Alabama News

General

Sand in My Boots Day 2 photos: Alabama country stars hit the beach

The second day of the Sand in My Boots festival gave two Alabama country stars their chance for a turn in the sun, following up on their recent success at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

As at the ACM ceremony, to watch Hope Hull native Ella Langley was to see someone experiencing her dreams coming true in real time. A couple of songs into her 4:20 p.m. set on the festival’s main stage, she took a moment to describe the feeling.

“I’m from Alabama, so I’m going to say it feels damn good to be home tonight,” she said, after thanking fans for showing up. “I’ve been to the Flora-Bama, I’ve been all over this place. This is [where] we went on vacation, as a kid. I mean, I’ve been to festivals. Kendrick Lamar once played right here and I was standing way, way over there. And here we are. Standing on this stage. So, wow.”

(Lamar played the Hangout Music Fest in 2013 and 2018; whichever one Langley meant, she’d have been a teen at the time.)

She came back to the theme after a run of songs that included her own “Nicotine” and “Girl You’re Taking Home” and a cover of Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party.” For anyone wondering why the ACM’s most-nominated artist of the year was playing mid-afternoon, she provided some insight about how fast her star has risen since she was booked.

“My whole family’s here tonight,” she said. “My brothers and sisters, my mom and my dad, I’m pretty sure my dad was in the Gulf of Mexico within five minutes of his being here.

“Man, this has been a crazy last year of my life,” she said. “I played the biggest headlining show I’ve ever played, this last week. It was for 4,000 people, and for me that’s a lot. I mean, I sold zero tickets for a lot of my life, so 4,000 was a crazy amount. And today playing, I’m just looking out and remembering myself standing there and there and way back there, literally so far in back that I could just barely see the screen. So, thank you so much for being here. I know it’s hot, but thank you so much for standing out here and being with me, Sand in My Boots.”

The next main-stage artist was Chase Rice, who was then followed right around sunset by Jacksonville, Ala., native Riley Green.

Given that a certain smash hit had been conspicuously absent from Langley’s set list, expectations were high that she’d return during Green’s. And she did: He brought her out for “Don’t Mind If I Do,” a duet from his 2024 album of the same name, and a bit later she returned for “You Look Like You Love Me,” the breakout hit from her 2024 album “Hungover.”

Green might not have been as open with the personal emotional revelations as Langley, but he compensated by bringing out Randy Houser for a double-shot tribute to Toby Keith, with covers of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”

And he paused his “Hell of a Way to Go” for a lesson on SEC etiquette. The song refers to “watchin’ Alabama whoop up on Tennessee,” but Green had to clarify something about that. “I gotta tell y’all the truth,” he said. “I’m not an Alabama fan, I’m an Auburn fan, okay?”

This got, predictably, a mixed response.

“I know we’ve got a mixture of folks here that have come from all over the place,” Green explained, “and what y’all need to understand is, you don’t have to be an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan. You just have to not be a Tennessee fan.” To mass agreement, he resumed the song.

Country veterans Brooks & Dunn headlined the evening. Sunday’s lineup includes includes Wiz Khalifa, Future Islands, Ernest and the War on Drugs. Morgan Wallen, who curated the lineup and other aspects of the fest, will deliver the closing performance.

For full event information, visit www.sandinmybootsfest.com.

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Clarke and Washington counties placed under a flood warning until further notice, minor flooding is taking place

A flood warning was released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 8:37 a.m. in effect until further notice for Clarke and Washington counties.

The weather service says, “Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast for Tombigbee River near Leroy.”

“At 24.0 feet, flooding of low-lying farm and pasturelands begins. Cattle in low-lying areas should be moved to higher ground. Water approaches low-lying roads on west side of river,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The next statement will be issued when updates occur.”

Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

When floods strike: Guidelines from the weather service for your protection

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Adhere to evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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 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:

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:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

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:

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:

• Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
• If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

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

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

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Flood warning active for Alabama until further notice, minor flooding is reported

On Sunday at 8:36 a.m. a flood warning was released by the National Weather Service in effect until further notice for Choctaw, Clarke and Washington counties.

The weather service says, “Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast for Tombigbee River near Coffeeville Dam.”

“At 29.0 feet, pastureland becomes flooded. Livestock should be moved to higher ground. Old Ferry Road near the river begins to flood,” comments the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The next statement will be issued when updates occur.”

Breaking down weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the weather service

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Stay away from floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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General

Irish novelist visits small Alabama town after setting her book there: ‘Real America’

An Irish author who used Google Maps to set her novel in Butler — despite having never stepped foot there — recently got to see the small town that served as the background for her story, and meet the Alabama community that supported her, for the first time.

Welz Bailey, of Coleraine, Northern Ireland, U.K., spent nine months researching the town of Butler, which has around 2,000 residents and is located in the seat of Choctaw County, after choosing it to be the setting for her first novel, a psychological thriller called “The Pawn” that follows an FBI agent in a race against time to catch a serial killer, at random using Google Maps and Google Earth.

Read more: How Google Maps led an Irish novelist to a small Alabama town

In September, Bailey told AL.com that she was hopeful she’d get to see the town for herself someday. On May 15, she was able to mark that goal off her list with a two-week visit to the South that included a book signing at The Ruby Corner in charming downtown Butler. (She also had stops in New Orleans and Alexandria, La., as well as Vicksburg, Miss., and Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.)

During her visit, Bailey said she has been able to see popular spots near Butler, like Ezell’s Fish Camp, as well as many of the streets and other places she used as the settings for “The Pawn”. While Bailey said it has been a whirlwind of a visit, she’s happy to finally see it all in person.

Related: Ezell’s Fish Camp is a trip back in time, with hush puppies

“It has been surreal, because I’ve been doing it from Google Earth, to actually see it in real life,” said Bailey. “It feels like I’ve been walking into my book. It is different. The lake is a lot smaller than what I thought, but Butler itself is larger. Yeah, so it’s not completely what I had in my head, but it’s been great. I’ve just loved going to the streets that are named [in the book]. It’s been amazing. I’m just soaking it all in.”

It’s been a trip of firsts for the author: first time trying fried catfish (“very good”); first time trying sweet tea (“we like our tea hot”); first time seeing a snake in the wild (“bit of a shock”) and first time meeting many of the Butler residents-turned-friends she’s been corresponding with for months now.

During the book signing, dozens of people from as far as St. Louis, Mo., and as near as a half mile down the road lined up nearly out the door of The Ruby Corner with their copies of “The Pawn” in hand, eager to chat with the Irish author. The signing also included Alabama author Mark Jenkins, who created a Facebook group for fans of thriller novels that was a catalyst for Bailey connecting with many Butler residents.

Among them was Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nick Harrell, who was one of the first to reach out to Bailey after learning about her novel, and its unlikely setting, in 2024.

“We’ve talked online for months, and we’ve all been so excited that she’s coming here,” said Harrell. “It’s a wonderful book. Of course, it’s different from the Butler we experience on a day-to-day basis, but that’s what’s so great about literature is you get an author like [Bailey] who is able to deliver her own unique interpretation. So, I thought it was great, and it’s been really fun to see Butler through her point-of-view.”

For Bailey, she said its this friendliness as well as the hospitality shown to her by fans and strangers alike that she’ll remember the most about her visit once she’s back home.

“I can say the word now: hospitality,” said Bailey. “We don’t use that word really, but over here, we just use it all the time. People in Northern Ireland are friendly, but here, they really do stop and talk to you and have a conversation, even if they don’t know you, they’ll just have a good chat. The connections are amazing.”

While Bailey, who traveled with her husband, William, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, has been to the United States twice before, she said the trip has served as a chance for her family to see a part of the country, the South, that she has always admired and been interested in visiting.

“They [her family] wanted to see the real America,” said Bailey, of her family’s decision to come along for the visit. “Because they’ve done like Miami, Fla., but they want to see the proper America, you know, and it really is. It’s been absolutely amazing.”

So will Butler, or maybe another Alabama town, make an appearance in any more of her novels? While Bailey said she didn’t want to say too much, given that it’s a series — the second, “Call Me Jacob” is mostly set in Alexandria, La., but does include some scenes in Butler — and the town serves as the protagonist’s hometown, it’s safe to think it could happen.

“I don’t want to let any secrets out,” said Bailey. “I’m on my third book now and it’s not, but who’s to say it won’t come back? I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ll see.”

Bailey’s first two novels, “The Pawn” and “Call Me Jacob,” are available on Amazon.

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Comeback Town: Auburn All-American and Super Bowl champ has a plan for Birmingham

This is an opinion column

Click here to sign up for the Comeback Town newsletter.

Today’s guest columnist is Reggie Torbor.

I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana—a place full of culture, grit, and history.

But even at a young age, I knew I wanted more. I remember sitting with my younger sister, having conversations about what we would do with our lives.

We didn’t have all the answers, but we agreed on one thing: we wanted to make a difference. We wanted to change our environment, not just for ourselves, but for those who would come after us.

Early on, I realized that football could be my ticket. I poured myself into the game, working relentlessly in high school to make sure I could create opportunities for myself. That hard work paid off in the form of multiple scholarship offers. After careful thought, I chose Auburn University. That decision would shape the rest of my life.

My five years at Auburn were some of the best I’ve ever had. I built relationships with teammates who became lifelong brothers, found mentors who invested in me not just as a player but as a man, and met my incredible wife, Michelle, who I’ve now been married to for 20 years.

What I appreciated most about Auburn was that the coaches and staff were intentional about creating an environment where a young Black man from Baton Rouge could thrive. They recognized the environment I came from was very different from Auburn, Alabama, and they didn’t just leave me to figure it out on my own. That kind of intentionality made all the difference in my life.

After college, I was blessed with the opportunity to play in the NFL. I was drafted by the New York Giants, and during my time there, we won Super Bowl 42. I spent eight years in the league, and it was a life-changing experience.

People often think that if they were a little bigger and a faster, they could be a professional athlete—but that wasn’t my experience. The NFL is an environment of extreme accountability. Every day demanded preparation, execution, and hard work. You had to take ownership of your responsibilities. It wasn’t about whether one could do it—it was about whether they would do it.

That level of pressure was too much for some. I remember training camps where guys would pack up and drive home in the middle of the night. They’d had enough. For me, though, those eight years were more than I could’ve ever dreamed of. I was able to change my life and support my immediate family, but when it came to my community back home, the impact was minimal. I could help with a bill or a short-term need, but I couldn’t create lasting change.

While addressing immediate needs are of some value, my community needed more—they needed an opportunity. They needed a chance to build something for themselves. I knew that, but I didn’t have the means to make it happen.

In early 2018, that began to change when I started working at Brasfield & Gorrie. It was an amazing opportunity to be mentored and supported by incredible people who challenged me to think beyond what I thought was possible. Toward the end of 2021, we began serious conversations about creating a minority-owned, diverse commercial general construction company—one that could truly impact Birmingham by creating opportunities and providing tools for those who had historically been left out.

After a year and a half of planning, Pylon Building Group was born.

Our mission is simple: Build Well to Create Good. First and foremost, we’re builders. That means we’re committed to preparation, execution, and hard work—principles I carried over from my time in the NFL. We aim to deliver high-quality projects while constantly developing our team to compete at the highest level. But beyond the bricks and mortar, we want to use what we build to uplift others and positively impact our community.

We cast a wide net, seeking to create opportunities for a diverse group of people from all backgrounds. Because the truth is, while I’m from Baton Rouge, Birmingham is now my home. My wife and I have raised our family here, and we love this city deeply. But we also recognize that there’s still so much work to be done.

Too often, minorities in our community receive the worst of everything—the worst education, the fewest resources, the least encouragement, and even the lowest quality food. That’s unacceptable. And that’s why Pylon is joining many others in this fight for opportunity. We’re doing it one hire at a time, one project at a time, one life at a time.

My hope is that one day, this work won’t be necessary anymore. Our intentionality will have helped to create a community where opportunity is no longer a privilege, but a right extended to everyone. And when that day comes, every person in Birmingham will be better for it.

Reggie Torbor learned the value of hard work at an early age by hanging sheet rock with his father during summer breaks. As a member of the Auburn Football team from 1999 to 2003, he was selected for the All-SEC Football Team. He had an eight-year career in the NFL that included a Super Bowl win in 2008. He’s currently President of Pylon Building Group and lives in Birmingham with his wife, Michelle, and their two sons, R.J. and Cameron.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. [email protected]

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General

Cooler temperatures coming to Alabama later this week

Some in Alabama will have a chance to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures this week.

There’s no need to pull out the sweaters, but the National Weather Service is forecasting more spring-like — and less summer-like — weather later this week. And there’s a chance some cooler temperatures could last into the following week as well.

But there will be some storms to get through first. The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a Level 3 out of 5 (enhanced) risk for severe weather for parts of the state on Tuesday as a cold front approaches.

Here’s the severe weather outlook for Tuesday:

This cold front may bring storms, but it could also bring some cooler air along with it.

Highs on Tuesday are forecast to range from the upper 80s to the low 90s statewide. By Wednesday north Alabama will begin to feel some of those cooler temperatures.

Highs on Wednesday may stay in the 70s for north Alabama. However, that cooler air may not make it to the rest of the state, which may have temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s again.

Here’s the forecast for Wednesday:

But the change in the air will be really felt on Thursday, when cooler temperatures may be felt statewide.

Highs on Thursday will range from the low 70s in north Alabama to the low 80s for south Alabama.

Here’s the forecast for Thursday:

Low temperatures on Thursday night might flirt with the 40s in some areas. Here are the forecast lows for Thursday night-Friday morning:

High temperatures on Friday are expected to stay very pleasant for Alabama, with a range from the low 70s to the low 80s in the forecast:

Lows on Friday night will again be on the cool side again, with 50s and 60s expected statewide:

Temperatures are forecast to warm up some over the weekend, but there are hints that more cool-ish weather will be possible.

The Climate Prediction Center’s six- to 10-day temperature outlook (at the top of this post), which covers from May 23-27, shows increased probabilities of below-average temperatures for Alabama.

Northern Alabama has a 50-60 percent chance for below-average temperatures, and central and part of south Alabama have a 40-50 percent probability. Extreme south Alabama has a 33-40 percent probability of cooler temperatures.

A longer-range forecast, the eight- to 14-day outlook, also includes a chance for below-average temperatures through the end of the month:

Enjoy it if you can, because meteorological summer will begin June 1, and the outlook for June suggests warmer-than-average temperatures will be the story:

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New changes means more people eligible for food benefit program

Annual income changes mean more people are now eligible for a key federal program that provides healthy foods for women and children.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, is available to participants with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition to income requirements, WIC recipients must be a woman who is pregnant, has had a baby within the past six months or is currently breastfeeding or is the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5.

Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under 5 can also apply for support for the kids in their care.

WIC pays benefits for each qualifying family member that can be used to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables Each child receives $26 a month, postpartum women receive $47 a month and breastfeeding women receive $52 a month.

Income levels for WIC eligibility have been raised for 2025.

New income levels are:

• Family of 1 – Annual income $28,953; monthly $2,413; weekly $557
• Family of 2 – Annual income $39,128; monthly $3,261; weekly $753
• Family of 3 – Annual income $49,303; monthly $4,109; weekly $949
• Family of four – Annual income $59,478; monthly $4,957; weekly $1,144.
• Family of five – Annual income $69,653; monthly $5,805; weekly $1,340
• Family of six – Annual income $79,828; monthly $6,653; weekly $1,536
• Family of seven – Annual income $90,003; monthly $7,501; weekly $1,731
• Family of eight – Annual income $100,178; monthly $8,349; weekly $1,927.

For each additional family member, income thresholds increase by $10,175 a year, $848 monthly or $196 weekly.

Certain individuals are automatically eligible for WIC based on their participation in other programs including those who receive Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF.

WIC provides a pre-screening tool to determine eligibility. You can see that here.

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2 Alabama alumni among NFL’s best of past 25 years, according to PFF grades

The best NFL players of the first quarter of the 21st century include two former Alabama stars, according to Pro Football Focus.

The All-PFF team is based on the organization’s grading of every player on every play in every game since 2006, so some compensation had to be given for players who appeared in the first six seasons of the century.

The all-star team of players with the highest grades at each position during the time period included Crimson Tide alumni Derrick Henry at running back and Julio Jones as one of the three wide receivers. Former West Alabama standout Tyreek Hill joined Antonio Brown as the other wide receivers.

Over the past nine seasons, Henry ran for 11,423 yards and 106 touchdowns on 2,355 carries and caught 174 passes for 1,651 yards and five touchdowns. Henry’s first eight seasons came with the Tennessee Titans, and he played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.

A former Foley High School standout, Jones had 914 receptions for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns from 2011 through 2023. Jones played his first 10 seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, then had one each with the Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Over the past nine seasons, Hill had 798 receptions for 11,098 yards and 82 touchdowns. He also had seven rushing touchdowns, four punt-return touchdowns and one kickoff-return touchdown. Hill’s first six seasons came with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s spent the past three with the Miami Dolphins.

Former Homewood High School and Alabama standout Evan Mathis graded as the No. 2 left guard, finishing behind Logan Mankins. Mathis played for six NFL teams from 2005 through 2016.

The All-PFF team for the past 25 seasons included:

Quarterback: Tom Brady

Running back: Derrick Henry

Wide receivers: Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Tyreek Hill

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski

Left tackle: Joe Thomas

Left guard: Logan Mankins

Center: Nick Mangold

Right guard: Marshal Yanda

Right tackle: Lane Johnson

Interior defenders: Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt

Edge defenders: Von Miller, Myles Garrett

Linebackers: Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis

Cornerbacks: Richard Sherman, Antoine Winfield, Darrelle Revis

Safeties: Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed

Kicker: Matt Prater

Punter: Pat McAfee

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

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

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General

Brooklyn Bridge collision: Mexican tall ship strikes bridge, snapping masts and killing 2

NEW YORK (AP) — A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment.

Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday.

The cause of the collision was under investigation.

In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridge’s span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving.

Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was reported injured.

The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away.

Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said.

Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge.

“We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,” Katz said.

Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a “big twig.” Several more snaps followed.

People in his vicinity began running and “pandemonium” erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast.

“I didn’t know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?” he said.

The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members.

“Our solidarity and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum said on X.

The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction.

Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said.

It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge.

He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash.

The Cuauhtemoc — about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), according to the Mexican navy — sailed for the first time in 1982.

The vessel’s main mast has a height of 160 feet (48.9 meters), according to the Mexican government.

As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle.

Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said.

It arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea.

By RUTH BROWN and KYLE MARIAN VITERBO Associated Press

Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix, Arizona, and Gene Johnson in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this report.

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General

Which Alabama school won the most team championships in the AHSAA this year?

Seventy-five AHSAA schools won at least one team championship during the 2024-2025 athletic season, which concluded with the state baseball and softball finals this week.

Scottsboro High School led the way with seven state championships. Vestavia Hills followed with six. Thompson and Hoover tied with five each. Mountain Brook rounded out the top five with four titles.

Here is a list of the team state championships won during the 2024-2025 athletic year. E-Sports winners are listed at the bottom but did not figure into the overall team totals.

FALL

FOOTBALL

1A: Wadley

2A: Reeltown

3A: Mars Hill Bible

4A: Jackson

5A: Montgomery Catholic

6A: Parker

7A: Thompson

FLAG FOOTBALL

1A-5A: Montgomery Catholic

6A-7A: Central-Phenix City

VOLLEYBALL

1A: Spring Garden

2A: Pleasant Valley

3A: Ohatchee

4A: Prattville Christian

5A: UMS-Wright

6A: Spanish Fort

7A: McGill-Toolen

CROSS COUNTRY

Boys

1A-2A: Mars Hill Bible

3A: J.B. Pennington

4A: Hamilton

5A: Providence Christian

6A: Mountain Brook

7A: Huntsville

Girls

1A-2A: Cold Springs

3A: Montgomery Academy

4A: Whitesburg Christian

5A: Scottsboro

6A: Mountain Brook

7A: Auburn

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Boys

1A-5A: Scottsboro

6A-7A: Huntsville

Girls

1A-5A: Westminster Christian

6A-7A: Bob Jones

WINTER

BASKETBALL

Boys

1A: R.C. Hatch

2A: Providence Christian

3A: Montgomery Academy

4A: Jackson

5A: Vigor

6A: Paul Bryant

7A: Hoover

Girls

1A: Spring Garden

2A: Pisgah

3A: Lauderdale County

4A: Trinity

5A: Scottsboro

6A: Park Crossing

7A: Hoover

BOWLING

Boys

1A-5A: Etowah

6A-7A: Vestavia Hills

Girls

1A-5A: Scottsboro

6A-7A: Thompson

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

Boys

1A-3A: Dadeville

4A-5A: Hamilton

6A: Homewood

7A: Hoover

Girls

1A-3A: Altamont

4A-5A: Bayside Academy

6A: Chelsea

7A: Hoover

WRESTLING

Boys

1A-4A: Tallassee

5A: Scottsboro

6A: Athens

7A: Thompson

Girls

1A-5A: Weaver

6A-7A: Thompson

SPRING

BASEBALL

1A: Hackleburg

2A: Vincent

3A: Glenwood

4A: Deshler

5A: American Christian

6A: Hartselle

7A: Tuscaloosa County

SOFTBALL

1A: Kinston

2A: Zion Chapel

3A: Wicksburg

4A: Orange Beach

5A: Moody

6A: Helena

7A: Thompson

GOLF

Boys

1A-2A: Bayshore Christian

3A: Lee-Scott Academy

4A: Haleyville

5A: West Point

6A: Homewood

7A: Vestavia Hills

Girls

1A-3A: Wicksburg

4A-5A: Tuscaloosa Academy

6A: Pike Road

7A: Auburn

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

Boys

1A: Winterboro

2A: Loachapoka

3A: Weaver

4A: Anniston

5A: Scottsboro

6A: Homewood

7A: Vestavia Hills

Girls

1A: Winterboro

2A: Cold Springs

3A: Whitesburg Christian

4A: Randolph

5A: Scottsboro

6A: Chelsea

7A: Hoover

SOCCER

Boys

1A-3A: Collinsville

4A: Westminster-Oak Mountain

5A: Guntersville

6A: Southside-Gadsden

7A: Montgomery Academy

Girls

1A-3A: Lee-Scott Academy

4A: St. John Paul II

5A: Westminster Christian

6A: Briarwood Christian

7A: Vestavia Hills

TENNIS

Boys

1A-3A: Tuscaloosa Academy

4A-5A: Briarwood Christian

6A: Mountain Brook

7A: Vestavia Hills

Girls

1A-3A: Lauderdale County

4A-5A: Sardis

6A: Mountain Brook

7A: Vestavia Hills

E-SPORTS

Spring 2025

Mario Kart Deluxe – Auburn High School

NBA 2K – Columbia High School

Splatoon 3 – Columbia High School

Madden – Pelham High School

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Thompson High School

Rocket League – Bob Jones High School

Fall 2024

NBA2K – Eufaula High School

Rocket League – Bob Jones High School

Super Smash Bros. – Hoover High School

Splatoon 3 – Hazel Green High School

Mario Kart – Auburn High School

Madden – Bob Jones High School

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