Greene County - Democrat April 1, 2026

Why the Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship case is bigger than immigration

By Shannon Dawson, NewsOne

Supreme Court building in Washington D C

The Supreme Court birthright citizenship case will move forward with a critical step on April 1 According to NPR, the Court will hear arguments on whether all children born in the United States should continue to automatically receive citizenship, a right long protected under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution While a final decision may take months, the outcome could significantly reshape this long-standing constitutional principle, crumbling its foundation

See Supreme Court, p 6

Economists warn Iran War increases risk of recession in next 12 months

By Joe Jurado, NewsOne

The war in Iran is already having a profound impact on the wallets of U S citizens Gas prices have skyrocketed over the last month, with no sign they ll be coming down anytime soon As the war in Iran continues to disrupt oil supplies and shipping routes, several economists have warned that a prolonged conflict in Iran could lead to a recession within a year

According to CBS News, economists at Goldman Sachs estimate that the increase in oil prices could also increase U S inflation by 0 2 percentage points to 3 1% by year ’s end placing a further drag on consumer spending

See Recession, p 6

U S is one of three countries to vote against U N resolution calling slavery a 'crime against humanity'

By The Associated Press

United Nations General Assembly vote on ‘reparations for slavery’

UNITED NATIONS The U N General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans “the gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations as “a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs

The resolution also urges the prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural items including artworks, monuments, museum pieces, documents and national archives to their countries of origin without charge

See Crime against Humanity, p 6 14 ICE detainees have died in custody; Mexican President and authorities question recent deaths

By Laura Strickler, Colleen Long and Daniella

News

Silva, NBC

Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano was found unresponsive at his bunk at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, according to ICE Patrick T Fallon / AFP via Getty Images file

So far this year 14 people have died in U S Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, including a Mexican man who was found unresponsive last week at a facility outside Los Angeles, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security See ICE, p 6

Happy Easter

To God be the glory great thing he has done

The EMS ambulance is a crucial and essential service in Greene County that is in desparate need of funding As a concerned citizen of Greene County and the City of Eutaw I wanted to help the ambulane service because they have been here for me when I needed them”, Ms Faye began “I wanted to do my little part so I started a raffle fundraiser

Bor

n

January 13 2026 ” The winners were drawn on Sunday morning, March 29, by two employees of the EMS Ambulance Service in front of the EMS building Our hard work paid off in a big way, Ms Faye exclaimed as she announced the raffle donation total of $5 155

The second part of the fundraiser, the Super Bowl Pastors program, was held on Sunday evening March 29 2026 at New Generation Church to honor the

pastors that rallied their congregations to support the cause Pastor Joe Webb served as Master of Ceremony with Pastor Randy Miller & Choir Mt Zion Mt Heborn Pastor Eugene Foster & Choir, Second Baptist, Eutaw, Pastor Samuel Ezell and Choir Zion Brush Creek and Friendship in attendance These pastors, churches, amd citizens showed that we can come together and work for the good of all people The

Superbowl pastors “went into Overtime” in a big way by raising $13,011, bringing the total of funds raised to $18,166 Ms Faye and the EMS Ambulance servce wanted to thank Spiller Furniture Store for donating the top prize and the citizens who donated a $500 cash prize (2nd prize) and $50 gift card (3rd prize) They also extend their deepest gratitiude to everyone that sold and bought tickets

Ready Univer sity pr esents Social Emotional Suppor t

Born Ready University (BRU) held its second session this past Thursday at the Family Resource Center on Greensboro Street for expecting parents, grandparents and caregivers of children ages zero to five Sponsored by the Department of Early Child-

hood Education (DECE), these sessions will provide educational resources and parenting courses to ensure children develop in healthy environments and are prepared for school This session centered on social and emotional health for caregivers and children Early childhood is a crucial time for children's brains to develop the social skills needed in school and society Without guidance from the adults around them children may fail to thrive in their studies or social interactions Children experience life for the very first time with each new encounter in their environ-

ment They look to adults for the appropriate response to challenges and new emotions Adults must respond logically and carefully when experiencing negative emotions and unwanted behaviors in children

The evening featured a presentation from Licensed Master Social Worker and Alabama Department of Mental Health Eligibility Specialist Karmelia Brown on social-emotional development Mrs Brown has over twenty years of experience in social work, child welfare, and public health

During her presentation she emphasized the power

of mindfulness in parenting, especially during times of immense frustration "Children feed off of emotions," she explained during her talk She equipped parents with techniques such as the "Parent Pause" (box breathing), in which a caretaker takes a series of slow breaths to recenter themselves and approach situations calmly This technique can also help the child "recognize and name emotions " and improve their own emotional literacy

See Born Ready, p 8

No Kings 3 br eaks the r ecor d for the lar gest sing le-day nonviolent pr

Organizers reported eight million protesters gathered in roughly 3,300 cities across the U S to challenge the policies of the Trump administration

The third installment of the No Kings in America protest is now recognised as the largest single-day nonviolent protest in modern American history

The policies of the Trump administration seen thus far have targeted funding in government welfare, employed masked federal agents and increased the cost of everyday life for Americans The sentiment that the U S government truly operates in the best

interest of every citizen has been called into question In Birmingham, protester Hannah Blackwell told The Democrat There s no sign big enough to list all the reasons why I’m here We thought it was so important to use our voices to speak up for our immigrant neighbors as well as any Black and Brown people who are targeted ” Recently the power of voting has been called into question due to the nature of American politicians In a politically divided nation many politicians are seen promoting platforms to appeal to voters, but seemingly forgetting their promises once elected into office In the past 40 years, the government has become less and less about the average citizen ” said a Tuscaloosa citizen Indivisible West Alabama, a progressive grassroots organization and

organizer for Tuscaloosa s No Kings 3 event, participated in a mini interview with The Democrat regarding the purpose and intended impact of the protest The questions and responses are detailed below:

1 What is the overall goal of the No Kings rallies, and is this part of a long-term strategy beyond the 2026 election? The overall goal of the No Kings rallies is to draw attention to the growing authoritarian behaviors being exhibited by the current administration Indivisible, both our local chapter and national, will continue to oppose this administration's tactics via demonstrations and other forms of resistance for as long as the administration maintains these behaviors

2 Are there specific strategies in place to tran-

sition first-time protesters into long-term advocates?

“Absolutely! Attending protests is just one form of advocacy but it's a great way to get started Our hope is that first-time protesters sign up to be involved with other local organizations to find other ways to be involved Connecting with others in local communities is the best way to develop long-term advocacy goals and behaviors Calling representatives, volunteering for campaigns, and spreading awareness are all long-term strategies that occur between protests

3 How does Indivisible plan to support local grassroots organizations and first-time organizers to maintain momentum through the 2026 midterms?

See No Kings Rally, p 8

April comes to everyone

Bringing clear air for clear thinking

Lending mild days for mild dreaming

Settling in cool nights for cool rest

April belongs to everyone

Calling out colors and freshness

Raising energy, creativity and hope Nourishing seeds for every cause

April stays for everyone

Through showers and cold snaps

Through pollen-filled breezes and ravaging allergies

Through gardening, mowing and close trimming

April continues for everyone

Brewing batches of poetry in flowery rhyme and rhythmic verse

Conveying the free spirits of worlds only dreamed

April is for everyone

Carol Prejean Zippert

Yard Sale

April 3rd & 4th

HUGE OPEN HOUSE MOVING YARD SALE MOST OF EVERYTHING MUST GO. 8AM UNTIL BOTH Days. Everything from household furniture, bedroom furniture, dressers, desk , kitchen items, tools, lots of ladies clothes, children's clothes and toys and much much more come see us at 421 Eatman ave Eutaw, Al April 3rd & 4th

8AM UNTIL BOTH DAYS!!!!!

(205) 496-0908 eutawrenaissance theatre@gmail com Friday April 3, 2026 Movie this weekend

GIANT KILLERS: MORE THAN TWO (2) BILLION DOLLARS FOR CLIENTS

We, Chestnut, Sanders & Sanders, have won more than two (2) Billion – that’s billions not millions - of dollars for our clients We take on the giants – giant insurance companies, giant corporations, giant governments, etc We are the Giant Killers You need the Giant Killers to fight the giants when you have an injury from an auto accident or other harm

Specifically, if you have any of these injuries, call the Giant Killers

ROUNDUP – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer - Call the Giant Killers

HERNIA MESH – Problems from hernia mesh implant - Call the Giant Killers

TALCUM POWDER, BABY POWDER & SHOWER TO SHOWER

BODY POWDER – These products may cause Ovarian Cancer –Call the Giant Killers

IVC FILTER – IVC Filters to treat embolism may cause breathing problems and death – Call the Giant Killers

LUNG CANCER – Lung Cancer may be caused by various chemical products in the work place – Call the Giant Killers

SEVERE LUNG DISEASE – Severe Lung disease may be caused by exposure to various chemical products in the work placeCall the Giant Killers

XARELTO – If you took the blood thinner Xarelto and suffered serious bleeding – Call the Giant Killers

PELVIC MESH/TRANSVAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS – If you had a pelvic mesh implant following a hysterectomy or to treat pelvic organ prolapsed and/or urinary stress incontinence – Call the Giant Killers

Don’t

Eutaw Ar ea Chamber of Commer ce host meeting

March 26, 2026, the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual membership meeting with all board members present The Chamber promotes economic development for the City of Eutaw and Greene County by fostering civic participation, awareness, and engagement with local resources and organizations Their motto is “Let's Grow Together” because we must work together to grow

President Ms Teresa Atkins Chamber welcomed the group, followed by an invocation delivered by Rev Joe N Web, Pastor of New Generation Mrs Emily McGloh, an associate professor with Auburn University Rural Studio, served as the guest speaker and delivered a presentation on Rural Studio’s 20K Project The 20K House Project is an ongoing development of small, well-designed, affordable houses that support home building across the Rural South The project seeks to create dignified houses that make responsible homeownership a possibility for everyone

While serving attendees a delicious catfish dinner from Southfresh Fish Truck, Atkins gave the 2025 year review Highlights included the Christmas tree trail, Farmer ’s Market, King & Queen Cantina’s ribbon cutting, and Halloween on the square An upcoming event for the Commerce is on May 9, 2026, where the Chamber, the City of Eutaw, and Kelvin Scott will host a Community BBQ and Bicycle Ride The Commerce also recognized the following elected officials and candidates: Commissioner Tennyson Smith of District 1, Commissioner Roshonda Summerville of District 5, Eutaw City Councilman Lorenzo French, Eutaw City Councilwoman Carrie Logan, Attorney Robert Lee, Kelvin Scott, Larry Smith, Trey Diveley, and Rev Joe Webb

A presentation of awards followed Citizen of the Year was awarded to Faye Tyree for her untiring efforts to raise funds for the EMS Ambulance Services Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Rebecca Poe and Leah Banks, Business of the Year was awarded to Marcus Steele of Steele Cuttin’ Barbershop, and Member of the Year was awarded to Mr Tony Logan “This is such a great way to network with the community and fellow businesses, stated an attendee

Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 11-2 It’s time to get your membership if you haven’t yet! For more information, call 205-315-9555

VOTE TO RE-ELECT GARRIA SPENCER

GREENE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1

Re-Elect Experience and Knowledge I Don’t have to be trained Below Are Some of My Accomplishments and I have only Just Begun

*Built 2 Storm Shelters -Knoxville and Jena

*Raised Funds to paint Mantua- Lewiston Storm Shelter Inside and Out

*Raised Funds to Install Handi- Cap Ramp Mantua- Lewiston Storm Shelter**

*Made Donations to: Knoxville Fire Department, MantuaLewiston Fire Department, Union Fire Department, and Jena Fire Department

*Help secure new Garbage Truck- over $200,000 00

*One Million Dollars to Highway Department to improve Roads

*Purchased one man pot hole repairer $325,000 00

*Secure $500,000 00 grant to repair roads in each district

*Purchased shredder to grind trees on the side of the roads

*Work tirelessly to keep Greene County Hospital Open

*Work tirelessly to keep Greene County Ambulance Services

*Renovation to Courthouse - Over $300,000 00

*Renovation to Activity Center over $100,000 00

*Arranged to get two truckloads of food for Knoxville and Jena residents due to power outages for days

*Paved Four Roads in District 1: Smoke Lane, Basketball Lane, Sandy Way and Christi Lane

The Greene County Democrat newspaper is published each Wednesday by the Greene County Democrat Newspaper Company Inc 206 Prairie Avenue Eutaw Alabama (USSR 700680) Subscription rate in county is $25 per year; elsewhere in Alabama, $30; and out of state, $35 Publishers: John and Carol Zippert Editor: Maya Quinn Office Manager: Barbara

The Greene County Democrat 206 Prairie Avenue P O Box 598 Eutaw AL 35462

Phone: 205-372-3373

Fax: 205-372-2243

Website:greenecodemocrat com & facebook

“Stealing individual elections is so tiring From now on we’re focused on stealing the entire process ”

Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League

(TriceEdneyWire com)The SAVE Act is not an election security bill it is a voter suppression bill full stop The CBC will not sit back while extremists continue to strip away access to the ballot box for our communities and we are calling on every Senator to reject this assault on our democracy and stand up for the integrity of our elections " Congressional Black Caucus Analysis after analysis shows that the T r u m p administration's voter suppression legislation will keep millions of Americans from voting But pointing out that the bill will disenfranchise huge swaths of the electorate will not deter its proponents because mass disenfranchisement is the goal

The President has rep e a t e d l y acknowledged that broad participation in elections would disadvantage his party Sen Mike Lee of Utah even circulated polling showing his party poised to lose its Senate majority, arguing the bill could “turn this around ” Earlier this month the President privately assured allies the bill would guarantee” victories not only this year, but for “every election for a long time ” He is so committed to restricting the electorate especially Black Americans that he scuttled a bipartisan deal to stabilize the nation s airports, holding TSA funding hostage to force passage of the bill

If enacted the bill now before the Senate would prevent more eligible citizens from registering to vote than any legislation in American history Its impact would fall hardest, as always, on Black Americans At the core of the bill is the myth of widespread voter fraud a myth built on racist tropes that have endured since Reconstruction After the Civil War white supremacists claimed newly enfranchised Black citizens were inherently suspect voters:

By Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire com) -

Washington is talking about spending $200 billion on war That number rolls off the tongue easily in Washington, where policymakers casually toss around figures millions, billions trillions But numbers that large lose their meaning unless we slow down long enough to put them in context

monthly payment They are a barrier to buying a home, starting a business, saving for retirement, or even beginning a family

For Black borrowers the situation is even more severe Because of the racial wealth gap, Black students borrow more to attend college Because discrimination persists in the labor market, they often earn less after graduation And because of those two realities their loans linger longer Research shows that four years after graduation, the typical Black borrower often owes more than they originally borrowed, while white borrowers have usually begun to reduce their balances

people especially young people trying to build a future the urgency disappears

Student debt is not only a personal burden; it is also an economic issue When millions of people are saddled with debt, they spend less delay buying homes postpone entrepreneurship and make career choices based on loan payments instead of passion or talent

In other words student debt acts like a brake on economic dynamism

We often hear politicians say that budgets reflect priorities They are right Show me your budget and I will tell you your values

systems We could strengthen hospitals and community health centers that serve the people who need them most We could rebuild roads bridges and transit systems that are literally crumbling beneath us And we could create millions of good jobs doing that work

“unfit,” “illegitimate,” or easily bribed or manipulated These lies justified poll taxes literacy tests and arbitrary character assessments for generations Today’s fearmongering about “illegal voting” is simply the modern version of those same racist narratives

The SAVE America Act revives these tactics by requiring specific proof of citizenship either a U S passport or a certified birth certificate and government issued photo ID More than 21 million Americans lack easy access to those documents and Black Americans disproportionately face the bureaucratic and financial hurdles required to secure them Many Black citizens born in segregated hospitals hold older or non standardized documents that may not meet the bill’s strict criteria Black women, who change their legal names at higher rates, face additional burdens because name matching requirements often force them to track down decades old marriage or divorce paperwork

And even those already registered are at risk The bill requires voter roll purges every 30 days reinstating a tactic that southern officials once used to erase Black voters with bureaucratic precision

We throw numbers around millions billions trillions but they don t mean much unless we put them in context Two hundred billion dollars that s 200,000 million What could we do with 200,000 million dollars?

That amount of money could transform the student debt crisis in this country It could provide real relief to millions of borrowers who are struggling to keep their heads above water while paying loans that often feel impossible to escape There is about $1 7 trillion in student loan debt in the United States today

More than 40 million people carry that burden For many of them, student loans are not simply a

By Ben Jealous

(TriceEdneyWire com) -

This year, America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence

Student debt has quietly become another engine driving the racial wealth gap wider It doesn’t just burden individuals it deepens the very gap policymakers claim they want to close When education requires debt and wealth determines who can borrow safely, the system quietly reproduces the inequality it claims to solve

Yet when the subject turns to student debt relief, Washington suddenly becomes cautious We hear lectures about fiscal responsibility, warnings about moral hazard, and endless debates about whether relief would somehow be unfair But fairness rarely enters the conversation when the subject is military spending

When war funding is on the table Congress can move quickly When it comes to helping ordinary

Right now the values reflected in federal spending are unmistakable Billions can be mobilized quickly for war Trillions have been allocated over the years for tax cuts and corporate subsidies But when it comes to relieving the financial burden carried by millions of students disproportionately Black students the conversation suddenly becomes complicated

Let’s go back to that number: two hundred billion dollars 200,000 million

What could we do with that kind of money if we truly cared about opportunity?

Student debt is only one place we could invest those resources The possibilities go far beyond loan relief We could build hundreds of thousands of affordable homes We could repair schools where children are still learning under leaking roofs and broken heating

We could dramatically reduce student debt We could expand access to education We could narrow the racial wealth gap instead of widening it Budgets are moral documents They reveal what we truly value not just what we say we value The numbers tell the story We can find 200,000 million dollars for war without hesitation But when it comes to investing in the futures of our own young people, suddenly we become very careful with the math We say we care about opportunity We say we care about education We say we care about closing the racial wealth gap But budgets tell the truth Show me our budget, and I’ll tell you what we really value Or perhaps the question is even simpler: If we can find 200,000 million dollars for war why can’t we find the will to spend even a fraction of it building the future?

Dr Julianne

descend from Richard Bland of Virginia who argued for the rights of the colonies before independence was declared

So this year, as we mark 250 years since the Declaration, we should ask a simple question: Have we finished what those brave men women and children started?

Not yet

We elect our mayors by popular vote We elect our governors by popular vote

But we still do not count every vote equally when we choose our president

legislatures the power to decide how their electoral votes are awarded Under this plan states agree to give their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia No constitutional amendment is needed

of this is certain But history does not move only when success is guaranteed It moves when people decide that something is right And what better time than now?

Purged voters will not know they’ve been removed until they show up at their polling place They will have no fallback: the bill bans universal mail voting even in states that already conduct secure all mail elections Black voters, who tend to face longer lines fewer polling locations inflexible work schedules, and transportation barriers, will be disproportionately harmed For nearly two centuries voter fraud accusations have been a political weapon but never a factual one In 18 years Sedgwick County Kansas identified just 18 non citizens on its voter rolls none proven to have knowingly registered and only five ever cast a ballot Kris Kobach, who defended the Kansas law, likewise failed to uncover fraud as vice chair of the Trump administration s 2017 Election Integrity commission, which ended in embarrassment and without evidence False claims of voter fraud fueled the fake elector plot and the January 6 attack but more than 60 post election lawsuits yielded no evidence of widespread wrongdoing let alone the kind alleged to justify this legislation

That should make us proud It should also make us honest

When my son was 11, we walked the Lexington battlefield in Massachusetts As we crossed that ground I told him our family descends from the youngest person to carry a musket there that day He was just a boy He stood in a different unit from his father Father and son, both there Father and son, both fighting for freedom Father and son, both fighting for the right of a people to govern themselves

Then I looked at my son and said: He was only two years older than you are now That moment has stayed with me

So has another truth Our roots in the Revolution run through both Massachusetts and Virginia We also

Try explaining that to a child It is awkward

Because democracy rests on a simple idea: the person with the most votes should win One person, one vote

Today, that is not how presidential politics works in practice A few swing states get most of the attention The rest of the country is pushed aside

Millions of Americans in red states and blue states alike are told, in effect, that their votes matter less in the one race that belongs to all of us

That is not fairness That is neglect

There is another way

It is called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact It does not end the Electoral College It uses it the way the Constitution allows The Constitution gives state

Virginia is now close to joining The bill has passed both houses of the General Assembly If Gov Abigail Spanberger signs it, Virginia would become the 19th jurisdiction in the compact, joining states such as Vermont, Delaware Maine and Illinois Virginia is not some side note in this story It is one of the places where the American idea of self-government first took root If Virginia joins now, it will not be breaking with the founding It will be honoring it

That is not a radical idea

It is an American one And it should not belong to one party

This is not about helping Republicans It is not about helping Democrats It is about trusting the people That idea is not left-wing or right-wing It is not urban or rural It is not Black or white

It is patriotic

Of course, there are still obstacles More states would need to join Lawmakers would need to act Courts may weigh in None

What better way to honor America s 250th birthday than by taking one more step toward becoming the democracy we have always said we are?

The people who stood at Lexington did not risk their lives so future generations could accept minority rule They did not fight so Americans would shrug when the person with the most votes loses They fought for freedom They fought for selfgovernment

They fought for the right of the people to decide their own future

It is time to finish what they started

Let the people decide

Let the majority rule

Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former national president and CEO of the NAACP He also served as the founding director of Amnesty International USA’s domestic human rights program

T he Save America Act is a thr owback to Jim Cr ow Voter Suppr ession Could 2028 be the year the people finall y pick the Pr esident? The rhetoric promoting the SAVE America Act is steeped in the white nationalist Great Replacement conspiracy theory the idea that expanding multiracial participation threatens white political dominance As Washington Post analyst Philip Bump observed, the bill effectively turns that racist conspiracy into law The bill’s financial burdens documentation requirements and bureaucratic traps are nothing less than a 21st century resurrection of the poll taxes and literacy tests that defined Jim Crow Its design mirrors the logic of Plessy v Ferguson: create barriers that disproportionately harm Black citizens, then insist the rules are neutral America has seen this strategy before We know who it targets We know what it’s meant to prevent And we know that the myth of voter fraud rooted in racist lies about Black political participation has always been a tool to silence Black voters The SAVE America Act is simply the latest incarnation of that long, shameful tradition And like every discriminatory scheme before it, it belongs on the scrap heap of history

By David W Marshall

(TriceEdneyWire

com)

-

The fight for fairness will never be easy Fairness is the quality of making impartial just and equitable decisions, free from bias, discrimination, or dishonesty It involves providing equal opportunities and adhering to fair rules, often balancing individual circumstances to ensure just outcomes It means making decisions by being openminded and objective When people say they are anti-DEI, they are telling us they do not believe in fairness They are exposing themselves as individuals who do not believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed

They are revealing the degree to which they are willing to accept dishonest tactics that are developed to hold back women and people of color The antiDEI initiative has proven to be an effective offense ploy waged in the culture war against the Black community Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who serves as the principal defense policy advisor to the President, knows he sits in a perfect position to dismantle all racial fairness throughout the military ranks Before his appointment by the Trump administration, Hegseth wrote books critical of the U S military as “woke” while suggesting that diversity throughout the ranks had weakened the force

Having such a person lacking character and integrity, in a high-ranking position of power is dangerous As a result of the policy influence given to Hegseth and others like him, the culture war has become a war without end It is an everlasting conflict meant to reshape societal norms in ways that will negatively impact the careers of future service men and women Hegseth has said repeatedly that he is determined to change a culture corrupted by “foolish ” “reckless ” and “woke” leaders from previous administrations We are constantly told that the Department of Defense sometimes referred to as the Department of War, is now controlled by meritocracy While meritocracy is a system in which power and positions are assigned based on individual ability, talent, and achievement rather than social background wealth or nepotism it still requires a fair promotion system

Meritocracy, in the true sense, still means that everyone has an equal chance to succeed regardless of background, race, and gender Today, about 43% of the 1 3 million troops on active duty are people of color But those leading the military are overwhelmingly white and male

The New York Times reported that Defense Secretary Hegseth blocked the promotion of two Black men and two female Army officers who were on track

to become one-star generals According to the Times article, Hegseth pressed senior Army leaders, including Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to remove the four names from the list of about three dozen officers, most of whom are white men Driscoll refused citing the officers decades-long records of exemplary service It is customary that after a service board approves a list of colonels to be promoted to general, the defense secretary is not supposed to intervene military officials say Despite standard procedures, Hegseth removed the four names from the list and announced that President Trump had approved his new list of 29 Army colonels for promotion

“If these reports are accurate Secretary Hegseth’s decision to remove four decorated officers from a promotion list after having been selected by their peers for their merit and performance is not only outrageous, it would be illegal, Sen Jack Reed said in a statement What message does this send to the public about the military s ability to remain apolitical and free from society’s cultural wars?

What message does this send to minorities and women currently in the military who have hopes of moving up the career ladder based on merit? And will there ever be another Gen Colin Powell or Gen Charles Q Brown? Both were Black officers appointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the U S Armed Forces Gen Brown was abruptly fired from that role by Hegseth without explanation

Brown Jr is an example of Black excellence He is now a retired U S Air Force general who served as the 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and prior to that appointment, served as the 22nd chief of staff of the Air Force Like so many other Black service men and women Brown came from a proud military family His father, Charles Sr served for 30 years in the Army rising to the rank of colonel His paternal grandfather, Robert E Brown, was drafted into the U S Army during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater, including Hawaii and Saipan For many Black households, the military was not just a job but a family tradition handed down from one generation to the next It also served as a pathway to Black prosperity and the middle class

When Hegseth denied four officers their rightful promotion it was a painful and personal reminder to the two Black men and two women that discrimination within ranks and the Pentagon is still alive It also serves as an unwelcome message to young Blacks from JROTC students to college graduates who believed the military glass ceiling was already broken It is clear with this current administration that promotion to the highest ranks will never be about merit or fairness It s all about white males

David W Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body and the author of the book God Bless Our Divided America

Senate Sketches #2023.....by Hank Sander s The Power of Connection

Every issue is a voting issue In a democracy every issue is a voting issue In a dictatorship few if any issues are voting issues We are living in a democracy if we can keep it We must understand that every issue is a voting issue and we must do everything possible to keep the imperfect democracy

The Power of Connection

SOS has a podcast It is really a Facebook Live Cast It is also on 105 3 FM Radio Station It comes on at noon on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month We have had two productions The next one will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026

SOS Connections is dedicated to saving this democracy During the last SOS Connections, we explored the theme Every issue is a voting issue ” You ought to tune in by Facebook video wherever you are The Power of Connection I just said, “You ought to tune in ” I want to change that to “you’ve got to tune in to this production It is called SOS Connections SOS stands for the Saving Ourselves Movement for Justice and Democracy The Connections represents the unique coming together of a cross section of human beings to Save Ourselves and our peoples and your peoples It is just the most active members of SOS that comprise SOS Connections The Power of Connection

Let s look at the cross section I am not going to share any names in this Sketches I am going to share some obvious characteristics of the members of the Saving Ourselves (SOS) Connection Race/Ethnicity is one of the greatest divides in this country and around the world Yet this group strongly connects across that divide There is one person with Jewish American roots There is one person with Hispanic American roots There are two persons with European American roots There are four persons with African American roots We strongly connect across these divides The Power of Connection

Gender is a divisive issue across the world This SOS Connection reaches across gender divides There are three females: one White and two African American There are five males: one Hispanic; one Jewish; one White and two Black Gender is always a factor but SOS connects across this dividing factor The Power of Connection

Status is one of the most ever present divides It is quiet in its division However, SOS connects across this status divide I am not certain about the education status of everyone in SOS Connections, but I think two have high school degrees, three have college degrees and three have law degrees One taught law school and is now Law Professor Emerita She has also practiced some Civil Rights law Two others practiced Civil Rights law for 55 years One of the two persons served as a judge for a time and the other served as an Alabama Legislator for many years All have been long time community builders The Power of Connection

Age is often a factor of division Age spans the years of the connection: one is in his 30s; one is in his 40’; one is in her 50s; one is in his 60s; one is in her 70s; and three are in their 80s The span is nearly 50 years in age differences SOS Connections connects across these age differences The Power of Connection

Time is a divider How-

ever this group has been connected for years SOS started in 2011 and most of us were there starting in 2011 Those who were not there in 2011 have been connected for some years We have been connected across time The years have drawn us closer rather than driven us farther apart The Power of Connection

Money is often a divider But money did not divide us There was no money to divide us in SOS We gave our time and energy and resources We received the time and energy and resources of others in the SOS connection This included the sacrifice of being arrested by law enforcement and the pain and suffering of the strip searching of two of the women The Power of Connection

What is it that forged such powerful and enduring connections? What is it that maintained such powerful connections? There is no easy answer but I have an opinion Do you want my opinion? The Power of Connection

Those in the SOS Connection share a common vision We share a common commitment to justice We share a common determination to protect and expand democracy We share a common struggle to provide the basics of life for the least of these The Power of Connection

All eight of us are all community builders, each in his/her own way Community building connects us and binds us together Some of us helped build nationally known agriculture and related organizations that became institutions Some of us helped build immigrant organizations Some of us helped build educational organizations Some of us helped build nationally known youth leadership organizations Some of us helped build nationally known cultural and history organizations Some of us helped build other organizations and institutions We all are builders The Power of Connection

Now on to the Daily Diary.

SATURDAY, March 21, 2026 – I handled many matters, attended the funeral of Sheila Okeke a longtime family friend and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure and Rebecca Marion of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Dr Ernest Okeke of Selma; Darron Patterson of Memphis Tennessee; and Duel Ross of the Legal Defense Fund

SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station I shared lunch with several community leaders, traveled to Tuskegee for the Funeral of Foot Soldier and Human Rights Leader Dr Bernard Lafayette and returned to Selma Among others, I communicated with the following: Khadijah Ishaq Betty Strong Boynton of Selma; SCLC President Emeritus Dr Charles Steele and wife Annette Steele; SCLC President and CEO DeMark Liggins; Kate Lafayette of Tuskegee; Sheyanne Webb Christburg of Montgomery; and Martin King III of Atlanta, Georgia

MONDAY – I walked handled many matters and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Josephine Curtis Marilyn

Cosby and Karen Jackson of Selma; Ella Sanders of McDonough, Georgia; Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery Dr Sonya Webb of the Lowndes County School System; Law Professor Kindaka Sanders and Shaunte Jones of Houston Texas; Dr Joe Reed of ADC (Alabama Democratic Conference); Latanya Cockrell of Greene County; Allan Jones of Birmingham; Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority Vice Chairman Amos Moore; Jeremy Bryant of Jefferson County; and Alabama New South Coalition State Coordinator Shelley Fearson

TUESDAY – I chaired a 7:30 a m Martin and Coretta King Unity Breakfast Committee meeting, handled many matters, traveled to Lowndes County and returned to Selma Among others, I communicated with the following: Retired College President Dr James Mitchell and wife Priscilla Mitchell; Wallace Community College Selma President Dr Donitha Griffin; B Marie Jones of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Liz Rutledge of Selma; Television Reporter George McDonald; Alabama Coalition of Immigrant Justice Leader Frank Barragan; Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter and Board members Steve Foster, Ben Davis, Robert Grant, Travis Rogers and Brant McCray; and Montgomery Businessman Raymond Craig

WEDNESDAY – I walked, handled many matters attended a meeting of the Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority, and participated in other meetings including a night conference call meeting Among others, I communicated with the following: Geraldine Wofford, Charlene Williams Lametrius Dillard and Christmas Green of Selma; Alabama New South Coalition Leaders Everette Wess Norma Jackson and Robert Turner; Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority CEO Col Ryan Corrigan; Dallas County Commissioner Connel Towns; Rosie Whiting of

Lowndes County; Kimberly Iglesis of Dallas, Texas; and Retired Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway Jr

THURSDAY – I handled various matters traveled to Wilcox County returned to Selma, participated in a conference call and worked deep into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Law Professor Emerita Martha Morgan; Reverend Jarmal Sanders of Selma; Justin Garner of Montgomery; Karen Jones of Montgomery; Jonathan Raulston of Birmingham; Earlene Vaughn-Arnold of Wilcox County; Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Bockman; Colin Burke of the Legal Defense Fund; Jim Eaton of Tallahassee Florida; Greene County Democrat Co-Publishers Dr Carol P Zippert and John Zippert; and Fourth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Marvin Wiggins

FRIDAY – We left early for Houston Texas We stopped in Lake Charles Louisiana, where we visited with Dr Carol P Zippert and her daughter Dr Rachael Zippert Chatters We made it to Houston in the early night

EPILOGUE – Unity is powerful Unity within our individual selves of mind, body, emotions, spirit and senses is powerful Unity with others even small groups is powerful Unity with God is powerful Unity between the eight persons that comprise the SOS Connection is uniquely powerful and involves every element of unity set forth in this Sketches The Power of Connection

EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that we could meet all of our electricity needs in the U S with floating solar panels on reservoirs and other water bodies across the country? – P L , via email

Energy usage in the U S has surged in recent years, with the electric power sector 96 percent of the country s utility-scale electricity To address this, floatovoltaics solar panel sys-

Proponents say floatovoltaics may be the next big thing in alternative energy

tems that float on water have the potential to combat growing energy demands “Floatovoltaics are one of the fastest-growing power generation technologies today and a promising lowcarbon energy source, University of Texas aquatic ecosystem ecologist Rafael Almeida told Eos

Floating solar farms operate similarly to groundmounted farms Devices

keeping the system buoyant sit on top of the water cooling the panels, which increases efficiency Also, using water surfaces frees up land for other uses Germany, Russia and China are already benefiting from floating solar farms, suggesting that the U S could follow suit

However, implementing floatovoltaics has issues As the idea is relatively new,

T he West Ala bama Rur al Planning Or ganization (RPO) will hold the following meetings:

1 Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC)

Bibb County - Monday, April 27, 2026, 6:00 p mBrent City Hall, 22 1st Street Brent AL Fayette County - Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5:00 p m - Fayette County Commission Chamber, 103 1st Avenue NW Fayette AL Greene County - Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11:00 a m - James C Poole Library 219 Prairie Avenue Eutaw AL

Hale County - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 p mMoundville City Hall, 410 Market Street Moundville AL Lamar County - Thursday, April 23, 2026, 6:00 p m - Vernon City Hall 44425 Highway 17 Vernon AL Pickens County - Thursday, April 30, 2026, 9:00

a m - Pickens County EMA

Room, 20 Phoenix Avenue, Carrollton, AL

2 Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), May 14, 2026, 10:00 a m - West Alabama Regional Commission 4200 Highway 69 North Northport AL Also available virtually

3 RPO Policy Committee May 15 2026 10:30 a m - West Alabama Regional Commission, 4200 Highway 69 North Northport AL Also available virtually

If you would like to participate please email zane davis@westal org at least 48 hours prior to the meeting

The meeting documents are posted on the WARC w e b s i t e (https://www warc info/rpomeetings/ and

https://www warc info/rpodocuments)

The RPO serves as a transportation planning process for the rural areas of west Alabama and provides a formal link between the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the local governments The counties served by the RPO include Bibb Fayette Greene Hale Lamar and Pickens The RPO provides government officials and citizens in these counties an opportunity to advise the ALDOT on road, bridge, and transit projects

All of the meetings are open to the public Anyone requiring special assistance should contact the WARC at least 48 hours prior to the meeting For special assistance, call the WARC at (205) 333-2990

Crimes Against Humanity

The vote in the 193-member world body was 123-3 with 52 abstentions Argentina Israel and the United States were the three members voting against the resolution The United Kingdom and all 27 members of the European Union were among those that abstained While the United States opposes the past wrongdoing of the transatlantic slave trade and all other forms of slavery, it does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred, deputy U S ambassador Dan Negrea said before the vote

“The United States also strongly objects to the resolution’s attempt to rank crimes against humanity in any type of hierarchy he said The assertion that some crimes against humanity are less severe than others objectively diminishes the suffering of countless victims and survivors of other atrocities throughout history ”

In the United States, support for reparations gained momentum in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 However the issue has been a difficult one and has been caught up in a broader conservative backlash over how race history and inequality are handled in public institutions

Unlike U N Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but are an important reflection of world opinion

“Today we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, said before the vote

“The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting,” he said “Let it be recorded that when history beckoned we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery

Mahama noted that the vote was taking place on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, honoring the memory of about 13 million African men women and children enslaved over several centuries Diplomats applauded and some cheered the adoption of the resolution

The history of slavery and its devastating consequences and long-lasting impacts must never be forgotten, said British acting U N Ambassador James Kariuki, speaking on behalf of mainly Western nations, including some that enslaved Africans Western nations are committed to tackling the root causes that persist today he said pointing to racial discrimination racism xenophobia and intolerance He said the scourge of modern slavery also must be addressed trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation and forced criminality

Cyprus’ deputy U N ambassador, Gabriella Michaelidou, speaking on behalf of the E U echoed the U S and U K on concerns about “the use of superlatives” that imply “a hierarchy among atrocity crimes

Michaelidou also cited the E U s concern about the resolution s unbalanced interpretation of historical events” and legal references that are inaccurate or inconsistent with international law including “suggestions of a retroactive application of international rules which was non-existent at the time and claims for reparations ”

The resolution unequivocally condemns the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans, slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity ”

In approving the resolution the General Assembly affirms the importance of addressing the historical wrongs of slavery that promotes justice human rights dignity and healing

The resolution calls on U N member nations to engage in talks “on reparatory justice, including a full and formal apology measures of restitution compensation rehabilitation satisfaction guarantees of non-repetition and changes to laws programs and services to address racism and systemic discrimination

It encourages voluntary contributions to promote education on the transatlantic slave trade and asks the African Union, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States to collaborate with U N bodies and other nations “on reparatory justice and reconciliation

long-term durability is uncertain Harsh weather, declining performance and maintenance needs must be studied as systems age Connecting from water to land adds more complexity, as scientists must ensure efficient power transmission With time will come a better understanding of the potential to implement them nationwide

But floatovoltaics do show great promise though they are unlikely to meet all of the U S energy needs alone Waterbody availability environmental and logistical concerns mean that floating solar farms could be a complementary solution rather than a standalone one More research on renewable energy, along with careful system design, will be needed to ensure successful implementation When combined with other efforts, floatovoltaics could help reduce reliance on fos-

Recession

sil fuels and meet a large portion of U S energy demands On one hand, we can’t put too many barriers to this potentially important sector to advance Almeida added But on the other hand, we need to understand the trade-offs and fill our prevailing knowledge gaps with more studies

Floatovoltaics present a revolutionary approach to addressing the U S energy needs Through more research and design, these systems could become key in future renewable energy solutions Support the adoption of renewable technologies by engaging with community leaders, advocating for local initiatives and supporting green energy providers By staying informed and spreading awareness about innovations like floating solar farms you can help shape the future of renewable energy in the United States

view/

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk See more at https://emagazine com To donate, visit https://earthtalk org Send questions to: question@earthtalk org

Read the Greene County Democrat online at greenecodemocrat com

During an Australian news conference, Fatih Birol, the leader of the International Energy Agency, said that the disruption the Iran War has caused in the international oil supply is worse than the 1973 and 1979 oil crises combined As a result of that disruption, Goldman Sachs currently estimates a 30% chance of recession within the next year

Fortune reports that Moody Analytics raised its estimate of a recession to 48 6% even higher than the Goldman Sachs prediction Even before the conflict, I thought recession and risks were on the rise,” Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi said in an interview with CNBC on Wednesday “Recession risks are very high and unless the hostilities are coming to an end now the president figures out a way to stand down declare victory and move on, and Iranians follow suit I think recession is more than likely by the second half of the year

Now, if you’re making less than six figures, it probably feels like we’ve been in a recession for the last few years Economists have called our current situation a “K-shaped economy which effectively means the rich get richer and the poor get poorer The United States economy has largely been propped up by high earners who have continued spending like nobody’s business “If they cut back on spending, it could push the economy into a recession ” PNC Financial Services Group chief economist Gus Faucher told CBS News

“If you’re a consumer you may want to hold off on making a big purchase because you re not sure how the economy is going to look a few months from now, Faucher added

The conflict in Iran has affected various sectors of the U S economy The most obvious has been gas prices which have risen to an average of $3 68 nationwide up an entire dollar from the month before the war began The cost of diesel which is used in farming and trucks that ship goods, has risen even more dramatically from $3 75 a month ago to $5 37 as of this writing

In Arizona, I’m currently paying $4 99 a gallon for gas While my financial situation is decent enough that I’m not having to skip meals to make it work that’s not the case for a growing number of Americans

Beyond the price of gas, the Iran war is also impacting the cost of food Much of the world’s fertilizer supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed during the duration of the war The shortage in fertilizer will likely result in less food being produced which will inevitably increase prices

Not helping matters is that the U S economy was already in a bit of a slump before the war started The whole reason President Donald Trump was re-elected in 2024 was largely due to the cost-of-living crisis

The job market was already bad, and an abysmal February jobs report showing that 92 000 jobs were lost didn’t exactly inspire confidence With unemployment going up and prices alongside it it paints a particularly dire picture for the U S economy

Supr eme Cour t

In January, Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term, aiming to limit birthright citizenship The order would grant automatic citizenship only to children with at least one parent who is a U S citizen or legal permanent resident He argues that the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution does not guarantee citizenship to everyone born in the U S Birthright citizenship has been part of the Constitution since 1868, when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted to protect formerly enslaved people after the Civil War Section 1 clearly states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside The Trump administration argues that this clause is outdated and has been misused, particularly in cases involving undocumented immigrants Critics, however, warn that changing it could have serious consequences for families trying to build a life in the U S Here’s why some people are challenging the move

Legal challenges are already underway American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyer Cody Wofsy told NBC News on March 29 that the case goes beyond immigration It’s a threat to constitutional rights The ACLU is one of many leading organizations challenging the case A coalition of Democratic-led states has also filed a federal lawsuit against the executive order

At a fundamental level, this case is about an attempt to strip citizenship from the children of immigrants who have always been citizens of the U S ”

Opponents of limiting birthright citizenship also warn of broader risks Without it some children could become stateless meaning they have no citizenship at all especially if their parents home country doesn t automatically grant citizenship This can limit access to education, healthcare, and basic rights, and could create generations of people born in the U S who are never fully recognized as citizens

To support its argument the Trump administration has pointed to the case of Elk v Wilkins In that case John Elk a member of what is now the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, tried to register to vote in 1880 He argued that he was a U S citizen because he was born in U S territory and had separated himself from his tribe

However, the Supreme Court ruled against him in 1884, stating that Native Americans at the time were not automatically granted birthright citizenship The Court said they had the same status as the children of subjects of any foreign government born within the domain of that government

Are U S citizens against or for birthright citizenship? Here’s what the data says

Public opinion on birthright citizenship remains divided A June 2025 Pew Research report found that about half of U S adults believe children born in the U S to undocumented parents should receive citizenship, while 49% believe they should not

At the same time, a December 2025 survey from the Public Religion Research Institute found that two-thirds of Americans support granting citizenship “regardless of their parents’ citizenship status ” The study also found that 60% of Americans believe undocumented immigrants should have a pathway to citizenship if they meet certain requirements

Online discussions reflect similar divisions Some people have pointed to the country s immigrant roots One Reddit user wrote:

“We as a country have been built by generations of immigrants plenty of them were born here to illegal immigrants but that doesn’t mean they can’t contribute to society “ They added, America is unique in that we are a nation consisting almost entirely of immigrants and descendants of immigrants who arrived within the last few hundred years; it would be wrong to deny the privilege of American citizenship and force people to be deported to a country they have never lived in Wednesday s case could redefine the future of birthright citizenship

Send Letters to the Editor

Legal Notices

The Estate of Laura Kate Oliver Fluker, Deceased Notice of filing of petition for summary distribution

Pursuant to the Alabama Estate Act, Section 43-2690 et seq Code of Alabama 1975 a Petition for Summary Distribution of the Estate of Laura Kate Oliver Fluker, deceased, was filed in this court on the 13th day of March 2026

Therefore, notice is hereby given that all persons heirs and creditors having claims or objections against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred

Richard G Cross Watkins Cross LLC P O Box 1528 Livingston, Alabama 35470

3tcg 3/18,25, 4/1

Legal Notice

HAGC will receive sealed Proposals from qualified firm(s)/individual(s) to provide Legal Representation in Actions for Unlawful Detainer

HAGC anticipates that it will initially award a contract for a period of two (2) years with the option, at the HAGC’s discretion to renew for one (1) additional year

The Public Housing (PH) Programs are operated under guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development

ICE

HAGC owns and manages 188 units of assisted housing units and administers various other programs providing housing and homeownership opportunities for low to median income families

1 2 Method of Solicitation

HAGC is soliciting Proposals from a qualified attorney/firm with a documented record of accomplishments of providing the required services, preferably for public housing authorities development management or other agencies through an RFP process

1 3 Obtain Copies of this Solicitation

Single copies of the RFP may be obtained, at no cost by:

1 Requesting via email to gchauth@bellsouth net

3 Copies may also be picked up in person at:

ANITA D LEWIS

Executive Director

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF GREENE COUNTY

429 W M BRANCH HGTS EUTAW, AL 35462

PART II – INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS

2 1 Submission of Proposals

Respondents should submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of their Proposal dated and signed by an authorized attorney Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope that shows the firm’s name

or attorney s name and address, and clearly written on the outside of the sealed envelope must be the words “Legal Representation – DEADLINE

THURSDAY, April 20, 2026 @ 3:00 p m (CST)”

Proposals received after the deadline date and time shall be determined unacceptable

Proposals are not publicly opened 2tcg 3/25, 4/1

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals will be received by The Town of Forkland until 2:00 P M legally prevailing time April 26, 2026 for the Forkland Public Safety Building in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 13327 US-43, Forkland, AL 35740, at which time and place they will be publicly opened

A cashier s check or bid bond payable to the Town of Forkland in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder ’s proposal Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract

Bid documents may be obtained from TuscaBlue via www wardscottplans com upon deposit of $150 00 per set which will be refunded in full on the first two sets issued to each trade contract

As of mid-February, ICE was holding more than 68,000 immigrants, among the

to federal data The figure fluctuates as immigrants get deported and others

In 2025, ICE reported 33 total in-custody deaths and in 2024 there were 11

bidder submitting a bona fide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date Other sets for contractors, and sets for dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above less cost of printing reproduction, handling, and distribution Electronic PDF copies of bid documents may be procured free of charge

Bid bonds are to be issued by an acceptable bonding company licensed to do business in the State with a Power of Attorney, to confess judgment thereon, with the understanding that it shall guarantee that the bidder shall not withdraw his bid for the guarantee period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids; that if his bid is accepted, he will enter into a formal contract with the Owner and that in the event of a withdrawal of said bid within said period, or the failure to enter into said contract within the time specified the bidder shall be liable to the Owner for the full amount of the bid guarantee as liquidated damages and not as a forfeit or as a penalty

The bid bond and certified checks on unsuccessful bidders will be returned upon awarding the contract or rejection of all bids in no event, later than the number of days in the guarantee period from the opening of proposals That of the successful bidder will be returned when formal contract and bonds are

accepted and approved

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if in the Owner ’s judgment the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted All Bidders are invited to attend a non-mandatory pre-bid conference to be held electronically via Zoom at 10:00 A M on April 16, 2026 Participants can join the video presentation by going to https://zoom us/join or via conference call at +1(301) 715-8592 Please enter the Meeting ID#: 813 1305 0192 & Passcode: 145699 at the website and on the conference call when prompted The bidder's company employee attending the pre-bid conference shall have qualifications and experience with the construction to be performed within this project

Any questions concerning the pre-bid conference shall be directed to the Architect Nonresident bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney at law licensed to practice law in such nonresident bidder ’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by

As the Trump administration has sought to drastically increase space to detain immigrants as part of its mass deportation campaign, holding facilities have struggled with disease and overcrowding Homeland Security recently changed contractors at its largest immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss outside El Paso, Texas, just seven months after it opened

The tented facility known as Camp East Montana has had a troubled history starting with a fatal construction accident and three detainee deaths in less than six weeks, one of which was ruled a homicide There have also been outbreaks of both tuberculosis and measles

The Trump administration has said it is shifting its deportation strategy to increase its focus on arresting and deporting immigrants who have criminal records following the shooting deaths of two U S citizens by federal immigration officers during deportation operations in Minnesota

On March 25, Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, who was in federal custody in California after he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and theft was found by security to be unresponsive in his bunk ICE said in a statement that staff performed CPR and other life-saving procedures, and he was taken to Victor Valley Global Medical Center where he was pronounced dead

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference Monday that Mexico would take stronger measures to protest following the reported death focusing particularly in the Los Angeles region

"There are several actions we are going to take to protest the death of another Mexican, one of our fellow citizens, in the United States "

Ex-FBI agents on Trump cases cite Todd Blanche's remarks in suit over 'illegal' firings

Ramos-Solano was arrested by ICE on Feb 23 and sent to the Adelanto detention center He received a physical evaluation during his intake screening and was found to have diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension ICE said he received routine medical care in custody, including daily medication for his conditions

Ramos-Solano s cause of death was not immediately made public, and Homeland Security officials didn t respond to questions about his cause of death

At the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday, members of Ramos-Solano s family wept as they spoke out against his death and demanded answers

What happened to my dad was very inhumane, said Gloria Ramos, the daughter of Ramos-Solano I think my family and I deserve to know the truth of what happened to my dad ”

The man’s son, Jorge Ramos, paused often as he spoke, becoming overcome with emotion

“He was a good dad He was a good person He was not a criminal He was a hard worker he said

An official with Mexico’s foreign ministry attended the news conference and denounced the number of deaths in ICE custody this year

“Four Mexican nationals have died, apparently due to medical complications, highlighting a pattern of persistent structural deficiencies, Vanessa Calva Ruiz, the director general of consular protection and strategic planning, said “The recurrence and frequency of these deaths are absolutely unacceptable ”

Eutaw Classy Senior s hosts Valentine Gala

Eutaw Classy Seniors

hosted a Valentine Gala for the “Young at Heart” on Saturday Night February 14, 2026 The event kicked off with a warm welcome and introduction of members of the Eutaw Classy Seniors, followed by dining and dancing as music filled the room Couples swayed friends linked arms and laughter echoed as everyone en-

joyed the moments It was an evening filled with music and dancing dining fellowship and appreciation, making it unforgettable for all who attended Elegance filled the air with beautiful decoration that enhanced a dazzling celebration of love and joy which everyone shared

With live entertainment DJ Birdman kept the spirits

high and feet moving on the dance floor as the night grew on with Soulful melodies Rock and Roll and upbeat Classic music

The moments of this event were a beautiful reminder that love comes and grows in many forms One of the most touching aspects of the evening was the sense of togetherness with the seasoned participants sharing a dance, enjoying con-

versations and/or simply celebrating life’s seasoned years Everyone took part in the special recognition where a prize was given to each winner: 1)The Longest Married Couple {50+ years}; 2)The Honeymoon Couple; 3)Senior Sweetheart; 4)Best Classy Dressed Male; 5)Best Classy Dancers M&F; and 6) Best Classy Couple Dancers

Tyesha W heats new PARA Dir ector

Frank Smith and Tyesha Wheats

After 25 years of dedicated service, Greene County Park and Recreation announces the retirement of Director Frank Smith Throughout his tenure, Smith has impacted countless youth families and seniors by creating meaningful programs and

Bor n Ready

In the chaos of school, life and other responsibilities, parents often forget to take care of their own mental health Parents and caregivers voiced difficulty with finding balance in their busy lives to actually take care of themselves This stress causes the brain to "lose access to higher thinking skills," Brown warns "causing us to become more reactive and yell " To help parents decompress from these situations, she supplied attendees with a plethora of ideas, which ranged from taking a walk to taking themselves on a date

Another element of emotional health for children lies in their need for encouragement They need someone to believe in them Brown stated “Teaching them and not shaming them ” She then led a lesson on the difference between discipline and punishment Discipline

uses age-appropriate responses related to challenging behaviors, like having a toddler help clean up a small mess instead of the entire kitchen when they spill things It relies on parents showing them the wanted behavior with many opportunities to try again whereas punishment only works when fear is present instead of building a skill through practice Brown explained that people cannot learn in fear as it causes the brain centers responsible for learning to shut down Using discipline builds children up fosters self-control, and shows them why behavior matters The next BRU session is Thursday, April 9th, with the topic focusing on school readiness For more information on BRU and its resources please contact Cortnei Hood at (205) 372-6942

safe spaces across the community

It has truly been an honor to serve Greene County,” Smith shared “This work has always been about the people I m grateful for the relationships built over the years and confident the department is in great hands moving forward Stepping into the role is TyeshaWheats, a Greene County native and graduate of Greene County High School, Class of 2008 Returning home to serve, Tyesha brings both passion and

No King

Indivisible IS a local grassroots organization! We work with other grassroots organizations to draw attention to their goals promote their events and encourage our members to volunteer as needed We encourage engagement within and beyond Indivisible's activities and will continue to do so to improve our community ” The 'No King' rallies are one of many steps to dismantle controlling policies

personal connection to the position Park and Recreation has poured into me and my family, and I’m honored to now carry that legacy forward she said I m committed to building on the foundation that’s been laid and continuing to serve our community with purpose ” As one chapter closes, Greene County Park and Recreation looks ahead with gratitude continuity and a shared vision for the future of Greene County

and encourage civic engagement The practice of rallying and organizing nonviolent protests reminds citizens that they have the power to hold government officials accountable and change the seats of those in office This national day of action continues to sustain the momentum of a community rooted in defying powers that serve themselves instead of democracy

Do you know a SENIOR nursing student? We are blessed to announce our 2026 Nurse Honor Guard of West Alabama Scholarship for one RN student in his or her last semester of nursing school in the West Alabama counties of Tuscaloosa, Fayette, Pickens, Hale, Greene, and Bibb Counties Message us for an application Deadline, April 15th 2026

A radiant booth was erected and shared the perfect scene for attendees to pose for photos to share memories with family and friends

Eutaw Classy Seniors extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and assisted us in planning this gala for our seniors We hope you en-

Eula Morton

Kindness

If you were busy being kind

December 25, 1971March 25, 2026

Mr Herman Big Gil Gilmore, Jr of Eutaw, Alabama and the son of Lula Gilmore entered into eternal rest March 25 2026 at

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the serving line installation project at Eutaw Primary School has been successfully completed

The project was finalized on December 29, 2025, and the new equipment is now fully operational for student meal service

3tcg 3/18, 25 4/1

Legal Notice State of Alabama Greene County the Probate Court of Greene County, AL

Case No

Letter of Adminstration with Will Annexed under the Estate of Johnny A Allen Jr having been granted to Edna L Allen as Adminstrator, on the 13th day of March 2026, by the Honorable Rolonda M Wedgworth Judge of Probate Court of Greene

Before you knew it, you would find

You ‘d soon forget to think ‘twas true

That someone was unkind to you

If you were busy being glad And cheering people who were sad Although your heart might ache a bit

You’d soon forget to notice it

If you were busy being true

To what you know

DCH Regional Medical Center Tuscaloosa, Alabama Funeral services for Mr Herman "Big Gil"

Gilmore Jr will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 11 a m from CedarGrove Baptist Church Knoxville, Alabama Interment will follow in the adjoining churchyard cemetery

Visitation will be held Wednesday April 1 2026 from 1-4:30 p m at the funeral home Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC entrusted with arrangements

you ough to do,

You‘d be a busy you’re foget

The blunders of the folks you ve met

Happy birthday to Raphael Soto, Keshana

Davis Eula Morton LaTresa Rhone, Jamarcus

M u r r a y N i ’ K a c h e i a s

Williams, Marilyn Sanford Jaden Davis KC

Morgan Sullivan, Twana

Ivory Myles Gandy Dexter Deloach, Demarreo

Mathis Yolanda Corner

Andre Wilkins, Ainslie

July 30, 1950 - March 24, 2026

Ms Annie Williams of Boligee Alabama entered into eternal rest March 24,2026 at her residence Funeral services for Ms

---Le gal Notices---

County notice is hereby given that all persons having claims agaisnt the said estate of Johnny A Allen, Jr , are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred

E Kenneth Aycock Attorney for the Executor

E Kenneth Aycock, P C 1107 23rd Avenue ( 35401) P O Box 21134

Tuscaloosa,Alabama 35402

Telephone: 205-752-7788

3tcg 3/18 25 4/1

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given to Taya Kimbrough that the contents of unit #40 will be sold to the highest bidder at 8:00 a m on April 3, 2026 at the Carwash Storage located at 340 Greensboro

Croft, Wilfred Michael

Thomas Destin White

Rontrell Noland, Luther ‘Soup’ Winn Luther Luke Winn, Mark Hodges Su’Kova Hicks

Meka Young, Tiffany Hardy Rylee Ava Jones

Diane Smith, Elizabeth

Smith Welsey M Moore

Happy Anniversary to Jarred & Shaunte Twitty and Mr and Mrs Luther & Gertrude White

Annie Williams will be held Friday, April 3,2026 at 11 a m from Springhill Baptist Church Boligee (Tishabee Community) Alabama Interment will follow at New Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery Boligee Alabama Visitation will be held Thursday April 2, 2026 from 1-4:30 p m at the funeral home Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC entrusted with arrangements

Street Eutaw Alabama

Eutaw Mini Storage

P O Box 529

Eutaw, Al 35462

205-372-9321

3tcg 3/18 25 4/1

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given to Katie Rice that the contents of unit #69 will be sold to the highest bidder at 8:00 a m on April 3, 2026 at the Carwash Storage located at 340 Greensboro Street Eutaw Alabama Eutaw Mini Storage

P O Box 529 Eutaw, Al 35462

205-372-9321

3tcg 3/18 25 4/1

Legal Notice

State of Alabama County of Greene

Public Notices of the requirement for and the avaialable of Registration and Voting Aids for all handi-

capped and elderly indiviudals for the Democratic and Republican Primary and Constitutional Amendment election held on May 19 2026 Pursuant to 5214-239 b) of the code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given of the following with regards to Greene County Alabama; The Probate Judge as Chief Election Official, makes it known in each voting district that as required Greene County Alabama, is in compliance with the availability of registration and voting aids for all handicapped and elderly individuals as stated in Code of Alabama, Section 21-4-23(b)

Rolonda M Wedgeworth Judge of Probate Chief Election Official 1tcg 3/25

1-833879-1371 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

APPLIANCE REPAIR: Prompt local service available for appliance repair Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven and all major appliances Certified Insured techs Satisfaction guaranteed Call to schedule your appointment now!

1-877-441-0132

BEAUTIFUL BATH

UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Call Now! 1-833-770-0326

SELLING a RV Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition Easy three step process: Call get cash offer and get paid Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-877-385-7131

Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free All plans feature unlimited talk and text starting at just $20/month For more information call 1-844-3585270

HEALTH/BEAUTY

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with

Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators FREE information kit Call 1-833650-7885

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6606 FOR SALE

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company Coverage for 400 plus procedures Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-8778 1 7 - 4 6 9 7 www dental50plus com/alabama #6258

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-6416672

NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring Call Today! 1-

833-641-6567

No more cleaning out gutters Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty Call today 1-833-683-2005 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10% Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote It’s not just a generator It’s a power move

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders ) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833955-3163

AUTOMOTIVE

Donate your car, truck, boat RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877724-3049 today!

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS Fast free pick up Patriotic Hearts programs help veterans find work or start their own business Call 24/7: 1-833-426-0193