Thousands of Alabama folks heading to Panama City have pulled off at Dobbs Barbeque in Dothan for over a century. Now, they will have to find a new food stop that does not have the history and atmosphere of Dobbs Famous Bar-B-Que.

The famous eatery at the southern intersection of Ross Clarke Circle and highway 231 operated its last day Sunday. The final owner, Art Mayo, announced the closure the day before.

Barbeque historians say that Dobbs was the second-oldest BBQ joint in Alabama, behind Golden Rule BBQ in Jefferson County’s Irondale, founded in 1891, 134 years ago.

Dobbs was started in central Alabama’s Tallassee in 1910 by Euell Lee Dobbs Sr. who moved it to Dothan in 1948, 77 years ago.

Since the news of Dobbs’ closure quickly spread, memories from customers of Dobbs have passed around.

Dothan native Alva Lambert said Dobbs had the best camp stew he ever had. Also, he recalls owner Lee Dobbs in his trademark blue coveralls welcoming customers. Later, Lambert said that Dobbs would ease around to tables and entertain patrons with his “Hooie-Sooie Stick”.

It was a handmade stick about a foot long and had notches carved in it with an ice cream wooden stick propeller at the end and another propeller at an angle above it.

As Dobbs ran his fingers across the notches, he would give the command hooie or sooie and make each of the propellers rotate. He would always preface the act by saying that one propeller was a little slower since that “last cool snap”. Then Dobbs would give a command and make the propellers rotate in an opposite direction in an instant.

You can’t get that type of service in most modern restaurants.

Ron Creel, Sr, founder and chairman of the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation and former Wiregrass resident, said he recalled the drive-up curb service at Dobbs BBQ in the 50s, 60s and even early 70s. He said the strawberry shortcake was the best anywhere and was their signature dessert.

No information has been released on what will be done with the Dobbs property and whether the restaurant could re-open at another location.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

Homecoming week in Cleburne County brought more than school spirit this year — it also left the Heflin Police Department wrapped up in fun. Officers arrived at their station Thursday morning to find the building and grounds covered in long strands of toilet paper, a familiar sight in the community during homecoming celebrations.

Rather than complaining about the adornments on their buildings and vehicles, the department leaned into the tradition.

In a Facebook post, police addressed “the school kids of Cleburne County,” joking that toilet paper sales had “skyrocketed this week” and the additional sales tax revenue should be enough to cover raises for the new fiscal year.

“We think that rolling the police department was a little uncalled for,” the post read. “But as we enter into Halloween season, we don’t want to hear any crying when we load up like we are going to serve a search warrant and go full out tactical ninja style old school rolling at your place next month. We know who you are … good luck in the game tomorrow night, and we will see you next month.”

According to The Anniston Star, Heflin Police Chief Ross McGlaughn said Friday the playful spirit is part of the community’s approach to homecoming.

“For the most part, all of Heflin, the community embraces the kids,” McGlaughn said.

“They go around and roll, and as long as damage isn’t done, you know, nobody’s property gets torn up. For the most part, everybody’s good with it. There’s a couple people who do not like it, don’t want them on their property, but as long as the kids are behaving and not tearing anything up, I told them they could come to the police department. I told them, if they did a good enough job, I would post it on Facebook, so they did okay.”

The chief admitted the custom is one he grew up with, too — and besides, the statute of limitations has expired.

“Yes, I have engaged in rolling houses before,” McGlaughn said, laughing. “I think my generation and the generation prior to us probably got out more. I think today’s generation is more technology-based, or on our phones, or playing games. Back then … we probably got out and rolled houses more.”

The playful “rolling wars,” McGlaughn said, are often staged between grades — juniors decorating seniors’ yards and vice versa — sometimes with parents chauffeuring to make sure students don’t cross the line.

“Technically, you know it could be considered trespassing, criminal littering,” McGlaughn said. “But the community, for the most part, embraces it.”

The department’s post captured that spirit, drawing nearly 1,500 comments and, according to McGlaughn, “not a single negative comment I see.”

For the chief, the homecoming ritual is about more than pranks — it’s about community.

“Everybody that does it, for the most part, they’re all friends,” he said. “It’s a little cheeky, ‘haha, got you’ kind of thing.”

By leaning into the humor, Heflin police turned what could have been a nuisance into a moment of shared laughter and small-town fun — a reminder that even lighthearted pranks can strengthen community ties.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

After 14 years in Cullman, Rock the South is heading to the River City.

Peachtree Entertainment announced today the popular annual summer music tradition will debut next year at The Fields at Decatur. The three-day festival will be June 11-13.

“In 2026, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment. “Rock the South has always been about more than music; it’s about tradition, community, and celebrating the South at its best. After 15 years, it was time to create a permanent home that reflects that spirit.

“The Fields at Decatur gives us over 150 acres of usable space to do it the right way – with the shade, comfort, and amenities our fans deserve — and to create even bigger moments than ever before.”

Unlike the past where the property was leased, Peachtree Entertainment said it will own the festival’s property outright, allowing organizers to invest in long-term infrastructure and fan-first improvements designed to elevate the experience year after year.

“Hosting ‘The Biggest Party in the South’ at The Fields at Decatur not only brings an incredible experience to our community and region but also showcases the potential of this property as a premier destination for future growth and development,” said Kyle Demeester, Decatur’s chief financial officer.

Peachtree Entertainment’s investment includes:

• Over 150 usable acres off the four-lane Gordon Terry Parkway designed to maximize comfort and flow.
• Expanded campgrounds with professionally engineered drainage for a smoother experience rain or shine.
• New shade and fan hangout areas to keep crowds comfortable during Alabama’s summer heat.
• An enhanced VIP area and new experiential fan zones.
• And for the first time, a second stage presented by Raised Rowdy within a new fan zone, bringing more music, louder nights, and unforgettable moments.

“Rock The South was born in Cullman, and for me it will always be home. Moving to Decatur is not about leaving those roots behind, it’s about building on them,” said Shane Quick, co-founder and president of Live Events at Peachtree Entertainment. “After more than a decade of unforgettable moments, we now have the chance to take everything fans love about this festival and make it even bigger.

“The Fields at Decatur gives us the space, flexibility, and future we’ve always dreamed of, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this next chapter with our fans.”

Fans can get their first look at the new site with an exclusive rendering video of The Fields at Decatur, available now at RockTheSouth.com.

With a continued focus on community, Rock The South will also support select charities from Decatur as well as from its previous home in Cullman, ensuring the festival’s growth benefits both regions.

Over the last 15 years, Rock The South has brought more than $150 million in economic impact to the city of Cullman, and with its move to The Fields at Decatur, the festival is poised to generate even greater economic opportunities for the entire North Alabama region through tourism, local business partnerships, and job creation.

“I am so excited that Rock the South is coming to Decatur,” said Decatur Mayor-Elect Kent Lawrence. “This premier country music festival will be an event our citizens can truly enjoy, while also attracting visitors from across the country to experience all that our great city has to offer.”

Fans can sign up now to be the first to see the lineup and register for exclusive presale access with guaranteed lowest pricing before the public at RockTheSouth.com.

Additional ticket details and lineup information will be announced soon.

Courtesy of 256 Today.

In 1985, a quiet but revolutionary movement began in Huntsville that would change the way the world responds to child abuse.

Forty years later, that movement has become a global model for healing and justice.

What began as a single center offering a compassionate, coordinated response to child abuse has grown into an internationally recognized model, now replicated more than 1,100 times across all 50 states and in 41 countries.

Last month, dignitaries from across Alabama and Washington, D.C., gathered in the ballroom of the Huntsville Botanical Garden to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Children’s Advocacy Center.

The evening honored former U.S. Rep. Robert “Bud” Cramer Jr., who founded the NCAC in 1985 while serving as Madison County district attorney. Cramer’s vision was to create a child-focused environment that brings together law enforcement, mental health professionals, medical experts, and prosecutors.

The multidisciplinary team has forever changed how communities support victims of abuse.

“Bud Cramer didn’t just build something for Huntsville; he sparked a global movement that puts children first,” said NCAC Development Manager Hannah Alderson. “Children deserve the best.”

Cramer was recognized not only for his local legacy but also for his ongoing national impact. As a member of Congress, his leadership in securing critical funding through the Children’s Advocacy Centers Program, included helping to write the 1990 Victims of Child Abuse Act, allowed the NCAC model to expand nationwide.

“This anniversary is not just about looking back; it’s about recommitting ourselves to the future,” said NCAC Executive Director Chris Newlin. “Every child deserves safety, support, and justice, and we’ll continue working toward a world where that is the norm.”

Since its founding, the NCAC has trained more than 100,000 child abuse professionals from around the world through its training center and continues to serve children and families in Madison County every day.

For more information, visit www.nationalcac.org.

A new professional men’s choral group debuts tomorrow, Friday, October 3.

‘Southern Echos Chorale’ is an independent men’s chorale ensemble, an all-Alabama all-men’s group.

Their first gig is a big one – the largest Catholic church in the state of Alabama – the Cathedral-Basilica of Immaculate Conception.

It is located at 2 Claiborne Street across from Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. The show starts at 7:15 p.m. Friday. It will be a non-denominational event but guaranteed to be spirit-moving for all.

The event is free — no ticket or RSVP is needed. Donations to this non-profit group are being accepted.

Just what type of music can you expect to hear, or rather, to experience?

The chorale will perform different genres, but it will all be spiritual and uplifting.

Featured works will include ‘Four Little Prayers of St. Francis’ by Francis Pouleric, ‘Lux Aurumbuq’ by Eric Whitacre, Chernokov’s ‘Salvation is Created,’ and ‘Be Still My Soul’ by resident composer Matthew Still. Also, there will be jazz and spiritual numbers.

The ensemble is composed of eleven singers from bass to high tenor.

The nuns singing in the Sistine Chapel will now have some competition from the men of Mobile in the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

The new group was featured on Fox 10 News.

To contact the group for information on bookings, e-mail events@southernchorale.com

Details on Facebook.

The mission of the chorale is: “Rejuvenating chorale music along the Gulf Coast.”

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

For more than six decades, Alabama has recognized October as Beef Month — a celebration honoring the state’s beef cattle industry and the hardworking families behind it.

“Each October, we have the opportunity to celebrate Alabama’s cattle industry and the hardworking families who bring beef to the table,” said Erin Beasley, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy beef as part of their tailgates, fall festivals, and family gatherings this month.”

Throughout the month, the ACA will promote Alabama’s beef industry through statewide advertising, digital and social media campaigns, and outreach at major events such as Talladega Superspeedway, the Alabama National Fair, and the Walk of Life. Consumers can also find recipes and information about beef here.

Local cattle producers will also take part in community events and educational programs, including the “Cowboys in the Classroom” initiative, county chapter steak sandwich sales, and other outreach efforts at fairs and festivals across the state.

The beef industry remains a vital part of Alabama’s agricultural economy. As the state’s second-largest animal agriculture sector, cattle production generates an estimated $2.5 billion economic impact and supports more than 10,000 jobs statewide.

October Beef Month provides an opportunity for Alabamians to recognize the economic and cultural importance of the state’s cattle industry — and to enjoy the beef products raised by Alabama farm families.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

One of North Alabama’s largest and most anticipated events takes over downtown Cullman. the first weekend in October in celebration of the town’s German beginnings.

Now in its 43^rd  year, the Cullman Oktoberfest is a three-day event offering all things German including a biergarten, lively music, cultural displays and delicious German cuisine.

Recognized as one of North Alabama’s signature cultural events, Oktoberfest in Cullman pays homage to the city’s deep German roots, dating back to its founding by Col. Johann Gottfried Cullmann in 1873.

From the opening at 4 p.m. Thursday until the closing of the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten at 11 p.m. Saturday, attendees can immerse themselves in German culture and traditions.

A parade takes to the streets at 6 p.m. Thursday, with the official opening ceremonies and tapping of the keg immediately following.

Activities to be held each day include biergartens, games, contests and entertainment for children and four-legged friends, glass blowing workshops, a vendor market featuring artisan crafts and mouthwatering treats, live German music and traditional contests such as brat-eating, stein-hoisting (21 and older) and costume competitions.

Walking tours will also highlight Cullman’s German heritage and additional special programming includes Senior Day (ages 55 and older) on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the annual Oktoberfest 5K and 10K Saturday at 8 a.m.

A centerpiece of the festival, the Hofbräuhaus Experience, an experience as close to Munich as one can get without a passport, is a completely covered biergarten serving Hofbräu München beers, Bavarian-style servers and non-stop entertainment. Guests may enter with any Hofbräu Stein purchase or a $10 daily cover.

For the full experience, visitors can purchase the Ultimate Hofbräuhaus Experience, a three-day package that includes commemorative steins, food and drink tokens, and access for the entire weekend.

New this year, the Goat Island and Ethos Biergarten will bring together Cullman’s two local breweries under one large, covered pavilion, serving up their signature craft beers alongside live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Biergarten is free to enter and open daily. Festivalgoers can also experience a true taste of Bavarian tradition at the Weihenstephan Biergarten, featuring selections from the world’s oldest brewery.

The excitement continues with the debut of a 108-foot European Venetian Ferris Wheel, offering stunning views of downtown Cullman, and a rare two-story, double-decker Venetian Carousel, both sure to become must-visit attractions.

Rounding out the new offerings, a Volkswagen Car Show will showcase top classic VW models from across the Southeast, making this year’s Oktoberfest bigger, brighter and more unforgettable than ever.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest by donning traditional German attire. Dirndls, lederhosen and children’s outfits are available for purchase in advance at https://www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com/store.

Festival hours

• Thursday: 4–10 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Cullman Oktoberfest activities take place in the warehouse district along 1st Avenue in the heart of downtown Cullman.

For more information, including a daily schedule of events, visit https://www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com/, https://www.facebook.com/cullmanoktoberfest/ or call 256-734-9157.

Courtesy of 256 Today

The fourth annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) features a unique way for arts enthusiasts to enjoy the work of notable wildlife artists.

Five artists – Dirk Walker, Jared Knox, Vaughan Spanjer, Sue Key and Bucky Bowles – will participate in live painting during the free festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 25, in downtown Wetumpka. The festival is presented by the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, known to locals as “The Kelly.”

“This is an amazing way for people to see how artists work and immerse themselves in the artistic process,” said Jennier Eifert, director of The Kelly. “These are world-class artists who will be giving everyone an intimate look at how they do what they do. We’re so appreciative of their willingness to take part in this unique presentation.”

The live painting demonstration provides one of the many fascinating experiences and activities available to WEWA visitors.

The festival features a number of workshops, including one led by Gee’s Bend Quilters, the Wilcox County residents who have garnered international fame for their unique quilt-making. “This workshop will give WEWA visitors the chance to meet legendary Gee’s Bend quilters and learn about their incredible cultural, artistic and historic significance,” said Kim V. Kelly, executive director of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy.

In addition, there will be a demonstration by Raptor’s Ridge Wildlife Education showcasing birds of prey, “Animal Encounters” by the Alabama Wildlife Federation and a bow-making presentation by Skip Plumlee.

Four different groups will have sporting dog demonstrations – Covey Flush, Madison and Co. Dog Trainers, Artemis Runs Kennel and Golbeck Gundogs. “Anyone who loves dogs, this is your year to come to the festival,” Eifert said.

Other workshops include a basket making workshop and a fall gardening presentation. Musical entertainment will be on two separate stages, headlined by River Dan and Joe Hare.

Visitors to the Kelly can also enjoy the “Art Gone Wild” art exhibition, which began Sept. 16 and runs through Nov. 8, and the juried art show, which carries a $12,000 best of show prize.

DockDogs features action on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka and includes three separate events:

• Big Air– the first sport of DockDogs, this is the long jump of canine aquatics.
• Extreme Vertical – considered the high jump of canine aquatics.
• Speed Retrieve – a timed discipline involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve.
• The DockDogs Big Air final in the pro, semi pro, contender and amateur divisions, is scheduled for Oct. 25, at 3 p.m.

A number of downtown businesses will also be offering festival specials, Eifert said.

“It’s clear that WEWA has quickly become known as Alabama’s very best wildlife arts festival and one of the state’s premiere events,” said Alabama Black Belt Adventures director Pam Swanner, whose organization supports WEWA. “It has grown every year, and I encourage families to stop by our booth and take part in learning how to cast from the four-time championship fishing team of the University of Montevallo’s President’s Outdoor Scholars Program. Make a cast and walk away with a rod and reel! It’s an  honor to play a small part in the event’s success and help shine the spotlight on outdoors recreation and tourism.”

For more information about the festival, visit: https://thekelly.org/wewa/.

The recent slaying of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and known for his Christian testimony and conservative viewpoints shared at universities across the U.S. and the world, has deeply impacted Americans of all ages.

His death has inspired renewed calls for an end to violent rhetoric and a return to messages of faith, hope, and kindness.

Moved by the tragedy, Sylvania resident and Auburn University senior Maddie Jackson has once again used her creativity to make a statement of support and encouragement. Jackson, an Agricultural Business major, created a new hay sculpture to honor Kirk and his ministry. The display carries a heartfelt message that reads:

“This is the turning point! In memory of Charlie Kirk. Tell someone about Jesus today!”

This is not Jackson’s first time using hay bales to share her beliefs with the community. In 2024, she crafted her first hay figure in support of President Donald Trump, which stood proudly in a field along Highway 75 in Sylvania. That original creation brought smiles to passersby and reflected Jackson’s desire to bring a little lightheartedness to a tense political season.

Though the first structure was later lost in an unexplained fire, Jackson refused to give up. She rebuilt the figure, showing the same determination and spirit that now fuels her latest tribute to Kirk.

RELATED: North Alabama Trump hay bale display set on fire in arson attack

As an aspiring agricultural professional, Jackson continues to find creative ways to combine her passion for farming with her love for community and country.

Her work reminds us that there are still ways to stand for one’s beliefs — boldly, peacefully, and with compassion.

Maddie Jackson’s hay sculptures are inspiring conversations — and smiles — across North Alabama.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Lieutenant Colonel George E. Hardy has died at the age of 100.

He was the youngest of the original Tuskegee Airmen, enlisting at age 17.

He was the last living combat pilot of the Airmen.

He served his country in three wars – World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Hardy trained in Tuskegee at the Army Air Field. He flew in WWII from 1943 to 1945.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1944 and served with the all-Black 99th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy. Flying P-51 Mustangs, he completed 21 combat missions escorting Allied bombers over Germany. He was the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps.

He served a second time from 1948 to 1951. With the newly formed U.S. Air Force, he flew 45 combat missions in B-29 bombers over Korea with the 19th Bomb Group.

He served a third time from 1970 to 1971 in the Vietnam War with 70 combat missions in AC-119K gunships, flying at night over Laos to disrupt enemy supply routes.

Hardy retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1971, having flown a total of 136 combat missions across three wars.

Hardy received military honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters. In 2007, he was among the Tuskegee Airmen awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush.

After retiring from the Air Force and a subsequent career in engineering, Hardy became a dedicated advocate and motivational speaker. He traveled extensively to share the story of the Tuskegee Airmen with students and veterans, highlighting their perseverance against racism and segregation. His efforts helped preserve the airmen’s legacy through exhibits and educational programs.

He lived out his life in Sarasota, Florida near MacDill Air Force Base.

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

Of the myriads of happy human emotions, from contentment to gratitude, there is one that is consistently underrated: hope. Considering some recent events, we could all use a little more hope in our lives.

A new study from the University of Missouri is shaking up our understanding of hope. Far from being just wishful thinking, hope adds meaning, direction, and depth to our lives. Among all the emotions studied, hope was the one that consistently correlated with a deeper sense of life’s meaning. And that sense of meaning isn’t just philosophical—it has tangible benefits, like stronger relationships, better health, higher earnings, and improved resilience.

In contrast, happiness applies to how we feel in the moment. But there are no guarantees that today’s happiness survives until tomorrow. It is reflective of what’s already happened. But that’s largely yesterday’s news. Hope, on the other hand, is focused on the future.

According to author Yuval Levin: “Optimism is a vice—the idea that good things just happen. I’m not optimistic, but I am hopeful. Hope is the virtue that sits between the vices of optimism and pessimism.”

It’s the belief that things can always get better—even in tough times—that gives people the strength to keep pressing onward. Hope is what drives a student to send out more college applications after repeated rejections. It’s hope that leads an addict back to a church basement when all seems lost. It’s hope that guides a grieving widow to carry on in the face of unspeakable grief. It’s hope that powers us when everything seems overwhelming.

Viktor E. Frankl was a Viennese doctor and psychiatrist. He survived three years in four different Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Amid his unthinkable suffering, he developed a deep sense of the true meaning of life. Frankl believed that life has meaning in all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. This means that even when situations seem objectively terrible, there is a higher order that involves meaning. He writes, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Frankl observed that prisoners who lost hope for the future were far more likely to perish. He learned that what happens to you—including suffering—is secondary to your response to it. The prisoners who could maintain a small sense of the future survived. The prisoners who lost their faith in a future lost their will to live—simply died.

In February 1945, in the bleakest part of winter, Frankl’s bunkmate dreamed that the camp would be liberated on March 30th. The dream gave him hope. On March 29th, news came that Allied advances had slowed. On March 30th, the man developed a high fever. He died the following day.

Frankl recounted how inmates would sometimes lose hope. The men would refuse to get out of bed, smoke all their saved cigarettes, and wait to die. This loss of will wasn’t random. It was when they gave up hope. He writes, “The prisoner who had lost faith in the future—his future was doomed.”

To Frankl, the loss of hope was a spiritual death long before the physical one. He famously wrote “There is only one thing that cannot be taken from a man: the way we choose to respond to what is done to us. The final human freedom is the ability to choose our attitude, even in the most dire of circumstances. Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’”.

Hope isn’t blind optimism or a refusal to acknowledge suffering. It’s the stubborn ember in the fire that refuses to go out. It’s the single, green shoot that emerges from the frozen earth. Frankl showed us that meaning and hope are inseparable—the moment we find a “why,” even in the darkest night, we can endure the “how.” Hope is not an escape from reality; it’s a deeper engagement with it.

And that’s why hope may be the most underrated emotion of them all. Happiness comes and goes. Gratitude is tethered to memory. But hope keeps us moving, even when the road ahead is shrouded in heavy fog. It builds resilience, sustains love, and carries us into futures we can’t yet see but desperately need to believe in.

Considering recent unspeakable acts of violence, our country has no shortage of reasons to despair. But despair is a dead end; hope is a doorway. To live without hope is to surrender before the story is finished. To live with hope is to accept that while we cannot control every outcome, we can always choose our response. And sometimes, that choice is enough to change everything.

So maybe the most important question isn’t whether tomorrow will be better. It’s whether we will dare to hope that it can be—and live today as if it will.

Tom Greene is a writer living in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and loyal wiener dog, Maggie. His writing can be found at www.tomgreene.com. He can be reached at t@tomgreene.com

Governor Kay Ivey is spotlighting some of her favorite destinations across the state this fall through the “Alabama Favorites” series, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the history, culture, and beauty of Alabama.

Among her highlighted picks is Gee’s Bend, where visitors can ride the ferry, meet the community’s legendary quiltmakers, and enjoy local dining at places like The Pecan on Broad or Gaines Ridge Dinner Club.

On Saturday, October 4, Gee’s Bend will host its annual Airing of the Quilts Festival, celebrating a tradition often called “some of the most miraculous works of modern art in America.”

The governor also pointed to Gulf Shores as a perennial favorite. Known for its sugar-white beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere, the city is preparing to welcome nearly 250,000 visitors during the National Shrimp Festival, set for Oct. 9–12. The festival has been a fall tradition for 50 years, bringing together food, music, art, and family entertainment.

For those seeking natural beauty, Ivey recommended Lake Jordan, just north of Wetumpka. The lake is known for its tree-lined shores and waterfalls, best appreciated from the water. As the southernmost reservoir in the Coosa River chain, Lake Jordan offers scenic escapes during Alabama’s colorful autumn season.

Rounding out the list is Monroeville, celebrated as the hometown of Harper Lee and officially designated by the legislature in 1997 as the “Literary Capital of Alabama.”

Visitors can tour the historic courthouse, including the courtroom that inspired the film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. This fall is also timely for literary fans, as Lee’s newest work, The Land of Sweet Forever, will be released posthumously on October 21.

The “Alabama Favorites” series highlights towns, cultural landmarks, restaurants, and outdoor escapes that define the state. Residents are also encouraged to share their own fall travel destinations on social media and tag @AlabamaTravel to join the conversation.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Three Auburn University students attended the memorial service for Charlie Kirk earlier this week with support from State Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn).

Kirk, 31, was assassinated on September 10 at Utah Valley University in a brutal act of political violence aimed at silencing him.

After the Auburn Turning Point USA chapter’s executive board members contacted Hovey late last week for help traveling to Glendale, Arizona, Hovey stepped in to ensure the students could attend the service.

“Charlie Kirk was a man of faith and a true American patriot. This is a turning point for our nation, and I am glad Auburn students were able to honor his legacy and be part of this revival,” Hovey said.

“Charlie created a movement that has educated and energized a generation, and today his message is stronger than ever.”

Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.

“We are very thankful for Senator Hovey’s generosity in helping us attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona. On such short notice, he was willing to step in and allow us to honor Charlie personally,” Auburn’s TPUSA chapter said in a statement. 

“Our nation needs more people like Charlie Kirk, people who are willing to discuss and debate the issues with those who may disagree with them,” said Hovey.

“I am so proud that these Auburn students want to pick up that mantle, and I will help in any way possible.”

Hovey concluded, “Charlie stood for the values that guided our Founding Fathers, and if our nation wants to prosper, we need more young people willing to fight for our country’s foundational principles.”

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Alabama and America have lost a Patriot and historian.

Tom Walker, the visionary, founder and longtime operator of American Village in Montevallo, died on Thursday.

Walker was a member of the United States Semisesquintennial Commission, the national 250^th anniversary celebration for July 4, 2026. His contribution and influence will continue in his absence.

Walker never strayed far from his alma mater, the University of Montevallo.

In an earlier career, Walker had entered Alabama state politics at an unusually young age.

He ran statewide in 1972 at age 18, the youngest age allowed, for President of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

He lost in a multi-candidate field against incumbent Eugene “Bull” Connor. The race was ultimately won by State Sen. Kenneth Hammond of Valley Head. Walker left an impression of a dynamic speaker and a young man destined to make a difference.

He ran again for PSC in 1974 and just missed winning a seat in the runoff. His dynamic speaking ability only improved.

He ran again for PSC President in 1976 and again narrowly missed the runoff.

In 1978, he ran for the open seat of State Treasurer and lost to Annie Laurie Gunter.

That was it for Walker and elective politics. He proceeded to make a huge difference outside politics in Alabama and among those who wished to study and honor the founding of our nation.

Walker founded American Village in 1995 as a way to teach American history and recreate historical sites from the nation’s earliest days.

By 1999, the 188-acre campus had opened and has continued operating for decades under the leadership of Tom Walker.

A statement issued by American Village Thursday stated:

The American Village Board of Trustees, the Lucille Ryals Thompson Chapel Board, Village staff, and friends of the Village mark his passing both with grief and joy as he will be sorely missed while we celebrate his vision and unwavering commitment to our community, to Alabama, and to the nation.

For his work with American Village, Walker received many awards, including a citation from the American Bar Association on K-12 education  and “Birmingham Citizen of the Year.”

The Albertville native graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1975 with degrees in history and political science. He also received a master’s degree in political science from Mississippi State University.

One of the most creative contributions that Walker made at American Village was to find and recruit Alabama citizens who could perform breathtaking costumed impersonations of historical figures.

Now, he may meet the real leaders of yesteryear whom he honored and placed onstage – George and Martha Washington, Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams, Theodore Roosevelt and others.

Funeral announcements will be announced Friday.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

WIRED named conservative activist and commentator CJ Pearson to its 2025 list of “22 Very Online Upstarts Changing the Face of Politics” this week.

The annual feature highlights young influencers, creators, and insiders who are reshaping political communication in the digital era.

Pearson, 23, attended the University of Alabama until his junior year before focusing full-time on politics, media and being a conservative influencer. He has built a massive online following and gained national attention over the past decade as one of the country’s youngest conservative commentators.

According to WIRED, Pearson has become “one of the most important people in digital MAGAworld.”

The magazine highlighted that he helped organize a TikTok-sponsored party during inauguration weekend that featured rising figures on the right and that he is now building his own political-influencer marketing company to support Republican candidates and causes.

Pearson currently serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council and has appeared on outlets including Fox News, PragerU, and many others across the globe.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CJ Pearson (@thecjpearson)

RELATED: Hundreds gather in Tuscaloosa to honor Charlie Kirk: ‘We are just getting started’

Recently, Pearson went viral sharing his views about his friend Charlie Kirk and  accusations of “racism” made against him.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CJ Pearson (@thecjpearson)

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

A 14-year-old from Enterprise has been named the winner of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s (ALBBAA) 2025 Road Trip Photo Contest.

Enterprise High School freshman Lucas Garrard said he heard about the contest from local TV stations in the Dothan area and decided to take part.

“I saw two of her teammates walking toward the field,” Garrard said, recalling the moment he captured the winning image at his sister’s travel softball tournament at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. “That was a great picture, so I took it.”

Garrard’s photo went on to receive the most online votes, earning him first place and a $100 gift card. “I’m honored that I won,” he said.

Other winners include:
– Second place: Shelby Favre York of Selma, who submitted a photo of her son, Tripp, at Prairie Creek Campground in Lowndes County. York received a $50 gift card.
– Third place: Barbara Sims, who entered a photo of her 8-year-old grandson, Jesse Holley, blowing bubbles in Conecuh County. Sims was awarded an ALBBAA gift basket.

Pam Swanner, director of ALBBAA, said the contest continues to spotlight the unique experiences available across the Black Belt.

“We are so appreciative of everyone who submitted a photo and everyone who voted in this year’s Road Trip Photo Contest,” Swanner said. “We designed the contest to highlight the wide variety of experiences available in Alabama’s Black Belt. It’s especially gratifying to know that a young photographer won the contest while showcasing a family outing to see his sister’s softball team. That’s definitely a family memory worth savoring.”

ALBBAA has also launched its annual Best Fish Photo Contest, which runs through Sept. 30. Entries must feature any species of fish caught in the Black Belt during 2025, with winners determined exclusively by online voting through the association’s website.

The Black Belt region covers 23 Alabama counties, including Barbour, Dallas, Hale, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Sumter, and Wilcox.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Each year, McGee Farm welcomes thousands of visitors to its Florence pumpkin patch to celebrate fall and all its glory.

 

From September 27 through October 31, McGee Farm will be open daily, inviting the public to a fun-filled pumpkin-picking experience and on-farm activities.

 

McGee Farm is now in its 30th season of opening the family farm to visitors, who can find the perfect carving or cooking pumpkin.

 

Visitors have a choice of picking their orange treasure straight off the vine from the pumpkin patch or from a pile that has been pre-picked. Over 25 varieties of pumpkins are available to choose from in a variety of sizes.

 

Take a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the real pumpkin patch or visit the patch via a short nature-rich walk. Along with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, visitors are treated to farm-life activities such as playing in hay, a barnyard bounce, and visiting the goats and chickens.

 

For those who want a piece of the autumn season to enjoy at home, fall decorations will be available to purchase.

 

In addition to pumpkins, McGee Farm is the local grower of thousands of colorful mums that are for sale each year. As the largest grower in the area, visitors can pick from thousands of pots and many color variations.

 

After shopping for pumpkins, guests are invited to stay and enjoy a bite to eat at The Kitchen at McGee Farm. Home-cooked country favorites such as white beans and cornbread, soups, muffins, homemade treats, pies, and more will be available to purchase.

 

McGee Farm Kitchen has a large porch and a picnic area under a huge oak tree where guests can have picnics or sit and enjoy the scenic countryside.

 

Admission to shop at the farm and visit the kitchen is free. Cost to visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy the farm fun activities is $3.25 per person (ages two years old and older).

 

Guests may add a wagon ride ticket for an additional $3, and an armband for the jumping pillow is an additional $3.25. Pricing is available à la carte to favor families’ budgets. Pumpkin prices begin at $4, with larger pumpkins sold at 45 cents per pound.

 

Courtesy of 256 Today.

Good food knows no boundaries or state lines, and Alabama’s dining scene is once again proving it can compete on the national stage. The New York Times has named Bayonet, a Birmingham seafood restaurant, to its Restaurant List 2025 of the “50 Best Places in America Right Now.”

This yearly list shines a light on restaurants that deliver superb food and artistry while offering a unique point of view and warm hospitality. To ensure authenticity, its creators visit establishments across the country, making their own reservations and paying for meals to capture the true value of the dining experience. Bayonet’s recognition so soon after opening highlights Birmingham’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative dining.

Founded in March 2025 by James Beard semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, Bayonet builds on the couple’s success with their nearby Southern grill, Helen. While Helen emphasizes meat and smoke, Bayonet leans into the flavors of the sea, presenting a menu centered on sustainably sourced seafood, inventive preparation, and locally inspired tastes.

Alabama oysters from Dauphin Island headline the raw bar, standing alongside East Coast varieties. Signature dishes highlight McDaniel’s creativity, ranging from Gulf shrimp banh mi layered with caramel sauce to cobia schnitzel and Ora King salmon collar accented with fruit salsa. Seasonal vegetables such as lady peas, sweet Marconi peppers, and cherry tomatoes appear on the menu, balanced by staples like hand-cut fries with lemon aioli.

The restaurant pairs its cuisine with distinctive beverage and dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a martini service featuring Gravy Whale Gin served with an oyster at the bottom or tableside coffee service with pour-overs from Nonfiction Coffee. Pastry chef Candace Foster adds a sweet finish with desserts such as glazed peach hand pies and watermelon semifreddo layered with granita and olive oil.

The owners of Bayonet shared its appreciation for the award in a Facebook post.

Located at 2015 2nd Avenue North, next to Helen, Bayonet is open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The recognition by the New York Times was highlighted locally by the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, inbirmingham.com, underscoring Birmingham’s position as a rising force in American dining where Alabama-grown talent continues to attract national attention.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The Sardis community is grieving the loss of 15-year-old Branson Peppers, a sophomore at Sardis High School, who was killed in a tragic ATV accident on Saturday, September 13. Peppers, a receiver and safety for the Sardis Lions, was riding his four-wheeler around 2 p.m. when it collided head-on with a car.

In a Facebook post on his Good News page, longtime broadcaster Rick Karle shared words from Peppers’ mother, Nicole Blanchard. She recalled that “everything he did he did through God,” adding that her son was saved at just six years old and proudly carried his faith on and off the football field. His uniform even bore the message “Jesus Saves,” a reflection of what mattered most to him.

Nicole also remembered the vigil at the Sardis High football stadium, where players handed her roses as classmates and neighbors prayed and released balloons into the night sky.

Speaking with ABC 33/40, Nicole noted a deepening commitment to his faith in recent weeks. She said that when she went to wake him in the mornings, she often found his Bible open in bed, describing it as a sign he was “seeking the Lord harder” and preparing those he loved to see him in Heaven.

Branson’s father, Jason Peppers, told the station his son was “always uplifting; he was always upbeat, he was always the same person no matter who he was around or what he was doing.”

His coach, B.J. Brooks, stressed that Branson’s message should live on, saying, “It’s always got to be the message … that is what we want to make it about always.”

Friend and classmate Kaidence Wilson added that Branson constantly encouraged others to grow spiritually, recalling, “The first thing he talked about was God … he always pushed me to be a better person, be a more Godly person.”

Jason also shared with ABC 33/40 that a prayer meeting at Boaz High School, which usually draws about 20 students, swelled to more than 200 after his son’s passing, with 20 young people making faith commitments as a direct result.

Alongside the family’s grief, the Sardis community has rallied in support. PeacefulDepartures.com reported that a meal train was launched to help provide meals and donations for the Peppers’ family. Neighbors and friends remembered Branson as “forever number eight, a teammate, a son, a friend, and a young man whose smile and energy lifted everyone around him”.

While junior varsity football games at Sardis were canceled following the tragedy, the varsity team is expected to play Friday night, honoring the memory of their teammate.

Despite the heartbreak, Jason Peppers said he finds comfort in knowing the lives touched by his son. “Just knowing that I’ll see him again one day and knowing the lives that my son changed in the short time that he was here, it’s amazing,” he said.

Branson Peppers’ life was cut tragically short, but his faith-driven message — “Jesus Saves” — continues to resonate in Sardis and beyond.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Remember the name – Brenden Bartholomew.

Football fans will likely hear the name again – and again – as the 2025 Alabama high school football season progresses. And they may hear it again in the playoffs. And again during recruiting by the colleges. And at the college level – who knows?

At Friday night’s high school football game, Brenden kicked the ball 80 yards through the uprights. Was it a record-breaking field goal? No. It was a kickoff but still went through the upright goal posts. If it had been on a field goal attempt, it would have been an unheard-of 70-yard field goal.

The result was a huge reaction from the Straughn team and fans and a touchback for the receiving team.

https://x.com/BBtheKicker/status/1966729929015296493

There is not an 80-yard-line on the football field, so how do we figure that Brenden’s kick traveled 80 yards? He kicked from the opposite 40-yard line, so the ball traveled 60 yards in the field of play. Then it went 10 yards through the end zone to reach the uprights. Then it went over 10 more yards beyond the goalposts. 60 plus 10 plus 10 equals 80 – even with Common Core math.

Brenden kicked off four times for four touchbacks, contributing to the Straughn Tigers’ 22 to 19 win over Dale County. He made the opponents start on their own side of the field.

As close as the game was, this may have been one of the few (or only?) times that the kickoff man was the MVP of the game.

Brenden is a senior and stands 5’8” weighing 180 pounds. He is on track to graduate in May 2026.

Straughn High School is in the Andalusia area and is part of the Covington County School System. They are the cross-town rival of Andalusia High School.

Brendan has completed kicking camps during his summers. The highly regarded Chris Sailer Kicking program gave this analysis of Brendan’s performance in the 2025 camp:

Brenden is an outstanding high school kicking prospect. He is a great-looking athlete with a live leg. Brenden does an excellent job on field goals, a strength. He hits a pure, accurate ball off the ground and has 55+ yard range. His kickoffs are solid. He drives the ball into the endzone with good hang time. This is where he needs to hit that next level to jump to a 5-Star rating. Brenden is a competitor who thrives under pressure. He has a bright future at the college level with continued hard work. Look for Brenden to dominate his senior season, impressing college coaches across America. He is a fine young man who is always a great pleasure to work with. Excellent prospect.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

Alabama’s two Democrats in Washington, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) joined 58 House Democrats in voting against Speaker Mike Johnson’s resolution honoring the “life and legacy” of conservative political activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University last week.

In a bipartisan 310-58 vote, the House adopted the resolution, with 38 Democrats voting ‘present.’

While most Democratic leaders in the lower chamber supported the resolution, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Jasmine Crockett, Ayanna Pressley, and Maxine Waters were among those joining Sewell and Figures in voting against the move.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar all voted for the measure.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl responded to Sewell and Figures’ votes, telling Yellowhammer News, “It’s disappointing that the Democrat representatives from Alabama cannot come together in honoring the life of Charlie Kirk.”

“This tragedy highlights the division and discord that is becoming so common in American politics, and I wish that we could’ve all come together in recognizing it for what it was: a useless, senseless act of violence that everyone should be able to condemn.”

“I am thankful for our Republican delegation, who are standing with Charlie’s family during this difficult time,” Wahl said.

Following news that had Kirk been shot last Wednesday, Sewell (D-Birmingham) posted on X, writing, “Political violence has NO PLACE in the United States of America.”

https://x.com/RepTerriSewell/status/1965858052135071935

Figures has not made any public statement regarding Kirk’s murder.

Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has seen some huge performances this season from star wide receiver Germie Bernard.

Saturday was no different, as he scored two first-half touchdowns to jump-start the offense.

Bernard, who has enjoyed a breakout season and has been the team’s top wide receiver, has been open during his time at Alabama about his deep faith in God and living it out on the field. He has shown that faith all year with a touchdown celebration in which he drops to his knees and extends his arms.

During an interview with The Next Round, Bernard left no doubt about what the celebration means — and who gives him the strength to perform:

https://x.com/NextRoundLive/status/1967629802694906177

“When I score and I do that, I’m letting everyone know that God gets all the glory for this,” Bernard said. “He’s given me the strength to come out here and play this game of football, and He’s given me the strength to catch these touchdowns, so I’m just giving Him glory in those moments, and I just want everyone else to see that God is working through me.”

Through three games, Bernard has 15 receptions for 275 yards and three touchdowns, helping Alabama’s offense get back on track after a rough opener.

If Alabama is going to have any chance of accomplishing its goals this year, Bernard will be a massive factor in why it succeeds. He will continue to loudly profess his deep faith as the main reason why he’s able to do what he does.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

Alabama teenager Lulu Gribbin, who survived a life-changing shark attack in 2024, appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday with her family to share her story, now over a year after she was attacked by a shark off Seacrest Beach in Walton County, Florida last June.

Gribbin, now 15, sat down with co-anchor Michael Strahan to share her story.

“I just remember seeing this big brown shadow, I just turned around and just started swimming as fast as I could,” she recalled of the June 2024 day in Florida when she was attacked while on a beach trip with her twin sister, Ellie, and mother, Ann Blair.

Gribbin shared the details of that frightening day, but she also emphasized how her recovery in the months since has become the true story. After losing her left hand and right leg, she spent more than two months at OrthoCarolina’s Limb Loss Recovery Center in Charlotte, undergoing pioneering procedures.

Dr. Bryan Loeffler, one of her surgeons, explained the advanced technique used in her care.

“The nerve endings are reassigned to muscles within the limb and treat pain within the limb that’s still there. But it also can help with a patient when they’re trying to control an electric prosthetic.”

She also became one of the first patients to take part in investigational virtual reality therapy designed to ease phantom limb pain. “A lot of patients describe they feel like their hand is still there, and it’s in a tight fist, and it won’t let go, or it’s like burning pain,” said Dr. Glenn Gaston.

“What we’ve done is taken a lot of the science behind phantom limb pain and worked to package that into a headset that’s super immersive, and it makes the patients see their hands again, and walks them through opening and closing their hands again.”

Back home in Alabama, Lulu has refused to let her injuries define her. She’s back on the golf course, adapting with a prosthetic and custom attachment.

“So there’s a golf attachment. This hand comes off, and then I attach a golf attachment. And I also have a crutch system, so I have crutches. So sometimes I’ll play golf with one leg, or sometimes I’ll play with my prosthetic and this leg,” she told Strahan.

Her drive has pushed her even further.

She’s returned to slalom water skiing and has recently begun running with a specialized prosthetic. On GMA, she shared her next ambition.

“I hope to be in the Paralympics for track.” When Strahan encouraged her by saying, “Well, you’ve achieved all the other goals that you’ve had, so why not this one?” Lulu smiled and answered, “Why not?”

Her journey has sparked a broader mission. Gribbin is advocating for “Lulu’s Law,” a proposed federal alert system modeled after an Amber Alert that would notify beachgoers in real time if a shark attack occurred nearby.

“Before my attack, there was another shark attack 90 minutes before me, just a few miles down the coast. So, if I would’ve known about this, I would not have been in the water,” she said. This summer, the bill was unanimously approved in the U.S. Senate, and it is now waiting for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

RELATED: ‘Lulu’s Law’ and Alabama teen featured on NBC’s ‘Today Show’

She is also launching the Lulu Strong Foundation to expand access to advanced treatments, such as the virtual reality program she benefited from.

Her mother, Blair, emphasized their goal: “We feel like the virtual reality for the leg would help other amputees, so really more innovation and research within technology for the amputee space. Lulu had such a different experience than most do. So we wanna take that to others.”

Through it all, Lulu credits her family and faith for giving her the strength to move forward. “I think knowing that I have a large support system behind me, and just continuing to get better, not only for myself, but for them, and just show them that anything is possible,” she said. “And just knowing that God decided to save me, and so just showing him that he performed a miracle on the right person.”

Gribbin’s story of thriving while surviving has inspired her community in Alabama and beyond.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com

Hundreds of University of Alabama students and political figures filled Two Dimes, Tuscaloosa’s newest event venue on the Strip, for a Wednesday evening memorial to conservative political activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University last week.

The memorial was led by a handful of conservative social media influencers, including CJ Pearson, Savannah Chrisley, and Amir Odom.

Kieghan Nangle, a UA Alumna and Executive Assistant to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, also spoke to the crowd, as did Tuscaloosa entrepreneur Ric Mayers.

Mayers, who is a co-owner of Two Dimes, opened the evening, saying, “This event is not about red versus blue. This event tonight is about red, white, and blue.”

Asked by Yellowhammer News why it was important to him to open up the venue for a memorial to Kirk, Mayers pointed to Erika Kirk’s first remarks following her husband’s murder.

“When Erika had the courage to get up and talk for fifteen minutes about her husband and what Charlie meant, and, like she said, her cries are going to go through the world like a battle cry, and the world’s going to hear it. That gave us the motivation to come here and put this event on,” Mayers said.

Pearson, who headlined the event, honored Kirk before turning to what the future of the movement he built may look like.

“It’s going to be incumbent upon all of us in this room to continue the fight, to keep going, and if the Left thinks that they have won, well, they have another think coming because we are just, indeed, getting started.”

Following the event, Pearson thanked city and university law enforcement, and Mayers for making the event possible and safe.

https://x.com/thecjpearson/status/1969041389821259965

Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill attended the event.

Asked about recent revelations of UA employees sharing online comments mocking Kirk after his murder, Merrill said he found the comments to be “a disgrace.”

“What it does is it shows where those people’s hearts are, and it shows what kind of people they are,” Merrill told Yellowhammer News.

“Anytime somebody experiences a devastating loss like we’ve seen the Kirk family experience, and so many people who admired Charlie, those people need to be lifted up, and they need to be encouraged.”

Merrill says the family of the assassin also needs encouragement.

“Those people didn’t have anything to do with him taking those bad actions that he took that changed the lives of millions of Americans,” Merrill said.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl, who also attended, said state employees who publicly celebrate Kirk’s death deserve to be fired.

“A lot of the comments have been from professors or teachers, and I find that extremely concerning about the future of education, and I think that this highlights that as an area that we need to look into,” Wahl told Yellowhammer News.

“Rhetoric that encourages violence or celebrates death should be incredibly concerning to everyone involved in the political process.”

“I think the State of Alabama cannot have employees who are endorsing or celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk, and every one of them should be fired,” Wahl said.

As the event ended, dozens of attendees took the time to write messages honoring Kirk on a poster bearing his image.

Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.