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Articles from the January 1, 2026 edition


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  • Humility Needed in the Pulpit and Pew

    Michael J. Brooks|Jan 1, 2026

    The late radio teacher, J. Vernon McGee, had a famous line: “When Satan fell, he fell into the choir loft!” This comment may be a bit arcane since contemporary churches may not have a loft or choir, but a ‘praise team” on stage or platform. But maybe McGee was onto something—at least in a few cases I know. One Sunday our pianist (this was many moons ago) played a beautiful arrangement just before the sermon. When I stepped to the pulpit, I thanked her and mentioned how I was moved by the rendi...

  • A Secret Wedding That Shook an Empire: Henry VIII Marries Anne Boleyn on January 25, 1533

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    On January 25, 1533, in a quiet ceremony far removed from the splendor and spectacle normally associated with English royalty, King Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn. The event, conducted in utmost secrecy at Whitehall Palace, marked a turning point not only in Henry's personal life but in the political and religious trajectory of England itself. What began as a private union would soon ignite a revolution that reshaped the nation's identity, its church, and its monarchy. The clandestine...

  • Iran's Bloody Crackdown: Over 16,000 Dead as Protests Shake the Islamic Republic

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    The Islamic Republic of Iran is facing its most violent internal crisis in decades, as a wave of nationwide protests has triggered a brutal crackdown that has left more than 16,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands injured, according to reports from human rights organizations and medical professionals inside the country. The unrest, which began in late December 2025, has escalated into what observers are calling one of the largest massacres in modern Iranian history. The protests were...

  • Tennessee Stuns No. 17 Alabama 79–73 in Tuscaloosa - Bediako Returns, But Vols Steal the Show

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    TUSCALOOSA - In a game packed with storylines, momentum swings, and a historic return, the Tennessee Volunteers spoiled Alabama's home court advantage and Charles Bediako's long-awaited comeback with a gritty 79–73 win Saturday night at Coleman Coliseum. Freshman Nate Ament led the charge for Tennessee, scoring a career-high 29 points - 18 of them in the second half - as the Vols (13–6, 3–3 SEC) overcame a 10-point first-half deficit to hand the No. 17 Crimson Tide (13–6, 3–3) their first hom...

  • State Rep. Ben Harrison introduces bill to hold AI companies accountable for assisting persons making non‑consensual pornography

    Brandon Moseley|Jan 1, 2026

    January 21, 2026 – MONTGOMERY - State Representative Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont) held a press conference to announce that he has introduced legislation that would allow authorities to hold A.I. companies accountable if they assist or encourage people to make non-consensual pornography in Alabama. This has already happened to people in Alabama. Americans' appetites for porn appears to be virtually unlimited. Models willing to do porn however – especially for little or no pay – are limiting facto...

  • Auburn Stuns No. 16 Florida in Gainesville: A Signature Win for Steven Pearl's Tigers

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    January 24, 2026 - GAINESVILLE - Auburn walked into Gainesville on Saturday needing a statement. It walked out with a breakthrough. The Tigers' 76–67 victory over No. 16 Florida wasn't just another SEC win - it was Auburn's first triumph on Florida's home floor since 1996, a milestone that instantly reshaped the narrative around Steven Pearl's emerging program. What unfolded inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center was a tale of two halves, anchored by a blistering Auburn start, a furious F...

  • Tuscumbia Attorney Brent Woodall Qualifies for PSC Place 2, Challenging Commissioner Chris Beeker

    A.I. generated content, Based on a Woodall campaign press release|Jan 1, 2026

    TUSCUMBIA, Ala. - Tuscumbia attorney and former state and federal prosecutor Brent Woodall has officially qualified with the Alabama Republican Party to run for Public Service Commission Place 2, setting up a primary challenge against incumbent Commissioner Chris Beeker. Woodall, a lifelong conservative, framed his campaign around what he describes as the Commission's failure to protect consumers from rising utility costs. He pointed to reports showing Alabama with the third‑highest utility b...

  • Chris McCool Discusses Digital‑Age Policing, Capital Punishment, and Alabama's Political Climate on Heart of Dixie Podcast

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    Alabama Supreme Court Justice Chris McCool offered a wide‑ranging and unusually candid conversation during his appearance on the Heart of Dixie Podcast, speaking from his family farm in Pickens County. The discussion touched on the future of Fourth Amendment protections, the renewed push to classify rape as a capital crime, the role of the National Guard in crime suppression, and the state of municipal politics across Alabama. What emerged was a portrait of a justice deeply rooted in rural A...

  • Results, Not Applause: Trump Tells the World Economic Forum the Truth It Didn't Want to Hear

    Perry O Hooper Jr|Jan 1, 2026

    For more than thirty years, American presidents went to the Annual World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland looking for approval. From Bill Clinton through Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the ritual was the same: reassure the global elite, affirm their economic orthodoxy, and return home to explain why American workers had to "adjust." Davos was not a debate. It was a blessing ceremony. Donald Trump ended that era. He didn't go to Switzerland seeking approval. He went to tell them the era of...

  • Do I need general liability insurance as a freelancer?

    Stacker, Julie Roseland for ERGO NEXT|Jan 1, 2026

    Do I need general liability insurance as a freelancer? General liability insurance is one of the first types of business insurance that self-employed people get. 62% of small businesses have this coverage — and for good reason. Whether you’re a designer, writer, consultant, developer or any other type of freelance worker, general liability coverage could help protect your freelance business from some of the most common cost risks of working for yourself, ERGO NEXT reports. It could help cov...

  • Why does your dog get so excited about snow?

    Stacker, Kate Mooney for Kinship|Jan 1, 2026

    Why does your dog get so excited about snow? It’s a delightful scene: The first snow of the year falls, and you get your dog all suited up to venture outside for a walk. The second they lay eyes on the winter wonderland, their ears perk up. Setting that first paw print into the snow, their snout goes into overdrive, and the seemingly endless zoomies start. You may have wondered: What is it exactly about snow that gets them going? Is it the look of it? The texture on their paws? The cold s...

  • The 25 best places to retire in the US in 2026, ranked by what retirees value most

    Stacker, Christy Bieber for The Motley Fool|Jan 1, 2026

    The 25 best places to retire in the US in 2026, ranked by what retirees value most What’s the best place to retire? To answer that question, The Motley Fool surveyed 2,000 retired Americans to understand what matters most in retirement and used those insights to rank the best places to retire across the United States. Based on the survey results, The Motley Fool identified seven key retirement factors and weighted each according to retiree preferences: quality of life (31%), healthcare access a...

  • McCollum Highlights Road Maintenance, Right‑of‑Way Upkeep in Tallapoosa County Commission Bid

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, Ala. - Robert McCollum, Republican candidate for Tallapoosa County Commissioner in District 4, is making road maintenance and right‑of‑way upkeep central themes of his campaign, arguing that consistent attention to basic infrastructure is essential for safety and quality of life. McCollum said county roads play a vital role in daily life, connecting families to work, school, and emergency services. Neglecting those roads, he warned, creates avoidable hazards. "Our county roa...

  • Shelby County GOP Cancels U.S. Senate Forum Due to Re‑Freezing Concerns

    A.I. generated content, Based on a Shelby County Republican Party news release

    SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. - The Shelby County Republican Party has canceled its U.S. Senate Forum scheduled for Monday, January 26, citing expected re‑freezing conditions and potential roadway hazards across the region. Party officials said the decision was made out of caution as temperatures are forecast to drop again Monday evening, raising concerns about icy roads and unsafe travel conditions. Chairman Joan Reynolds said she has been in close communication with emergency management officials as t...

  • Commissioner Tommy Barnes Announces Bid for Congress in Alabama's 4th District

    A.I. generated content, Based on a Barnes campaign news release|Jan 1, 2026

    NORTHWEST ALABAMA - County Commissioner Tommy Barnes has formally qualified to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, launching a campaign centered on term limits, infrastructure investment, economic development, and what he describes as a need for more active federal representation. Barnes said the district has suffered from "nearly 30 years" of inadequate federal engagement, pointing to persistent poverty, limited job growth, and a lack of...

  • UAB Falls 82–69 to South Florida as Bulls' Hot Shooting Proves Too Much

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB couldn't keep pace with South Florida's perimeter firepower Thursday night, falling 82–69 at Bartow Arena in an American Athletic Conference matchup that saw the Bulls seize control late in the first half and never look back. South Florida (12–7, 4–2 AAC) was led by Joseph Pinion, who delivered a standout performance with 23 points, knocking down six three‑pointers and setting the tone early. Pinion scored 13 of his points in the first half, helping the Bulls build a...

  • 10 surprising things not covered by Medicare and ways you can pay for them

    Stacker, Charlene Rhinehart for GoodRx|Jan 1, 2026

    1 surprising things not covered by Medicare and ways you can pay for them Medicare provides coverage for essential medical services for millions of Americans. From lab tests to physician visits, this health insurance program helps people 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions, afford healthcare costs. However, despite the rise in Medicare spending — which reached over $1,029.8 billion in 2023 — the program still doesn’t cover all h...

  • What a Trump proposal to ban institutional investors could really mean for homebuyers

    Stacker, Vincent Salandro for NewHomeSource|Jan 1, 2026

    What a Trump proposal to ban institutional investors could really mean for homebuyers President Trump has teased a plan to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. In a Truth Social post, he noted the American Dream is increasingly out of reach for many Americans. The policy is far from finalized, but the proposal raises important questions about market dynamics, affordability, and buyer opportunities. “We know that investors of all sizes have been highly active in...

  • Governor Ivey Kicks Off School Choice Week, Celebrates Education Freedom Wins for Alabama Students

    Governor's Press Office|Jan 1, 2026

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday kicked off School Choice Week by celebrating Alabama's education freedom wins for Alabama students. "Our students are the foundation for a better future for Alabama," said Governor Ivey. "Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their unique needs and helps them reach their full potential. My goal is to continue to make Alabama the most school choice friendly state in the nation." Throughout her administration, she has and will c...

  • Kay Ivey adds three more counties to the state of emergency over the winter weather

    Governor's Press Office|Jan 1, 2026

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday signed a proclamation issuing a state of emergency for 19 northern counties ahead of the anticipated wintery and icy forecast for the state. "In Alabama, we are no stranger to Mother Nature. However, when it comes to winter weather, we are not as familiar. So, as we head into this weekend, I am urging my fellow Alabamians, especially in the northern part of our state, to stay weather aware," said Governor Ivey. "Based on the current forecast, we have a...

  • KettenWulf to Open Auburn Manufacturing Facility, Bringing $34 Million Investment and 70 New Jobs

    A.I. generated content, Based on a governor's office news release|Jan 1, 2026

    AUBURN, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that German chain manufacturer KettenWulf will establish a new U.S. manufacturing operation in Auburn, marking a major international investment in East Alabama's growing industrial sector. The project represents a $34 million capital investment and is expected to create 70 new jobs. KettenWulf, founded in 1925 and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a family‑owned global manufacturer specializing in high‑performance engineered con...

  • Governor Ivey Backs Legislation to Limit Screen Time in Early Childhood Education

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced her support for the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, a new proposal that would limit electronic screen exposure in early childhood education programs and licensed childcare facilities across Alabama. The governor highlighted the measure as a priority during her State of the State address on January 13. Ivey said the legislation is a necessary step to protect young children from the developmental risks associated with...

  • Alabama Trustee Group Shares 2025 Coastal Restoration Update, Public Comments Open Through Jan. 28

    A.I. generated content|Jan 1, 2026

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Trustee Implementation Group has released its 2025 annual update detailing ongoing restoration efforts in coastal Alabama tied to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which devastated Gulf ecosystems in 2010. The update was presented on January 21, 2026, and is now available for public viewing on the Gulf Spill Restoration YouTube channel. The Alabama Trustee Group is part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process, which coordinates long‑term recovery a...

  • 2026 college playoffs will remain at twelve teams

    Brandon Moseley|Jan 1, 2026

    INDIANAPOLIS - The College Football Playoff will remain limited to just 12 teams in 2026. The deadline for establishing a new format was December 1; but had been extended several times with no compromise ever reached. Since the parties involved could not agree on a new format for the 2026 season the format will stay the same as in 2024 and 2025. The CFP Management Committee opted to preserve the current structure, citing the need for further evaluation and consensus. The CFP Management...

  • Governor Ivey Introduces a CHOOSE Act Family: Meet Charlie Perkins and Susan Stacy

    Governor's Press Office|Jan 1, 2026

    MOBILE – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday continued highlighting School Choice Week by introducing Charlie Perkins and his grandmother Susan Stacy, an Alabama family utilizing the CHOOSE Act, the governor's education savings account (ESA) program. Charlie Perkins is in the 4th grade at St. Dominic Catholic School in Mobile. "The CHOOSE Act is for all kinds of Alabama families," said Governor Ivey. "Susan and Charlie are exactly what this program is about – putting faith, family and a child's fut...

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