Alabama News

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

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, nearly all of the country’s top sweepstakes casinos are providing their players with great promotions.

Competition has never been fiercer among sweeps casinos, and promotions have proven to be a great way for these platforms to bring in new players.

Jackpota is one of the very best sweeps casinos operating. It’s well-known for offering generous promotions, and it recently launched a fantastic one leading into the 4th of July.

With the Jackpota 4th of July promo code special, all new players are eligible to receive a 500% bonus on their first purchase of $19.99. Making this purchase gives players 40,000 Gold Coins, 20 free Sweeps Coins and a free wheel spin with a variety of prizes up for grabs.

Here are the steps necessary to claim this offer before it expires July 7:

1. Click any of the Jackpota Casino promo code links or banners featured on this page. No promo code is needed if you use our link.
2. Click the Join Now button on the Jackpota Casino landing page.
3. Create a new account with Jackpota by providing some basic personal information.
4. Make a purchase of Gold Coins via the platform’s online store for $19.99.
5. Receive a 500% bonus on your purchase, offering 40,000 Gold Coins, 20 free Sweeps Coins and a free wheel spin.

This is a fantastic promotion that all new players can take advantage of through July 7.

The entire process to sign up and claim this offer should take no longer than a few minutes. With the coins earned from the promotion, members can play any of the more than 700 games Jackpota has to offer.

Jackpota promo code terms and conditions

It’s never difficult to find the terms and conditions connected to the bonuses offered by Jackpota. This is widely regarded as one of the best online sweeps casinos operating and provides clear rules for all players to easily understand.

The rules connected to the Jackpota 4th of July promo code special are straightforward:

• All players must be at least 18 years old to join;
• Jackpota Casino is not available in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, Washington and West Virginia;
• This welcome bonus can be claimed by only new, first-time players;
• The 4th of July promo code special runs through to July 7;
• This welcome bonus is only available to claim once;
• All sweeps coins come with a 1x playthrough requirement.

As I already pointed out, these are standard terms and conditions for online sweeps casinos and real money casinos.

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.

This particular slot game features 10 paylines, a maximum payout of 10,000x your wager and an average return-to-player (RTP) rate of 95.51%.

This game focuses on various historical presidents. Some of the country’s most famous leaders are featured as symbols in the game, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

This game is packed with exciting bonus features, too. That includes the Magic Money Maze Board Game Bonus Round, which transforms the grid into seven reels and can provide players with huge multipliers on their winnings.

Players are also able to buy this bonus round for 120x the cost of their wager.

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.

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 1:22 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. for Shelby County.

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

“At 1:22 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Maylene to Pelham. Movement was southeast at 10 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 Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Calera, Montevallo, Columbiana, American Village, Maylene, Shelby County Airport, Oak Mountain State Park, Joe Tucker Park, Ballantrae, Camp Branch, Saddle Lake Farms, Siluria, Alabaster Veterans Park, Bounds Lake, Saginaw and Dogwood.

The weather service adds, “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 guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• 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.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no 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 forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread 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, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

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.

Prioritize visibility

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:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate 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.

A popular athleisure brand is reopening its Birmingham store at The Summit – now with an expanded offering.

The Summit has announced on social media that Lululemon will reopen in its new, larger location at 243 Summit Blvd. on Thursday at 10 a.m.

The old store closed on Monday to prepare.

“Come check out our new space, shop the latest gear, and enjoy some special surprises,” a post on social media promises.

Lululemon sells athletic and leisure styles for men and women, as well as accessories and other products.

Last week, Alo Yoga, the athletic-leisure brand made popular through social media, announced it is also bringing its first Alabama store to The Summit.

Country music star Ronnie McDowell will undergo surgery after he suffered a recent stroke on stage in Pennsylvania.

The musician, who reached No. 1 on the country charts with “Older Women,” started slurring his words while onstage at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania on June 21, PennLive reported. His son, Ronnie Dean McDowell Jr., helped him off stage, and an EMT took McDowell to the hospital.

The 75-year-old singer has since been released, and went on to perform at a concert in Kentucky this past weekend.

“Hi folks. Yes, I had a stroke,” he said in a Facebook video he posted while on a two-mile walk last Thursday. “But you know what, I’m walking.”

His son, McDowell Jr., posted on Tuesday morning that he hoped his dad would have a surgery date soon.

“My Dad called me last night and said, ‘well Son, I think that I just picked up the most mail that I’ve ever received,’” he wrote. “I could just hear this happiness in his voice.”

Fans of Waffle House have a new way to enjoy their coffee.

The Georgia-based breakfast chain recently introduced canned cold brew coffee to its menu.

The Waffle House Cold Brew features a “classic blend with sweet cream,” according to the menu on Waffle House’s website. A can of the cold brew goes for $3.95.

So far, coffee lovers can only get the cans in Georgia. Waffle House is testing the cold brew at nine Atlanta-area locations.

Here’s a list of restaurants offering the cold brew, according to 11-Alive news:

• 2812 Buford Highway NE
• 5071 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
• 3735 Roswell Road
• 2264 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
• 4065 Peachtree Road
• 3016 Piedmont Road
• 2581 Piedmont Road NE
• 4532 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
• 3916 Flat Shoals Parkway

Earlier this year, Waffle House launched a new seasonal item: the Strawberry Shortcake Waffle. The waffle, according to All Recipes, is topped with strawberry-flavored gems, crispy shortcake crumbles, and whipped cream.

Forward Trendon Watford is on the move in NBA free agency, with the former Mountain Brook High School star agreeing to a two-year, $5.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Watford cannot sign the contract until July 6, when the NBA’s Free Agent Moratorium Period ends, but the Philadelphia Inquirer, NBC Sports Philadelphia and ESPN have reported the player and the team have a deal in place.

During the 2024-25 NBA season, Watford played in 44 games for the Brooklyn Nets. A hamstring injury kept the 6-foot-9 forward off the court between Dec. 16 and Jan. 29. Watford averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 20.8 minutes per game.

At Mountain Brook, Watford earned first-team All-State recognition three times as the Spartans won the AHSAA Class 7A boys’ basketball championship in each of his final three seasons.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association chose Watford as the state’s Mr. Basketball in 2018 and 2019 as he set the ASHAA career rebounds record with 1,909.

Watford caught on with the Portland Trail Blazers as an undrafted rookie in 2021 after he’d averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds for LSU in the 2020-21 season.

Watford has split his four NBA seasons between Portland and Brooklyn. In 217 regular-season games, he has averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 17.6 minutes.

With Guerschon Yabusele leaving Philadelphia for the New York Knicks in free agency, Watford joins the power-forward possibilities for the 76ers in a frontcourt with center Joel Embiid and small forward Paul George. Philadelphia also has Justin Edwards and Kelly Oubre Jr. returning and drafted Auburn standout Johni Broome last week.

Last season, the 6-foot-8 Oubre averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 60 games, with 57 starts, and the 6-foot-6 Edwards averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 44 games, with 26 starts.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.