Greene County Democrat - February 18, 2026

Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

Dies

At 84

Jackson taught a generation the importance of building collective power and hope in the face of adversity

By Anoa Changa-Peck, NewsOne

Rev Jesse Jackson has been called home The civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, passed away on Tuesday his family said He was 84 years old

“Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, the Jackson family statement read “We shared him with the world, and in return the world became part of our extended family His unwavering belief in justice equality and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by ”

See Jesse Jackson, p 6

Grand jury fails to indict 6

Congressional Democrats, for video on rejecting illegal orders, rebuking DOJ

By Sarah Davis, The Hill

A grand jury on Tuesday February 10 refused to indict a coalition of Democratic lawmakers over their participation in a controversial “illegal orders” video last fall

The failed federal indictment was pursued by the office of U S Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, as first reported by The New York Times

See DOJ, p 6

House passes SAVE Act, raising alarms over voter access ahead of midterms

By Black Information Network (BIN)

House Republicans narrowly passed the SAVE America Act on Wednesday (February 11), approving sweeping changes to federal election rules in a 218–213 vote All Republicans supported the bill, while Texas Rep Henry Cuellar was the only Democrat to vote in favor

The legislation would require Americans to provide documentary proof of citizenship such as a U S passport or birth certificate when registering to vote in federal elections It would also mandate photo ID nationwide for in-person voting and tighten rules around mail-in ballots

See SAVE Act, p 6

Movie ‘Sinners’ sets record with 16 Oscar nominations

By Daniel Arkin, NBC News

Stars of movie ’Sinners’ Ryan Coogler s Southern Gothic vampire tale leads the pack of contenders for the 98th Academy Awards with 16 nominations including best picture setting a record for the most in Oscar history

Sinners crushed the previous record of 14 nominations held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997) and “La La Land” (2016)

The Eutaw City Council met on February 10 2026 for its first regular meeting of the month Mayor Cockrell and all council members were present

The Council approved purchase of 200 new Neptune Procorder R9000 water meters for the Water Department at a cost of $34 400 or $ 172 per meter

These meters will be used to replace meters that were installed improperly and meters that are not functioning properly This will insure that the Water Department will be getting accurate readings and can bill residents correctly for the water they are using

The Council also approved $16,000 for purchase of an 8 inch UME Machid R900 water pump for the well no 4 on the Lower Gainesville Road

The pump meter had to be replaced to insure a continuing flow of water into the system This is the type of continuing maintenance and repair that the Water

Department is responsible to make and pay for out of water bill revenues

The Council heard from a representative of ETA Data Systems on their software to operate the Water Department billing The Council is trying to see which software and billing system is most compatible and cost effective for their operations It was the consensus of the Council members that both companies bring a demonstration of their system and allow the staff that will actually be using the software, to test it out and determine which will serve their needs in the best way

The Council voted to accept a lease addendum on property owned by the City and Long and Huffed Farms, for $3,000 annually, for location of a Ferrell Gas Company Tank on the Lock 7 road The details of the lease were worked out by the parties in consultation with Zane Willingham the city’s

Dozens of Events Scheduled to Commemorate and Celebrate the 61st Anniversaryof Bloody Sunday, The Selma to Montgomery March, & the Voting Rights Act

SELMA AL The Annual Bridge Crossing Ju-

Expansion Plan Will Place UA Among Largest Nursing Programs in the Nation

TUSCALOOSA Ala Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicated retirement plans by 2027, leaving a projected statewide shortage of 14,000 nurses To combat the urgent and growing need, The University of Alabama has unveiled a transformative plan to double the enrollment of the Capstone Col-

bilee begins on Thursday, March 5, and culminates on Sunday March 8 with the Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast, church services, the Bloody Sunday March from Brown Chapel AME Church to the Bridge events at the Bridge and the March

lege of Nursing and graduate more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor ’s program The expansion developed in close partnership with The University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System mobilizes the combined strength of these institutions and statewide leaders to address the state’s most pressing health care workforce challenge When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation’s largest nursing programs

See Nursing, p 7

legal counsel

The Council tabled action on a resolution to engage Shuyron Macon of Knight and Day Group LLC, a Houston, Texas based law firm specializing in municipal bond financing for smaller size cities, like Eutaw, Alabama to do a study of the economic feasibility and constraints on the city in issuing bonds to finance longer term repairs to roads infrastructure and buildings in the city The City s legal counsel also had some questions and concerns about the agreement which need to be worked out Council members agreed to consider these issues in the next work session which is scheduled for February 17 2026

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Approved Mandatory Skidcar Training for Police officers on February 23 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama

across the Bridge, where Foot Soldiers were beaten bloody and unconscious 61 years ago in the effort to march from Selma to Montgomery to meet with Gov George Wallace after the brutal murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson Leaders from the Jubilee and the Selma to Montgomery Foundation held a news conference at 10:00 a m today at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge to discuss upcoming events The Jubilee starts on Thursday March 5 with the Voting Rights History Bowl for middle and high school students, the “Freedom Overture” with the Original SNCC Freedom Singers, and other events

Approved voting delegates for the Alabama League of Municipalities

Mayor Cockrell will be the Voting Delegate, Tracey Hunter will be first alternative and Carrie Logan will be second voting delegate

• Approved payment of bills including a revised AT&T invoice for telephone services

Mayor Cockrell reported that he was working on a master plan for the repair of roads, bridges and drainage in the city He is also working on a plan to improve the buildings and infrastructure owned by the city including City Hall, Lock 7 Park, the Robert H Young Community Center and the National Guard Armory More information on these plans will be provided as they are developed and funds are identified and secured to finances the updating and repairs to these city owned assets and properties

The day concludes with the Annual Mass Meeting at 7:00 p m at Tabernacle Baptist Church led by American Federation of Government Employees National President Rev Dr Everett Kelly Tabernacle Church was the site of the courageous first mass meeting of the Selma Voting Rights Movement on May 14 1963 The Foundation’s 2026 Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast begins at 7:00 a m on Sunday, March 8 at Hangar 251 at Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority in Selma

See Bridge Crossing, p 8

See “Sinners”, p 6 UA Aims to Double Nur sing Enr ollment to Ad dr ess Statewide Shor ta ge

strengthening our neighborhoods, improving opportunities for our families and making sure every citizen s voice is heard Together, we can build a future rooted in unity, opportunity and progress I humbly ask for your support and your vote for County Commissioner, District #1

diligently for the people I am committed to

Vote Michael E Gaines Let’s Rise and Succeed Together

Carol’s Notes

Once Upon A Time

History is once upon a time

When all that happenedAnd all that make us Who we are

And where we are

History is once upon a time

We look back upon and learn And we move Stepping in footprints

Still making our own

History is once upon a time

Struggles we have known Give strength for those Upon us now And those yet to come

History is once upon a time

No name Is our own

And we pray to answer only To how we call ourselves

History is once upon a time

As we live through stories

Building on legacies for those Who will need our history

Once upon a time

Carol Prejean Zippert

Gr eene County Native r eceives Master of Science De g r ee

Richard M Bell received his Master of Science Degree in Sport Management on Friday December 12, 2025 , from the University of West Alabama in Livingston AL Richard is a 2008 graduate of Greene County School He received his Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Business Managemen from Stillman College in Tuscaloos,AL Richard is currently employed by Gulf Distrbuting Company as a Sales Representative He is also the Owner of Our Time Aquatics LLC He has to daugther Tamia Collier and Zaya S Bell He is the son of Mary Bell and the Late Ricahrd

February 22- St John Baptist Church will host their annual Black History Program at 11:30 Rev Michael Lavender is church pastor The public is invited Dinner will be served Wear your Africa Attire

March 15-Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Boligee will celebrate Men’s Day on Sunday March 15, at 11:00 a m Rev Brian Croom, pastor of New Light Missionary Baptist Church Clinton will be the guest speaker The public is invited Rev John C Glass, Jr , Pastor

County Wide Black History Program

Sunday, February 22, 2026 , 2:00 p.m.

New Generation Church Eutaw, Alabama

Rev. Joe Webb, Pastor Join us and Meet and Greet West Alabama Civil Rights and Political Leaders Everyone is welcome and urged to attend Sponsored by Councilmen Lorenzo French and Greene County Elected Officials Eutaw, Alabama 35463

205) 496-0908

eutawrenaissance theatre@gmail com

will feature free documentary in honor of Black History through the year coming soon

The Greene County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 4:30 p m in the Central Office Auditorium

Death of a Fat Man A novel by Senator Hank Sanders Available at The Greene County Democrat $26 plus $4 shipping and handling

Contact: The Greene County Democrat

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

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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

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Don’t

West Ala bama Action Gr oup Inc makes donation

In rural West Alabama, transportation can be a significant barrier for high school students seeking advanced training and hands-on experience at post-secondary institutions

Thanks to the support of Alabama Power Company, West Alabama Action Group Inc has received a grant to assist the Greene County Career Center with transportation needs, allowing students to pursue technical training opportunities beyond high school! This grant will help ensure our students have access to the advanced training and equipment necessary to prepare for successful careers Together, we’re making a difference for the future of Greene County!

GCCC honor s Counselor, Lorissa Holder

Last week, Greene County Career Center celebrated our counselor, Lorissa Holder, with daily tokens of love during Counselor Appreciation Week We are truly grateful for her dedication, care, and commitment to our students and staff, and we are thankful to have her as part of the GCCC family.

GCHS honor s Tamika T hompson

National School Counseling Week, GCHS proudly honored our incredible school counselor, Mrs Tamika Thompson Mrs Thompson, thank you for the care, guidance, and encouragement you pour into our scholars every single day Your work changes lives, opens doors, and helps shape bright futures The impact you make reaches far beyond the walls of our school

T he 2026 Cong r essional Ar t Competition is underway!

March 2- Pine Grove Baptist Church Sixteen Section Road will host their Pastor ’ 15th Pastorial Anniversary at 2:00 p m Reverend Jessie White, Pastor of the Trinty Baptist Church, Alilceville, AL will be the guest speaker The public is invited Rev Derrick Wright is Church Pastor

Print and

and

for a full

and

submission packet at one of my district offices (phone numbers below) OR bring them to your school and call (334)

262-1919 to have someone from my office pick them up To coordinate a drop-off please call one of our district offices at the numbers below:

Birmingham: (205) 2541960 Montgomery: (334) 2621919 Tuscaloosa: (205) 7525380

Selma: (334) 877-4414

Hosting this competition is one of the best parts of my job It is a reminder of the incredible talent here in Alabama's 7th Congressional District

I look forward to reviewing each of your submissions and having the winning artwork displayed in Washington Remember to submit your materials by March 2nd to be considered!

As always please be sure to check in regularly with our website and social media pages ( Twitter , Facebook Bluesky and Instagram ) for updates

Sincerely, Congresswoman Terri A Sewell

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) will hold a reorganization meeting on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a m The meeting will be held at the William Mckinley Branch Courthouse. Please come out and join the Alabama Democratic Conference so that a strong working Greene County ADC Chapter can be established

Black wor k in an a ge of fr a gile employment

ICE has r un r ogue. T hese Gover nor s and Mayor s ar e the last line of defense for American Democr acy

by Marc H Morial, President

and

CEO,

National Urban League (TriceEdneyWire com) -

If the federal government will not hold these rogue actors accountable, then Chicago will do everything in our power to bring these agents to justice –Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

There comes a point when euphemisms fail us What ICE has done in Chicago and Minneapolis is not mere “overreach ” Agents did not make “missteps or tactical errors These are clear, documented violations of the law and abuses of power that have endangered the lives of American citizens and they demand a forceful reckoning State and local leaders in Illinois and Minnesota have been forced into a role that should shame the federal government: they are defending the Constitution against the very agents sworn to uphold it In Chicago, a federal judge confirmed what communities have been shouting for years: ICE repeatedly carried out warrantless arrests in violation of a court-ordered consent decree, blatantly disregarding the most basic protections of the Fourth Amendment These arrests were not accidents or technical mistakes they were a pattern of unlawful detentions carried out by an agency operating with impunity Chicago s own leadership has described ICE’s conduct in the city as a series of actions that violated constitutionally protected rights, destabilized neighborhoods, and provoked life-threatening confrontations This is the language officials use when an agency behaves like a lawless paramilitary force not a legitimate arm of the federal government In Minnesota, federal agents went even further storming homes without warrants conducting stops without legal justification, and seizing people who had no criminal records, including children and U S citizens These are illegal

By Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire com) -

Labor economists like me mark our calendars for the first Friday of each month, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases The Employment Situation In February, that report did not arrive on schedule According to BLS a partial government shutdown temporarily suspended data processing and dissemination, delaying the January jobs report

retrenchment, reduced hours frozen hiring and stalled mobility are being felt long before they are fully captured in headline data

Recent job growth has been weak by historical standards Gains have slowed markedly over the last several months reinforcing a sense of economic brittleness despite political claims of strength

The official unemployment rate 4 4 percent in December appears low but it does not tell the whole truth

It excludes discouraged workers who have stopped looking for jobs It excludes people working part time who want full-time hours The Bureau of Labor Statistics broader measure of labor underutilization which captures these realities stood at 8 4 percent in December

labor has functioned as an early warning system for economic distress When jobs disappear, hours are cut, or wages stall, Black workers experience it first and most intensely not because of individual failings, but because the structure of the labor market places them closest to its fault lines

Today s fragility is not always announced by mass layoffs It shows up quietly: in shortened schedules unpredictable shifts frozen promotions, and the constant anxiety that accompanies each paycheck

A worker can be technically employed and still be economically insecure

A job can exist without providing dignity stability or a future

acts full stop Legal analyses make clear that ICE simply ignored the limits of its own authority And then came the deaths Renee Good Alex Pretti Both killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis killings that shocked the conscience of the nation and ignited statewide protests These tragedies did not occur in isolation; they happened amid an operation so sweeping and unrestrained that Minnesota’s own governor called it an “occupation ” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker saw Operation Midway Blitz for what it was: an unannounced, militarized federal invasion of his state He immediately began preparing legal action against the Trump administration for its reckless deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents into Chicago communities

But Pritzker didn’t stop at mere rhetoric he backed one of the strongest state-level countermeasures in modern immigration policy House Bill 1312 would create “safe zones ban ICE from courthouse arrests, and allow residents to sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights

This is a direct and unapologetic challenge to ICE’s culture of impunity

Meanwhile Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the federal government head-on, calling the ICE surge “a campaign of organized brutality” and demanding it end immediately Walz publicly condemned the indiscriminate stops the home invasions and the terror inflicted on families stating plainly that the operation had caused generational trauma economic devastation and profound civic harm

These are not the words of timid officials These are the words of leaders who know their people are under assault

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson did what the federal government has refused to do: he moved to hold rogue federal agents criminally accountable His “ICE On Notice” executive order requires Chicago police to document illegal ICE activity, secure body-camera evidence and report violations of state and local law

This order makes Chicago the first city in America to build infrastructure capable of prosecuting ICE and CBP agents for misconduct

See Mac H Morial, p 5

Many economists have built careers around these numbers, and we are right to rely on them But moments like this also remind us that labor statistics are produced within institutions that are meant to be independent but are not immune to political pressure The Commissioner of Labor Statistics is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate to a four-year term While the position is designed to be apolitical, recent disruptions have underscored how fragile public trust in economic data can be

Still, we do not need official numbers to know that many workers especially Black workers are living through an era of fragile employment Federal layoffs private-sector

Historically Black unemployment runs well above the overall rate, and that relationship has been remarkably consistent across business cycles Applying that same pattern to underutilization yields what I call the Malveaux Index: an estimated Black labor underutilization rate of approximately 14 3 percent This is not an official statistic but a way of amplifying what headline numbers obscure that labor market “strength” looks very different depending on where one stands

For Black workers, this level of underutilization is recession-level distress

But no index is required to recognize what many Black Americans are already living

For generations Black

This is where official statistics fall short and where Black narrative steps in Black workers are disproportionately concentrated in retail, hospitality, caregiving transportation logistics and public-facing service work In these sectors, employers often cut hours before cutting jobs

A ten-hour reduction in a workweek does not register as unemployment, but it can mean the difference between rent and eviction medication and delay food and scarcity

Data rarely captures fear It does not measure exhaustion It does not record the psychic toll of holding onto work that no longer pays enough to live, or the humiliation of being grateful for employment that offers no path forward

This is why Black literature, Black journalism, and Black cultural institutions matter so profoundly in

this moment Long before economists spoke of “hidden unemployment or labor market slack, Black writers documented the truth of work under constraint jobs that damaged bodies wages that never caught up, and systems designed to extract labor without offering security in return From early twentiethcentury narratives of agricultural labor to contemporary writing on gig work care labor and economic survival, Black writers have chronicled labor not as abstraction but as lived condition They have shown how race, class, gender, and geography shape who works, who waits and who is discarded when conditions tighten A low unemployment rate does not signal a healthy labor market if workers cannot move cannot bargain and cannot survive on what they earn

A stable job count does not mean stability if wages lag inflation and savings have already been depleted An economy that leaves Black workers anxious, immobile and overworked is not strong it is brittle

Work has never been just work for Black Americans It is bound up with dignity citizenship survival and voice When the jobs report misleads or goes missing altogether it is Black work in all its forms that tells the truth Dr Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author Reach her at www juliannemalveaux co m Subscribe to her newsletter at malveauxnewsletter@gmai l com

How dissidents and sur vivor s of economic colla pse taught me to believe in Bitcoin

TriceEdneyWire com) -

Bitcoin is back in the headlines again As always, the story is volatility Prices fall Prices rise Critics cheer Believers celebrate The cycle repeats But the headlines miss the deeper story I learned to respect Bitcoin not from traders or tech executives I learned from dissidents and from people who lived through economic collapse For them, Bitcoin was not about getting rich It was about staying free

Across the world people facing repression or broken economies have learned the same lesson When institutions fail, the ability to hold value outside the reach of rulers can mean the difference between fear and agency

For many this is daily life Governments freeze bank accounts to punish journalists Activists lose access to wages Savings disappear under inflation In those places, economic freedom and personal freedom are the same thing

Look at Venezuela At the height of its collapse inflation soared toward one million percent Teachers were paid in bills worth less than bus fare Millions

fled Those who stayed survived with dollars, remittances and, increasingly, Bitcoin The state could not inflate it away or block it with a phone call

In neighboring Colombia artists began weaving worthless Venezuelan banknotes into bags and purses Money that once held savings became craft material It was worth more as fabric than as currency That image stays with me

Look at Nigeria A government cash redesign left families without money Activists saw accounts restricted Many turned to Bitcoin simply to keep life moving paying school fees, receiving money from relatives abroad keeping businesses alive Not out of fashion Out of necessity

A former graduate student of mine, Jacqueline Escobar from Peru, wrote to me about why she believes in Bitcoin She grew up during hyperinflation As a child, she played with paper money that had suddenly become worthless “I played with money that no longer had value ” she told me “That’s when you learn that systems can fail ” Her father lost his business Her family lost their home

The experience shaped her path She became a fintech lawyer drawn to how financial systems can expand or deny human freedom For her, Bitcoin became a lifeline It offered a road back toward middleclass stability and a steadier alternative to a system people no longer trusted

This past fall at the

Black Blockchain Summit at Howard University, activists from the African continent reminded me that refugees face the same reality In conversations there people told me that crossing a border often means losing access to banks, documents and savings overnight and that Bitcoin can travel when everything else is confiscated or left behind Years ago, dissidents living inside a wealthy Asian nation known for severe repression told me how the state could erase people economically before ever touching them physically Control the money and you control the person Bitcoin matters because it is different from the carnival of other digital coins

It has no company No CEO No marketing department Its supply is fixed Its rules are public It is recognized around the world the way gold is recognized by habit and trust, not by decree I do not confuse Bitcoin with the broader digitalcoin marketplace Stablecoins tied to the dollar have practical uses for remittances and payments But many alternative coins look like casinos dressed as technology Bitcoin stands apart because it answers one narrow question well: how can ordinary people store value beyond the reach of rulers? There are real concerns Bitcoin uses significant energy, and that energy increasingly needs to come from renewables if the technology is to align with

climate goals Those debates matter None erase the core fact that the network itself belongs to no government and no bank Critics say Bitcoin is volatile They are right So are currencies run by politicians Critics say criminals use it Criminals also use dollars and shell companies and a banking system that launders far more dirty money every year than Bitcoin ever has The question is not whether a tool can be abused The question is who controls it I pray we never need such tools here I want my children to trust courts more than code But history humbles proud nations Emergency powers sold as temporary have a habit of staying Whenever I listen to people who escaped repression, they speak of Bitcoin the way earlier generations spoke of safe houses as the difference between begging and choosing Markets will rise and fall Human beings will still need freedom That is why I believe the world will always need Bitcoin 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

Her e's how we fix ICE

by Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-S C )

(TriceEdneyWire com)It has been more than two weeks since Alex Pretti was senselessly killed by CBP agents in Minneapolis Americans across the political spectrum have spoken out

The message is clear: there must be real and meaningful reforms to ICE and CBP (Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol) In response, Democrats proposed a set of commonsense reforms These changes would protect people s constitutional rights improve public safety, and ensure law enforcement acts responsibly:

1 Targeted Enforcement: Require a judge s warrant before entering private property

2 No More Masks: Ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings

3 Officer Identification: Require agents to show identification and state who they are when asked

4 Protect Sensitive Locations: Stop enforcement actions at schools, daycares, churches, hospitals, and similar places

5 Stop Racial Profiling: Ban DHS officers

from targeting people because of their race job or the language they speak

6 U s e - o f - F o r c e Rules: Set clear limits on the use of force and require certification of officers

7 State and Local Oversight: Allow state and local governments to run independent investigations and require evidence to be preserved and shared

8 Detention Standards: Make sure detention facilities meet basic standards of care and access

9 Body Cameras for Accountability: Require body cameras but ban their use to monitor people exercising their First Amendment rights, such as protesting 10 No Paramilitary Policing: Set clear rules for the uniforms and equipment used by DHS officers Unfortunately President Trump and Republicans in Congress have refused to agree to these commonsense reforms

Democrats are continuing to negotiate in good faith So far, the White House has offered only a vague counterproposal that does not seriously address the concerns raised by the American people

At the same time funding for the Department of Homeland Security which oversees ICE and CBP expired this Friday night at midnight

Let me be clear: I will not vote to extend ICE and CBP’s funding unless these negotiations yield real progress toward reforms that stop these agencies lawless behavior and restore accountability

Mar c H. Morial

Johnson’s message is unambiguous: if the federal government will not restrain its own agents, Chicago will do it for them He has also strengthened sanctuary protections and barred ICE from using city property as operational staging grounds a direct counterstrike against Washington s authoritarian overreach In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey has been just as explicit calling for a nationwide end to the “ICE siege” and condemning the agency for transforming his city into the epicenter of an unconstitutional crackdown Frey has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of federal forces and highlighted the catastrophic impact of ICE’s actions on Minneapolis residents including shuttered businesses terrified families, and the deaths of two community members at ICE s hands

This is what constitutional leadership looks like

Let s be very clear: ICE did not enforce the law it violated it It terrorized communities, conducted illegal operations, and left death in its wake And when federal lead-

ership refused to enforce accountability it was state and local officials Pritzker, Walz, Johnson, and Frey who stood up in its place

Their defiance is not radical It is not partisan It is not symbolic It is constitutional patriotism

At a time when a federal agency behaves as if it is above the law, these leaders have reminded the country that:

• T h e Constitution still applies

• S t a t e s still have rights

• L o c a l governments still have a duty to protect their residents

• And no federal badge grants immunity from the rule of law

• America needs more leaders willing to confront unlawful federal power with this level of clarity and courage Because if ICE can trample constitutional rights in Chicago and Minneapolis today, it can do the same in any American city tomorrow

And if that happens we will depend desperately on leaders like Pritzker, Walz Johnson and Frey to stand firm once again

Senate Sketches #2017.....by Hank Sander s Strangling Democracy

Strangling Democracy Sometimes democracies grow Sometimes democracies die Sometimes democracies are killed Sometimes Democracies are strangled Sometimes democracies struggle and thrive This democracy is being strangled Strangling Democracy

Many scholars have written about how strong democracies are destroyed In summary, there are at least 14 indicators of how democracies are destroyed They are as follows: 1) Vilifying of marginalized groups; 2) Creating a cult of personality; 3) Gross utilizations of governmental positions and power for personal gain; 4) Violating the law to achieve and maintain power; 5) Controlling information; 6) Taking over universities; 7) Employing the military within the country rather than abroad; 8) Suppressing free speech; 9) Controlling information; 10) Persecuting political opponents as enemies; 11) Defying the courts; 12) Bypassing legislatures; 13) Declaring made up emergencies; and 14) Diminishing the right to vote Strangling Democracy

There are many ways to kill Some kill with guns

Some kill with knives

Some kill with poison

Some kill by hanging, which is a form of strangulation Some kill by other measures and means

There are many ways to kill a democracy Strangling Democracy

We are experiencing the strangling of the American democracy that took 250 years to develop to this point Strangling squeezes the life out of persons animals organizations institutions or other things by cutting of the flow of life forces Strangling Democracy

The strangling is coming from all 14 directions and more A key action is vilification of marginalized peoples This is critical because it allows the majority to be misdirected until it is too late The marginalized peoples in this instant are immigrants peoples of color, transgender, etc We see the attacks on immigrants by being called murderers drug dealers rapists the worst of the worst, etc We see the attacks on peoples of color being called stealers of elections painting them as apes and other animals, low intelligence, taking away rights of white people destruction or diminishment of history of particular peoples, etc In their minds, it is accepted to strangle the life out of these people because they are perceived as grossly inferior and hurting the majority Strangling Democracy

The President is creating a cult of personality He is naming all kinds of things after himself For example, the Kennedy Center is now the Trump Kennedy Center He wants this image on coins He is holding up billions of dollars for the Gateway Tunnel from New Jersey to New York City unless the tunnel can be named the Trump Tunnel Places are not named after U S Presidents on a widespread basis until after they are deceased, and it is very rare for federal or other visible projects to be named for a sitting President The Hoover Dam, named after President Herbert Hoover while in office during the Great Depression, is a notable exception to this modern-day practice From the nation's founding self-commemoration by American Presidents was associated with kings rather than public servants and seen as un-

American Sitting Presidents are accountable to the public rather than holding supreme personal power, and so they did not support or allow public structures or landmarks to be named in their honor In a cult of personality, the person becomes more important than the rule of law Strangling Democracy

The examples of utilizing governmental positions and power for personal gain are numerous in and out of the country Examples range from cryptocurrency to airplane gifts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to trying to collect $250 million through the Department of Justice and $5 billion through the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to made-up defamation litigation etc Strangling Democracy

There are many instances of violating the law to achieve power for personal gain The most glaring is the January 6th insurrection to illegally maintain the U S Presidency Another is the use of ICE forces to wreak havoc in various states and create fear There are many more Strangling Democracy

Controlling information comes in many forms including attacking media sources with civil litigation (See the phony defamation litigation), the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) attacks on late night comedians the aligning with billionaires who own media and Journalists being arrested or investigated Strangling Democracy

Attacks on American universities are glaring Universities are symbols of free speech and free thoughts Universities are being attacked on false charges of antisemitism Just look at the attacks on Harvard University Columbia University and other universities by the U S Justice Department The government is trying to determine who they must hire, what they must teach, etc by withholding hundreds of millions of dollars Strangling Democracy

Deploying the military within the country is a powerful indication The use of the National Guard in Washington D C is but one example The greatest example is ICE, a pseudomilitary organization in masks They are military in disguise There is the constant threat of declaring an insurrection and bringing in the regular troops Strangling Democracy Prosecuting political opponents as enemies is a clear indicator The number of attempted indictments including that of the Former FBI Director and the Attorney General of New York stand out The investigations of the Governor and Attorney General of Minnesota and the Mayor of Minneapolis are brazen examples We must also include the attempted indictment of six U S Senators or Congresspersons for truthfully stating that the military does not have to obey illegal orders Strangling Democracy

The Courts are being defied in many ways although the U S Supreme Court seems to be giving free rein as to presidential immunity (allowing “free reign”) with its rulings

However, federal district court after district court is following well established constitutional law But when the courts ruled that persons should not be sent to foreign countries, the government sent them anyway Several U S District Courts have documented many examples of the government defying more than 100 court orders Stran-

gling Democracy President Trump has issued more executive orders in one year than most Presidents do in two terms In the past, legislation was required for much of what is being addressed by resolutions The U S Congress, our nation s legislative branch, is being routinely bypassed Congress is not challenging these bypasses, and the Supreme Court allows them to linger or stand Strangling Democracy

So many emergencies are being declared For instance, the idea that crime has run amok and that drugs are overwhelming are the alleged emergencies for sending in the National Guard The government took over Washington D C and Portland, Oregon with declarations of emergency It went to Minnesota on the pretense of mass fraud Declaring emergencies gives license to acting outside of established law Strangling Democracy

The government is limiting the right to vote with its constant attacks on certain minority-controlled cities The FBI just swooped in and took 700 boxes of election material in Atlanta, Georgia There is a threat of ICE surrounding voting places on the pretense of stopping undocumented immigrants from voting There are widespread efforts to redistrict Congress to minimize the right to vote of marginalized people There is the determined effort to nationalize elections Taking away the right to vote is a critical and dangerous indicator or dictatorship Strangling Democracy

All these varied actions are strangling American democracy The attacks are coming from every direction simultaneously with the full force of the United States government behind them Sometimes people just give up because there are so many attacks coming at the same time They go silent or stop struggling I am glad that so many citizens and organizations are resisting by struggling in their own ways However, we need more struggling and fighting back Strangling Democracy

Now on to the Daily Diary

SATURDAY, February 7, 2026 – I arose early and traveled 165 miles for a family funeral in Bay Minette Alabama and returned 165 miles to Selma Among others, I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Charles Sanders, Elouise Robinson, James Robinson, and Willie “Boo” Parker of Baldwin County; and Dixie Bonner and Walter Bonner of Talladega

SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station

I handled various matters traveled to a Church Service in Marion Junction where Faya Rose Toure and I each spoke on a Black History Program I returned to the office and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery; Josephine Curtis and Mailyn Cosby of Selma; and Former Alabama State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier

MONDAY – I was at my office by 5:30 a m where I handled various matters I then traveled 75 miles to be in Greene County by 9:00 a m , handled a matter, returned to Selma handled

additional matters and participated in a conference call Among others, I communicated with the following: Co-Publishers of The Greene County Democrat Dr Carol Prejean Zippert and John Zippert; Gloria Laster of Birmingham Al; Coumba Toure Ba of Senegal, West Africa; Alabama New South Coalition leaders Everette Wess, Robert Turner Sr Sylvia Fitts; and Norma Jackson; and K Chebe Robinson of Boston, Massachusetts

TUESDAY – I handled many matters as I worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Dr Charles Lett KC Bailey Reverend Franklin Fortier of Selma; Pastor John Grayson of Gospel Tabernacle of the Church of God in Christ; Filmmaker Dwight Cameron; Maude Taylor of Chambers County; and Azali Fortier of 21st Century Youth Leadership Movement

WEDNESDAY – I chaired a 7:30 a m Unity Breakfast meeting handled many matters and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Retired College President Dr James Mitchell and wife Priscilla Mitchell; B Marie Jones of Hattiesburg Mississippi; Liz Rutledge Khadijah Ishaq and Godfrey King of Selma; Dorothy Hulett of Lowndes County; Latonia Tisdale of Alabama Power; and Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter

THURSDAY – I handled many matters, participated on the SOS Conference call, did a radio interview on Black History traveled to Lowndes County and returned to Selma well into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Fourth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Marvin Wiggins; Law Professor Emerita Martha Morgan; Revered Jamal Sanders of Selma; Frank Barragan of Mobile; Annie Pearl Avery of the Ancient African and Enslavement Museum; Sharon Calhoun of Montgomery; and Lowndes County School Board members Robert Grant Ben Davis Travis Rogers and Brent McCray

FRIDAY – I handled many matters participated in a press conference and a Zoom meeting and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: William Donald of Coker, Alabama; Television Reporter George McDonald; Sabrina Marie of IHEART Radio; Matilda Hamilton of Camp Hill about the loss of her husband; and multiple staff members of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

EPILOGUE – When we truly struggle we win We are struggling to save the democracy in these United States of America that was forged over 250 years Our democracy is in a great stranglehold but I believe it will survive because so many are struggling to win and save it Strangling Democracy

EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is space debris and can we reduce or eliminate it? –H B , Troy, NY

lisions may cause irreparable damage to satellites, technological systems that support GPS and weather forecasting

One major consideration in space debris is the “Kessler Syndrome” risk that describes the cascading effects of the debris as one collision creates multiple fragments that further collide and create more debris

(as depicted here in this NASA-

Space debris, which makes up the majority of objects orbiting around

of defunct man-made objects, including satellites, spent rocket stages & other fragments Credit: NASA Orbital Debris Program Office, Public Domain

Space debris also known as space junk consists of defunct man-made objects that orbit Earth, including satellites, spent rocket stages and other various fragments from collisions According to the European Space Agency, space surveillance networks are currently tracking approximately 40 000 objects orbiting Earth, only 11,000 of which are active “payloads” (still functioning satellites and other equipment), with the rest classified as space debris

However the actual amount of space debris could be over 1 2 million objects more than one centimeter in length and capable of causing catastrophic damage on impact Lack of proper regulation and surveillance of space debris has exacerbated conversation around the threat posed to life on Earth In 2021, one of the International Space Station s (ISS) robotic arms was punctured by a piece of space debris As space debris is projected to exponentially increase in the next decade, future col-

Consider the 2009 collision between the Iridium satellite and Cosmos satellite: some 2 000 fragments created still orbit Earth today and pose significant risks to outer space systems While most of the 200-400 large pieces of debris that reenter Earth s atmosphere annually burn up, five to 10 percent survive

Recently numerous policies have been established to mitigate the effects of space debris, including the United Nations’ 25-year deorbit rule which recommends that spacecraft orbital stages in Low Earth

Orbit (LEO) be removed from orbit within 25 years after the end of their operational life However the global de-escalation effort is infinitely more convoluted than simply ridding of space debris Professor of Astronautics and Head of the Astronautics Research Group at the University of Southampton Hugh Lewis stated in an interview that [Space debris] is not just a technical problem we have to solve, but a social one as well ” in regards to the race between countries governments and corporations to use space Though national competition for space may be inevitable, it is imperative that countries and governments work together for the best interest of our planet and strategize the use of space among one another Space is a common resource, yet its pollution and befouling risks astronaut safety climate security and more To reduce space

GCCC scholar s connect with 8th g r ader s

debris, we must support stricter regulations and advocate for cleanup technologies from corporations and the private sector CONTACTS: Space Debris by the Numbers, HYP E R L I N K "https://www esa int/Space Safety/Space

Greene County Career Center students visited Robert Brown Middle School to connect with 8th grade students and showcase the exciting programs offered at the Career Center Student representatives from each program shared information, experiences, and opportunities available to help future students explore pathways that align with their interests and career goals Program areas include Business Administration, Cosmetology, Health Science, Marketing, Welding and JAG

We are proud of our students for stepping into leadership roles and helping inspire the next generation of CTE learners!

DOJ

pulled in $88 million more abroad for a worldwide gross of $368 million Coogler and Jordan are frequent collaborators dating to Coogler ’s feature debut “Fruitvale Station ” in 2013 Jordan starred in Coogler s Creed, a reboot of the Rocky franchise, and he played a key supporting role in Coogler s culture-conquering Marvel epic, “Black Panther ”

Coogler received nominations for best director and best screenplay Michael B Jordan, who stars in a dual role as twin brothers who open up a “juke joint” in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1930s nabbed a best lead actor nod Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku are up for their supporting performances

The film was also recognized for achievement in cinematography visual effects sound production design editing casting costume design song score and makeup and hairstyling (The casting category is new ) In a joint statement, Coogler and his co-producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian said they were “deeply grateful to be recognized by our peers and alongside so many artists we admire

What has meant just as much is the way 'Sinners' has connected with audiences around the world, the response has been truly humbling,” they said “This film exists because of the extraordinary collective effort of artists and collaborators who gave everything to the work

Sinners was widely expected to dominate the list of nominees after it impressed critics and dazzled audiences It was last year ’s seventh-highest-grossing title at the North American box office raking in nearly $280 million It

SAVE Act

Federal law already requires voters to attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury and election experts have consistently found that noncitizen voting is extremely rare Democrats argue the measure could disenfranchise eligible voters noting that millions of Americans do not have ready access to citizenship documents and that nearly half of Americans do not hold a valid passport The bill would also require states to share voter registration data with the Department of Homeland Security to verify citizenship a provision that has raised privacy concerns among election officials

“Let me be clear what this is about: It’s about Republicans trying to rig the next election Rep Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, said during a hearing ahead of the floor vote, per the AP “Republicans are pushing the Save America Act because they want fewer Americans to vote It s that simple

The bill now heads to the Senate where it faces significant hurdles It would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and several Republican senators including Sen Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have expressed opposition, citing concerns about federal overreach into state-run elections President Donald Trump has publicly backed the legislation, continuing to push claims about election integrity despite no widespread evidence of fraud

Its future in the Senate remains uncertain

The legislation lands amid President Trump s continued calls to “nationalize” elections a move many legal scholars say would conflict with the Constitution s delegation of election oversight to the states If the bill were to clear the Senate, it could significantly alter voter registration processes just months before voters head to the polls

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences the voting body behind the Oscars traditionally shies away from recognizing horror films, but that appears to be changing “The Substance,” a gross-out body-horror satire starring Demi Moore, landed a best picture nomination last year “Sinners” continues the trend

In this year s best picture race Sinners and One Battle face off against eight other titles: Bugonia, F1, “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent ” “Sentimental Value” and “Train Dreams ” Sinner s

Jesse Jackson

As NewsOne previously reported, Jackson, who had been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition with no known cure, was hospitalized last November and released later the same month In 2017 Jackson publicly shared that he was living with Parkinson s disease He received the updated diagnosis of PSP in April of 2025

The Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration explained that PSP which can resemble symptoms found in Parkinson s disease, is associated with a decline in motor functioning and can impact coordination and movement of the mouth, tongue, and throat

After his 2017 diagnosis Jackson shared that he and his family were adjusting to their new normal and that he was undergoing various lifestyle changes including physical therapy, in an effort to slow the disease’s progression At the time, he said symptoms were present for about three years but he ignored the signs until he couldn’t ignore them anymore Jackson s father had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Jackson has been a political fixture for over 60 years, organizing at the forefront of racial and economic justice As previously reported by NewsOne, Jackson got his start as a student organizer at North Carolina A&T Following in the footsteps of the Greensboro four who led a sit-in at a Woolworth s lunch counter Jackson led a sit-in during the summer of 1960 to desegregate the Greenville County Public Library in South Carolina, where he grew up He also organized “wade-ins” at all white pools and “watch-ins” at segregated movie theaters

His experience with student organizing launched his civil rights career, putting him in the orbit of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Jackson evolved into a national figure at the side of the legendary leader Six years after leading the Greenville sit-in Jackson was named the first Chicago director of Operation Bread Basket, a program of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) led by King Jackson became the national director a year later

Jackson s work with Operation Breadbasket served as the foundation for Operation PUSH, a Black-led economic and political empowerment organization founded in 1971 In the wake of his first presidential bid in 1984, Jackson formed the National Rainbow Coalition He moved to unite progressives across race and class in a “coalition of conscience The two organizations merged in 1996 to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition

In addition to his civil rights work, Jackson is remembered for his bold presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 He taught a generation the importance of hope in the face of adversity and building collective power

The lawmakers urged military service members and intelligence community personnel to defy illegal orders in a joint video statement released in November The video followed the Trump administration’s decision to carry out deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean

“We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now, Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens like us You all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution the lawmakers said in the video President Trump called the video SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” in a post on Truth Social He later suggested the lawmakers should be prosecuted removed from office imprisoned and even killed The video featured Democratic legislators with military and intelligence backgrounds, including Sens Elissa Slotkin (Mich ) and Mark Kelly (Ariz ) and Reps Jason Crow (Colo ) Chrissy Houlahan (Pa ) Chris Deluzio (Penn ) and Maggie Goodlander (N H )

The FBI had previously requested interviews with all six members of Congress, and the lawmakers said in January that they were under investigation by the Justice Department The Times reported that federal prosecutors were seeking to indict lawmakers for breaching a law forbidding interfering with the U S military’s loyalty, morale or discipline

The Hill has reached out to the U S attorney’s office for comment

Several lawmakers responded to the news on the social platform X late Tuesday night Slotkin, a former CIA analyst confirmed she was named in the federal indictment Today it was a grand jury of anonymous American citizens who upheld the rule of law and determined this case should not proceed,” Slotkin said “Hopefully, this ends this politicized investigation for good

But today wasn t just an embarrassing day for the Administration, she continued It was another sad day for our country Because whether or not Pirro succeeded is not the point It’s that President Trump continues to weaponize our justice system against his perceived enemies Deluzio similarly condemned the Trump administration s attempts to charge him and his fellow lawmakers “I will not be intimidated for a single second by the Trump Administration or Justice Department lawyers who tried and failed to indict me today he said American citizens on a grand jury refused to go along with this attempt to charge me with a crime for stating the law in a way Trump and his enablers didn’t like They may want Americans to be afraid to speak out or to disagree but patriotism demands courage in this moment DON T GIVE UP THE SHIP! Kelly called the indictment an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackies ” “It wasn’t enough for Pete Hegseth to censure me and threaten to demote me now it appears they tried to have me charged with a crime all because of something I said that they didn t like,” he wrote “That’s not the way things work in America Donald Trump wants every American to be too scared to speak out against him The most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down Crow on Wednesday night also confirmed the indictment “Donald Trump’s DOJ just tried and failed to indict me in front of a grand jury he said in a statement Americans should be furious that Trump and his goons tried to weaponize our justice system again against his political opponents His attempts to intimidate and silence us will always fail ”

“We will continue to fight back against their rising tyranny along with all Americans of good conscience Courage is contagious, he added

STATE OF ALABAMA

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE

COUNTY OF GREENE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made under the terms of that certain mortgage executed by Gentrell C Eatman a single man; Cedric Eatman, a single man; and Timothy Eatman, a single man, on the 17th day of November 2021 to Merchants and Farmers Bank of Greene County which said mortgage is recorded in the Probate Office of Greene County Alabama in Mortgage Book 90, at Page 605, and by reason of such default, having declared all of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing notice is hereby given that acting under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, Merchants and Farmers Bank of Greene County will sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder, before the main entrance of the Courthouse in the City of Eutaw Greene County Alabama at noon or otherwise during the legal hours of sale on March 5, 2026, the following described real estate situated in Greene County, Alabama, to-wit:

Parcel One:

Lots 8 and 9 Block A as shown and designated on

the map or plat of Charles Village, which said map or plat is of record in the Probate Office of Greene County, Alabama, in Map Book No 1, page 63; reference to said map or plat being here made for a more particular description of said property

Paracel Two: A parcel of land located in the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 9, Township 21 North, Range 2 East, Greene County Alabama being more particularly described as follows:

Commence at a 1” iron pipe found and accepted as the southeast corner of the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of said Section 9; thence run S 8541’00” W along the south line of said SE ¼ of the NE ¼ for 1012 68 feet to a 1/2” iron pipe found lying on the east right-ofway of US Highway #43; thence run N 1901 51 E along said east right-ofway for 205 22 feet to a ½” rebar marking the Point of Beginning; thence continue N 1001 51 E along said right-of-way for 269 86 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence run S 7851’43” E for 180 00 feet to a 1/2 rebar; thence run S 190 01 51 W for 217 61 feet to a ½” rebar bar; thence run S 85’41’00” W for 194 20 feet to the Point of Beginning Said parcel contains 1 00 acre, more or less The above described property being part of the property

This announcement reflects The University of Alabama’s commitment to all 67 counties of Alabama ” UA President Peter J Mohler said Every community in our state rural and urban depends on a strong stable nursing workforce This expansion is possible because of our deep partnerships with our public leaders across Alabama who share our vision for improving health outcomes and strengthening the future of our state ” A College on the Rise

Since 2023, Capstone College of Nursing has seen a 55% increase in enrollment across graduate programs and a 25% increase across bachelor ’s programs The College currently enrolls 1 704 students in undergraduate and graduate clinical courses Under the new expansion plan Capstone College of Nursing will grow to a total enrollment of

3,436 by 2030, effectively doubling the number of practice ready nurses graduating from UA We re proud of our graduates and the exemplary programs that prepare them to make a difference in health care ” said Dr Julie Sanford, dean of the Capstone College of Nursing “This bold vision for enrollment growth is essential to addressing Alabama s pressing workforce shortage and will transform health care in our state ”

Commitment to Statewide Success

According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, the Capstone College of Nursing boasts a 99 6% National Council Licensure Examination pass rate among its 2025 graduates, far exceeding national averages To support growth while maintaining student success UA will add new faculty positions, expand

described in the deed from Bennie Alford to Gene Eatman and Shirley Eatmon dated October 24 1981 and recorded in Deed Book 94, page 510

For informational purposes only the street address for the above referenced property is believed to be: 205 Elm Street and 1695 US Hwy 43, Eutaw, AL 35462, which is not a part of the legal description and in the event of any discrepancy the legal description described in this notice shall control Together with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging and all fixtures now attached to and used in connection with the premises herein described

Said sale will be subject to the right of way easements and restrictions of record in the Probate Office of Greene County Alabama, outstanding property taxes, and existing special assessments, if any which might adversely affect the title to subject property

Said property will be sold on an “As Is, Where Is” basis without warranty or recourse express or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment Neither the mortgagee nor the officers directors attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any

simulation and clinical training facilities and increase clinical partnerships across the state In-state recruitment for the College will also expand The UA System Board of Trustees recently approved plans for a physical expansion of the College to aid in student and faculty growth The expansion will renovate more than 31 000 square feet of existing space and add 50,100 more It includes research space classrooms state-ofthe-science simulation labs, offices and other support services to develop future nurses

Current plans also include a pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard connecting the College with DCH Regional Medical Center where many students earn valuable clinical experiences

UA will also work with UAB Health System to increase the number of clinical placement opportunities for UA students

This initiative reflects the strength of The University of Alabama System and our commitment to improving the lives of Alabamians, UA System Chancellor Sid Trant said “This partnership between UA’s Capstone College of Nursing and UAB Medicine, home to one of the

physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in on at or relating to the property offered for sale Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Ala ( 1975) §35-4-271, are expressly disclaimed Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process

Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the above described mortgage and the proceeds thereof will be applied as provided by the terms of said mortgage The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $5 000 00 in certified funds made payable to Reynolds, Reynolds & Little, LLC at the time and place of the sale The balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified funds or by wire transfer by 5:00 p m the next business day at the Law Office of Reynolds, Reynolds & Little, LLC at the address indicated below unless prior to said sale Reynolds

nation’s leading academic medical centers expands opportunities for students and addresses a critical workforce shortage with a unified and strategic approach that will benefit the entire state

UAB Health System

Chief Nursing Executive Terri Poe says this model for clinical placements is already proven We have seen for many years how the clinical placements of UAB School of Nursing students and graduates benefit UAB Medicine, the students and our patients, as well as communities across the state Poe said With the nursing shortage we are facing, bringing in more students to work and learn alongside some of the best healthcare professionals in the state will increase those mutually beneficial outcomes ”

While Alabama is in the midst of a roughly 20% nurse vacancy in hospitals across the state, according to the Alabama Hospital Association Capstone College of Nursing plans to lead the charge in supplying highly qualified and compassionate nurses to the state s workforce

More information on UA’s Capstone College of Nursing is available at nursing ua edu

Reynolds & Little, LLC has agreed to a later date or closing location The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate

The failure of any high bidder to pay the purchase price and close this sale shall, at the option of Mortgagee, be cause for rejection of the bid, and if the bid is rejected Mortgagee shall have the option of making the sale to the next highest bidder who is able, capable and willing to comply with the terms thereof

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation Merchants and Farmers Bank of Greene County as Mortgagee Ryan R Hendley R E Y N O L D S ,

GCCC scholar s completes Customer Ser vice La b

Congratulations to Cosmetology students Amari Brown, Jasmine Means, and Alejah Smith for successfully completing their Customer Service Lab via the Skills for Success training program in partnership with Wallace Community College Selma This credential equips students with essential skills for entry-level, customer-facing careers, focusing on professionalism, communication, and providing high-quality service before, during, and after a sale Students also learned strategies to create positive customer experiences and continuous improvement in the workplace We are proud of our students for continuing to build real-world skills that prepare them for college and career success

Wallace Community Colle ge r epr esentatives visits GCHS

February 11, 2026 representatives from Wallace Community College – Demopolis Campus visited Greene County High School to speak with our students about the many opportunities available through Wallace We are especially appreciative to Ms Torneshia Williams and Mrs Brandi Dannelly for taking the time to share valuable information, encourage our students, and help them explore their next steps after graduation We are grateful for this continued partnership

Greene County Career Center ’s Counselor, Ms Holder, and Career Coach, Mrs Little, worked with 8th graders at Robert Brown Middle School to complete 4-Year Plans, which are personalized roadmaps that help students plan classes and pathways from 9th–12th grade based on their interests, goals, and graduation requirements These plans help students stay on track and prepare for college and careers

RBMS pr oudl y celebr ates our incr

Thank you for the amazing work you do to support our scholars and staff every single day Your dedication, compassion, and commitment make a difference across our campus You are truly amazing

Bridge Cr ossing

This year s Unity Breakfast Award Recipients are Attorney Fred Gray Rev Dr Bernard Lafayette and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Attorney Gray is the Martin & Coretta King National Lifetime Freedom & Justice Award recipient; Rev Dr Lafayette is the Martin & Coretta King International Lifetime Peace & Justice Award recipient; and Attorney General Ellison is the Martin & Coretta King National Unity Award recipient Speakers at the breakfast include governors and other national leaders who are considered 2028 presidential contenders We are in the process of working out the final details with these leaders some of whose names will be announced next week Attorney General Ellison will also be speaking as will New York Attorney General Letitia James They are coming to the Jubilee with other Attorney Generals from across the nation The official Bridge Crossing Jubilee has dozens of events almost all of which are free to the public At the Jubilee, there is something for everyone from the very young to the very senior! It is a pilgrimage that many make every year from across the country and around the world Contact: Hank Sanders (334) 7821651/hank23sanders@gma il com & Faya Rose Toure at (334) 349-4494

Thoughts to Ponder

We could learn a lot from crayons Some are sharp some are pretty some are dull some have weird names and all are difference colors But they all live in the same box If not for stress, some days I d have no energy at all Everyone has a photgraph memory Some just don’t have film If you can’t be kind at least be vague If the shoe fit, buy it in every color - Glen Hichock

Legal Notices

Office of the Greene County Probate

Case No 2025-017

Estate of the Charles E Hardy

Deceased

Notice of service by publication to the following heirs of Charles E Hardy: Earnestine Hardy and Carla Hardy, non-residents of Alabama, And to any unknown heirs incompetents and minors

The Petition of G Stephen Wiggins for Letters of Administration of the estate of Charles E Hardy, having been filed with the Probate Court of Greene County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that said matter will be heard on the 19th day of February, 2026, at 12:00 p m

G Stephen Wiggins Capell & Howard PC 1490 Northbank Parkway, Suite 226 Tuscaloosa AL 35406

3tcg 2/4, 2/12, 2/19

Notice of Completion

PED Services hereby gives notice of completion of contract with Greene County Water and Sewer Authority for the construction of Project No 17-178 Greene County Water Improvements Project- Office Building This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 02/04/2026 and ending on 02/25/2026 All claims should be filed at Sentell Engineering 639 Black Bears Way, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 during this period

3tcg 2/4 2/12 19

Legal Notice In the Probate Court of Greene County Alabama the Estate of Ben Yeager, Deceased Notice Of Appointment of Personal Representative Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to George M Yeager on February 2 2026 by the Hon Rolonda M Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County,

A merry heart make a cheerful countenance

Happy birthday to Shakori Vasser JaDerrian Holman, Temple Hunter, Althenia U Spencer, Paisley Smoot, Kourtlyn Washington, Alicia Means, Rickey E Means, Clarence Bluesman Davis, Kim

Morrissette Everlyn Isaac

Clairnell Winn Robinson

Velma Robinson Nicole Hodges Paulk Corey Morton, Famechia Starks, George Garrison, DeAnthony C Johnson, Donald Falls, Reginald Hill,

---Le gal Notices---

Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to presented same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred

Mark A Scogin Espy, Scogin, Cain and Hamby, P C P O Box 2786 Tuscaloosa Al 35403 3tcg 2/4, 12, 19

Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No N H - H S I P - F M G R0013(647) GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation at the office of the Alabama Department of Transportation Montgomery Alabama until 10:00 AM on February 27, 2026 and at that time publicly opened for constructing the Safety Widening Micro-Milling Resurfacing (Scrub Seal), Guardrail Installation, and Traffic Stripe on SR-13 (US-43) from a point 1 860 miles north of the junction of CR-42 to the South City Limits of Eutaw Length 8 910 mi

The total amount of uncompleted work under contract to a contractor must not exceed the amount of his or her qualification certificate

The Entire Project Shall Be Completed In Seventyfive (75) Working Days A Bidding Proposal may be purchased for $5 00 Plans may be purchased for $13 00 per set Plans and Proposals are available at the Alabama Department of Transportation, 1409 Coliseum Boulevard, Room E-108 Montgomery AL 36110 Checks should be made payable to the Alabama Department of Transportation Plans and Proposals will be mailed only upon receipt of remittance No refunds will be made

Minimum wage rates for this project have been predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised specifications This project is subject to the contract work hours and Safety

Johnny Coleman Jr , Samiel D Winn Morgen

Perry Ciara Washington

Mariah Mathis Catherine Green Gregory Walker

Andrew Smith Jr , Lester Burrell, Blue Scarbrough and Jalyon Davis

Sometimes you have to stand up and fight what your believe in An sometimes it takes even more courage to stay put To hold your ground and refuse to be bullied It doesn’t change the bully But it came change you ”

Standards Act and its implementing regulations

Cashier's check or bid bond for 5% of bid (maximum - $50,000 00) made payable to the Alabama Department of Transportation must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith

The bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project's complexity and size This Bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract

The Bracket Estimate On This Project Is From $4,233,872 To $5,174,733

The proposed work shall be performed in conformity with the rules and regulations for carrying out the Federal Highway Act Plans and Specifications are on file in Room E-108 of the Alabama Department of Transportation at Montgomery Alabama 36110

In accordance with the rules and regulations of The Alabama Department of Transportation proposals will be issued only to prequalified contractors or their authorized representatives upon requests that are received before 10 AM , on the day previous to the day of opening of bids

The bidder's proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished him or her by the Alabama Department of Transportation

The Alabama Department of Transportation, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat 252, 42 U S C 2000D TO 2000D-4 and Title 49 code of Federal Regulations Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of The Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement,

minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion sex or national origin in consideration for an award

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved

JOHN R COOPER

Transportation Director

3tcg 2/11, 18, 25

Legal Notice

Notice is hereby given to Ericka, S Hendrix that the contents of unit # 35 will be sold to the highest bidder at 8:00 a m on March 6, 2026 at Carwash Storgage located at 340 Greensboro Street Eutaw Alabama

Carwash Storage

P o Box 246

Eutaw, Al 35462

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Legal Notice

ESTATE OF § IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR CLIFTON L LOONEY, § DECEASED § GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Letters testamentary under the last will and testament of Clifton L Looney, deceased, having been granted to John Robinson Gray and Hallie G Bauer as Co-Executors on the 21st day of January 2026 by the Judge of the Probate Court of Greene County Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against the estate of Clifton L Looney are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred

John Robinson Gray and Hallie G Bauer

TANNER & GUIN, LLC

Attorneys for Co-Executors

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Sagewood Apartments

940 West End Street Apartment #1B Eutaw Alabama On Site Management and Maintenance Spacious 2 bedroom units Energy Efficient Rental Assistance For more information Call 205-372-4947 Monday - Friday 8 a m - 4 p m TDD 1-800-548-2547 (V)

Rollingwood Apartment

750 West End Street Apartment #101 Eutaw Alabama

1,2, & 3 Bedroom Units On Site Management & Maintenance Rental Assistance For more information call 205-372-0860 TDD 1-800-548-2547(V) 1-800-548-2546 (T/A) For The Deaf & Hearing Impaired Only The institution is an equal opportunity provider

This institution is an equal opportunity provider Elmwood Manor Apartments 1156 West End Street #100 Eutaw, AL 1 & 2 Bedroom Units Onsite Maintenance Rental Assistance Features include: community room laundry room

Apply on site at rental office or call For more information 205-372-4400

TDD 1-800-548-2574(V) 1-800-548-2546 (T/A) This institution is an equal opportunity provider

$25 Greene County Residents

$30 Alabama Residents

$35 Out-of-State Residents

Ala-SCAN Central SERVICES

APPLIANCE RE-

PAIR: 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

B E A U T I F U L

BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at A F F O R D A B L E PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Call Now! 1-833-770-0326

SELLING a RV

Tractor or Golf Cart?

A D V E R T I S E 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 AlaSCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

WATER DAMAGE

CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home's value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried Call 24/7: 1-

833-879-1371 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

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: 1-877-3857131

Consumer Cellularthe 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 1-844-358-5270

HEALTH/BEAUTY

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators FREE information kit Call 1-833-650-7885

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed CALL NOW: 1-833-6416606

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 - 8 7 7 - 8 1 7 - 4 6 9 7 www dental50plus co m/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! 1-833-641-6672

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 noclog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty Call today 1833-683-2005 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 1-877323-5516 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 mul-

BOLIGEE ELECTRICAL

OVER 16 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

“CALL US FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS” Store Hours

8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL 215 Boligee Street Eutaw, AL 35462 CELL: 205-496-6019 Email : BoligeeElectric@bellsouth net

JOSHUA J SWORDS

Attorney at Law

Tuscaloosa County Office Greene County Office

600 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd , S Oliver Scott House Courthouse Plaza, Suite 120 329 Prairie Ave Tuscaloosa AL 35401 Eutaw Al 35462

JSwords@Swordslaw com Phone: 205-409-0673

Facsimile: 205-409-0672 Tuscaloosa, Al 35401

tiple 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: 1-833-955-3163

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 1-877-724-3049 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

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church Pleasant Ridge is in search of a MUSICIAN. 1st and 3rd Sunday Contact Dec Floyzelle at 205-496-2910 or 205-372-5821

ACCIDENTS & INJURIES AUTO & TRUCK ACCIDENTS, WRONGFUL DEATH, SLIP & FALL Office-205-933-7533 Cell – 205-901-6129

“I like Big Bucks and I cannot lie” 24 HOUR SERVICE –FREE CONSULTATION OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE FRANK S BUCK P C ATTORNEY 2160 14TH Ave South BIRMINGHAM AL 35255