‘Return My Vote’ initiative to help with voting rights restoration, other ballot access issues in Alabama
Alabamians who may be struggling to navigate voting rights restoration and voter eligibility will soon have access to more resources thanks to a new initiative – Return My Vote – set to launch May 16. The initiative is a joint effort between Greater Birmingham Ministries and the University of Alabama faculty, specifically Dr. Richard Fording, UA political science professor. “Dr. Fording... Read More
Alabama Poppy Project honors, memorializes deceased service members
For the third year in a row, local potter, Julianne Hansen and her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven Hansen will transform the greenspace near the dam in historic downtown Prattville into a field of red ceramic poppies in honor of those who have served our country, but are no longer living. In fact, starting three... Read More
Blue Cross awards $291k in grants to Alabama schools for wellness
In its commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program is awarding $291,000 in grants to 31 schools statewide enrolling students in grades K through eighth for the 2022-2023 school year. The grants are for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased... Read More
ALFA implores Alabama’s drivers: be cautious during planting season
by Josie Chance The Alabama Farmers Federation is urging drivers to practice extra caution as farmers and large machinery hit the roadways during spring planting and summer growing seasons. “This time of year, farmers are on the roads working hard to produce food and other crops we all rely on,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.... Read More
Opinion: Vote ‘Yes’ on Amendment One for Alabama’s State Parks
by: Chris Blankenship Alabama State Parks provide improved access to some of the state’s most scenic and picturesque areas – from our state’s highest point at Cheaha State Park, to the iconic Gulf State Park beaches, to the 11,000-acre oasis in the midst of urban sprawl at Oak Mountain State Park, and many others. All... Read More
Alabama teacher’s ‘Color Run’ promotes fun, fitness
Friday, May 13 was a colorful afternoon for the students at Abbeville Elementary School. As a part of the school’s annual field day, hundreds of students celebrated completing a series of classroom-wide physical activity challenges with a day of movement and fun. Working within the confines of the Move Alabama Challenge put forth by the Alabama... Read More
Alabama Historical Commission studies underwater wreckage of Clotilda, America’s last slave ship
In its 2021 budget, the State of Alabama appropriated $1 Million to the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) to begin Phase 3 of preservation efforts for the Clotilda, the last ship to bring enslaved people from Africa to America. The Clotilda arrived in America after Congress had already banned the transatlantic slave trade—though the practice remained lucrative, and still... Read More
Community Foundation gives $100k to West Alabama Food Bank
Glenn Taylor of the CFWA is shown making the presentation to Jean Rykaczewski, Executive Director of the West Alabama Food Bank as Sam Faucett and Roger Sayers look on. More information about the Community Foundation of West Alabama is available by calling 205-366-0698 or by visiting the website at www.thecfwa.org. The Community Foundation of West... Read More
Ivey appoints Smitherman to Alabama’s top EMA post
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced she is appointing emergency management veteran and West Point alumnus Jeff Smitherman as Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) acting director. Current AEMA Director Brian Hastings is taking a new opportunity and will lead the agency through Friday, May 20. Smitherman will take the helm immediately following with his appointment... Read More
Black Warrior Electric awards scholarships to 10 Alabama students
d As it has done the previous five years, Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation recently awarded scholarships to high school graduating seniors in West Central Alabama. This year, Black Warrior presented scholarships to 10 students. The scholarships, $500 each, are awarded through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, which was created by Alabama’s electric cooperatives as a... Read More