Alabama News

Popular country music star and long-time American Idol judge Luke Bryan is currently on the road for his Country Song Came On Tour and has two upcoming Alabama shows, including one happening at the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham on Saturday, July 19.

Along with his ongoing Country Song Came On Tour that covers 30 stops across the country, Bryan is simultaneously still doing shows for his Farm Tour which kicked off its spring leg on May 15.

In addition to the pair of tours, Bryan is also set to make appearances at a few music festivals including the YQM Country Fest in Canada during August, the Country Calling Festival in Maryland during October, and the Crash My Playa Festival in Mexico during January.

Luke Bryan tour tickets

Those hoping to attend one of the remaining show dates Bryan has lined up for the year can find tickets available for purchase through Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo and Seat Geek.

Those looking to purchase tickets via Vivid Seats can enjoy $20 off a $200+ order by using code AL20.

Where to score last-minute Birmingham tickets

Those interested in attending the upcoming July 19 show at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater can find the current ticket prices available below.

Ticketmaster: Tickets start at $54.75 per person

Vivid Seats: Tickets start at $53 per person

StubHub: Tickets start at $53 per person

Viagogo: Tickets start at $51 per person

Seat Geek: Tickets start at $52 per person

In addition to the upcoming show scheduled for Birmingham, Bryan has another upcoming show in Alabama for his Country Song Came On Tour. The fan-favorite country music star will head to Huntsville, Alabama on Sept. 4 to perform at the Orion Amphitheater.

Where to score Huntsville tickets

Those interested in attending the Sept. 4 show can find the current ticket prices available below.

Ticketmaster: Tickets start at $63.20 per person

Vivid Seats: Tickets start at $62 per person

StubHub: Tickets start at $62 per person

Viagogo: Tickets start at $61 per person

Seat Geek: Tickets start at $62 per person

Luke Bryan tour schedule

• July 19 – Birmingham, Alabama – Coca-Cola Amphitheater
• July 24 – Cheyenne, Wyoming – Cheyenne Frontier Days
• July 26 – Minot, North Dakota – North Dakota State Fair
• July 31 – St. Louis, Minnesota – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
• Aug. 1 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Riverbend Music Center
• Aug. 2 – Burgettstown, Pennsylvania – The Pavilion at Star Lake
• Aug. 7 – Columbia, Maryland – Merriweather Post Pavilion
• Aug. 8 – Mansfield, Massachusetts – Xfinity Center
• Aug. 9 – Hartford, Connecticut – Xfinity Theatre
• Aug. 13 – Put In Bay, Ohio – Bash On The Bay
• Aug. 14 – Charleston, West Virginia – Charleston Coliseum
• Aug. 16 – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
• Aug. 23 – Dieppe, NB, Canada – YQM Country Fest
• Aug. 24 – Bangor, Maine – Maine Savings Amphitheater
• Aug. 28 – Noblesville, Indiana – Ruoff Music Center
• Aug. 30 – Buffalo, New York – Darien Lake Amphitheater
• Sept. 4 – Huntsville, Alabama – Orion Amphitheater
• Sept. 6 – Biloxi, Mississippi – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
• Sept. 11 – Lafayette, Louisiana – Cajundome
• Sept. 12 – Dallas, Texas – Dos Equis Pavilion
• Sept. 18 – Brooklyn, Wisconsin – Klondike Farms
• Sept. 19 – Prairie Grove, Illinois – Berning Family Farms
• Sept. 20 – Fowlerville, Michigan – Kubiak Farm
• Oct. 4 – Ocean City, Maryland – Country Calling Festival
• Jan. 15-18 – Riviera Cancun, Mexico – Crash My Playa

More than 67,000 cases of deodorant sold at major retailers are being recalled due to a manufacturing issue.

According to a notice from the FDA, Pennsylvania-based cosmetics brand A.P. Deauville has launched a recall for over 67,000 cases of “Power Fresh” deodorant, including:

• Scented Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant
• “Spring Fresh”-scented Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant

According to the report, the company issued the recall on July 10. The recalled deodorants were sold at Amazon, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. A full list of the deodorants and lot numbers are available here.

USA TODAY reports the company recalled the deodorants. CGMP deviations, which are deviations from established regulations outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-enforced Current Good Manufacturing Practices. According to the FDA, CGMP regulations are designed to provide “for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities.”

While A.P. Deauville didn’t offer a remedy for the recall, an FDA spokesperson told USA Today the agency recommends discarding the recalled products or returning them to the retailer where they were purchased.

Outside lawyer fees for Birmingham’s regional water board, long a source of scrutiny, could be dramatically reduced if the agency formed its own legal department, one board member proposed.

Board member Jarvis Patton Thursday evening detailed his proposal to hire a team of lawyers to create an in-house law department.

“A lot of your major organizations, big businesses, have law departments, and it cuts down tremendously on expenses,” said Patton, a board member from Birmingham. “Maybe we can cut back on some of the other expenses and let some of our other attorneys be free to have other things to do.”

The selection of lawyers and their hefty legal fees have long been the subject of contention by past board members and observers of the former Birmingham Water Works Board.

Now restructured and renamed Central Alabama Water, the new name has not erased old issues of high-dollar spending for lawyers.

The water works last fiscal year spent $1.7 million in legal fees from several attorneys and firms.

“We want to save more money and there are enough attorneys around town who are very capable of performing the task,” Patton said.

While Patton pressed for action now, the board members declined to act before the utility hires a CEO.

A three member committee will lead the process of searching for and hiring the utility’s first CEO. The CEO post will not replace the position of general manager, who current handles daily operations.

Just before his presentation, Patton questioned the board’s upcoming legal invoices, including $54,700 from Paden and Paden, one of its newly hired outside firms. Patton said continuing outside legal bills illustrate the need to have internal lawyers.

“We want to save more money and there are enough attorneys around town who are very capable of performing the task,” he said.

The water works has traditionally used one firm to lead the legal team of several other lawyers.

On the other side, other board members questioned $105,000 in non-lawyer professional service fees from the Birmingham Business Resource Center, a non-profit small business development agency hired by the former board to increase minority vendor participation at the water works.

The invoices were for three months of work in March, April and May. The agency’s contract with the utility ends in December.

Jeffrey Brumlow, a board member from Shelby County, who is also a lawyer, expressed support for an in-house attorney, but said there would remain a need for some outside legal services. He also defended Paden’s work and billing.

“I think we have got to have a CEO who can organize all that,” Brumlow said. “I’m not questioning the need at all, I’m just looking at the time to move forward.”

In the end, the board declined to move forward immediately on Patton’s recommendation.

“I like the idea,” Brumlow said. “I want to see the CEO appointed because I want to see the overall picture of everything that’s going on at the board to get a view on how to tackle it in a responsible way.”

Patton questioned the delay, reminding the board that it sets policy for the agency, no matter who is selected to lead its daily operation.

“It’s never too early to bring them on board,” he said. “Every month we’re going to spend a lot of money on attorney’s fees.”

The water works briefly had an in-house lawyer when the former board approved a long-term contract to make Mark Parnell, its longtime outside lawyer, the agency’s general counsel.

That vote was taken just a day before Governor Kay Ivey signed the law that changed the water works board’s composition and kicked the old board out of office.

The new regional board later unanimously voted to cancel the contract and ended its relationship with Parnell. Brumlow led the effort to terminate him.

In Parnell’s place, the board hired three outside firms, Porter, Porter and Hassenger, Paden and Paden and attorney Reginald D. McDaniel.

The water works now pay those new lawyers hundreds of dollars per hour, for each of the attorneys handling the utility’s business.

The utility pays $400 an hour for Jim Porter and $300 an hour for an associate. Lawyers for Paden and Paden, led by former Bessemer city attorney Shan Paden, will also be paid $400 an hour. McDaniel also will receive $400 an hour.

A 31-year-old man was killed in a crash during a police chase in Tuscaloosa.

Authorities on Friday identified the man as Jaylen Reed. He lived in Aliceville.

The incident began at 7 p.m. Thursday when a Tuscaloosa police officer attempted to stop a driver – later identified as Reed – for several traffic violations on Cousette Street near the Interstate 359 overpass

Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said the driver immediately fled at a high rate of speed, crossed through several intersections, left the roadway and struck a ditch and culvert near Tamko Building Products.

Reed was found unresponsive. He received medical aid on the scene and then was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center where he later died.

No other vehicle were struck or involved in the crash.

Kennedy said multiple witnesses and sources of video were obtained.

The time from the patrol unit activating its lights to initiate the stop until the crash was less than 30 seconds, Kennedy said.

He said Reed had multiple active felony warrants.

Since the fatal crash involved the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Violent Crimes Unit was called out to handle the investigation.

Investigators and supervisors not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department will be conducting the investigation, along with the assistance of the Northport Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit.

It’s officially talkin’ season in Huntsville.

Athletes and coaches from across Madison County are set to represent their teams at the north Alabama high school football media day on Monday, presented by 97.7 ESPN The Zone.

All 17 schools in Madison County that have AHSAA football teams will be in attendance, which includes each team’s head coach and two selected players.

Fans can listen live on 97.7 ESPN The Zone or watch all the interviews on wzznTV, the station’s YouTube page.

Here’s who will be in attendance on Monday for the unofficial kickoff of high school football season:

SESSION 1

Bob Jones

Coach Kelvis White

Tyler Karl

Kaleb Christopher

Mae Jemison

Coach Rico White

Hezekiah Harris

Darius Stewart

Huntsville

Coach Jimmy Gay

Davis Shumaker

Ben Watson

Grissom

Coach Preston Judan

Semaj Gurley

Ken’Yonne Johnson

Buckhorn

Coach David Green

Ian Harrell

Dave Sinegal

Hazel Green

Coach Fred Farrier

Gavin Jordan

Xavier Thompson

Madison County

Coach Chris Hancock

Cole Mullins

Keonta Hill

Columbia

Coach Sammie Coates

Tremayne Allen

Hakim Dunnigan

SESSION 2

Whitesburg Christian

Coach Jere Adcock

Aiden Cook

Graeme Williams

New Hope

Coach Michael Harper

Lucas Terry

Layton Pohl

Sparkman

Coach Ronnie Watson

Blake Battle

Jaidyn Johnson

Randolph

Coach David Lloyd

Bradford Hall

George Newman

Westminster Christian

Coach Louis LeBlanc

Houston Scott

Carson Tinsley

Madison Academy

Coach Bob Godsey

Ajay Seaton

Danny McCauley

Lee-Huntsville

Coach Antonio Ford

Vernell De’Vries

John C. Jordan

James Clemens

Coach Juan Johnson

Alex Lively

Mason Rose

St. John Paul II

Coach Kevin Creehan

Joey Ross

Mark Andrzejewski

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala. joined other legislators this week in demanding President Donald Trump release $6.8 billion in educational funds Congress has appropriated for programs in the 2025-2026 school year.

“The letter requests that the administration implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year,” reads a recent release from Britt’s office.

“This legislation contains critical funding that states rely on to help students, families, and local economies.”

Under the Fiscal Year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, Congress appropriated funds for Title II-A grants for effective educator instruction, Title IV-B grants for after-school programs, Title IV-A grants for student support, Title III-A funding for English Language Acquisition, Title I-C funding for Migrant Education and grants for adult education.

The Office of Management and Budget told ABC News this week that funds were currently being withheld from programs that “grossly misused” government dollars to promote a “radical leftwing agenda.”

The funds were supposed to be released to school districts on July 1, and as a result of Trump’s decision, Alabama schools are currently missing $89.9 million in anticipated federal funding, according to the Learning Policy Institute.

This accounts for 13.4 percent of the total Department of Education funding for the state’s K-12 schools.

“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the letter, signed by Britt and nine other senators, reads.

“This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families.”

“Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families,” it continues.

U.S. Sens. John Boozman, R-Arkansas; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Deb Fischer, R-Nebraska; John Hoeven, R-North Dakota; Jim Justice, R-West Virginia; Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky; Lisa Murkowski, R-Arkansas; and Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, also signed on to the letter.

Two dozen states on Monday also sued Trump’s administration for withholding the funds, alleging that the move violates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires any executive withholdings of budget authority to be reviewed by Congress.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with you [Vought] and Secretary McMahon to ensure that all federal education funding goes toward programs that help states and school districts provide students an excellent education,” the letter, addressed to OMB Director Russell Vought, reads.

“We want to see students in our states and across the country thrive, whether they are adult learners, students who speak English as a second language, or students who need after-school care so that their parents can work. We believe you share the same goal.”

U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, signed a similar letter this week drafted by House Democrats demanding that the OMB release the “illegally withheld, Congressionally-appropriated federal funding.”

While Sewell and other Democratic lawmakers have often been at odds with the current Republican majority, Britt’s actions this week have surprised many of her constituents, according to social media comments.

In addition to her efforts to obtain the state’s education funds contrary to Trump’s decision, Britt has also supported calls for the Department of Justice to release “everything they have” on billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged clients who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him.

Trump on Wednesday lashed out at supporters asking for the release of the files, calling them “weaklings,” and saying that he no longer wanted their support.

Many Alabama students will have to part with cellphones and electronic devices during the school day, thanks to a new state law, the FOCUS Act.

Alabama parents and AL.com readers weighed in on the changes with plenty of questions, especially about how schools will manage communication with families during an emergency.

“I feel like with all of the craziness that happens now, all kids should be allowed to have their phone on them at all times,” Brandi Edmiston commented in response to an AL.com question on Facebook. “However, it should only be visible in emergency-type situations or suspension should take place. No videoing fights, teachers, making reels or Tik-Toks, etc.”

Students will only be able to use devices at school if:

• They are eligible for accommodations through an individualized education, health or 504 plan
• The device is needed for learning purposes and they are under the supervision of school staff
• There is an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person

Unless a student qualifies for an exemption or a teacher authorizes use of a device, prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: Cellphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches.

School officials say that if an emergency occurs, families should first look for any messaging from the district and law enforcement. If needed, parents can contact the school office or send an email to the student’s school email address. Some districts are adjusting emergency procedures to ensure parents are more quickly alerted in the event of a threat.

What are parents saying about the FOCUS Act?

AL.com asked Facebook readers what they thought of the new law, and we received more than 100 comments.

“I personally think it’s a good idea,” Sean Raymond said. “However, in the past I have gone to school with my kids and in some classes the teachers were on their phones more than the students. They are going to have a hard time enforcing this if the teachers are also going to be distracted by devices.”

Kristi Johnson echoed Raymond’s comments about banning teachers from using cell phones and had a recommendation on where cell phones should be kept.

“There should be a container or basket that they put their phones in while in class,” Johnson said. “Then get them back when class is over. With school shootings happening at schools, kids need to be able to reach out to their parents.”

James Moton said, “We never had a cell phone going to school and we’re still alive. If you needed a phone you’d go to the principal’s office.”

Alanna Stanley Lawler said the “law is completely useless” because students and teachers “use Chromebooks all day.”

“The schools have the kids working on so many standardized ‘learning’ programs, actual teaching has taken a backseat. Go back to having students take notes on what they hear instead of the teacher posting them,” Lawler said.

Students will be able to use Chromebooks, laptops and other devices if authorized by a teacher to do schoolwork or homework.

Some parents also noted that their students find music useful while doing homework.

“My student gets distracted easily b what’s going on around them and being allowed to have music in one ear during work time when instruction wasn’t happening helped her stay on track,” Katrina Steddum said.

Alabama school districts also are implementing changes to the high school diploma process, new funding for certain student groups and new benefits for teachers and educators.

AL.com today begins its list of top high school volleyball teams and players in AISA and each of the seven AHSAA classes.

State champions and traditional powers are prominent among the elite of each class with familiar programs dominating.

Volleyball practice starts on Aug. 4 and the first matches will be played on Aug. 21.

See who the AL.com sports staff picked as the top contenders in AHSAA Class 1A and AISA.

CLASS 1A

Championship contenders

Spring Garden has won the past two state championships and reached the semifinal in 2022 along with Class 2A semifinal appearances in 2019 and 2020. The Panthers lost Class 1A Player of the Year Ace Austin to Alabama basketball, but coach Ricky Austin always puts a great team on the floor.

Addison is the king of small-school volleyball, winning 14 championships in either Class 1A or Class 2A and won its last title in 2022. Expect the Bulldogs to make another strong run for the title.

University Charter has advanced to the Elite 8 each of the past three years since playing its first varsity season in 2020. The Trailblazers won to the title match each of the past two seasons and earned their first Elite 8 appearance in 2022.

Teams to watch (A-Z)

Athens Bible

Brantley

Cullman Christian

Faith Christian

Hackleburg

Ider

Kinston

Lynn

Meek

Players to watch

Ava Bartlett, Addison, Jr., Middle

Avery Brunson, Brantley, Sr., Middle

Lola Dixon, University Charter, Jr., Setter/RS

Madelyn Egbert, University Charter, Jr., Libero

Alex Grimes, Brantley, Jr., Middle

Montana Highfield, Spring Garden, Sr., Middle

Mattie Johnson, Addison, Sr., Middle

Aubrey Kelley, Spring Garden, So., OH

Marley Kilcrease, Brantley, Jr., Setter

Jaden McGee, Maplesville, Sr., OH

Emory Pezent, University Charter, Sr., Setter/RS

Annabeth Powell, Addison, So., OH

Gracie Rhoades, Kinston, Jr., OH

Addie Smith, Spring Garden, So., Setter

Allyx Williamson, Kinston, Jr., OH

Maddie Williamson, Kinston, Sr., Middle

Tishona Young, Sweet Water, Sr., OH

AISA

Championship contenders

Macon East (A)

Coosa Valley (A)

Edgewood (AA)

Clarke Prep (AA)

Hooper (AA)

Teams to watch (A-Z)

Class A

Abbeville Christian

South Choctaw

Class AA

Fort Dale

Lowndes

Morgan Academy

Southern Academy

Players to watch

Emily Aeschliman, Fort Dale, Sr., DS

Baylie Barrett, Edgewood, Jr., OH

Libby Bressler, Hooper, Sr., Setter

Henlee Garvin, Hooper, Sr., OH/Middle

Bentley Graham, Macon East, So., RS

Ceilla Gregory, Fort Dale, Sr., Middle

Amelia Hall, Fort Dale, Jr., Libero

Katelyn Keef, Cornerstone Christian, Sr., OH

AC Kelley, Edgewood, Sr., Middle

Emma Paul, Clarke Prep, Sr., OH

Bella Phillips, Cornerstone Christian, Sr., DS

Jamya Powell, Macon East, Sr., OH/Middle

Mollie Ross, Macon East, Sr., OH

Maggie Taylor, Clarke Prep, Sr., Setter/Libero

Kinsley Shipp, Fort Dale, Sr., OH

Brittany Stockman, Clarke Prep, Jr., Middle

Spain plays against Switzerland in the Women’s EURO quarterfinals today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

Spain ended the group stage with a 3-0-0 record, and they had a +11 goal differential. In their most recent game, Spain defeated Italy 3-1.

In order to win today’s game, Spain will need to rely on their star player Esther Gonzalez. She leads the team with four goals at the tournament, so she will try to continue her offensive success this afternoon.

Notably, Alexia Putellas is the second-leading scorer for Spain with three goals.

Switzerland ended the group stage with a 1-1-1 record, which helped them secure second place. In their most recent game, Switzerland tied 1-1 with Finland.

In order to win the quarterfinal game, Switzerland will need a great performance from their star player Geraldine Reuteler. She leads the team with one goal and one assist, so she will try to continue her great play this afternoon.

Fans can watch the Women’s EURO quarterfinals for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Talons and Bandits will square off in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Championship at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa on July 26-28.

The Bandits beat the Volts 8-7 on Thursday night in Round Rock, Texas, to secure a spot in the best-of-three championship series four days after the Talons had qualified to play for the league’s first title.

The AUSL Championship will be a homecoming for Montana Fouts, a former Alabama All-American who pitches for the Talons.

The first-time softball circuit has four teams – the Bandits, Blaze, Talons and Volts – that are barnstorming through 24 games apiece in the league’s first season. The schedule has included stops in Rosemont, Illinois; Wichita, Kansas; Sulphur, Louisiana; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Norman, Oklahoma; Omaha, Nebraska; Seattle and Salt Lake City as well as Round Rock.

The Volts and Talons have a two-game, regular-season series set for Tuscaloosa on Tuesday and Wednesday. Crimson Tide alumnus Kelly Kretschman is the coach of the Volts.

Athletes Unlimited plans to give each team a permanent home with city-based franchises in the 2026 season after taking its game on a season-long road trip in 2025.

The Talons have a 16-4 record, and the Bandits own at 12-7 mark.

The AUSL Championship starts at 2 p.m. CDT July 26. Game 2 is set for 1 p.m. July 27. If needed, Game 3 will be played at 6 p.m. July 28. ESPN will televise the championship series from Rhoads Stadium.

Fouts has a 1-1 record with a 2.80 earned-run average in seven games, with three starts, in 2025. She has 16 strikeouts in 20 innings.

The Talons put Fouts on the injured list on June 20, and she returned to the active roster on Sunday. The Talons have used five pitchers this season, and all have started and relieved.

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