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.

The Great Quail Mystery: Why Are These Birds Vanishing?

The question echoes across the South: What happened to the quail? It's a query asked and "answered" countless times, yet the confusion persists. After 26 years of listening to landowners, and a deep dive into social media chatter, one thing is clear: misconceptions abound.

Social Media Sleuth

I took to social media to gauge public perception, and the results were… interesting. A whopping 41% blamed predators like cattle egrets, cats, coyotes, hogs, and hawks. Fire ants were fingered by 26%, while 21% pointed to habitat loss from agriculture, timber, and even public parks.

Smaller factions pointed fingers at wild turkeys (5%!), pesticides (4%), disease (2%), and even hunters (1%).

The Real Culprit: Habitat, Habitat, Habitat!

So, who got it right? Only 21% correctly identified habitat loss. Why is this baffling? Because the truth has been shouted from every rooftop – websites, podcasts, conservation groups, seminars... The message is out there!

Some folks stubbornly reject the facts, but what about everyone else? Are they missing the memo? Let’s tackle this one more time.

The Long-Term Trend: Down, Down, Down

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) paints a grim picture: quail populations are dwindling at over 5% per year since 1966. Despite the predator/pesticide blame game, the core issue is habitat destruction and degradation.

Modern Farming: A Quail's Nightmare

Intensive agriculture has wiped out the crucial grassy/weedy areas quail need for nesting and raising their young, along with the woody fencerows that provide vital cover. The landscape has become barren for these birds.

Forest Woes: A Similar Story

In forests, the lack of fire, dense pine plantations, and aggressive silviculture have choked out the open, weedy spaces quail require for reproduction and survival.

From Thriving to Surviving

Quail flourished in a wilder, more diverse landscape. But modern land use, while necessary for us, is deadly for quail. They simply can’t thrive without the right conditions for raising families and staying alive.

So, the mystery is solved – again! Now, the real challenge: How do we bring back the quail? That's a complex question with many, intricate answers.

Claude Jenkins is a Senior Resource Stewardship Biologist with the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF).

Life Throws Curveballs, Right?

We've all been there. That moment when your carefully planned path takes a detour... straight into a brick wall. You're left thinking, "No way I'm bouncing back from this." Raise your hand if you can relate! Maybe it's loss, heartbreak, or something totally unexpected. These moments knock the wind out of you, but remember: struggle is universal. It's not about dodging the punches, but how you rise after taking them.

The Resilience Factor

Resilience researcher Lucy Hone studied how some people crumble while others conquer adversity. Then, life delivered Hone a devastating blow in 2014: her daughter and her daughter’s best friend were killed in a car accident. Suddenly, she went from expert to grieving mother, forced to put her own wisdom to the test. She knew the stats: grief can wreck marriages, and losing a child is considered the hardest loss of all. So, what did she learn? Resilient people share three key traits.

Suffering's Part of the Deal

Resilient folks understand that life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Suffering's part of the human experience, affecting everyone. They don't welcome it, but they accept it, shifting from "Why me?" to "Why not me?". Life can change in a heartbeat; you decide whether to sink or swim. Hone chose to fight for her family after grieving. We're not entitled to a perfect life, free from pain.

Where's Your Focus?

Resilient people are selective about where they direct their energy. They acknowledge what they can't change and get on with it! We're naturally wired to focus on the negative, but resilient people intentionally focus on gratitude. They embrace the "good in life, even during the bad," deliberately tuning into what's positive.

Think About Your Thoughts

Resilient people constantly evaluate their thoughts and experiences, asking themselves if they're helpful. In Hone’s situation, she had to make time for grief. Are your thoughts moving you forward, or pulling you back? Critical thinking puts you back in control of your well-being.

Bouncing Back: A Quick Guide

So, how do you overcome adversity? First, accept that suffering's part of life. Second, choose your focus wisely, ditching the negativity. Embrace what’s good, noble, and true. Lastly, think about what you think about. Resilient people know thoughts aren't facts; they can be dismissed with a little emotional discipline.

Bama Docs: Training Rural Healthcare Heroes for 30 Years!

The University of Alabama's College of Community Health Sciences (CCHS) is a champion for rural healthcare. For three decades, they've been training healthcare pros dedicated to serving Alabama's often-overlooked communities.

RMSP: The Spark

It all started with the Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP), a unique five-year program for Alabama students dreaming of rural practice.

From Student to Director: A Full Circle

Dr. Drake Lavender, now director of CCHS Rural Programs, was one of the very first RMSP grads! He remembers finding the program as a UA junior, a perfect fit for his rural aspirations. The built-in support system was a game-changer during med school.

Big Impact, Small Towns

Dr. Lavender beams with pride. He was one of eight in that initial class, and most specialized in primary care, with many planting their roots in rural Alabama. RMSP is celebrating its 30th year and remains a rural doc powerhouse. Over 70% of graduates focus on primary care, and over half practice in rural areas!

Expanding the Reach

The Rural Health Leaders Pipeline now supports college AND high school students. Plus, in 2023, they launched the Rural Dental Scholars Program to cultivate future rural dentists!

A Model for Others

Dr. Lavender says the CCHS model is replicable and that many other rural medical programs have consulted with them to improve their own programs.

Constant Improvement

The CCHS team is always evaluating and adapting to best serve students and rural Alabama's evolving needs. With so much need in the state, they're committed to being part of the solution.

Numbers Don't Lie

Over 1,000 people have participated in the Rural Health Leaders Pipeline. RMSP alone has produced 56 physicians currently serving in rural Alabama.

Over a Billion Dollars of Impact!

Graduates of the program have logged 762 physician-years of practice. They estimate that given the economic impact of one primary care physician on their rural community is $1.5 million per year of practice, Rural Medical Scholars has provided more than $1.1 billion of economic impact to rural Alabama. And that doesn't even account for the impact these physicians have on their patients' health.

Real People, Real Impact

Dr. Lavender sums it up: the people in the program – faculty, staff, and students – are rural Alabamians working hard to improve the health of their fellow rural Alabamians. They're identifying, recruiting, nurturing, and encouraging the next generation of rural Alabama doctors and dentists.

Onward and Upward!

They're proud of the past 30 years, but they know there's still much more work to do!

Hot Takes from Alabama Politics This Week!

Six Democrats dared to suggest the military might disobey "unlawful orders" – what's THAT about?!

Southern Discomfort for Dems?

Can the Democratic party keep fielding candidates like Aftyn Behn in Tennessee and Jeremy Devito in Alabama and expect different results? Ouch!

Trump vs. The Dems: Lawfare Forever?

Will the legal battles between Democrats and President Trump EVER end? Buckle up, folks, it's a wild ride.

Catch the Show!

Get all this and more on Alabama Politics This Week! Tune in on TV, radio, and online throughout Alabama.

Behind the Mic

Mecca Musick is the CEO of 256 Today.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and your morning wake-up call from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.

Mobile County Loses Longtime Treasurer Phil Benson

Mobile County is mourning the loss of Phil Benson, who passed away at the age of 83. Benson served as the county's treasurer for many years.

Honoring His Life

Services celebrating Benson's life will be held on Monday, November 24th, at Cottage Hill Memorial Funeral Home (7158 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile). Visitation is scheduled for 4-6 PM, followed by the service at 6 PM. He will be laid to rest at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort on Tuesday at 9 AM.

A Dedicated Public Servant

Benson was the final treasurer for Mobile County, a position that was officially eliminated at the start of 2024. He was first elected in 2012 and subsequently re-elected in both 2016 and 2020, reflecting the public's trust in his service. For over two decades, there had been attempts to transfer the treasurer's responsibilities to the County Commission, but Benson successfully campaigned to maintain the position as a vital check and balance.

Change in the Tide

Despite voter support, the Alabama legislature passed a law in 2022, signed by Governor Kay Ivey, that abolished the treasurer's office when Benson's term concluded in 2024. The move is projected to save local taxpayers around $52,000 annually. Currently, Jefferson County remains the only one in Alabama with an elected county treasurer.

A Life of Service

Benson was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a Troy University accounting graduate. Before entering public service, he worked as a CPA until retirement. Beyond his professional life, Benson cherished visits to Dauphin Island and taught Sunday School at Christ United Methodist Church, also serving as its treasurer.

Alabama's Public Media Crossroads: A Missed Opportunity?

Remember when Trump took aim at PBS and NPR? It felt like Alabama had a golden chance to shake things up and ditch those left-leaning voices that hog the public airwaves.

Ivey's Stance: Business as Usual

But hold on! Just before the Alabama Public Television board was set to decide what to do, Governor Kay Ivey stepped in. She basically gave the board a pass to keep things exactly as they were.

Is This What Alabamians Really Want?

Seriously? Is this what we voted for? Time to ask some tough questions!

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Dale Jackson, the brains behind Yellowhammer News and your morning buddy on WVNN from 5-9 a.m., likely has some thoughts on this.

Senate Race Heats Up: Marshall Weighs in on Filibuster Fray

Attorney General Steve Marshall, eyeing a U.S. Senate seat in 2026, isn't exactly on board with nuking the filibuster, even as the idea gains traction. Senator Tommy Tuberville, the guy Marshall's hoping to replace (Tuberville's running for governor, ICYMI), has been pushing to ditch the filibuster to ram through Trump's agenda.

Marshall's playing it a bit cooler. He's open to tweaking the rules but cautions against a full-blown abolition.

Marshall's Take: Proceed with Caution

During a recent chat on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," Marshall emphasized the filibuster's role in thwarting "radical policies," name-checking the Biden administration.

He argued Republicans managed to reopen the government without scrapping the filibuster, suggesting its power shouldn't be underestimated. "They cracked!" Marshall said, referring to the Democrats eventually giving in.

A Divided Field

Meanwhile, Congressman Barry Moore, another contender in the Senate race, is all for waving goodbye to the filibuster.

Marshall thinks there might be a smarter route. "We've been able to modify the filibuster" for judicial nominations, he pointed out, suggesting a case-by-case approach is wiser than total annihilation.

The Lineup

The race for Tuberville's seat is getting crowded. Besides Marshall and Moore, Morgan Murphy, ex-Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, and Rodney Walker are all vying for the job.

Yaffee, by the way, hosts "The Yaffee Program" on WVNN. Just sayin'!