SUMMARY: On July 4, 2025, News 5 NOW at 8:00am highlighted local Fourth of July events and community news. Orange Beach Police Chief Steve Brown announced his retirement in September. Mobile’s Pine Hill Recycling Center will close for three months starting Monday. The 51st annual Watermelon Festival kicks off today with family activities and a watermelon eating contest. Multiple fireworks shows are planned in Baldwin County, Mobile’s Battleship Park, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton, with cautions on parking and heat. The show’s hosts engaged viewers with grilling preferences and a fun poll on whether a drink holder is called a “koozie” or “huggy.”

The annual 4th of July Celebration will be going on at Battleship Park, the 51st Annual Watermelon Festival gets underway in Grand Bay, and Fairhope and Daphne will celebrate today as well.

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SUMMARY: The 4th of July forecast for Alabama is hot and mostly dry, with temperatures reaching the low 90s and heat index values in the mid to upper 90s, but below heat advisory levels. Scattered, brief showers and storms are expected primarily in central Alabama during the afternoon, lasting only 10-15 minutes before dissipating. Evening conditions will be warm and humid, favorable for fireworks. A low-pressure system off Georgia’s coast poses a medium chance of tropical development that will affect Florida and the Carolinas with increased rain, but Alabama and its beaches will remain unaffected. The weekend will stay hot with limited rain chances and lower humidity.

4th of July forecast looks hot & dry for Alabama, Tracking the threat of tropical development off the coast of Florida

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SUMMARY: Huntsville Police Chief Curt Giles, featured in News 19’s “Next Question,” discusses his extensive law enforcement career, beginning in 1977 after volunteering for the Police Rangers program in high school. Rising through the ranks, he became chief in 2022. Giles highlights challenges like officer protection, mental health, crime involving children, and recruitment difficulties amid public scrutiny and the defund police movement. He notes significant technological advances in policing and Huntsville’s growth. Despite challenges, Giles expresses passion for service, crediting his career for personal joys including meeting his wife. He remains uncertain about his retirement timeline.

Next Question with Tamika: Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles

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