An Orange Beach seafood restaurant has announced that it has closed after more than 25 years in business.
The news came via an announcement Wednesday on the Facebook page for Bubba’s Seafood House. The brief message said: “To all our valued guests, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach, AL, effective April 1, 2025. We thank you for your many years of support and delicious memories! Bubba sez ‘Thank you @ farewell!‘”
The post added that “We will be announcing a SALE of décor, retail items, equipment, etc. at a later date.”
While the timing of the post prompted distressed commenters to question whether it was a delayed April Fool’s joke, that did not appear to be the case. An Orange Beach news blog reported that the closure followed the recent sale of the property.
And unidentified employee reached by phone at the restaurant confirmed the sale and the closure but deferred comment to the restaurant’s corporate office. An attempt to reach that office was not successful.
Bubba’s was founded in 1997 “and has withstood all the hurricanes the Gulf of Mexico could send our way including the category 4 Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday defeated a proposal that would have mandated school boards to write policies for public school students to receive credits for leaving campus early for religious instruction.
The defeat of HB342 came after a brief debate in which its sponsor claimed the bill allowed for “more religious liberty” in Alabama. It also built upon the Alabama Released Time Credit Act of 2019 that first gave local school systems the ability to develop policies permitting students to attend religious classes off campus and during public school hours.
But a bipartisan group of lawmakers on the Alabama House Education Policy Committee argued that the legislation created additional regulations for schools. They were also uncertain on what kind of expectations local school boards will have in accommodating religious credit requests.
The vote defeating HB342 was 9-4 in the Alabama House Education Policy Committee.
“I appreciate the concept,” said Rep. Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville. “I have the issue with the practical implementation of this. I feel like in my district, it’s another regulation for (schools). They are doing the best they can.”
Rep. Susan Dubose, R-Hoover, the bill’s sponsor, pushed for the bill because only 12 of Alabama’s school systems have adopted policies since 2019 allowing students to leave school during school hours for religious instruction.
She also argued there was demand for the program by citing a survey of 4,000 signatures from parents interested in early release times for students seeking religious instruction.
“That’s 12 out of over 130 we have in Alabama,” Dubose said. “We know there is demand from the parents for this program. We don’t feel like parents should have to go and fight the school board for a program that is constitutionally allowed by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
She added, “I think the answer is more religious liberty, not less.”
Under HB342, school boards would have been required to draft a policy on how they would provide for elective credits if a student wanted to leave campus early for a religious class.
The bill had been changed from a version considered during a public hearing last month that would have required schools to not only create a policy but also give elective credit if the coursework met requirements.
Dubose said there was no mandate for school systems to have elective credits for off-campus religious studies.
She said that Hoover City Schools has a policy that sets aside elective credits for religious instruction for high school students only, and that it’s only offered during the final period of the school day.
Dubose said the policies can be “as narrow or broad as they want.”
Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said she wasn’t sure why then a school board was required to write a policy for a program it wasn’t required to pursue. She said she was concerned about small school systems that do not have the ability to provide off-campus elective credits for students.
“So, they should have a policy that says, ‘We do nothing?‘” Drummond asked.
Dubose responded, “I’m not suggesting they have a policy that says they do nothing, but legally they can get creative with what they want.”
Other lawmakers said that not enough time has passed since the 2019 law was adopted to see if more public schools would give elective credits for religious instruction.
Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, said he felt the law was still new. And Ross said she felt more time was needed after the pandemic to see how schools will respond.
Baker said he believes some school districts have approached it and made a “conscious decision” not to adopt a policy.
“I am glad to see what we have in motion right now is working in that every single public school across the state has the opportunity to engage in the program now,” Baker said.
Dubose said she had a “difference of opinion” with Baker on whether it was working, pointing only 12 that have a program.
“This will require their own policy which is what we do as members … is ask the school board to adopt policies,” Dubose said, comparing it to the Alabama Literacy Act. She called it one of the most “open-ended policies” asked of school system.
The legislation had its opponents, including the Alabama Association of School Boards. But it also had supporters including Republican Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth who praised Ohio-based LifeWise Academy, which offers school-time Bible education to public school students at over 300 schools in 15 states.
Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a paid parental leave bill Wednesday, which will give state employees paid time off after the birth of a child.
The law, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, goes into effect July 1.
“In Alabama, we are committed to strengthening families and supporting those who serve our state,” Ivey said in a news release. “This new law reflects our values. No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child. Today, Alabama sends a clear message: We value families, and we value our workforce.”
Alabama is the 39th state to offer government employees a form of paid parental leave, according to the nonprofit A Better Balance.
This law will give Alabama female employees eight weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth, stillbirth or miscarriage of a child. Male employees would receive two weeks of leave under the same circumstances. Adoptive parents of a child aged three or younger will also be eligible for parental leave – eight weeks for one parent and two weeks for the other at the choice of the parents, if both are eligible employees.
“First, if a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave. That is why I am proud to have Senator Vivian Figures and Representative Ginny Shaver joining forces this year to pass a good, responsible parental leave bill to support both our state workers and teachers,” Ivey said during her state of the state address.
This law also includes a return-to-work provision, requiring employees to return for at least eight weeks after taking leave, with exceptions in certain circumstances, including serious health conditions.
Breonna Atkins is a senior at Carver High School in Birmingham and a reporting intern at AL.com through the Birmingham Promise program.
As Donald Trump got into one of his usual stream-of-consciousness asides during his “Liberation Day” speech on Wednesday, the president became enthralled for the word used to describe a common group of items.
“Likewise, an old fashioned term that we use: groceries. I used them in the campaign. It’s such an old-fashioned term but a beautiful term: groceries. So, it’s a bag with a lot of different things in it,” Trump said during the speech from the White House Rose Garden, where he announcing 50% reciprocal tariffs on several countries.
“Groceries went through the roof, and I campaigned on that,” Trump said. “I talked about the word ‘groceries’ for a lot” of time.
The president then went on to claim several everyday products — groceries, eggs and gas — have dropped in price since he became president for a second time.
During the address, Trump claimed “our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered” by other nations.
The aggressive rhetoric came as Trump showed a willingness to dismantle a global economic system that the United States helped to build after World War II. Trump held up a chart while speaking, showing the United States would charge a 34% tax on imports from China, a 20% tax on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan.
On Wednesday at 6:09 p.m. an updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 6:45 p.m. for Colbert, Franklin and Lawrence counties.
The storms may bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch).
“At 6:09 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 12 miles west of Moulton, moving northeast at 45 mph,” states the weather service. “Damage to vehicles is expected.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Town Creek, Hatton, Mt Hope, Newburg, Courtland, Red Bank, La Grange, Ne Smith, Wheeler and North Courtland.
According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
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 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.
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’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, 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 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, 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.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
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:
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.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
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:
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.
Alabama state Sen. Arthur Orr’s, R-Decatur, bill seeking to limit where and when protests could be organized passed a Senate Committee on Wednesday.
The Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government voted to pass the legislation despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers.
Orr has attempted to pass similar legislation for several years but has been unsuccessful so far.
The bill, SB247, states that it would “prohibit a person from picketing or protesting at or near the residence of any individual with the intent to harass, intimidate, or disturb during the period starting 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise.”
This prohibition would also apply if an individual used artificial noise amplification, blocked a public road, or blocked the entrance and exit of a residential area or place of employment.
Orr defended the bill saying it would meet constitutional standards and that individuals should find public places to protest outside of neighborhoods.
“We got parks, we got courthouse squares, we got all sorts of public places, but also the neighborhoods,” Orr said. “When you go into neighborhoods, and the disturbances you’re creating there, there’s plenty of places to make your sentiments known.”
But the bill does not specify if individuals are prohibited from protesting at public or private areas such as the Governor’s mansion.
Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Montgomery, said that as a mother she would not want her children subjected to the ire of a protest since they did not sign up to be public officials like her.
However, Coleman opposed the legislation citing Alabama’s civil rights protest history and said she felt Orr’s bill was a step “backwards” in terms of First Amendment protections.
“I’m just afraid that we might go too far when it’s left up to interpretation about who actually determines what’s intimidation, just the fact that I’m there for some people or a crowd is there for some people that might be deemed intimidating or harassing,” Coleman said.
“But it’s a peaceful protest. So that’s just my fear on it Senator.”
The bill states that it will not, “limit a person’s freedom of speech or freedom to assemble in any public park or other similar traditional public forum.”
Violations of the potential law could lead to individuals being charged with Class C or Class B misdemeanors for repeat violations.
The bill also provides that before arresting individuals police officers, “shall instruct the person who is picketing or protesting to immediately and peaceably disperse.”
The legislation will now move to the Senate Floor for potential passage.
A Tuscaloosa man has been sentenced to federal prison for threatening and cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend.
U.S. District Court Judge Annmarie Axon sentenced 27-year-old Kenneth Peter Hoover to more than three years, according to a joint announcement Wednesday from Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge James DeLoatch.
Hoover pleaded guilty in November to interstate threatening communications and cyberstalking.
According to the plea agreement, on Jan. 22, 2024, the FBI National Threat Operations Center received an online tip concerning a series of posts on X by a user who was later identified as Hoover.
In the posts, Hoover threatened to assault and kill his ex-girlfriend.
After the Tuscaloosa Police Department was notified of the posts, officers contacted the victim and secured safe housing for her.
A few days later, a Tuscaloosa officer initiated a traffic stop on Hoover. The officer ordered Hoover to exit the vehicle, but Hoover refused to follow the officer’s orders.
After several unsuccessful attempts to remove Hoover from the vehicle, additional officers responded to the scene and successfully placed Hoover into custody.
The investigation determined that Hoover had used Apple iMessage, Snapchat, and Venmo to harass and intimidate the victim, sending threatening and violent messages with the intent to injure, harass, or intimidate her.
The FBI Birmingham Division investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted.
“On March 30, our lives changed forever when my mother, Tiffany, was tragically taken from us,” Bracy wrote. “She was loving, strong, kind… and her loss has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.”
“We want to give her the service she deserves,” Bracy wrote, “to honor her life, her love, and the incredible person she was.”
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., celebrated what President Donald Trump dubbed “Liberation Day” on Wednesday, claiming that countries “built off the American taxpayer” need to pay up in the form of tariffs.
“In this country, we’ve had a party for 249 years. United States has put that party on,” Alabama’s senior senator said on the Senate floor Wednesday as Democrats tried to prevent Trump’s tariffs from going into effect.
“The party needs to continue, but all the other countries that have been built off the American taxpayers, such as the Middle East, such as Europe, such as China, they need to start bringing gifts to the party because the American taxpayer can’t afford it any longer. We’re $37 trillion in debt. And the only way to pay that down is to force other people to help us. The American taxpayer can’t afford it,” Tuberville continued.
Tuberville’s speech came shortly before Trump is scheduled to give a “Liberation Day” address, where the president is expected to outline reciprocal tariffs against China, Mexico and Canada.
The senator credited the upcoming address with India, Vietnam, and Israel dropping and lowering tariffs against the United States.
Alabama’s senior senator also attacked the press and Democrats for opposing Trump’s trade agenda.
“The media, for some reason, is in full meltdown mode after President Trump declared today ‘Liberation Day.’ Only my Democratic colleagues and the media, globalist media would find a reason to be mad about that,” Tuberville said.
“I’m highly convinced that my colleagues in the woke media would rather President Trump fail than achieve a goal to help the United States of America and the taxpayers. President Trump’s views on tariffs – they aren’t complicated. He believes, as I do, that America has been ripped off by unfair trade deals for decades and simply wants a level playing field.”
Just hours after Trump is set to announce his plan, the Senate was expected to vote on a resolution that offers Republicans an off-ramp to the import taxes on Canada.
It is a significant test for Republican loyalty to Trump’s vision of remaking the U.S. economy by clamping down on free trade. Many economists are warning that the plan could cause an economic contraction, and GOP senators are already watching with unease as Trump upends U.S. standing with the rest of the world.
Tuberville acknowledged that retaliatory tariffs may come from other countries following the president’s announcement.
When Brandon Stephens signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets last month, the cornerback’s departure in free agency had the potential to upend the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive strategy that helped Marlon Humphrey earn All-Pro recognition in 2024.
“I love Marlon anywhere,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said while attending the NFL’s annual meeting this week in Palm Beach, Florida. “I like him on the field. But I do like him inside. He’s a game-changer in there. Nobody plays like Marlon. There’s no nickel who plays the way Marlon plays in the slot. He can play outside with the best of them, but I don’t think there’s anybody like Marlon in the slot.”
Humphrey intercepted a career-high six interceptions and equaled his career high with 15 passes defensed in 2024.
In the previous three seasons, Humphrey had more snaps outside than inside annually. But in 2019 and 2020, the former Hoover High School star had played more in the slot. In 2019, Humphrey earned his initial first-team All-Pro selection. In 2020, he repeated as a Pro Bowler and led the NFL with eight forced fumbles.
Last season, Stephens led the Ravens with 1,047 defensive snaps while first-round rookie Nate Wiggins allowed Humphrey to move to the slot when Baltimore deployed a five-man secondary.
To help ease the loss of Stephens, the Ravens signed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a one-year, $1.255 million contract in free agency. Awuzie started seven games for the Tennessee Titans and missed nine games because of a groin injury in 2024. In his eight NFL seasons, Awuzie has made 81 regular-season and six postseason starts.
“That was a huge signing for us,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been one of the highest-ranked corners when he’s been healthy, so our goal is to get him back out there, get him healthy, really work with all the soft tissue stuff and try to do the best we can to bring him back to his high level of play, so he should help us”
Harbaugh said Baltimore also has returning defensive backs the Ravens hope will develop in 2025.
“We have T.J. Tampa in the mix,” Harbaugh said. “I think T.J. is going to take a big step. Health is big for him, too. And then Jalyn Armour-Davis is another guy with the health. So Jalyn has always been talented, and he’s always played well when he has been out there. So those are all guys in the conversation. And then (safety) Ar’Darius (Washington) can drop down into the nickel spot. So we’ve got answers. We could definitely add a guy in the draft, too.”
Baltimore holds the 27th pick in the first round and 11 picks in the NFL Draft on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
A fourth-round selection from Alabama, Armour-Davis has played in 19 games in four seasons. In 2024, the former St. Paul’s Episcopal star started two games, but he missed 10 games during two trips to injured reserve because of hamstring injuries.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.