Alabama News

Dear Eric: I am a 55-year-old single female. I often get asked out on dates with men that I am not interested in. I recently met a man, and we have been going on great dates. I really enjoyed hanging out with him until his sister-in-law came to me and said things like, “don’t like him; don’t catch feelings for him. Just have fun with him and get what you can from him.”

I still like hanging out with him. Should I tell him what she said? Or just keep it to myself and just keep my guard up?

– Dating Dilemma

Dear Dating: A lot depends on whether you have a pre-existing relationship with the sister-in-law. If she’s just coming to you out of the blue and giving you dire warnings, it doesn’t mean she’s wrong, necessarily, but there’s no reason for you to trust her. How do you know she has your best interests in mind?

So, keep your guard up but also talk about it with the man you’ve been dating. Maybe he has more insight, maybe he’ll have a response that gives you a different view of him, maybe she’s completely right. If you’re getting to know someone in a romantic context and their relative is talking trash about them, it’s very helpful to ask them why that might be.

Lastly, think about what you want from this relationship, what you’re expecting and what you want to give to it. As you gain more information – good, bad, neutral – it’s important to weigh it against your own needs and expectations. Maybe he’s fine for you for now; maybe you’ll discover you want something more. Staying clear-eyed can help you avoid getting hurt.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

President Donald Trump’s job approval showed slight improvement in the latest Economist/YouGov poll, but the survey spelled doom in every other area.

While Trump’s job performance remains underwater this week in the poll, his approval numbers rose 2 percentage points from last week while his disapproval ticked 1 percentage point lower, the poll found.

The survey showed 42% of U.S. adult citizens polled approve of the way Trump his handling his job compared to 53% disapprove.

Last week, those numbers stood at 40% approval and 54% disapproval.

The job approval figures were the extent of the good news for Trump in the Economist/YouGov poll.

Since the start of his second term, Trump’s approval in five major policy areas have declined.

The largest drop has occurred on inflation and prices.

Trump started his second term with a +6 net approval in that area. Now, he stands at -23 net disapproval — a 29-point swing.

The president also plunged 17 points on foreign policy — from +3 to -14.

Above water at the start of his second term, Trump is now below on immigration (from +11 to -3), jobs and the economy (from +12 to -7) and crime (from +12 to -1.)

Fueled by Democrats, Trump’s popularity is on the decline.

Trump began his second term with a -11 favorability rating. Now, that figure stands at -16 — a five percentage-point drop.

The president began the term with a -63 rating among Democrats.

Since then, the rating has dropped another 19 points to a -82 rating.

Meanwhile, Trump’s appeal has grown among Republicans.

Trump started his second term with a +63 rating among the GOP. Now, that number is at +67.

Trump’s approval has declined among gender, age and racial groups, the poll found:

Dear Eric: When my husband and I disagree, the fight often comes down to him saying, “You just look for reasons to be mad at me.”

It is so demeaning to me.

And it relieves him from responsibility: because if my grievances are simply imaginary, he doesn’t need to do anything.

We don’t have many disagreements, but neither do we make progress when they happen.

I wish for some more understanding. Can you provide some advice?

– Tired of Fighting

Dear Tired: You’re right on the money: it takes any onus off of him and makes his behavior your responsibility, and your problem. It’s helpful, in a calm moment, to communicate this to him using “I” statements. Explain how it feels when he says it, and how you wish it to be different.

Now, the big caveat is that you may say that even this is a reason you’re finding to be mad at him. Here’s the thing about being mad at a partner: sometimes you really don’t have to go looking for it. And that can be OK – we’re human; we don’t always see eye to eye. But if he can’t acknowledge your feelings as valid, even if he doesn’t agree, he’s giving you another reason to be mad. And worse, he’s undermining you.

This is an unhealthy way to argue. Many couples benefit from tackling this issue in couples’ therapy. It may seem a little backwards to go into therapy with the stated desire to argue better. But therapy isn’t always about getting you to a place where you never argue. It’s about getting you to a place where, when arguments happen, they’re rooted in clear, productive communication, so that you can move through it, rather than getting stuck in it.

He’s latching on to a narrative about you that is getting both of you stuck. Talking about your process for disagreement with a therapist will help untangle the narrative and write a new one.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Tuesday at 2:20 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Pickens County.

The storms are forecast to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 2:20 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Ethelsville to near Prairie Point to near Mashulaville. Movement was southeast at 35 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Aliceville, Carrollton, Pickensville, Memphis, McMullen, Garden, Benevola, Johnston Lake, Bevill Lock And Dam, Gainesville Lake Campground, Dillburg, George Downer Airport, Cochrane and Macedonia.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Dear Eric: Five years ago, on Mother’s Day, my adult son suddenly cut me out of his life. He told me he no longer wanted contact because he didn’t like the way he was raised and considered me a negative presence. I didn’t agree with his reasons, but I respected his choice. I’ve honored his no-contact request ever since.

I’ve never reached out to him directly, except once early on to his wife, and when one of my grandchildren turned 18, I sent a short letter letting him know I loved him and that now he could choose for himself, as an adult, whether to have a relationship with me. I didn’t hear back, but I plan to do the same for the others when they come of age.

My question is: if I become terminally ill – or find myself on my deathbed – would it be wrong to send my son a letter asking if he’d want to be notified when the time comes? Or would that be crossing a line, even in the face of death? When I had cancer a few years ago, I didn’t contact him, but I did tell my daughter to let him know if I passed. Thankfully, I made it through, but I know I’m living on borrowed time.

– A Mother Who Still Loves Her Son

Dear Mother: I’m sorry that it’s come to this between you and your son. Estrangement is so hard and can be so confusing. I’m curious, however, if there’s a deeper need that you’re trying to address with this question. It’s clear that your son’s decision is painful and you feel helpless to fix it. And so, the mind naturally goes to a scenario that might get a response. But getting his permission to notify him in the event of your death is not going to fully satisfy you.

What you’re reaching for is a connection with your son. Or, at the least, reassurance that there is still something left in your relationship. Both are understandable. And I believe that’s something you’ll need to address in life.

Your son doesn’t need to give you permission to have someone notify him when you pass. It’s also possible he wouldn’t respond to that letter either, which would make you feel worse. Your daughter has already agreed to do it, and I can’t see why she wouldn’t follow through. Also, if you have a will, he’d be contacted by the executor of your estate.

If you want to reset or repair your relationship because of your sense of borrowed time, you should. Now, that might involve some deeper soul-searching, some work with a counselor or some amends. And you have to go into acknowledging that your son still may not respond at all. But do the work you can in life; it will provide you more comfort.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

UGG slippers are often most popular in fall and winter, however, the stylish UGG Goldenstar Hi Slide is perfect for summertime, and now you can score a pair of these new UGG platform slides at a super rare discount, but only for a limited time.

With this deal, you can purchase a pair of Goldenstar Hi Slides for only $97 as compared to its original list price of $140. The shoe is available in the classic Chestnut color and the light-tan Sand design.

RELATED: Nordstrom’s $90 UGG Goldenglow Slides are on sale for only $49

The UGG Goldenstar Hi Slide features the design of an everyday slide, similar to that of an Arizona Birkenstock Sandal, and combines it with the iconic UGG slipper look for ultimate comfort and style.

“The pinnacle platform with effortless comfort. We designed the Goldenstar Hi Slide with a super-lightweight sugarcane EVA outsole that supports you through everything,” UGG states. “The dual-density foam footbed feels luxe underfoot while our textile sock liner and mesh lining surround you in comfort. Adjust your fit with two straps on the padded suede upper. Finished with our signature Twin Seam and iconic binding.”

RELATED: Zappos is offering a super rare deal on select New Balance 530 shoes

With a 4.4 star overall rating on UGG’s website, many review state that they love this particular UGG platform slipper.

One promising review states, “I was looking for something comfortable to change into after a long day at work standing up on my feet and these here are perfect!!!!! Not to mention they were on sale when I bought them. They are so soft and open. My feet cool off quick after being closed up in a shoe all day.”

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing here.

AL.com is continuing its series of highlighting some of the most unbreakable records in AHSAA history, this week with some historic numbers in girls basketball.

Fans will also have the opportunity to take their pick for most unbreakable record.

In last week’s football poll, fans chose Florala’s historic streak of 17 straight shutouts as the most unbreakable.

Voting for this week will close on Friday. Cast yours at the poll below.

Here are some of our picks for the most unbreakable records in AHSAA girls basketball history:

Most free throws attempted in a game by a player

46: Kristen White, Geraldine (67) vs. Pisgah (60), 2009-10 (made 34)

This is one of those marks that hasn’t come close to being touched since it was placed in the record books. Ranking second for this mark is 28 from former West Point player Kasey Wilbanks against Cold Springs in the 2000-2001 season, with three other players having 26 in a game. That same game saw White also break the record for most free throws in a quarter (28). According to the MaxPreps national record book published in 2003, her 34 made field goals ranks second in history for a single game. White was a two-time all-state player for the Bulldogs in 2009 and 2010.

Career assists

1,626: Tonya Tice, Phil Campbell, Pell City, Hamilton, 1985-91

The 1991 Miss Basketball winner — who played college basketball at Auburn and Alabama — has her name in the record books a few times, but this one looks like one of the most untouchable for anyone to break. Spring Garden star Ace Austin, who just claimed her second straight Miss Basketball award, ranks second with 1,429 assists, followed by Woodland’s Leah Strain (1,123). Only six players have over 1,000 career assists, per the record books.

Highest scoring average

94.1 points per game: Butler, 1997-98

The now-closed school in Huntsville totaled 3,198 in 34 games during a season that saw the program claim a Class 6A state championship. The total points rank second in single-season points by a team, trailing the following year’s Butler team (3,227 points in 35 games) that averaged 92.2 points per game. Those are the only two teams to score 3,000 points in a season, per the record book.

Most combined free throws attempted in a game

71: Sardis (72) vs. Ashville (53), 1995-96 (39 made)

This record has been left untouched for nearly 20 years following the matchup of east Alabama foes. Ranking second on this list is a mark of 57 free throws attempted in a matchup of LeFlore and Carver-Montgomery in the 2016 South Regional; both teams combined to make 42 of those in the 88-38 win for LeFlore.

Points in a season

1,261: Courtney Strain, Woodland, 2007-08

One of the most accomplished players in the state’s history still ranks atop all players with the single-season points record. The former Woodland star also holds the record for career points (5,283), single-season field goals (474) and scoring average (40.7 points per game). Ranking second behind the former Auburn/Jacksonville State player is former West Morgan star Hayden Hamby (1,170 points).

Career steals

1,084: Leah Strain, Woodland, 2008-14

The sister of the AHSAA’s career points leader also had an incredible career of her own, with her total steals record still standing in high school history. Ranking second behind the former Jacksonville State player is Ace Austin, who finished her career at Spring Garden with 863 career steals. The two players are among the three with at least 800 career steals, joining former Holy Spirit star Kaitlyn Taylor (831).

Career blocks

857: Trinity Pulliam, Chilton County, 2019-2023

One of the more recent record holders on the list, the former Chilton County standout also holds the single-season blocks record (322, 2022-23) and had two games with 18 blocks in 2023. According to a MaxPreps story from 2023, her career blocks mark also ranks sixth nationally. Standing at 6-foot-2, the Clanton native is now playing basketball at Bishop State Community College.

If you can’t see the poll above, click here to cast your votes.

Country star Keith Urban abruptly ended an Australian radio interview this week after hosts asked him an intimate question about Nicole Kidman, award winning actress and Urban’s wife of 19 years.

Hayley Pearson and Max Buford of Mix 102.3 in Adelaide, Australia, presented the question during their “Wall of Truth,” where they ask guests to “answer a very tricky question, deeply personal question,” according to Rolling Stone.

“What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV?” Buford asked, after Peterson said she was “uncomfortable” posing the question.

According to Rolling Stone, the musician and his team then “disconnected from Zoom” because “they didn’t want [the pair] to ask that question.”

“I have never experienced someone hanging up in an interview with me before,” Peterson said.

“Max, I can’t believe that Keith Urban hung up on us!”

Buford replied: “If you knew this was going to happen, Hayley, why didn’t you stop me asking the question?”

A representative for Urban did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s request for comment, according to the article.

Urban released his newest album “High” in September, shortly after surprising fans in August with an impromptu concert in the parking lot of an Alabama Buc-ee’s.

He has is currently on tour in North America for the remainder of July, before he returns to his home country of Australia for shows in August.

His next North American tour dates will start in September and continue through mid-October.

The Fourth of July is almost here. To celebrate the holiday, many of the best sweepstakes casinos in the country are offering players incredible bonuses and promotions. That includes a special July 4th Jackpota promo code offer.

The Jackpota 4th of July promo code special runs through July 7 and allows new players to earn a massive 500% bonus on their first purchase of $19.99.

What the Jackpota 4th of July promo code special has to offer

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Players at Jackpota have a huge number of fun gaming options available over the 4th of July weekend. Learn about one of the most exciting slots being offered below.

Top Jackpota slot to play over the 4th of July weekend

Jackpota is a comprehensive online sweeps casino that offers hundreds of high RTP slots from the top developers in the industry. With Independence Day right around the corner, many players are choosing to play US-themed slots.

Here is one exciting game to consider playing over the holiday weekend:

Magic Money Maze

Members of Jackpota will find a huge number of fun America-themed slot games leading into the holiday weekend.

One of the more unique ones is Magic Money Maze, a five-reel slot developed by Pragmatic Play. This world-class developer offers a huge number of free and real money slots with various themes focusing on the US.

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Magic Money Maze is a fairly simple slot game without too many standout graphics and a fairly standard soundtrack. It’s a great game to play over the 4th of July weekend, however, paying homage to various US leaders while offering players some great payout opportunities.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

Dick Van Dyke, the perennial actor who has entertained audiences for decades on television, film and stage canceled a recent comedy event due to illness.

Now 99, Van Dyke was set to host Vandy Camp along with his wife Arlene Silver at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School Saturday.

His abrupt cancellation created national headlines and concern for the icon. Silver continued to host the event but noted that she was obviously “not the Van Dyke you’re expecting.”

“I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I’m sorry,” she said. “When you’re 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days … and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he’s sick that he can’t be here.”

However, all was not lost, and the star still made an appearance virtually.

During the Vandy Camp event in April, Silver told PEOPLE magazine that her husband had no plans to slow down.

Van Dyke’s long list of screen credits include the iconic 1960s television show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and the Disney favorite, Mary Poppins. Van Dyke has made a career resurgence in recent years, well into his 90s.