Absentee Voting

After absentee voting shatters records, what’s next for early voting in Alabama?: Al.com – Nov. 16

“Even though Alabama did shatter our state’s record for absentee voting, our rate of early voting was still one of the lowest in the country,” said Richard Fording, a political science professor at The University of Alabama. “Part of the reason for this is that Alabama does not allow ‘early voting’ at the polling place.”

Lost Historic Site

Researchers use new technology in bid to solve centuries-old Alabama mystery of Mabila: Alabama News Center – Nov. 16

An ongoing research project is applying cutting-edge satellite technology in a quest to finally pinpoint one of Alabama’s – and North America’s – most important “lost” historic sites… “One can rightfully say that the lost battle site of Mabila is the predominant historical mystery of the Deep South,” now-retired University of Alabama Professor Jim Knight wrote in “The Search for Mabila,” a 269-page volume about the quest published by The University of Alabama Press. The book, edited by Knight, was the product of a three-day gathering of Mabila scholars hosted by the university in 2006.

American Battlefield Trust

American Battlefield Trust working to preserve Civil War site in York County where enslaved community helped Union forces: The Virginia Gazette – Nov. 17

The historically valuable Egger family property in York County was home to enslaved persons whose actions — as Confederate forced laborers and observers who gave essential information later to Union troops — provided an impetus as a forerunner to the Emancipation Proclamation, a University of Alabama historian believes. … Unlike many battle sites that commemorate victories or defeats, the Egger acreage contained an enslaved community that was an asset to both Union and Confederate armies, according to Dr. Glenn David Brasher of The University of Alabama’s history department in a recent email statement.

Performing Arts

New University of Alabama performing arts facility to transform historic Bryce Hospital: CBS 42 – Nov. 18

After years of planning and pitching ideas, The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance will finally be able to look forward to a facility for performing arts. A 130,000 square-foot Performing Arts Academic Center is now in the works thanks to a $15 million campaign launched in 2017. With the approval from the UA Board of Trustees, the new Performing Arts Academic Center is set to break ground in spring of 2021. The project is not slated to be completed until 2023 or 2024.

MFA Dance Concert

The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance presents first MFA dance concert: Broadway World – Nov. 18

This concert will be available for viewing starting December 4. … UA Theatre and Dance presents a collection of works choreographed by the inaugural class of candidates pursuing their Masters of Fine Arts in Dance. Viewing access can be secured beginning November 30th through ua.universitytickets.com, free of charge with a recommended gift of $20 to UA Theatre and Dance.

Quarantine Life

Life in COVID quarantine, a tale of three UA students: Alabama Public Radio – Nov. 19

There are certain things you expect from college life at The University of Alabama. The list includes worrying about midterms, finding your way to class, and of course Crimson Tide football. This year is different. The pandemic has forced many classes online. Coronavirus cases spiked early in the semester, and there’s ongoing concern over how to quarantine COVID positive students. “If you were negative, they’ll call you up and ask what’s your name blah, blah, blah and they’ll tell you to leave,” Keyanna said.

Swipe Away Hunger

UA students Swipe Away Hunger: WVUA – Nov. 19

With the aim of reaching 500 meals throughout the year, Swipe Away Hunger asked students to donate their unused guest meals so they could be made into Thanksgiving meals for those in need here in West Alabama. Today, Bama Dining staff loaded up 500 donated meals into a truck and transported them to the West Alabama Food Bank where they will be passed out to those in need.