Alabama News

The deadline for 23&Me’s former and current customers to file for compensation is Monday, July 14, as the genetic testing company undergoes bankruptcy proceedings.

A 2023 cyberattack compromised the sensitive personal information of nearly 7 million customers. The disclosure led to the San Francisco, Calif.-based company’s dwindling fortunes, and it filed for bankruptcy in March.

Customers eligible for compensation can follow the instructions on this website.

They must file before noon on Monday if filing electronically and before 5 pm if filing with a hard copy, for claims relating to both the cyberattack and any other issue, such as telehealth services or DNA result problems.

To qualify for a cybersecurity-related claim, one must be a 23andMe customer between May 1, 2023, and Oct. 1, 2023; have received a notice that their personal information was compromised in the 2023 data breach; and have incurred damages – monetary or non-monetary – related to the cybersecurity incident.

Existing policy allows customers to request the deletion of their account and information from the company’s database.

As part of the bankruptcy proceeding, 23andMe secured a buyer in June when TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit led by 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki, agreed to acquire the company for $305 million.

The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:52 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 4:30 p.m. for Mobile County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 3:52 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Tanner Williams, or 13 miles west of Midtown Mobile, moving east at 25 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Midtown Mobile, Prichard, Tillmans Corner, Saraland, Theodore, Chickasaw, Satsuma, Semmes, Tanner Williams, I65 And I165, Mobile Regional Airport, I65 And AL 158 and I10 And I65.

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

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

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 vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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 shelter promptly in a safe location, 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, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If 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, 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.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and drive with care:

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 on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

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:

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

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.

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Sunday at 3:37 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. for Madison County.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 3:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Lynchburg, moving southeast at 15 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Winchester, Fayetteville, Lynchburg, Decherd, Estill Springs, Huntland, Tims Ford Lake, New Market, Lincoln and Elora.

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

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 shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, 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.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

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

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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:

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.

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.

Ryan Williams has become a master of time management.

Between posing for the cover of the EA Sports College Football video game, hosting a podcast, going to college at Alabama and preparing for his sophomore season, Williams spent Sunday at Spartan Stadium in Saraland hosting more than 100 boys and girls ages 4-16 at the Ryan William Football Camp.

Oh, and he’s also turned into one of the most enthusiastic and effective recruiters for the Crimson Tide – and not just the football team. Williams takes at least partial credit for helping the Alabama basketball team put together its 2025-26 roster.

“Trying to find balance is the hardest thing, but with the team I have behind me with the university and my family, it’s been pretty easy,” Williams said. “It goes back to trying to make an impact on people. With me recruiting, it makes an impact on the next generation of guys who are going to be playing at the University of Alabama. So, just knowing that is important and I enjoy it.”

But what about Ryan Williams the basketball recruiter?

“That’s my guy,” Williams said when asked about Crimson Tide point guard LaBaron Philon, who unexpectedly withdrew from the NBA Draft at the last minute and will return to Tuscaloosa next season. “We’ve been playing since Spring Hill basketball at age 7. He’s a year older, so he was 8. One thousand percent I was telling him to just give me one more year. He didn’t want to give me one more year to begin with, but he did and I’m thankful for him. We’ve got a deep backcourt and a deep frontcourt this year, so I’m super excited. I’m going to be at all the games.”

Williams said his friendly rivalry continues with his Philon.

“He’s not a football player,” Williams laughed. “We always had this argument when we first went to school together (at Alabama). We went in the facility, and he was my quarterback because it was May, and we didn’t have any other quarterbacks on campus. He could throw it a little bit, but nah, he’s not a football player.”

Williams looks more sturdy now at 6-foot, 177 pounds than he was as a reclassified freshman a year ago. But the smile and enthusiastic personality has not changed.

“It’s a blessing to be able to pour back into the community and spend some time back home even in the midst of getting ready for camp and getting ready for the season,” Williams said. “It means a lot for me to be in my position and understand that what I did today can impact kids for the rest of their lives, it’s a blessing that I’m able to do that.”

Saraland coach Jeff Kelly was at Sunday’s camp, watching Williams celebrate every touchdown like it was the game-winner in the Iron Bowl.

“It makes you proud as a coach to see the impact he’s having in such a short period of time,” Kelly said. “It’s great to see him in his element and spreading that smile that he’s always had.”

 Coco and Ryan Williams Sr. watched all the action Sunday from the same seats on the 20-yard line that they occupied when Ryan began playing for the Spartans. In addition to having one son host the camp, two others – 11-year-old Zaylon and 9-year-old Emery — were participating.

“Seeing all these kids out there wearing No. 2 with Williams on there is amazing and humbling,” Ryan Sr. said. “All this has happened so fast, but he’s handled it all with class.”

A California farmworker who fell from a rooftop during a chaotic ICE raid in Southern California died from his injuries on Saturday, his family said.

Jaime Alanis, 57, had been working at a farm in Camarillo for 10 years, according to his relatives. Witnesses said he was hiding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents when he fell from the roof and fractured his neck.

Alanis is believed to be the first person killed in an ICE raid since President Trump took office in January and began aggressively enforcing U.S. immigration law.

“These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the American food supply chain, threaten lives and separate families,” the United Farm Workers union said in a statement. Alanis and others at the Camarillo facility were not represented by the union.

About 200 people suspected of entering the U.S. illegally were arrested Thursday in the raids at Camarillo and Carpintero facilities owned by Glass House Farms, the feds said. Both farms are licensed to grow cannabis in California and the Camarillo facility also grows tomatoes and cucumbers.

Eight people were hospitalized following the raids, including Alanis, according to local officials. The Camarillo raid was met by a large group of protesters and four people were arrested for interfering with federal agents.

Video showed one person appearing to fire a gun at the agents and a $50,000 reward was offered for tips leading to their arrest. No law enforcement officers were wounded in the confrontation.

The Department of Homeland Security said Alanis was not a target of Thursday’s raid and was never in ICE custody, nor was he actively being pursued when he fled to the greenhouse roof. His family said he worked to send money back to relatives in Mexico.

Earlier this year, Trump claimed ICE would stop raiding farms across the country to avoid disrupting the U.S. food chain. However, the raids resumed shortly afterward.

With News Wire Services

©2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A suspect shot and wounded a state trooper Sunday and fled to a Kentucky church, where multiple people were injured in a second shooting, authorities said.

The shooting spree ended when the suspect was killed, Kentucky State Police said on social media.

After shooting the trooper, the suspect ended up at Richmond Road Baptist Church in southwest Lexington, state police said. Police did not not provide additional information about the suspect’s death.

The trooper was shot at 11:36 a.m. in Fayette County, where Lexington is located, state police said. The suspect then fled, ending up at the Baptist church, police said.

The shooting at the church resulted in multiple injuries, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a social media post. The trooper and others were being treated at a nearby hospital but other details were still emerging, the governor said. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known.

“Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence, and let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police,” Beshear said.

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Sunday at 2:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Talladega, Clay and Coosa counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:49 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Bon Air to near Mitchell Lake. Movement was southeast at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Sylacauga, Childersburg, Goodwater, Rockford, Kellyton, Weogufka, Stewartville, Oak Grove, Bon Air, Hanover, Lyle, Dollar, Bradford, Cottage Grove, Strickland Crossroads, Bentleyville, Moriah, Hatchet, Nixburg and Mitchell Lake.

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

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

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, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• 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 shelter promptly in a safe location, 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.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly 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, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, 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

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:

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:

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.

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.

On Sunday at 2:33 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Houston 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.”

Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts

• 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 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.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines 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 reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.

Follow 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 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.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep 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.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

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, 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.

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:

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.
• 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.

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.

Chances are, you’ve heard of the Trump megabill that was recently signed into law. The so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) is garnering chatter and for good reason: A lot is included in the mega legislation.

But even though many provisions survived the bill’s initial proposal, several did not. For instance, under the originally proposed megabill, gym memberships — and therefore pickleball courts in gyms — could have been eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

*HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow pre-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.

While the provision to make gym memberships HSA-eligible didn’t make it into the final version of the OBBB, you may still be able to claim certain expenses for staying active in retirement.

Stay active in retirement with HSA-eligible expenses

Retirees may use HSAs to save on taxes while playing sports — or by participating in other exercises — in retirement.

For instance, as a pickleball player (or “pickler”) myself, I often put in contact lenses when I go out to play. Prescription contact lenses and glasses are HSA-eligible.

Here are a few other examples of HSA-eligible expenses for retirees who like to stay active:

• Allergy medications, for playing outdoor sports like golf or basketball.
• First aid kits are helpful for all occasions, but particularly for contact sports.
• Hearing aids — so you can properly hear if that tennis or pickleball was “out” or not!

But you may be wondering: Is sports equipment or facility usage HSA-eligible? Well, that depends.

If you meet the strict guidelines of having a “Letter of Medical Necessity” (LMN) from a doctor specifying that, say, “golf” is medically necessary for the specific condition you have, then your golf expenses might be HSA-eligible. However, that rarely happens and is often not the case.

And while you can use HSA funds for a non-qualified expense, like pickleball, without penalty after you reach 65 years old, the withdrawal would be considered taxable income.

But that shouldn’t stop you from reaping the health benefits of staying active in retirement.

Best sports for older adults may increase life span

Exercising is tough for all ages, but it can be particularly difficult as you get older. Human bodies don’t work the same at age ten as they do at age 70.

However, exercising in retirement can significantly improve your health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggests that 150 minutes of brisk walking or 75 minutes of running each week may help you live longer.

And according to AARP, ten types of exercise can help you achieve a longer lifespan. Here are the top five:

• Walking. Almost one-third of older adults report they do some type of brisk walk each day.
• Running. If you have a busy schedule, going for a run can cut down on the time spent exercising.
• Water aerobics and workouts. One study of 80,000 people found that swimmers were 41% less likely to die of a heart disease or stroke, per AARP.
• Dancing. Whether it’s swing, line dance, or ballroom, dancers may have stronger muscles, better balance, and a better mood, according to AARP.
• Weightlifting. For the seriously motivated, lifting weights is an excellent way to maintain physical strength in retirement, helping with tasks like climbing stairs or carrying heavy groceries, per the National Institute on Aging.

Vision care, medical devices, and certain medications may be HSA-eligible and help you with your goal of staying active in retirement. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Other popular exercises in retirement include golf, tennis, and badminton. I tend to gravitate towards pickleball or aerobics classes myself (town or city-led community centers can have cheaper class rates and feature more older adults than maybe privately-led sessions). But it’s really a matter of personal preference.

Of course, as with all exercises, it’s important to take things slowly, ensure you have the proper form, and talk to a doctor if you’re unsure whether an exercise is right for you.

Fun retirement ideas that help your tax bill

If you’re looking for a way to save on taxes and are not so much into fitness, no biggie. There are plenty of fun activities to do in retirement with added tax benefits. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Volunteering. The Urban Institute reports that 60% of adults aged 55 and older volunteer. Certain volunteerism expenses, like meals, lodging, and gas, may be tax-deductible.
• Learning a new skill. Research shows education is strongly associated with health benefits. And if you’re interested in saving on tax, you can potentially do so through the lifetime learning credit.
• Picking up a hobby. Got a secret talent? Why not try it out with a hobby? Although hobby expenses aren’t tax-deductible, you won’t be subject to the self-employment tax, though you may still owe taxes on hobby income.

Whatever you choose to do in retirement, be sure it’s right for you. That can be trying a new activity while saving on tax, or reaping the health merits (and perhaps HSA benefits) by staying active. Either way, there are a plethora of ideas out there to help you get started.

And who knows? Maybe future changes on Capitol Hill will lead to an HSA-eligible gym membership, as initially proposed in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” We can dream, right?

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Five people were killed in a head-on Alabama crash that happened over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, authorities announced Sunday.

The victims included two children, ages 6 and 8.

The fiery two-vehicle wreck happened at 10:17 p.m. Saturday, July 5, on Interstate 59 near Greene County 20, about seven miles south of Eutaw.

Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey said Stephen L. Keele, 45, of Mississippi was driving a Ram 1500 pickup truck that collided head on with a Toyota Sienna van driven by Tejaswini R. Cholleti, 36, of Texas.

After the initial impact, the Ram and the Toyota both caught fire.

Keele and Cholleti were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Sri V. Bejugam, 40, a 6-year-old, and an 8-year-old, all passengers in Cholleti’s Toyota, were also dead on the scene. They, too, lived in Texas.

The investigation is ongoing by troopers.