Alabama

University of Alabama says campus is ready for GOP presidential debate

Published

8 months ago

December 5, 2023

University of Alabama says campus is ready for GOP presidential debate

The University of Alabama says a great deal of preparation has taken place before hosting the state’s first-ever Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday.

Chad Tindol, UA’s chief administration officer, on Monday discussed preparations for the debate and the impact the event will have on campus, which will also wrap up fall classes this week.

“It’s a great honor to be hosting the (GOP debate) here at the University of Alabama,” Tindol said during a news conference.

More: How to watch Tuscaloosa Republican presidential debate: Start time, channel, moderators

“As a public institution, we don’t take positions on candidates, we don’t take positions on public controversies and issues, but what we do at our best is to serve as a forum for those types of events,” he said.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. in UA’s Frank Moody Music Building, 810 Second Ave. This will mark the GOP’s fourth debate among candidates seeking the party’s nomination in the 2024 presidential race. Previous debates were held in Wisconsin, California and Florida.

The hosts for the Tuscaloosa debate will be the Republican National Committee and the NewsNation Network. Megyn Kelly of Sirius XM, Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation, and Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon, will moderate the debate.

Tindoll said a lot of logistical planning has gone into preparation for the debate since this event marks the first time UA has hosted a presidential debate. But he pointed out that UA has had plenty of experience in the past hosting big events, such as Alabama football games.

“This is a new event for us. We’ve certainly hosted presidents, vice presidents and Supreme Court justices but we’ve never had a debate,” Tindoll said.

Tindoll said thousands of UA employees have assisted with the debate planning, including UA’s facilities, parking, logistics and security teams.

Due to the size, about 1,000-seat capacity, of the Frank N. Moody Music Building’s Concert Hall all seating was by invitation only. However, Tindoll said some of those invitations have been reserved for UA students.

Tindoll said Second Avenue will be closed for the debate and will likely reopen on Thursday.

UA is also hosting the Super 7 Alabama High School Athletic Association football championships this week, with the 7A title game between Thompson and Central of Phenix City kicking off at the same time as the GOP debate. The game will be held at Bryant-Denny Stadium, about a mile from the Moody Music Building.

The Super 7 playoff games continue through Friday.

Tindoll also pointed out that UA is preparing for fall graduation on Dec. 16. UA expects to award nearly 1,800 degrees.

Fall classes end Friday at UA and exam week begins Dec. 11.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

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Alabama

Check out these five scenic parks in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

Check out these five scenic parks in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

Alabama State Parks offer lots of opportunities for fun, adventure, and family escapes, especially in summer.

Monte Santo State Park

Madison County

The overlook at Monte Santo State Park is a perfect place for couples. (Alabama State Parks)

Known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, Monte Santo offers diverse outdoor activities and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking for a peaceful retreat.

Langan Park

Mobile

Langan Park in Mobile is the perfect place to take in the outdoors in Alabama’s Port City. (George Dodd / Getty Images)

An urban oasis featuring lakes, walking trails, and large green spaces, Langan Park is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Mobile Museum of Art.

Blount Cultural Park

Montgomery

The Renaissance Bridge is a landmark at Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. (Daniela Duncan / Getty Images)

A blend of art and nature, this park is home to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Blount Cultural Park is beautifully landscaped with gardens, ponds, and scenic walking trails for the perfect day for nature lovers or anyone looking for outdoor respite.

Black Creek Park

Fultondale

Waterways and rocks add to the natural beauty of Fultondale’s Black Creek Park. (Beth Bachelor / Getty Images)

A spot featuring scenic walking trails, lush greenery and a family-friendly atmosphere, Black Creek Park is a natural getaway. Enjoy outdoor movie night under the stars, adding a touch of cinematic magic to this beautiful park.

Oak Mountain State Park

Pelham

Peavine Falls is one of the most photogenic locations at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. (Serge Yatunin / Getty Images)

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Oak Mountain State Park offers a range of activities from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horseback riding. With beautiful lakes and scenic views, it’s the perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.

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Alabama

These Alabama airports are sharing $22 million in federal grants

Published

9 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

These Alabama airports are sharing million in federal grants

Alabama airports are splitting $22 million in the latest round of federal grants to improve infrastructure like runways, lighting and taxiways.

Huntsville International Airport and Birmingham- Shuttlesworth International Airport are in line for the largest slices of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grants, which are based both on passenger volume and capital improvement needs.

HSV will be getting $12.8 million to help shift a taxiway 200 feet and rehabilitate pavement and lighting on Runway 18/36, according to the FAA. In Birmingham, $6.9 million is earmarked for rehabilitation and construction of additional taxiways.

“The funding we’re announcing today will allow hundreds of airports to make critical improvements that will benefit passengers for years to come,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release announcing the grants.

The remaining funds are going to 10 other airports in the state, including:

$667,080 to Weedon Field in Eufaula for taxiway construction
$524,323 to Troy Municipal Airport for taxiway rehabilitation
$332, 786 to MacCrenshaw Memorial in Greenville for apron rehabilitation
$309,747 to Franklin Field in Union Springs for hangar construction
$164,270 to Tuscaloosa National for lighting vault equipment reconstruction
$46,674 to Gulf Shores International for temporary runway closure lighting

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Alabama

Alabama kids celebrate their hometowns in statewide art contest highlighting value of homeownership

Published

16 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Alabama kids celebrate their hometowns in statewide art contest highlighting value of homeownership

In honor of National Homeownership Month, the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) holds an art contest each June for Alabama’s youth to express their love for the cities where they are growing up. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 were invited to show what makes their hometown special, and this year’s winners put

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