General News

General

Alabama auto plant exports only 14 vehicles in June as Trump’s 25% tariff hits industry

Hyundai’s Montgomery plant has produced just 14 vehicles this month for export to other countries, its lowest number since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when production was temporarily halted.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported the number, which shows the effects of the company’s prioritizing U.S. sales following the Trump Administration’s imposing 25% tariffs on all vehicles imported into the U.S. this year.

Attempts to reach the Montgomery plant for comment were not immediately successful.

The plant is still continuing to produce the same number of vehicles each month, according to numbers provided by Hyundai.

Through the first five months of the year, Hyundai produced 155,800 vehicles in six models – the Tuscon, Santa Fe hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, GV70 EV and GV70.

Production totals for each month remained consistent, ranging from 27,500 in January to 32,400 in May. The overwhelming majority of those vehicles were meant for the U.S. market, which includes Puerto Rico and Guam.

But the effect of tariffs can be seen particularly in monthly totals produced for the Tuscon SUV. In March, 2,490 were produced for the Canadian market, with 2,311 in April. But in May, the plant only turned out 105 for Canada.

For the Santa Fe SUV, the plant went from 1,356 produced for Canada in April to a total of 28 in May.

Last year, according to Yonhap, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama exported a total of 22,600 vehicles.

Exported vehicles produced in May plummeted by 45% to 1,303 units, from 2,386 units just a year earlier.

But the company has made several moves in relation to the tariffs.

In April, Hyundai shifted some production of its Tucson SUVs to the Montgomery plant from its affiliate Kia Corp.’s Mexico plant.

Those effects can also be seen in production numbers in Mexico. Hyundai shipped about 2,100 units of the Tucson from there in February. That number plummeted to 522 in March and has stayed at zero since April.

The company was also reportedly moving production of Canada-bound cars, which had been made in the U.S., to the Mexico plant.

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DHS: Gulf Shores High School immigration raid a warning to those who ‘exploit illegal labor for profit’

Federal officials provided additional information about a raid that led to the detainment of over 30 undocumented people Tuesday at a south Alabama high school construction site.

During a press conference Wednesday, officials with the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, FBI, and the United States Marshal Service clarified the number of individuals arrested and the alleged criminal histories of several detainees.

The raid took place at the $131 million construction site for a Gulf Shores High School facility.

P.J. Lavoie, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, said that 36 individuals were detained rather than the 37 initially reported.

Lavoie stated that of the 36 detained 20 had some form of criminal history whether violent or non-violent.

In a separate press release from the Department of Homeland Security, the agency said seven of the detainees allegedly had criminal records ranging from domestic violence, DUI and outstanding warrants.

Picture of P.J. Lavoie addressing media during a media update about an immigration raid on June 24, 2025.Patrick Darrington

One of the undocumented workers is also accused of assaulting a federal agent and will face federal charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama.

“Violence against against law enforcement is not tolerated,” the statement read.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the raid was conducted after receiving tips from members of the community that undocumented people were working at the site.

Steven Shrank, HSI Special Agent in Charge in Alabama and Georgia, said that the “operation sends a strong message to those who exploit illegal labor for profit, displacing American workers.”

Lavoie also said several individuals at the work site fled during the raid and even drove through a fence to escape being apprehended.

AL.com left a message with Rabren General Contracting, the general contractor building site, following the update.

On Tuesday, the City of Gulf Shores and Gulf Shores City Schools released a joint statement saying the general contractor was responsible for the site and directed all inquiries there.

Reached for comment on Wednesday, school and city officials referred AL.com back to the earlier statement.

The raid comes just under a month after Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called on immigration officials to increase the daily total of arrests.

President Donald Trump’s administration promised to target immigrants with violent criminal histories or “the worst of the worst.”

However, according to NBC News, ICE data shows that only 6 percent of known immigrants convicted of homicide and 11 percent convicted of sexual assault have been arrested during the administration’s immigration crackdown.

The data also showed that nearly half of detainees in ICE custody have not been convicted or charged with a crime. For those convicted the majority of crimes were for traffic and immigration offenses.

Baldwin County has continued to be a hotbed of ICE activity since Trump’s administration took over and Lavoie said this was likely due to the county’s growth and, “large amount of construction” taking place.

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Be ready for marble-sized hail with thunderstorms in Baldwin County Wednesday – wind gusts up to 50 mph

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:03 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5:45 p.m. for Baldwin County.

The storms are predicted to bring marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 5:02 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Foley, moving west at 10 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Foley, Magnolia Springs, Bon Secour, Summerdale and Elberta.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

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.
  • 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, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
  • Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
  • If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
  • Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
  • Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. 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 heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

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 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 drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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:

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.

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.

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BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: Bet on NBA Draft tonight and get up to $1,500 bonus if you lose

At BetMGM Sportsbook, you can bet on the first 10 picks and more in tonight’s NBA Draft, and if you sign up with BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 you will get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you lose your first bet. Get the details below on one of the best sportsbook promos available for the NBA Draft today.

Note: If you are located in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, your BetMGM sign-up bonus offers $150 in bonus bets if you win your first $10 bet. In all other states where BetMGM Sportsbook is available, you get the $1,5000 first-bet offer.

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 at a glance

🎁 BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500
💰 BetMGM welcome offer for new users Get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses
💵 BetMGM bonus code minimum deposit $10
📝 BetMGM bonus code terms and conditions – Apply the First Bet Offer Token to your first wager. If it loses, get a refund in bonus bets up to a maximum of $1,500
– First Bet Offer Token must be used within seven days
– Minimum odds for qualifying wager: -10,000
– No bonus bets are awarded if you win your qualifying wager
– Losing bets of less than $50 return one bonus equal to the amount wagered
– Losing bets of $50 or more return five equal bonus bets whose sum equals the amount wagered (e.g. five $20 bonus bets for a $100 qualifying wager)
– Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn or transferred and expire after seven days (168 hours). Bonus bets pay out only the winnings if they win, not the original stake.
✅ Last verified June 25, 2025

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: How to claim the offer for NBA Draft

Of all the best online sportsbooks, none offers more potential bonus bets in its welcome offer than BetMGM. This sign-up bonus is a great way to take a shot on a big payout with your first bet since the bonus bets give you an opportunity to win back some of your money if you lose.

Here are the steps to follow to claim this offer, which should only take a few minutes.

  1. Click any link for BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 or any of the “Get Bonus” buttons on this page to go to the BetMGM registration page.
  2. Click “sign up” and follow the prompts to create a new account with your name, e-mail, phone number and some other basic information. Enter BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 in the promo code field if it’s not pre-populated.
  3. Make your first deposit, keeping in mind how much you want to wager on your first bet. The minimum is $10.
  4. Place your first bet between $10 and $1,500 and apply the First Bet Offer Token in your betslip. Make sure the odds are -10,000 or longer (e.g. -5000, -500, +100, etc.)
  5. If you win your bet, collect your winnings but receive no bonus bets.
  6. If you lose your bet, collect a bonus bet (or bets) equal to your wager, up to $1,500; you will receive one bonus bet if you wagered less than $50, or five bonus bets if you wagered $50 or more.
  7. Use your bonus bets within seven days (168 hours) so they don’t expire.

While it’s nice to get back your wager amount in bonus bets if you lose, it’s important to understand that you will not necessarily win back whatever you lost even if you win your bonus bet(s). That’s because bonus bets only pay out the profits, but do not return the original stake like cash bets do.

For example, if you win a $20 bonus bet at -125 odds, your payout is your $16 profit, whereas the same bet placed with cash would pay out $36 including your original wager. If you had lost $20 on your qualifying wager, then you’d still be down $4 after winning your bonus bet, but at least that’s better than being down $20.

BetMGM existing user promos

After you have claimed the sign-up bonus, you can still take advantage of more BetMGM Sportsbook promos available to existing users. These promos may offer similar “no sweat bets” like welcome offer, or they may offer odds boosts, early payouts, and other benefits.

These promos change frequently based on what’s happening on the sports calendar, but here are some examples that are available right now:

  • Parlay boost tokens: Claim a profit boost token from the promos section that you can apply to any parlay bet to get a bigger payout if you win.
  • Club World Cup early payouts: If you place a straight match result bet on any game during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, you will win your bet if your team goes up by two goals during regular or stoppage time, even if they end up losing or drawing the match.

How to use BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 for the NBA Draft tonight

As explained above, while it’s nice to get back bonus bets if you lose your first bet, the best way to use this promo is to place a larger first bet and win. The appeal of this promo is that you can take a chance to win a big first bet and have a fallback option to try to recover at least some of your losses if you lose.

With that in mind, let’s discuss my favorite bet for the NBA Draft tonight: Jeremiah Fears to go 5th overall at +300 odds. BetMGM gives Fears the third-best odds to go 5th, behind Texas’ Tre Johnson (+180) and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey (+220).

The latest intel from some of the best and most reliable NBA Draft analysts is that the Utah Jazz have zeroed in on the Oklahoma guard with the 5th pick. The Jazz desperately need a floor general with some star power to lead their rebuilding efforts, and Fears fits the bill.

Of course, it’s hard to discern reality from smoke screens in the last few days before the draft. On average, Fears has been ranked outside the top six prospects by most experts, so this would be a mild surprise and is definitely a bit of a gamble.

However, given the latest reporting, it’s the perfect calculated risk to take when claiming this BetMGM bonus code.

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General

One of America’s most popular restaurants is exiting bankruptcy

Red Lobster is headed out of bankruptcy.

CBS News reports that a U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved the seafood chain’s reorganization plan nearly four months after it filed for bankruptcy protection.

When Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy last year, the plan was to “simplify” the business by closing numerous locations. CBS News reports the chain lost $76 million in 2023. Leading up to bankruptcy, Red Lobster closed dozens of locations, including some in Alabama.

Red Lobster’s new CEO Damola Adamolekun has already implemented plans to turn the company around. Among those plans– ending the “bottomless” entrees, including “All You Can Eat” shrimp.

Other items on the agenda, reports Newsweek: improved hospitality, remodeled venues, and a revamped menu.

Another change: a revisioned Crabfest. This year, the seafood restaurant chain is introducing all-new seafood boils to the lineup.

In a press release, Red Lobster said this year’s Crabfest lineup is packed with “exciting new flavors,” and customers can choose between two options:

  • Mariner’s Boil: Features a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn and red potatoes
  • Sailor’s Boil: Features a mix of shrimp, smoked sausage, and corn

“Red Lobster’s Crabfest is the ultimate summer dining experience, featuring exciting and flavorful dishes like our new Seafood Boils,” said Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer of Red Lobster, in the news release. “Whether you’re a longtime Red Lobster lover or participating in Crabfest for the first time, we’ve got something to bring everyone joy.”

Crabfest is available for a limited time, from June 23 through Sept. 14.

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Yankees-Reds free livestream: Where to watch MLB game tonight, channel, time

The New York Yankees play against the Cincinnati Reds in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:10 p.m. CT on Prime Video/MLB Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Yankees enter this matchup with a 45-34 record, and they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Yankees lost 5-4 against Cincinnati in 11 innings.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Yankees will need a great performance from their star player Aaron Judge. He leads the team with 28 home runs and 62 RBI, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

The Reds enter this matchup with a 42-38 record, and they have won three consecutive games.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Reds will need to rely on their star player Elly De La Cruz. He leads the Cincinnati offense with 18 home runs and 55 RBI this season.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

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Braves-Mets free livestream: Where to watch MLB game tonight, channel, time

The Atlanta Braves play against the New York Mets in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:10 p.m. CT on FanDuel Sports Network South/FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Braves enter this matchup with a 37-41 record, and they have won back-to-back games. In yesterday’s game, the Braves defeated New York 7-4.

In order to win the game this evening, the Braves will need to rely on their star player Matt Olson. He leads the Atlanta offense with 15 home runs and 52 RBI this season, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

The Mets enter this matchup with a 46-34 record, and they have lost 10 of their last 11 games. In order to bounce back tonight, the New York squad will need a great performance from their star player Pete Alonso. He currently leads the New York offense with 18 home runs and 64 RBI, which showcases his power at the plate.

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

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Zaxby’s chicken chain planning expansion, opening 50 new restaurants

Zaxby’s is planning to open more than 50 new locations this year.

The move, reports USA TODAY, puts them on track to surpass 1,000 restaurants.

While Georgia-based chain’s primary market is the Southeast, the company told USA TODAY that it plans to expand out west. So far, the company has opened 16 new locations, including a restaurant in Las Vegas.

“In addition to these new market ventures, Zaxbys has continued to expand in previously established Southeast markets in 2025 with new locations through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee and more,” the company told USA TODAY via email.

Here’s a list of Zaxby’s locations that have opened so far this year:

  • Cochran, Georgia: Opened June 2
  • Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened May 26
  • Richmond Hill, Georgia: Opened May 12
  • Bristol, Tennessee: Opened May 12
  • Vincennes, Indiana: Opened April 21
  • Las Vegas, Nevada: Opened April 14
  • Charlotte, North Carolina: Opened April 7
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Opened April 2
  • Locust, North Carolina: Opened March 17
  • Leavenworth, Kansas: Opened March 3
  • Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened Feb. 24
  • Valdosta, Georgia: Opened Feb. 24
  • Spartanburg, South Carolina: Opened Feb. 3
  • Rocky Mount, Virginia: Opened Jan. 27
  • Brookhaven, Georgia: Opened Jan. 20
  • Natchez, Mississippi: Opened Jan. 6

Zaxby’s plans to incorporate AI. Here’s how

Zaxby’s is modernizing its drive-through.

The chain plans to incorporate Berry AI’s Camera Timers to drive-through operations across its entire brand.

“As our drive-thru operations evolve and we look to the future for our brand, we are excited to leverage AI with camera timers in partnership with Berry AI,” said Sharlene Smith, the COO of Zaxbys, in a press release.“This state of the art technology will help us better understand and improve the drive-thru experience for our customers in a way that traditional loop timers have been limited.”

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New documentary ‘Butchers of L.A.’ details connection between 70s serial killers

The brand new documentary Butchers of L.A. premieres on SundanceTV Thursday, June 26 at 10/9c.

Cord cutters interested in catching the premiere can stream Butchers of L.A. through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Butchers of L.A. about?

Across the 1970s, Los Angeles was a prime preying spot for more than just one serial killer. The latest SundanceTV documentary centers on the fast-paced decade and details the discovery of 131 bodies in Los Angeles.

As panic spread, police chased a lone suspect—only to uncover three killers, each with a different method, preying on the same community.

Those tuning in will learn about three infamous killers—Patrick Kearney, William Bonin and Randy Kraft—all three of which committed horrific murders, often targeting homosexual men and discarding their bodies along highways.

Throughout the documentary, viewers will learn how their individual stories and crimes intertwine and how the police and investigators discovered they weren’t chasing a lone killer, but three.

How to watch Butchers of L.A.

Those interested in streaming the latest true-crime docuseries can catch Butchers of L.A. available for streaming through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

What is Philo?

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

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

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

What is DirecTV?

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

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

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

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to ditch the hassle of traditional cable. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

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

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

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Man charged in drug overdose death of 29-year-old woman at Trussville hotel

A 56-year-old man has been charged with a felony crime in the drug overdose death of a woman at a Trussville hotel.

Kenneth Bernard Clay is charged with manslaughter in the March 14 death of 29-year-old Carley Nicole Johnson.

Johnson died at 6:53 p.m. that Friday at the Hampton Inn on Edwards Lake Road.

According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Johnson died from acute fentanyl and cocaine intoxication.

Trussville police launched an investigation into Johnson’s death.

Charging documents against Clay allege he furnished the drugs to Johnson.

Clay was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Tuesday and released later in the day after posting $30,000 bond.

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