Drug store chain CVS is closing more than 250 stores in the coming months as part of wider restricting efforts.
Newsweek reported closures are planned for stores in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
In its February financial filings, CVS said the closures came after a “strategic review” of its retail business designed to “streamline and simplify the organization, improve efficiency and reduce costs.”
A spokesperson told Newsweek the closures were based on multiple factors including population changes, consumer buying patterns, store and pharmacy density, access to other pharmacies and community health needs.
CVS has not confirmed all 270 stores that are set to close. Citing multiple sources, Newsweek compiled a list of stores that have either already closed or announced scheduled closures in 2025:
Brandon Renfroe needed to raise $10,000 to help kids in Sumter County get meals on the weekends while they’re out of school.
He read an article last week saying that Mark Cuban, the billionaire businessman who starred on the reality TV series Shark Tank, reads all his emails. So Renfroe found three possible contacts for Cuban on Google and sent an email to each one.
“Any help you could render — any help at all — would be tremendously appreciated,” Renfroe wrote in the last line of the email.
Four days later, Renfroe received a call from Cuban’s chief financial officer, telling him that the Mark Cuban Foundation would send a check to the West Alabama Food Bank for $10,000, which is enough to fund secret meals for 72 students.
While getting his doctorate at UWA, Renfroe did his research on childhood food insecurity in the Black Belt. He administered the Household Food Security Survey created by the USDA to 742 students in 16 Black Belt high schools in 2021. Nearly a quarter of the students self-reported as experiencing food insecurity.
The research led Renfroe to volunteer with the West Alabama Food Bank and Sumter County Schools to help administer their Secret Meals program, which gives students who are food insecure meals on the weekends so they don’t go hungry while away from school.
In his email, Renfroe told Cuban about his research, which found that students in the Black Belt suffer from hunger at a rate 11 times higher than the national average.
The West Alabama Food Bank calculated that it costs $140 to feed one child for every weekend during the school year.
When Sumter County Schools first began the program in the 2022 school year, they raised $3,000 to feed 21 kids. Every year since then, the program has grown — going from 50 kids in 2023 to 72 last year, which the donation will help match.
The program is coordinated by Heather Shambry, the Child Nutrition Program director at Sumter County Schools. In 2022, Shambry told AL.com that “we wish we could give this to every kid,” but it would cost about $165,000 to provide secret meals to all students in the district.
The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers and Children also pledged $5,000 a year over the next three years. Along with Cuban’s donation, Renfroe estimates that it’ll help the secret meals program sustain for the next two to three years.
“It’s just incredible and this will help so many kids,” said Renfroe.
A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 10:22 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11 a.m. for Tallapoosa, Elmore, Macon and Lee counties.
Expect pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 10:21 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Tallassee, moving east at 30 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Tuskegee, Tallassee, Camp Hill, Notasulga, Eclectic, Waverly, Martin Dam, Liberty City, Reeves Airport, Tallapoosa City, Southern Lake Martin, Loachapoka, Claud, Yates Dam, Roxana, Reeltown, Yates Reservoir and I 85 Rest Area.
The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
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.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
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 first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
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 impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered 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.
Hey, Crimson Tide fans, the University of Alabama’s vehicle tag – or license plate – will have a new look starting June 1.
The university announced Thursday the classic Vault A Alabama logo is making a comeback.
“The new design is a great way for alumni and friends to show their school spirit while helping students reach their goals,” Jimmy Warren, executive director of the UA National Alumni Association, said in a statement.
According to the release, the tag number is still bracketed by a crimson band on top with the state name in white, while the bottom includes thinner crimson bands and “Roll Tide.” The design includes the Vault A logo to the left of the registration number.
The Vault A was first started in 1973 and retired in 1998. The new UA tag “embraces tradition while providing fans and alumni with a stylish way to show their Bama spirit and give back to students.”
Net proceeds from the license plate program provide scholarships to Alabama resident students.
Individuals with the current UA tag can renew to the new design tag starting June 1. Tags will be available at local county license offices June 2.
Both numbered and personalized tags are available; the cost is $50 above the normal tag cost. Collegiate tags may be purchased at any time, regardless of an individual’s tag renewal month.
Former Thompson High School standout Drew Avans made his Major League debut with the Athletics on Tuesday night and got a hit in his first trip to the plate in the big leagues.
Seventeen days short of his 29th birthday and after seven seasons in the minor leagues, Avans came up from the Las Vegas Aviators when the Athletics placed first baseman Nick Kurtz on the 10-day injured list with a hip-flexor strain.
Trailing the Houston Astros 11-1 on Tuesday night, the Athletics put three reserves on the field in the bottom of the seventh, including sending Avans out to play right field. He caught a flyball off the bat of Houston shortstop Jeremy Pena in the bottom of the eighth before leading off the ninth for the A’s.
“A little nervous to begin with, but after the first couple pitches, it’s just another game,” Avans said. “I knew I was going to get one at-bat, and I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit and not miss it.”
Avans dropped a 1-0 sinker from Astros reliever Forrest Whitley into center field for his first MLB hit.
“Just shows the professionalism of Drew,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said, “coming in prepared and ready to go up and take an at-bat.”
An honorable-mention All-State selection in 2013 for Thompson High School in Alabaster, Avans hit .200 in his first season at Southeastern Louisiana and .330 in his final one. Across four seasons, Avans hit .308 for the Lions before the Los Angeles Dodgers chose him in the 33rd round of the 2018 draft.
Avans spent six seasons in the Dodgers organization before signing a minor-league contract with the Athletics in November.
Avans came up from Las Vegas leading minor-league baseball with 62 hits in the 2025 season. In 48 games for the Aviators, Avans hit .328 with 16 stolen bases.
Across seven minor-league seasons, Avans had a .277 batting average with 116 doubles, 37 triples, 55 home runs and 177 stolen bases in 691 games. He spent the previous four seasons with Los Angeles’ Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City.
Avans did not play in the Athletics’ 5-3 loss to the Astros on Wednesday. The Athletics play the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:07 p.m. CDT Thursday at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The Athletics are playing their home games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, this season as they await the completion of their ballpark in Las Vegas to complete their move from Oakland.
Avans is the sixth player from an Alabama high school or college to make his Major League debut in the 2025 season, joining Texas Rangers first baseman Blaine Crim from St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, Washington Nationals pitcher Cole Henry from Florence High School, Detroit Tigers pitcher Chase Lee from McAdory High School in McCalla and Alabama, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson from UAB and Kansas City Royals second baseman/outfielder Tyler Tolbert from Hewitt-Trussville High School and UAB.
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
“Right now, the nation needs strong conservative leadership, somebody that’s going to be able to advance President Trump’s agenda,” Marshall said in an interview with the Washington Examiner.
“And the work that I’ve done as attorney general, I think, makes it abundantly clear that I’m willing to fight the right battles and to be effective in doing it, and look forward to being able to take that to the Senate.”
Marshall is in his second full term as attorney general and could not seek a third.
The attorney general had said during an interview on Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal in March that he would be ready to make a quick decision on the Senate race if Tuberville decided to run for governor.
A brand new season of the hit reality series Jersey Shore Family Vacation premieres on MTV Thursday, May 29 at 8/7c.
Those who have already cut ties with traditional cable but are still hoping to catch the new season can stream Jersey Shore Family Vacation through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).
What is Jersey Shore Family Vacation?
For those unfamiliar with the long-running sequel series, Jersey Shore Family Vacation brings back the original cast members of the popular sister series Jersey Shore, all of which congregate about 1,200 miles from Jersey as they take up residence in a swanky townhouse in Miami Beach.
Season eight kicks off with the gang heading to Las Vegas, and after Jersey Shore style partying their way through Sin City, they head back to the East Coast, celebrating milestones in Atlantic City and finally settle in for an extended summer stay at the shore.
How to watch Jersey Shore Family Vacation season 8
Philo, Fubo and DirecTV all offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy while those who commit to a paid subscription through Sling receive half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.
Out of all your watch options, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 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 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 stream popular TV channels such as MTV. 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).
“We honored our commitments, and ultimately delivered something Birmingham can be proud of,” Adams said.
“This development is a symbol of perseverance, partnership, and what’s possible when you refuse to leave a project unfinished. It’s about reviving history while supporting tourism and job creation in Birmingham.”
The hotel’s name comes from Louise C. Wooster, a woman also known as Louise Curtis or Lou, who operated a business in the building’s upper floors.
She gained fame working as a nurse in Birmingham’s cholera wards in the 1870s, a time she recounted in her memoir, “Autobiography of a Magdalene.” She died in 1913.
The game is set to debut July 10, but you can pre-order now.
According to EA Sports, there are more than 2,700 new plays, thousands of athletes, and more than 300 “real-world” coaches. Players can master enhanced offensive and defensive mechanics, execute new stunts and twists, and make dynamic substitutions when it counts.
The revamped Stadium Pulse system introduces new crowd-based challenges like clock distortion, extreme screen shake, and rattled HUDs in rivalry and playoff games.
There will be more than 160 new school-specific chants, 10 new PA tracks including Metallica’s electric “Enter Sandman,” and tradition-rich visuals like Texas Tech’s Double T Saddle Monument and Coastal Carolina’s King of Turnovers.
Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, Desmond Howard and David Pollack and return to lend their voices to the game.
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.
But I did think this news would make for a good caption contest for my weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam. And I was right.
As I was putting together the newsletter late Tuesday night, a legendary Crowe Jammer captioneer sent me a simple message with a near perfect caption for the make-shift cartoon I was cobbling:
“From Meemaw to Hee Haw.” – David Morris
Drop the digital caption mic, dude. You win.
JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @[email protected].