Alabama News

Alabama state troopers are set to keep a closer eye on drivers on the interstate.

Troopers across five states are starting the annual “Operation Southern Slow Down” initiative.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs reports that there will be more law enforcement officers on the road. Drivers who are pulled over for speeding can expect to get a ticket.

“We all want to arrive at our destinations safely during this busy summer travel season, and this joint effort will serve as a strong reminder to obey traffic safety laws,” said Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “We support our law enforcement officers in Alabama and the Southeast as they work hard to prevent injuries and deaths from automobile crashes.”

Deputies from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are spending the week of July 15 to run the speed enforcement and awareness campaign.

Local law enforcement officers will focus on aggressive driving and speeding on interstates and major highways in their jurisdictions.

There was a 13% increase in deadly crashes involving speeding from 2019 to 2023. The number rose from 1,418 deaths across five states to 1,604. Speeding played a role in one out of five deaths in the Southeast between 2019 and 2023.

“You’re almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash when you’re speeding,” said Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Office of Highway Safety. “Speeding lowers your reaction time, increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment. Let’s work together to protect our roadways this summer. All we ask is for voluntary compliance.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has several tips for staying safe on the roads, like giving speeding drivers plenty of space and allowing them to pass if they are driving too closely. They recommend staying out of the far-left lane unless it is to pass other drivers. Lastly, they say that drivers should always wear a seatbelt.

“Operation Southern Slow Down” began nine years ago, in 2017. Southern highway leaders wanted to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding to reduce crashes and save lives. This takes place during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Speeding Slows You Down” education and enforcement campaign that runs for most of July.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton met long before this past summer.

Sure, they both spent time at the Manning Passing Academy this summer, but that was really a reunion of sorts.

“He’s a great guy,” Stockton said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “We went to the Alabama camp together when we were in high school. Talked about that, talked about our experiences. It was neat getting to talk to him.”

Stockton and Simpson each emerged from the 2022 recruiting class. Stockton is a native of Tiger, Georgia. Simpson is a native of Martin, Tennessee.

Simpson was more highly rated coming out of high school. The 247Sports Composite rated Simpson a five-star quarterback, ranked No. 3 at his position and No. 26 overall. Stockton was a four-star quarterback, ranked No. 7 at the position and No. 124 overall.

Simpson and Stockton are expected to face off Sept. 27 when Alabama travels to Athens, Georgia to play the Bulldogs. Neither quarterback started in the game a season ago that Alabama won at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Jalen Milroe and Carson Beck played for their respective teams in that matchup.

Simpson has not officially been named the starter yet for the Crimson Tide, but he has been labeled the frontrunner heading into preseason practices.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

“Supernanny” star Jo Frost announced her battle with anaphylaxis.

The English TV personality revealed her life-threatening health condition in an Instagram video posted Saturday.

“I’ve survived more anaphylactic shocks than I’m prepared to go into detail about right now,” Frost began the video message.

“I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalization, “ the 55-year-old added.

Frost emphasized the need for awareness about her condition, stating, “Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education, and empathy from those who do not.”

“If you ignore the severity of this medical condition, it’s as bad as shoving a loaded gun in my face,” Frost continued in the clip.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When one goes into anaphylactic shock, it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Common causes include food allergies, insect stings, medications, and latex. Symptoms include swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing.

Epinephrine, or commonly known as an EpiPen, is the only treatment for anaphylaxis, which is injected in the thigh.

Frost explained that activities such as eating out can be stressful, as those with the condition must carefully check ‘may contain’ warnings on food labels.

“But it does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance,” she said and clarified that she isn’t looking for “special” treatment, but “to be treated with the same dignity and attentiveness as you just showed others.”

The childcare expert emphasized her desire to avoid “mumbling insults” and “passive-aggressive” comments from those who may not understand her condition. She encouraged everyone to learn more about anaphylaxis.

“Get curious and learn more, because really, as mentioned before, we all know someone,” Frost said.

Frost is best known for starring in the reality show “Supernanny” from 2005 to 2011 as well as the British version. Throughout the years, she has helped struggling families through a no-nonsense approach to discipline and behavioral issues.

Jackson Arnold had options when he entered the transfer portal in December 2024.

He was coming off a shaky season at Oklahoma, but with SEC experience and as a former five-star recruit, Arnold still had plenty of suitors looking to give him a second chance.

Arnold eventually chose Auburn, joining a quarterback room in the midst of a rebuild after losing all four scholarship QBs from the year before. Now, he’s embracing the role of the Tigers’ starter and one of the program’s leaders.

He represented the Tigers at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, and gave some insight into his recruitment out of the portal and how he landed at Auburn. Arnold said Auburn’s staff was the first to contact him after he entered the portal and he quickly developed a relationship with the offensive coaches.

“Almost all the offensive coaches texted me early on,” Arnold said. “Not only that, a day later I hopped on a zoom call with them all. They kind of laid everything out for me, showed me my fit in their offense.”

When it came time to make a decision, Arnold said Auburn’s depth and his fit in the offensive scheme put the Tigers across the line for him.

Now at Auburn, he’ll be the face of a team looking to win more than six games in a season for the first time since 2019. Head coach Hugh Freeze said Arnold quickly became a leader after arriving in January, becoming one of the leading vote getters in the team’s summer leadership council elections.

Arnold’s first action with the Tigers will come against Baylor on Aug. 29, game that will be somewhat of a homecoming for the Denton, Texas, native.

“I’m excited about playing in Texas on a Friday night,” Arnold said. “Just like high school.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

A brand new season of the long-running reality series Customer Wars premieres on A&E Tuesday, July 15 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to tune in for another season full of can’t-miss moments can stream the hit A&E series through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Customer Wars?

For those unfamiliar with Customer Wars, the series spotlights the conflicts that arise when disgruntled and irrational customers come face-to-face with the employees doing their best to take care of their needs.

From fiery exchanges at the fast-food drive thru to loss-prevention brawls, Customer Wars proves once and for all that “The customer is always right” is the exception rather than the rule.

The season six premiere episode titled “Tables and Tiaras’ kicks off in Toronto, Canada where confusion over handicap accessibility on a streetcar causes temper to flare. From there, viewers will travel to Charlotte where an amateur fashion show devolves into an all-out brawl. Meanwhile, in Albuquerque, a plane is forced to make an emergency landing.

How to watch Customer Wars season 6

Those interested in streaming the latest season of Customer Wars can find it available through Philo, DirecTV and Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month.

Out of the three streaming services listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like A&E. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

The latest true-crime series to join Investigation Discovery’s lineup, 911: Did the Killer Call? premieres on the network Tuesday, July 15 at 9/8c.

Cord cutters looking to check out the new ID series can stream the premiere live even without access to traditional cable through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is 911: Did the Killer Call about?

The new series details three horrific murders with three different 911 calls. All three callers claim they’re innocent—but for the police, the call can reveal so much more than just the facts of the case. Throughout the series, viewers will find out which of the callers is the real killer in disguise.

The premiere episode of the series kicks off in the aftermath of a woman’s murder. After the brutal binding, torture and murder, her ex-husband calls 911, but police suspect he is the killer. Also, when a man turns up dead in a house fire, his wife tells police he was suicidal, but the truth is even more shocking.

How to watch 911: Did the Killer Call? season 1

Those interested in catching the premiere of ID’s 911: Did the Killer Call? can find it available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV and Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month.

Out of the three streaming services listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Investigation Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

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).

AL.com is continuing its series of highlighting some of the most unbreakable records in AHSAA history, highlighting some historic numbers in volleyball for this week’s poll.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

In last week’s boys basketball poll, fans chose former Crossville star Cale Black’s record-setting mark of 514 3-point baskets in the 1989-90 season as the least likely to be broken.

Voting for this week will close Thursday night. Cast yours at the poll below.

Here are some of our picks for the most unbreakable records in AHSAA volleyball history:

Consecutive state championships

21: Bayside Academy, 2002-22

One of the most dominant runs of success in high school sports history, the Admirals’ streak of 21 straight titles hasn’t even been close to being touched; Addison (2013-18) and Huntsville (2002-07) have six straight titles, which tie for second in the rankings. The program also leads all others with 31 state championships in its history, with McGill-Toolen ranking second with 23 and St. Paul’s third with 16.

Career kills

4,019: Kryssi Daniels, Curry (2010-11) and Winston County (2006-09)

She is the only player in AHSAA history with over 4,000 career kills, achieving a career-high mark of 855 in the 2010 season. The 2010 Gatorade Alabama Volleyball Player of the Year holds four of the top 18 spots on the single-season kills leaderboard. Ranking second behind Daniels is former Hazel Green star Gracie Lynn Butler. The five-time all-state selection also ranks third in career service aces (710) and career digs (2,936) and went on to have a collegiate career at Alabama.

Blocks in a season

584: Whitney Sanders, Winston County, 2003

This record has remained untouched for over 20 years, with Sanders being the only player in the record book to log over 400 blocks in a single season. Ranking second is former Bayside Academy standout Caroline Gill, who had 259 in 2006. Sanders also ranks third in AHSAA history for most kills in a single match with 44 in the 2002 season.

Career service aces

914: Sadie Beam, Addison, 2008-10

The former Addison star and two-time state champion was a key part of her program’s dominant run of success during her time at the high school ranks. She is the only player with 900 career service aces in the record book, with fellow Addison standout Danna Stallings ranking second with 732 in the 1992-97 seasons. Beam went on to play at West Alabama, where she spent four seasons and logged 95 service aces.

Service aces in a set

19: Lily Moss, Horseshoe Bend (3) vs. LaFayette (0), 2023

This area tournament matchup also saw Moss notch the AHSAA record for most points served in a set, with the Horseshoe Bend standout serving all 25 points in a 25-0 first set. She finished with 23 service aces in the 3-0 victory, which ranks third in AHSAA history. Moss will be playing for the South softball team for AHSAA North-South all-star week.

Consecutive victories (All matches)

115: Addison, 2004-06

One of the most successful volleyball programs in Alabama, Addison’s mark that spans across three seasons has been left untouched for almost 20 years. Bayside Academy’s run of 61 straight wins ranks second, while Hoover ranks third with 55 straight wins from 2020-21.

If you can’t see the survey above, click here to cast your votes.

The National Weather Service released a heat advisory at 11:14 a.m. on Tuesday valid for Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Cullman counties.

The weather service says, “Heat index values of 105 to 109 degrees F are expected for most of the advisory area.”

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” describes the weather service.

Beating the heat: Heat safety guidelines from the weather service

• Stay hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Seek cool shelter: Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room to keep cool.
• Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and make sure to check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Child and pet safety: Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
• Caution outdoors: When working or spending time outside, take extra precautions.
• Optimal timing: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible.
• Recognize heat-related issues: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dress comfortably: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.

Additional tips for outdoor workers:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers.
• If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
• In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat’s potentially dangerous effects.

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.

Kirby Smart is the first to tell you that Alabama “did an outstanding job of jumping all over” Georgia last season under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer.

The Crimson Tide defeated Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium 41-34 last year. Now, the Bulldogs host Alabama. Smart talked about that Tuesday in Atlanta during Day 2 of SEC Media Days.

What does he think, however, of Alabama’s second-year coach?

“I’m not qualified to give analysis of another head coach in our league, who I have tremendous respect for,” Smart told the media Tuesday. “Anytime you came come into a situation that he came into behind Nick (Saban) and, at a program and transition it, it’s going to be a new deal.

RELATE: Why did Smart name-drop several former Alabama players?

“I think he’s a tremendous coach. We played at their place. They did an outstanding job of jumping all over us. A lot of respect for coach DeBoer.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

From all the talk regarding his golfing habits, jabs from Lane Kiffin and revolving SEC coaching hot seat we see every season.

Coming off a 5-7 season, Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze graces the podium at SEC media days prepared to face a gauntlet of questions.

Freeze and the Auburn Tigers look to break out of the SEC’s lower half and clinch a winning season since 2020. Also, Freeze is looking to pick up his first bowl victory since 2021 when he was the head coach at Liberty.

This season, Freeze returns standout players such as Cam Coleman, Keldrick Faulk, and Connor Lew. Once again, Auburn hit the transfer portal to grab a quarterback, this time staying in conference to acquire former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Follow along below for live updates:

• Hugh Freeze opens up statement with watching Auburn baseball and Basketball team in NCAA tournament during the offseason. Believes that all players are bought.
• Freeze says his roster is better and that the expectation is limitless.
• Freeze says the secret to success this year is that they have guys who can close out games.
• Freeze explains how taking personality tests helped evaluate his staff and leaders heading into the season.
• Freeze is still confident in Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb being the staple backs in the backfield.
• Freeze says this year’s Auburn roster has his favorite offensive line.
• Freeze says Auburn will be in the talks to make the College Football Playoffs.
• Freeze called Keldric Faulk and Connor Lew bedrocks of the Auburn football program.
• Keldric Faulk helped a player with NIL money to pay for school.
• Hugh Freeze says he loves Lane Kiffin and is not on social media to see his shots.
• Freeze says Auburn needed to do less and get more in order to close out games this fall.
• Freeze says his group embraces the expectations they have this season.
• Freeze feels good about his front seven guys on the offensive lineman.
• Freeze says his golfing does not take away from his focus on making Auburn a championship contender.