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Dear Annie: I’m tired of my one-sided friendship

Dear Annie: I have recently gone through a friend breakup with a friend we will call “Elizabeth.” When I first met Elizabeth, she was pregnant with her first child. After about a year, we became very close friends, and she had a second child. After the second child was born, I offered to go to Elizabeth’s house once a week to play with the children for a couple hours to give her a break.

Although I initially volunteered to help her out, I was quickly expected to help anytime Elizabeth and her husband needed child care. For about the first three years of her youngest’s life, I was there anytime they needed me. Recently, we had a disagreement, and Elizabeth told me that I need to understand that the whole world doesn’t revolve around me. I found that incredibly insulting considering I have done so much for them.

Should I try to make amends, or is it time to let go of this friendship? — Friend Turned Nanny

Dear Friend Turned Nanny: Her comment was insensitive for sure, but people often say things they don’t mean in the heat of the moment. Was this an isolated incident, or does she have a pattern of saying careless and insulting things?

If it’s the former, I would tell her how much her words hurt your feelings so you can squash the resentment and hopefully move on. But if this is par for the course, then it might be time to reevaluate whether you’re getting as much from this friendship as you’re putting in.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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Today’s daily horoscopes: July 3, 2025

On the day before a Venus change, there’s no shame about being on the fence. For one thing, the fence gives you a vantage point to see each side. Once you jump off the fence, you’ll mostly see things from one side or the other. Now you can view both. Of course, it’s very hard to make progress atop a fence. When it’s time to move, you’ll need to make a choice. Until then, stay put.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve got range. From charismatic leader to quiet observer, you know when to step in and when to hold back. Humor disarms tension. What starts as a joke may turn into the truest thing said all day.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People say they are confused when what they really mean is they don’t approve, don’t care or think that paying attention is too much work. It’s avoidance dressed up as innocence. You’re too savvy to fall for it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Instead of feeling like you’re being judged under some harsh, ambiguous lens, you reframe: “I’m not here to please or impress everyone; I’m here to create an experience.” It’s an empowering approach, and it will give you authorship of how you’re received.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are days so busy in survival mode that you forget about your number one purpose — to love and be loved. Today you’ll have the sensation you’re thriving instead, and you’ll be reminded of how sweet it is to put your heart into life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Love looks different when you’re not chasing it. Now that you’ve learned you don’t have to over-give, shrink down, big up or be anything other than what you are, you make room for someone who actually deserves a front-row seat to your world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People can fake a lot, but not depth. Your radar is sharp today, and you’ll notice when someone’s acting interested versus being interested. You’ll also sense when there is so much going on in a person that it will take years to really know them. Might be worth it!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve been patient. Maybe too patient, waiting on someone who is not going to show up in the time or way you need them to. But when you have something to do while you “wait,” you’re not wasting time. Tune into the signals to learn what’s really going on.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Experience may be the best teacher, but it’s not the only teacher. You might not get the chance to do the thing today, but research will get you ready for when it’s your turn for the hands-on immersion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Venting is one thing. Loitering in the land of complaints is another. You’re building something today, so stick with the kind of “construction crew” that brings screwdrivers, not sob stories.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may find yourself in a tough room, and that just means you had the courage to go there. You don’t need the crowd to clap; you need them to listen as you say the real thing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Good news. You don’t have to show up; you’re relieved from duty. So the only reason to go is that you want to, and that’s what makes your experiences great. You know they are really choices.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Communication is your forte today, and you’re especially good at figuring out what people want. You’ll serve deeper needs, and surface ones will either be met or disappear as they no longer seem relevant.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 3). This year’s lofty goals will be excellent for morale; high stakes and a deadline go together. You’ll build something that requires cooperation, and you’ll form tight bonds while you change things in your industry or town. More highlights: pure love; a devoted group of helpers, teachers and patrons; and the satisfaction of finally winning in a longstanding competitive environment. Aries and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 30, 22, 9 and 10.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: It’s said that Tom Cruise is the last great movie star of the old-school variety — endlessly driven and obsessively hands-on. The moonchild movie star also somehow manages to be both intensely private and impossibly famous. Cruise is deep into the two-part “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning” saga, performing gravity-defying stunts that push the limits of human and cinematic possibility.

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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No Alabama players appear on CFL negotiation lists

Offseason NFL rosters feature 84 men who played at Alabama, more than from any other college program. But the Canadian Football League, which starts the fifth week of its 2025 season on Thursday night, features only one Crimson Tide alumnus – Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive tackle Kendall Randolph.

The CFL’s nine teams also don’t appear to have much hope of adding to Alabama’s representation beyond the former Bob Jones High School standout.

For the first time in league history, each CFL team released its complete negotiation list on Wednesday, and no Crimson Tide alumni appear.

Each CFL team has a negotiation list of as many as 45 players for whom it holds the exclusive CFL negotiating rights. The players on the list can be traded or dropped at any time.

In the past, each team was required to release 10 names from its list twice every season in September and December.

Players from Alabama high schools and colleges on the CFL negotiation lists released on Wednesday included:

British Columbia Lions

  • Quarterback Chris Oladokun (Samford), who is on the Kansas City Chiefs roster.
  • Wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett (Jackson, South Alabama), who is on the New York Jets roster.

Edmonton Elks

  • Quarterback Carter Bradley (South Alabama), who is on the Las Vegas Raiders roster.
  • Quarterback Malik Cunningham (Park Crossing), who on the Baltimore Ravens roster as a wide receiver.
  • Quarterback Jacob Zeno (UAB), who is on the Texas A&M roster after transferring from the Blazers.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

  • Cornerback Zyon Gilbert (Jeff Davis), who is a free agent.

Montreal Alouettes

  • Cornerback Cobee Bryant (Hillcrest-Evergreen), who is on the Atlanta Falcons roster.

Ottawa Redblacks

  • Safety Jerrin Thompson (Auburn), who is a free agent.

Toronto Argonauts

  • Linebacker Wesley Steiner (Auburn), who is a free agent.

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

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Why didn’t Auburn’s Jackson Arnold attend the Manning Passing Academy?

The annual Manning Passing Academy football camp wrapped up last week, hosting some of the top collegiate quarterbacks in the country.

One previous guest was missing.

After two previous trips to the camp, Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold elected to not attend this summer.

During Wednesday’s AMBUSH coaches caravan, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze confirmed that he got the call from Archie Manning asking about Arnold’s attendance.

The answer was something both the former quarterback and Auburn head coach completely understood.

“That was difficult for me because Archie is a good friend of mine,” Freeze said. “Obviously, I got the call, but when I talked to Jackson, he was adamant. ‘I don’t want to miss a day of throwing with my guys, and I have been to the Manning Camp twice.”

“The most important thing for me is to be with my teammates.’ I have to respect that, and Archie did also.”

Arnold transferred to Auburn after spending two seasons at Oklahoma. Serving as the starter for most of the 2024 season, Arnold threw for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games.

Since his arrival, Arnold got majority of the first team reps for the Tigers throughout the spring football period.

All offseason Freeze praised the work Arnold has displayed as the Tigers signal caller. Turning down the invite to a prestigious camp gave him the reassurance that he brought in the right guy.

“That’s what I have seen from him. I think his confidence has grown and grown and grown since he’s been here. Having those receivers to throw to is helpful. Excited about what Jackson brings to the table to lead us. I think he’s a confident, talented young man and someone I believe in.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.

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Will Auburn football’s recruiting improve before signing day? Hugh Freeze thinks so

The last month hasn’t been kind to Auburn football recruiting.

The Tigers had four players decommit, and now have a 2026 class that currently holds just six players and ranks 89th in the country, according to 247Sports.

Despite the rough summer, head coach Hugh Freeze is still confident that the class can finish strong. According to Freeze, the recent House settlement and Auburn prioritizing its revenue sharing money toward maintaining the current roster has hurt the Tigers’ efforts on the recruiting trail.

“Retaining the roster does affect the way you approach recruiting and that’s new. That used to not be the case,” Freeze told reporters during Auburn’s AMBUSH coaches caravan in Alexander City. “You were gonna sign some kids and figure out the numbers on the back end, but you can’t do that when you have to be under the revenue sharing cap.”

While navigating the new-look financial aspect of recruiting has been an adjustment for Auburn since the settlement was approved, Freeze remained confident in his pitch and the relationships with recruits.

“We’re talking about a staff that’s put together two top 10 classes and here we are, we’re really not in that realm right now.” Freeze said. “Do I think we will be in December? I do. I believe that wholeheartedly. We had over 50 visits in June and I thought those families felt like ‘man this is a great place to be.’”

The early signing period is still six months away, meaning there’s still time — and a whole season — for Auburn to improve its class.

What happens on the field this fall could be another key factor in the recruiting turning around, especially if Auburn can win and compete in the Southeastern Conference, something it hasn’t done the past five seasons.

Another factor will likely be who Auburn expects to have return in 2026, something that obviously isn’t clear in July, but will be clearer in November and December.

“It’s hard to feel great when you’re not one of the top-ranked recruiting classes,” Freeze said. “But I’m confident in our administration and the way they lead and trust them immensely that we’re doing things the right way. At the end of the day, that’s really what we have to do.

“In my opinion we can’t put ourselves in jeopardy. We’ve got great interpretations from our administration and our legal team on what the settlement really means and how we should operate. That’s what we’re doing. If others are operating in a manner not with that, I’m hopeful they’ll be called out on that at some point.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com

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Tuberville builds massive campaign war chest in 2026 governor’s race: How much are others raising?

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has received more than $4 million in campaign contributions in the five weeks since launching his run for governor.

Tuberville is on pace to eclipse Gov. Kay Ivey’s fundraising for the 2022 election, although he has some work to do.

Ivey raised about $11 million in her successful reelection campaign.

Candidates for state office filed monthly financial reports Wednesday.

See more: Millions in campaign contributions are fueling this heated Alabama race

Fundraising officially started May 19, exactly one year before the primary.

Ken McFeeters, the only other Republican in the race for governor, has not filed a report.

Candidates are not required to file until they have raised or spent $1,000.

Tuberville received $2 million in contributions the day he announced he was running, including nine contributions of $100,000.

He has continued to receive large donations. But monthly report for June, filed Wednesday, was mostly small contributions, with many donors giving multiple times.

The total was $357,374 for about 265 donations. The largest was a $50,000 contribution from the Mobile law firm Cunningham Bounds.

Overall, Tuberville has raised $4.02 million. His campaign has a cash balance of $3.8 million.

Here is a look at fundraising efforts in other top Alabama races:

Lieutenant governor

The race is on to replace twice-elected Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who said he will go back to the private sector when his term ends.

Secretary of State Wes Allen raised $128,300 in June.

Of Allen’s 34 contributions in June, 32 came from individuals, businesses, and political action committees in Alabama.

Allen has a balance of $259,060, including the money he raised in May and the money he transferred from his previous campaign when he was elected secretary of state in 2022.

“I continue to be grateful for the outpouring of support this campaign is receiving from across the state,” Allen said in a press release. “People across our state recognize that I have a strong record of getting things done.”

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate raised $36,300 in June. Pate reported 15 contributions, all from Alabama.

Pate’s campaign has a balance of $269,795, including a $100,000 loan he made to the campaign and $133,730 transferred from his campaign when he was reelected agriculture commissioner in 2022.

Commercial realtor Nicole Wadsworth raised $28,500 from 26 contributions in June, with all but three from Alabama.

Wadsworth reported a balance of $37,160, which includes $22,000 she has loaned to the campaign.

Opelika pastor Dean Odle filed a report showing he has loaned his campaign $12,573. Odle did not report any cash contributions.

Secretary of State

Allen’s decision to forgo a second term opened the door for other candidates.

State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who announced his run for secretary of state in February, reported more than 80 contributions in June, totaling $64,475.

Sorrell had previously reported raising $50,027 in May, plus a $250,000 loan he made to his campaign.

Sorrell has a campaign balance of $313,869.

Montgomery attorney Caroleene Dobson launched her campaign on June 26.

Dobson filed a report showing that she loaned her campaign $500,000.

Dobson was the Republican nominee in Alabama’s redrawn 2nd Congressional district last year. She lost to Democrat Shomari Figures in a district that was redrawn by a federal court to favor Democrats.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in Mobile County Wednesday evening – gusts up to 40 mph

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 7:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 p.m. for Mobile County.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 7:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over I10 And I65, or 4 miles east of Tillmans Corner, moving south at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

The alert is for Tillmans Corner, Theodore and I10 And I65.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside 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, consider the following recommendations:

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 a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

  • Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from 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 with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

  • Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they 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 in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you 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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in Baldwin County Wednesday evening – gusts as high as 40 mph

The National Weather Service issued a report at 7:36 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 p.m. for Baldwin County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 7:36 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Daphne, moving southeast at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Fairhope, Robertsdale, Summerdale and Silverhill.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest 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’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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, as they 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 in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced 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. 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 rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

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.

Prioritize visibility

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:

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.

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.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Millions in campaign contributions are fueling this heated Alabama race

The race to replace two-term Attorney General Steve Marshall is shaping up as an expensive one, based on reports filed by the campaigns on Wednesday.

First-time candidate Katherine Robertson, Marshall’s chief counsel since 2017, raised $1.25 million since announcing her campaign three weeks ago.

Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell raised about $650,000 in June.

Both candidates reported $1.2 million balances in their campaign accounts.

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey raised $41,140 in June and reported a campaign balance of $66,871.

Blount County D.A. Pamela Casey with her son.Contributed

All three are candidates for the Republican nomination to replace Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Robertson’s contributions included $1 million from First Principles Action LLC, a nonprofit organization in Nashville.

First Principles Action was founded by Peter Bisbee, former executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), according to Bisbee’s Linked-In profile.

In the 2018 attorney general race, a large contribution from the RAGA’s political action committee caused controversy for Marshall.

Marshall’s opponents claimed the $735,000 donation violated Alabama’s campaign finance law because the RAGA PAC had received money from other PACs, and Alabama’s law prohibits PAC-to-PAC transfers, which make it hard to know the original source of the money.

Marshall said at the time the law did not apply to federal PACs, like the RAGA PAC.

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted 3-2 against a probable cause finding in a complaint filed by former Attorney General Troy King, Marshall’s Republican opponent that year.

Marshall won the race and was reelected in 2022. Robertson has been his top assistant throughout his time as AG.

Besides the $1 million from First Principles Action, Robertson received more than 60 other donations in June, mostly from individuals in Alabama.

“I see this early support as affirmation of all that we have accomplished over the last eight-and-a-half years to make our state safer and our country freer,” Robertson said in a press release.

“With a great team behind me, I am ready to carry this early momentum all the way to the finish line next year.”

Mitchell reported a balance of $1.26 million, which includes $638,538 he transferred from his previous campaign when he was reelected to the Supreme Court last year.

“This early support is humbling and energizing,” Mitchell said in a press release. “It tells me that Alabamians are ready for a conservative fighter who will stand with President Trump and keep Alabama families safe.”

Casey, elected Blount County district attorney in 2010 and reelected twice, reported about 80 contributions totaling $41,140 in June.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Police bitten, hit by vehicle as chase across 2 Alabama counties injures multiple officers

Multiple officers were injured during a lengthy chase that spanned two Alabama counties Wednesday afternoon.

The ordeal began shortly before 5 p.m. when Pelham police officers were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle and its driver, who is said to be well-known to law enforcement, on Interstate 65.

The chase traveled into Calera, where Chief David Hyche said the fleeing suspect struck an Alabama State Trooper who was on foot putting out spike strips.

The trooper went airborne, Hyche said, and possibly sustained a broken ankle.

The trooper was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham via police escort. Pelham police said his injuries are not life-threatening.

Multiple law enforcement agencies – including Calera, Pelham, Alabaster and state troopers – continued the pursuit, which traveled into Chilton County.

The suspect, who has not been identified, then turned back toward Shelby County.

The chase ended at Exit 234 -the airport exit – when lawmen were able to get the suspect vehicle stopped in front of Jack’s in Calera.

When Calera officers tried to take him into custody, Hyche said, one of his officers was bitten and another officer was possibly stabbed with a syringe.

Both Calera officers were taken to Shelby Baptist Medical Center for treatment.

The suspect was also taken to the same hospital.

While there, authorities said, the suspect punched a Pelham police officer in the face. A Calera detective intervened to subdue the suspect and also sustained injuries.

“This was a melee,” Hyche said of the entire incident.

Hyche said his police have twice previously been involved in chases with the same suspect.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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