Alabama News

Three of the private attorneys representing Alabama’s prison system have been publicly reprimanded by a federal judge for using fake legal citations.

The scathing order said lawyers Matthew Reeves, William Cranford and William Lunsford filed court records with citations that were “hallucinations” from Chat GPT, the popular generative artificial intelligence app.

“In simpler terms, the citations were completely made up,” wrote U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco on Wednesday.

The judge publicly reprimanded the lawyers and kicked them off the case, where they were representing the Alabama Department of Corrections over an inmate’s lawsuit. The lawyers will still be allowed to represent the prison system in other cases, including the lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice in 2020, although Reeves withdrew from that case several months ago.

She ordered the lawyers to provide a copy of the sanctions order to all of their clients, opposing lawyers, and judges in every case they’re working on. They were also ordered to give the order to every attorney in their law office, Butler Snow, a prestigious national law firm. The three lawyers sanctioned work in the Huntsville office.

Wednesday’s sanctions order will also be published in a federal legal publication.

“Fabricating legal authority is serious misconduct that demands a serious sanction,” wrote Manasco in her order on Wednesday. “In the court’s view, it demands substantially greater accountability than the reprimands and modest fines that have become common as courts confront this form of AI misuse.”

She also slammed the Alabama Department of Corrections for continuing to employ the attorneys. “And in any event, they have little effect when the lawyer’s client (here, an Alabama government agency) learns of the attorney’s misconduct and continues to retain him.”

Lunsford has represented the prison system for over two decades and has been designated a deputy Alabama Attorney General. The state has paid him $42 million for his services since 2020, according to state records, and is slated to pay out more.

The fake citations were used in a case that was originally filed in 2021 by an inmate at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer. The inmate was stabbed multiple times in 2019 and 2020, according to his lawsuit.

The fake citations first came to light in May when an attorney for the inmate filed a motion questioning the references. At the time, Manasco tried to do her own searches for the citations but couldn’t find them. She ordered the Butler Snow attorneys to show why they shouldn’t be punished “for making false statements of fact or law to the court.”

In a filing on May 19, Lunsford explained what happened. “In short,” he explained, “attorney Matt Reeves used ChatGPT to obtain case citations in support of two arguments made in the motions at issue without verifying their accuracy, and those citations proved to be false.”

Lunsford said his team “deeply regret(s)” the mistake.

“It is unacceptable, embarrassing, and does not reflect the high regard we have for the Court, the judicial system, and all parties and counsel of record. We sincerely apologize to everyone involved.”

The judge said lawyers at Butler Snow should have known better, and she would be sending the issue to the Alabama State Bar.

“Even in cases like this one, where lawyers who cite AI hallucinations accept responsibility and apologize profusely, much damage is done,” wrote Manasco.

“This is recklessness in the extreme, and it is tantamount to bad faith,” she added.

Lunsford told the judge that the AI use was a “lapse in judgment, and we will do everything within our power to make sure it never happens again.”

In a declaration Lunsford submitted, he said the made up citations “do not reflect the nature or quality of work that I have worked for decades to ensure that every client receives.”

Lunsford has long represented the prison system, including in the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in 2020 over unconstitutional prison conditions and the excessive sexual and physical violence that happens inside.

Lunsford said the ChatGPT incident included “terrible decisions that led to an erroneous filing. We will ensure that this never occurs again.”

He said that when the motion with the fake citations was written in May, he was looped in via email from the two other lawyers on the case—but at the time, he said, he was inside a prison with “limited cell connectivity.” The other lawyers, Reeves and Cranford, filed the motion without his input.

Lunsford said he wasn’t aware of any of the attorneys in the firm using AI to prepare legal filings.

In his declaration, Reeves admitted the error. “In my haste to finalize the motions and get them filed, I failed to verify the case citations returned by ChatGPT through independent review in Westlaw or PACER before including them,” in their motion.

“I sincerely regret this lapse in diligence and judgment. I take full responsibility,” he said. “I relied on the AI-generated output without confirming that the citations were valid and applicable.”

“From this point forward, I will take whatever time necessary to ensure a thorough review of all filings for citation accuracy and reliability. I will never cite to legal authority without verifying its accuracy (with or without artificial intelligence), as has been my practice prior to these events.”

In her Wednesday order, the judge explained why she thought hefty sanctions were necessary. “As a practical matter, time is telling us – quickly and loudly – that (fines) are insufficient deterrents. In principle, they do not account for the danger that fake citations pose for the fair administration of justice and the integrity of the judicial system.”

In a declaration submitted in court records last month, Lunsford said he has never used any publicly accessible AI, including ChatGPT. In Cranford’s declaration, he said he had never used any publicly available AI, either.

In his declaration, Reeves said he’s never used Chat GPT for legal filings, except in this instance. He said after a court hearing on the issue, he’s been in talks with the University of Alabama’s law school professors to create a program to teach students on the risks of AI.

Butler Snow, the firm where the three reprimanded lawyers work, did a review of their other cases to make sure there were no other AI-generated citations or other issues. The firm reviewed 52 federal court cases, according to the judge’s order, and didn’t find any similar problems.

The firm also asked an independent group to do their own evaluation, and the group didn’t find any similar issues, either. Butler Snow incurred that cost, and didn’t bill the state.

As for Lunsford, the only attorney of the three to have a special deputy Alabama Attorney General designation, Manasco wrote:

“To be clear, the court’s finding in this regard is not simply a harsh inference: when it became apparent that multiple motions with his name in the signature block contained fabricated citations, Mr. Lunsford’s nearly immediate response was to try to skip the show cause hearing and leave the mess for someone else. And when the court compelled him to appear at the hearing, he paired his apology with an explanation in greater fullness of how very little work he personally puts in to be sure that his team’s motions tell the truth.”

“This cannot be how litigators, particularly seasoned ones, practice in federal court or run their teams.”

JD Vance took to social media to call Hulk Hogan a “great American icon” as news broke of the WWE legend dying Thursday at the age of 71.

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” the Vice President of the United States posted on X. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Some of the biggest names is wrestling paid tribute on social media to the iconic wrestler.

Donald Trump Jr. also posted a tribute, calling Hogan a “legend.”

Hogan, also reality TV star, endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024 at the Republican National Convention for the presidential bid. In the 1980s, Trump had hosted WrestleManias featuring Hogan.

Hogan had said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

Nespresso, Breville and Target’s Hearth & Hand with Magnolia brand have all come together to create the most stylish Nespresso machine to date, and now it’s on sale just in time for back-to-school season.

Originally priced at $170, Target customers can get the black and white Nespresso VertuoPlus for just $118.99, a $51 discount overall. You’ll also get a free complimentary 12-pack of espresso pods in various flavors with this purchase.

RELATED: Walmart’s Blackstone Adventure Ready Griddle is on sale for only $124

According to Target, the Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia makes both coffee and espresso in a variety of sizes: 5-ounce and 8-ounce coffees, and single and double espresso shots. You can also pour over ice to create your favorite iced coffee drinks.

“The Nespresso VertuoPlus single-serve coffee maker and espresso machine brews four single-serve cup sizes just with the touch of a button. Each machine includes a complimentary welcome set with a range of Nespresso Vertuo capsules with unique aroma profiles,” Target’s product details state.

“Additional features include: an adjustable tray, large 40-ounce water reservoir, machine automatically ejects capsules after brewing; holds up to 10 used capsules, heat up time of only 15-20 seconds and energy-saving automatic shutoff after nine minutes of inactivity.”

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is a Target-exclusive brand by Joanna Gaines. The home goods brand often collaborates with other popular brands such as Nespresso, KitchenAid, Owala and Stanley for unique, fun products only available at Target.

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Target’s website.

A new investment in a Mobile airport facility could represent an important puzzle piece of the city’s aerospace future.

This week, the Mobile Airport Authority discussed a company’s plan not just to rent a World War II-era hangar, but to invest in “significant improvements.” The company likely will put $2 million to $2.5 million into the facility, which it will then rent to as-yet unidentified new tenants.

What makes the deal special is that the property involved isn’t at the Brookley Aeroplex, a site strongly associated with the 1940s war effort. It’s on the campus of Mobile Regional Airport in west Mobile.

The airport authority is building a new international terminal at Brookley Field, which is much closer to downtown and which provides far better interstate access for travelers. Upon its completion – currently projected for fall 2026 – commercial passenger traffic will shift from west Mobile to Brookley.

While backers say the swap will make Mobile much more competitive with other airports in the region, it does raise the question of how the potential of the west Mobile airfield will be used once passenger planes start flying into Brookley.

To have an outside company like Florida-based PPK Investment Group already booking space at Regional is “really exciting,” said Luckett Robinson, leader of the Mobile Airport Authority board. It also addresses a challenge he’s discussed with Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, he said.

“As chairman of the board, that is one of the things that I’ve told Sandy is going to be a big job in the next five years,” he said. “And that is reworking Regional for noncommercial aircraft uses. I mean, we’ve got our fixed base operations out there, we’ve got the Coast Guard out there, we have Airbus [Airbus U.S. Military Aircraft] out there, but we will need to find a lot more of those kinds of entities to relocate there.

“The good news is, there aren’t a lot of big airports like that, that have the real estate to really develop.”

“For us it was really exciting that a company like PPK was interested in this site,” continued Robinson. “I look at it as one of the first steps in bringing those kinds of important businesses to Regional. The airport authority, we have two missions. The first mission is to provide commercial air service to the greater South Alabama area. But our second mission is to become the leading aeronautical business hub in the United States. Airbus has propelled us rapidly to achieving that mission. But we’ve got to do it at both airports and you know, it’s exciting that PPK was interested in the other airport.”

The hangar in question isn’t as big as the cavernous Brookley facilities that Steven Spielberg once rented to film parts of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” It sits to the southeast of Regional’s runways. Passersby on Airport Boulevard might catch a glimpse of it behind a city fire station adjacent to the airfield. Robinson said it’s in the ballpark of 24,000 square feet. But it comes with key amenities such as ramp connections to the runways and plenty of aircraft parking space.

He said that at the height of the WWII effort, air traffic was so heavy at Brookley that some operations, such as training flights and some commercial flights, were pushed to what was then known as Bates Field. The hangar at Regional is a remnant of those days.

Robinson said the board authorized him to finalize and sign the lease deal at a meeting on Tuesday. He said he expects PPK to move quickly to start renovations. A timeline for their completion and the arrival of PPK’s first sublease tenant wasn’t yet definite, he said.

A rendering provided by Robinson shows the hangar bearing the logo of AirBOSS Hangars, a company that offers leases on corporate hangars and aircraft maintenance facilities.

Meanwhile, Robinson said, “we have more interest in Brookley than we probably have space.”

He attended the Paris Air Show earlier this year along with other Mobile Airport Authority personnel and city representatives, part of a larger Alabama delegation.

Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE wrestler known for his mustache and ability to shred T-shirts and opponents, died Thursday at the age of 71.

In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Support on social media for Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was immediate for perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history.

“I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan,” Ric Flair posted. “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2 percent chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. No one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend!”

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the WWE statement read. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

“He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.”

“Say what you want about Hulk Hogan, but his impact on pro wrestling is undeniable,” Tony Shiavone posted. “RIP Hulkster. The end of an era.”

Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

The last 10 years of Alabama music isn’t just defined by its biggest stars. Yes, several artists from here — including Jason Isbell, Waxahatchee, Flo Milli, Yung Bleu, Brittany Howard, Red Clay Strays and Jessie Murph — have found big audiences.

But less commercially successful bands and solo acts are also a big part of our state’s soundtrack.

Below are 25 great songs released since 2015 you may have missed by Alabama musicians. Of course, there are many more. This is just for starters. Can’t wait to hear all the great music coming out of Alabama the next 10 years.

“All Of Me” Billy Allen + The Pollies (2025)

Shoals-based quintet and (Netflix soundtrackers) wield fuzz-blues meets indie-R&B bliss .

“Drag” Bleaker (2019)

Defunct, North Alabama founded duo Bleaker wrapped fire-bomb subversion in radio-kiss melody.

“Appreciate Life” Shaheed and DJ Supreme (2023)

Elite conscious rap by long-running Birmingham duo Shaheed and DJ Supreme.

“When the Trumpet Sounds” The Underhill Family Orchestra (2018)

A welcome swampy take on indie-folk from Mobile.

“Flower in a Drought” Taylor Hunnicutt (2018)

Birmingham country rocker’s bluesy vocals can be a kiss or a fist and induce chills on the regular.

“Trix” Offchain (2023)

Huntsville-via-Decatur hard-rock band Offchain, formerly known as 53 Judges, sound like some lost album by Slash and Scott Weiland led supergroup Velvet Revolver.

“A Bad Hand” Them Dirty Roses (2024)

Nashville-via-Gadsden band Them Dirty Roses do beer-drinking and hell-raising Southern rock right.

“There You Are” Watch the Duck (2018)

Montgomery natives Jesse Rankins and Eddie Smith turned Pharrell Williams signed duo Watch The Duck crafted poppy R&B with hot-sauce swagger.

“Heavy Rubber Gloves” Hollywood Horses (2019)

If Go-Go’s vinyl melted onto a Breeders CD, now-defunct Birmingham band Hollywood Horses was what you’d get. Every song off their debut album “Funny Sexy Cool” is killer.

“Ebb & Flow” Victoria Jones (2019)

Intimate R&B lounge ballad from Huntsville singer/songwriter Victoria Jones.

“(In Remembrance of the) 40-Hour Week” Lee Bains & The Glory Fires (2022)

Birmingham-founded band’s “40-Hour Week” is “Street Fighting Man” via Springsteen, if The Boss was from Bama instead of Jersey.

“Let It All Go” LuQuire (2025)

During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Tuscaloosa band Storm Orphans’ “Southern Soundgarden” sound made them hard-rock contenders. This year, Storm Orphans frontman Rusty LuQuire rebooted as a mononymous solo artist, releasing the sparkling country-soul single “Let It All Go.”

“FLEX sum” Mr. 88 (2017)

Vibrant, indie-tinged hip-hop by Mobile rapper Mr. 88.

“Cautionary Tale” Dylan LeBlanc (2016)

Shoals native Dylan LeBlanc’s mesmerizing vocals curl around strings-swept folk-pop.

“Wherever You Go” Dee White (2018)

Slapout, Alabama native Dee White’s silky vocals are a natural wonder. As heard on songs like “Wherever You Go,” his classic country music instincts, with production by Black Keys’ frontman Dan Auerbach, are right on, too.

“Twisted Blanket” Rob Aldridge & The Proponents (2022)

Tom Petty meets Replacements awesomeness from Shoals/Huntsville rockers Rob Aldridge & The Proponents, featuring former Drive-By Truckers guitarist Rob Malone and dearly departed local legend Stone Anderson on bass.

“In Love With The Memories” Bailey Ingle (2019)

Hoover singer/songwriter Bailey Ingle displayed radio-country talent on “In Love With The Memories.”

“First Song” Caroline Says (2018)

Huntsville native and watercolor-pop auteur Caroline Sallee, who records and performs as Caroline Says, is blog famous but she deserves wider acclaim.

“New Eyes” CBDB (2017)

Before going on hiatus in 2022, these Tuscaloosa jam-band tried on Afrobeat-spiked-reggae with their song “New Eyes.”

“Faithful” King Kwofi (2019)

Huntsville hip-hop with a jazz soul.

“Pills ‘n’ Paper” B.B. Palmer (2019)

Stoned balladry from Lee County outlaw-country singer B.B. Palmer.

“Talking to Yourself” Wanda Band (2020)

Fronted by Huntsville native Wanda Wesolowski, the Wanda Band’s top-shelf alt-rock’s wheelhouse for fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Snail Mail.

“Something To Do” Camacho (2022)

Dramatic alt-rock from Huntsville that takes cues from the likes of Smashing Pumpkins and Queen.

“The Deal” The Mulligan Brothers (2018)

Mobile band’s gypsy-jazz and parlor-music touches differentiated them from the 2010s Americana masses.

“Errol Flynn” Donnie Fritts (2015)

A bittersweet showbiz story-song, masterfully crooned by the late Donnie Fritts, a Muscle Shoals treasure.

The global pop sensation Renee Rap is gearing up to kick off her 2025 fall Bite Me tour Sept. 23 at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.

The upcoming Bite Me tour includes 17 shows taking place around the country in some of the biggest cities such as New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Portland, Atlanta, Tampa and more.

Joining Rapp for select days of the tour are fellow musicians Ravyn Lenae and Syd.

Rapp’s upcoming headline tour, including dates spanning Sept. and Oct., will follow her upcoming “Bite Me” album release, which is set to hit music streaming platforms Friday, Aug. 1.

Rapp’s upcoming album release is her highly anticipated second studio album, and so far, two songs included on the Aug. album have released on music streaming platforms including “Mad” and “Leave Me Alone,” both accompanied with official music videos.

Renee Rapp Bite Me tickets

Though presale for the upcoming Bite Me tour went on sale back in June, general sale tickets are still available for purchase through sites such as 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.

Renee Rapp Bite Me tour dates

• Sept. 23 – Morrison, Colorado – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Sept. 25 – Rosemont, Illinois – Allstate Arena
• Sept. 27 – Sterling Heights, Michigan – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
• Sept. 29 – New York, New York – Madison Square Garden
• Oct. 1 – Brooklyn, New York – Barclays Center
• Oct. 2 – Boston Massachusetts – TD Garden
• Oct. 6 – Columbia, Maryland – Merriweather Post Pavilion
• Oct. 8 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
• Oct. 10 – Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Armory
• Oct. 13 – Portland, Oregon – Theater of the Clouds
• Oct. 15 – San Francisco, California – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
• Oct. 17 – Inglewood, California – Kia Forum
• Oct. 22 – Austin, Texas – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
• Oct. 23 – Irving, Texas – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
• Oct. 26 – Atlanta, Georgia – State Farm Arena
• Oct. 27 – Tampa, Florida – Yuengling Center
• Oct. 29 – Charlotte, North Carolina – Spectrum Center

Walmart’s uhomepro 32″ Wood‑Burning Fire Pit is on sale at a major discount this week, and you don’t want to miss it. This stylish steel fire pit serves multiple purposes as it comes with comes with a grilling net, ice tray, food clip and waterproof cover. And, at more than 50% off, this deal won’t last long.

Originally priced at $170, you can now get the uhomepro Fire Pit for only $79 with this limited time Walmart deal. This is a $91 discount overall on a multi-functional outdoor essential that works as a fire pit, ice bucket and more. Free shipping is also included for both regular customers and Walmart+ members.

RELATED: Walmart’s $500 E-Scooter is on sale for $200 this week

The uhomepro Wood Burning Fire Pit notably comes with accessories such as a BBQ net, a white ice tray, a food clip and a waterproof cover, allowing it to be used as a grill or an ice bucket in addition to a fire pit.

Measured at 32-inches, this fire pit is constructed from durable metal with a high-temperature paint finish for added heat resistance. It also features a faux stone line design and a sturdy steel frame with four metal legs. Safety features include a mesh screen lid to prevent sparks and a poker for tending the fire and removing the lid.

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Walmart’s website.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory at 11:22 a.m. on Thursday in effect until 2:30 p.m. for Baldwin County.

The weather service states, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the weather service for your safety

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

Swift evacuation for your safety:

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

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

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

Seek higher ground when trapped:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

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:

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

Maintain safe driving distances:

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

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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

Prioritize visibility:

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

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
• If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Some Alabama school districts are asking students not to bring cellphones, Stanley cups, Crocs and more to campus.

Every district in the state is updating electronic device policies in response to a new state law. Some schools will have strict discipline for students who violate rules: Butler County will give students 10 days of in-school suspension for a first offense if students use cellphones or a vape.

According to the district’s new policy, “cellphone or similar device is prohibited in the school between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Local schools will determine how digital devices are stored during the school day.”

On a third offense, a student may be expelled.

“I agree the kids most definitely shouldn’t have their phones out during class but I feel likethe punishment definitely doesn’t fit the crime here,” Shauna Brooks commented on Facebook.

As students begin class next month, schools are trying to get the word out about new rules around vaping, backpacks and discipline. Some of the items now restricted in certain schools include:

• Cellphones, or any digital devices, outside of authorized school use
• Non-clear, insulated water bottles like Stanley cups
• Non-clear backbacks
• Crocs, flip-flops or sandals

Many parents have questions about how communications will work during an emergency if student phones are locked up.

“My son has never gotten in trouble about his phone because he doesn’t take it out nor use it but he keeps it with him,” said Tonya Castleberry. “If you can 110% guarantee me that there will not be a school shooting then by all means he can leave it at home.”

“I’m just curious, do these new rules apply to teachers as well?” June Brooks asked.

Alabama’s law allows students to use devices in certain situations, including during an emergency and if a teacher authorizes a device for schoolwork.

Birmingham City Schools will use Yondr pouches at certain locations, including Wenonah High School, Woodlawn High School, Jones Valley Middle School, and Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School, and ask students to hand over cellphones during the day.

Demopolis High School is joining several other Alabama districts in requiring clear reusable water bottles – and specifically banning Stanley cups. Districts say clear water bottles make it easier to enforce metal detectors and clean classrooms.

“What about our athletes?” asked Sandy Reed on Facebook. “It is hot and they depend on their ice cold water in their insulated cups.”

Montgomery schools is banning mesh bags and requiring clear backpacks. Elementary students won’t be allowed to use cellphones; secondary students will have to put them in Yondr pouches during the day.

Check your district’s most recent communications and handbook for updated local rules.