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Articles from the July 13, 2026 edition


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  • America's 250th: A Reflection on Our Nation's Legacy Through Alabama's Story

    Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth|Jul 13, 2026

    July 4, 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The United States Semi quincentennial serves as an opportunity to reflect on the principles that have shaped the American experiment: self-government, individual liberty, the rule of law, and the role each state, including Alabama, carries to preserve them. Our history has not been without challenges or imperfections, but it has been marked by a continual effort to strengthen our...

  • Was Frances Scott Key also a lawyer in addition to writing the Star-Spangled Banner?

    Ron Holtsford|Jul 13, 2026

    Key was a lawyer and obviously had other talents as well. Key was born in 1779; his father was a lawyer and a judge. Though Frances considered becoming an Episcopal priest, he decided to go into law instead. He “read” law under his brother-in-law and Judge Jeremiah Townley Chase. He passed the Bar in 1801. He was considered a good lawyer, practicing in Frederick, Maryland and Washington, D.C. His law practice was successful and was involved in several important cases, appearing even before the...

  • "Love, Liberty & Freedom"

    Trisston Wright Burrows|Jul 13, 2026

    Happy 250th Birthday, USA!!! As we commemorate this historic milestone, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the values that unite us as Americans. Our nation’s journey has been shaped by the courage, resilience, and hope of generations who have come before us. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the freedoms we cherish and remember the importance of coming together as a community, not just in celebration, but in support of one another. "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free....

  • Standing Tall for Women's Sports

    Perry O Hooper Jr|Jul 13, 2026

    There are moments in American history when doing the right thing requires courage long before it receives applause. This is one of those moments. The United States Supreme Court has affirmed what millions of Americans have believed all along: states have the constitutional authority to protect women's sports and preserve the promise of Title IX. This is more than a legal victory. It is a victory for fairness, common sense, and every young girl who has spent countless hours training with the...

  • Musk's Lunar Obligations

    John Martin|Jul 13, 2026

    Today, just about everybody understands that Elon Musk’s greatest dream is to establish a permanent human colony on the planet Mars. Obviously, it is a gargantuan proposal, and many people are claiming that it is utterly impossible. For starters, Musk can’t just jump in and attempt it immediately. Right now, we are in an intense race with China to send American astronauts to the Moon’s south pole to claim the limited strategic high spots with 24/7 daylight for power generation and ice-b...

  • Happy Birthday USA!!

    Robert Tate|Jul 13, 2026

    This Robservation is actually special to me. Not only is it a celebration of the birthday for what I consider to be the greatest country on Earth, but this is also my 200th Robservation. I just wanted to thank Mrs. Grant and say what an honor it has been for me to write for her. During the 250th birthday bash for this great country of ours, emotions are swimming wildly in my head. For me, in my mind at least, my service to this country started long before I even knew it. How? Well, I absolutely...

  • Catholic Church excommunicates SSPX bishops

    Brandon Moseley|Jul 13, 2026

    July 2, 2026 – On July 1 the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) consecrated four new bishops in open defiance of Rome. An official decree from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith followed declaring the excommunication of the clergy of the SSPX. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, declared in his formal order that "Despite the warnings addressed to the Superior General of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, Bishop Alfonso de Gal...

  • EPA COAL ASH PROPOSAL COULD AFFECT CLEANUP RULES AT ALABAMA WASTE SITES NEAR RIVERS

    Chris Daniels|Jul 13, 2026

    MONTGOMERY, AL - A proposed change to federal coal ash regulations could affect how utilities monitor and clean up waste stored at Alabama power plant sites, including facilities near rivers and groundwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced April 9 that it is proposing amendments to federal rules governing coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash. EPA says the proposal would allow more site-specific decisions by permit authorities, encourage beneficial reuse of...

  • America at 250: The Greatest Story Ever Told Is Still Being Written

    Perry O Hooper Jr|Jul 13, 2026

    There are moments in history when a nation pauses, looks back with gratitude, and looks forward with confidence. America's 250th birthday is one of those moments. As hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have traveled across America for the World Cup, they have discovered something television cameras and international headlines could never show them. They have found welcoming communities, thriving downtowns, churches filled on Sunday,...

  • Woodfin Investigation PART 3

    Christopher Peeks|Jul 13, 2026

    In the classic mystery, The Dog That Wouldn't Bark, the investigator cracks the case by observing a canine that remained silent-a stillness that spoke volumes. When it comes to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin's campaign finance irregularities, that pooch is none other than Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen. In the first two segments of this series, I outlined how public funds were funneled to utilize city employees for election functions and how the Woodfin political machine operates...

  • Pint-sized obsessions: America's favorite ice cream flavors and brands, according to Instacart data

    Stacker, Alex Orellana for Instacart|Jul 13, 2026

    Pint-sized obsessions: America's favorite ice cream flavors and brands, according to Instacart data Just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 19, Instacart dug into a year of ice cream orders to find the flavors and brands filling America's carts, along with the delightfully regional tastes that make every state unique. Ice cream occupies a rare sweet spot in the grocery aisle: It’s nearly universal in appeal yet deeply individual in taste. Ask 10 people their favorite flavor, and y...

  • The craftsmanship cliff: Woodworking named the trade hardest hit by skills shortage

    Stacker, Blake Schwartz for Eagle Woodworking|Jul 13, 2026

    The craftsmanship cliff: Woodworking named the trade hardest hit by skills shortage When construction and trades professionals are asked which single trade the skills shortage will hit hardest, they don't name electricians or plumbers first. They name the carpenters and woodworkers, and the consequence they point to most isn't a blown budget or a slipped schedule. It's a decline in the quality of the work itself. For this article, Eagle Woodworking surveyed 500 U.S. construction and trades...

  • Tuberville Honors Leo Finn of Cullman as July "Veteran of the Month"

    Senator Tommy Tuberville's office|Jul 13, 2026

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Leo Finn as the July "Veteran of the Month." Excerpts of Sen. Tuberville's remarks can be found below, and complete remarks can be found here. "The Book of Proverbs tells us that 'without a vision, people perish.' For Sergeant Leo Finn of Cullman, Alabama-he's had a clear vision for his life from day one. Leo feels he was 'born to serve in the military,' and spent 36 years serving our c...

  • FBI seizes improperly stored sexual assault kits from Prichard Police Department

    Brandon Moseley|Jul 13, 2026

    July 13, 2026 – PRICHARD, Ala. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took custody of 148 unprocessed and improperly stored sexual assault kits from the Prichard Police Department's storage. The Prichard Police Department's responsibilities have been handed over to the Mobile County Sheriff's Department following the arrest of Prichard Police Officer Emanuel Dotch on allegations of widespread misconduct and criminal activity committed under the color of law. Federal authorities claim tha...

  • How can you get help paying for your medications?

    Stacker, Stacia Woodcock, PharmD for GoodRx|Jul 13, 2026

    How can you get help paying for your medications? Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications can be surprisingly high. GoodRx research found that more than half of Americans have trouble paying for prescription medications, and nearly a third aren’t filling their prescriptions due to high costs. So how can you get help paying for your medications? Talking to your prescriber about more affordable options is a good first step. But there are many other ways to keep y...

  • Streaming sports: What TV technology makes for the best game day viewing

    Stacker, Rob Manfredo for TCL|Jul 13, 2026

    Streaming sports: What TV technology makes for the best game day viewing Buying a television used to be relatively straightforward: Pick a screen size that fits the room, compare picture quality in the store, and choose a model that matched your budget. That’s no longer the case. In this article, electronics and technology company TCL breaks down which TV features matter most for streaming sports at home. For today’s consumers, buying a TV has shifted from a simple screen-size-versus- bud...

  • For the first time, Americans are getting more of their electricity from solar than coal

    Stacker, Tik Root for Grist|Jul 13, 2026

    For the first time, Americans are getting more of their electricity from solar than coal Solar energy just provided more electricity in the United States than coal for the first time on record — marking a milestone for the rise of renewables in America. While gas and nuclear plants still lead the country’s energy mix, solar contributed 12.8% of the nation’s electricity in May, according to an analysis of government data by Ember, an energy think tank. Coal, meanwhile, provided just 12.2%. Just...

  • As cities abandon spy cameras, one company wants to add them to school buses

    Stacker, Steve Mitchell for BusesForSale.com|Jul 13, 2026

    As cities abandon spy cameras, one company wants to add them to school buses Courts have upheld roadside plate readers for one reason: They stay put. But a plan to put them on school buses is testing that reason, BusesForSale reports. Depending on your location, your Instagram feed shows that more city councils are voting to pull their license plate cameras off the poles. Coralville, Iowa, pulled its Flock cameras the morning after the council voted to end the contract. Lynnwood, Washington,...

  • How homeowners can prepare before hurricane season peaks

    Stacker, Erik J. Martin for TheZebra.com|Jul 13, 2026

    How homeowners can prepare before hurricane season peaks Live in a hurricane zone? The good news is that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season (which spans June 1 to November 30) is anticipated to be milder than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 55% chance of below-normal activity, a 35% chance for a near-normal year, and a 70% probability of one to three major hurricanes. But don’t let that create a false sense of security. Let’s not forget the dev...

  • ALDOT's new plan for Mobile River bridge will cost $3.2 billion and cost motorists a $7.70 toll

    Brandon Moseley|Jul 13, 2026

    June 9, 2026 – MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation has resurrected its defunct Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. This has long been a favored project of the Kay Ivey administration and Alabama Port officials who claim that building the elevated bridge on I-10 connecting Mobile and Baldwin Counties is an essential piece of infrastructure. A previous version of the bridge – the tallest suspension bridge in the world – failed when residents revolted over the high cost of...

  • Coldest Julys in Alabama since 1895

    Stacker|Jul 13, 2026

    alisalipa // Shutterstock Coldest Julys in Alabama since 1895 Stacker compiled a ranking of the coldest Julys in Alabama since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Rankings are based on the lowest average temperature in each month. For each of the coldest months listed below, we've included the average state temperature, state-wide highs and lows for the month, and the total precipitation. #10. July 1975 (tie) - Average temperature: 78°F - Monthly high...

  • Election Interference: Tabitha Isner and the Alabama Democratic Party's Reckless Play

    Christopher Peeks|Jul 13, 2026

    Party registration first appeared on the legislative agenda last session; I held my reluctance and did not support such measures at the time. Even though I have never cast a ballot in a Democratic primary, my first thought: people should have the right to participate in whichever one they choose. A voter might support a friend running in a specific race, and that serves as reason enough to select that ballot. We also have independents; why should they change party affiliation each election year...

  • Tuberville joins Sen. Schmitt's Anti-Fraud Task Force

    Brandon Moseley|Jul 13, 2026

    July 14, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) in launching an Anti-Fraud Task Force alongside seven of their Republican colleagues. The Anti-Fraud Task Force will examine fraud, waste, and abuse across federal programs; identify vulnerabilities in existing systems; and strengthen government accountability to ensure the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars. "For years, blue states like Minnesota have been robbing the...

  • Using home equity to pay off debt: Your options and how to decide

    Stacker, Sam Huisache for Splitero|Jul 13, 2026

    Using home equity to pay off debt: Your options and how to decide High-interest debt can be difficult to get ahead of, especially when there are credit card balances involved. Federal Reserve data shows more than $1 trillion in revolving credit card debt is currently outstanding across U.S. households, so you’re far from alone if you’re looking for ways to manage large balances. If you own your home, the equity you’ve built may provide a way to address those balances. Using home equity to pay o...

  • 5 clinician-backed techniques for managing stress and panic attacks

    Stacker, Xavier Jimenez, MD for Northwell Health|Jul 13, 2026

    5 clinician-backed techniques for managing stress and panic attacks Sometimes anxiety, depression, sleep problems, panic, and stress overtake people and cause them to struggle. Learning to cope is critical before these negative feelings become disruptive. Uncontrolled and unmanaged stress and anxiety also can contribute to health problems and upend the ability to consistently work, live life, and sustain meaningful relationships. But making it a priority to learn to cope safely can help....

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