Can new Harper Lee novel live up to the hype?
BBC Radio – Feb. 5
Atticus Finch’s struggle to defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, seen through the eyes of his daughter Scout, has captivated readers worldwide. But since the publication of To Kill A Mockingbird its author has mostly stayed out of limelight. That’s why the announcement of an unpublished novel – which features Scout as an adult returning to her Alabama home town – has caused such excitement. Go Set a Watchman – written before To Kill a Mockingbird – will be published in a few months time. The publisher Harper Collins says the manuscript was discovered in what was described as a secure place by Harper Lee’s friend and lawyer. The BBC’s Jon Bithrey spoke to Dr Andrew Crank, an English Professor at the University of Alabama, and asked him what he made of the news.
University of Alabama trustees poised to approve second phase of Bryce work
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 5
The second phase of demolitions on the old Bryce Hospital campus and selection of an architect for the stabilization of the historic main building are among the construction projects the University of Alabama board of trustees is set to consider when it meets Friday. The board’s audit, physical properties, honorary degrees and finance committees met Thursday. The full board is scheduled to meet Friday to consider the resolutions approved by the committees. The Physical Properties Committee approved a series of resolutions related to work on the Bryce campus in addition to renovation projects at the Bryant Conference Center, Moody Music Building and the construction of new fraternity houses.
Oil still lurks in the depths of the gulf
WLOX 13 (Biloxi, Miss.) – Feb. 5
2010’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill released 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf. Much of that oil was cleaned up, but not all of it. A new study shows there’s a lot of crude still lurking deep underwater. … Florida State Professor, Dr. Jeffrey Chanton headed up a recent study looking for the hidden oil, his conclusion; 10 million gallons of crude sunk to the depths of the Gulf where it’s still at today. … Other Research: The University of Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sealab just announced a three- year 1.5 million dollar research project. They will be documenting the continuing impact of the oil spill in our local ecosystems.
Alabama gets first new troopers since 2010
Moulton Advertiser – Feb. 6
Alabama has sworn in its first new state trooper class since 2010. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency held graduation ceremonies Thursday for 21 officers who finished classes at a state training center in Selma. The agency says 289 troopers were assigned to highway patrol last year, far less than the 871 officers suggested by a University of Alabama study. With the graduation and personnel shifts, the department says 419 troopers are now available to patrol state highways.
NBC 12 (Montgomery) – Feb. 6
CBS 3 (Columbus, Ga.) – Feb. 5
Doctor-turned-governor Bentley to address medical forum in Tuscaloosa
Eugene Register-Guard (Ore.) – Feb. 6
Alabama’s doctor-turned-governor is speaking at a medical event in Tuscaloosa. Gov. Robert Bentley will address an annual medical scholars gathering at the University of Alabama on Friday afternoon. Bentley is a retired dermatologist, and he will discuss the importance of leadership in medicine. The McCollough Medical Scholars Forum was established by Dr. Gaylon McCollough and his wife Susan to help students interested in jobs in medicine and health sciences. McCollough is a plastic surgeon who played football at Alabama. This is the 13th year the medical forum has been held.
McLure Library holds exhibit for Black History month
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 5
In honor of Black History month, the McLure library at the University of Alabama has a special exhibit. It features pictures from the Lincoln Normal School in Marion. The school focused on teaching African-Americans to become teachers themselves. The photos can also be viewed online at the University of Alabama’s library’s website.
USC law school hosts symposium on corporate responsibility
Charlotte Observer – Feb. 5
The school of law at the University of South Carolina is hosting a symposium on the issue of corporate social responsibility in developing countries. The meetings run on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. in the school’s Strom Thurmond Law Auditorium. The first panel is led by University of Alabama law professor Kenneth Rosen. He has examined domestic regulations that have affected business operations and behavior in other jurisdictions.
Fort Mill Times (S.C.) – Feb. 5
University of Alabama professor emeritus Herbert Boschung dies
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6
Herbert T. Boschung, a nationally known expert on fishes and professor emeritus of biology at the University of Alabama, died Thursday at the age of 89. Boschung was the author of “Fishes of Alabama,” a definitive source of facts about Alabama fish. He was an Air Force veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart and Air Medal. Boschung earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from UA. He joined the UA faculty in 1950 and served as an instructor in biology at UA’s Mobile Center and was assistant professor, associate professor and professor of biology, respectively, until his retirement in 1987. “Dr. Boschung’s legacy as a scientist, teacher and administrator includes both the generations of students he mentored and the knowledge he gathered and shared through his research,” UA President Judy Bonner said in a news release. “The University of Alabama owes him a debt of gratitude for his work in building the marine biology program, curating the ichthyological collection and directing the Alabama Museum of Natural History.”