Alabama News

The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to put up a gate blocking off a public street near Vulcan Park to prevent car wash traffic from backing up into a neighborhood.

The city will put up a locked gate, accessible only to emergency vehicles, blocking off the residential portion of 20th Avenue South.

A Tidal Wave Auto Spa is under construction on the property at the northeast corner of the intersection where Vulcan Park has its entrance at the corner of Valley Avenue and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, formerly 21st Street South.

It’s the location of a former McDonald’s and a convenience store. The McDonald’s was historically significant in the capture of Eric Robert Rudolph, who bombed the New Woman All Women Clinic in 1998. Witnesses at the McDonald’s saw Rudolph walk over Red Mountain and get in his truck and were able to follow him and get a tag number, as documented in Alabama Media Group’s new 8-part podcast, “American Schrapnel,” which will be released July 30.

After the demolition of the McDonald’s and the Vulcan Mini Mart, Vulcan Storage, LLC, sold the 1.1-acre property at 2001-2017 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd South this year for $2.1 million to TWAS Properties, LLC, operator of Tidal Wave Auto Spa.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, Georgia, that now has about 275 locations across 30 states.

It’s one of the top conveyor car washes in the country has been included in the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies several times since 2020.

A group of neighborhood residents opposed to the car wash have been urging the city to put up the gate.

John and Susan Barnacastle, who live in the neighborhood, said residents found out about the plan in September 2023, when it was presented at Redmont Nieghborhood Association meeting.

Residents voted against it. But Susan Barnacastle said the car wash representatives were undeterred and said they could proceed since a car wash was allowed under zoning regulations.

The city had passed a moratorium against new car washes, but a judge ruled that Tidal Wave had beaten the deadline when the moratorium began.

Alabama Media Group has reached out to Tidal Wave for comment but has not heard back.

In the meantime, construction continues, with cement trucks and dump trucks driving through 20th Avenue South, Mrs. Barnacastle said.

“They haven’t been good neighbors,” she said.

She said neighbors wonder how an already congested intersection at the border of Birmingham and Homewood will be able to handle additional traffic from an automated car wash.

“It’s a terrible corner,” Mrs. Barnacastle said. “There’s a wreck here once a week.”

At the neighborhood presentation, residents were told the car wash projected 300 cars coming through a day.

“It’s almost impossible taking a left turn into our neighborhood,” Mrs. Barnacastle said. “It’s hard to get in out and out. How are they going to keep traffic from backing up? It’s not a good fit for the spot.”

The proposed changes in the Southern Area Rezoning Plan for the City of Birmingham would have prevented a car wash in the area, Mrs. Barnacastle said. But there have been long delays in getting that approved.

In the end, a gate blocking off the residential street was the best solution residents could hope for.

“We couldn’t prevent the car wash,” Mrs. Barnacastle said. “It does shut down the street.”

She also thinks the car wash will regret its location for some of the same reasons the McDonald’s was an awkward fit. It’s just too hard getting in and out of that corner lot, she said.

“I don’t think people will use it,” Mrs. Barnacastle said. “It’s too difficult. This area is just not designed for commercial traffic.”

The brand new reality series Lie Detector: Truth or Deception premieres on A&E Thursday, July 10 at 9/8c.

Cord cutters interested in checking out the new series can stream the premiere through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Lie Detector: Truth or Deception about?

The latest true-crime based reality series examines individuals long suspected of serious crimes who voluntarily submit to taking a polygraph test hoping to clear their names in the eyes of their family and community.

Award-winning investigative journalist Tony Harris hosts the new series, and with his involvement, Harris brings critical context and analysis drawn from his background in criminal justice reporting, and the results of a professionally administered lie detector test by George Olivo, former FBI agent and veteran polygraph examiner.

How to watch Lie Detector: Truth or Deception

Those interested in streaming the live premiere of the new A&E series can find it available for viewing 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 A&E. 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).

The online sweepstakes casino industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. A huge number of new sweeps casinos have launched this year, each of which provides some incredible bonuses for new players.

Here, I highlight several of the best new sweepstakes casino bonuses being offered right now. These bonuses are extremely generous and can be claimed in only a few minutes.

The 4 best new sweepstakes casino bonuses available this week

It’s been amazing to watch how quickly the online sweeps casino industry has expanded over the past few years. It shouldn’t come as a major surprise, however, as online real money casinos are legal in only seven states.

Sweeps casinos are able to operate throughout nearly the entire country. For most Americans, these platforms are the best legal option to play casino games online.

Learn about four of the best new sweepstakes casino bonuses available to claim this week below.:

Mega Frenzy: 100% purchase bonus offering 20,000 Gold Coins + 20 free Sweeps Coins

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Rolla: 1.5 million Gold Coins + 30 free Sweeps Coins on first purchase

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SweepNext: 150% first purchase bonus

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LoneStar Casino: Up to 500,000 Gold Coins + 105 free Sweeps Coins + 1,000 VIP points

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The welcome bonus at LoneStar Casino providers players with the opportunity to earn up to 500,000 Gold Coins, 105 free Sweeps Coins and 1,000 VIP points for one purchase of $99.99. Players have access to a variety of purchase options, with the lowest Gold Coins package available for only $2.99.

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Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

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

Texas Roadhouse, a chain restaurant known for its steaks and rolls, has started construction on a new location on US-72 in Athens, according to city officials.

In April, the company unseated Olive Garden as the largest restaurant chain in the nation.

“We can’t wait for the mouthwatering steaks and freshly baked bread rolls to come to Athens!” reads a Facebook post on the city’s official page.

The city has not yet shared a projected opening date or construction timeline.

Texas Roadhouse’s sales in America increased 14.7% in 2024, to $5.5 billion, according to data from the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report.

The chain also opened 26 new locations, bringing its current total to 664 restaurants nationwide.

While Olive Garden has more locations, with around 900 restaurants worldwide, Texas Roadhouse is making more money with fewer locations, The Daily Meal reports.

We all know Alabama has some amazing barbecue. Now National Geographic is letting everyone else know, too, by shining a spotlight on five iconic barbecue joints in our state — as well as sharing the history of how “white sauce” came to be.

In a recent article in the travel section of National Geographic, Detroit-based writer Tom Burson took on the topic of Alabama barbecue. The story began with its origins and how it brings families and communities together before touching on its “polarizing contribution to the American barbecue consciousness” with the introduction of “Alabama white sauce” nearly 100 years ago.

Related: 21 Alabama barbecue joints you must try (and what to order)

“White sauce may reign supreme in barbecue joints across Northern Alabama, but head south and many will disavow the sauce entirely,” the article reads, “Love it or hate it, barbecue chicken and white sauce is part of the state’s culinary identity.”

In addition to sharing the history of barbecue in Alabama, five barbecue joints were named as “the best places to get a taste” of what our state has to offer. They were Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque in Tuscaloosa, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur; Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer, Brenda’s Bar-Be-Que Pit in Montgomery and Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham.

Related: A history of barbecue in Alabama: Iconic restaurants, sauces and origins

“It may be just a countertop joint in a residential Montgomery neighborhood, but locals are consistently lining up to engorge on Brenda’s seriously good barbecue, from the pig ear sandwiches to towering rib plates,” the article said of Brenda’s Bar-Be-Que Pit.

You can read the full article on National Geographic’s website.

A mother and son have been arrested following a weekend fire that destroyed the Walker County Public Defender’s Office in downtown Jasper.

Joseph Kolarchick, 19, and Amanda Jo Kolarchick, 42, are charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree theft of property and third-degree arson, Jasper police Chief J.C. Poe announced Wednesday.

Authorities said they’re still investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters responded about 4:30 a.m. Saturday to the massive blaze in the 400 block of 19th Street West.

Jasper Fire Chief Chris Uptain said firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:32 a.m. and began to battle the blaze and try to protect surrounding buildings. A private law office next door sustained a large amount of smoke and water damage.

Firefighters stayed on the scene for more than 12 hours, the fire chief said. The block was cordoned off for the next few days.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting in the investigation.

Poe said he arrived on the scene about 30 minutes after the fire was discovered.

“I had grave concerns that we were going to lose the entire block,” the police chief said. “Can’t enough be said for the fire department and what they did to contain the fire.”

Poe said the investigation turned criminal after a citizen told police about “unusual foot traffic” downtown earlier that morning. They were carrying items that seemed unusual, according to the witness.

“We started pulling video from business and City Hall downtown,” he said.

Videos showed the suspects carrying items, including a computer tower with the electrical plug dragging.

Police identified the suspects and spoke with them. He said investigators learned the mother and son went into the building to steal items.

The stolen items include a pistol, identification cards, and other disclosed items.

Poe said the suspect led investigators to the stolen goods.

“These two individuals have been homeless for quite a while,” Poe said.

“Joseph has been homeless since he was 15 or 16,” he said. “It’s an extremely sad situation.”

“They’re addicted, but they’re being booked in, and their addiction is going to be treated and looked after,” Poe said.

“It’s our intent to pursue this case aggressively,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Bryan Warren.

“This act has affected a number of individuals both professionally and personally,” Warren said. “Certainly, we want to keep them in our prayers.”

President Donald Trump’s cabinet members are a ragtag band of loyalists, many of them profoundly unqualified, but all of them clear about their role: They are to serve as bobbleheads who do what they are told. It’s a pity and it’s dangerous, but he’s filling seats on his own team, the executive branch, and so was granted leeway.

Now, though, he’s trying to place a loyalist, a ferocious one named Emil Bove, on the Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, one notch below the Supreme Court. That’s not his team. That’s a separate branch, where no bobblehead belongs.

A judge is supposed to be a referee, but even Trump is boasting that his boy Bove is a cheerleader.

“He will do anything … that is necessary to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump posted on social media. “Emil Bove will never let you down.”

LET THE RECORD SHOW

Trump is not guessing about that. He’s looking at Bove’s record as a prosecutor, which shows a disdain for the rule of law at every stage.

This is the guy who led the purge of FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked on the prosecution of the January 6 rioters — even the 169 rioters who were convicted of assaulting cops that day, dragging them from their defensive lines to beat them with fists, feet, steel rods, and fire extinguishers.

Bove called the prosecutions “a grave national injustice.”

“That’s going after people who were just doing their jobs,” says New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D). Their targets, he says, were “people who viciously beat police officers. And violence against the police is not just wrong. It invites a level of lawlessness that is despicable.”

POLITICS OVER JUSTICE

Bove is also the guy who ordered that corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams be dropped, even though he conceded the decision was not based on the evidence or the law, but purely on politics. Adams was willing to cooperate with Trump’s deportations, and that was enough for Bove.

That was too much for the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case, Danielle Sassoon, a Trump appointee who quit in protest rather than sign her name to the order. One of her deputies, Hagan Scotten, a combat veteran, quit as well, offering this classic put-down in his resignation letter to Bove: “I expect you will find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”

INTENTIONAL DECEIT

All that, believe it or not, is not the worst of it. The most alarming evidence against Bove was revealed in late June when a member of his own team at the Department of Justice took us behind closed doors, where Bove was discussing the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant from Maryland who had been mistakenly sent to prison in El Salvador.

The question on the table: What if the courts order a halt to the deportations?

The whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, says Bove “stated that DOJ would need to consider telling the courts ‘f— you’” and ignoring its orders. He also says Bove intentionally misled federal judges during deportation hearings.

Stop the train. Pull the alarm.

“In and of itself, that should be disqualifying,” Booker says.

Bove denies Reuveni’s claim, as he must, but the story fits neatly with the other cases where Bove has shown disdain for the rule of law. And why would Reuveni make this up and derail his own career? This is a guy who had defended Trump’s deportations in court several times.

POTENTIAL ‘LASTING DAMAGE’

“This is a dangerous nomination,” says Sen. Andy Kim (D) of New Jersey, who met with Bove in March because this is considered a New Jersey seat on the Third Circuit. “He could cause lasting damage, well beyond Trump’s second term. . . I’m hard-pressed to think of someone who is more unfit for being a federal judge than Mr. Bove.”

Dig into Bove’s history, before he joined Trump in Washington, and you find more rot, more lies, more disdain for the rule of law. In 2018, as an assistant prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, a unit supervised by Bove prosecuted a banker accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran, Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad.

But the charges were dismissed after a judge found that Bove’s team withheld evidence from the defense, breaking a cardinal rule of prosecutorial ethics. In a scorching ruling, District Judge Alison Nathan concluded that Bove’s team “deliberately” misled the defense

Nathan was so appalled that she ordered all prosecutors and assistants in the Southern District to read her 42-page opinion. “The manifold problems that have arisen throughout this prosecution — and that may well have gone undetected in countless others — cry out for a coordinated, systemic response from the highest levels of leadership within the United States attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York,” she wrote.

Will Bove win confirmation? The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Thursday, and if its June 25 hearing on Bove’s nomination is any guide, Bove will be approved on a party line vote. Booker and Kim are not optimistic about the floor vote either, and both suspect that Trump may nominate Bove for a seat on the Supreme Court next.

“I’m deeply worried,” Kim says. “His mission is clearly to defend Trump at all costs.”

To defend Trump. Not the Constitution. Not the rule of law. But one man whose campaign to degrade our democracy seems to be running right on schedule.

Moran is a national political columnist for Advance Local and the former editorial page editor/columnist for The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J. He can be emailed at [email protected].

The National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 3:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Littleville, or 7 miles northwest of Russellville, moving east at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Killen, Littleville, Leighton, St. Florian, Posey Loop and Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.

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

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• 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 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. 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

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly 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.

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.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

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

NASA is set to lose 2,145 highly experienced staff – including hundreds in Huntsville – under the Donald Trump administration’s downsizing efforts, according to a POLITICO report.

The publication reported Wednesday that documents show the federal employees are levels GS-13 to GS-15, indicating mid-to-senior positions, “with specialized skills or management responsibilities.” They represent most of the 2,694 civil service staffers who have agreed to leave under the administration’s efforts to trim the federal workforce.

More than 10% of those senior-level reductions – 279 in total – are to take place at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, according to the report. Trump’s budget proposal called for a total reduction at MSFC of 526 full-time equivalent positions. The POLITICO report means 53% of those reductions would come in the form of highly experienced staffers.

The reductions follow a budgetary back-and-forth surrounding NASA’s flagship Artemis moon program, with Trump’s budget proposal calling for a historically large cut that included phasing out the Space Launch System and Orion. The SLS is the super-heavy, expendable launch vehicle that is scheduled to carry crews to lunar orbit — aboard Orion — throughout the life of the agency’s Artemis moon program.

Both SLS and Orion are key programs for Marshall, one of the largest of NASA’s 10 field centers. It currently employs nearly 7,000 federal workers and contractors in Huntsville and manages a multibillion-dollar budget related to human spaceflight. MSFC is the agency’s lead center for SLS, managing the booster, engines, stages, and integration.

The House and Senate, however, restored billions in funding for Artemis missions and improvements to Marshall Space Flight Center in their adopted versions of the president’s spending plan, which Trump signed last week.

The senior staff reductions hit Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland hardest, with 607 planned departures, according to POLITICO. The totals at other centers include:

• Johnson Space Center in Texas, 366
• Kennedy Space Center in Florida, 311
• NASA headquarters in Washington, 307
• Langley Research Center in Virginia, 281
• Glenn Research Center in Ohio, 191

The hit true-crime docuseries On The Case with Paula Zahn returns with its midseason premiere after year-long hiatus. The upcoming midseason premiere will air on Investigation Discovery Wednesday, July 9 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to tune in for new episodes can stream the midseason premiere and other upcoming episodes through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is On The Case with Paula Zahn?

For those unfamiliar with the long-running ID series, On The Case with Paula Zahn follows veteran journalist Paula Zahn as she steps out of the studio and into the field to unravel criminal investigations.

Throughout each episode, Zahn tracks the drama of each story by featuring the opinions of those closest to the case including law enforcement officials, the families of the victims and the incarcerated, lawyers from both sides, and first-time TV interviews with convicted murderers.

The upcoming midseason premiere follows Zahn as she teams up with a heartbroken mother who’s on a quest for justice. Determined to lead police to solve the murder of her daughter and close friend, Zahn and the victim’s mother work to examine the evidence and collect more.

How to watch On The Case with Paula Zahn season 27

Those interested in streaming the midseason premiere can find On The Case with Paula Zahn available for streaming 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 Investigation Discovery. 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).