Alabama News

As Donald Trump met with House Republicans on the fence over his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the president reportedly appeared to be unaware that the legislation would cut Medicaid.

Trump told the group Wednesday that the GOP should not touch Medicaid, Social Security or Medicare if they want to win reelections.

“But we’re touching Medicaid in this bill,” one of the members told Trump, according to NOTUS, which cited “three sources with direct knowledge of the comments.”

To help partly offset the lost tax revenue and new spending, Republicans aim to cut back on Medicaid and food assistance for the poor under the sweeping legislation, the Associated Press reported.

More than 71 million people rely on Medicaid, which expanded under Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and 40 million use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Most already work, according to analysts.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill became law and 3 million more would not qualify for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits.

Abigail Jackson, an administration spokeswoman, denied that the bill targets Medicaid.

The legislation, Jackson told NOTUS, “takes decisive action to protect Medicaid for generations to come by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the program. President Trump is committed to protecting Medicaid for the vulnerable Americans who rely on it most.”

The bill’s Medicaid provisions were cited by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., for his opposition to the legislation.

Tillis, who later announced he would not run for re-election, claimed that Trump was betraying his campaign promises with the bill.

“I’m telling the president that you have been misinformed: You supporting the Senate mark will hurt people who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid,” he said on the Senate floor, before the legislation passed the upper chamber with a tiebreaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.

The bill made its way to the House on Wednesday, where some Republicans have reservations that have stopped the legislation from advancing in the lower chamber Wednesday afternoon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

An iconic grocery brand sold in supermarkets throughout the U.S. has filed for bankruptcy.

Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, the chain announced in a press release.

Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods, said the bankruptcy and restructuring plans is a “strategic step forward.”

“After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods,” Longstreet said. “With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success.”

All of the California-based company’s assets will be sold. In addition to its namesake Del Monte brand of canned vegetables and fruits, it also makes College Inn broths, tea brand Joyba and Contadina canned tomatoes.

Longstreet attributed the company’s financial struggles to the “dynamic macroeconic environment but added “ Del Monte Foods has nourished families for nearly 140 years, and we remain committed to our mission of expanding access to nutritious, great-tasting food for all. I am deeply grateful to our employees, growers, customers and vendors, as well as our lenders for their support in helping us achieve our long-term goals.”

Del Monte has secured $912.5 million in new funding that will allow it to continue operations during the sales process.

This week’s episode of Hell Motel premiered on Shudder Tuesday, July 1 and showcased paranoia reaching fever pitch with the latest goings-on in the cursed motel.

For those who may have missed yesterday’s episode and want to catch up before the show resumes next week with episode five, you can find a full recap on this week’s jaw-dropping episode below.

Episode 4 recap

As predicted after the chaos that happened in the previous episode, episode four picked up in the aftermath of Crow’s gruesome death. While trying to process yet another shocking death, the remaining guests set about concocting plans to secure help outside of the motel while also attempting to unearth the killer’s identity.

One of the biggest developments in this week’s episode revolves around Floyd and Shirley and their determination to dwindle the numbers of remaining survivors. Unfortunately for Kawayan, Floyd and Shirley decided he was his number one target and attacked him while he was unaware in his room.

Though the pair believed they had rid themselves of the artist, it wasn’t long after they left that another masked figure stumbled upon Kawayan and finished the job.

While suspicions continued to divide the group, the episode also delves into supernatural elements that have been an ongoing theme that have always creeping in the back of the heavily saturated main storyline.

With so much happening in this week’s episode, by the time the ending came, alliances have shifted dramatically, and fewer survivors remain.

How to watch Hell Motel season 1

Those interested in seeing where the storyline goes next week can stream the hit Shudder series through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

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+.

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

What is Philo?

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

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

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

What is DirecTV?

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

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

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

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to 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).

Huntsville City Schools’ $40 million Central Office and Center for Technology will welcome students when the school year begins on Aug. 4.

The two buildings at the corner of North Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive are the most visible signs of the early work on the school district’s 10-year, $600 million capital plan.

“We are thrilled to see our capital plan coming to life,” Huntsville Superintendent Clarence Sutton said. “In just one year, we are already seeing tangible progress that’s enhancing learning environments and supporting students across our district.”

The central office building is about 40,000 square feet. The career tech education center is about 80,000 square feet.

“We’re in the final processes of getting everything approved with the state,” construction consultant Scott Roberts said. “We’ve got some inspections next week that will get us to that point.” Roberts said a lot of the CTE equipment is already on site. He said teachers will be setting up before the start of the school year.

“The goal of this facility was to bring in all of the district wide career tech programs under one roof,” Roberts said. “Where they were scattered on different campuses, we now have welding, precision machining, industrial technology and maintenance, culinary, cosmetology, building science, automotive and nursing, health sciences, those will all be at this campus moving forward.

Other projects nearing completion

Other projects nearing completion as the school year begins include:

• Columbia Innovation Center: The Columbia Innovation Center will provide expanded STEM, technology, and innovation opportunities for students.
• Athletic upgrades: Student athletes at Lee High and Huntsville High are now competing on new turf baseball and softball fields.

Projects underway:

• Classroom additions: Construction is underway for classroom additions at Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary and Hampton Cove Middle School, providing more capacity to accommodate growing student populations.
• Removal of pod gyms: Obsolete pod-style gymnasiums are being removed to make way for modern spaces that better meet students’ physical education needs.
• Cafeteria expansions: Work is in progress to expand the cafeterias at both Grissom High School and Columbia High School.

Upcoming projects

• McNair Junior High School addition: A new wing at McNair Junior High School is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, allowing the school to welcome sixth-grade students for the first time.
• Athletic field enhancements: Installation of turf baseball and softball fields at Jemison, Columbia, and Grissom High Schools will occur during this upcoming school year.
• New JROTC training center: At Columbia High School, work is beginning on a new JROTC Training Center, providing enhanced space for leadership and physical training.
• Chapman campus redevelopment: Construction will begin on a new Chapman Middle and magnet middle school and at the Chapman campus, continuing the district’s commitment to enhancing magnet programs. The Champman magnet school is scheduled to open in January 2029.
• Montview campus redevelopment: Plans are advancing for the development of a new Montview Elementary School along with a new magnet elementary school, both to be located on the existing Montview campus. The Montview magnet school is expected to open in August 2028.

Long range

Huntsville City Schools is committed to constructing a K through 8th grade school in Limestone County to accommodate the growth in the western part of the city. An architect has begun planning the school.

“The site is still being determined,” Roberts said.

Land has been set aside for a school by a developer off Swancott Road near Interstate 565.

Roberts said the school is projected to open in the 2028-29 school year.

The capital plan was approved by the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education in May 2024.

Madison County has hired a firm to represent its interests as it weighs options for a new courthouse.

Commissioners agreed Wednesday to contract with Mobile-based Volkert Inc. as construction program manager for the new courthouse project. Volkert was one of five firms commissioners interviewed in January to take on the task.

A construction program manager represents the interests of a project’s owner – in this case, Madison County – through some or all of the planning and building processes. Typical services include consulting on construction solicitations and bids, auditing procurement costs, and organizing the relocation of offices and personnel.

Madison County will pay Volkert $58,500 per month until construction begins.

Officials have said for years that a new courthouse is needed as maintenance requirements, space and staffing needs have been increasing during Madison County and Huntsville’s growth.

In April, commissioners were presented a feasibility study that outlined four possibilities to replace the current courthouse, two of which would involve a new building on Courthouse Square.

The feasibility study’s first option would raze and rebuild the courthouse on the existing Courthouse Square parcel downtown. The second would split the county’s administrative and judicial functions between a “justice annex” to be built nearby and a new, smaller courthouse on the square.

Both would include space for 12 circuit courtrooms and seven more for district and probate courts, and both would significantly increase available square footage. The current courthouse encompasses about 198,000 usable square feet, the study notes, but either plan calls for about 20% more space.

At minimum, the county is looking at a $154 million project that would take at least five years to complete. Two other proposals outlined by consultant Matheny Goldmon Architecture and Interiors would result in only negligible savings while removing a courthouse presence from the square, a prospect that drew little enthusiasm from commissioners in April.

No design plans have yet been put forward.

“We got the feasibility study back, and we went through the process of interviewing our owners’ rep folks,” Chairman Mac McCutcheon said. “This is another step moving in that direction.”

Fireworks won’t be the only thing adding sparkle and charge to this Independence Day in downtown Birmingham.

Ampersand Cocktails and Desserts will open July 4 at 103 20th St. S., offering a distinctive blend of drinks and sweet treats.

The bar begins serving at 4 p.m.

The concept blends high-end crafted cocktails with alcohol-infused (and non-alcoholic) desserts.

Beverly Anthony, general manager, said the upscale bar is aiming for something innovative to add to Birmingham’s night scene.

While Ampersand may someday offer cuisine, right now the idea is to begin by doing something simple and different.

“We wanted a beautiful aesthetic, with something new, something fresh for the city,” she said. “Right now, we’re starting with just seven or eight items, with the idea of more to come.”

For example, there’s the Grand Ampersand, a cocktail featuring Grand Marnier, lemon juice and prosecco with raspberries, rosemary and blackberries.

There’s also a 24-karat gold cheesecake.

The bar can accommodate about 65 people.

The iconic and beloved rock/pop musician Rod Stewart officially kicked off his “One Last Time” farewell tour back in March and still has several North American show dates left on the docket, including an upcoming show at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham, Alabama on Aug. 2.

Joining Stewart at the newest Birmingham venue for his upcoming show next month is Cheap Trick. Formed in Rockford, Illinois back in the early seventies, Cheap Trick has effortlessly blended heavy metal, punk and classic pop to create hit after hit throughout the years.

How to snag last minute tickets to Rod Stewart in Birmingham

Those interested in snagging last-minute tickets to next month’s show can find tickets still available for purchase through Ticketmaster and other secondary market sites such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo and Seat Geek.

Below you can find the current ticket prices as of Wednesday, July 2 for the upcoming Birmingham show date.

Ticketmaster: Tickets start at $49.50 per person

Vivid Seats: Tickets start at $57 per person

StubHub: Tickets start at $60 per person

Viagogo: Tickets start at $58 per person

Seat Geek: Tickets start at $58 per person

More upcoming U.S. tour dates

• July 5 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Acriusure Stadium
• July 8 – Raleigh, North Carolina – Coastal Credit Union Music Part at Walnut Creek
• July 11 – Gilford, New Hampshire – BankNH Pavilion
• July 12 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Mann
• July 15 – Saratoga Springs, New York – Broadway Stage at SPAC
• July 18 – Holmdel, New Jersey – PNC Bank Arts Center
• July 19 – Columbia, Maryland – Merriweather Post Pavilion
• July 25 – Uncasville, Connecticut – Mohegan Sun Arena
• July 26 – Mansfield, Massachusetts – Xfinity Center
• July 29 – Charlotte, North Carolina – PNC Music Pavilion
• Aug. 1 – Alpharetta, Georgia – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
• Aug. 5 – Brandon, Mississippi – Brandon Amphitheater
• Aug. 8 – Tinley Park, Illinois – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
• Aug. 9 – Noblesville, Indianan- Ruoff Music Center
• Aug. 12 – Clarkston, Michigan – Pine Knob Music Theatre
• Aug. 14 – Nashville, Tennessee – Ascend Amphitheater
• Aug. 15 – St. Louis, Missouri – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – STL
• Sept. 20 – Rancho Mirage, California – Agua Caliente Casino
• Sept. 21 – Paso Robles, California – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
• Sept. 24, 26, 27 – Las Vegas, Nevada – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
• Oct. 1, 3, 4 – Las Vegas, Nevada – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Yeti‘s all new Cherry Blossom Roadie 32 wheeled hard cooler is the brand’s most stylishly compact hard cooler yet, dripping in a pastel-pink hue that screams “Hot Girl Summer.”

Yeti states that its new Cherry Blossom Color Collection was inspired by the beauty and changing seasons of Japan, reflected in the country’s iconic cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring.

RELATED: Yeti reveals new emerald green Tundra cooler just in time for summer

A standout feature of Cherry Blossom Collection is its textured stainless steel products as seen in products like the 42-ounce Rambler Straw Mug, 30-ounce Rambler Tumbler or Boomer Dog Bowl, however, the pastel pink Roadie 32 wheeled hard cooler is easily the star of this collection.

The Yeti Roadie 32 wheeled hard cooler is Yeti’s most convenient hard cooler for those who are constantly on the go. While Yeti hard coolers are known for their excellent insulation abilities, they are also known to be extremely heavy. That is where the Roadie 32 comes in.

The Roadie 32 cooler features NeverFlat™ Wheels that ensure reliable transportation across various terrains. This solid, single-piece tire construction is designed to resist impacts and punctures, offering a smooth and hassle-free experience when navigating tailgates, campsites or other outdoor events. This eliminates the worry of flat tires or damage, making the cooler consistently easy to move.

This Roadie cooler also features a BestDam™ Drain Plug, LipGrip™ Handles, BearFoot™ Non-Slip Feet, and is designed to accommodate wine bottles upright. The cooler comes with one removable dry goods basket, is dry ice compatible and a 5-year warranty.

Those interested can checkout the full listing on Yeti’s website. You can also browse the entire Yeti Cherry Blossom Color Collection here.

The United States play against Guatemala in the Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinals tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on FS1. Fans can watch this soccer 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 United States have not lost a game at the Concacaf Gold Cup this year, and they are coming off a close victory against Costa Rica. The quarterfinal match was decided by penalty kicks, as the United States won 4-3.

In order to win this evening, the United States will need a great performance from their star player Malik Tillman. He leads the team with three goals at the Concacaf Gold Cup, so he will try to continue his offensive success tonight.

Guatemala ended the group stage in second place, which gave them a difficult matchup in the quarterfinals. However, the Guatemala squad was able to defeat Canada 6-5 via penalty kicks.

In order to win the semifinal game tonight, Guatemala will need to rely on their star player Rubio Rubin. He currently leads the team with two goals in the Concacaf Gold Cup, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.

Fans can watch the Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinals 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 2025 WNBA season continues this week with another slate of solid games. The Indiana Fever will host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night, a quick rematch from their meeting last week.

The Fever will be fresh off of their dominating win in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, as they took down the red-hot Minnesota Lynx 74-59 on Tuesday. Superstar Caitlin Clark didn’t play due to a groin injury, but the Fever had five players in double figures to capture the title.

The Aces are still looking to get above .500 with a win against the Fever. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, who’s averaging nearly a double-double, will now get some more help as Las Vegas traded for former Fever and Wings forward Na’Lyssa Smith.

Indiana and Las Vegas both come into this game 8-8, as the winner will jump to over .500.

Fans looking to tune into the Fever vs Aces game can do so on Prime Video, who’s offering a 30-day free trial to new subscribers.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Fever and Lynx tipoff:

When: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Time: 7 p.m. E.T.

Fans looking to tune into the Fever vs Aces game can do so on Prime Video, who’s offering a 30-day free trial to new subscribers.