Alabama Senate Race
How ‘Big Luther’ can score a big comeback in Alabama’s Senate race: Al.com – Aug. 27
“Big” Luther Strange appears to be in big trouble ahead of a Sept. 26 runoff against conservative firebrand Roy Moore, recent polling suggests … William Stewart, professor emeritus of political sciences at The University of Alabama, said that Strange may have to become more like Trump and shed the “elitist” perception he’s received before the primary. “He lacks any charisma,” said Stewart. “He’s a very laid-back person who I consider a friend.
Hurricane Harvey
UA professor and students return from Texas after studying hurricane: WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Aug. 28
A University of Alabama Geography professor Jason Senkbeil and two of his students returned Sunday from Victoria, Texas where they experienced Hurricane Harvey first hand. The goal of their trip was to conduct research to improve communication about severe weather and to study why some residents in the storm’s path choose to evacuate, while others choose to stay.
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center to host panel on Confederate statues: Atlanta Journal Constitution (Georgia) – Aug. 28
The Atlanta History Center will host a panel discussion, “Confederate Memorials: De-Mythologizing the Iconography of the South ,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Margaret Mitchell House … Confirmed speakers include Regina Bradley, Kennesaw State University; James A. Crank, The University of Alabama; Maurice J. Hobson, Georgia State University; and Erich Nunn, Auburn University. Bios of these speakers are included below.
Atlanta In Town (Georgia) – Aug. 29
Northside Neighbor (Marietta, Georgia) – Aug. 30
Reporter Newspapers – Aug. 30
String Music Camp
Weekend string music camp for adults starts Friday: Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 28
A string music camp for adults begins at 2 p.m. Friday and runs through noon Sunday, through The University of Alabama’s Community Music School. Workshops will be held in UA’s Moody Music Building. It’s designed as a weekend study for adult amateur string players, in violin, viola, cello and string bass. Those interested in attending can register on site, up until Saturday morning.
Shelby Park Sculpture
UA art students selected to build sculpture for Shelby Park: WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Aug. 30
Two University of Alabama art students have been selected to build an art sculpture for the public to enjoy at Shelby Park in Tuscaloosa. Ringo Lisko and Amber Daum are collaborating with the city and PARA to create a sculpture to help beautify Shelby Park.
New Faculty and Staff
Over 100 new faculty/staff join the University: Crimson White – Aug. 31
The University of Alabama continuously hires new faculty and staff, and this year was no different. In recent months, the University has added new members in almost all departments. “This list [of new faculty and staff] includes both replacement hires (for faculty who, for example, have resigned or retired) and new position hires,” said Chris Bryant, assistant director of media relations in reference to a list of new hires that he provided to The Crimson White.
The Big Bang
How did the universe become filled with light from complete darkness?: Before It’s News – Aug. 31
Soon after the Big Bang, the universe went completely dark. Black holes may have punctured darkened galaxies, allowing light to escape. The intense, seminal event that created the cosmos churned up so much hot, thick gas that light was completely trapped. Much later–perhaps as many as one billion years after the Big Bang–the universe expanded, became more transparent, and eventually filled up with galaxies, planets, stars, and other objects that give off visible light. That’s the universe we know today. How it emerged from the cosmic dark ages to a clearer, light-filled state remains a mystery.. . . . An image from the HST showing Tololo-1247-232, which was observed in 2013 as part of Program 13027. This is a combination image (by stacking) made by William Keel (The University of Alabama) in 2015.
Police Access to Military Equipment
Jeff Sessions says police access to military equipment will ‘save lives.’ NAACP calls it ‘wrong.’: Al.com – Sept. 2
Images of police in armored tanks and dressed in military fatigues patrolling city streets drew criticism three years ago following the police shooting of an 18-year-old black man in Ferguson, Missouri. The outcry prompted President Barack Obama, in May 2015, to issue an executive order restricting access of surplus military equipment to police departments … Adam Lankford, an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at The University of Alabama, said there is a “fair consensus” on police obtaining surplus helmets and vests to help protect them. “It’s not like a bullet proof vest is a new concept,” he said. “That’s not particularly controversial.”