The South Alabamian News Podcast

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Last week, I was sitting at my desk in our sunroom doing what I seem to do most of the time these days — working behind a computer screen. One of the reasons I love working out there is because I can watch the squirrels and birds while I work. I keep bird feeders filled yearround and I enjoy seeing the different visitors that stop by each day. It is usually a peaceful place to work, with birds flu...

The May 19 GOP primary election resolved several important statewide races. In Alabama, winning the Republican nomination is often tantamount to election, making the Nov. 3 general election largely a formality for these candidates. Every statewide office in Alabama is currently held by a Republican. Four statewide races have already been decided. Tommy Tuberville for governor, Caroleene Dobson for...

I went to lunch with some friends the other day. They brought along a 91-year-old friend to meet another 91-year-old who had been his classmate. One lives in Monroeville and the other near Demopolis. They meet regularly, usually in Thomasville or Camden, to catch up and reminisce. Both men are still sharp-minded, which they consider a blessing. At their age, many of the people they once knew have...

JUNE 20 CCHS Class of 1971 will hold its 55th class reunion June 20 at the Senior Center in Grove Hill. Brunch will be from 10 a.m. to noon and a banquet at 6:30 p.m., with a cost of per person due by May 1. JUNE 27 Thomasville will host its annual hometown celebration June 27 at 5 p.m. downtown. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Watermelon Festival announced by Thomaston Historical Foundation on Sat...

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Mrs. Annie Pearl Thornton passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Born on Oct. 23, 1948, to John Harris and Lonie Harris, she lived a life rooted in love, hard work, laughter, and devotion to the people she cherished most. Annie Pearl was a woman who found beauty in life’s simple blessings and made those around her feel the warmth of her caring spirit ev...

Mary Dykes Reaves, beloved mother and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on Nov. 14, 1940 in Jackson, Mary lived a life devoted to family, knowledge, and the beauty of nature. A longtime member of Jackson Church of Christ, Mary cultivated deep friendships and shared unwavering love and support with her church family. Mary dedicated much of he...

For many years, even before I became a pastor, Sunday was always a very special day. I lived in a rural community in Pennsylvania where they had what they called the "Blue Laws." No business was open on a Sunday, but churches were full. In those days, Sunday was focused on church, gathering as a congregation, and worshiping the Lord. Then came Monday. Monday is the beginning of a new wee...

JACKSON — A bomb threat at the Jackson Walmart on May 29 prompted the evacuation of employees and customers but a thorough search proved the threat was a false alarm. According to Jackson Police Chief J.T. Moore, a Walmart custodian discovered a threatening message written on a bathroom wall around noon. “One of the employees observed a note on the bathroom wall that said a bomb was placed in the...

Years ago, a steel cell door closing behind me taught me a lesson I never forgot. No, I had not been arrested. I was about 10 or 12 years old, and our school had taken us on a field trip to Mobile County Metro Jail. Nearly 50 years later, I can still remember walking through those doors. The jail was nothing like what we see on television today. There was nothing comfortable about it. The room was...

Alabama Girls State is being held this week at the University of Alabama. For more than eight decades, the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls State has quietly built one of the most powerful leadership pipelines in the state. What begins as a weeklong immersive experience in government has become something far greater. In Alabama, it has become a premier breeding ground for future governors...

Just think, last week I was sailing on the blue Mediterranean. Now I am back home with a bit of jet lag and a new appreciation for comfortable shoes. I thought I was in pretty good shape from walking and going to the gym regularly. Then I spent nearly two weeks exploring cities on foot. I quickly learned why so many of the locals we saw were trim and fit. They walk everywhere. The weather was cool...

July 3 American Legion will host its annual barbecue July 3. Dine-in service will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takeout will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Barbecue pork will be per pound with one- and two-pound takeout containers available. Chicken halves and barbecue plates with baked beans, potato salad and bread will be . An all-you-can-eat barbecue meal with sides will be avail...

A federal appeals court on May 26 blocked Alabama’s plan to use a newly drawn congressional map designed to reduce the likelihood that a second Black candidate could be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Fourteen Republicans and seven Democrats had qualified to run in Alabama’s special congressional primary elections set for Aug. 11. But the federal judges issued a temporary injunction...

Children and teens across the region can receive free meals this summer through the federal Summer Food Service Program administered by Feeding the Gulf Coast. The program provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens ages 2-18 while school is out for the summer. No registration, signup or documentation is required to participate. Participating meal sites may serve up to two meals per day,...

Jackson High School has turned to a familiar face to lead its boys basketball program, naming Jimmy “BooJu” Martin as the Aggies' next head coach following the departure of Anthony Hayes. Martin steps into the role after spending the past five years as Jackson Middle School head boys basketball coach, Jackson High School junior varsity coach and an assistant under Hayes during one of the most...

After eight seasons, two state championships and a remarkable run of success, Jackson head basketball coach Anthony Hayes resigned to become Monroe County High School’s coach. Hayes was 129-29 with the Aggies while establishing one of the state's premier basketball programs. Veteran assistant coach Jimmy Martin was named the new head coach. “Coaching at Jackson has been one of the greatest ex...

John McKenzie, who took Vigor to the Class 4A state championship in 2021, has been named the new head football coach at McIntosh, where he said he intends to build on the recent success of former coach Josh Harris. McKenzie, who was fired a few weeks after leading the Wolves to the 2024 Class 5A semifinals, is 36-22 overall in his career. He was 31-8 in two stints at Vigor and also coached at Murp...

Edna Robinson Stewart, 81, died May 27, 2026 at Jackson Medical Center. A native of Jackson, she was the daughter of the late Howard Robinson and Mable Robinson. Edna was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Known to her friends and family as “Egg,” she was a member of the Jackson Woman’s Club for approximately 50 years. She served in several capacities of the club and most recently chaired...

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, heaven welcomed home one of God’s precious children, Mrs. Jeanice Baxter. Jeanice was a woman of rare beauty, not only in countenance, but in the gentle, loving spirit she carried so gracefully each day of her life. She found joy in the simple and sacred wonders of God’s creation, often pausing with childlike awe to admire the beauty around her, as if seeing the world t...

Charles William Blackwell Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Jackson Medical Center in Jackson. Charles was a true outdoorsman who cherished all that nature had to offer. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time on his boat along the river. Gifted with a musical spirit, Charles was also a talented singer and guitar player, delighting in entertaining his friends. If C...

In loving memory of John Blair, it is with profound sadness and deep love that the family announce the passing of John Blair, a devoted family man, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. John was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved spending his time hunting and fishing, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories with those he loved most. Whe...

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