May 2025 Edition
May 2025 Edition
April 27, 2025 - Fourteen players with ties to the state of Alabama were drafted in the seven rounds of the NFL draft from Thursday through Saturday. Alabama Quarterback Jalen Milroe was the fifth quarterback selected. Even more players signed contracts as undrafted free agents including Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne. University of Alabama Guard Tyler Booker was the 12th player taken. He goes to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round as they look to replace the legendary Zack Martin on their...
The Indy Racing League will be in Alabama on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at the Barber Motorsports Park near Leeds in Jefferson County. This event draws Indy racing league fans from across Alabama and beyond. The race itself will begin at 12:45 pm on Sunday. The race will be televised on NBC. 27 cars are expected to be in the field on Sunday. The teams were in Long Beach California last weekend. Motorsports has a long storied tradition in Alabama....
Let me tell you a little something about expectations-Oak Mountain had 'em. Piled high. Thirty wins, one loss, number one in the country, and a MaxPreps computer that gave Montgomery Academy a big, fat 0% chance to win. That's not a long shot. That's not a Hail Mary. That's a "don't bother showing up." But soccer isn't played on spreadsheets. It's played on grass. It's played with heart. And in Huntsville, it was played with grit, guts, and a maybe a little divine intervention. Montgomery...
In a world obsessed with highlight reels and scholarships, a quieter moment is playing out on sidestreets and in backyard driveways. Picture this: a former D1 point guard rebounding shots for a 12-year-old under a flickering park light. No jersey. No crowd. Just purpose. The final whistle used to mean "it's over." But for a growing wave of ex-college and former pro athletes, it's just the start of Act II. The Post-Game Plan Across the country, these athletes are stepping out of packed stadiums...
May 17, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Yesterday we looked back at the ten most consequential bills that did pass. Dozens of bills did not pass. A lot of conversations are being had right now about what went wrong on those last two legislative days that resulted in bills dying by the dozen for "lack of time." Democrats and the Senate rules are getting blamed for "killing" the bills; but there are only 8 Democrats in the 35 member body so if Republican Senators did their jobs there SHOULD be...
In just 100 days, President Trump has delivered a record-breaking surge of leadership, action, and results unlike any other administration. While other presidents wasted their early months in office on ceremony and bureaucracy, President Trump has unleashed a tidal wave of pro-America policies, restoring strength, pride, and prosperity from Washington to Main Street. In his first 3 months, Trump has launched a historic border enforcement surge, reignited American manufacturing investment, and...
The ferocious campaign, led by the media with The New York Times at the forefront, to have Pete Hegseth fired as Secretary of Defense is not evidence of his unfitness but proof that he is President Trump’s man and the right leader for the job. When the establishment—defense contractors, career bureaucrats, political insiders, and their media allies—unites to smear a leader with such intensity, it reveals their fear of disruption to a broken system. Pete Hegseth, a decorated combat...
April 20, 2025 - The name George McMillan was first introduced to me during the 1986 Governor's race. Political names do not excite me the way they did back then, and all the candidates' names seemed so cool. Former Alabama Governor Fob James, Attorney General Charlie Graddick, and of course the candidate I ultimately went with, the incumbent lieutenant governor Bill Baxley, but that would not be the last time I heard the name McMillan. Some people are born to be successful in whatever field...
The recent situation at the University of Tennessee, where the head coach dismissed a highly-touted quarterback after he reportedly demanded more NIL money, has brought the urgent need for reform into sharp focus. Stories like this show just how far we’ve drifted from the values that once defined college athletics. Stories like this show just how far we’ve drifted from the values that once defined college athletics. As a lifelong fan of college sports and a season ticket holder whose three...
President Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." Until now, I have refrained from commenting or opening the door to counter-criticisms in response to the derogatory comments made about me and my administration by Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen. Since taking office in 2023, Secretary Allen has repeatedly mischaracterized both my tenure and the work of the...
The Alabama Senate this past week just passed a record education budget of nearly $12.1 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget includes funding for K-12, community colleges and the state universities. The bill now goes to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate also passed legislation that would reform the funding formula for state primary schools. The Renewing Alabama’s Investment in Student Excellence Act will revamp how money is appropriated to provide more...
As I stated in my earlier article, I have chosen not to respond to the negative comments and attacks on my performance and character up to this point because they are unfounded and unnecessary. I know the truth, and not all allegations warrant a response. However, I felt compelled to address the Congressional testimony since those statements insulted the dedicated individuals who have worked to ensure that Alabama's elections are safe, secure, and transparent. My article addressed several...
Bill Britt's latest hit piece in the Alabama Political Reporter isn't journalism-it's political hackery at its worst. It's a smear job aimed squarely at Senator Tommy Tuberville, and by extension, President Donald J. Trump and the America First movement. This piece isn't journalism, it's a hit job dressed up as an opinion column, and it's got all the hallmarks of a writer who's more interested in zingers than facts. First off, Britt's has no sources. He leans on vague "multiple sources" and...
In American politics, reflecting on the first 100 days of a presidency are more than just a tradition-they are a test of purpose, power, and political will. Franklin Roosevelt was the first to make history by seizing that window with decisive action. President Donald J. Trump, in his second term in his first 100 days delivered political "shock and awe" as Saun Hannity so aptly described his first three months. And standing shoulder to shoulder with him have been Alabama's two U.S....
Given ‘woke’ education from soviet educators who truly believe in ‘Hammer & Sickle’ command economies as our nation embraced the path of transferring wealth to specific interests over the general welfare, most have heard the acronym MFN (Most Favoured Nation) trading status, yet have little education with this unconstitutional power. Fellow Gazette writer Johnny Taylor’s book https://www.google.com/books/edition/Union_at_All_Costs/DopXMQAACAAJ?hl=en is the best I’ve read...
America's economic future hinges on energy-its reliability, affordability, and availability. Nowhere is that future being written more decisively than in Alabama. While much of the country debates how to adapt to growing energy demands, Alabama is acting. With foresight and purpose, our state is building a foundation of energy strength that is not only fueling our own growth but offering a model for the nation. We're not following trends-we're setting them. Earlier this year, Alabama took a...
We stand at a peculiar crossroads in our understanding of progress, a concept often lauded and universally desired. Yet, a closer look at its manifestations in our communities reveals a potentially distorted picture. Consider the well-intentioned efforts of infrastructure investment, frequently touted as a sign of advancement. But what does it truly signify when the most prominent new structures rising in a town that hasn't seen a single commercial building in three-quarters of a century are...
This year (2025), America’s most powerful man (Donald Trump) has teamed up with our most brilliant (Elon Musk) to create and administer our new Department Of Government Efficiency. It’s mission is to perform our greatest economic rescue in history—a massive colorectal cleanup that has been decades overdue. These two heroes are hustling full tilt to cast off our bureaucratic slave chains and plug our treasury’s massive hemmorhage to literally SAVE OUR COUNTRY from financial collapse and...
The partisan complexion of Alabama’s Congressional delegation has changed from six Republicans and one lone Democrat to five Republicans and two Democrats. This change was orchestrated by federal court decree. The federal courts plowed new ground when they ruled that Alabama’s Legislature did not have the right to draw their own congressional lines. The U.S. Supreme Court has adamantly decreed, for the entire duration of U.S. history, that the state legislatures have the omnipotent...
The City of Hoover was founded in 1968 as a suburban bedroom community of the Over the Mountain area. In 57 years, it has grown into one of the most prominent and prosperous cities in the Jefferson/Shelby metro area. It is now the fifth largest city in Alabama in real population following only Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and its neighbor, Birmingham. About two decades ago, Hoover’s population had grown so significantly that the Census Bureau changed the label of Alabama’s largest...
John Wahl -The MAGA Party Chairman President Trump Needs in Every State America was at a crossroads, facing rising inflation, open borders, and a government disconnected from the people. But then the American people did what they do best: they fought back. They sent Donald J. Trump back to the White House, and everything changed. The America First movement was reignited, and with it came a new wave of conservative leadership across the country. At the forefront of that resurgence was Alabama...
April 15 is traditionally known as the deadline to file your tax return. This time last year, Alabama political insiders had marked their calendars as that being the date that our 2026 political season would begin. It was thought that all of the thoroughbred horses would be at the gate to begin their races for the state’s four top political posts by April 15, 2025. Our Republican primary is our election in Alabama. Therefore, the election for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and one...
Our Alabama Supreme Court is a stellar group. All nine of our Alabama justices are Republicans. They are conservative Republicans and that is not bad. It is actually proper and appropriate given that we are one of the most conservative Republican states in America. Not only are all of the Supreme Court Jurists Republicans, every statewide elected official and constitutional officeholder in Alabama are GOP stalwarts, as well as both of our U.S. Senators. Speaking of which, all of our...
The 2026 election season has begun. It is our big election year in Alabama politics. All our Constitutional offices, including Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and State Auditor are up for election. You will also have two seats on the State Supreme Court up for election as well as two seats on the Public Service Commission. In addition, and probably more importantly, all 140 seats in the Alabama State Legislature are up for election and one of our...
I love college football. Or should I say, “I used to love college football.” There was a time not so many years ago that my wife and I would get up on Saturday morning, read our Bibles and then at 0900, we would turn on College Gameday on ESPN and watch college football until we went to bed that night. We would watch it sometimes all day long. I know that I am not alone. I have a friend who is a big “gamer” and loves to play video games. He once asked me about it because he thought it...
The Trial of Jesus: A Historical Look at the Jewish and Roman Trial Proceedings, an honors thesis, written by Vivian Pryor while at Ouachita Baptist University , 17 April 2024, discusses the trial of Jesus by the High Priests, also referred to as a council meaning the Sanhedrin. It is believed that the Sanhedrin was a council of multiple men, most likely members of the Pharisees and the Sadducees who functioned not only in judicial matters but legislative as well. The Pharisees were priests...
People often say that God won't give you more than you can handle. Are you kidding me?!?! God will give you abundantly more than you can handle so that you will learn to hand it off to the who can …which is God. “Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 As long as you think that you got this in your own power and your own ability, with your own strength, As long as you think that you can do it. You are the master of your own ship. You are the captain of your life. You can battle the...
President Trump is leading America's most important comeback yet-our return to energy dominance and global economic leadership. While the Democrats and their cohorts in the media chases distractions, President Trump is making moves that matter. His establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council, created by Executive Order 14213 which will outline its comprehensive energy strategy this month, is nothing short of historic. This is classic President Trump: strategic, high-impact, and...
On a cool spring morning in Coosa County, a few hikers gather outside the Pinhoti Outdoor Center. They sip coffee, double-check their gear and swap stories about where the trail might take them next. It’s a familiar scene, but one that didn’t exist here five years ago. Back then, there was no local outfitter, no shuttle service, no place to stop and stay. Kimm and Nathan Wright set out to change that. What started as a modest hostel in 2019 is now a full-service operation helping people...
On May 13, 2025, in the regal capital of Riyadh, former President Donald J. Trump once again reminded the world why he's the greatest dealmaker in modern history. Standing beside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump unveiled a $600 billion Strategic Economic Partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia-a monumental alliance that will go down as one of the boldest economic agreements of the 21st century. It is, by every measure, a victory for free markets, job creation, and global...
May 12, 2025 - Washington D.C. - A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor our brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families, safeguard our communities, and shoulder a burden of responsibility that most Americans cannot fathom. This week and always, we honor the courageous men and women serving in law enforcement and memorialize those who sacrificed their lives defending the thin blue...
Governor Kay Ivey has just delivered a masterstroke for the future of Alabama-and it fits hand-in-glove with President Trump's MAGA agenda and the mission of the Energy Dominance Council. She signed the "Powering Growth" plan into law. With her signature on this transformative legislation, Governor Ivey is leading the charge toward free-market energy expansion, regulatory reform, and investment in real American infrastructure. This is what pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-America leadership looks...
When things get uncertain, most of us reach for something familiar: a solution. Fixing is fast. It makes us feel useful. Competent. In control. It soothes the quiet discomfort of not knowing what to do—by doing something, anything—quickly. You've seen it. A leader gets a tough question in a meeting—something vague, complex, vaguely threatening. No clear answer. But silence feels risky. So they make a confident-sounding call and move on. Ah … back in control. Even if they're not....
Severe weather last weekend hindered travel across the state, which limited the number of Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) members who were able to meet at Troy University for the second CAB meeting of the year. Being one member short of a quorum to conduct any official business, the CAB members were apprised of what had occurred affecting the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) since the March meeting. Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship updated...
Pursuant to Section 9-12-46, Code of Alabama as stated by Rule 220-3-.01, the Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that as of 6 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025, all inside waters will close for commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting. All inside waters, not permanently closed by law or regulation, will reopen to shrimp harvest at 6 a.m., on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Inside waters are defined in rule 220-3-.04 as all...
This time of year I try to spend as much time in the turkey woods as possible. Since I speak and write to a lot of hunters, I really do need to be able to tell some stories that are not too far from the past. So, I just think of April and November as the two months that I have to go back to school to do continuing education – to keep my accreditation current- to keep abreast on any new tools and techniques. (That sounds really good. I wonder if I can use that on my wife?) But in all reality,...
Opening morning of turkey season did not disappoint. Even though I never took a shot, I had lots of action. And it’s always great when you can watch a tom strut for an extended period of time. If it were not for a late morning zoom that I had to attend, I would have stayed longer, just trying to get a gobbler a little closer. But I sure am glad my local season finally opened. It seemed like it would never get here. What made it worse was just driving around and seeing all the toms already in...
If you have hunted for a considerable amount of time, you can trace your evolution. While once any deer would do; soon you held your shot for something larger. But then what? I met man years ago who made recurve bows. He took each piece of wood and allowed its own characteristics to determine what it would ultimately look like. Most had some type of crook that didn’t allow a perfect product, but they were extremely effective in the hands of a skilled archer. Not only did he make these bows,...
It was a beautiful morning. The rain was enough to get me wet, but not enough to keep me from pursuing another tom. I did, however, wait until I heard a gobble before I decided where to set up. Therefore, it was breaking day. When I began to move, I heard some hens and thought I was busted. I turned around, went back up to the top of the hill and conferred with myself to determine what plan b would be. Evidently, those hens didn’t see me. Because after a few minutes two of them showed up with...
May 12, 2025 - FLORIDA - Tarpon season is in full swing and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding anglers to use these best fishing practices to keep silver kings reigning for generations to come. These best fishing practices were developed to help anglers quickly reel in tarpon and be set up for a successful release. From gear selection and handling techniques to proper release and shark awareness, here are the key practices every angler should know. Gear...
May 9, 2025 - The inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit was recently held at Lake Guntersville State Park, where more than 200 attendees discussed how to share Alabama's natural wonders with the rest of the nation and world. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission in 2020, and its goals included highlighting the many assets Alabama has to offer in recruiting businesses, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and other talent to our great state. Innovate Alabama is the...
May 13, 2025 - The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, State Lands Division, assists various state agencies in auctioning five-year hunting leases on land tracts across the state. A live public auction for the current bid cycle will be held on May 31, 2025. The 2025 bid notice, sample hunting lease, hunting tract listing, and hunting tract maps, all of which are downloadable at the state's website. To download a sample hunting lease and more information visit their website:...
May 13, 2025 : DESTIN, FL - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to announce the 10th annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day on Saturday, May 17. Lionfish are an invasive species that negatively impact native marine life and their habitat. Everyone is invited to celebrate LRAD at this year's Lionfish Festival, which will be held May 17–18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT at HarborWalk Village in Destin. This 2-day outdoor festival is free, open to the public and...
May 14, 2025 - Florida's reef fish need good data to stay sustainable. That's where you come in! The State Reef Fish Survey helps @MyFWC track populations across the state. Your input makes a difference. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/3e05eb9 #FWCResearch #marineresearch #Florida #ReefFish FWC marks 5 years of the State Reef Fish Survey, advancing sustainable fisheries through data-driven efforts The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission...
Charlie Gray of Dauphin Island has been appointed to the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board by Governor Kay Ivey. Gray will complete the current term for Gary Wolfe of Fairhope, who resigned from the board in April 2025. A native of Dauphin Island, Gray is a 1988 graduate of the University of South Alabama. He is the Vice President and Manager of Underwriting for Surety Land Title, Inc., in Mobile. Gray comes to the Board with more than 45 years of experience fishing the Gulf Coast and is an...
This month marks the five-year anniversary of the World Health Organization's declaration that COVID-19 was a pandemic. That announcement shuttered school buildings and launched millions of students into remote learning. While the immediate health crisis is over, the long-term impact on students is not, The 74 reports. The latest Nation's Report Card underscores that academic recovery remains elusive, with many students needing months of additional instructional time to close the pandemic...
April 23, 2025 - HUNTSVILLE, AL. – It's often said that one of the hardest things to accomplish in team competitions is a "three-peat" – winning three championships in a row. After placing first in 2023 and 2024 in NASA's Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) was set to do just that this year, before a catastrophic mechanical setback on the first day of the two-day competition ended the dream of a third consecutive victory. However, the UAH...
Private sports coaching has long been a behind-the-scenes part of youth athletics, but in recent years, it's become a booming micro-economy—fueled not by schools or clubs, but by everyday families looking for something different. The demand for high-quality private coaching is only growing stronger, Athletes Untapped says. A combination of youth sports specialization, college recruiting, and a cultural push for individualized development has created the perfect opportunity for private...
When the Marshall Fire swept through the grassy plains and foothills outside Boulder, Colorado, in late December 2021, it burned down more than 1,000 homes—and left many young people shaken. "It can just be pure anxiety—you're literally watching a fire march its way across, and it's really, really close," said David Thesenga, an 8th grade science teacher. Some of his students at Alexander Dawson School in the small town of Lafayette lost their homes to the fire. As more students come to...
KaTiedra Argro has been on a mission: restore her school's reputation as a premier Philadelphia educational institution where young women hone their skills, excel as leaders, and find their voices. The principal of the Philadelphia High School for Girls spent last fall visiting 48 elementary and middle schools to recruit students. She went all over the city, from Northeast to Southwest, to sell kids on an historic all-girls school that was founded 13 years before the Civil War. A member of...
COVID had already killed thousands of people in other countries and was spreading in the United States when a top federal health official said schools should prepare to offer "internet-based teleschooling" in case they had to close for a period of time. "We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare for the expectation that this could be bad," Dr. Nancy Messonnier, then a leader in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's pandemic response, told reporters on a Feb. 25,...
President Donald Trump has pledged to shutter the Department of Education but also promised that students with disabilities will keep getting the services they need. Special education advocates, school district officials and teachers say mass federal layoffs mean that too few people are left to carry out a complicated law intended to protect some of the nation's most vulnerable students' right to an education. The administration laid off nearly half the Education Department's staff, The...
UAH researchers use adhesive tape to generate electricity for low-cost, self-powered wearable biosensors and energy harvesting May 16, 2025 - HUNTSVILLE, AL. – A research team at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has published a new paper in American Chemical Society Omega that demonstrates inexpensive store-bought tape can be used to craft a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) capable of harvesting electrical energy from various sources, including human movement and environmental...
Sure, tending to plants and flowers brings pleasant fragrances, vibrant colors, and a little buzz for the birds and bees, but the real groundbreaking magic happens beneath the surface. A garden does more than brighten up an outdoor space—it can transform your health in ways you might not expect. Does gardening count as exercise? Are there any mental health benefits to growing your own plants? Yes to both. From lowering stress to supporting weight management, gardening offers lots of powerful...
May is the month we associate with the holiday, Memorial Day, honoring all who died serving in the Armed Services during U.S. wars, beginning with the Civil War. In 1971, Congress passed into law the Uniform Monday Holiday Act establishing that Memorial Day be commemorated on the last Monday of May of each year. And the red poppy is the flower associated with this holiday. After Flanders Field in Belgium was rutted for years with the tracks of heavy armored tanks and vehicles, red poppies...
Pizza has been a staple of the American diet since the late 19th century and has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. How much do Americans love pizza? $50 billion in estimated sales for 2024 should give you a rough idea. What's more, that number is expected to grow, with technology research company Technavio projecting the global pizza market will increase by $70.1 billion between 2025 and 2029. Americans buy approximately 350 slices of pizza every second. Crust, cheese, sauce, and, of...
Since A&W Root Beer became the first American restaurant to franchise in 1925, the U.S.—not to mention the rest of the world—has been dominated by chains. Iconic establishments like the now-defunct Howard Johnson's trained customers to look toward its distinctive orange roofs for consistency and comfort, while McDonald's revolutionized the industry with its focus on speed and affordability. Over the years, chains have had a tremendous influence on American culture, from Little Caesars...
May is National Burger Month and Hims is helping you celebrate with a roundup of the healthiest fast food burgers in the country. It's also that time of year when many people are working toward various health goals, whether that's getting ready for a summer beach vacation or working on improving overall health and nutrition, so we decided to rank the nation's most popular burgers based on how healthy they are. While burgers may not come to mind when you think of healthy eating, if you need a...
Those who follow a legend have a daunting task. Consider Joshua who followed Moses of whom it was said he knew God face-to-face! But Joshua had been a careful student learning from the mentor who instructed him. Joshua isn’t remembered as a lawgiver as Moses was. Not really a King John or Thomas Jefferson giving great legal documents, but more like Patton driving the German army out of North Africa. He would be the general who brought the people into the land of promise. Just before his death...
May 17, 2025 – VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV will lead his inaugural mass Sunday. Vice President J.D. Vance – himself a Catholic convert – will lead a substantial United States delegation that includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) and other members of Congress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the King and Queen of Spain – Felipe and Letizia will also be there as well as Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, German...
It’s been my experience that funeral home directors generally have a great sense of humor. I asked a gentleman about this once and he explained that a sense of humor is the only thing that saved him from awful depression. I can imagine these men and women deal with the greatest of tragedies. But on the other hand, I’ve heard some interesting stories from them. One funeral home employee told me about trying to salvage a graveside service after several pallbearers were drunk, and one fell...
Christian author, Lee Strobel, was in Birmingham last year. I met him and heard his fascinating story of abandoning atheism for a life of faith. Strobel, a journalist and legal reporter for “The Chicago Tribune,” was an unbeliever when his wife came to faith. She did was Peter admonished in his first letter, “letting her light shine” rather than nagging him for his unbelief! Stroebel was struck by the changes in her life and began a journalistic investigation into the gospel record,...
May 8, 2025 – VATICAN CITY – The cardinals finally elected a new Pope. Late on Thursday evening white smoke began bellowing out of the building where the 133 cardinals were gathered to select the new Pope. This notified the faithful gathered in Vatican Square than an announcement of the selection would be coming. The cardinals shocked many Vatican watchers by selecting an America - Robert Francis Prevost as the Successor to St. Peter. The 69-year-old pontiff chose the papal name of Leo the...
Our Alabama Baptist retreat at Shocco Springs is a gorgeous place, and I’ve enjoyed every event I’ve attended there. Several years ago, I attended a two-day training course for pastors. A conference for senior adults was on site at the same time. I saw that the other group was having a concert that night when our group wasn’t meeting, so I went. The singer did a great job. He sang some “oldies” like “Silhouette” by Peter Noone and “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by...
I was going through one of my Dad’s old notebooks the other day and saw where he had saved old articles and poems from the past. There were also some poems and articles that he wrote. Like me, my Dad was a Methodist Pastor in Alabama and the panhandle of Florida as was my grandfather and my great-grandfather too. My Dad died in 1988 at the age of 57, but while he was alive he taught me to regularly reflect on my life and my witness for Christ. I miss him everyday and wish I could hear his...
May 7, 2025 - VATICAN CITY - A Historic Day in the Vatican. Today marks the commencement of the Papal Conclave to select the successor of Pope Francis - who died on Easter Monday. The conclave is a profound and ceremonious event that will determine the successor to the throne of Saint Peter. The conclave is a venerable tradition within the Roman Catholic Church, dating back centuries, where cardinals from around the globe gather to elect the new Pope. This solemn assembly is bound by secrecy,...
Jesus is often referred to as "the light of life". And John 1:4 states that "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." With verse 9 further stating that "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world." In fact, early religious iconography often depicts Jesus surrounded by a halo, which is a ring of light surrounding a person. While often science and religion seem to be at odds, upon further study, they intertwine once more. Such is the case with a newly...
My neighbor stopped me to announce he’d taken up lawn care as a second job. He asked if I’d be interested in patronizing him. I’ve always taken care of our yard, without charge, but I know sometimes things happen on weekends, or I get rained out. “How much would it cost?” I inquired. “Probably about sixty dollars,” he said. I was shocked. The last time I priced lawns was when I was 12 or 13 years old. I mowed three yards in the neighborhood. Mrs. Harris’s yard was $6, Mrs....
If you are 55 or older, you might not consider yourself a person of advanced age. But your age could help you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you can no longer work. To receive SSDI benefits, you must show that you have an injury or illness that makes you unable to work for a living. In many cases, an applicant's age of 55 and older is one of the factors considered in a disability claim. As you get older, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is more...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
APRIL 29, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - The Montgomery Career Center will be hosting the Semi-Annual Montgomery City Wide Career Fair in partnership with The City of Montgomery. Montgomery – The Montgomery Career Center is hosting a Semi-Annual Montgomery City Wide Career Fair in partnership with The City of Montgomery. Multiple Private Companies and Government agencies will be attending. Some employers include Alabama State Personnel, Montgomery Personnel Board, Personnel Board of Jefferson...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
On May 17, 1987, a tragic event unfolded in the Persian Gulf. An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jet launched two Exocet missiles at the U.S. Navy warship USS Stark. This unexpected attack resulted in the loss of 37 sailors and injuries to 21 more. Background During the late 1980s, the Persian Gulf was a region of intense conflict, primarily due to the Iran-Iraq War. Both nations targeted oil tankers and military vessels to disrupt each other's economic and military capabilities. The U.S. Navy, operating in the area to ensure safe passage...
On May 3 1963, the all White police force in Birmingham, Alabama, radically changed its approach in handling the "Birmingham campaign" protesters. The local authorities, known for their oppressive tactics, responded with violent force to suppress the demonstrators. This brutal event, captured in stark images, was transmitted worldwide, casting an intense spotlight on the African-American Civil Rights Movement. The repercussions of this momentous day reverberated far beyond Birmingham, altering...
Many Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but how many actually know the story of the holiday? Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn't mark Mexican Independence, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. Instead, it's meant to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, which was fought between the Mexican and French armies in 1862. In Mexico's long and storied history, the Battle of Puebla is generally considered a fairly minor event. But its legacy lives on a century and a half later, particularly in...
C-Span recently featured John Grinspan speaking about the Wide Awakes, a topic covered on the Abbeville Blog and in Chapter Seven of my book, Union At All Costs: From Confederation to Consolidation. As early as 1856, numerous paramilitary clubs were organized in support of the Republican Party. Examples included the Rocky Mountain Clubs, Freedom Clubs, and the notorious Wide Awakes. This organization differed from the previous group of New Yorkers who wore the Wide Awake moniker. The originals...
Last October, I had the privilege of conducting a wedding in our little country church. The groom is a retired U.S. Army corporal. The bride is a direct descendant of Patrick Henry. Born 29 May 1736, Henry is the subject of my column for May. Most Americans, when they think of Patrick Henry, are reminded of his timeless words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” They think of Henry as a great orator but not much else. But an orator’s power to move people wells from the depth of conviction...
On May 6, 1863, the last day of the Battle of Chancellorsville ended with a Confederate victory and stands as one of the most remarkable engagements of the American Civil War, a testament to strategic brilliance and the complexities of warfare. Fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, this battle pitted the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by General Robert E. Lee, against the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General Joseph Hooker. Prelude to...
One of America’s most famous combat correspondents was killed 80 years ago on the island of Ie Shima in Japan. Pulitzer Prize winner Ernie Pyle died when a burst of enemy machine gun struck him in the head. His death was mourned throughout the country, from President Harry Truman to Eleanor Roosevelt to General Eisenhower to the masses of infantrymen Pyle wrote about throughout the war. He was a journalist of the old school, providing the facts from his experience embedded with combat troops...
On May 4, 1942, a significant event in World War II unfolded as the Battle of the Coral Sea began. This battle marked a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater, as it was the first major encounter between aircraft carriers from the United States and Japanese naval forces. The clash took place when aircraft from the USS Yorktown launched an attack on Japanese naval forces at Tulagi Island in the Solomon Islands. The Japanese had invaded Tulagi the day before, setting the stage for this...
On this day in 1551, the Council of Trent resumed under the oversight of Pope Julius III, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church and the Counter-Reformation. Pope Julius III, known as the Counter-Reformation Pope, played a crucial role in guiding the council towards addressing the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and reinforcing the doctrines of the Church. Historical Context The Council of Trent, convened in response to the Protestant Reformation, had...
On May 7, 1954 besieged French military forces at Dien Bien Phu surrendered to Vietnamese revolutionary forces. It was a French defeat but it would have far-reaching consequences Introduction The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, a pivotal event in the First Indochina War, marked a significant turning point in the colonial history of Southeast Asia. This decisive confrontation between the French Union's French Far East Expeditionary Corps and the Viet Minh Communist revolutionaries took place from...
By: Will Sellers World War II ended in Europe 80 years ago, but without obtaining its stated objective. The cause of the war — the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Poland — went unrealized. Poland had merely traded Nazi occupation for Russian domination. For all the high-minded conjecture about a safer, more secure world, the fate of Poland was completely lost in the shuffle. The future peace and stability of a new world order sacrificed Poland to the Soviet sphere of...
The 13th of May, 1943, marked a significant turning point in the course of World War II. On this day, the German Afrika Korps and Italian troops stationed in North Africa surrendered to the Allied forces, signaling the end of the North African Campaign and paving the way for subsequent Allied victories in Europe. The North African Campaign The North African Campaign began in June 1940 and was a critical theater of World War II. It involved a series of battles for control of the Suez Canal, a...
On May 11, 1310, the skies above France witnessed a grim spectacle that marked a dark chapter in history. Fifty-four members of the esteemed Knights Templar were burned at the stake, accused of heresy by the French Crown and the Church. This tragic event was the culmination of a series of political maneuvers, betrayals, and relentless pursuit of power. Origins of the Knights Templar The Knights Templar was founded in 1119, initially as a monastic military order dedicated to protecting Christian...
On May 15, 1997, the United States government publicly acknowledged the existence of the "Secret War" in Laos, a covert operation that spanned from 1964 to 1973 during the Vietnam War. This pivotal moment in history marked a significant step toward recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Hmong and other ethnic groups who played crucial roles in the clandestine conflict. The "Secret War" in Laos The "Secret War" in Laos was a covert campaign led by the United States Central Intelligence...
Major General James E. Livingston served over 33 continuous years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Service Code was Infantry Officer. During the Vietnam War, on May 2, 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Maj Gen Livingston distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces during the Battle of Dai Do, and he earned the Medal of Honor, and he is the only recipient of...
Major Thomas Leon Harrell served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. His Air Force Specialty Code included Acquisition Management, Acquisition Project Officer, Configuration Identification Officer and Chemical Engineer. He received the following medals, decorations, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense...
Senior Master Sergeant Sharon Kay Waters served 22 years in the United States Air Force. Her Air Force Specialty Code was Administrative Superintendent for three years and one month and Administrative Technician for 19 years and three months. She received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one Device, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit...
Chaplain, Major Alexander Palomaria served 32 years in the U.S. military including nine years in the Army and 23 years in the Air Force. His Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) was Chaplain, and he served as a chaplain for 19 years. He received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence...
Master Sergeant MSG) Boris Tucker served 35 years in the U.S. military including 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Army and 23 years in the U.S. Army Reserve including four deployments. His Miliary Occupational Specialty (MOS) was (92-A) Automated Logistics Specialist. He received the following medals, decorations, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, with two campaign stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 20 year device silver hourglass, Iraq...
The River Region Veterans Coalition (RRVC) is a new, diverse organization in Montgomery forming a regional non-profit/apolitical coalition of public and private sector organizations. Other such AL groups are the South AL Veterans Council (SAVC) in Mobile, the Central AL Veterans Collaborative (CAVC) in Birmingham and the North AL Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Coalition (NAVOC)) in Huntsville. The River Region Veterans Coalition has already held meetings in February and March of this year...
It has been 3 months since President Trump has entered the White House. In less than 100 days, President Trump and his administration have already identified more than $155 billion in government waste, fraud, and abuse that has gone unchecked for decades. One of the most shocking discoveries to-date has been the corruption within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Biden administration. Thanks to the great work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the...
The 908th Flying Fighter Wing held a Family Day at Maxwell Air Force Base on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Personnel with this Wing and their families enjoyed a day filled with games, jumping on inflatable bounce houses, face painting, riding tricycles, videos, vendors such as the American Red Cross and a lunch of freshly grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. The 908th Flying Training Wing is Alabama’s only U. S. Air Force Reserve Wing. It has approximately 1,000 members serving in more than 80 career...
Edward G. Platt……………..May 2nd Jimmy F. Meacham…………May 5th Linda L. Boyle……………….May 6th Joel A.. Burdette…………….May 6th LaQuiesha Andrews………..May 7th Sandra Dee Lucas………….May 13th Paul Williamson…………….May 14th David L. McFarland………...May 16th Lenora White………………..May 19th Richard Aldridge…………….May 20th Ronald W. Balkom………….May 20th Willie Durham……………….May 22nd Ell Whit...
Lt. Col John Gibson Hamilton passed away April 14, 2025. He served 34 years in the U.S. Military including six years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 28 years in the U.S. Air Force including a tour in Vietnam. His biographical article was published in the June 2021 issue of the Alabama...
May 9, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Navy Captain Paul "Puck" Esposito as the May "Veteran of the Month." Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville's remarks can be found below, and complete remarks can be found here. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=1397800644748106&rdid=LvnbPkWYz0rKiJ6X "In Alabama, we take a lot of pride in honoring and supporting the heroes who have served in our nation's military. But it takes...
State Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) recently joined the Heart of Dixie Podcast to discuss the Alabama Legislative session, proposed legislation dealing with hemp derived psychoactive cannabinoids, and more. The Heart of Dixie Podcast is hosted by Alabama Gazette Lead Reporter and Content Manager Brandon Moseley and Attorney Harry Still...
Congressional candidate Terri LaPoint recently joined the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast to discuss her campaign for Congress. LaPoint is running in Alabama's Third Congressional District. Incumbent Congressman Mike Rogers and Draic Coakley are also running for Congress in CD3. LaPoint is a writer, journalist, and Republican activist. The Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast is hosted by Alabama Gazette Lead Reporter and Content Manager Brandon Moseley and Alabama...
Former Secretary of State John H. Merrill joined the Brandon and Christopher (BCS) podcast to discuss his political career, election integrity, business filings, and even the state of college athletics in the NIL world. Merrill was Secretary of State from 2015 to 2023. He is widely believed to be considering running for Alabama Lieutenant Governor in 2026. The Republican primary is scheduled for May 2026. This BCS podcast is hosted by Alabama Gazette Lead Reporter and Content Manager Brandon...
As news gathering evolves with new technology the Alabama Gazette is committed to bringing our readers podcasts in addition to the finest written journalism available in the state of Alabama. We are sharing our conversations with Alabama newsmakers from across the state in the form of podcasts with our podcast partners. State Representative Mark Gidley spoke with the Alabama Gazette's Leader Reporter and Content Manager Brandon Moseley along with Harry Still III on the Heart of Dixie Podcast...
Attorney and Public Service Commission Candidate Brent Woodall recently joined the Brandon and Christopher Show podcast to discuss the PSC and how he believes that he could do a better job than incumbent PSC Commissioner Jeremy Oden. The Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast is hosted by Alabama Political Reporter Lead Reporter and Content Manager Brandon Moseley and Alabama Political Contributor Publisher Christopher...
Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate recently joined the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast. Pate discussed food prices, the health of the farm economy, and the damage being done to Alabama farmers by unfair trade practices. Pate is term limited from running for a third term as Ag. commissioner and is being widely discussed as an Alabama Lieutenant Governor candidate. The Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast is hosted by Alabama Gazette Lead Reporter and Content Manager...
State Representative Neal Rafferty (D-Birmingham recently joined the Brandon and Christopher show to discuss the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session. Rafferty is a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. "As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a native to Birmingham, Alabama, I fervently believe in serving our country, our state, and our local community. I feel it is my duty and my responsibility to give back when so much has been given to me," Rep. Rafferty said on his...
April 28, 2025 - Alabama Medical Cannabis Commissioner Executive Director John McMillan joined the Heart of Dixie Podcast to discuss recent court rulings affecting Alabama's implementation of it's medical marijuana program. McMillan discussed this and other topics with hosts: Brandon Moseley and Harry Still III. The Alabama Legislature passed a medical cannabis bill in 2021. That legislation created the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. McMillan was hired to run the Commission (AMCC). The...
May 3, 2025 - Attorney Derek Chen joined the Brandon and Christopher Show podcast to discuss his candidacy for the Republican nomination for state auditor. Auditor is an open seat in 2026 because current Auditor Andrew Sorrell is running for Secretary of State. Chen came to Alabama in 2018 after being born and raised in California. He did his undergraduate in Michigan and then came to Alabama to study law at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. He also has a master's in business...
Libertarian political candidate and retired Auburn University economic professor John Sophocleus recently joined the Brandon and Christopher Show podcast. Sophocleus said that it is far too early to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of President Donald J. Trump's (R) economic policies. Sopholcleus warned that high tariffs could lead to inflation; but that this is too early in the process to be making judgements about the effectiveness (or not) of President Trump's tariff hikes....
