News from the South - Alabama News Feed
More Sunshine & Warm Temps Sunday, Watching the Tropics: Saturday Evening Forecast 9/21/2024
SUMMARY: The tropics are active, with a focus on a potential system in the Western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, showing a high chance of formation in the coming days. While it is currently a broad area of low pressure, its exact path and strength remain uncertain. Forecast models suggest it may move towards Louisiana and the Florida Keys, but discrepancies exist. For now, the region enjoys quiet radar conditions and pleasant weather, with temperatures in the 80s and a low risk at beaches. High pressure will keep conditions enjoyable through the weekend, with possible changes mid-week as rain chances increase.

Thanks to high pressure in place, rain chances will stay slim to none across the News 5 area. We got quite warm this afternoon with highs pushing into the low- to mid-90’s. Rip current risk will remain low throughout the end of the weekend and into the start of next week. With high pressure staying in control through Monday, we will start the fall season with mostly clear skies with highs in the low-90’s for Sunday and Monday. As southwesterly flow increases aloft into Tuesday and the middle of the week, moisture will increase allowing for more chances for isolated showers and storms. A front will also be to our north and west by Thursday and will pass through the area late Thursday into Friday. The end of next week will also be determined by developments in the tropics. In the tropics we are tracking three areas. Two of them are in the central tropical Atlantic, and one has a low chance of formation and will likely stay away from the Gulf. The other is one we will have to watch closely over the next several days as it has a medium chance for formation. These do not pose an immediate threat to the News 5 area. Another is in the western Caribbean and in the southern Gulf. The Central American Gyre, a broad area of low pressure, is expected to form a smaller area of low pressure in part of the Caribbean or in the southern Gulf by the middle of next week. It is uncertain where exactly it will develop, how strong it will get, and the exact track. Once it develops, we will have a better idea of where this system will move. For now, make sure you have a tropical plan and stay updated with all the latest here on WKRG.
The WKRG News 5 First Alert Storm Team covers part of southeast Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, and northwest Florida. You can also view the full Saturday evening forecast for the Gulf Coast here: https://tinyurl.com/5dp9smer
Follow Meteorologist Grant Skinner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkrggrant
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Pet of the Week: Toby, the Poodle-Mix
SUMMARY: Toby, an eight-month-old poodle-shih tzu mix, is the Mobile SPCA’s Pet of the Week. Playful and full of energy, Toby has beautiful curls and a fun-loving personality. Despite looking adorable, he is still a puppy and requires some training and plenty of playtime. Toby was brought to the shelter because his previous owners found him too much to handle. He’d thrive in an active home with a human or another dog to keep him company. Toby is described as clean and well-behaved. Interested adopters can apply through wkrg.com.

Our Pet of the Week is an eight-month-old poodle/Shih Tzu mix named Toby.
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Warm weather in the Alabama forecast before storms with heavy rain & frequent lightning on Thursday
SUMMARY: Central and North Alabama will experience warm, humid weather with highs in the mid to upper 80s today, mostly dry with a small chance for isolated showers in the evening. Thursday will bring the next chance of rain and thunderstorms, particularly after lunchtime, continuing into the evening with heavy rain, frequent lightning, and possible impacts on commutes. Though no severe weather is expected, thunderstorms will increase in coverage, especially from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Cooler, less humid air will follow, bringing pleasant weather for the weekend, with Sunday morning lows in the low 60s.

Warm weather in the Alabama forecast before storms with heavy rain & frequent lightning on Thursday
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News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Potential federal cuts could impact Alabama arts programs
by Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
April 28, 2025
Alabama arts programs may face up to $1 million in cuts if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts funds for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
The Alabama Council of the Arts said earlier this month it is anticipating cuts at the federal level soon. They said that representatives from DOGE were scheduled to visit NEA offices.
“Any cuts to federal funding for state partnerships would directly impact our grant programs, reducing our available funds by up to $1 million annually,” Executive Director Elliot Knight said in a statement Wednesday.
According to the Council, the NEA makes up 15% of its budget with the rest coming from the Alabama Legislature through the Education Trust Fund (ETF). The 2026 ETF received approval from the House on Tuesday, which included an $85,000 increase from the current budget and Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2026 recommendation.
The Council awarded $14.7 million in grants over the last five years, according to the statement. Knight also said the Council uses 100% of its federal funds for grants.
“Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that ensures all Alabamians have access to arts programming,” Knight said.
The federal cuts would have to be approved by Congress.
“Please help us make sure that all members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation understand how Alabama workers and communities will be negatively impacted by the cuts to NEH and IMLS grants and potential cuts to NEA grants,” Knight said.
According to the statement, Poetry Out Loud is one program funded with federal dollars. The national arts education program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. Knight said this is one of the programs that would be impacted by NEA cuts.
“The arts are more than just an expression of beauty; they are a driver of innovation, contributing to Alabama’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” he said.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.
The post Potential federal cuts could impact Alabama arts programs appeared first on alabamareflector.com
Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.
Political Bias Rating: Center-Left
This content leans center-left as it emphasizes concerns about potential federal budget cuts to arts funding, highlighting the negative impact such cuts could have on community programs and economic growth. It presents the arts as valuable public investments and calls for action to protect funding, a stance commonly associated with progressive or liberal advocacy for government support of cultural and educational programs. However, it remains fairly neutral in tone without overt political rhetoric or partisan criticism, placing it closer to a moderate progressive viewpoint.
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