After an urn washed ashore last week in Gulf Shores, police are seeking help in finding family to reunite it with the owner.
According to the Gulf Shores Police Department, on April 17 officers responded to the 1600 block of West Beach Blvd to a call of found property on the beach.
“It became clear that while fulfilling the last wishes of a loved one, an urn filled with ashes had been placed into the gulf,” the department said in a release.
“Whether by divine intervention, the gulf current, or perhaps the departed’s desire to stay close, the urn made its way back to shore,” the department said.
“Unfortunately, the urn bears no name, making it difficult to locate the family and ensure their loved one’s wishes can be fully honored. We hope to return the deceased to their family and assist in carrying out their final wishes.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department at 251-968-2431 or via email at [email protected].
The Dallas Stars play against the Colorado Avalanche in game 3 of their NHL Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
This playoff series is currently tied 1-1, as Dallas defeated Colorado 4-3 in overtime in game 2. During the victory, four Dallas players scored a goal: Colin Blackwell, Evgenii Dadonov, Tyler Seguin, and Thomas Harley.
Dallas’s star forward Matt Duchene failed to record a point last game, so he will try to improve his play tonight. Notably, Duchene led the team in points and assists during the regular season.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Avalanche will need to rely on their star player Nathan MacKinnon. He leads the team with three goals in the postseason, and he was able to find the back of the net last game. With this in mind, MacKinnon will try to continue his offensive success this evening.
Fans can watch game 3 of this NHL Playoff series for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The brand new documentary The Children of October 7 premieres on Paramount+ Wednesday, April 23. The following day, the documentary will premiere on MTV at 9/8c.
Directed by Asaf Becker and produced by Kastina Communications, The Children of October 7 features social media activist Montana Tucker and her interviews with Israeli children who were directly impacted by the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Through these intimately shot interviews, Tucker listens as the young children describe their traumatic experiences and how they managed to survive the attacks. Most were held captive, were subjected to violent home invasions, and even witnessed the death of their parents.
Where can I watch The Children of October 7?
Those interested in watching the hard-hitting documentary can catch its premiere on Paramount+ for free through the streaming service’s week-long free trial.
Those willing to wait an extra day can stream the documentary on MTV through Philo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream or Sling. Philo, Fubo and DirecTV Stream all offer free trials to new subscribers, while Sling offers half off the first month when you commit to a paid subscription.
What is Paramount+?
Paramount+ is one of the most popular live streaming services on the market now. Through Paramount+, subscribers can access exclusive originals, movies and documentaries all in one place.
As of now, Paramount+ offers two plans to new subscribers and both come with a week-long free trial. The base plan, Paramount+ Essential starts at just $7.99 a month and includes exclusive originals, the ability to stream on up to three devices concurrently, access to CBS News 24/7, and access to select Showtime series. This plan is also ad-supported.
The Paramount+ with Showtime plan starts at just $12.99 a month and includes everything that comes with the Essential plan plus 4K content, downloadable movies and shows, and all of Showtime’s content. Those hoping to ditch ads can do so through this plan.
What is Philo?
Philo is one of the cheaper basic cable alternatives on the market. Users can access over 70 live TV channels for just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial.
Popular channels available for streaming through Philo include MTV, AMC, HGTV, TLC, CMT, BET and more. Subscribers can access these channels on-demand or stream Philo’s extensive collection of movies and TV shows.
Recording is also made easy on Philo through the service’s unlimited DVR feature, so users never have to worry about having space to record favorite content.
What is Fubo?
Fubo is another one of the top streaming services dominating the market. Though it has similar features to Philo, Fubo offers even more popular live TV channels that Philo doesn’t carry.
Fubo, known for being a sports-focused streaming service, is much more. Its standard package comes with over 100 live channels for just $84.99 a month after its free trial. Channels included in Fubo’s impressive collection are ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV, ESPN and more.
Through Fubo, subscribers can stream a plethora of hit shows and movies on-demand and record favorite content with the service’s unlimited DVR feature.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream mirrors Fubo by offering subscribers with a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features, too. The Entertainment package, also known as DirecTV Stream’s base package, starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.
Two other DirecTV Stream packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.
Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.
What is Sling?
Sling is also considered one of the top live TV streaming services. Through Sling, subscribers can watch on-demand movies, live TV shows and live sports instantly. Users can enjoy popular TV channels such as ESPN, TBS, CNN, HGTV, A&E, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime and more through Sling.
Currently, new users can pick from three plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or the ultimate lineup of Sling Orange + Sling Blue.
Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the ongoing promotion offering half off the first month, new subscribers can start streaming with Sling for just $23.
South Alabama starting cornerback Lardarius Webb Jr. has entered the NCAA transfer portal, he announced on Wednesday.
Webb, a fifth-year senior with one year of eligibility remaining, started 12 of 13 games for the Jaguars last season after transferring in from Oklahoma State. The 5-foot-9, 168-pound Opelika native totaled 41 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions.
Webb, whose father played nine seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, is the 12th South Alabama player — and sixth starter — to enter the portal in the current cycle. The Jaguars have also lost fellow starting cornerback Ricky Fletcher (who signed with Ole Miss), quarterback Gio Lopez (North Carolina), offensive tackles Malachi Carney and Jordan Davis and linebacker Aakil Washington since the portal opened on April 16.
South Alabama also lost three defensive backs with starting experience in the December/January portal cycle, with cornerback Amarion Fortenberry transferring to Kansas State, nickel back Jordan Scruggs to West Virginia and safety Rickey Hyatt to Ohio. In addition, veteran cornerback Reggie Neely left the team in January despite having another year of eligibility.
The Jaguars added cornerback Jayvon Henderson from East Tennessee State via the transfer portal in January and got a commitment Wednesday from former Georgia Tech cornerback Nehemiah Chandler. Other scholarship cornerbacks on the South Alabama roster heading into the offseason are sophomore Dee Darby, redshirt freshman Cube Gurley and true freshman Deuce Vance (who participated in spring practice), with high school signee Jeremiah Thomas set to arrive over the summer.
South Alabama finished 7-6 in 2024, its third straight winning season.
South Alabama football spring 2025 transfer portal
Departures
OT Malachi Carney (2 years of eligibility)*
OT Jordan Davis (1 year of eligibility)*
LB Julien Demby (3 years of eligibility)
OG Hayden Dozier (3 years of eligibility)
DE Jalyn Durgan (1 year of eligibility)
CB Ricky Fletcher (2 years of eligibility)^ — Ole Miss
LB Gavin Forsha (1 year of eligibility)#
TE Will Loerzel (4 years of eligibility)
QB Gio Lopez (3 years of eligibility)* — North Carolina
DB Lorenzo Smith (2 years of eligibility)
LB Aakil Washington (1 year of eligibility)*
CB Lardarius Webb (1 year of eligibility)*
*— 2024 starter
# — 2024 part-time starter; did not participate in spring practice
^— 2023 starter
Additions
CB Nehemiah Chandler, Georgia Tech (4 years of eligibility)
QB Zach Pyron, Minnesota/Georgia Tech (2 years of eligibility)
A former Alabama basketball player has found his next destination in the transfer portal. Naas Cunningham, who redshirted his true freshman season in Tuscaloosa last year, is heading to UNLV,
Cunningham entered the portal following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, which ended with a Crimson Tide loss to Duke in the Elite Eight. Cunningham follows the path of Kris Parker, who spent the 2023-24 season at Alabama as a true freshman, before he transferred to Villanova.
During the season, Alabama head coach Nate Oats discussed Cunningham’s development during his redshirt year.
“When he’s at his peak, it looks like he should be an NBA player,” Oats said in February. “Can we get that every time or a lot more consistent than what it is? It’s hard for me to say right now just because he’s been out with illness and injuries so much. So right now we’re just trying to get him to continue to gain weight because he kind of lost a lot of what he gained when he got sick. So, kind of where that’s at.
“Great kid though, love him. Best teammate. Teammates love him. Coaches love him. Just gotta get him stronger, more consistent. His upside’s gotta show up more consistently.”
Cunningham was a top-50 recruit ahead of last season. He joins a UNLV squad that finished last season 18-15, and fell 70-58 in its final game, the Mountain West tournament quarterfinals, against Utah State.
Alabama has so far lost three players besides Cunningham to the transfer portal following the conclusion of the season. Mo Dioubate (committed to Kentucky), Jarin Stevenson (North Carolina) and Derrion Reid have also left the Crimson Tide.
The Washington Capitals play against the Montreal Canadiens in game 2 of their NHL Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Capitals enter this matchup with a 1-0 series lead, as they defeated Montreal 3-2 in overtime to start the series.
During the victory, Alex Ovechkin led the Washington offense. He ended the game with two goals and one assist, so he will look to perform similarly this evening.
Notably, Ovechkin led the team with 44 goals during the regular season.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Canadiens will need great performances from their star forwards Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Both players were able to find the back of the net in the series opener, but they were unable to secure the victory in overtime. With this in mind, Suzuki and Caufield will try to tie the series this evening.
Fans can watch game 2 of this NHL Playoff series for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
At 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service released a flood advisory in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Fayette and Marion counties.
The weather service comments, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Be flood-ready: Expert guidance from the weather service for your safety
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Seek higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Follow evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Swift evacuation for your safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek higher ground when trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
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:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
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.
National bands like The War and Treaty, Indigo Girls and Secret Sisters used to headline each night at Panoply Arts Festival. In recent years, Panoply increased focus on emerging local musicians.
True, it costs less to book locals. But it also makes the visual-arts-centric Panoply, a family-friendly local fave since the ’80s, even more uniquely Huntsville. In my opinion, Panoply, held at downtown’s Big Spring Park and organized by non-profit Arts Huntsville, has never been cooler.
Below are five must-see up-and-coming acts at Panoply 2025. One of them might turn out to be your next favorite band.
Camacho
6:15 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Showcase Stage
Camacho plays radio-ready alt-rock with classic-rock chops. This Huntsville quintet’s songs, like 2024 single “What’s A Memory?”, are likely to appeal to fans of Stone Temple Pilots and Queen alike. Singer/keyboardist Joe Canada is a talented uninhibited live performer. Born to rock big stages. There’s strong band chemistry too, with guitarists Andrew “AC” Segler and Mac McDonald, Mac McDonald bassist Heath Brister and drummer Alex Powell.
Billy Allen + The Pollies
7:45 – 9 p.m. Friday
Add a special R&B singer who excelled on TV’s “The X Factor” to a power-pop band that’s backed acclaimed singer/songwriters on recordings and international tours. Voila, you have Shoals-based supergroup Billy Allen + The Pollies. The group plays rock and soul with a modern indie feel. Their long-awaited debut album, “Black Noise,” comes out this summer. Already released originals like “If You Want Me To Stay” and “All Of Me” are likely to groove Alabama Shakes enthusiasts. Last year, Billy Allen + The Pollies contributed the theme song, “It’s Okay,” for No. 1 Netflix hit series “The Madness.”
a. jené and the naturals
2:30 – 4:15 p.m. Sunday
Many local/regional artists can only dream of getting nearly 150,000 Spotify streams on one of their songs. Huntsville-via-California songbird a. jené reached those numbers with her 2019 single “Bout It,” a collab with rapper Erik Cain. Her neo-soul skills are legit. See a. jené’s latest single “Frank Ocean” and 2020’s “Like That” for further evidence.
Common Man
6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Friday
Folk-pop duo Common Man was one of the first artists to receive a grant from City of Huntsville’s Music Ambassador Program, which pays local musicians to tour. Married singer/songwriters Meredith Johnson and Compton McMurry started Common Man in 2022. Touring has taken them from Nashville to Houston to Oklahoma City to Washington D.C. In 2023, Common Man released the nifty single “Threadbare.” They follow that up with five-song EP “Only One.” Common Man’s latest single, “Lay Down” features haunting piano and composer Zachary Horner.
Carver Commodore
7:45 – 9 p.m. Saturday
Carver Commodore’s poppy blues rock is in tune with Jack White and Black Keys algorithms. The band’s well-made albums include 2024’s “Carver,” 2021’s “Welcome to the Modern World” and 2019’s “Tell Me What You Want.” In 2023, they dropped “Live at the Shoals Theatre,” recorded in the band’s hometown and featuring standout song “Too Late To Get Out.”
Panoply 2025 weekend passes are $20 and available online only through 4 p.m. Friday at artshuntsville.org. Single day passes are $15 at the gate and online. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Entire music schedule listed here. Festival hours: 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday (Art Marketplace closes at 7:30 p.m.), 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Nike is offering a major discount on the women’s Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium training shoe, but only while supplies last.
With this deal, Nike customers can get the Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium for $39 in the white and leopard print designs. The black shoe is also on sale, but for $45.
Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium – $39.97
The women’s Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium is on sale while supplies last.
“The Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium is equipped with a flat, stable heel, flexibility under the toes and side-to-side support. With tons of grip, you’re ready to lift, HIIT, conquer a class or get stronger at the machines,” Nike’s product details state.
A standout feature of the Nike Legend Essential 2 Premium is its flat, stable heel. This feature is designed to provide maximum stability during actives such as weightlifting and squats. The stable heel helps to maintain proper form and reduce the risk of injury.
Meanwhile, the shoe’s high-abrasion honeycomb mesh combined with durable overlays on the back and sides is another noteworthy feature. This construction not only ensures the shoes’ longevity, but also provides the necessary support and grip for a variety of exercises, making them a versatile choice for any gym activity.
The MVP from a wild Class 3A state title game has found a college home in the state of Alabama.
Mars Hill Bible star Hudson Higgins has committed to UAB, he announced on social media Wednesday afternoon.
The running back prospect picked the Blazers over other offers that include Troy, Tulane, Arkansas State, Liberty, Air Force and North Alabama.
Higgins ran for over 1,400 yards for Mars Hill Bible this season and hauled in over 500 receiving yards as the Panthers claimed their third state championship.
During the Panthers’ Class 3A state championship victory over Houston Academy, Higgins ran for a team-high 200 yards and found the end zone three times in the high-scoring 50-43 victory.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound back was a first team all-state pick at athlete in Class 3A this season by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
He is graded as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ranks as the seventh running back prospect in the state of Alabama for the class of 2026.