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3 weeks ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
You may have heard, and taken seriously, the fact that Alabama passed a recreational marijuana bill earlier this month. In a sense this is true. But there are fewer squirrels and nuts in the forest than "ifs" and "buts" in this legislation.
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4 weeks ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Alabama's HB202, which squeaked through passage literally in the final few minutes of the legislative session (never a sign of confidence), was sold as a bold move to "back the blue." And to be fair, there's something to that. Alabama's officers do walk into danger, often underpaid and over-scrutinized. If you want to keep good cops, it helps to give them legal clarity and confidence.
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1 month ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Documentary Showcases Young Founder's Mission to Uplift Forgotten Populations At just 22 years old, Andeana Stewart has already become a determined force for compassion in the River Region. Her nonprofit, Tiny's Blessings, debuted its first documentary recently in partnership with John Knox Manor Nursing Home, offering an intimate look at her mission to bring love, joy, and human connection to nursing homes, children's homes, and foster homes across central Alabama.
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2 months ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
The Montgomery school board voted Tuesday night to appoint Zickeyous Byrd as the new superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools. Byrd is a Montgomery resident and former employee of the school system, has previously served as superintendent of both Selma City Schools and Conecuh County Schools. The decision, and the proceedings of the meeting, highlighted the deep divisions within the board and drew criticism from city leaders and business advocates.
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2 months ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
For the first time in its history, Faulkner University has surpassed 1,300 graduate students, marking a significant milestone in its growth. This accomplishment highlights Faulkner's expanding reputation among Christian universities across the nation, solidifying its place as a leader among Churches of Christ-affiliated institutions and private universities in Alabama. The university's progress is fueled by innovative programs and its distinctive Christian environment.
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2 months ago | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Jeffery Goldberg, Editor of The Atlantic, reported this week that he recently found himself in the middle of a national security snafu as he was dropped into a Signal chat with the top brass of U.S. national security in what could very well be mistaken for an episode of "Veep." The group was discussing military plans to bomb the Houthis in Yemen.
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Mar 18, 2025 | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Dr. Haewon An, a lecturer in the AUM Department of Chemistry got her first taste of science in middle school in South Korea. She was hooked immediately. “Biology was one of my favorite subjects. I still remember the textbook. I made many notes in my biology textbook, but I did not do that in other subjects. People would look at my textbook and say, ‘Wow why do you take so many notes like that?’ I would still read that textbook for the next 10 years.” An said.
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Mar 18, 2025 | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Some people may describe their work as being “in the weeds.” In the case of Dr. Flor Breitman, a professor in AUM's Department of Biology and Environmental Science, it is the literal truth. When she is not in the classroom or the lab facilitating learning, she can often be found in the 250-acre urban secondary forest on the campus of AUM checking traps for snakes, lizards and frog specimens.
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Mar 18, 2025 | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
British humorist and science reporter James Burke once joked that success in working at an academic institution “requires you make your specialist niche so small there's only room in there for you.” While professors such as AUM’s Dr. Chelsea Ward can smile and appreciate the humor here, she admits there is a touch of truth to it. “It is exciting when you know that you are working on a project to answer a very specific scientific question.
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Feb 8, 2025 | 
montgomeryindependent.com | Brian Hodge
Francie Morris scored 13 of her 15 points in the first quarter as Trinity jumped out to a 27-2 lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 68-23 win over Bibb County in a 4A sub-regional game at Trinity’s Captain Jack Court on Friday night. Trinity won its 10th consecutive game and the two-time defending state champions extended their playoff streak to 11 consecutive wins.
