brookside at 13.2%. That reflects an addition of 158 people.

The biggest population decreases in Alabama were seen in Mobile, Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery and Eufala.

Mobile lost 553 residents last year.

The highest percent decrease happened in Memphis, Alabama, where one person left town to leave Memphis with a population of 24.

Fly into … Gulf Shores?

Commercial flight is coming to Gulf Shores on Wednesday, reports AL.com’s John Sharp.

It’s coming in on an Allegiant Air flight from Knoxville that’s supposed to land around 1:14 p.m. It’s scheduled to depart at 5:15 p.m. to return.

The $8 million worth of construction on the two-gate Gulf Shores International Airport was being shored up as we headed into the weekend.

Allegiant will fly two year-round and four seasonal routes twice a week through Gulf Shores, connecting the Alabama Gulf coast to Knoxville, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City and Fayetteville, Ark.

Airport director Jesse Fosnaugh said he’s hoping for 60,000 passengers to use the airport this year, with a breakdown of 80% tourists flying in and 20% locals flying out.

Upgrading Toyota Field

Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, opened in 2021 with a $46 million price tag.

Within a couple years, however, it needed a couple of upgrades required by Major League Baseball. Those upgrades are supposed to be put into place by next April.

AL.com’s John R. Roby reports that the Madison City Council authorized planning for upgrades that satisfy the requirements but fall short of the plan championed by financial advisers and stadium operator Ballcorp.

The required upgrades are estimated to cost around $7 million and includes a one-story building for a visitor’s locker room and facilities for female staff and umpires.

More robust upgrades that some want include a four-story building, expanded seating and event space. That would cost much more, but the financial advisers believe it could be paid for with the additional tax revenue it would bring.

The council voted 5-2 on the mid-range plan.

Council President John Seifert, however, has said he’d be calling another meeting to take another look at the more involved scenario.

Council member Teddy Powell said he doubts it’ll be considered again: “We’re basically saying we’re better than our financial adviser, we are smarter than that guy, so why do we even hire people?”

Picture That

Quoting

“What y’all need to understand is, you don’t have to be an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan. You just have to not be a Tennessee fan.”

Country singer and Jacksonville native Riley Green, on stage at the Sand in My Boots festival, explaining to the crowd that, despite the lyrics of one song, he’s an Auburn fan.

Alabama News Quiz results/answers

Overall results:

• Five out of five: 23.0%
• Four out of five: 34.0%
• Three out of five: 29.3%
• Two out of five: 10.3%
• One out of five: 3.0%
• None out of five: 0.3%

After pushback from both sides of the issue, a bill was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey that puts regulation of these products in the hands of the ABC board.

• Consumables containing THC (CORRECT) 96.7%
• Energy drinks 1.7%
• Near beer 1.7%
• Ice cream products 0.0%

What kind of replica space vehicle is going up alongside I-65 to replace the one that sat near the Tennessee line for more than 40 years?

• Saturn V rocket 55.7%
• Saturn IA rocket (CORRECT) 35.7%
• Space shuttle 8.3%
• Millennium Falcon 0.3%

A coalition of companies in these industries that are big in Alabama recently requested the Trump Administration to use targeted trade tariffs against its foreign competition.

• Honey, catfish, crawfish and shrimp (CORRECT) 68.7%
• Iron and steel 18.7%
• Lumber and steel 11.3%
• Smoked sausage and eggs 1.3%

Recently, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin went on his personal Facebook page to remind people he does work outside his full-time mayoral job. What is Woodfin’s other gig?

• Personal-injury and criminal-law attorney (CORRECT) 87.0%
• Tour guide at Vulcan Park and Museum 7.3%
• Ear, nose and throat doctor 4.3%
• A roadie for contemporary gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. 1.3%

This city recently became the sixth in Alabama to decide to stop adding fluoride in its drinking water.

• Madison (CORRECT) 74.7%
• Huntsville 14.0%
• Mobile 7.7%
• Dothan 3.7%

More Alabama News

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Former Alabama golfer quits trying to hit the ball straight, finishes second at PGA Championship

Davis Riley entered the final round of the PGA Championship on Sunday four shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler.

When the former Alabama standout followed a bogey on the par-3 sixth hole with a triple-bogey 8 on the seventh, Riley had shot his way out of tournament contention.

But over his final 11 holes at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, Riley posted three birdies and eight pars to finish at 6 under for the tournament and tied with Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau for second place – five shots behind Scheffler.

“Super excited the way I finished,” Riley said. “It was kind of a gut punch what happened on 7. I knew it put me out of position to win, but I knew there was a lot to play for, and I bounced back really good.

“Yeah, if you’d have told me at the beginning of the week I’d be in the second-to-last group on Sunday, I’d be stoked. Very fun week, a lot to learn from, and I’m already itching for the next major.”

Riley’s previous best showing in a major tournament had been a tie for 13th at the PGA Championship in 2022.

“This is a big step forward for me,” Riley said. “I’ve been trying to find — I’ve been in some pretty good form the last two months. It was a struggle at the beginning of the year, but I’m starting to see a lot of good golf shots and holing a lot of good putts. Hopefully, this thing can kind of catapult and get my season going.”

Riley has won on the PGA Tour in each of the previous two seasons.

In 2023, Riley teamed with Nick Hardy to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

In 2024, Riley won the Charles Schwab Classic at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, by five shots, with Scheffler and Keegan Bradley tied for second.

But before the 2025 season, Riley tinkered with his swing. He played five tournaments in the first two months, missed four cuts and withdrew from one event. His 12 rounds of golf included two of 80.

Riley said he started playing better when he got “back to some of my old DNA.”

Riley has missed only one cut in the 10 tournaments since the 0-for-5 start to 2025, and the PGA Championship finish was his third top-10 showing.

“It’s easy — us golfers — to get obsessive about neutral,” Riley said. “So I spent a lot of the offseason trying to really straighten out my ball flight and almost even see a little bit of cut with my irons. …

“I feel like when I’m playing my best golf, I’m seeing about a 5- or 10-yard draw with my irons and seeing that path around one and a half to two and a half. I spent a lot of time in the offseason trying to neutral it out. With the longer stuff, I would say 7- to 4-iron, I can start seeing it curve too much. I was like: I need to zero this out. Especially in right-to-left winds, I kind of struggle, and I felt like — I don’t know, I got obsessive with being zeroed out, and it didn’t really work out for me.

“Me and my coach, Jeff Smith, spent a lot of time at the beginning of the year reevaluating things because it’s so easy to get caught up in the offseason saying I’ve got to be perfect, that when the year starts, I need to be perfect, instead of doing the same things and being — enjoying the mundane of things and just getting back to that DNA.

“I’m starting to see a lot of that proper curvature, and I think having control with my irons and the driver has been a big reason why I’ve been playing better.”

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

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‘Death County, Pa.’ Ep 5 — The lights go out at the jail where inmates keep dying

The bottom floor of Dauphin County Prison is where inmates are sent to be punished. And it was getting out of control down there.

Smoke was everywhere. Inmates were smoking synthetic marijuana at all hours of the day. Prison leaders tried to stop it. The jail took away the inmates’ Ipads, legal papers and even some of their clothing. But the smoke kept filling the cells. Some staff said the drugs were being smuggled in by other employees.

The jail’s leaders did something shocking even to the people who knew about how many people had recently died in the jail:

They turned off the lights and heat to the entire floor. And kept it off for 17 days.

In episode 5 of “Death County, Pa.” we learn why. Jail leaders believed that prisoners were using the outlets and light sockets to light up. But this crackdown came in the cold days of December in central Pennsylvania.

“What do you do? You sit there in your head all day,” said one inmate. “Now you tell me: is that good for somebody that’s already mentally distressed? It can’t be. I think they were just using it as a tool to make us suffer, ‘cause they couldn’t control the contraband in their jail, so we suffer for it.”

This wasn’t the last time the power would go out at the jail. And when it happened again—something surprising happened.

In episode five, local leaders start to bring change to the prison where 19 people have died, many under suspicious circumstances, between 2019 and 2024.

“Death County, Pa.” is co-produced by PennLive and Wondery and hit the top of Apple’s podcast charts two days after it was widely released. A new episode is being released every week.

Wondery has developed a number of award-winning, long-form podcast series, some of which have gone on to be produced into TV series.

Wondery created the series in collaboration with PennLive, a news site run by Advance Local, one of the largest media groups in the United States, operating in 20 cities.

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Update: Quarter-sized hail and damaging winds forecast with thunderstorms to hit Colbert and Lauderdale counties Monday

An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 12:37 a.m. in effect until 1:15 a.m. for Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

The storms could bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 12:37 a.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Iuka, moving northeast at 20 mph,” says the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Malone, Riverton, Wright, Margerum, Waterloo and Allsboro.

According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have 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 with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

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:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

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

Visibility matters:

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

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.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Today’s daily horoscopes: May 19, 2025

On the final full day of the Venus-ruled season of Taurus, we are reminded that it’s not shallow to tend to appearances. Of course they matter. The visual cues on the surface help us get around, assess situations and figure out what’s expected of us. What is shallow is thinking that appearances matter more than other things, such as what gets done, people’s feelings and what’s exchanged to make the world spin.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You recognize the emotional intention behind a question. Some questions come from love, care and genuine interest — they feel comforting. Others are intrusive, performative and veiled in control. Protect yourself from those.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People with bad attitudes are just protecting oversized pride. But real charm doesn’t need to be right all the time. The ability to admit mistakes, laugh at your own missteps and say, “I was wrong” with grace? That’s irresistible.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There’s only one you. Even when echoing familiar words, your spirit shines through and makes them new. Your voice adds magic, meaning and unmistakable originality. Whatever you say today, say it boldly — it’s already unique just because it’s yours.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Being you isn’t always a solo job, or at least it doesn’t have to be. There are people who make you feel even more like yourself. They amplify your humor and natural charisma.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Some of what you throw into the mix won’t work out, but it’s all good information to your process. Eliminating a few options is crucial to the rest of your journey and will help you determine your style with everything going forward.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s time to refresh the relationship with yourself — to look in the mirror and treat that person like someone you’re falling in love with. Be the partner you’ve been waiting for and you will wait no more.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s common to idealize strangers or distant figures because you haven’t seen their flaws up close. To admire someone you know well is a whole different story. You value long-term connection over fantasy, and respect that grows through experience.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When it feels a little off, don’t panic — just stay curious. If the pieces don’t fit, give it time. Your instincts are wiser than logic right now, and if it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably worth a second look.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Unhelpful thoughts keep popping into your mind, returning to you like wild animals in your yard — just because they’re eating your shrubs, that doesn’t make them yours. Ignore them and they’ll eventually go away.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The “halo effect” means we often project extra qualities onto attractive people. Don’t let a good-looking image cloud your judgment — beauty can dazzle, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Stay curious. Look deeper before drawing conclusions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Before you feel stuck or splurge on something extra, pause. There are untapped resources all around you — connections, knowledge, favors. Think about who you know, and who they know. A simple conversation could lead to exactly what you’re looking for.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The truth is, you’re doing a job that technically isn’t yours. But you said you would — and as a person of your word, that’s reason enough to follow through, which always brings its own kind of luck.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (May 19). This year holds a breakthrough both intimate and epic. The private victory sets off a chain reaction that transforms your entire landscape. In your new chapter, you’re a leader in a brand-new area. More highlights: A creative risk goes public and pays off, someone finally apologizes (and means it), and there will be lots of soul celebration around falling in love. Aquarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 17, 12, 29 and 8.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: On what would be his 100th birthday in 2025, the legacy of Malcolm X continues to blaze through the cultural consciousness, fueling movements for justice, truth and transformation a full century after his birth. A new generation is discovering his teachings through digital archives, documentaries and dramatizations such as “Who Killed Malcolm X?” on Netflix. From university classrooms to protest marches, his speeches and writings continue to educate and electrify.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

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Thunderstorms with penny-sized hail in Franklin County Sunday, gusts may reach 40 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:26 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until Monday at 12:15 a.m. for Franklin County.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are foreseen.

“At 11:26 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northwest of Hackleburg, or 13 miles north of Hamilton, moving east at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Hodges, Atwood, Isbell, Duketon, Spruce Pine, Russellville, Rockwood, Phil Campbell, Vina and Little Bear Creek Reservoir.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

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

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t 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 pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

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

Mind your windshield wipers:

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

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Alabama school system delays start time due to storm damage

More than a dozen Tuscaloosa County schools will operate on a two-hour delay Monday (May 19).

All Tuscaloosa schools in the Northside and Tuscaloosa County High School attendance zones will be delayed due to ongoing storm clean up and to give buses more time to travel in these areas, the system said in a statement.

Storms rolled through Tuscaloosa Sunday morning, knocking down trees and power lines.

Bus pickup times will be delayed by two hours and some routes may take even longer due to low hanging limbs or power lines.

“If you live in the Northside or Tuscaloosa County High Attendance Zones and roads that you travel to school are closed, or you feel they are unsafe, your student’s absence will be excused for Monday, May 19,” the statement said.

Schools covered by the two-hour delay include:

• Northside High
• Northside Middle
• Walker Elementary
• Tuscaloosa County High
• Echols Middle
• Collins-Riverside Intermediate
• Northport Intermediate
• Huntington Place Elementary
• Flatwoods Elementary
• Northport Elementary
• Crestmont Elementary
• Faucett-Vestavia Elementary
• Matthews Elementary

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Things to know about Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden’s office said Sunday that he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and is reviewing treatment options with his doctors.

Biden was having increasing urinary symptoms and was seen last week by doctors who found a prostate nodule. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and the cancer cells have spread to the bone, his office said in a statement.

When caught early, prostate cancer is highly survivable, but it is also the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. About one in eight men will be diagnosed over their lifetime with prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Here are some things to know about prostate cancer that has spread.

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is part of the reproductive system in men. It makes fluid for semen. It’s located below the bladder and it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out through the penis.

How serious is Biden’s cancer?

Biden’s cancer has spread to the bone, his office said. That makes it more serious than localized or early-stage prostate cancer.

Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.

“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said.

What are the treatment options?

Prostate cancer can be treated with drugs that lower levels of hormones in the body or stop them from getting into prostate cancer cells. The drugs can slow down the growth of cancer cells.

“Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy,” Smith said.

What is a Gleason score?

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

By CARLA K. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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General

Regions Tradition goes to Monday finish to decide champion

Angel Cabrera and Jerry Kelly will start the final handful of holes at the Regions Tradition on Monday tied for the lead after severe weather affected the first major tournament of the PGA Tour Champions 2025 season on Sunday.

The fourth round started four hours late, and the course was cleared for another weather delay before the leaders even got to the first tee at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham on Sunday.

At about 7:40 p.m. CDT Sunday, the tournament was suspended because of darkness with 15 golfers still on the course.

Play will resume at 8 a.m. Monday. Golf Channel will televise the event.

Admission will be free for Monday’s tournament conclusion. Gates will open for fans at 7 a.m.

Kelly held the third-round lead after carding Saturday’s low score at 7-under-par 65 to move to 15 under for the tournament – one shot ahead of Y.E. Yang through 54 holes.

On Sunday, Cabrera was at 6 under with three holes remaining in his round to catch up to Kelly at 18 under. Kelly was 3 under for the final round through 14 holes.

The winner of the U.S. Open in 2007 and Masters in 2009, Cabrera briefly got a one-shot lead with birdies on seven of his first 13 holes on Sunday. But a three-putt bogey on the par-5 15th, which turned out to be Cabrera’s final hole on Sunday, put him back in a tie with Kelly.

Kelly bounced back from his first bogey in 41 holes – on the par-4 11th on Sunday – with a birdie on the par-5 13th.

Cabera went 2 under during the first three rounds on the 16th through 18th holes. Kelly has played the final four holes in 5 under through the first three rounds.

Playing with Kelly, Yang remains one shot off the lead heading to Monday.

Playing with Cabrera, Steven Alker is 2 off the lead at 3 under for the final round. Charlie Wi also is at 16 under for the tournament and has four holes remaining in his fourth round.

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

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