Latest news with #JenniferLindahl
USA Today
7 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Which way should your ceiling fan spin? Do this to beat the summer heat
With temperatures soaring, it's safe to say we're in the thick of a serious summer scorcher. Cranking up the air conditioner has become essential, but staying cool can result in higher energy bills. To keep costs in check, the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star program suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during warm weather. Another tip? Follow the 20-degree rule: don't set your thermostat more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Still sweating it out indoors? Before you reach for that thermostat, here are a few other ways to chill out without breaking the bank. Using ceiling fans are effective at keeping you cool and lowering energy costs Using fans is one way to cool down your home without consuming as much energy as you would using an air conditioner. Fans work by creating a wind chill effect. They blow air across your skin, helping sweat evaporate, and that evaporation is what cools your body down. Unlike air conditioners, fans don't cool the entire room, they cool the person using them. The more moisture that evaporates, the cooler you feel. What way should your fan blades spin in the summer? Set your fan blades to rotate counterclockwise. That direction creates a downdraft, pushing cooler air down from the ceiling and creating a breeze that makes you feel more comfortable, even if the actual room temperature doesn't change. It's a simple switch that can make a big difference on hot days. Using a ceiling fan lets you bump your thermostat up by 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. More ways to beat the heat: Should your window fan blow in or out? Here's how to cut cooling costs Using a window fan? The U.S. Department of Energy says to do this Using a window fan to beat the heat? The U.S. Department of Energy has some smart tips: If that's not an option, try using separate fans on each level to keep the air moving. Extreme heat kills more than 700 people a year. Here's who's most at risk When temperatures climb, high humidity makes things feel even worse. Moisture in the air makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, which means your body can't cool down as easily. For some groups, the heat is more than just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. Each year, more than 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most vulnerable include young children, people with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly and outdoor workers. The CDC also warns that certain medications can increase the risk of dehydration or make you more sensitive to the sun. If you're on a prescription, it's important to talk with your doctor about heat safety. Essential tips to beat the heat Although it's still early in the season, here are some tips and tricks to help you beat the heat this weekend and beyond as temperatures climb. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alabama sees 15% spike in teacher retirements. Are classrooms ready for school year?
Alabama is experiencing a 15% increase in teacher retirements this year, raising concerns about school staffing, classroom stability and student support across the state. According to State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, approximately 3,500 teachers are expected to retire in 2025. This number is up from 3,094 in 2024 and 2,810 in 2023, according to reports. Most of Alabama's recent teacher retirements are coming from educators who have delayed leaving the profession in order to take advantage of better retirement income opportunities. A 2022 law passed by state lawmakers offered significant pay raises for experienced teachers. Some saw up to a 20% increase. The increase prompted many educators to delay their retirement and reset their pensions. In Alabama, monthly retirement benefits for educators are calculated using their highest three to five years of salary, depending on when they were hired. That means recent pay raises, especially the 2022 increase, can have a significant impact on retirement income. For many longtime educators, staying in the profession a little longer meant a better pension and more financial security in retirement. Those retiring this year do have the option to return on a part-time basis through agreements with their local school districts. Still, educators say the pay bump hasn't solved deeper issues. Many are dealing with high stress, worsening student behavior and growing demands, often without enough compensation to match the pressure. The COVID-19 pandemic only added fuel to the fire, intensifying burnout and pushing more teachers to consider stepping away. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Why is Alabama seeing a surge in teacher retirements this year?
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
When will Alabama cool off? Farmers' Almanac offers a hint at fall relief. What to know
We're only six days into summer officially, and fall can't come soon enough. Unfortunately, it might take time. With heat indexes soaring and humidity persisting well into June, many across the state are yearning for cooler temperatures and crisp mornings. The Farmer's Almanac suggests relief is on its way, eventually. Here's when Alabama residents can expect to feel the cooler temperatures across the state. Don't be surprised if summer lingers into late October. Fall in Alabama is expected to arrive with a cooler, wetter punch this year. The Farmers' Almanac predicts a cooler, stormier season across the South, with more cloud coverage than usual. But Halloween lovers can rejoice as it is expected to be dry and clear for the evening. A potential La Niña twist could extend storm season into November. As the Farmer's Almanac predicts, Alabama's summer heat isn't going anywhere anytime soon. A new three-month outlook from the National Weather Service indicates that most of the state is likely to experience slightly above-average temperatures through September. Far south and southeastern areas of the state will feel even hotter, with a stronger chance of above-normal heat lingering into early fall. The maximum temperature recorded in the state occurred on September 6, 1925, in Centerville, when temperatures soared to 112 degrees. Here are the highest recorded temperatures from cities across the state: Montgomery: 107 degrees on July 7, 1881 Tuscaloosa: 107 on Aug. 29, 2000 Gadsden: 106 on June 30, 2012 Birmingham: 107 on July 29, 1930 Dothan: 105 on July 2, 2009 Mobile: 106 on Aug. 23, 2023 Huntsville: 106 on June 29, 2012 Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: When will fall arrive in Alabama? Old Farmer's Almanac forecast
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alabama's most famous cryptids: Legends told around the campfire that haunt the backwoods
Something is lurking in Alabama's woods, or so the stories go. Tales of strange sightings and eerie encounters have been passed around campfires for generations. Whether it's backcountry whispers or blurry photos, the legends endure and they're as much a part of Alabama as the pine trees and red clay. There are Alabama's creepiest cryptids, perfect for your next campfire story. The White Thang is Alabama's most legendary cryptid, and no one can quite agree on what it is. Some say it looks like a white Bigfoot, while others swear it's more like a giant cat or wolf. Standing nearly eight feet tall with glowing red eyes, the creature is fast, elusive and known for an eerie screech. Most sightings of the White Thang occur in north Alabama between Morgan, Etowah and Jefferson counties. However, it has also been spotted in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Walnut Grove and Happy Hallow. The creature's reach isn't limited to one corner of the state; reports have popped up in other areas of Alabama and even in neighboring states. The last major sighting was reported in the early 2000s, but some say White Thang is still out there. Reports surfaced as recently as last year, and a Facebook group dedicated to the creature has locals swapping stories and asking, "Have you seen it, too?" The Wolf-Woman of Mobile is one of Alabama's most mysterious legends. In 1971, people in Mobile reported seeing a creature with a woman's head and a wolf's body. Witnesses described glowing eyes and eerie howls. Though dozens claimed to see her, no proof had turned up, and then she seemed to disappear. But stories keep popping up, with locals and students saying they've heard strange sounds deep in the swamps. Whether real or just a spooky tale, the Wolf-Woman remains a haunting part of Alabama folklore. Alabama's cryptid stories don't stop with the White Thang and Wolf-Woman. There's Hugging Molly, the Witch in the Woods, the Sipsey Creature, the Coosa River Monster and plenty more strange legends lurking in the state's backwoods. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What are Alabama's most famous cryptids? Here's what to know about them
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alabama's most famous cryptids: Legends told around the campfire that haunt the backwoods
Something is lurking in Alabama's woods, or so the stories go. Tales of strange sightings and eerie encounters have been passed around campfires for generations. Whether it's backcountry whispers or blurry photos, the legends endure and they're as much a part of Alabama as the pine trees and red clay. There are Alabama's creepiest cryptids, perfect for your next campfire story. The White Thang is Alabama's most legendary cryptid, and no one can quite agree on what it is. Some say it looks like a white Bigfoot, while others swear it's more like a giant cat or wolf. Standing nearly eight feet tall with glowing red eyes, the creature is fast, elusive and known for an eerie screech. Most sightings of the White Thang occur in north Alabama between Morgan, Etowah and Jefferson counties. However, it has also been spotted in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Walnut Grove and Happy Hallow. The creature's reach isn't limited to one corner of the state; reports have popped up in other areas of Alabama and even in neighboring states. The last major sighting was reported in the early 2000s, but some say White Thang is still out there. Reports surfaced as recently as last year, and a Facebook group dedicated to the creature has locals swapping stories and asking, "Have you seen it, too?" The Wolf-Woman of Mobile is one of Alabama's most mysterious legends. In 1971, people in Mobile reported seeing a creature with a woman's head and a wolf's body. Witnesses described glowing eyes and eerie howls. Though dozens claimed to see her, no proof had turned up, and then she seemed to disappear. But stories keep popping up, with locals and students saying they've heard strange sounds deep in the swamps. Whether real or just a spooky tale, the Wolf-Woman remains a haunting part of Alabama folklore. Alabama's cryptid stories don't stop with the White Thang and Wolf-Woman. There's Hugging Molly, the Witch in the Woods, the Sipsey Creature, the Coosa River Monster and plenty more strange legends lurking in the state's backwoods. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What are Alabama's most famous cryptids? Here's what to know about them
