Alabama
Alabama grocery bills will change as tax returns July 1
Squab De Foie Gras recipe by Margaret Bourke-White
Margaret Bourke-White was an amazing photographer who worked around the world. Here’s her 1966 recipe for Squab De Foie Gras.
Alabama grocery shoppers can expect a change on their bills starting July 1 when the state grocery tax returns.
After two months of lower grocery bills, a two-month tax holiday is ending.
A temporary suspension of the state’s 2% sales and use tax on groceries expired at the end of June. Beginning July 1, shoppers will once again pay the 2% state tax on eligible grocery purchases.
The tax holiday, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, applied during May and June.
Grocery store news in Montgomery
In recent Montgomery news, two Piggly Wiggly locations celebrated ribbon cuttings in March 2026.
Also, beginning May 1, Sam’s Club increased the cost of its annual memberships by $10, affecting both standard and premium tiers. There are 13 Sam’s Club warehouses in Alabama, including one in Montgomery.
Alabama laws taking effect July 1
Alabamians will see several new laws and policy changes take effect on or around July 1, bringing updates that will affect everything not only grocery shopping but also school safety, food truck business and student athletics.
Other new laws taking effect in Alabama on July 1:
- food truck operators will soon be able to use a single statewide inspection certification.
- making credible threats against schools, hospitals and nursing homes will carry tougher criminal penalties.
- Alabama physician assistants can approve sports physical forms.
Some other laws approved during the 2025 Alabama legislative session won’t become effective until Oct. 1, the state’s standard effective date for most legislation.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
Alabama has Talent will return Aug. 1 to the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center in Tallassee, where organizers hope to once again showcase performers from across the state while bringing communities together through the arts.
“There’s so much talent out there and a lot of it just needs an opportunity to be discovered,” organizer Veronica Harris said. “In a world where we seem more and more disconnected, doing things that promote community is a way for us to come together and connect.”
The second annual competition includes separate divisions for children under 16 and adults, with grand prizes of $500 and $1,000. Entry is free for contestants and family-friendly acts of all kinds are welcome. Registration remains open through July 20.
Among those helping spread the word locally is Greenville artist and Muse Alabama Executive Director Jill Marlar. After attending last year’s inaugural competition, Marlar contacted Harris and has since encouraged several of her own students to participate in this year’s youth division.
“It was top-notch talent and all different ages,” Marlar said. “To sit there in a place I grew up, in a full theater, and see that just really gave me chills.” She said meeting Harris and seeing the event firsthand inspired her to become involved and introduce her students to the competition.
Alabama baseball is expected to hear another player’s name called as the 2026 MLB Draft gets underway today.
Several members of the Crimson Tide’s latest College World Series team are eligible for selection, but the biggest name to watch is shortstop Justin Lebron.
Over three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Lebron accumulated a .309 clip with 46 home runs. Defensively, he was just as impressive, posting a .947 fielding percentage to continue solidifying himself as one of the top shortstops in the draft class.
The first round of the draft will start at noon on Saturday, July 11. Picks one through 40 can be seen on TV at MLB Network.
Where Justin Lebron stands in final 2026 MLB Draft projections
In the final MLB Pipeline mock draft, Jonathan Mayo picked Lebron to go 11th overall to the Washington Nationals. Jim Callis selected Lebron as the pick for the Los Angeles Angels, going 12th, which is also what The Athletic predicted in its July 10 mock.
ESPN’s last mock draft had Lebron going 10th to the Colorado Rockies.
FanGraphs’ mock draft on July 8 projected Lebron as the 17th overall pick, going to the Houston Astros.
Lebron’s highest projection came from USA Today. Wajih AlBaroudi had the 21 year-old going 8th overall to the Oakland A’s.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. she can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
Alabama
Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Peanut Field Near Florida-Alabama Line : NorthEscambia.com
A single-engine plane made an emergency landing in an Alabama peanut field near the Florida state line on Friday afternoon.
The pilot and a student made the landing in the field after experiencing engine trouble, approximately 0.7 miles south-southwest of the runway at the Atmore Municipal Airport. There were no injuries.
The 2023 Diamond DA 40 NG plane belonging to Skywarrior Flight Training of Pensacola did not sustain any apparent damage.
For more photos, click here.
The incident occurred just north of Old Bratt Road, which is also known as State Line Road in Florida. The Florida-Alabama state line is generally considered to be along the middle of the roadway.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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