April 2025 Edition
April 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...
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...
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...
"Lilly", the movie based on Alabama's own, Lilly Ledbetter, and her struggle for Fair Pay that led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, is set for theatrical release on May 09th, 2025. At present, "Lilly" is set to be shown on May 09th, 10th, 11th, and 15th, 2025 at the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema in Birmingham, Alabama. Which is located inside the Pizitz Building located at 1821 2nd Avenue North. The film stars the Southern actress and Academy Award Nominee, Patricia...
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...
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...
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...
For the third year in a row, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been chosen as the top recreational trail in the country in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The 29-mile multi-use trail connects Gulf State Park with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Baldwin County. The awards were announced Wednesday, April 16. "This year's win is especially exciting as we celebrate the Year of Alabama Trails," said Matthew Capps, State Parks Director for the Alabama Department of...
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...
April 24, 2025 - TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Wildlife Commission is hosting a series of virtual public meetings on proposed changes to modernize Florida's wildlife trapping regulations The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposed changes to modernize wildlife trapping regulations. The FWC held meetings with the public and a diverse group of stakeholders in a Technical...
April 25, 2025 - HUNTSVILLE, AL. – Keel Point, an independent wealth advisory firm, has created the Keel Point Professorship in Family Wealth at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business with a $100,000 commitment over four years. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama (UA) System. The UA System Board of Trustees approved the agreement with Keel Point and the recognition and naming of the professorship at the Board's meeting on April 4, 2025, on the UAH campus. The...
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...
For her first few years in New York City's public school system, Kai Kraft thought she was "the only Asian kid in the Bronx." Through elementary and middle school, she had teachers from diverse backgrounds — but none who identified as Asian American or Pacific Islander. And as a result, Kraft, who is Filipino American, often didn't feel comfortable confiding in her teachers when she experienced discrimination from her peers. "I let a lot of casual racism slide, even until middle school,...
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...
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...
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...
Eating a filling, healthy breakfast can set the tone for your entire day. In fact, eating a morning meal has been linked to improving physical activity levels all day long. But when you forget to soak your overnight oats or don't have time to blend up a green smoothie, you may decide to cruise up to a fast food drive-thru in order to fuel your body for the day ahead. Going to a fast food restaurant in the morning doesn't have to derail your health goals. Understanding what factors impact...
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,...
As we gather this Easter season, let us lift our hearts in celebration of the cornerstone of our faith: the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time to rejoice in the miracle of new life, the triumph of hope over despair, and the eternal promise that through Christ, all things are made new. Easter reminds us that even in our darkest hours, light breaks through. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was found empty. Death was defeated. And with it, every believer was given a...
Tickets for the Fall touring production of "The Thorn" open for sale to the general public on Ticketmaster, today. The Fall tour of "The Thorn" includes two performances in Huntsville, Alabama at the Von Braun Center on November 15th at 7PM and November 16th at 1PM. A stage production of the story of Christ told from the perspective of the Disciple John, "The Thorn", blends the gospel story with theatrical elements reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil. "The Thorn" opens with the Disciple John being...
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...
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...
On Tuesday, April 29, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will pull up in front of City Hall, and you're invited to step inside. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., take a free tour of this one-of-a-kind mobile recording studio, created by Yoko Ono in memory of her late husband and Beatles legen, John Lennon. This isn't just a bus, but it's a launchpad for creativity, where students and Grammy-winning artists have gathered to write, record and bring ideas to life. And what's a great tour without great...
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...
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...
Monday, April 28, 2025, This is Confederate Memorial Day. State offices are closed in remembrance of the soldiers and sailors who served defending the State of Alabama and the Confederate States of America (C.S.A.) during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865. Federal government offices, as well as most banks, businesses, and schools, will be open. Former Governor Lewis E. Parsons estimated that 122,000 Alabamians served in the Confederate military and that 35,000 of those died in the war. The next...
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...
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...
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...
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...
