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General

Democrat tells Pete Hegseth to ‘be a man’ and provide information on LA immigration order

Michigan U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin had a heated exchange Wednesday with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over whether he has given an order authorizing members of the military to “detain and arrest protesters” in Los Angeles.

“What is the order?” the Democrat asked during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. “Be a man, list it out. Did you authorize them to detain or arrest? That is a fundamental of democracy. I’m not trying to be a snot here. I’m just trying to get the actual — did you authorize them to do that?”

Hegseth did not provide a direct answer to the question. He said that the 4,700 United States Marine Corps and National Guard troops deployed amid immigration protests in Los Angeles are “there to protect law enforcement, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers who are trying to do their job, deporting illegals who … were allowed in by the previous administration.”

The argument played out Wednesday in the final minutes of an Armed Services Committee hearing over the Pentagon’s 2026 budget request. Slotkin appeared exasperated over Hegseth’s comments and his unwillingness to provide a straightforward answer in the aftermath of President Donald Trump becoming the first commander in chief since 1965 to send National Guard troops to a state without cooperation from its governor.

In that instance, which Slotkin alluded to, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect voting rights protesters from violence against the wishes of segregationist Gov. George Wallace.

“Have you given the order for (troops) to be able to shoot at unarmed protesters in any way?” the freshman senator asked Hegseth again, whom she indicated was laughing at her question.

The embattled Defense Secretary responded: “What is that based on? What evidence would you have that an order like that has ever been given?”

Slotkin, who previously served as a Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Defense official, cited statements from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper that Trump asked officials in 2020 if troops could shoot protesters “in the legs” amid unrest following the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

Esper later told NPR in 2022 about that exchange: “We reached that point in the conversation where he looked frankly at (Joint Chiefs of Staff) Gen. [Mark] Milley and said, ‘Can’t you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?’ … It was a suggestion and a formal question. And we were just all taken aback at that moment as this issue just hung very heavily in the air.”

Slotkin referred to those comments and Esper during the exchange with Hegseth.

“He had more guts and balls than you, because he said, I’m not going to send in the uniform military to do something that I know and my gut isn’t right,” Slotkin told Hegseth.

Hegseth responded: “Senator, I’d be careful what you read in books and believing it, except for the Bible.”

Slotkin, taken aback, said: “Oh my God. So your former predecessor — I guess that’s not enough for you. Okay.”

Slotkin then pivoted to a question about U.S. preparedness for the fallout in the Middle East from Israel’s recent bombing raids over Iran.

_____

General

Baldwin County School CFO resigns after 13 years, cites concerns over false accusations

The longtime Chief Financial Officer with Alabama’s third-largest school system announced his resignation Wednesday, citing concerns with actions taken by a school board member and “unfounded and offensively false accusations” posed by certain groups.

John Wilson, who spent the past 13 years as the Baldwin County School System’s CFO, submitted his resignation letter to Superintendent Eddie Tyler. According to Tyler, he is taking a new position outside of public education.

“I would like to share that my decision to leave this position would not have materialized as quickly if it were not for the recent challenges confronting our system, the actions taken by a specific Board member, and the unfounded and offensively false accusations posted by certain groups,” Wilson wrote.

Wilson, whose efforts sparked an aggressive school building program called Pay-As-You-Go, kept a mostly positive tone in his letter. His resignation is effective in 90 days.”

“I am confident that my body of work speaks to my integrity and capability throughout my tenure in Baldwin County,” Wilson wrote.

Tyler, in an email statement regarding the resignation, credited Wilson for pulling the school system in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties from “financial ruin and potential lost jobs.”

Wilson is taking a new job outside of education, Tyler said.

“We always knew we had a true innovator and diamond in the rough with him, and it seems other have taken note,” Tyler said. “We are truly thankful for his time with us.”

Wilson, a Daphne High School graduate, was hired as CFO in 2012. Less than three years later, during a special election in March 2015, voters shot down a school district building referendum and voted down two tax renewals that provided critical funding to the school system.

At the time, the Baldwin County School System had dozens of portable trailers set up as mobile classrooms as existing school buildings were overcrowded. Baldwin County, since 2010, has been Alabama’s fastest growing county, and was left with few options to build new buildings or expand existing facilities.

After the referendum’s defeat, Wilson and others teamed up to develop a Pay As You Go program that was recognized nationally in 2019, with the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Pinnacle of Achievement Award. It was given to Wilson and the school system for an innovative strategy to address overcrowded schools.

Baldwin County School Superintendent Eddie Tyler at the school board’s meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Central Office in Loxley, Ala.John Sharp

“While other school systems raise taxes and use bonds to fund construction projects, our system utilizes this program where there are zero costs to taxpayers,” Tyler said. “This program was first introduced to meet the needs of our unprecedented growth while ensuring that taxpayers did not feel the financial impact.”

Pay As You Go was bolstered in 2017 with the permanent extension of a one-cent sales tax that brings in $60 million. That revenue is also used to pay for hundreds of teachers and support staff as well.

Wilson, in his letter, estimates that the program generated over $850 million in completed and ongoing construction projects. Another $60 million has been invested to improve athletic and fine arts facilities.

Some of the new schools planned and developed during his time as CFO included the Baldwin Preparatory Academy in Loxley, and the Baldwin Virtual School in Daphne — among others.

Tyler also credited Wilson’s tenure as CFO for producing “flawless” audits that produced “zero findings” in 13 years from the Alabama State Department of Examiners.

“For an entity with a budget of our size, this is an impeccable achievement,” Tyler said. The school system’s annual budget is over $700 million. By comparison, the City of Birmingham’s annual operating budget is $555 million, while the City of Mobile operates at a budget of around $353 million.

Wilson, in his letter, acknowledged the financial pains of past years and a school system that had “considerable financial challenges due to insufficient and unstable revenue” as well as a lack of planning for growth.

He said that revenues are stable, and the school system’s reserves are at $100 million.

Wilson said he plans on supporting a transition to the next CFO, and that he will honor a 90-day notice to ensure that the 2026 fiscal year budget is completed. The school system’s budget year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

He also said he is open to discussions if he is needed beyond the 90 days.

Wilson’s resignation comes after some tumultuous school board meetings in which parents and residents have shown up accusing Tyler of putting politics ahead of education, and demanding the superintendent’s resignation.

Tyler’s longtime political consultant, Jon Gray, resigned from his position in April. The school system, through Tyler’s office, had been paying Gray $9,500 a month.

Criticism has been levied at the school system’s leadership over the handling of a disruptive student at Elberta Elementary School earlier this year.

Wilson’s letter doesn’t mention specific controversies, and he didn’t name the school board member he has concerns about.

“It is now time to hand over the torch to the next innovator, who can build upon what I initiated, merge with the system’s solid financial foundation, and keep working to guarantee that Baldwin County boasts the best schools for students, families, and our community partners in both the state and the nation,” he said.

General

Update: Pea-sized hail predicted with thunderstorms in Houston County Wednesday – gusts up to 40 mph

An updated report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:15 p.m. for Houston County.

The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 5:31 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Columbia to 11 miles west of Donalsonville to 6 miles north of Marianna. Movement was northeast at 10 mph,” says 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 Blakely, Marianna, Centerville, Malone, Greenwood, Gordon, Jakin, Bascom, Bluffton, Saffold, Crosby, Blue Spring, Rock Hill, Hornsville, Early Co A/p, Marianna Municipal A/P, Hilton, Steam Mill, Howards Mill and Colomokee.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. These storms 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.”

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

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
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’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 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 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.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and drive with care:

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:

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:

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.

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.

General

Prepare for strong thunderstorms in Coffee and Geneva counties early Wednesday evening

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 4:42 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. for Coffee and Geneva counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:42 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Andalusia to 6 miles north of Lockhart to 6 miles south of Samson. Movement was northeast at 15 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Elba, Enterprise, Fort Novosel, Samson, New Brockton, Lee, Kinston, Coffee Springs, Mixons Crossroads, Curtis, Carl Folsom A/p, Central City, Logan Field Municipal A/P, Camp Humming Hills, Clintonville, Camp Alaflo Bsa, Arcus, Enterprise Municipal A/P, Earlytown and Spears.

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

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 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.
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 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 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 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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

Beware of swollen waterways:

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:

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, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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

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 first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix 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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

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.

General

‘Children Ruin Everything’ returns to The CW with midseason premiere: How you can watch free

The hit comedy series Children Ruin Everything returns to The CW with a two-episode midseason premiere Wednesday, June 18 beginning at 9/8c.

Those interested in tuning in for the return of the hit series can catch the show available for streaming through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid subscription.

What is Children Ruin Everything about?

For those who have yet to check out the season-long series, Children Ruin Everything focuses on a couple’s efforts to reclaim a piece of their old lives which are continually thwarted by their young children in surprising and absurd ways. Somewhere in the toy-filled, pee-stained wreckage of what they once had, they find a new life that’s pretty good, too.

Two two-episode midseason premiere explores what happens when a family emergency occurs while the couple, Astrid and James are busy at work. The second half of the two-episode midseason premiere captures the couple as they get some much-needed time away from the kids after snagging a last-minute babysitter.

How to watch the Children Ruin Everything midseason premiere

Those interested in catching new episodes of the popular CW series can stream the show through Fubo or DirecTV—both of which offer free trials.

What is Fubo?

Fubo is much like any other streaming service, but instead of simply offering on-demand streaming, it offers a plethora of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service but also offers over 100 live TV channels through its basic package at just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Users can stream a variety of shows and movies on-demand and even have the option to record favorite shows.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

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.

General

Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Fayette and Tuscaloosa counties Wednesday

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 4:14 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5 p.m. for Fayette and Tuscaloosa counties.

The storms could bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 4:14 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Samantha, or 17 miles southeast of Fayette, moving northeast at 25 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 Berry, Boley Springs, Bankston, Samantha, Binion Creek Landing, Stone Wall, Whitson, Moores Bridge, Windham Springs, Fayette County Public Lake, New Lexington, Fowlers Crossroads, Wiley and Lake Tuscaloosa.

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

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

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.
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, 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 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.

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 swollen waterways:

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 drive with care:

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 turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix 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:

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.

General

Possible explosive device found as warrant is executed in Shelby County

An investigation at a Shelby County home has shut down the roadway for more than two hours.

Sheriff’s office criminal investigators and the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force went to a home Wednesday afternoon in the 5100 block of South Shades Crest Road.

Lt. Debbie Sumrall said law enforcement officers went to the home to carry a lawful court order. She did not elaborate.

While on the scene, investigators spotted what they believed to be an incendiary device, Sumrall said.

Out of an abundance of caution, investigators cleared the area, closed South Shades Crest Road near Timberlake Drive, and summoned the multi-jurisdictional Explosive Ordinance team.

Investigators also began the process of obtaining a search warrant to fully search the house and property.

No injuries have been reported.

Sumrall said residents should expect a law enforcement presence in the area until investigators are confident no other concerning items are in or around the residence.

General

Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Northwest Alabama Wednesday – gusts could peak at 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 3:56 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin and Lawrence counties.

The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

“At 3:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Belgreen, or 11 miles east of Red Bay, moving east at 30 mph,” says 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 Florence, Muscle Shoals, Russellville, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Phil Campbell, Killen, Cherokee, Littleville and Leighton.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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 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.
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 without 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 heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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

Beware of swollen waterways:

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:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

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:

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.

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.

General

Donald Trump mocked for bizarre claim about the Civil War

President Donald Trump is being hammered on social media after claiming the Civil War “could’ve been solved” without more than 600,000 people being killed in the conflict.

Trump made the remark while opining on Israel’s strikes on Iran.

“I wonder if the Civil War — it always seemed to me it always could’ve been solved without losing 600,000-plus people,” Trump said.

The president did not elaborate on what his strategy would be.

He was mocked on social media over the remark, with some users referencing Trump’s unkept promise to end Russia’s war with Ukraine in 24 hours.

“If I was president, we would not have the Civil War … I would’ve ended it in a day,” one user wrote of Trump while using the clown face emoji.

Another said Trump’s claim was the result of the “simple, beautiful, unshakeable confidence of a complete f—— moron.”

“When he says this i truly think he is implying they could have just continued to allow there to be slave states and non slave states,” said a third.

Some users suggested Trump was implying he would have let the South continue to hold slaves.

“If the North had agreed to allow slavery in the western states and the South, there probably wouldn’t have been a civil war. Trump is a virulent racist and ignorant fool,” one user wrote.

General

‘Expedition Unknown’ kicks off season 15 with breakdown of Amerikabomber: How you can stream free

A brand new season of the long-running Discovery Channel series Expedition Unknown premieres on the network Wednesday, June 18 at 9/8c.

Those interested in tagging along with host Josh Gates to uncover more of the world’s greatest mysteries can stream the new season through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Expedition Unknown?

For those who have yet to explore the hit Discovery series, Expedition Unknown follows adventurer Josh Gates who’s on a quest to uncover the world’s greatest mysteries. From lost treasures to ancient civilizations, Gates leaves no stone unturned.

With his wit, charm and expertise, Gates takes viewers on a thrilling ride as he travels the globe in search of answers.

Season 15 kicks off with Gates uncovering the truth about Adolf Hitler’s terrifying Amerikabomber, a long-range airplane designed to bring the terror of the Third Reich to the United States and obliterate New York City.

Unearthing still-sealed Nazi tunnels and long-lost top-secret weapons factories in Poland, Gates takes viewers into a subterranean facility that may have been used to manufacture Hitler’s dream killing machine.

How to watch Expedition Unknown season 15

Those interested in catching the return of Expedition Unknown can stream the season 15 premiere through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Out of the three streaming platforms that carry the Discovery Channel, Philo is the cheapest option at just $28 a month after its 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.

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 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).