Alabama News

The shortest offseason in sports belongs to the NBA, as things move very quickly following the end of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA Finals last weekend, with the draft taking place just three days later.

Another major milestone of the NBA offseason will be this weekend, as the Summer League will take place. A showcase for younger players to earn a place on the regular season roster, the Summer League is essential for any major NBA fan.

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on one of their in-state rivals in the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Bronny James will once again compete in Summer League, with Lakers rookie Adou Thiero set to join him.

For the Warriors, Australian forward Alex Toohey will join their Summer League roster.

Fans looking to watch the Lakers vs Warriors game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Spurs and Heat tipoff this weekend:

When: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Fans looking to watch the Lakers vs Warriors game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Take advantage of the best sweeps casino bonuses this Fourth of July weekend for up to 2 million Gold Coins plus much more.

All of the best online sweeps casinos are supplying bonuses for new players this July 4th, and I am revealing the top five offers.

Crown Coins Casino promo code: 200% coins bonus + mystery spin

This Crown Coins Casino promo code welcome offer begins with 100,000 Crown Coins and 2 free Sweeps Coins right after registration, serving as a no purchase bonus.

After that, you will have access to a 200% bonus on your first Gold Coins package purchase as well as a spin on the Mystery Wheel for a chance at up to an additional 2 million Crown Coins and 100 free Sweeps Coins.

You will be able to play any of the 270-plus games with the Crown and Sweeps Coins you receive from this Crown Coins Casino welcome offer. No promo code required if you use our link.

Real Prize promo code: Up to 625K GC + 125 free SC + 1,250 VIP points

Real Prize Casino also gets your gaming journey started with 100,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins, but that’s far from where the rewards end.

I say this because our Real Prize Casino promo code offer for this 4th of July gets new players up to 625,000 Gold Coins, 125 free Sweeps Coins and 1,250 VIP Points as part of their first purchase bonus.

No code is needed to get this offer with our link.

You will find upwards of 500 games across Real Prize, including slots, table games and a live-dealer section.

McLuck Casino promo code: Up to 57.5K GC + 27.5 free SC

There is a lot to like about McLuck Casino, and it all begins with the welcome package, which comes in two parts.

First, you will get 7,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins right after you complete the sign-up process. This is known as a no deposit bonus. After that, you can get 50,000 Gold Coins and 25 free Sweeps Coins for a $9.99 value. No promo code is required if you use our link.

With this McLuck Casino promo code offer, you will be able to play any of the 1,000-plus games available at the site. Its selection includes many types of slots accompanied by one of the best live-dealer sections in the industry.

Spree Casino promo code: Up to 1.03M GC + 32.5 free SC

If 1 million Gold Coins and 2.5 free Spree Coins gets your attention, then our Spree Casino promo code offer is what you’re looking for. That isn’t the end of this welcome offer, though.

Instead, you also will have access to a 200% bonus on your first $9.99 purchase of Gold Coins, which will garner you 30,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Spree Coins.

Spree Casino continues to impress with its game library that features over 2,000 games. Most of the games are of the slot variety, but there are a handful of live-dealer games as well.

LoneStar Casino promo code: Up to 500K GC + 105 free SC + 1,000 VIP points

You can claim a total 500,000 Gold Coins and 105 free Sweeps Coins to go along with 1,000 VIP points by registering with our LoneStar Casino promo code offer. This offer starts with the sign-up offer.

LoneStar Casino will fund your newly created account with 100,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 free Sweeps Coins directly after registering. You will then be able to get an additional 500,000 Gold Coins, 105 free Sweeps Coins and even 1,000 VIP points for $99.99.

There are roughly 550 games available throughout LoneStar Casino, all of which are slots, except for three table games with Oasis Poker Classic, Texas Hold’em and Video Poker.

Comparing the best sweepstakes casino bonuses for July 4th

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

The brand new limited series Holidazed drops on the Hallmark Channel with a two-episode premiere Sunday, July 6 beginning at 8/7c.

Those hoping to catch the debut of Holidazed and the rest of Hallmark’s Christmas in July lineup can access the network even without access to traditional cable through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Holidazed about?

The new eight-episode series is set to follow six families from different backgrounds, cultures and generations, all living on the same cul-de-sac, as they gather for the holiday season.

During a time when emotions are amplified, each family comes together to celebrate their unique, rich traditions and navigate family eccentricities that ultimately help them discover what they do have in common: loved in all its different forms.

Ser’Darius Blain, Lindy Booth, Erin Cahill, Loretta Devine, Noemi Gonzalez, Ian Harding and more star.

Episode release dates and descriptions

According to the Hallmark Channel’s schedule, two new episodes will release back-to-back each Sunday beginning at 8/7c with the final two episodes set to close out the limited series with their release on July 27.

Sunday, July 6

“The Beginning” kicks off the series, and zeroes in on the holiday season as it unites six families while they navigate love, secrets and unexpected revelations. All the families grapple with their intertwined lives, leading to a heartfelt and chaotic celebration filled with laughter, tears and new beginnings.

“The Hill Family” is the title of the second episode and follows old high school lab partners Josh and Nora, both harboring secret crushes on each other as they reunite when Josh is tasked with community service under Nora’s supervision. As Josh bonds with Nora’s son, the three of them begin to forge connections that could reshape their futures.

Sunday, July 13

“The Lin Family” episode follows Ted and Marcus who are celebrating their engagement during Christmas when chaos ensues by the arrival of Grandma Lin, unaware that Ted has never come out to her.

“The Woods Family” episode follows Lucy and her sister Sylvie who have been at odds since their mom’s sudden passing when they were kids. Now, as adults, Sylvie’s home for Hanukkah and wants to spice things up.

Sunday, July 20

“The Lewin Family” follows Linda as she brings her younger boyfriend Evan home for the holidays—a shocking surprise to her family and ex-husband Robert. To Robert’s surprise, he and Evan may have more in common than not.

“The Camarena Family” episode follows Gaby as her family traditions are thwarted by Katie, her former high school bully and her brother’s current girlfriend. Tune in to see if their ongoing rivalry will come between the couple’s first Christmas together.

Sunday, July 27

“The Manetti-Hanahan Family” episode follows the family that’s infamous for never having a silent night at Christmastime. This year, Connie wants peace and asks her husband Chuck to put aside his neighborhood rivalry.

“The Finale” closes out the limited series and showcases a power outage that hits the neighborhood. With seemingly no other choice than to band together, the families come together and try to put aside their differences on Christmas Day.

How to watch Holidazed

Those interested in catching the highly anticipated Christmas in July limited series can find Holidazed available for streaming through the streaming services listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month and one month free of AMC+ ($45.99 a month after first month)

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 Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top rated TV channels like the Hallmark Channel. 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).

Cinemex Holdings USA, which owns the CMX Cinemas dine-in movie theater chain, has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in five years,

Cinemex Holdings USA said the chain will continue to operate without interruption as it works to restructure its business operations, according to a news release.

“CMX will remain in possession and control of its assets. Existing management and the board of directors will remain in control of the business and CMX’s operations will continue without interruption,” the release states.

Cinemex Holdings USA is owned by the Mexican theater chain Cinemex and opened its first CMX Cinemas theater in the United States in Miami in 2017.

The chain currently has 28 locations across eight states including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia, with two locations in Alabama in Gulf Shores and Tuscaloosa.

CMX Cinemas is not new to hardship. It also filed for bankruptcy in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company said it plans to continue operating “business as usual.”

“CMX continues to welcome customers to its cinemas as usual, and this will not change during the Subchapter V proceedings,” the release said.

The company said they expect to emerge from the bankruptcy proceedings in the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, according to the release.

“CMX, with the support of its secured lender, will seek to reduce its obligations, strengthen its balance sheet and restructure its business while protecting its employees and emerging in a stronger and more viable long-term financial position to continue serving customers across the United States,” the release states.

The shortest offseason in sports belongs to the NBA, as things move very quickly following the end of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA Finals last weekend, with the draft taking place just three days later.

Another major milestone of the NBA offseason will be this weekend, as the Summer League will take place. A showcase for younger players to earn a place on the regular season roster, the Summer League is essential for any major NBA fan.

A major matchup on Saturday will be between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz. The Sixers had the No.3 overall pick, landing Baylor star VJ Edgecomb.

The Jazz had an amazing draft, landing Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. These three heavyweight first rounders going at it will be fun to watch.

Fans looking to watch the Sixers vs Jazz game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Sixers and Jazz tipoff this weekend:

When: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Where: Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Fans looking to watch the Sixers vs Jazz game can do so on Fubo, who’s offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Joey Chestnut is back in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this year, and if you want to bet on the competition, you can get $150 in bonus bets by signing up with our FanDuel promo code (no code required) and winning a $5 bet.

Let’s break down this FanDuel Sportsbook welcome offer and how to claim it by betting on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

FanDuel promo code at a glance

FanDuel promo code: How to claim the offer for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Can you claim this FanDuel Sportsbook promo faster than Joey Chestnut can eat 50 hot dogs? Yes you can! That’s how quick and easy it is to sign up by completing these steps:

1. Click any of the FanDuel promo code links or “Get Bonus” buttons on this page to go to the FanDuel sign-up page.
2. Click “Join Now,” select your state, and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account with your e-mail address, mobile number, and some other personal information to verify your identity.
3. Log in to your new account and deposit at least $5.
4. Bet at least $5 on the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest or any other betting market. Remember that you only get the bonus bets if you win your bet.
5. Collect $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours of your bet settling as a win.
6. Use your bonus bets within seven days (168 hours) of receiving them to avoid expiration.

FanDuel existing user promos

After signing up and claiming the FanDuel Sportsbook sign-up bonus, check out the promotions section for more promos available to existing users.

These promos won’t offer quite the same value as the welcome offer, but you can still get some nice perks like profit boosts, no-sweat bets, and more.

FanDuel updates its existing user promos almost daily, but here are some recent examples:

• Wimbledon profit boosts: Earlier this week, you could get a 30% profit boost on any 3+ leg parlay on Wimbledon matches, or a 50% profit boost for a 3+ leg same game parlay on a single match.
• Team USA No-Sweat Bets: Ahead of the July 2 match between USA and Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals, users could get a no-sweat bet token to use on any bet on the match.

Check the promo tab frequently to see if these offers or similar ones are still available.

How to use the FanDuel promo code for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

As a reminder, you will only get the $150 in bonus bets from this FanDuel Sportsbook sign-up bonus if you win your first bet.

There are no minimum odds for the qualifying wager, so the best strategy is to pick the safest bet you can find, which usually means the bet with the shortest odds.

Is there a safer bet than Joey Chestnut winning a record 17th mustard belt? Chestnut is a massive favorite at -1350, which means you will only win a measly $0.37 if you bet $5 for your qualifying wager. But that’s OK, because you will still get your $150 in bonus bets, and that’s all you should care about at this point.

It’s worth noting that you can only bet on the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, NC, NH, NJ, OR, WA, WY.

If you’re located in any other states, you can’t bet on this event, but you can look for some safe bets in tonight’s MLB action as an alternate way to claim this FanDuel sign-up bonus.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

The multi-Grammy award winning and Rock & Roll Hall-of Famer James Taylor is currently on his 2025 North American Summer tour and has an upcoming show scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Coca-Cola Amphitheatre in Birmingham, Alabama.

With his All-Star band and opening act Tiny Habits in tow, Taylor kicked off the highly anticipated tour in early May while in Phoenix, Arizona and currently, 18 stops are left on the 24-show tour.

How to score James Taylor 2025 North American Summer tour tickets

Despite tickets being on sale since early March, there’s still a chance to snag some quality tickets at great prices on Ticketmaster or other secondary market sites such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo and Seat Geek.

James Taylor Birmingham show tickets

Those looking to attend the upcoming Sept. 10 show in Birmingham can find the current ticket prices for the 7:30 p.m. show below.

Ticketmaster: Tickets start at $78.25 per person

Vivid Seats: Tickets start at $67 per person

StubHub: Tickets start at $69 per person

Viagogo: Tickets start at $67 per person

Seat Geek: Tickets start at $67 per person

James Taylor 2025 North American Summer tour dates

• July 4 – Lenox, Massachusetts – Tanglewood
• Aug. 21, 23, 24 – Vienna, Virginia – Wolf Trap
• Aug. 26 & 27 – Boston, Massachusetts – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
• Aug. 29 – Bridgeport, Connecticut – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
• Aug. 30 – Holmdel, New Jersey – PNC Bank Arts Center
• Sept. 1 – Richmond, Virginia – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
• Sept. 3 – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre
• Sept. 4 – Raleigh, North Carolina – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• Sept. 6 – Atlanta, Georgia – Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
• Sept. 8 – Simpsonville, South Carolina – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
• Sept. 10 – Birmingham, Alabama – Coca-Cola Amphitheatre
• Sept. 12 – Franklin, Tennessee – FirstBank Amphitheater
• Sept. 13 – Southaven, Mississippi – BankPlus Amphitheater
• Sept. 16 – Tulsa, Oklahoma – BOK Center
• Sept. 17 – Ft. Worth, Texas – Dickies Arena

This is a guest opinion column

“I didn’t know this was here.”

It’s a response I hear often, whether someone has just discovered a trail near their home or visited a state park for the first time in years. Capturing these moments and inviting locals in on Alabama’s outdoor secret is what we work toward at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Across the country, summer travel is trending local. More people are choosing close-to-home trips over long-distance getaways, opting for experiences that feel authentic, familiar and accessible. Families want trails and campgrounds they can reach without crossing state lines. Retirees are exploring new parks and rediscovering old ones. And in many cases, these places are far closer than people realize.

Public access doesn’t happen on its own. It takes planning, investment and ongoing maintenance. The work is often behind the scenes, but the impact is felt statewide.

In recent years, Alabama has made its largest investment in outdoor infrastructure in decades. More than $228 million is going into upgrades across all 21 Alabama State Parks. That includes new lodges, new trails, updated cabins and rebuilt campgrounds.

At Oak Mountain, the first full renovation in nearly 50 years wrapped this spring with upgraded electrical hookups, water lines, improved Wi-Fi, a playground and a new camp store. Gulf State Park is expanding its campground with more than 100 new luxury-style sites. At Cheaha, new lodging is under construction at the state’s highest point using locally harvested lumber.

These improvements are gaining national attention. Gulf State Park’s campground was recently named one of the best ten RV destinations in the country by USA TODAY readers. Its Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was voted the top recreational trail in the nation for the third year in a row. The park’s fishing pier and beach pavilion have also reopened following major renovations, making it one of Alabama’s most visited outdoor destinations.

In 2024, more than 5.4 million people visited our state parks. Cabins are booking months in advance. Glamping sites and new RV pads are drawing first-time visitors who may not have considered a state park until now.

And it’s not just parks. Through the Forever Wild Land Trust, more than 285,000 acres of public land have been protected across Alabama. These forests, river corridors and trail systems stretch from the Walls of Jericho in the northeast to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta in the south. Our job is not only to preserve these places, but also to make them accessible. That means building restrooms, improving signage, maintaining safe trailheads and expanding ADA-compliant features across the system.

Today, our parks and Forever Wild lands offer more than 400 miles of public trails. Coldwater Mountain continues to grow as a regional biking destination with 35 miles of singletrack. At Chewacla State Park and Rickwood Cavern State Park, new accessible playgrounds were recently completed as part of a broader effort to make our parks more welcoming to families.

We’re also expanding access to Alabama’s waterways. We’re proud to have more miles of navigable rivers than any other, but many communities have lacked dependable entry points. After hearing directly from residents, we launched a $56 million initiative to improve boating access. Recent projects include the renovated McCarty’s Ferry ramp on the Tombigbee River in South Alabama and McFarland Park in Florence.

In the Delta and along the Perdido River, we’ve added more than 170 miles of marked paddle trails. The Bartram Canoe Trail features floating campsites and ADA-accessible shelters that make overnight trips possible in one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.

All of this is part of a larger goal: to connect more Alabamians with the outdoor experiences around them. That’s the idea behind Alabama Tourism’s “Year of Alabama Trails” campaign. As part of the initiative, we’re highlighting 25 “Must-Tread” Trails for 2025. I encourage you to start with one. Hike to King’s Chair at Oak Mountain. Ride the Chief Ladiga Trail through Calhoun County or the Richard Martin Rail Trail in Elkmont. Take in the views along the Pinhoti Trail or explore a quiet stretch at Monte Sano. Then, invite someone to go with you next time.

These places belong to the people of Alabama. They don’t stay open or protected by default. They require care, upkeep and the belief that outdoor access should be part of everyday life, not just an occasional trip. We’re working to make that belief a reality. Every trail, campsite and launch point is part of that promise.

You don’t have to go far. You just have to go. And when you do, we’ll be ready for you.

Chris Blankenship, is commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, of Falkville, Alabama, was arrested and charged with capital murder of a Hartselle woman after a fatal shooting Friday morning.

He is currently being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond. Police say this was an isolated incident and there is no continuing threat to the public.

At about 9 a.m., the Hartselle Police Department responded to a report of a man armed with a firearm at a residence on Stage Road.

While officers were in route, dispatchers received information letting them know an argument was occurring at the residence, followed by the sound of gunfire.

Upon arrival, officers located a man in the front yard who was unarmed and fully cooperated with law enforcement.

The victim, Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, Alabama, was found deceased at the scene.

“The Hartselle Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Fox during this difficult time,” Hartselle Police Department said in a Facebook post.

This is a guest opinion column

Congress is busy debating proposed Medicaid work requirements, but the far bigger issue for middle-class families in Alabama and across the country is the runaway cost of healthcare in general.

Since 2000, the price of healthcare and coverage has roughly quadrupled, while overall inflation hasn’t even doubled. Even though 92% of Americans have health insurance, 41% have medical debt. A recent survey finds 38% of insured Americans skipped care over the last year due to cost concerns.

The solution to this healthcare cost crisis isn’t complicated: We need real, enforceable price transparency to protect us from overcharges and empower us to choose affordable care.

Consider my story. Last year, I had difficulty walking and was referred to a specialist for a leg muscle biopsy at a local doctor’s office. Despite my best efforts, no one could tell me the price. Since I thought I had good insurance, I went ahead with this outpatient procedure that took less than an hour. Thankfully, the results ruled out an untreatable neurological condition.

Then the bills arrived.

First, a $1,059 bill from the doctor who performed the biopsy. This seemed reasonable, so I set up a payment plan. But then, a much larger bill—$16,531—from UAB Hospital, which apparently owns the doctor’s office I visited.

Part of this bill was a $4,464 hospital facility fee, even though the procedure could have been conducted in my kitchen. It turns out that big hospitals have quietly been buying up doctors’ offices around the country so they can charge significantly higher prices.

There was also an egregious $8,030 charge for pathology.

My health insurance brought the hospital bill down to $3,122, so the total I owe out of pocket is $4,200. But I’m still left wondering: What’s the point in paying nearly $1,000 in monthly health insurance premiums if I’m left with such a large bill for a routine procedure?

While challenging this outrageous bill, I have gotten the typical runaround: Calls go unreturned, fake assurances that my bill is being investigated, and rehearsed, insincere responses. Despite assurances to the contrary from the hospital’s billing supervisor, my bill has been sent to collections, endangering my credit score.

Healthcare is the only industry where consumers are expected to make blind purchases. Imagine dining at a restaurant and not seeing prices until the check arrives. Why do we accept this opaque dynamic in healthcare?

Almost everyone I know has a similar healthcare billing horror story. My son-in-law recently paid a $450 estimate for an outpatient procedure in Atlanta. His final bill was $15,000 after his insurer refused to cover it.

Federal rules require hospitals and insurers to disclose actual prices, but enforcement is weak and compliance is poor. Hospitals and health insurers don’t follow the spirit of the law and post disclosures in massive files that are impossible to understand. I hold a master’s degree and spent decades working in HR. If I can’t understand this system, what chance does the average patient have?

In February, the Trump administration issued an executive order to strengthen price transparency rules to make them meaningful for patients. Florida’s Attorney General has recently opened an investigation into the predatory billing practices of state hospitals. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall should follow suit.

Price transparency works. In areas such as LASIK and cosmetic surgery, where prices are clearly posted and competition thrives, costs have decreased. Upfront prices can reverse runaway costs systemwide and make healthcare equitable, affordable, and accountable.

My health journey is far from over, and I will need to depend on this system in the years ahead. I currently need a colonoscopy but am putting it off because — despite my best efforts — I can’t get a reliable, upfront price. From now on, I want to know what I’m paying for—before the bill shows up. I just hope the cost is not my health.

Kerry Schrader, MBA, is a retired HR executive, entrepreneur, and resident of Hoover, AL.