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Will UNA bring live lions back to campus?

Following the death of Leo III earlier this year, the University of North Alabama (UNA) has been considering bringing live lions back to the campus habitat.

While some say the school is not the same without its maned mascots, others are against the idea of continuing the 50-year tradition.

The university recently sent out a survey to get community input on the decision.

In the survey, UNA’s Special Committee on Live Lions included the following details for consideration:

• In 2000, the Board of Trustees explicitly referenced UNA’s commitment to align lion protocols with Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards. Animal habitats and enclosures that are AZA certified meet the highest standard of animal care and welfare.
• The cost for bringing live lions back to campus would be $5-7 million which includes the habitat expansion to meet AZA guidelines, purchase of the lions, and a sustainable source of revenue to fund a skilled, full-time caretaker, provide for the veterinary care and food, etc.
• UNA will not fund live lions on campus based on student tuition.

Although survey responses are completely anonymous, according to the website, many UNA students and alums took to the college’s Facebook page to share their thoughts.

While some were fully supportive of replacing Leo III and Una, who died in 2020, others suggested updates if the lions were brought back.

“I was a distance student, but my mom is from Florence,” one commentor wrote. “We came to campus for my graduation and it was so amazing to see Leo and hear his roar broadcast across campus.”

“I think there are ethical issues with keeping lions and other wildlife, but I also understand the importance of education and advocacy for these creatures and that there are lots of animals unable to be released into the wild.”

“If the animals are such that they have been rescued, or otherwise cannot return to the wild, then I believe it’s a wonderful opportunity to care for the magnificent creatures on campus.”

Another commentor said he would like to see the lions utilized for educational purposes.

“I would like to see the lion program brought into the science department, maybe zoology classes or world wildlife study,” he wrote.

“I believe that tying it to academics would bring more credibility to having them on campus. We should have them on campus but only if it’s for the betterment of science and the future of the species.”

But others say the tradition should be left in the past.

“As much as I loved having Una and Leo as part as my college experience and many years after, I cannot justify the idea of spending $5-$7 million to comply with current standards to add another lion(s),” one person wrote.

“The commentary has a common thread on *who* the lions were for; they were for the public’s pleasure and entertainment. If the desire is for public benefit, I believe the university could find a more beneficial use of potential funding than the lion habitat.”

And several commentors raised concerns about the animals’ quality of life.

“No lion should be in a cage just so people can look at them,” one woman wrote.

“I loved our lions but always felt sad for them. They should be in the wild being free. We can have mascots we don’t have to have lions.”

“Can we consider asking ourselves what living in Florence, AL actually means for lions?” another commentor asked. “If you think being able to look at a lions is worth their increased risk of death and disease due to living in a climate they did not evolve in and are therefore not adapted to, then by all means vote yes. But I personally think that’s a pretty selfish and calloused reason to vote yes.”

“I, too, have memories of sitting with the lions when I attended UNA. As magnificent as they were, I would trade those memories for their well-being in a heartbeat. There’s no good reason to have them. It’s not good for conservation efforts, and it’s not good for UNA to drain their education resources.”

Whatever decision the university makes will be done after careful consideration that takes all of these factors into account, according to representatives.

“The committee has taken the complicated and costly nature of this project into account, while also remaining mindful of the rich and meaningful history of this iconic species at UNA,” the survey reads. “This is a sensitive subject we approach with humble, pure intentions and with the interest of the community at heart.”

On Nov. 18, which would have been the lions’ birthday, the school will hold a memorial service for Leo III, Una, and their handlers, according to their website.

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Country music star’s daughter targets Trump voters with expletive-laden rant after election

Gracie McGraw, the daughter of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, lashed out at Donald Trump supporters after he won the 2024 presidential election.

The oldest daughter of the country music power couple took to social media for an expletive-laden rant directed at Trump supporters.

The 27-year-old said on her Instagram story that she was experiencing “overwhelming feelings of disappointment, true deep anger and anxiety, despair, and sadness.”

She wrote, “f-word anyone who allowed this to happen. Y’all voted for a person with an abhorrent rhetoric and disposition.

“The disregard some of y’all have for your friends and your families is absolutely disgusting.

“Democracy is dead. Just gutted. Truly, gutted.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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Get these Elf classic Crocs or you’ll be a cotton headed ninny-muggins

Who doesn’t love Elf? It’s a holiday classic that needs to be celebrated and what better way to do that than with Croc’s Elf collaboration?

The Elf Classic Croc is $69.99.

The Crocs Classic Clogs offer the lightweight comfort that you’ve come to expect from Crocs. They are light and fun to wear, water friendly and easy to keep clean.

The green and yellow Crocs have an Elf-themed spin with fuzz-lined collar, and Elf-themed Jibbitz charms – an Elf logo, “Does Someone Need a Hug” Jibbitz, “OMG! Santa! I know him” Jibbitz and Buddy the Elf’s Hat.

The clogs also come in kids sizes for $59.99.

Some more “Elf” themed picks:

LED Winter Night Snowflake 5 Pack Jibbitz – $24.99

Son of a Nutcracker Jibbitz – $4.99

I’m a Cotton Headed Ninny-Muggins Jibbitz – $4.99

Elf figure Jibbitz – $4.99

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Hollis Wright Player of the Week: Unusual nominee is top finisher in Week 11

An unusual nominee for the Week 11 Hollis Wright Player of the Week ran away with the No. 1 spot in the poll for the final week of the Alabama High School Athletic Association football regular season. The top vote-getter – or in this case, vote-getters – gives Oak Grove its second consecutive winner in the poll.

The Tigers’ offensive line made up of Caden Broadhead, Jack Scott, Levi Findley, Bain Morris, Andrew Nix and Griffin Wesson paved the way for Oak Grove to steamroll Hanceville for 426 yards on the ground last week. For their efforts, the offensive line picked up 89 percent of the 7,451 votes in the survey, that is, 6,647 votes.

Oak Grove hammered Hanceville 57-13 on Friday for 7 rushing touchdowns to wrap up the regular season at 8-2. The Tigers were 5-2 in Class 4A, Region 4 and got the third seed for the first round of the state playoffs. Oak Grove will travel to Ashford, just southeast of Dothan, on Friday.

Tigers running back Braxton Yocom took the top honors last week.

Junior running back Troy Thomas of Corner finished second in the balloting with 3 percent of the total. Thomas ran for 144 yards on 18 carries with 3 touchdowns in a 38-14 win over Springville. The 9-1 top seed in Class 5A, Region 5 will host Lawrence County to open the playoffs.

Carver-Birmingham backup quarterback Frankese Winston came in for injured starter DJ Wade as the Rams whipped Cordova 42-0 on the road. Winston completed 7-of-12 passes for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also ran for 40 yards. Carver (3-4), the No. 4 seed from Class 5A, Region 5, will travel to Region 7 top seed Fairview (9-0) on Friday to open the playoffs.

Watch for the weekly nominees on Sundays this fall and be sure to cast your vote each week.

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Iconic SEC voice set to retire in April: ‘He embodies the true spirit’

Tennessee announced Thursday the Voice of the Vols Bob Kesling will retire after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.

Kesling’s career has stretched over five decades with the Vol Network, which celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“Bob’s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a release. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”

Kesling was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame over the summer.

For more than 25 years, Kesling, a graduate of Tennessee, was the “Voice of the Vols” on both radio and television.

Kesling, who was named the lead announcer on the Vol Radio Network in 1999, has been the play-by-play voice for Tennessee football and basketball across the 60-plus stations that make up the Vol Radio Network. He also hosts “Vol Calls,” a weekly coaches’ call-in radio show, and the “Big Orange Hotline” during the football season. Additionally, he hosts “The Josh Heupel Show” and “The Rick Barnes Show” on the Vol Television Network.

Kesling as a walk-on fullback on the 1972 freshman football team. His broadcasting career started in 1974 when he worked as a film editor for the “Bill Battle Show” on the Vol Television Network while still a student.

He also has a long history with the Lady Vols basketball team, serving as the radio play-by-play voice from 1978 to 1999 and calling Pat Summitt’s first six NCAA National Championships.

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Southern Living event benefits hurricane relief efforts

Birmingham-based Southern Living and Food & Wine magazines have teamed with the Pihakis Restaurant Group and Weber Inc. to host a Cookout for the Carolinas fundraiser this Sunday, Nov. 10.

The benefit, which supports communities in western North Carolina and Appalachia affected by Hurricane Helene, will take place at Rodney Scott’s BBQ, 2701 18th St. South in Homewood.

Hours are noon to 3 p.m.

The event features barbecue from chef Tyler Ashton of Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Crustburgers from chef Sean Brock of Joyland, and tacos from Little Donkey, as well as beer from Good People Brewing Company.

Also, Jason Pruitt, a grill ambassador for the Weber Inc. team, will serve dishes from the grill.

Brock, a James Beard-awarded chef with an extensive music library, will also spin some of his favorite vinyl records with folks from Birmingham’s Seasick Records.

Guests may also participate in a raffle for a $4,000 Weber Summit gas grill.

Tickets for Cookout for the Carolinas are $75, and all proceeds will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, an emergency relief fund that provides critical aid to workers in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.

To date, the foundation has received more than 3,000 applications from those in the food and beverage community affected by Hurricane Helene, as well as by Hurricane Milton.

For tickets to Cookout for the Carolinas, go here. For those who cannot attend but would like to support the Southern Smoke Foundation’s hurricane relief efforts, go here.

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Viral comedian who cracked up Trump coming to Alabama in 2025: How to get tickets

Theo Von will perform in Alabama next spring.

The popular standup comedian and podcast host will appear at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Tuscaloosa on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. You can purchase on Von’s website, Ticketmaster or at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater box office, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway. Prices range from $38 to $102.50.

Born in Covington, Louisiana, Von first gained fame as a cast member of MTV’s “Road Rules: Maximum Velocity Tour” in 2000 when he was only 19. He also attended Louisiana State University. Von, now 44, also appeared on four seasons of the network’s popular reality competition series “The Challenge,” in which he became champion on “The Gauntlet” and “Battle of the Sexes 2.”

A source of comic relief on the reality TV, Von pursued a standup career that landed him on Season Four of “Last Comic Standing,” for which he won the online competition. He would also appear on the Comedy Central show “Reality Bites Back,” along with Amy Schumer, Bert Kreischer and Tiffany Haddish.

Von’s comedy career began to take off in the 2010s, as he recorded comedy specials and appeared on TV shows like “Chelsea Lately,” “Watch What Happens Live,” “@midnight” and “This is Not Happening.” In 2016, Netflix released his hour-long comedy special “No Offense.”

Von became a comedy podcast fixture, appearing on “The Fighter and the Kid,” “Bobby Lee’s TigerBelly” and “The Adam Carolla Show.” Von was also a frequent guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” while his own podcast “This Past Weekend” gained popularity. His YouTube channel has more than 3 million subscribers.

Known for his absurdist, stream-of-consciousness, off-the-cuff brand of humor, Von talks about his Southern upbringing, unique family background, sobriety and more, telling stories and even giving life and dating advice to listeners. Vox said Von has “skillfully branded himself as a relatable, down-to-earth type, a Southern boy originally from what he’s described as the rural, poor side of Covington, Louisiana.”

Von made headlines thanks to the appearance of President-elect Donald Trump (then the GOP nominee) on “This Past Weekend” during the 2024 election campaign, wherein von talked about his past drug use. Other political guests have included Sen. Bernie Sanders and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Other celebrity guests have included Post Malone, John Mulaney, Ed Sheeran, Jessie Murph, Shane Gillis, Druski, and Tony Robbins.

College football fans will remember Von’s appearance as the celebrity guest picker on ESPN’s “College GameDay” ahead of the Alabama-Georgia SEC Championship Game in December 2023. He sat at the middle of the table when analyst Pat McAfee tricked Bulldog fans into thinking he was picking them to beat the Crimson Tide, only to swerve and yell “Give me Alabama!” to send the crowd into a frenzy.

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Did Biden get Trump elected? Kamala Harris allies blame him for her defeat

Joe Biden’s name wasn’t on the ballot, but history will likely remember Kamala Harris’ resounding defeat as his loss too.

As Democrats pick up the pieces after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, some of the vice president’s backers are expressing frustration that Biden’s decision to seek reelection until this summer — despite long-standing voter concerns about his age and unease about post-pandemic inflation as well as the U.S.-Mexico border — all but sealed his party’s surrender of the White House.

“The biggest onus of this loss is on President Biden,” said Andrew Yang, who ran against Biden in 2020 for the Democratic nomination and endorsed Harris’ unsuccessful run. “If he had stepped down in January instead of July, we may be in a very different place.”

Biden will leave office after leading the United States out of the worst pandemic in a century, galvanizing international support for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion and passing a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that will affect communities for years to come.

But having run four years ago against Trump to “restore the soul of the country,” Biden will make way after just one term for his immediate predecessor, who overcame two impeachments, a felony conviction and an insurrection launched by his supporters. Trump has pledged to radically reshape the federal government and roll back many of Biden’s priorities.

“Maybe in 20 or 30 years, history will remember Biden for some of these achievements,” said Thom Reilly, co-director of the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at Arizona State University. “But in the shorter term, I don’t know he escapes the legacy of being the president who beat Donald Trump only to usher in another Donald Trump administration four years later.”

The president on Wednesday stayed out of sight for the second straight day, making congratulatory calls to Democratic lawmakers who won downballot races and to Trump. Biden invited Trump for a White House meeting, and the president-elect accepted.

Biden on Thursday avoided directly addressing the electorate’s seeming repudiation of his presidency. Instead, he noted that Americans will feel the effects of the administration’s signature legislative efforts for years to come.

“Don’t forget all that we accomplished,” Biden said in a brief Rose Garden address attended by Cabinet members and top aides but not by Harris. “It’s been a historic presidency — not because I am president but because of what we’ve done. What you’ve done.”

He issued a statement shortly after Harris delivered her concession speech Wednesday, praising her for running an “historic campaign” under “extraordinary circumstances.”

Some high-ranking Democrats, including three advisers to the Harris campaign, expressed deep frustration with Biden for failing to recognize earlier in the election cycle that he was not up to the challenge. The advisers spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

Biden, 81, ended his reelection campaign in July, weeks after an abysmal debate performance sent his party into a spiral and raised questions about whether he still had the mental acuity and stamina to serve as a credible nominee.

But polling long beforehand showed that many Americans worried about his age. Some 77% of Americans said in August 2023 that Biden was too old to be effective for four more years, according to a poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs.

The president bowed out on July 21 after getting not-so-subtle nudges from Democratic Party powers, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. Biden endorsed Harris and handed over his campaign operation to her.

Yang argued that Democratic Party leaders also deserve blame for taking too long to push out Biden. With few exceptions, most notably Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, Democrats shied away talking publicly about Biden’s age.

“Why was this not coming from any Democratic leaders?” Yang said. “It’s a lack of courage and independence and an excess of careerism, if I just keep my mouth shut, we’ll just keep on trucking along.”

The campaign was also saddled by anger among some Arab American and young voters over its approach to Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an ally of Biden and Harris, said in a statement that Democrats lost the thread on working class Americans’ concerns.

“Will the big money interests and well-paid consultants who control the Democratic Party learn any real lessons from this disastrous campaign?” the Vermont independent said. “Will they understand the pain and political alienation that tens of millions of Americans are experiencing?”

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison took to social media Thursday to push back on Sanders’ critique, saying that Biden was “the most-pro worker President of my life time.”

Harris managed to spur far greater enthusiasm than Biden was generating from the party’s base. But she struggled to distinguish how her administration would differ from Biden’s.

Appearing on ABC’s “The View” in September, Harris was not able to identify a decision where she would have separated herself from Biden. “There is not a thing that comes to mind,” Harris said, giving the Trump campaign a sound bite it replayed through Election Day.

The strategists advising the Harris campaign said the compressed campaign timetable made it even more difficult for Harris to differentiate herself from the president.

Had Biden stepped aside early in the year, they said, it would have given Democrats enough time to hold a primary. Going through the paces of an intraparty contest would have forced Harris or another eventual nominee to more aggressively stake out differences with Biden.

The strategists acknowledged that overcoming broad dissatisfaction among the American electorate about rising costs in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and broad concerns about the U.S. immigration system weighed heavy on the minds of voters in key states.

Still, they said that Biden had left Democrats in an untenable place.

Harris senior adviser David Plouffe in a posting on X called it a “devastating loss.” Plouffe did not assign blame and said the Harris campaign “dug out of a deep hole but not enough.” The post was later deleted.

At the vice president’s concession speech on Wednesday, some Harris supporters said they wished the vice president had had more time to make her pitch to American voters.

“I think that would have made a huge difference,” said Jerushatalla Pallay, a Howard University student who attended the speech at the center of her campus.

Republicans are poised to control the White House and Senate. Control of the House has yet to be determined.

Matt Bennett, executive vice president at the Democratic-aligned group Third Way, said this moment was the most devastating the party has faced in his lifetime.

“Harris was dealt a really bad hand. Some of it was Biden’s making and some maybe not,” said Bennett, who served as an aide to Vice President Al Gore during the Clinton administration. “Would Democrats fare better if Biden had stepped back earlier? I don’t know if we can say for certain, but it’s a question we’ll be asking ourselves for some time.”

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