Eagle Mania Hits ChumCity!

Get ready to celebrate 40 years of soaring success! Eagle Awareness Weekends are back at Lake Guntersville State Park in January, and it's going to be HUGE. Two folks especially stoked? Linda Reynolds and Renee Raney!

A Legacy of Wings

Linda, the park's OG naturalist, started it all back in '85. And guess who was there? Renee Raney, then a bright-eyed college student from Jacksonville State University! That first event? Life-changing, baby!

Mark Your Calendars!

Eagle Awareness Weekends are set for January 23-25 and January 30-February 1, 2026, at Lake Guntersville.

From Student to Chief Naturalist!

Renee, now Alabama State Parks’ Chief Naturalist, says that first Eagle Awareness Weekend was a major reason she chose her career path. "It was one of the first conservation education programs I engaged with as a university student," she gushes. "I've been involved for 40 years!"

An Alabama Success Story

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps is giving major props to the staff, naturalists, and volunteers who've kept these weekends thriving. "It’s a great achievement," he says.

Eagle Comeback!

Eagles faced some serious struggles in the past, from human conflict to DDT. But thanks to conservation efforts like the Bald Eagle Protection Act and Alabama's Nongame Wildlife Program, they've made an AMAZING comeback!

Hacking for Eagles?

Mercedes Maddox, a WFF Nongame Biologist, explains how "hacking" (releasing young eagles in specific areas) helped the population rebound. It worked! Now, eagles are chilling in all 67 Alabama counties.

Non-Stop Enthusiasm

Renee says the excitement for Eagle Awareness Weekends is still through the roof. "This year is just as exciting as ever!" The weekends are packed with programs, eagle sightings, and unforgettable experiences. The park's interpretive team, including Park Naturalist Anna Crow and District Naturalist Eric Cline, keeps the magic alive.

A Serendipitous Start

Linda Reynolds' journey to becoming a naturalist began with a snake encounter! She and her husband volunteered at the park and took people to see migratory eagles. It became so popular that it sparked the idea for the first Eagle Awareness Weekend.

One-Day Wonder

That first event drew 500 people and documented 89 eagles!

More Than Just Science

"Eagle Awareness Weekends are extremely special because it’s not just a gathering of scientific minds," Renee says. "It's a gathering of friends and family... You're going to see some of the most extraordinary nature images imaginable."

Early Bird Gets the Eagle!

Don't miss the pre-dawn Early Bird Coffee! "Standing on the edge of a chilly mountain lake, you can behold 75 participants looking up at the gray sky, watching for these eagles... Last year, we saw between 20 and 30 eagles at each of our morning watches!"

Experience the Magic

"Eagle Awareness Weekends are truly special because they offer more than just an event; they’re an experience," says Renee. "It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, create unforgettable memories, make forever friends and witness the power and spirit of America’s most iconic bird."

Pup Mayor Cooper Cuts the Ribbon on Downtown Madison's Entertainment District!

Our favorite four-legged mayor, Cooper, was all paws on deck Monday for the grand opening of Madison’s Historic Downtown Entertainment District!

Cooper's Big Day

Tail wagging and ready to mingle, Cooper greeted city leaders, business owners, and happy residents. He brought his signature charm to the big celebration. "Cooper is in his element, spreading joy! He loved meeting everyone and sharing this special moment," said Joey Ceci, assistant to the Pup Mayor. "Cooper hopes to see all his friends exploring Downtown Madison – grab a green cup and enjoy!"

A Milestone for Madison

Mayor Ranae Bartlett joined members of the City Council, Main Street Madison, and local merchants to commemorate the occasion, acknowledging the years of teamwork behind the district’s creation. "This day signifies our dedication to downtown's future," Bartlett shared. "The entertainment district provides new avenues for people to connect, support local businesses, and experience Madison's unique downtown vibe."

A Jewel for the State

Retiring State Sen. Tom Butler chimed in on the city’s growth. "Madison has blossomed from 4,000 residents in 1982 to 64,000 today! Our downtown is a gem, not just for Madison, but for all of Alabama."

A Decade in the Making

The ribbon-cutting included remarks from Michelle Epling, Mary Beth Broeren, and Jen DeLessio, who highlighted the collaboration to get the entertainment district to where it is today. DeLessio made a special shoutout to the Pup Mayor. “These businesses aren't just surviving, they're thriving, and this new entertainment district will help them grow even more.”

Tail-Wagging Good Times Ahead!

With Cooper’s official seal of approval, Madison’s downtown is set for a season of fun, community, and a whole lot of tail-wagging charm. The entertainment district is ready to welcome residents and visitors, blending historic charm with fresh energy and a celebratory spirit that gets two paws up from Pup Mayor Cooper!

Decatur's Dazzling Princess Theatre: A Century of Charm!

Downtown Decatur's shining star? That's gotta be The Princess Theatre! This amazing spot has been around for over a century, transforming from a simple stable into North Alabama’s ultimate performing arts haven. Get ready for history, culture, and seriously good times!

From Silent Films to Showstopping Performances

Picture this: it's 1919, and The Princess opens as a silent movie palace. Over the years, it's rocked through every era of entertainment – silent films, talkies, and mind-blowing live shows. In 1941, it got a total Art Deco glow-up, thanks to architect Albert Frahn. Think burgundy and gray walls with murals that POP under blacklight. Groovy!

A Deco Dream

Step into the lobby and check out the terrazzo floor map of Alabama (Decatur's right there!). Sleek veneer walls and curvy stair rails add to the vibe. Outside? A geometric façade, glass bricks, and a two-story marquee with over 3,000 feet of NEON. It's an absolute ICON! Reopening in '41 with Ginger Rogers in "Tom, Dick and Harry," the Princess cemented its legendary status.

Arts, Education, and Awesome

The Princess isn't just a pretty face; it's a hub for learning and creativity. Since its 1978 rebirth, it's been nurturing artists and audiences of all ages! The City of Decatur stepped up to transform it into a stellar performing arts center. Now, it's home to local arts groups and provides arts education for schools.

North Alabama's Biggest Classroom

The Princess serves over 20,000 students and teachers EVERY YEAR! We're talking performances, matinees, workshops, and residencies from visiting artists. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Stage for Stars

Over two decades, The Princess has welcomed legends like Ray Charles, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and touring Broadway shows like "Evita" and "Big River." Local groups keep the stage buzzing with children’s theater, musicals, dance, and plays. Over 60,000 people visit annually!

Community Vibes

The Princess Theatre isn’t just a venue; it's the heart of Decatur's cultural scene. It brings people together, sparking creativity and shared experiences.

Arts for the Soul

"I’m so grateful for the people it brings," says Managing Director Jen DiCarlo. "It’s beautiful that we attract visitors from all over... the theater brings together such a diverse mix of people who get to experience Decatur and see everything our community has to offer." Jen knows that the arts are vital for happiness and well-being.

What's Next?

The Princess is ALWAYS rocking with awesome events!

Holiday Magic

During the Christmas season, catch screenings of holiday classics like "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "Elf." It's the perfect way to celebrate the season in Decatur's historic crown jewel!

Whether you're here for a big-name artist or a local show, The Princess Theatre is an experience that's both historic and electric. Its Art Deco style and glowing neon are a constant reminder of Decatur's amazing cultural heritage.

Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama

Saban's Touch Extends Beyond the Gridiron

Even with retirement, Nick and Terry Saban prove their dedication to Alabama goes way beyond football. Their commitment? Helping kids thrive. This week, that commitment shone brightly in Tuscaloosa.

Teacher Appreciation Time!

The Tuscaloosa River Market buzzed with excitement as the 14th Annual Nick's Kids Foundation Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon celebrated 70 amazing educators from across West Alabama: Hale, Greene, Pickens, Fayette, Sumter, Perry, and Tuscaloosa counties were all represented!

Why Teachers? Saban Explains

Nick Saban himself highlighted the importance of honoring teachers: "Coaching is teaching, and teaching is the ability to inspire learning. That’s something we want to recognize!" Preach, Coach!

Retirement Perks: More Time for What Matters

Terry Saban shared that retirement means more time for causes close to their hearts. Finding balance was tough during Nick's coaching years, making this new chapter extra special.

Shout-Outs to Local Heroes!

Tuscaloosa City Schools proudly announced that 17 of their teachers were recognized, praising their dedication and impact. Fayette Elementary School cheered on Mrs. Amanda Musgrove, thanking her for her daily awesomeness.

A Luncheon to Remember

The Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon is a cornerstone of the Sabans' philanthropy. Each honored teacher received an award certificate from Terry Saban.

"Beyond My Wildest Dreams"

For many, it was a deeply meaningful moment. Dana Ortiz, a special education teacher, exclaimed, "To be honored by the Sabans is a big honor. It’s beyond my wildest dreams!"

The Saban Center: A Sneak Peek!

Educators also got a sneak peek at exciting new hands-on exhibits coming to the Saban Center, the Sabans' expanding education and STEM hub. Think:

• A working forest exhibit teaching about environmental sustainability.
• A drone center showcasing real-world drone applications.
• An electricity exhibit introducing kids to circuits and energy concepts.

What an amazing way to inspire the next generation!

Flashback: When Pastors Went on Strike?!

Believe it or not, back on October 2, 1987, amidst a wave of national strikes (baseball, air controllers, you name it!), something truly unexpected happened: pastors announced a work stoppage!

Why Would Pastors Strike?

You might be thinking, "What?! Why?!" That's exactly what everyone was asking. Who would handle weddings, funerals, hospital visits, and baptisms?

The Reason Behind the Robes

Reverend B.A. Saint, the leader of this surprising strike, explained that it wasn't about the money. Congregations were generally supportive financially. The problem? Overwork!

The "Give Away Your Job" Strategy

Saint argued that pastors were stretched too thin, with little time for personal or family life. He pointed to a potential misinterpretation of Ephesians 4:12. He believed pastors should be "equipping the saints" so they can do the ministry, essentially giving away their own jobs!

Christianity: Not a Spectator Sport!

"All Christians are ministers!" Saint declared. He insisted that one person can't do it all, and scripture never intended for them to. Christianity, he emphasized, "was never intended to be a spectator sport!"

Hope for Change

The success of the strike was uncertain, but Saint and his fellow pastors hoped it would awaken congregations to the realization that everyone needs to participate in ministry. The goal? To ignite a wave of action and commitment.

A Costly Commitment, But the Only Solution

Saint concluded that the strike would only end when a multitude of believers stepped up to fulfill their Christian responsibility to minister in Christ’s name. A costly commitment, yes, but the only true solution, according to Saint.

Remembering Pearl Harbor: A Day That Still Resonates

Eighty-four years ago, a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor took the lives of 2,403 Americans and injured over 1,100. President Franklin Roosevelt famously declared December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy." And he was right.

From Shock to Resolve

Back in '41, Pearl Harbor might have seemed a world away to folks in Alabama and across the country. But that illusion shattered in an instant. The attack woke up America and changed everything.

Alabama's Response

The attack ignited a fire in Alabamians to defend their country. A wave of patriotism swept through the state. Many immediately signed up for military service, eager to join the fight. Others, like the author's father, Bloise Zeigler, found themselves crucial to the war effort right here at home.

The Home Front

Those who remained in Alabama did their part. They rationed necessities, bought war bonds, supported military families, and prayed for victory. Everyone pitched in to ensure the war was won.

American Exceptionalism in Action

Pearl Harbor stands as a testament to American values. Despite the devastation and loss of life, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan after the war, demonstrating true Christian benevolence and "loving your enemies."

Remembering the Fallen

Among those lost at Pearl Harbor were 32 Alabamians serving aboard the USS Arizona. Let us never forget their names and their sacrifice.

(List of names)

A Nation Blessed

As we remember Pearl Harbor, let's be grateful for the blessings of living in America: our wealth, resources, influence, and, above all, our resilient and determined citizens.

Accessibility Rocks in Alabama State Parks!

Get ready to explore, ChumCity citizens! Alabama State Parks are leveling up their accessibility game, making the great outdoors even greater for everyone. A recent donation is making waves, opening up new possibilities for adventurers with physical challenges.

TerrainHopper to the Rescue!

Imagine conquering rugged trails with ease. Thanks to the Alabama Mountain Lake Tourist Association (AMLA), Joe Wheeler State Park now boasts a TerrainHopper! This awesome machine is designed to help people with mobility challenges navigate even the roughest terrain, like Joe Wheeler’s epic trails.

North Alabama Leads the Way

"North Alabama is at the forefront of a major effort to boost accessibility," says Chad Davis, Assistant Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks Division. He highlights AMLA’s commitment, like providing the TerrainHopper, which empowers individuals to explore Joe Wheeler State Park's awesome trails.

State Parks for All!

Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship says, "We have so many beautiful and spectacular state parks, and we want all our citizens to be able to enjoy these special places, no matter their physical abilities."

What's a TerrainHopper?

Think of it as a mini Land Rover for exploring! This electric-powered off-road vehicle boasts awesome tech and performance. With nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and a 35-degree climbing ability, it's built to conquer mud, sand, snow, rocks, steep hills, and more!

Accessibility Inspiration

Tami Reist, AMLA’s President and CEO, was inspired to make her region more accessible after seeing presentations at a travel show. "I thought, ‘We could do this!’" she said.

More Accessibility on the Horizon!

AMLA scored a grant for 38 wheelchairs to distribute to visitors’ bureaus in North Alabama, plus another for Meta Smart Glasses! These glasses will bring Helen Keller's story to life at the Hellen Keller Home in Tuscumbia. Reist is also tackling accessibility needs at hotels and venues.

Oak Mountain's Got Gear!

Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham rocks three different mobility devices: the Action Trackchair, the Huckleberry Cascade Cart, and the VertaCat for golfers!

Gulf State Park's Options

Gulf State Park offers the Action Trackchair and the GRIT Freedom Chair, a user-propelled wheelchair.

The Alabama State Parks Foundation Steps Up

State Parks Director Matthew Capps thanks the Alabama State Parks Foundation for their dedication to accessibility. They're working to place off-road mobility devices in every park.

The Future is Accessible

Davis sees the demand for these devices climbing as the population ages. “We want people to not be limited to just driving in a car," he says. "We want them to be able to get off the concrete roads and paths and get out on the actual trails and into the woods!"

UAB Rockets Brain Models to Space in Alzheimer's Quest!

Big news from the University of Alabama at Birmingham! They've just scored a whopping $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to send human brain tissue models soaring into space! The goal? To unlock secrets about Alzheimer’s disease in a way never before attempted.

Space: The Final Alzheimer's Frontier?

These aren't your average test tubes! UAB researchers will be using the unique conditions of Low Earth Orbit to speed up the aging process within these brain models. By observing the rapid changes, they hope to better understand how age-related cellular shifts contribute to devastating neurological diseases.

Organoids in Orbit!

The real stars of this mission are cerebral organoids - mini, lab-grown versions of the human brain. These tiny brains will be carefully packaged and launched to the International Space Station, where they'll orbit the Earth for 30 days.

Back to Earth for Analysis

After their cosmic journey, the organoids will return to UAB for some serious scrutiny. Researchers will be diving deep into their molecular and cellular makeup, searching for clues about Alzheimer's and potential treatment targets.

Hope on the Horizon

UAB researchers kicked off this ambitious project in September 2025. They're optimistic that this out-of-this-world experiment will pave the way for new and improved therapies for Alzheimer's and related brain disorders.

Alabama Politics: What's Buzzing This Week?

Is it just us, or is the political landscape getting wilder? This week, we're diving into some seriously hot topics making waves across Alabama.

Dems vs. The Military?

Are Democrats really defending narco-terrorists while simultaneously going after our military? It's a bold claim, and we're digging into the details to see what's really going on.

Finebaum for Senate?

Seriously, why isn't Paul Finebaum running for U.S. Senate? The people demand answers (and maybe some SEC football analysis mixed in).

Voucher Trouble in the Yellowhammer State?

Are school vouchers draining Alabama's coffers? We're exploring the financial impact and debating whether it's a boom or bust for education.

Catch Alabama Politics This Week on TV, radio, and online platforms throughout Alabama for all the juicy details!

P.S. Stay in the loop with Mecca Musick's insights from 256 Today! And for your daily dose of thought-provoking commentary, tune into Dale Jackson's talk show on WVNN, weekdays from 5-9 a.m. He's a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and ready to rumble!

The Shifting Sands of Southern Politics: A Look at the Voting Rights Act

The 1960s: a decade of change, and a reckoning with Civil Rights. Enter Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan with a knack for political maneuvering. Post-Kennedy, LBJ seized the moment, pushing through the 1964 Civil Rights Bill. A masterstroke that secured his own presidency.

LBJ's Prophecy: The South Goes Republican

Johnson knew the South. Upon signing the Civil Rights Bill, he famously predicted the South's shift to the Republican Party. He wasn't wrong. While he won big in '64, the Deep South went Goldwater. Alabama included. And they've been voting Republican ever since.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act: A Double-Edged Sword

Then came the 1965 Voting Rights Act. But LBJ included a twist for the Deep South – federal oversight, mandatory voter registration, and, some argue, preferential treatment. A move some see as Reconstruction-era overreach, giving federal judges power to redraw districts.

SCOTUS to the Rescue?

Now, the Supreme Court might change everything. Rumor has it they're poised to strike down Section Two of the Voting Rights Act. If they do, expect a special legislative session in Alabama.

Alabama's Next Move: Redistricting

Our Republican legislature will almost certainly redraw the congressional map, dismantling that judicially gerrymandered district. That means Shomari Figures' seat will likely flip back to Republican.

A Word of Caution: Terri Sewell and the Future

But should they go after Terri Sewell's seat too? Maybe not. Sewell, a Democratic leader in Congress, is our lifeline if the Democrats ever regain power. We need someone who can reach across the aisle.

The Long Game: Trump, SCOTUS, and the South

Elections have consequences. Trump's Supreme Court appointments could usher in a new era. Striking down the Voting Rights Act could create 10 to 12 new Republican districts in the Deep South. Only time will tell.

Stay tuned.