Black voter registration climbing in Alabama, due largely to Obama’s presidential bid, experts say
Birmingham News – July 31
…”I think you have to assume that Barack Obama is playing a very important role here,” said David Lanoue, chairman of the political science department at the University of Alabama. “Not only because he is the first African-American nominee of a major party. His campaign also worked so hard to organize Alabama during the primary season, and that is paying off with registration now.”…”You are getting to a point where African-American voters will be, at the very least, proportionally represented,” Lanoue said. “I have heard the biggest hurdle is to get people to register. If you get them to register, there is a good chance you will get them to vote.” Lanoue does not believe Obama will win Alabama in November, but an increase in black voters could help the Democratic Party in other races. “If you have a strong increase in African-American voters and that persists after the 2008 election, that will begin to make Democratic candidates more competitive at the state level,” Lanoue said. “Senate races, gubernatorial, particularly the looming 2010 gubernatorial race. (U.S. Rep.) Artur Davis will be very interested to see what happens in the 2008 race. If you are an Alabama Democrat, one of your fondest wishes is significant African-American turnout.”
UA applies for funds for recreational trail
Crimson White – July 31
…Recently, a petition requesting the appropriation of $253,000 to fund the development of a nature trail was available, accepting signatures. The trail, which would be named the Ridgecrest Nature Trail, would be 1,720 feet long and 10 feet wide. It would be located in the wooded area near the new Ridgecrest parking deck, taking advantage of a natural creek running through the area. Margaret Purcell, the Manager of UA Financial Affairs Grants, described the plan as an expansion of recreational options and a way for students to connect with the area. “We want this to be a way for students to connect with the community,” she said. “It would be available for anyone to use and we hope would kindle an interest in nature in the community.” The trail is projected to connect with the Riverwalk on Jack Warner Parkway. The trail would be open 24 hours a day. The petition is currently being submitted for review.
SGA relocates office to higher traffic area
Crimson White – July 31
…on Aug. 15, the SGA will be making a move of its own. On Friday, they will be swapping spots with the Campus Activities office on the second floor of the Ferguson Center. SGA president Cason Kirby said the move will increase student participation and make more of the SGAÕs many services available to students. “I believe that every student on our campus should be able to find their SGA office without even having to think about it,” Kirby said…
Meredith Cummings: God has a funny way of telling me to cherish life
Tuscaloosa News – July 31
…I am leaving The Tuscaloosa News to teach journalism full-time at the University of Alabama, and to direct the Alabama Scholastic Press Association, as well as the Multicultural Journalism Workshop. This will, I hope, give me more time to spend with my daughter, as well as allow me to introduce young minds to journalism…
Decatur School System to take Part in Seatbelts on School Bus Study
WHNT (Huntsville) – July 30
…Elementary school students from two Decatur schools will ride on the bus. School officials will send the data they collect to the University of Alabama for further research.