Alabama News

Following Donald Trump’s recent chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. has suggested that the president’s condition was either caused or exacerbated by some who oppose the current administration.

In an interview with New York radio station WABC 770 AM’s “The Cats Roundtable”, host John Catsimatidis said Trump “got sick…because he’s walking around for 18 hours a day and trying to do too much.”

“I’m a year and a half younger than the president, we all have to watch those ages,” Catsimatidis said.

But Tuberville said it wasn’t Trump’s age that is to blame for his current state of health.

“The pressure on somebody like President Trump right now, not just from outside entities … all over the world but also fighting the radicals in this country,” Tuberville said.

Tuberville, a longtime supporter of the president, announced in May his plans to run for Alabama governor next year.

“We’ve got to help President Trump,” Tuberville said previously.

“He got elected by almost 80 million people. They gave us a mandate. Let’s get it done.”

He told Catsimatidis Sunday that every day of Trump’s administration was “almost like a fistfight.”

“And he’s making progress,” he continued.

“We just need to win more and more people on our side that understand what’s going on because our country has got one foot in the grave when it comes to our Constitution and capitalism.”

After cameras captured what appeared to be a bruise on Trump’s right hand during a meeting with the press last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a briefing that the president had undergone medical tests to examine leg swelling and bruising on the back his hand and had been diagnosed with CVI.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition happens when your leg veins become damaged and can’t work as they should.

The disease is very common, and usually affects people over the age of 50, with the risk going up the older someone gets, the site adds.

At 79 years old, Trump is the second oldest person to serve as president of the United States and the oldest ever to begin a term as president.

But Leavitt told reporters last week that he remains in “excellent health” and wasn’t in pain.

A flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 2:24 p.m. in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Baldwin County.

The weather service states, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

• 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 issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• 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.

Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice 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:

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

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

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

Swift evacuation for your 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:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is heightened, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember never to drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. 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

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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

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:

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.

The Los Angeles Dodgers play against the Minnesota Twins in an MLB game today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 3:10 p.m. CT on MLB Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Dodgers enter this matchup with a 59-43 record, and they are coming off a 10-7 loss against Minnesota.

In order to bounce back today, the Dodgers will need to rely on their star player Shohei Ohtani. He leads the Los Angeles offense with 36 home runs and 69 RBI, which showcases his offensive prowess.

Notably, Ohtani has hit a home run in four consecutive games.

The Twins enter this matchup with a 49-52 record, and they have won two of their last three games.

In order to win today’s game, the Twins will need a great performance from their star player Byron Buxton. He leads the Minnesota offense with 23 home runs and 58 RBI, so he will look to continue his offensive success this afternoon.

Buxton also leads the team with a .290 batting average this season.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

Wahlburgers has closed multiple locations nationwide.

The burger chain, owned by Paul, Donnie, and Mark Wahlberg, closed 79 locations so far this year, according to Eat This, Not That. The locations were inside of Hy-Vee stores, ending a franchising agreement that started in 2017.

The closures lower the total number of Wahlburgers’ nationwide to 34.

According to USA TODAY, Wahlburgers CEO Randy Sharpe told Nation’s Restaurant News that the closures weren’t a significant revenue driver for the burger chain or the supermarket company, since the locations weren’t full-service restaurants.

“When I came on board a year and a half ago, I was surprised that off-premises revenues weren’t as high as I expected them to be,” Sharpe said, according to the publication Food on Demand. “Our brand is natural for off-premises ordering. We want those orders to be treated the same as in-store orders.”

Wahlburger closed its location in Huntsville in 2024.

What burger chains are expanding?

Culver’s, the chain known for its burgers and frozen custard, is planning to open a dozen locations through the end of 2025.

USA TODAY reports the Wisconsin-based chain has recently opened restaurants in 14 cities across 8 states, including Florida, Georgia, and Illinois.

Brooks just revealed its most cushioned and comfortable running shoe to date in the “Ghost” sneaker series, the Ghost Max 3, now available to preorder on Brooks’ website.

The new men’s and women’s Brooks Ghost Max 3 running shoe is an updated version of its predecessor, the Ghost Max 2 (which also just so happens to be on sale). The Ghost Max 3 is designed to provide a smoother ride, comfier upper and enhanced orthotic fit. Not to mention, it is considerably lighter than the Ghost Max 2.

RELATED: Brooks super-soft Ghost Max 2 running shoe is now on sale for a limited time

Overall, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is designed for both runners and walkers who need neutral support and prefer maximum cushioning and can accommodate orthotics. Featuring a 6mm midsole drop and lightweight design, it utilizes DNA LOFT v3 cushioning to provide a soft and responsive ride.

Both the men’s and women’s Ghost Max 3 come in seven colorways each, so whichever design you chose can perfectly match your individual style. Select designs are also available in extended sizes.

“The Ghost Max 3 delivers a soft, smooth, protective feeling thanks to high-stack soft cushioning, a rocker shape that helps you move from landing to toe-off, and a broad base for added stability,” Brooks states.

Those interested can preorder the men’s Ghost Max 3 here and women’s Ghost Max 3 here.

Mexican Coke sweetened with cane sugar tends to be a go-to beverage for Coca-Cola fans who want to avoid the U.S.-made version of the beverage with corn syrup.

But soon, Coca-Cola will offer a version of its classic beverage sweetened with cane sugar manufactured in the U.S., according to multiple reports.

“We’re going to be bringing a Coke sweetened with U.S. cane sugar into the market this fall,” Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey said on a conference call with analysts, reports NPR.

The announcement comes after a social media post from President Donald Trump claiming he had been “speaking” to the beverage company about using real cane sugar in U.S.-made Coke products.

NPR reports officials did note the president’s involvement in the recipe during the conference call, but didn’t go into details about the conversation.

“As you may have seen last week, we appreciate the president’s enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand,” Quincey said.

According to NPR, the new Coca-Cola beverage doesn’t mean traditional Coke is going away. Instead of a replacement, Quincey said the drink will be offered as an alternative in Coca-Cola’s portfolio.

Coca-Cola produced for the US market is typically sweetened with corn syrup, the New York Post reported, but cane sugar is already used in other countries, including Mexico and some in Europe.

=

The National Weather Service issued a report at 1:51 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. for Baldwin County.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are probable.

“At 1:51 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Daphne. This storm was nearly stationary,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

The alert is for Daphne, Fairhope and Point Clear.

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

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To 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 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. 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 rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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:

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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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

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:

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:

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.

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.

A combat veteran who was president of a Huntsville molecular diagnostics company is suing his former employer, alleging he was dismissed from his position after he disclosed having post traumatic stress disorder.

Peter Carothers, the former president of Diatherix Laboratories, filed the federal lawsuit last week in Alabama’s Northern District, alleging disability discrimination.

In February, he also filed a claim against Diaxtherix’s corporate parent, Eurofins USA.

He is seeking back pay and lost benefits, compensatory damages and other relief.

Diatherix develops advanced testing for infectious diseases.

According to the lawsuit, Carothers was president of the company from 2021 to January of this year. He was decorated for service in Afghanistan and diagnosed with a severe form of PTSD in the summer of 2024.

Carothers says he disclosed his diagnosis to the company’s senior leadership and that he was in the early stages of therapy.

He did so because of his “increasing need to carve out time for clinical visits” to the Huntsville VA medical facility.

Four days later, he was terminated on “vague performance based grounds,” the suit alleges.

“Prior to that date, Carothers had never been subjected to any verbal or written counseling much less placed on any improvement plan and had been given no indication that his job was in jeopardy,” the lawsuit states.

Attempts to contact Diatherix Laboratories for comment were not immediately successful.

 

Alabama pitcher Riley Quick has signed with the Minnesota Twins after the American League team chose him with the 36th selection in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on July 13.

Quick joined Minnesota for a $2.692 million signing bonus, mlb.com reported.

Quick announced his signing on Wednesday.

“A dream come true!” Quick posted on his Instagram account. “Thank you to everyone who helped me get to this point! Let’s get to work! Go Twins!”

Since Major League Baseball instituted the one-draft system in 1987, the 6-foot-6 right-hander is the third-earliest pitching selection from the Crimson Tide. The New York Yankees chose Ben Hess at No. 26 in last year’s draft, and the Florida Marlins picked Taylor Tankersley at No. 27 in 2004.

Entering the 2025 season, Quick had a 2-1 record in 17 games, including one start, for Alabama. But this season, Quick started 14 games, posted an 8-3 record. In 62 innings, he had a 3.92 earned-run average and 70 strikeouts while yielding 62 hits and 24 walks.

The 2025 campaign was a comeback for Quick, who had elbow surgery after his lone start of the 2024 season.

Quick starred at Hewitt-Trussville High School before going to Alabama. He was a two-time All-State selection, the Class 7A Pitcher of the year in 2021 and 2022 and Alabama’s Mr. Baseball for 2022.

As a junior for the Huskies, Quick had a 9-2 record, two saves and an 0.99 ERA. In his senior season at Hewitt-Trussville, Quick went 13-1 with an 0.92 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 82.2 innings.

Quick also was a second-team All-State selection in 2020 and a first-team All-State selection in 2021 as an offensive lineman for the Hewitt-Trussville football team.

The Twins’ minor-league system includes the FCL Twins in the rookie-level Florida Complex League in Fort Myers, Florida; the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels of the Single-A Florida State League, the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the High-A Midwest League, the Wichita Wind Surge of the Double-A Texas League and the St. Paul Saints of the Triple-A International League.

Minnesota chose Quick in Competitive Balance Round A. But because he was chosen before the start of the second round of the 2025 draft, he is considered a first-round selection.

His signing means all three of the first-round picks in the 2025 draft with Alabama baseball roots are under contract.

The Cincinnati Reds picked Steele Hall at No. 9 and signed the Hewitt-Trussville shortstop for a $5.75 million bonus.

The Baltimore Orioles picked Ike Irish at No. 19 and signed the Auburn catcher/outfielder for a $4.418 million bonus.

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