Federal officials have issued a public health alert for a popular pork product sold at Aldi.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service issued the alert for packaged pork carnitas sold nationwide due to possible contamination with foreign material, including pieces of metal.
There is no recall alert for the carnitas because the products are no longer available for sale, the FSIS said, but still could be in refrigerators or freezers.
The fully cooked pork carnitas products were produced from April 1-2. The label on the 16-ounce package reads “Pork Carnitas Seasoned and Seared Pork with Juices Slow Cooked with Citrus.“
The packaging has use-by dates of June 30 or July 1.
There have been no confirmed reports of injury related to the products, according to the announcement from the FSIS. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.
Anyone who has the products should throw them away or return them to Aldi.
The season one finale episode of the hit reality competition series Extracted premieres on FOX Monday, April 21 at 8/7c.
On the two-hour season finale, the four remaining survivalists and their families at Headquarters go head-to-head. The survivalists must correctly guess a five-letter word chosen by the family to open the final supply drop while they also much decipher a Morse code puzzle.
The remaining survivalists competing for a grand prize of $250,000 are Haley, Karly, Natalie and Austin. Tune into the finale to see which of the survivalists will snag the grand prize and the title as the first Extracted champion.
Where can I watch the Extracted season 1 finale?
Those interested in catching the unforgettable season one conclusion of Extracted can stream the finale episode for free through Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Both streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid subscription.
What is Fubo?
Fubo is much like any other streaming service, but instead of simply offering on-demand streaming, it offers a plethora of live TV channels such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and more.
Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service but also offers over 100 live TV channels through its basic package at just $84.99 a month following its free trial.
Users can stream a variety of shows and movies on-demand and even have the option to record favorite shows and movies through Fubo’s unlimited DVR feature.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is similar to Fubo as it offers many of the same channels and helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.
Two other DirecTV Stream 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 Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.
A severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Monday at 3:57 p.m. in effect until 5 p.m. for DeKalb County.
Look for quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
“At 3:56 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Fort Payne, moving northeast at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Fort Payne, Dog Town, Collbran, Sulpher Springs, Little River Canyon NP, Hammondville, Lebanon, Pine Ridge, Mentone and Adamsburg.
According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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 without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which 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 you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
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:
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:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside 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:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
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.
In an expected move, the NCAA Division I Board of Governors on Monday “conditionally approved” nine new rule changes that clear the way for direct compensation to athletes.
The rule changes will take effect with the anticipated federal judge approval of the settlement in the House vs. NCAA case, which is expected be completed by this summer. The new rules upend decades of precedent within collegiate sports, in which “pay for play” had been strictly forbidden.
Among the changes, which will eliminate 150 NCAA rules and alter many others:
• Schools will now be allowed to pay athletes directly out of their athletic revenue pools, rather than through third parties (or under the table, as was the case in the pre-NIL era).
• Scholarships limits for teams will be eliminated, while also imposing caps on roster sizes (expected to be 105 for football, 15 for men’s and women’s basketball). Under the new set-up, every athlete on a given team could be (though is not required to be) on scholarship.
• Annual reporting requirements will be established for schools that pay athletes. The payment pool is expected to be approximately $20.5 million for schools in conferences such as the SEC and Big Ten.
• An NIL clearinghouse for third-party deals exceeding $600 will be established. (Athletes can still negotiate their own NIL deals over and above any direct compensation from their school).
• Authority will be granted to a rules-enforcement structure established by conferences themselves. This would include monitoring roster limits, payments to athletes and NIL requirements.
Should the final settlement agreement be ratified by U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken as expected, the new rules would go into effect on July 1.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Monday at 3:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:30 p.m. for DeKalb County.
Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are likely.
“At 3:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northwest of Sand Rock, or 10 miles south of Rainsville, moving northeast at 20 mph,” says 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 Fort Payne, Dog Town, Collbran, Guest, Sulpher Springs, Little River Canyon NP, Hammondville, Lebanon, Pine Ridge and Mentone.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms
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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without 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, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:
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:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
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:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
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:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
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.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order today that flags be flown at half mast to honor Pope Francis.
“He was a good man,” Trump said. “He worked hard; he loved the world. And it’s an honor to do that.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey joined in.
In accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Gov. Kay Ivey has authorized flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until the day of interment of Pope Francis, who died early on Monday morning at 88.
“Born in Argentina of Italian immigrant parents, Pope Francis was the first head of the Catholic Church from the Americas,” Ivey said. “He left a legacy of love and compassion for all.”
The flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex and throughout the state of Alabama may be flown at half-staff from today until sunset on the day of interment of Pope Francis.
The Vatican observes nine days of mourning for the pope, and a conclave of the College of Cardinals takes place in 15 to 20 days to choose a new pope.
The Winnipeg Jets play against the St. Louis Blues in game 2 of their NHL Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN 2. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Jets enter this game with a 1-0 series lead, as they defeated St. Louis 5-3 in the series opener.
During the victory, Kyle Connor led the Winnipeg offense. He ended the game with one goal and two assists.
Notably, Connor led the team in goals and assists during the regular season.
In order to bounce back this evening, the Blues will need a great performance from their star forward Jordan Kyrou. He led the team with 36 goals during the regular season, and he was able to find the back of the net in the series opener.
Notably, Kyrou has scored four total goals in his last four games.
Fans can watch game 2 of this NHL Playoff series for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Alabama Association of Realtors said the state’s real estate market experienced impressive increases in both sales and median prices during March.
However, uncertainty over the economy may affect the market in coming months, economists said.
Several categories saw eye-popping jumps over activity last year.
Home sales in March saw a 5.6% rise month-over-month and a whopping 23.2% year-over-year burst.
The volume of sold homes across the state was $1.59 billion in March, a huge 44.5% increase over last year and a 10.4% increase month-over-month.
At the same time, the median home price in March rose by 9% compared to February, and 13.4% when contrasted to the same period in 2024.
Alabama Realtors economist David Hughes said the growth in March gives many reasons for optimism.
“At the same time, a recent increase in mortgage rates and consumer sentiment falling to its lowest level in three years may signal future headwinds, but the state’s economy remains healthy today,” Hughes said.
The average home sale price in March of $255,737 reflected a 17.1% increase over last year, and the state’s 18,415 active listings at the end of March were 26.2% higher than the 14,587 of one year ago, which means plenty of property to choose from.
At an average of 61 days, homes in Alabama remained on the market for 18 fewer days in March compared to February.
The Education Department will begin collection next month on student loans that are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday.
Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans.
The Trump administration’s announcement marks an end to a period of leniency that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. No federal student loans have been referred for collection since March 2020, including those in default.
Beginning May 5, the department will begin involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government — including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits — from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.
In 2020, the Biden administration paused federal student loan payments and interest accrual as a temporary relief measure for student borrowers. The pause in payments was extended multiple times through 2023, and a final grace period for loan repayments ended in October 2024. That meant tens of millions of Americans had to start making payments again.
Borrowers who don’t make payments for nine months go into default, which is reported on their credit scores and can go to collections.
In addition to the borrowers already in default, around another 4 million are between 91 to 180 days late on their loan payments. Less than 40% of all borrowers are current on their student loans, department officials said.