On March 19, 2018, northern Alabama experienced a significant weather event when supercell thunderstorms produced hailstones larger than grapefruit, marking the state’s first official hail record. The National Weather Service reported a hailstone measuring 5.38 inches in diameter and weighing 9.8 ounces, a stark increase from the previous largest known hailstone in Alabama, which measured 4.25 inches.

In addition to Alabama’s record, a six-inch hailstone was reported in Kankakee, Illinois, which could potentially break the state’s current record of 4.75 inches set in Minooka in June 2015. These developments highlight the increasing severity of hailstorms across the Midwest and South.

Hail can pose serious risks, damaging aircraft, homes, and vehicles, and can be deadly to livestock and people. The formation of hail occurs when raindrops are lifted by thunderstorm updrafts into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze together. Supercell thunderstorms are particularly notorious for producing large hail due to their sustained updrafts that repeatedly lift hailstones into very cold air.

Historically, hailstorms have caused significant financial damage in the United States, with a handful of storms resulting in over $1 billion in damages. The costliest storm recorded was on April 10, 2001, which resulted in property damage exceeding $2.5 billion in 2018 dollars. Such statistics emphasize the potential economic impact of severe weather events.

Before the March 2018 storm, Alabama had no recognized official hail size record, indicating a lack of historical data regarding severe hail events in the state. This recent record-setting event may prompt further research and monitoring of hailstorms in the region.

As communities in Alabama and Illinois assess the damage caused by these recent storms, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant during severe weather events. The National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions and provide updates on any further developments.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage caused by the hailstones, but initial reports indicate significant impacts on property and infrastructure. As the situation develops, further assessments will provide clarity on the aftermath of these record-breaking hail events.

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The primary election for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District saw Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old political newcomer, lose to Daniel Biss, who received approximately 30 percent of the votes. This election was particularly significant as it marked the first open contest in the district in decades following the retirement of long-serving Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who held the seat since 1999.

Abughazaleh finished a close second, losing by fewer than 4,000 votes. Her campaign, which featured slogans like “What if we didn’t suck?” and “I’m done waiting for change,” focused on universal rights and aimed to challenge the status quo within the Democratic Party.

Throughout the race, Biss was considered the front-runner, with Abughazaleh and Laura Fine rounding out the top tier of candidates. The primary was closely watched, featuring more than a dozen candidates and significant financial backing, with Democrats raising and spending approximately $1.5 billion during the campaign.

In a statement following the election, Abughazaleh emphasized the ongoing fight for progressive values, stating, “The work isn’t over. There are progressives all over the country who are taking a chance just like we did and we have to help them win, no matter how hard it is.” Meanwhile, Biss vowed to continue advocating for progressive values, asserting, “We will not back down, and we will fight for the progressive values that are the values, not only of this district, but of this whole country.”

Abughazaleh’s campaign was not without controversy; she was indicted in October 2025 on charges related to a protest outside an ICE facility. This incident added a layer of complexity to her candidacy as she sought to galvanize support among progressive voters.

As the district is heavily Democratic, Biss is now considered the likely winner in the upcoming general election. Observers anticipate that his victory will further solidify the progressive movement within the party, especially in a district that has historically leaned towards Democratic candidates.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of Abughazaleh’s campaign and her future political ambitions, but her strong showing in the primary indicates a growing appetite for progressive change among voters in the district.

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