Greene County Democrat - March 25, 2026

‘No Kings’ protests set to become largest in

By NewsOne

US

History

A new wave of nationwide demonstrations is set to take place this weekend, as organizers behind the “No Kings” movement prepare what they say could become the largest protest in American history

With thousands of events already planned across the country, No Kings’ mobilization reflects growing public concern over the current political climate and the direction of U S democracy On Saturday March 28 the organizers are set to host what might be the largest protest in this country s history

See No Kings, p. 6

Alabama governor commutes death sentence of man who didn't kill anyone

By Abigail Brooks, Dan Slepian and Jackie Montalvo, NBC News

Charles “Sonny” Burton in wheelchair

Alabama Gov Kay Ivey commuted on Tuesday, March 10, the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton to life without parole, saying his execution, which was set for Thursday would be "unjust " In 1991 Burton was one of six men involved in the robbery of an AutoZone store in Talladega that ended with the murder of a customer, Doug Battle; Burton did not pull the trigger in the killing

See Charles “Sonny “ Burton, p 6

Trump says mail-in voting is ‘corrupt.’ The president voted by mail just days ago

the Grio

By: Gerben Kieth Gaynor,

President Trump next to mail-in voting ballot box

President Donald Trump has repeatedly denounced the practice of mail-in voting, calling it “corrupt” and a form of “cheating” in elections As recently as Monday the president characterized mail-in voting as mail-in cheating

However, a Washington Post report reveals that despite Trump’s pronouncements against mail-in voting the president recently voted by mail in Tuesday’s special election in Palm Beach, Florida

See Mail In Voting, p 6

Student Loans will now be handled by the US Treasury

By Zack Lindly, NewsOne

Graphic of student loans

Besides being anti-immigrant anti-diversity and inherently anti-science, the Trump administration has shown time and time again that it is anti-education because a populace that learns things leaves fewer of the “poorly educated” voter who President Donald Trump said he loves so much

See Student Loan, p 6

Eutaw City Council meets to a ppr ove paying bills and announces up-coming events

The Eutaw City Council met for its second regular meeting of the month, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 All members of the Council were present: Valerie Watkins (District 1), Jonathan Woodruff (District 2) Tracey Hunter (District 3) Lorenzo French (District 4) and Carrie Logan (District 5) Mayor Corey Cockrell, presided at the meeting assisted by City Clerk SheKelvia Spencer, Administrative Assistant, Joe Powell, Legal Counsel, Zane Willingham and Kendrick Howell, Chief of Police

There were only two items of business on the official agenda The Council approved both The first was payment of $75 00 dues for 2026 to the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce The second was to pay monthly bills for the City of Eutaw

Mayor Cockrell gave a report of his activities on behalf of the city and plans for future events He said the city was planning a clean-up day for Saturday April 11, 2026, to clean-up litter on the streets and roadways especially around city facilities as City Hall, Branch Heights Community Center, Robert H Young Community Center and others There will be a cook-out at City Hall to provide lunch for those who volunteer as part of the clean-up effort The Mayor called attention to a financial report, compiled by James Lewis, the city’s financial advisor The report is a revenue and expense statement for the City s General Fund for the first five months of the fiscal year ending February 28 2026

See City Council, p 9

Str engthening Families One Week at a Time

Tuesday night marked the beginning of Greene County’s Strengthening Families spring session at Branch Heights Activity Center The 14-week program aims to strengthen parenting skills and provide behavioral intervention for children and teens Program coordinator Mrs Mildred J Morgan wel-

comed students and parents with a lovely barbecue sandwich dinner and an overview of the program Attendees were split into three separate classrooms: children, youth, and parents Each classroom held introductions and an agebased topic for the group Daisy Hutton, teacher leader for ages 5 to 11

families program

highlighted the program s impact for curbing challenging and dangerous behaviors She stated that the Honorable Lillie Jones-Osborne asked her to join the program 10 years ago to volunteer as a teacher for the children s class Hutton commented that Judge Osbourne would order families to attend the program as a disciplinary intervention “This program is about keeping the kids away from alcohol tobacco, and drugs It s about teaching them to respect authority,” Hutton stated See Strenghtening Families, p 2

Old But Gold: Stillman Recognizes James Joseph and alumni’s contributions to

Movement

This March, Stillman College's Civil Rights History Project supporters and coordinators hosted a luncheon to honor the legacy of James Joseph and alumni who made instrumental contributions to the civil rights movement of the 1960's The alumni mentioned and in attendance exemplified Stillman's commitment to serving their community by producing exemplary leaders

The program began with an introduction from Gordon Govens, associate professor and executive director of Social Justice Initiatives He informed attendees that the Civil Rights History Project aims to create a gallery to honor approximately 350 Stillman students who participated in the movement

This is life-defining work," Govens stated before he detailed the need to expand the gallery to display the photos of every alumnus involved Current Stillman students are researching records previously withheld from the public and oral stories Govens and students hope to raise $150 000 for expansion and to continue the project, as older records and footage are in desperate need of restoration Sara Smith the first white student at Stillman College and organizer of the Civil Rights History Tour 2026 humbly acknowledged everyone in attendance I was just here one semester it was so powerful to me, Susan stated as she recounted how the opportunity to march alongside black students changed her life

Following the welcome, keynote speaker Susan Taylor Batten President

and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities took to the podium She began by acknowledging former faculty member and U S Ambassador to South Africa James Joseph as a "giant of a man " Joseph helped initiate the local civil rights movement with the help of Stillman students Joseph organized marches to protest segregation at the city hall from 1963 to 1964 After having his life threatened and surviving a beating by Ku Klux Klan members and state troopers, Joseph pursued a career that "changed the trajectory of philanthropy in this country, originally the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) with a group of Black professionals

See Stillman, p 2

Str engthening Families

Carol’s Notes

Palm Sunday

The criers sang that the peacemaker was coming Many rushed to lay palm branches at his feet and toss rose petals kissed in the air The garments of bowed heads swept the ground in his path. Picture this scene today:

A long haired man in plain robe and sandal feet rides into town on a donkey Townspeople curiously stare as children’s eyes laugh behind hands Bolder youth tease in slang Taunting the donkey with slaps and kicks. Pointing daring fingers at the silent

humbled figure. So long ago the gathering crowd called him King He proclaimed it but could not claim it Destiny reserved for him a crown of pain and agony Picture this scene today: With spirited eyes and hopeful cheers many call him leader. They raise him for his goodness and vision then they kill him The peacemaker rode in on a carpet of palm branches and rose petals He rode to his death He rode to his glory He rode to someone ’ s salvation

The criers sang.

Carol Prejean Zippert

-Announcement-

The Greene County Missionary Baptist District Association 2026 Joint Board Session will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 A M , at the Greene County Baptist District Christian Center, located on Finches Ferry Road in Eutaw, Alabama Rev Cedric D Royal, Moderator

The youth class for middle school children and teens was led by Geraldine Walton former program director for West Alabama Headstart from 1998 to 2012 Walton learned about the strengthening families program in 2022 I love meeting the students and hearing about their lives,” Walton commented She led the teens in a discussion about their dreams and how to set goals Next week students will discuss

Stillman

The group promoted effective and responsible philanthropy by establishing pipelines and pathways into careers for Black communities who would otherwise be denied opportunities Batten stated in her speech that Joseph knew the ABFE had a responsibility to lead and inspire others Today the ABFE continues to provide healing, hope, and reconciliation for those in economically disadvantaged populations Historically black col-

March 28- Mt Zoar Missionary Baptist Church Boligee AL will host a Love Program for Minsiter Gloria Cullbert at 5:00 p m Sponsored by the Missionary Gospel Singer For more information contact Bro Eddie Pippen 205-301-0330, Bro James Crawford 205-500-3649 Sis Jerdina Grays 205346-3926 or Rev Edward Culbert at 205-609-8520

March 29- The Pine Grove Baptist Church of Eutaw, AL, Fifth Sunday Worship Services will start at 11:00 am Rev Tyrone Thomas of Morning Star Baptist Church of Livingston, AL will bring the morning message Everyone is invited worship with us Rev Derrick Wright Pastor Deacon William Knox Chairman

one step they can take to fulfill their visions Mrs Morgan led the parent classroom meeting She emphasized that all discussions from the parent class will remain confidential and equip parents with tools to reinforce positive behaviors She also stated that the space would be like a therapy session to assist with stress management Parents were encouraged to hold weekly family meetings so every-

leges (HBCUs) like Stillman developed teachers, lawyers clergy and leaders who shaped the civil rights movement HBCUs provide a haven for black students with ideals rooted in equity for others "When you go to Stillman, you can do anything, alumnus Terrence Brown began in closing "Everything I learned about people and leadership, I learned here Brown is currently the Director of the 16th Street Baptist Church and Visitor Center, a multipurpose fa-

one could voice concerns and plan for the week ahead The program will meet every Tuesday at 5:00 pm, serving dinner and new topics of discussion Upon completion of the program a ceremony will be held for parents and students on June 20th, 2026 Mrs Morgan encourages families to come out each week with potential door prizes underway

cility set to open in 2027, in Birmingham The colors of Stillman College are navy blue and Vegas gold, chosen to represent stability, tradition, excellence prestige and high standards As the only four-year HBCU in West Alabama, these colors adequately represent a university that prepares students to excel at uplifting their communities It is clear that time spent at Stillman and networking with its alumni can ultimately change one s trajectory

Commemoration Program Honoring The Memory of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr

January 15, 1929- April 4, 1968

Rev Jesse Jackson, Ms JoAnne Bland & Dr Bernard Lafayette Local Civil Rights Leaders; Rev William Branch, Mrs Rosie Carpenter, Rev Thomas Gilmore

Sunday, April 5, 2026 4:00 P M W M Branch Courthosue, Eutaw, AL

Join us meet, Greet and Hear Invited Guests: Sen Bobbie Singleton, Rep Curtis Travis & Rep Artis McCampbell

Join us for Music, Praise and Fellowship

Sponsored by Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Muesum

Movement Inc Black Belt Law Group John Stamp III

Greene County Elected Officials For More information please call Spiver W Gordon at 205-372-3446

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

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

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Don’t

Eutaw Primar y School celebr ates

Read

Acr oss America Week

Eutaw Primary School had a fantastic time celebrating Read Across America Week! The Peer Helpers did an excellent job greeting and escorting each of the readers! A huge thank you goes to each of the volunteer readers

Gr and Jur y indicts seven, Sherif f Depar tment ar r ests two

According to Greene County Clerk, Veronica Morton - Jones, the Grand Jury of Greene County, Alabama went in session on March 9 2025 and March 10, 2025

There were various criminal charges against various defendant and return herewith 22 true bills, some of which were multiple count indictments resulting in 20 felonies 2 misdemeanors and 0 violations There were 22 cases continued most of which being drug cases continued because there were no certificates of analysis from the department of forensic sciences There were 3 no bill returned We also would like to make following recommendations more comfortable chairs and napkins Pursuant to Alabama Code 14-6-42 the Greene County Sheriff Department has provided the Grand Jury with Documentation verifying that a prisoner Feeding Fund has been set up and is being maintained to the prisoners in the custody of

the Greene County Sheriff Department

Earleen Issac served as foreman, we ask the Court to accept this report and the Indictments returned as followed:

-Julius Gales was indicted for burglary III and criminal mischief II

-Jimmy Williams was indicted for attempted murder, discharged firearms into occupied building and criminal mischief I

-Ro Melviyon Finch was indicted for burglary III

-Jameel Robinson was indicted for unlawful possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and hindering prosecution I

-Perry Maurice Kennedy was indicted for assualt II

-Dyangela Roshunda Petty was indicted for theft of property II

-Eddie Leon Robinson was indicted for discharging firearm into occupied vehicle

-Allen Pelt was indicted for discharging firearm into occupied vehicle

The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following arrests

3/17- Louis Fluker 47 of Eutaw AL was arrested for drug court violation and ordered by the court to serve 2 days

3/19- Darryl Tiller 20 of Eutaw, AL was arrested for shooting into occupied dwelling and discharge gun into unoccupied vehicle

The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following

3/20- Alexis Powell reported harassment

3/21- Irisha Johnson reported theft of property 1st degree Item Stolen: Smith & Wesson 9MM Black in color valued at $550

3/21- Hennyah Gibson reported theft of property 2nd degree Item Stolen: currency in the amount of $2,000

3/21- Jeffery Moore reported an incident

3/22- Nortricia Irby reported theft of lost property 4th degree

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

T he Raymond Austin Memorial Foundation for Rur al Advancement and Development donates to GCHS

Raymond Austin, always had a heart for people and for the Greene County community In his honor, a charitable memorial foundation was set up to give back in meaningful ways Today, the board members of The Raymond Austin Memorial Foundation for Rural Advancement & Development we were blessed to donate $10,000 to the Greene County Health System. It’s one small way we can continue the love, generosity, and impact he showed throughout his life

By Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire com) -

In the more than two-century history of the United States Senate, Black women have been almost entirely absent Today, for the first time, two are serving simultaneously Angela Alsobrooks (MD) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) now occupy seats in a chamber that, for most of its existence, excluded both women and people of color

Fr om Felton to Alsobr ooks: T he uneven rise of women in the U.S. Senate Americans

The Senate began operating in 1789 In more than two centuries roughly 2 000 people have served in that chamber Only about 60 have been women barely three percent and only five have been Black women

Marc Morial, President an CEO, National Urban League

(TriceEdneyWire com) -

The continued slide into authoritarianism is made possible by the twin assaults on our democracy and the pursuit of racial justice In this time of crisis, we need elected officials who stand up against efforts to render us without meaningful participation in the democratic process, have our histories censored from our cultural institutions, and be shorn of the protection of our hardearned civil rights " -Kimberlé Crenshaw

Knowing who to vote for in today s political climate feels like navigating a minefield You hear one thing about a candidate in a campaign ad another at the barbershop or beauty salon, and something different from clips from influencers and podcasters on social media And rarely is any of it aligned or the truth

This has led to Americans turning out to vote but not trusting the process Since 2024, confidence that state or local government will run fair and accurate elections has fallen from 76% to 66% Only 63% of Black Americans and 57% of Latinos are confident More than eight in ten Americans say it is either very likely or likely that political content created by Artificial Intelligence will spread misleading information about the elections

We know that these misinformations target Black voters disproportionately; as do laws like the SAVE Act that is currently holding Congress hostage in another attempt at a power grab from this far-right

O.

regime in Washington

The Urban League movement is prepared to inform our communities and voters no matter what comes our way this November We’ve reactivated our get-out-the-vote campaign, Reclaim Your Vote, and this week launched the America 250: A Guide for Defending Democracy

This guide does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for public office What it does do is help voters filter through candidates by researching where they stand on issues that impact us, like:

● Protecting civil rights and voting rights

● Rejecting racism, discrimination and dehumanization

● Expanding equal opportunity and fair access

It also gives advocates guidance on the type of questions to ask candidates to determine their commitment to defending our Democracy Questions like, “What specific steps, if any will you take to protect every eligible American s right to vote and to have that vote fully counted?” and “Can you give an example of a time when you were willing to follow the Constitution even when it was politically difficult? ” help us know who we’re sending to Washington to fight for our rights

This is not an election we can afford to sit out It’s not an election we can afford to have our priorities conflated with misinformation And we cannot afford to be distracted by lazy attacks on identity, diversity initiatives, and people who align themselves with broken promises and attacks on our Democracy We stand alongside our partners when we say enough is enough And we’re standing beside you as you register to vote and cast your ballots this fall Fighting for our rights and our interests take all of us and arming ourselves with the right information is the best place to start Visit NUL org to learn more about how to use our America 250 guide

The struggle for women s political equality has long carried its own contradictions At the 1913 suffrage parade in Washington, Black women including members of the newly formed Delta Sigma Theta were asked to march at the back of the procession so as not to offend southern white supporters of the movement Many refused to accept that relegation insisting that the fight for women’s political rights must include Black women as well Proud as I am to see Al-

sobrooks (MD) and Blunt Rochester (DE) serving in the Senate, I cannot help reflecting on the complicated lineage they inherit

The first woman ever sworn into the United States Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (GA) who took the oath in 1922 just two years after women won the right to vote nationally Felton was 87 years old and served only one day, appointed largely as a ceremonial gesture before the newly elected senator took office Yet the first woman senator was also a defender of lynching In the 1890s Felton declared that if lynching were necessary to protect white womanhood from what she described as human beasts then it should occur “a thousand times a week ” Her words were spoken during the decade when mob violence against Black Americans was reaching its peak

At the very same moment, journalist and antilynching crusader Ida B Wells was risking her life documenting the truth about mob violence after three of her friends were murdered in Memphis in 1892 for operating a successful Black-owned grocery store that competed with a white merchant Wells s investigation revealed that many lynchings were not responses to crimes at all but acts of terror directed at Black people who were economically successful or unwilling to submit to white dominance She spent decades demanding federal anti-lynching legislation Yet the Senate where Felton would briefly serve blocked such laws

for more than a century fi-

nally passing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in 2022

Nearly a century later a similar contradiction surfaced in Mississippi When Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS) became the first woman elected to the Senate from that state in 2018 the milestone might have been celebrated as uncomplicated progress Instead, her campaign was overshadowed by a remark that she would sit in the front row of a public hanging HydeSmith (MS) had first entered the Senate earlier that year by appointment after Senator Thad Cochran resigned She then faced voters in a special election runoff against former U S agriculture secretary Mike Espy who was seeking to become Mississippi’s first Black senator since Reconstruction Hyde-Smith won the runoff and later secured a full six-year term Hyde-Smith stands in the political lineage of a senator who defended lynching echoing that history when she said she would sit in the front row of a “public hanging ” The parallel is unsettling: the expansion of political opportunity for women has not always coincided with progress on race

That history helps explain why the election of Carol Moseley Braun (IL) in 1992 was so significant

For nearly two centuries after the founding of the Senate, no Black woman had ever served in the chamber Moseley Braun s victory shattered a barrier that had stood since the founding of the republic

A generation later Kamala Harris (CA) followed that path when she was

elected to the Senate in 2016 before becoming vice president of the United States Another Black woman, Laphonza Butler (CA), served briefly after being appointed to fill a vacancy The Senate has diversified in other ways as well Women of color such as Mazie Hirono (HI), Tammy Duckworth (IL), and Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) have joined the chamber in recent years signs that an institution once dominated by white men is slowly beginning to reflect the nation it governs The presence of Alsobrooks (MD) and Blunt Rochester (DE) is therefore both historic and instructive Their election reflects genuine change in an institution that long resisted it At the same time the path that brought them there from Felton’s defense of lynching to the slow emergence of women and people of color in national office reminds us that the expansion of American democracy has rarely been smooth and almost never evenly shared From the Black women who insisted on marching in Washington’s suffrage parade in 1913 to the election of two Black women to the United States Senate, the arc of political inclusion has been long uneven and hard won

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

Most Americans now live at the same ad dr ess

By Ben Jealous

(TriceEdneyWire com)

Recently, I drove from my father ’s birthplace in Biddeford Maine to my mother s birthplace in Petersburg, Virginia Two different towns Two different states Two different regions And yet oddly just different ends of the same sad street

Most Americans now live at the same address: We live where there used to be a factory And when it shut down what shot up was joblessness hopelessness, meth, opioids, homicide and suicide ”

That is not just the story of one town It is the story of a wounded nation

Factories were never just factories They gave whole towns their rhythm They filled lunch pails and church pews They paid the mortgage They kept the corner store open They let a mother or father look a child in the eye and say, “You can make it here ” Then the factory closed

The people did not disappear They stayed They stayed by the same schools, the same porches, the same churches the same graves of the people who raised them They stayed and watched storefronts empty tax bases shrink and hope grow thin Families are burying their too-young dead again and again Meanwhile the pundits who get rich dividing the nation keep working overtime

The suffering caused by deindustrialization does not stop at racial lines, state lines or the old border between North and South It reaches across most of the lines that people on television and social media work so hard to inflame This one stokes racial resentment That one blames immigrants Another turns rural against urban white against Black native-born against newcomer And most Americans suffer for it

Divide and conquer has always been the surest way to blunt the ability of working families to rise together It keeps our votes divided and canceling one another out

Since NAFTA took effect in 1994 the United States has lost well over 65,000 manufacturing plants and factories NAFTA was not the only

reason Automation mattered China mattered Corporate consolidation mattered But NAFTA still stands as a warning bell in our history It reminds us what happens when we confuse what is good for corporate profits with what is good for the country

Communities lose The nation suffers

Most Americans now live at the same address

They live in the places the economy left behind They live where the factory closed the jobs vanished and the pain stayed

But there is a road to a better day

We became a great nation because we planned

We looked ahead We decided what we needed to build what we needed to make what kind of work would support families and what kind of country we wanted to become Then we trained our people built our strength and did the work

We need that spirit again

A nation is not a stock chart

A nation is not a quarterly report

A nation is built on belief belief in each other and belief in our future And in America we believe that if life has knocked you down you deserve a chance to rise again

Most Americans now live at the same address: We live where there used to be a factory And when it shut down what shot up was joblessness hopelessness, meth, opioids, homicide and suicide ” The question is whether we will keep accepting that as normal

Or whether we will choose to love this country, our children and each other enough to make sure we all rise again

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

We need an industrial plan county by county, state by state and for the nation as a whole We need to know what jobs will be needed 10 and 20 years from now, where they should be and how we will prepare our people to do them Our schools are still too often preparing young people for an economy that is already gone They need to do a better job preparing them for the jobs of the future And as artificial intelligence starts doing more of the work people once thought would always need a person, we need to be ready to rethink the future for every worker and every community

Ir an and Ir aq ar e the same war s

By David W Marshall

(TriceEdneyWire com)Jason Dozier, an American hero, represents District 4 on the Atlanta City Council After graduating from Denison University, he joined the U S Army, serving as a reconnaissance officer in Iraq and Afghanistan His service as an Army officer earned him the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star After honorably leaving the Army, Dozier returned to Georgia to help address the challenges facing transitioning military veterans and their spouses As a proud combat veteran, Dozier is speaking out against the current war in Iran

“The lack of a clear strategy or end state only undermines U S credibility globally, Dozier told the Daily Beast As an Iraq War veteran I’ve seen firsthand the costs of conflicts like this and I had hoped those lessons would guide future decisions Unfortunately, that doesn t appear to be the case

Dozier is correct that our leaders have learned little from past mistakes misinformation and miscalculations by those currently occupying the White House, Congress, and Senate According to Department of Defense statistics, the Iraq War killed 4, 492 U S soldiers and injured 32 292 more An estimated 200 000 Iraqi civilians died in what amounted to an “unnecessary” war The Iraq War began in spring 2003, with a U S -led coalition invasion to remove Saddam Hussein Officials in the Bush officials justified the invasion by alleging Iraq possessed “Weapons of Mass Destruction” while actively pursuing nuclear capability The war, presented to the American public as necessary to stop Saddam Hussein, was in fact an unnecessary because no evidence of weapons of mass destruction existed In a joint effort the United States joined forces with Israel to launch an attack against Iran, echoing the flawed reasoning that led to war in Iraq Since the initial assault, thousands of people have died including 13 U S service members Iran has taken steps to block the Strait of Hormuz which is a strategic and vital shipping lane for roughly 20% of global oil Iran, like Iraq 23 years ago, is an unnecessary war where evidence contradicts what the public is being told Trump has continually justified this war by saying Iran was close to producing nuclear weapons and longrange ballistic missiles Experts and his own administration have contradicted the president on this point In an assessment from last year the U S Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said it would actually take nearly a decade for Iran to produce that type of weaponry From Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to false claims of an imminent Iranian threat we now find

ourselves in a situation where past lessons from Iraq are being widely ignored Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, is one notable exception in the Trump administration to speak out In his announcement stating his immediate resignation Kent stated his reason for stepping down was the decision to begin a war against Iran when “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation Kent, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate last year posted his resignation letter on X saying he “cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran ” Kent wrote “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby Kent, as a high-ranking official in the Trump administration had the courage to speak out and expose the truth to the American people despite the consequences President Trump has criticized and threatened America s NATO allies He now wants those same allies to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz “This is not our war we have not started it,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters As Jason Dozier mentions, given our nation s lack of credibility, our allies should be highly concerned about both the abuse of power by the president and Congress’s failure to control him They should be concerned that the legislative branch seems unwilling on the Republican side and unable on the Democratic side to restrain the reckless actions of the White House and the Pentagon

The fact that the Republican-led House and Senate voted against a war powers resolution should be a major wake-up call to Americans and to our allies as well Each member who killed the resolution felt no need to place limits on the war efforts of a president who has proven to be irrational Each member who voted against the resolution totally ignored the misinformation surrounding the Iraq War and the claim of WMDs

They ignored the DIA’s internal assessment and failure in its watchdog role Our global partners are starting to suffer from Trump-fatigue, like many Americans, since the election Our allies are starting to tell an unpredictable president “No ” The voters should do the same by voting against every Republican who killed the War Powers Resolution, starting by turning Texas blue in the upcoming Senate election The sacrifice of every combat veteran from the Iraq War should not be in vain due to lawmakers who knowingly choose to make the same irresponsible decisions, while needlessly costing lives

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

Senate Sketches #2022.....by Hank Sander s Mass Voter Fraud In The Name of Preventing Nonexistent Individual Voter Fraud

Back in the 1970s Alabama State Legislators enacted a local Voter Reregistration Act for Perry County Their explanation was that it would clean up the voting rolls and prevent voter fraud I along with others, went to the U S Justice Department in Washington, D C to oppose the law being precleared pursuant to the 1965 Voting Rights Act Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The legislators and others argued that the law applied equally and fairly to Blacks and Whites because everyone would have to reregister to vote We pointed out how easy it was for Whites to re-register because they were better off economically and had been voting for hundreds of years On the other hand it had been hard to get Black people registered because of their being denied the right to vote for hundreds of years and were stuck in widespread poverty It was mass voter fraud in the name of stopping nonexistent individual voter fraud

The U S Justice Department refused to preclear the bill preventing it from being implemented Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

Now the Trump Administration is trying to pull the same scam on a national scale with additional provisions that are even more oppressive There is no U S Justice Department we can go to stop this attempt at voter suppression across the country The Justice Department is now part of the scam Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

Republicans call the current bill the Save America Act It is a good sounding name However, it is not about saving America It is about saving the Trump initiatives to bring about a dictatorship in the United States of America

Some call it authoritarianism or oligarchy I call it dictatorship Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The so-called Save America Act will do the following: (1) Require all Americans to prove citizenship to vote in federal elections which necessitates reregistration to vote; (2) Require a passport or original birth certificate to register to vote in Federal elections; (3) Require a passport or other strict Photo ID each time a person votes in a federal election (no Student ID); (4) Require the name on the birth certificate to be exactly the same as on the voter registration list; (5) Immediately implement certain provisions for federal elections without any transition period; (6) Make it possible for ICE to be involved in federal elections; (7) Give access to all voter information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which includes ICE; and (8) Limit voting by mail Every single provision is oppressive for voters and diminishes democracy Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The U S Constitution gives the times places and manner of Voting to States

This so-called Save America Act will cause different criteria to vote in state elections and federal elections

This approach will cause great confusion In addition, having the manner of voting set by states protects against mass fraud because of the many and varying jurisdictions Nationalizing

elections makes mass voter fraud easier Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The provision to register/re-register requires time away from work or school or family or other activities of life Some people can make the time much more easily than others can The poorer an individual is the more difficult it is for him or her to take off from work and find the time and resources available to register or re-register to vote with proof of citizenship It is voter oppression on multiple levels Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

It may cost more than two hundred dollars to obtain an expedited passport It costs money and time to secure birth certificates and other documents particularly from other states of birth It is another way of imposing poll taxes which were banned by the 24th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America Some of us were born in homes and do not have or cannot easily obtain a birth certificate (I was born at home, not in a hospital) Some of us have been voting all our adult lives but may not be able to vote because of these citizenship requirements Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

Women who have been using their married name for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or even 70 years may not be able to vote because the Save America Act requires that the name on each voter registration must be the exact same as the birth certificate or passport As many as 69 million women may be impacted My dear wife was born Rose Mary Gaines in North Carolina She became Rose Mary Sanders when we married in Massachusetts Then she became Faya Ora Rose Toure in Alabama by choice She will have to jump through all these hoops Women did not get the national right to vote until 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment just over a century ago Now this so-called Make America Safe Act will make it more difficult for many women to vote Suppressing women’s right to vote is even more offensive in light of this long history of denial A much higher percentage of women vote for Democratic candidates than for Republican candidates based on policies, programs and approaches Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

There is no significant voting by noncitizens Data audits of voters have not been able to find even a single noncitizen voting out of each one million votes cast There is already a national law enacted in 1996 that makes it illegal for noncitizens to vote This proposed law is just another way to suppress the vote of certain citizens

The so-called Save America Act is not about preventing fraud by noncitizens but rather a very broad attempt at mass voter fraud affecting millions of citizens Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The provision requiring certain parts of the act to go into effect immediately is extremely onerous It means that a citizen must drop everything, secure citizenship documents and reregister just to vote for federal candidates Of course many states will

follow suit if the so-called Save America Act becomes law The law will prevent millions from voting in the next election Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

The Trump Administration cannot even begin to make an argument that there was voter fraud in the 2024 election because Trump won the election as did Republican majorities in the U S Senate and U S House of Representatives

Therefore the U S Justice Department is trying to seize voting records from 2020 when Joe Biden won the Presidency and there were many election contests which clearly demonstrated that no significant Voter fraud occurred This whole thing is designed to make sure that certain people do not vote Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud I don t know about you, but I wouldn’t want ICE Secret Police or the Department of Homeland Security or the U S Justice Department to have my voting information I certainly don t want either to have any responsibility for determining who can or cannot vote It will result in mass voter fraud Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

President Trump has already pronounced his intention to nationalize the elections ” We cannot forget what he did on January 6th at the U S Capitol when he tried to “Nationalize the 2020 Presidential election ” He also says that there are about 15 states that are “the problem ” All fifteen or so have substantial numbers of voters with Black and/or Hispanic backgrounds The Save America Act is about suppressing the right to vote of those long denied the right to vote Some 21 million people are projected not to be able to vote, but I believe the numbers will be much higher Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud There is some real voter fraud going on which we should fear The attempt to enact the so-called Save America Act is real voter fraud on citizens of the United States of America in the name of preventing individual noncitizens from voting fraudulently Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

Now on to the Daily Diary

SATURDAY, March 14, 2026 – I discussed community matters over a late lunch and handled many matters as I worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Dr Ernest Okeye of Selma; Law Professor Kindaka Sanders and Shaunte Jones of Houston Texas; Shelley Fearson of the Alabama New South Coalition; Youlanda Curtis of Mobile; and Charles Sanders of Baldwin County

SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy of Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station I attended Gospel Tabernacle Church of God In Christ where I made brief remarks Among others I communicated with the following: Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery; Lametrius Dillard of Selma; Dixie Bonner of Talladega; and Francesca Emmerson of Australia

MONDAY – I walked handled various matters and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Alabama State Senator Vivian Figures; Josephine Curtis Marilyn Cosby Karen Jackson and Liz Rutledge of Selma; Cynthia Ross of Detroit, Michigan; Josiah Jackson of Morehouse College; Anyiana Perkins of Georgia State University; Azali Fortier of Atlanta, Georgia; and Montgomery Businessman Raymond Craig

TUESDAY – I handled various matters as I worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Allen Garner of Dallas County; Montgomery businessman Frank Jenkins; Sabrina Marie of IHeart Radio; Junior Oliver of Selma; and Former Alabama State Senator Malika Fortier

WEDNESDAY – I handled various matters, Chaired a meeting and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Demopolis City Councilman Charles Jones Jr ; Marion Mayor Dexter Hinton; Geraldine Wofford Charlene Williams and Junior Oliver of Selma; Andrew Marks of Washington, D C ; Greg Francis of Orlando Florida; and Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter

THURSDAY – I traveled to Montgomery, returned to Selma traveled to Lowndes County, and returned to Selma I participated in the SOS Connection on Facebook Live Among others I communicated with the following: Law Professor Emerita Martha Morgan; Dr Sonya Webb of the Lowndes County School System; Karen Jones of Montgomery; Reverend Jamal Sanders of Selma; Jennifer Smyley of the Craig Field Authority; Television Reporter George McDonald; Lowndes County School Board members Steve Foster, Travis Rogers and Brant McCray; Duel Ross of the Legal Defense Fund; Justin Garner of Montgomery; and Greene County Democrat Co-Publishers Dr Carol P Zippert and John Zippert

FRIDAY – I handled various matters and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Greene County Commissioner Garria Spencer; Selma University President Dr Stanford Angion; and Jeannie Frazier of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

EPILOGUE – Sometimes those who point the finger most and shout the loudest are covering their own crimes or plans to commit crimes This is happening with the socalled Save America Act They claim that they are just trying to prevent individual noncitizens from voting when they are really trying to actively prevent millions of American citizens from voting Mass voter fraud in the name of preventing nonexistent individual voter fraud

EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Why are wildlife conservation officers in Africa cutting the horns off wild rhinos? -- Jim Seamans, Chicago, IL

In the protected habitats of rhinos, a surprising conservation technique is underway Wildlife officers are cutting the horns off rhinos in a practice known as dehorning Dehorning is a measure to protect rhinos

Wildlife officers are cutting the horns off African rhinos in a practice known as dehorning in order to deter poaching Credit: Pexels com

from poaching Rhino horns are considered to be highly valuable on the black market, with horns having been sold for up to $400,000 Since the rhino poaching crisis began over 10 000 rhinos have been killed Rhino poaching has catastrophic effects on their whole environment because they are keystone species This means they play a vital role in the well-being of other species in their envi-

ronments

The high value of rhino horns on the black market makes them a heavily targeted species Rhino horns are especially valuable in Asia where it is believed they have medicinal properties and are a symbol of wealth Smuggling networks are international, with many delivering horns to Asian countries like China and Vietnam Rhino populations have declined

due to poaching with the peak number of rhinos poached in Africa hitting 1,349 in 2015

That is where dehorning helps Nina Fascione, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation, said A live rhino without a horn is a lot better than a dead rhino without a horn ” Dehorning is often done under sedation to minimize pain to the rhino A study conducted in the Kruger area of South Africa confirmed that dehorning was indeed an effective practice The results showed that dehorning more than 2 000 rhinos in the region led to a 78 percent decrease in poaching Tim Kuiper, a biodiversity scientist at Nelson Mandela University, said, having to remove [the horn] is kind of a necessary evil However dehorning is still controversial One reason is the potential long-

term behavioral changes that can result Another is that the horn is important for the rhino’s defense mechanisms Also, despite sedatives and anesthesia, dehorning can still cause a lot of distress for the animal both during and after It is also costly as it has to be done multiple times because the horn grows back Furthermore, even though it is less likely, dehorned rhinos may still be poached since a bit of horn is always left behind Dehorning is an effective measure but long-term conservation must go beyond that Stricter regulations are needed and the public should also support community-based conservation initiatives Finally, there are multiple organizations that we can support, such as Save the Rhino International the International Rhino Foundation and the Rhino Recovery Fund The

Student Loan Mail In Voting

The report cites voter records on the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website that show Trump voted by mail in Palm Beach County where he resides at his Mar-aLago estate and beach club outside of the White House The Washington Post report also revealed that Trump has been registered to vote in Florida since 2019 and that he mailed his ballot at least one other time in 2020

The revelation that Trump voted by mail is a clear contradiction of his public statements and his big push for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act which would require proof of citizenship to vote and restrict voting by mail During a roundtable in Memphis on Monday, Trump also falsely claimed that the United States is the only country that allows mail-in voting At least 34 countries allow voters to mail in their ballots

“It’s not surprising that he’s utilizing something he’s waging war on It’s the hypocrisy but that is what he s always done political commentator Reecie Colbert told theGrio Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said President Trump s efforts to end mail-in voting are intended to sow doubt about its practice ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, in which his party is expected to suffer major losses

“It’s clear to me that the president is afraid of people voting and he’s certainly afraid of people exercising their ability to cast a vote in disagreement with him, and we ve seen unlimited flirtation and attempts to try to not only rearrange the conversation around voting and people participating, but also we’ve seen measures trying to go forth to prevent people from voting in elections to come ” Seawright told theGrio

On Monday the U S Supreme Court heard oral arguments for a consequential case on the future of mail-in voting, which could have repercussions for access to the ballot for Black and Brown voters in states where advocates say Republican leaders are trying to suppress their vote

“I think with Black people we have to understand the assignment And the known in the equation is that they re going to cheat The known in the equation is that they re going to suppress our votes And so what we have to do is we have to be the unknown in the equation, which is what we do has to exceed what they’re trying to do,” said Colbert

The host of Sirius XM’s “The Reecie Colbert Show” told theGrio that Republicans are making the calculation that their voters are higher propensity voters and therefore the roadblocks placed to deter Black and Brown voters will still result in Republicans going to vote anyway ” She explained, “I don’t think that that’s necessarily a smart calculation, but that’s what they’re banking on ”

Colbert added “We know the table has been set It’s incumbent upon us to make sure that our votes are not disenfranchised And that s not fair but those are the cards that were dealt So we have to make sure that we vote out of cheating distance of them

Seawright, who advises many national Democratic campaigns, said President Trump and Republicans will turn to “unlimited measures and attempts to try to silence and suffocate the voices” of voters whether Black or not

At one point in time, some of us thought that it was just African-American voices that they wanted to silence and suffocate, and in some cases exterminate Now, it s pretty much anyone who may stand in disagreement with the extreme agenda that has come out of this modern-day Republican Party ” said Seawright

Colbert pointed out one other irony to the revelation that Trump voted by mail in a state that still restricts access to voting for convicted felons

“Florida has waged war on felons voting, and yet the felon, 34-time convicted felon president still is voting in Florida elections ” she said

No Kings

In Alabama there are over a dozen “No-Kings protests for this Saturday March 28 2026 There is one set for Selma, at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge for 10:00 AM to Noon There is one in Tuscaloosa at the Government Plaza from 4:00 to 6:00PM Check the No Kings website for a map and other scheduled rallies

According to Fast Company the upcoming protests include more than 3 000 community-led events spanning all 50 states and every congressional district That number already surpasses previous No Kings demonstrations, including the October 2025 event, which drew an estimated 7 million participants nationwide

Organizers say the rapid expansion signals a broad and diverse coalition of Americans who are unified around a central message The official No Kings platform emphasizes that the demonstrations are rooted in the belief that power belongs to the people, not to any singular authority As stated on their website, In America, we have no kings, a phrase that has become the rallying cry for participants across political and geographic lines

A wide network of advocacy groups including Indivisible the ACLU and the American Federation of Teachers is coordinating the protests Leaders within the movement point to a range of concerns driving turnout, including economic instability, immigration enforcement practices, and ongoing military conflicts abroad

Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, told Fast Company that the scale of the upcoming March 28 demonstrations reflects a shared urgency among Americans “We will be in every single congressional district Levin said emphasizing that participation is expected from both traditionally liberal and conservative regions

The movement’s momentum has been building throughout the past year Earlier protests in June and October 2025 drew millions signaling what many organizers describe as a sustained and expanding push for civic engagement This latest action is positioned as a continuation of that energy, with even more events being added daily

Organizers also stress that the demonstrations are nonviolent and centered on democratic principles The goal is to create space for collective expression while reinforcing the idea that civic participation remains a powerful tool for change

With another major action including a planned May Day general strike already on the horizon the March 28 protests mark a pivotal moment for the movement As turnout expectations continue to grow, the question now is not just how many people will show up but how their voices may shape the national conversation moving forward

urgency of this situation continues to grow and while dehorning buys time lasting change must come from addressing the root cause of poaching

CONTACTS: Save the Rhino International The International Rhino Foundation HYPERLINK "https://rhinos org/"https://r hinos org/; The Rhino Recovery Fund, HYPERLINK "

coveryfund org/

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk See more a t e m

" https://emagazine com To donate, visit HYPERLINK https://earthtalk org/ https: //earthtalk org Send questions to: HYPERLINK "

So, the federal government is still in its process of defunding the Department of Education and on Thursday the administration announced plans to shift the nearly $1 7 trillion student loan portfolio to the Treasury Department claiming its mission is to improve the efficiency of the loan system, or what it described as overdue financial discipline

From the New York Times: About half of all undergraduate students receive federal aid each year according to the Institute of Education Sciences More than 40 million people currently have federal student loans including 9 2 million in default and 2 4 million in late-stage delinquency, according to the Education Department

Treasury has the unique experience, the operational capability and the financial expertise to bring long overdue financial discipline to the program and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars ” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement

Linda McMahon the education secretary said that student aid would be better managed at Treasury A fact sheet from the administration promised students would receive the high-quality service they have come to expect under the Trump administration ”

The second McMahon the education secretary who thinks Black history is DEI while being ignorant of even some of the most well-known Black history spoke of the highquality service they have come to expect under the Trump administration, you have to know we’re being sold a bill of goods

The Trump administration doesn’t provide “high-quality” anything certainly not education-related

Instead, Trump has railed about returning education to the states, as if it would improve the quality of education overall, which ignores the glaring fact that states and local governments already dictate the academic side of their educational systems, including the setting of curricula teacher hiring teacher licensing and standardized testing

Under Trump s DOE far-right groups are overseeing programs to educate America with thoroughly whitewashed U S history propaganda disguised as patriotic civics lessons HBCUs have lost millions in grant funding, and Black academic institutions and programs in general have been threatened

Any and every program aimed at bettering the quality of education for Black people and other marginalized groups has been derailed with anti-DEI investigations and threats to withhold federal funding And, as far as student loans go, all the MAGA-fied DOE has done is attack loan forgiveness initiatives and garnish the wages of borrowers who struggle to pay them back crippling their credit scores

In the midst of a growing affordability crisis where American families are already struggling to make ends meet, this risks driving millions of borrowers further into financial hardship,” Aissa Canchola Bañez, the policy director for Protect Borrowers, a group that targets predatory lenders, told the Times “Instead of providing relief to the millions of defaulted borrowers who have fallen behind the department is moving a portfolio of our most vulnerable borrowers to an agency with little to no expertise in the rights and benefits afforded to borrowers under the Higher Education Act

Education is being controlled by an administration that thrives on anti-intellectualism and the demonization of institutions of learning and it shows with every new policy change

Char les “Sonny” Bur ton

“Doug Battle was brutally murdered by Derrick DeBruce while shopping in an auto parts store But DeBruce was ultimately sentenced to life without parole Charles Burton did not shoot the victim did not direct the triggerman to shoot the victim and had already left the store by the time the shooting occurred Yet Mr Burton was set to be executed while DeBruce was allowed to live out his life in prison,” Ivey said in a statement

“I cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr Burton under such disparate circumstances I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not she said

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed disappointment in a statement first to NBC News “There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle’s blood on his hands ” he said

“Burton does not deserve special treatment because he is old he could have been executed a long time ago, but like many death-row inmates, he chose to drag out his case through endless frivolous appeals I firmly believe that he should have faced the punishment imposed by a jury of his peers and upheld by numerous judges,” he said

Burton admits to entering the store armed with a gun He said he stole cash from a safe in the back room then fled outside to wait by a getaway car

Inside the store, one of his accomplices, Derrick DeBruce, shot Battle, 34, in the back, killing him The state acknowledged this fact in its response to Burton’s application for a stay of execution from the U S Supreme Court

Burton’s death sentence was possible because of a legal doctrine known as felony murder, which allows prosecutors to treat anyone involved in certain felonies, such as robbery or burglary, equally responsible for a killing that occurs during the crime, even if they did not commit the act themselves

In a phone interview earlier this month from William C Holman Correctional Facility the site of the state s execution chamber Burton told NBC News he had no idea Battle s murder was going to happen

I didn’t assist nobody I didn’t aid nobody I didn’t tell nobody to shoot nobody,” he said

Ivey had faced a growing chorus of voices asking for mercy for Burton 75 including the victim s daughter who published an op-ed in the Montgomery Advertiser urging Ivey to spare his life

Burton expressed gratitude to NBC News for that show of support

“She forgave me and I want to say how much I appreciated that ” he said “She lifts a whole lot of guilt off me ”

Burton s family and legal team expressed their gratitude in a statement from federal defender Matt Schulz, who represented Burton for nearly two decades

“Governor Ivey’s decision is to be applauded, as it demonstrates measured, responsible, and respectable leadership Though a ‘thank you’ indeed falls short of the level of gratitude the parties wish to express Sonny Burton his family his friends his legal team and all those who have supported Sonny s request for clemency thank you, Governor Ivey, said Schulz

Schulz also shared a statement from Burton to Ivey “Just saying thank you doesn’t seem like much But it’s what I can give her And I do thank her Thank you Governor ” said Burton Burton would have been the ninth person to be executed by nitrogen gas a method first carried out in Alabama in 2024 He is only the second person to have his death sentence commuted by Ivey

Legal Notice

In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39 Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Frasier-Ousley Construction and Engineering Inc Contractor has completed the Contract for Park Improvements Project, for The Town of Forkland Owner and have made request for final settlement of said Contract

All persons having any claim for labor materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify 5020 Engineering Resource Group Incorporated 130 CR 164 Jemison AL 35085

Frasier-Ousley Construction and Engineering Inc

1105 Singleton Drive

Selma AL 36701

3tcg 3/11 18 25

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE GREENE COUNTY

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Bessie Hall, a widow, originally in favor of United States of America acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture on August 25 1993 said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County, Alabama, at Book 37, Page 154; the undersigned United States of America acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture as Mortgagee/Transferee under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at public outcry to the highest

bidder for cash or certified funds, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Greene County Alabama on April 9 2026 during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate situated in Greene County, Alabama, to-wit:

A ONE (1) ACRE TRACT IN NE 1/4 OF SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST, IN GREENE COUNTY ALABAMA:

DESCRIBED AS BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST SECTION LINE AT THE NORTH MARGIN OF A PUBLIC ROAD, SAID POINT BEING 2,744 FEET NORTH OF THE SE CORNER OF SAID SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST, PROCEED NORTH 4°50' WEST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, THENCE NORTH 88° WEST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, THENCE SOUTH 4°50' EAST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF SAID PUBLIC ROAD THENCE SOUTH 88° EAST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN AND POINT OF BEGINNING

Property street address for informational purposes: RR 2 Box 164-A Boligee, AL 35443

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS ENCUMBRANCES AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE A B O V

PROPERTY IS SITUATED THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO

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 This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure The successful bidder must tender cash or certified funds made payable to Aldridge Pite, LLP at the time and place of the sale If sale is voided Mortgagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser The Mortgagee/Transferee and Aldridge Pite LLP shall not be liable to the purchaser for any damages If the sale is set aside for any reason the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the bid amount The Mortgagee/Transferee 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 This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation United States of America acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, M o r t

/ T

ALDRIDGE PITE LLP

Six Piedmont Center 3525 Piedmont Road, N E , Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30305 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee

Newspaper: Greene County Democrat Publication Dates: 3/11/2026 3/18/2026 3/25/2026

THIS OFFICE IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INF O R M A T I O N OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE

3tcg 3/11 18 25

Legal Notice In the Matter of The Estate of James Willice Lashley Deceased

Notice to Creditors

Letters Testamentary under the last will and testament of James Willice Lashley, deaceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of February, 2025, by the Hon Rolonda M Wedgeworth Probate Judge of Greene County Alabama notice is hereby given that all person having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the sam will be barred

Dawn Elizabeth Lashley

Abram Danah Ruth Lashley Graham, Co- Personal Representatives of the Estate of James Willice Lashley deceased

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

3tcg 3/11 18 25

Gr eene County High School Car eer and Colle ge Fair

Greene County High hosted its annual college and career fair, opening its doors to schools from neighboring counties in the Black Belt. The fair allowed students to speak with college recruiters and network with business leaders. More than 30 different colleges and job-related entities came to the fair to meet with students from Green County and counties such as Hale, Pickens, and Marengo.

Distance and economic barriers often prevent students in rural areas like the Black Belt from visiting campuses and job fairs outside of their cities “Being in a rural area, having people come to one location makes it more convenient for the companies to come and for the colleges to come,” explained Lamonica Little, Greene County High School’s College and Career Coach, “It is a way for us as a rural community to come together as one because we all face the same challenges with our students with exposure ”

This college and career fair was an opportunity for juniors and seniors to gain exposure to opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed Small schools and school systems must come together with creative solutions to help their students

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

HAGC owns and manages 188 units of assisted housing units 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

See Legal Notices, p 9

March 29 2026 at 2:00 p m New Generation Church Eutaw Al

“Super Bowl Pastors”

-Pastor Joe N Webb & Men of Praise

-Pastor Randy Miller & Choir, Mt Zion Mt Hebron -Pastor Eugene Foster & Choir, Second Baptist

-Pastor Samuel Ezell & Choir Zion Brush Creek Eutaw, And Friendship

Baptist Hale County EMS Ambulance Need All of Us to Pack the Church Be A Helping Hand Make Checks Payable to EMS Ambulance Fundraiser

Fr om Public Housing to the Pr os: Bob by Humphr ey Inspir es Eutaw Youth

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

By Debbie J Duncan

The Branch Heights Community Center Spring Break Retreat received a special visit from a true Alabama legend Bobby Humphrey the former University of Alabama star and Denver Broncos firstround pick, stood before our local students not as a celebrity but as a man who once stood exactly where they are today

A Mother ’s Tough Love

Humphrey shared the humble beginnings of his journey growing up in public housing in Birmingham, AL Raised by a single mother alongside his three siblings, he learned early on the value of discipline and family However, his road to the NFL almost

ended before it began In the 6th and 7th grades Bobby’s mother strictly forbade him from playing football Driven by a burning desire to compete, he eventually defied that order in the 8th grade When he returned home with an armful of trophies, he found his mother waiting at the door with a belt in hand

But as Bobby tells it, a mother ’s intuition took over "When she saw the passion and desire in my eyes," he told the students, she put the belt away She recognized his purpose and allowed him to pursue the path that would eventually lead him to greatness at the University of Alabama and the NFL

The Three Challenges

Beyond the football field Humphrey’s message was one of faith and grit He encouraged the students to put God first, embrace their education, and never shy away from hard work Before leaving he challenged the "Visionaries" of Eutaw with three simple rules for life: Be Great, Be Yourself and Be Determined His story serves as a reminder to every child in Greene County: where you start does not dictate where you finish With passion in your eyes and a willing heart, the goal line is always within reach A special thanks to Mrs Anita Lewis, Executive Director of Greene County Housing Authority, and her staff for making this program a success

Housing Authority of Gr eene County’s Limitless Spring Br eak Event

Today, employees from Greene County Health System had the wonderful opportunity to participate in The Housing Authority of Greene County’s “Limitless Spring Break” event!

We enjoyed speaking with 4th–6th grade students about the many exciting career paths in healthcare encouraging, inspiring, and planting seeds for the future A special thank you to our team members who represented GCHS so well: Antonette Evans, Marquita Walton, and Andrea Woods!

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Ms Mattie Strode and The Housing Authority staff for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful event

Smell the Roses

Slow down and smell the

Legal Notice

In Re: The Estate of Erma Myrtle Hitt

Deceased

Letter of Testamentary having been granted to Adrianna Hitt Williams on the 3rd day of March 2026 by the Honorable Rolonda M Wedgeworth, Judge of Probate for Greene County Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same with in the time allowed by law of the same will barred

Adrianna Hitt Williams

Executrix of the Estate of Erma Myrtle Hitt, Deceased

Walter A Griess

Attorney for the Executrix Griess Shaw & Willingham, P C 315 Main Street

P O Box 528

Eutaw Al 35462

Phone: 205-9333

Fax : 205- 372-4027

3tcg 3/11 28 25

Legal Notice

Notice is hereby to Melba Craig that the contest in Unit #5 will be sold to the highest bidder at

roses on your busy, active day, Slow Down and breather their fragrances, where they grow along life s way Take a minute of your lifetime to enjoy a pretty bloom, Pick a rose from nature’s garden it will brighten up your room Be not haste in all your doings as you hurry through the day, But enjoy what God gives freely; Smell the Roses while you may Happy birthday to Denzel Deloach, Nezarious

Robinson, Robert Douglas, III, Gilda Branch Williams, Carlicia S Hodges, Cedric

W

y

Hodges Wilson Ethan Crawford, Danielle Spencer, Isaac N Atkins, Ivion Hunter Ava Morrow

Anthony Atkins Sr Tierra Foster, Lucious Young, Edward Bester III, Jamarcus Jones, YaQuetta Crockett, Delfreda Coleman Mark

C

LaKesha Sermon, Brittany Hardy, Alma A Hynn, Mia Jordan, John A Hill,

---Le gal Notices---

10:00 on March 31, 2026 at the Eutaw Mini-Storage located at Finches Ferry Road in Eutaw Alabama Eutaw Mini Storage P O Box 529 Eutaw, Al 35462 205-372-9321

3tcg 3/11 18 25

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 County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims agaisnt the said estate of Johnny A Allen,

--Funer al Notice--

Mr Leon Croxton

November 9, 1971March 15, 2026

Mr Leon Croxton of Boligee Alabama entered into eternal rest March 15, 2026 at Whitfield Regional Hospital Demopolis, Alabama Funeral services for Mr Leon Croxton will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:30 p m from Little Zion Baptist Church Boligee Alabama Interment will follow in the adjoining churchyard cemetery

Dea Abraham Kennard, Jr of Demopolis, Alabama entered into eter-

nal rest March 12, 2026 at Whitfield Regional Hospital Demopolis Alabama

Funeral services with military honors for Dea Abraham Kennard ,Jr were held Sunday March 22 2026 at 10 a m from Boligee Community Center (formerly Paramount High School Gymnasium)17404 Co Rd 20 Boligee, Alabama Interment followed at New Greene Oak Baptist Church Cemetery Forkland Alabama Larkin and Scott Mortuary,LLC entrusted with arrangements

Desmond Neal and Albert Hunter

Happy anniversary to Mr and Mrs Norman Atkins, Sr

“Be kind remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle Times change, people change, interest change even the land itself can change But God is the same, yesterday, today and forever

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 23t 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 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 avaialbe of Registration and Voting Aids for all handicapped 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

City Council

The report shows the city is following its budget for the year so far Mayor Cockrell asked council members to review the report and address any questions to him or Mr Lewis Mayor Cockrell announced his plans for a junior mayor and council program” to involve young people in understanding and making city policies and decisions He introduced a student from Greene County High School, Elias McGhee, who will be part of the program Council member Valerie Watkins reported that the city staff had corrected some sewage problems on Roebuck Avenue but was not sure that this was a permanent solution to the drainage problems in her neighborhood Tracey Hunter reported that work has begun to fix the lagoon, which should alleviate long standing problems with sewage in Branch Heights Councilwoman Carrie Logan thanked the city for sending her to the National League of Cities training in

Washington D C She met with Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and presented her with a copy of the city’s plans that are in need of funding She also met with Senator Tubberville and learned about Federal resources to support cities and small towns Councilman Lorenzo French said he was helping with the April 11th cleanup day and asked for people to volunteer Councilman Woodruff said he had no report but was trying to live up to the motto “Let’s respect each other and respect ourselves as members of the City Council” John Cashin, recently selected as the Chairperson of the Greene County Airport Authority reported on efforts to raise funds for resurfacing the runway cutting down trees that were obstructing visibility and general working to reopen the Eutaw Airport, as soon as improvements movement could be made and certified by the appropriate state and Federal aviation authorities

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