March 2024 Edition

BREAKING NEWS: Four Alabama teams makes the NCAA tournament

Brandon Moseley

There are more schools in Alabama in the NCAA men's basketball tournament than Big East teams. Alabama historically has been known as a football state; but over the last several years the state has been dramatically improving in college basketball. Both Alabama and Auburn have had players drafted in the first round of the NBA draft. Both schools have made deep tournament runs under their current coaches. Auburn under Coach Bruce Pearl has been to the final four – Auburn's best tournament...

Florida outscores Alabama 102 to 88

Brandon Moseley

Friday was a disappointment for Tide fans. The University of Alabama simply could not stop Florida from running up and down the court scoring the basketball in their quarterfinal game of the Southeastern Conference Tournament in men's basketball. Florida had 102 points to Bama's 88 points despite Alabama jumping out to an early 8 to 0 lead. Mark Sears led Alabama in the loss with 22 points. Aaron Estrada contributed 17 points; Nick Pringle scored 12 points; and Grant Nelson had 11 for the...

UAB advances with win over Wichita State

Brandon Moseley

The UAB Blazers men's basketball team advanced to the semifinals in the All-American Conference tournament with an impressive 72 to 60 win over Wichita State on Friday. With the win, the University Alabama Birmingham advances to the AAC tournament semifinals. UAB will play South Florida at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. The winner will advance to the AAC championship game. Yaxel Lendeborg led the scoring with aa stellar 18 points and 14 rebounds performance. Lendeborg is 6 foot 9...

UAB advances to the AAC Conference Championship game

Brandon Moseley

On Saturday UAB defeated South Alabama to advance to the American Athletic Conference Championship game. UAB led at halftime 38 to 30 and held on to win their AAC semifinal conference tournament game 93 to 83. Guard Efrem Johnson led the scoring for UAB with 21 points and 2 rebounds. Guard Eric Gaines had 20 points and 4 rebounds. Alejandro Vasquez had 16 points and 5 rebounds. Christian Coleman scored 15 points and had 5 rebounds. Star center/forward Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 12 points and...

Auburn routs South Carolina

Brandon Moseley

On Friday the Auburn Tigers Men's Basketball team advanced to the Southeastern Conference tournament semifinals with a 86 to 55 win over the number fifteen ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. Auburn was led by Johni Broome. Broome had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the blowout SEC quarterfinals victory. Broome is a First Team All-SEC selection. He began his career at Moorehead State; but transferred to Auburn after his freshman year. Broome is 6 foot 10 inches tall and 240 pounds. He is from Plant...

Auburn defeats Mississippi State: advances to SEC Championship Game

Brandon Moseley

On Saturday, the Auburn University men's basketball team defeated Mississippi State 73 to 60 in their Southeastern Conference semifinals game. Auburn now advances to the Conference tournament championship game on Sunday in Nashville against Florida. If the Tigers win the championship game, they will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament; though with a record that was tied for second place in the SEC Auburn is already virtually assured a spot in the field of 68 teams in the...

UAB wins the AAC Conference Tournament

Brandon Moseley

On Sunday UAB defeated Temple to win the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship game. The 85 to 16 win guaranteed the 23 and 11 Blazers an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Last year, the Blazers lost the championship game and were denied a berth in the NCAA field of 68. Undaunted, that team advanced all the way to the NIT championship game. UAB refused to be at the mercy of the committee this year. This is the second time in the last three years that UAB has played in the NCAA...

Football returns to Alabama March 30

Brandon Moseley

The defending champion Birmingham Stallions are back in camp preparing for their third season. The Stallions won the championship in both previous seasons of the USFL. This year they are back, but the league is bigger and there is new competition. The USFL and the latest incarnation of the XFL have merged and the two leagues now play in the United Football League (UFL). The two leagues announced their merger earlier this year. The UFL has eight teams in Arlington, Texas; Birmingham, Alabama;...

Alabama and Auburn both have first round byes in the SEC tournamen

Brandon Moseley

The Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament will begin on Wednesday, but don't expect to see Alabama and Auburn play on the first day. Both received first round byes. Auburn is the number four seed in the tournament and will play the winner of the game four game. Auburn plays on Friday at 2:30 p.m. CDT. Vanderbilt will play Arkansas on Wednesday and then the winner of that game will play South Carolina on Thursday for the opportunity to advance to play Auburn on Friday. That game...

UAB plays Wichita State on Friday in conference tournament

Brandon Moseley

The UAB men's basketball will play Wichita State in the quarterfinals of the American Conference Tournament on Friday. The game will be played in Fort Worth, Texas at 2:00 p.m. CDT. It will be televised on ESPN2. The Blazers have the number four seed in the AAC Tournament. UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference. Lendeborg is averaging 13.7 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. Eric Gaines is averaging 12.0 points per game and...

Auburn wins SEC tournament

Brandon Moseley

The Auburn University men's basketball team won the Southeastern conference tournament for only the third time in the school's history on Sunday. The win secured the Tigers an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament where they will play Yale in the first round. Auburn beat Florida 86 to 67. Auburn is coached by Bruce Peal. "Winning the championship this year means even more because the league was so good," Pearl said. "We've won a few of these. I think this one is the most special. Maybe it's...

  • The Northern Origins of Jim Crow

    John M Taylor

    The late Paul Harvey famously said: “Now, for the rest of the story.” “Jim Crow” is a classic example of an incomplete story. Establishment media incessantly blames the South for everything considered “historically bad.” Some modern TV shows and movies will make a sane person want to heave. In reality, when all racial and ethnic groups were in close proximity, segregation was essentially a non-issue in the Old South. Segregation was actually born in the North. Jack Trotter contends...

  • Trump Ballots: Primary Corruption & General Collusion

    John Sophocleus

    Reporting on Trump’s ballot access in States like Colorado and Maine prompted one loyal reader to recall a long past Gazette column about ineligible candidates on Alabama ballots; https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2018/06/01/news/state-school-board-races-worthy-inquiry-to-secretary-merrill/1376.html. No shortage of disagreement on what constitutes ‘insurrection’ in these current State cases w.r.t. ballot access for Mr. Trump. Ineligible candidates Alabama’s Secretary of State (John...

  • Transforming Alabama - Kay Ivey's Blueprint for the Future

    Perry O Hooper Jr

    In Governor Kay Ivey’s State of the State Address, we witnessed a masterclass in leadership and vision, particularly in the domain of education. As a long-time observer and participant in the political arena, it's rare to encounter a moment where clarity of purpose and commitment to action align as perfectly as they did in Governor Ivey's address. Her words were not just rhetoric, they were a loud call for a brighter future for Alabama's children and a testament to her unwavering dedication...

  • Katie Britt a Brilliant Choice

    Perry O Hooper Jr

    In the grand stage of American politics, where politicians come and go, few currently shine as bright as our own Senator Katie Britt. Her selection to deliver the Republican Response to President Biden’s State of the Union address is not merely just another speech opportunity, it’s a masterstroke of political acumen and foresight. Senator Britt, a beacon of conservative values and unwavering dedication, embodies the very essence of what it means to be a Republican in these tumultuous times....

  • Tears & Laughter: Don't get cute with me

    Amanda Walker

    Granddaughter Lauren recently competed for the title of Future Miss Abbeville Christian at Abbeville Christian Academy where she is enrolled in the Pre-K program. Her mother is a teacher. She was wearing a lovely dress, sporting her pageant smile, and walking the walk she had practiced walking. Earlier in the afternoon she’d had her had done by a woman in town. Everybody told her she was pretty. She stood confident before an auditorium of parents and obligated grandparents and when asked...

  • Unleashing the Power of Free Markets

    Justice Will Sellers

    Four hundred years ago, King James I of England convened his last parliament, the most significant and enduring legacy of which was the “Statute of Monopolies.” This act was both a restriction on royal prerogative and the beginning of legal protection for patents and intellectual property. Prior to this act, the crown arbitrarily granted monopolies to bestow royal favor and also to receive a fee for the privilege. The grant of monopolies had become an end-run around parliament to indirectly...

  • LEGALIZED GAMBLING: HAVE WE FORGOTTEN PHENIX CITY?

    Col. John Eidsmoe

    “They don’t have to gamble,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says of gambling opponents. Perhaps not. But we all have to live with the evils gambling produces. And Alabamians should remember the lessons of Phenix City. Life Magazine described Phenix City as the “wickedest city in the United States, …everything from gambling to murder to arson to fraud.” Known as “Little Las Vegas,” between 1945 and 1954 this little town of 23,000 featured casinos, lotteries, cockfighting, and other forms...

  • If I sign a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR or DNAR) and thereafter go to another facility will they honor my wishes?

    Ron Holtsford

    I have written several times after questions were posed regarding Advance Health Care Directives (Living Will plus Health Care Proxy appointment). An Advance Health Care Directive does not address a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) or a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order. Other health care facilities that receive a patient from one facility to another, whether it is for a period of time or for appointments not offered as a service in their facility must decide whether they can or should honor a...

  • The Invasion of the Destitutes

    John Martin

    Right now, America is suffering from the greatest invasion of foreigners in its entire history. Our borders are now so porous, they are utterly ineffective in keeping out many of the world’s most dangerous people. Just this past year, some three million migrants—nearly all of them penniless, destitute peasants—have poured across our southern border, overwhelming our barricades and security forces. An estimated 30 million more are still waiting in Mexico for their turns to assault it and...

  • Common Sense Ain't So Common

    Robert Tate

    Our great republic is on track to be doomed. At a minimum, if we do not pull our collective heads out of the hole, we are doomed. There was a time when people prided themselves on common sense. Today, not so much. It seems the more stupid, ignorant and blind to reality people are, the happy the world seems to be to them. No matter what people want to think or believe, in this world there are still obvious rights and wrongs. Shades of gray exist for sure but I hate (not really) to burst some...

  • Political Potpourri

    Steve Flowers

    I hope you all voted in the primaries yesterday. You have an advantage on me in that I have to go to press with my column before Wednesday, my publication date. Therefore, you know the results. However, I doubt there are any surprises. We do not have any good state races this year. We have four open seats on our State Supreme Court. However, three of the four are held by popular incumbents, none of which received even token opposition from either Republicans or Democrats. Justices Will Sellers,...

  • "Finding Balance"

    Trisston Wright Burrows

    A while back, I was listening to a Podcast and one of the speakers referred to the word “ego” as an anacronym. E-G-O….Edging God Out. For me, and maybe for some of you, this is idea or concept is thought provoking, to say the least. There’s a story in Greek mythology about a young man named Narcissus. He was a very handsome young man and he knew it. One day he saw his reflection in a stream and he became enamored with the image of himself. He couldn’t pull himself away; he stared into...

  • Senator Katie Britt Delivers Republican Address to the Nation

    Senator Katie Boyd Britt, R-Alabama

    Senator Katie Britt Delivers Republican Address to the Nation MONTGOMERY, ALA., March 7, 2024 – Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today delivered the Republican Address to the Nation in response to President Biden's State of the Union Address. Her remarks as prepared are as follows: "Good evening, America. My name is Katie Britt, and I have the honor of serving the people of the great state of Alabama in the United States Senate. However, that's not the job that matters most. I'm a proud wife and...

  • Leading Political Pro-Life Group Launches Six-Figure Ad Buy Ahead of Biden's SOTU Speech

    Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

    Washington, D.C. – Today the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America launched a six-figure TV and digital ad campaign ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address. They secured 18 spots in the DC market across CNN and Fox News with 30-second and 60-second ads. These ads ask a simple question: Who cares more for pregnant moms – a failing president and his political party, or the nationwide pro-life community that offers on-the-ground financial and physical...

  • Few Surprises in March 5th Primary Results

    Steve Flowers

    There were very few surprises in our March 5 primary results. Since we are essentially a one-party Republican state when it comes to presidential, national, and statewide politics, most of the action was in the GOP Primary. The big winners were Donald Trump, Barry Moore and Sarah Stewart. As expected, Donald Trump trounced all his GOP “would be” challengers in the Heart of Dixie. The former president received 84% of the vote in our Alabama Primary and will probably win our state by around a...

  • The Emerging Leadership of John Hancock

    Justice Will Sellers, Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court

    On March 5, 1774 - 250 years ago this month - John Hancock cemented his legacy as a leader of colonial resistance to British rule when he delivered his “Boston Massacre Oration” on the fourth anniversary of the murder of civilian colonists by British troops. The tragic event was a touchstone of resistance to royal subjugation of the American colonies. While it was one thing to have British troops protecting the colonists and fending off the territorial ambitions of the French, stationing...

  • Welcome Brandon

    Perry O Hooper Jr

    Let me welcome Brandon Moseley to the Capital City’s own Alabama Gazette. Brandon is a veteran political journalist. He brings to the table a wealth of experience and a track record of balanced reporting. His credentials speak volumes, with a distinguished career that has spanned various facets of media and political journalism, earning him the title of the most recognizable name in Alabama political reporting. Moseley's ability to dissect complex political narratives and present them in an...

  • A Time to Unify

    Perry O Hooper Jr

    As we celebrate the significant milestone of President Trump once again securing the Republican Presidential Nomination it's imperative that we, as leaders and stewards of Republican values, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this victory and the path that lies ahead. We may have supported other candidates in the process of selecting Donald J Trump as our nominee, but the people have spoken. This victory is more than a primary win. It must serve as a beacon that guides us towards...

  • OUTDOOR TRUTHS

    Gary Miller

    My mind goes to so many outdoor activities this time of year. It's the middle of February so mostly I'm planning for the next couple of months. Not only will turkey season be upon us soon, but some of the best pan fishing is knocking at the door. The walleye run will put fishermen elbow to elbow in the river and the crappie will have boats side by side at the lake. These two fish are my all-time favorite varieties to eat. And the bonus points my wife gives me when I bring them home are enough...

  • Alabama Agencies Meet to Work on Feral Swine Solutions

    David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

    Anyone who has explored Alabama's great outdoors or spent time on a tractor cultivating an agricultural crop knows how destructive feral swine can be on the landscape. Because of the prodigious reproductive capacity of these wild hogs, controlling the populations is difficult at best, and many researchers believe that total eradication of this invasive species is not a viable option. Some are looking to methods other than hunting or trapping to control the hog numbers, and Texas recently...

  • Be Sure of Turkey Season Dates, WMA Regulations

    David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

    The spring turkey season in Alabama is fast approaching, and some confusion exists on the dates of the Special Youth Hunt that precedes opening day of the regular season. Marianne Gauldin of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division said this year's opening day of the regular season falls on a Monday. That means the Special Youth Hunt will be on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding the opening day. For Zones...

  • Tips to Stay Sober on St. Patrick's Day

    By Marie Garceau That green time of year is upon us, with many people celebrating and becoming just a little bit Irish. While most of the traditional customs associated with St. Patrick’s Day have faded away, it remains a celebratory day of lively music, food, and excessive alcohol consumption. Most restaurants, bars, and pubs are doing something, whether live music, games, or food and drink specials. No one will deny that large quantities of alcohol are consumed. This can pose a challenge...

  • Gen. John Archer Elmore SAR Chapter Honors Revolutionary War Soldier Bolling Hall

    James Dotherow

    The General John Archer Elmore SAR Chapter is proud to share with you a brief story of Revolutionary War Soldier Bolling Hall, who is buried in Elmore County, Alabama. Although Alabama was not in existence at the time of the American Revolution, almost 1,000 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried in Alabama. Many permanently moved to Alabama while others died in Alabama while passing through our state. Each of these patriot soldiers has a special story to tell, and many of them will never be...

  • Auburn University students to learn about IRS Criminal Investigation during simulation with Special Agents

    Staff Writer

    What: Auburn University students will have the opportunity to be an IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) special agent for a day as they conduct a criminal investigation simulation. The event is a simulation of a day in the life of an IRS Special Agent and is called the Citizen Academy. The Citizen Academy will be hosted by Auburn University and have the students participating in a mock investigation to learn the skills it takes to investigate financial crimes. The event starts with swearing in the...

  • UAH hosts 15th annual Rocket City Weather Fest with meteorologists focusing on communication: "We have to do better"

    Russ Nelson, UAH Research Writer

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (MAR. 5, 2024) – On a misty Saturday just right for weather mavens, The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of the University of Alabama System, hosted the Rocket City Weather Fest for the 15th year. The campus event was organized by the American Meteorology Society and featured tours of the UAH Severe Weather Institute and Radar & Lightning Laboratories (SWIRLL), the Shelby Center for Science and Technology, UAH UPSTORM balloon launches, student projects by...

  • Southern Gardening - Potpourri for March

    Judge Peggy Givhan

    They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I have also heard that March is a great time to fly a kite. And we have all heard about "beware the Ides of March". However, March to gardeners could be termed the turnaround month, between winter and spring. The weather in the River Region is usually mild, with cooler nights and warm days which indicates the perfect time to start seeds, plant cool weather flowers and bulbs. Before we just jump out in our gardens with a random...

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Riley Willis

This recipe comes all the way from my great grandmother. She lived all over the world as a military wife before finally settling in Clovis, New Mexico. She brought back many different recipes, and she loved to be in the kitchen making all types of foods. She is one of my main inspirations when it comes to cooking and baking. This recipe came to her from a dear friend and neighbor in Clovis. This has been a family favorite ever since. I hope everyone enjoys this recipe as much as I do. -- INGREDIENTS -- 1 Can of Sliced Apples 2 Cups of Sugar 2...

History of foodborne outbreaks in the US

Stacker, Jill Jaracz, Data Work By Emma Rubin

The year did not start well for dozens of people in 22 states who contracted salmonella from charcuterie meats in January 2024. Foodborne illness outbreaks like this make national headlines with food recalls, hospitalizations, and even deaths. About 1 in 6 Americans will become sick from a foodborne illness this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these 48 million projected cases, most will cause mild symptoms, but 128,000 people will need hospitalization,...

  • Fair Winds and Following Seas

    Dr. Lester Spencer

    Sailors have often used this phrase as toast or a nautical blessing for many years. Some say it originated in the Hawaiian Islands as a wish for safe travels on the sea and still others say it came from a poem or literary work. Either way, we know it came from sailors or people very familiar with voyaging upon the oceans. I do know this nautical phrase is often used in the US Navy. “Fair Winds” is a nautical blessing or a prayer for good weather with the winds blowing your sails in the...

  • We Don't Want Your Money

    Michael J. Brooks

    I was the new pastor still learning my way around when Jim came to see me. He was chair of the budget and finance team. He wished me well, then shared a concern. “The committee met lately, and we have an issue with the visitor’s envelopes you’re using,” he said. “We believe we shouldn’t ask visitors for money.” Churches used to welcome visitors and give them a card requesting contact information and sometimes a ribbon to wear. This was before we learned to call them “guests...

  • Build Your Hopes On Things Eternal

    Michael J. Brooks

    The college I worked for asked me to go to Washington, D.C. for a seminar with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. I didn’t have to be asked twice! It was a great several days on the CCCU campus a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol. I met with 30 or 40 college students who were interning in government that semester. We later invited a CCCU rep to our campus in Marion to explain the “Best Semester” program, and as result, had a number of our students to attend one of the...

  • The Night Is Coming

    Michael J. Brooks

    She sat next to me at the hair salon. She leaned over and said, “Mister, has anyone ever told you that you have a striking resemblance to Harrison Ford?” Of course, I was pleased with my introduction to her, and immediately felt gratified that she thought I looked like a movie star. I told a friend about this later and he deflated me. “Well, Harrison Ford is a bit ‘long in the tooth’ now!” he said. Ouch. Anyway, this was my introduction to Cherry Starr, wife of legendary quarterback...

  • SLAM THE SCAM: HOW TO SPOT GOVERNMENT IMPOSTERS

    Kylle McKinney

    Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024. Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams. Scammers often take advantage of fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pretend to be Social Security or other...

  • Accidental falls are a leading cause of injury or even fatality for seniors. Here's how to take preventative action.

    Stacker, Andrea Vale, Data Work By Emma Rubin

    Fall-related injuries are common among senior citizens—but they don't have to be. Though an older adult visits an emergency facility in the U.S. every 11 seconds to be treated for these injuries, according to the National Council on Aging, there are tangible steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of falling. In 2021, nearly 7 million people were injured from unintentional falls, about 2 in 5 (41%) of whom were 65 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Per...

  • Alabama's First Ladies of Flight

    Staff Writer

    Author and aviation expert Billy Singleton will present the remarkable stories of Katherine Stinson and Ruth Elder, two of Alabama's pioneering female aviators. From Stinson's historic flying license to Elder's bold attempt to cross the Atlantic, this program will explore daring exploits that earned these women worldwide acclaim during the Golden Age of Flight. Singleton has been involved in the aviation industry for forty-eight years. He is the author of six books and has written extensively...

  • Legislative softball game is on Wednesday

    Staff Writer

    The annual Goat Hill Softball Game is set for Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. The members of the Alabama Senate will play the members of the Alabama House of Representatives in an annual softball game to raise money for charity. This year's event will benefit Big Oak Ranch. The game will be at Montgomery Biscuits Stadium – just two blocks from the Alabama Gazette offices and Dreamland Barbecue. To buy tickets go to the Montgomery Biscuits website: Battle of Goat Hill on 3/20/2024 Tickets...

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