By: Kayla Nickson Greene County High School Student
Greene County Tigers played in a 2A area competition game on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took on the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights. Tuscaloosa Academy defeated Greene County with the final score being 48 – 7. Greene County Tigers Quarterback Ronald Wilder (Sophomore) had a total of 108 passing yards. Wilder also led the team in rushing yards with quarterback keepers. Markevis Collier (Sophomore) led the Tigers with the most receiving yards during Friday night’s contest. On the defensive side of the ball Shayla Hill (Junior) led the team with 4 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles. Although the Tigers didn’t get the outcome hoped for, the week was filled with a lot fun activities during its homecoming spirit week. Greene County Tigers will now move on to face Winston County on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Winston County. The Tigers record is now 2-2 (0-2 in the 2A region 5). The Tigers are still looking forward to your continued support as we continue this season. Goodluck to the team and coaching staff this Thursday.
The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, September 18, with all board members in attendance except Ms. Carrie Dancy.
A special feature of the meeting was an inclusive report of the system’s Federal Programs for the current fiscal year by Dr. Charlayne Jordan Riley, Federal Program Coordinator, including the following goals: • Goal 1: Build a playground at Robert Brown Middle school which will foster a healthier environment for those middle school scholars and extend the learning from primary school to middle school.
• Goal 2: Incorporate STEM/STEAM activities which will support accountability areas in grades 3-12 including mathematics and science. • Goal 3: Purchase social emotional equipment and supplies which will assist in providing for a safe and healthy environment for all scholars.
The implementation of these program goals depends on the utilization of $84,534 of Title IV, Part A funds received by the Greene County Board of Education. The program will develop the RBMS playground in two phases, as an extension of the playground at Eutaw Primary School. The STEM and STEAM work will provide a well-rounded education with both hard and soft problem-solving skills to all students in our schools, with emphasis on safe and healthy schools.
Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones report including the following positive school news.
EPS Positives News • Educators have completed Reading and Math Data Meetings for all Beginning of the Year Assessments.
• Scholars of the Month were recognized for displaying the following Character Education Traits: Citizenship, Self-Control, Punctuality, Self-Respect. Scholars were awarded with an Ice Cream Party.
* Reading and Math Intervention has started for scholars in first through third grade. RBMS Positives News
* Grandparents Day on 9/12/2023 was great. Enjoyed by all of our Grandparents that came out.
* Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. RBMS and their Court along with Mr. Unique.
* Spirit week was awesome.
* We had Positive Attendance from students this Month which is Attendance Matters Month. GCHS Positive News:
* The school year is off to a great start; we have had great parental involvement at our Freshmen and Senior Orientation.
* Homecoming festivities were a success and our Adopt-A-School Partner, Cook Unity in the Community donated a water hydration system to GCHS football team.
* We would also like to welcome our New Adopt-A-School Partner, Boss Ties, LLC on board!
*Officers for 2023-2024 were installed for PTA. GCCC Positive News
* Skilled Trades of West Alabama participants are at the mid-point of the 10-week program. (Electrical, Plumbing, Construction, HVAC)
* Class meets on Wednesday & Thursday from 5-8pm
* CCR Grant awarded for $129,400.00 for activities which increase the number of students graduating with one or more College and Career Readiness (CCR) indicators. (Programing for all schools were included in the grant)
* LaMonica Little, Career Coach was selected to receive a professional learning scholarship to participate in the 2024 Professional Learning our and STEM leaders in the Dominican Republic, February 15-20, 2024.
* Military Monday’s have begun. All branches of the military and colligate level ROTC programs are scheduled to come in to speak with students and make connections with those interested in the military.
* GCCC faculty & staff will celebrate “College Wear Wednesday” on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Maintenance Updates: RBMS – HVAC- All reported HVAC issues have been repaired; Temporary Press Box- A storage building has been rented for the remaining of the football season. We have added the PA system as well as temporary lighting; PA System-has been delivered and installed; Scoreboard- the scoreboard has been delivered and installed. Maintenance Updates: GCHS – Roof- Johns Kirksey has not yet provided the information on the warranty. Bakers Roofing has completed the repairs that the system was responsible for. GCCC – Roof- Bakers Roofing has completed the repairs; Welding booth- Reynolds has started on the welding booth and estimated time of completion is two weeks.
The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones * Employment: Jasmine Armstead, Science Teacher, Greene County High School. * Resignation: Cynthia Crawford, technical services, effectively immediately.
* After-School Tutorial Program – Eutaw Primary School: Cara Durrett, Reading Coach; Gloria McGee, Kindergarten Teacher; Sheila Tillman, Kindergarten Teacher; Kaleigha Jemison, First Grade Teacher; Pamela Pasteur, First Grade Teacher; Montoya Binion, Second Grade Teacher; Sarah Crawford, Second Grade Teacher; LaShaun Henley, Third Grade Teacher; Keisha Williams, Third Grade Teacher; Shana Lucy, Third Grade Teacher; Gwendolyn Webb, Paraprofessional.
* After-School Tutorial Program – Robert Brown Middle School: Felecia Smith – Lead Teacher, 7th/8th Grades; Pinkie Travis – Assistant; Vanessa Bryant – 4th Grade Teacher; Demetris Lyles – 4th Grade Teacher; Tyletha Lord – 5th Grade Teacher; Quentin Walton – 6th Grade Teacher; Elroy Skinner – 7th/8th Grades Teacher; Raven Bryant – Self Contained (Special Services); Mary Hopson (Special Service Aide).
Wennoa Peebles, as bus driver for Stillman College Upward Bound Program for 2023-2024 school year
* After school Tutorial program Bus drivers for 2023-2024 School year: George Pippen; Eddie Coats; Stanley Lucious; Gerald Holloway; Natasha Lewis; Freddie Merriweather; Ayanna Crawford; David Peterson III.
•After School Tutorial Program – Greene County High School: Victoria Moore – Science Edgenuity; Tameshia Porter – Reading Edgenuity; Tura Edwards, – Reading/Language Arts; Dutchess Jones – Math; Drenda Martin – Assistant; Angela Harkness – Special Services; Rodney Wesley – Math.
Administrative Services approved by the board are as follows:
* Contract between Greene County Board and Demisha Stough, Gifted Specialist for 2023-2024 school term.
* Agreement between Greene County Board and Hammill Recreation for Installation of Playground Equipment at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $329,800 from Frasier Ousley to construct a press box at Robert Brown Middle School.
* Greene County Board Five Year Capital Plan.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $218,400 from Paige Properties and Construction, LLC dba Bama Flooring for Re-roofing Project at Eutaw Primary School.
* Lowest bid in the amount of $258,575 from Floors and More, LLC for new flooring at Eutaw Primary School.
•Greene County School District Yoga + Wellness with Keya Nkonoki.
•Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
• Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Greene County High School to travel to Biloxi High School for 7th annual Lady Indians Holiday Classic.
* LaMonica Little, Career Coach, selected to receive professional learning scholarship to participate in 2024 STEM leaders in the Dominican Republic, February 15-20, 2024.
Alabama Redistricting map, which creates two possible Black voting age majority districts
From reports by Patrick Darrington and Bill Britt, Alabama Political Reporters
On Tuesday, attorneys representing the Milligan plaintiffs in the Allen v. Milligan suit filed a response to the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to deny Allen’s emergency request for a stay that was filed last week with the high court. Two weeks ago, a federal district court ruled that Alabama’s 2023 congressional map passed by the legislature in July failed to create a “remedy” to the previous map’s dilution of Black voting power. Secretary of State Wes Allen on behalf of the state filed an appeal to stay that decision but the district court refused the stay prompting Allen to make an emergency request to the Supreme Court to freeze the decision. In June of 2023, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5 to 4 decision , with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh voting with the three liberal judges: Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, that Alabama had violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by not redistricting to allow Black voters a chance to select two of the seven Alabama Congresspersons, when Black people were 27% of the Black voting age population in the state. The Alabama State Legislature in August 2023 held a Special Session on redistricting and produced a Congressional Redistricting Map which did not create two districts that could elect a Black candidate, in defiance of the Supreme Court and a special three judge appellate court in Alabama. In part, the Alabama Legislature was hoping for a rehearing of their case by the Supreme Court, with the possibility of flipping the vote of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and declaring Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act unenforceable. Bill Britt of Alabama Political Reporters has found a connection between Leonard Leo, Director of the Federalist Society and other groups, dark money supporters of a conservative agenda on the Supreme Court, personal vacation trips and other benefits offered to Justices Thomas, Alito, and others by billionaires with business interests before the courts, the Republican leaders of the Alabama Legislature, Alabama District Attorney Steve Marshall, and others. This group is pushing to get the Alabama redistricting case back before the U. S. Supreme Court, so they can influence Justice Brett Kavanaugh to change his vote and kill the Alabama two district redistricting plan. The Alabama redistricting case has national implications for the future composition and control of the U. S. House of Representatives, since there are similar redistricting cases in Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, North Carolina, and other states to create opportunities for the election of Black candidates, who are likely to be Democrats replacing incumbent Republican Congresspersons. The Republicans currently control the House of Representatives by a five-seat majority which could evaporate if redistricting is done in these southern states. U. S. Supreme Court considering the State of Alabama’s emergency appeal Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who handles cases from Alabama, gave the Allen vs Milligan plaintiffs in the litigation until Sept.19 to issue their response to the stay. The counsel for the plaintiffs did so and in their filing stressed that Alabama defied both the district court and Supreme Court’s previous rulings. Much of the response argues the map put forth by the state plainly fails to remedy issues with the prior map by not implementing two majority Black districts as was ordered. “The Secretary of State (Wes Allen), and legislative defendants, are free to make whatever arguments they wish to the Special Master about their preferred redistricting criteria for formulating the remedial map,” the filing stated. “What the Secretary cannot do is pretend this motion is something other than what it is: a request to defy this court’s decision by implementing a “remedy” that cures nothing and prevents Black voters from having an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in a second congressional district. The Court should deny Alabama’s application for stay pending appeal and summarily affirm the district court’s decision below.” In June, the Supreme Court sided with the district court and ruled in Allen v. Milligan that Alabama’s 2021 congressional map likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and diluted Black voting power. The district court ordered Alabama to create a second majority, Black district or “something close to it.” Yet, Alabama defied this order backed by the Supreme Court and kept only one majority Black district. The state has attempted to argue they were trying to keep intact “communities of interest.” The Milligan counsel attacked this argument in the filing stating the legislature changed the criteria and factors involved with determining “communities of interest” and that those communities are not a “trump card” to ignore Section 2 or the creation of a second majority Black district. “More fundamentally, nothing in the law justifies treating state-selected communities of interest as a “trump card” that overrides compliance with [Section 2] or nullifies Plaintiffs’ showing that Black Alabamians are geographically compact enough to comprise a reasonably configured second opportunity district,” the counsel wrote. “To the contrary, a rule that made certain retrofitted, attorney-identified communities of interest or map-drawing requirements inviolable would radically rewrite the [Section 2] inquiry, which “for more than forty years … has expressly provided that a violation is established based on the ‘totality of circumstances.’”
The response also mentioned the peculiar nature of how Alabama passed the Senate version of the congressional map and the state’s confidence in getting the case heard “anew” by the Supreme Court. APR originally reported in July this was due to high ranking ALGOP members including Attorney General Steve Marshall acquiring “intelligence” Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh could potentially flip his vote to overturn Section 2 of the VRA.
However, new reporting from APR has discovered the dark money connections supporting this disobedience. in D.C. supporting the ALGOP’s deliberate disobedience of Supreme Court orders and attempts to overturn Section 2 of the VRA. The report details connections between far-right figure Leonard Leo labeled the “hidden architect of the Supreme Court”, Marshall, Solicitor General Edmund LaCour and a D.C. law firm called Consovoy McCarthy. Leo is infamous for supporting high stakes political challenges to attempt to overturn Supreme Court decisions like Roe and it appears he is now attempting to support an upheaval of voting rights law. “These previously unreported connections between Alabama officials who led the state’s 2023 redistricting process and various players seeking to reshape America may be the reason Alabama’s Republican-controlled legislature gambled on a rehearing before the U.S. Supreme Court,” Bill Britt wrote, “in hopes their inside intelligence was right in believing Kavanaugh would change his previous vote in Allen v. Milligan.” In Allen’s stay request he asked the Supreme Court to decide by at least Oct. 4 in hopes the current map will be used in the upcoming election cycle. The Milligan attorney closed their brief by stating Alabama’s actions would harm substantial portion of the public. “Alabama’s flagrant disregard of court orders and significant lack of responsiveness” to a sizeable portion of the electorate harms the strong public interest in protecting the right to vote and the rule of law.”
Sep. 18, 2023 (GIN) – As stricken Libyans searched for signs of life amid the wreckage left by two enormous dams that burst in a hurricane-strength storm, anger was growing over warnings that were ignored but could have possibly prevented the worst disaster in the country’s modern history.
“A lot of people are responsible for this. The dam wasn’t fixed, so now it’s a disaster,” said Alwad Alshawly, an English teacher who had spent three days burying bodies as a rescue volunteer, according to Reuters.
Searchers digging through mud and hollowed-out buildings say 10,000 people are missing and feared dead in flooding that has already taken the lives of over 11,000 men, women and children. The dams collapsed in exceptionally heavy rains from Mediterranean storm Daniel, sending a wall of water several feet high, gushing down a valley that cuts through the city of Derna.
The unusual flooding and Libya’s political chaos contributed to the enormous toll. The oil-rich state has been split since 2014 between rival governments in the east and west backed by various militia forces and international patrons.
When hydrologist Abdul Wanis Ashour began researching the system of dams protecting the eastern Libya port town of Derna, the peril facing residents was already no secret, he said. Ashour warned that if the dams were not urgently maintained, the city faced a potential catastrophe.
“There were warnings before that,” he said. “The Libyan government knew what was going on in the Derna River Valley. The two dams were built around half a century ago and the danger of the situation was known for a very long time.”
Derna is prone to flooding, and its dam reservoirs have caused at least five deadly floods since 1942, the latest of which was in 2011, according to a research paper published by Libya’s Sebha University last year.
All dams are potentially dangerous, according to the U.S. Association of State Dam Safety Officials – if they are old and have not been properly maintained or have fallen into disrepair.
At last count, according to a report by the Associated Press, there are 91,757 dams in the U.S. and more than 2,200 are in poor condition, likely endangering lives if they were to fail. Climate change has subjected some dams to greater strain from intense rainstorms. Homes, businesses and highways have cropped up below dams that were originally built in remote locations.
“All of the sudden, you’ve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail,” said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. “The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing,” he said, adding that without investment in upgrades that number will continue to rise.
The actual number of high-hazard dams is likely even higher than the AP’s tally, because some states don’t track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release that information. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs.
Yet it’s still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the tens of thousands of dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials.
New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams as it did in 2018, when the AP previously collected data for analysis.
Meanwhile, prosecutor general Al-Seddik Al-Sour has announced an investigation into the circumstances leading to the flash flood that swept through the city last Sunday. Like much of Libya’s crumbling infrastructure, the two dams that had been built to hold back water from Derna fell into disrepair over years of neglect, conflict and division.
An Italian engineering firm hired to assess the damage confirmed finding cracks and recommended the construction of a third dam to protect the city, said Al-Sour.
In 2007, Gaddafi’s government entrusted repair work to a Turkish company. But because of payment issues, the company did not begin the work until October 2010, and halted less than five months later after the revolution that led to Gaddafi’s downfall began.
None of the successive governments since 2011 has undertaken the work, according to a a 2021 report which blamed “procrastination” for the failure to resume repairs on the two dams.
World Meteorological Organization chief Petteri Taalas said many deaths could have been avoided if early warning and emergency management systems had functioned properly in the war-scarred country.
Along with Libyans, dozens of Sudanese migrants died in the disaster. The country has become a major transit point for Middle Eastern and African migrants fleeing conflict and poverty to seek a better life in Europe.
Daryl George, 17, student at Texas high school suspended for hairstyle
By Chandelis Duster, CNN
CNN — A Black Texas high school student who was suspended because his loc hairstyle violated the district’s dress code was suspended again upon his return to school Monday, an attorney for the family told CNN.
Darryl George has been suspended for more than two weeks because his loc hairstyle violates the Barbers Hill Independent School District dress and grooming code, according to his family. The code states that “male students’ hair will not extend, at any time, below the eyebrows or below the ear lobes,” CNN previously reported. Allie Booker, an attorney representing the family, told CNN Tuesday that school officials have asked George and his mother to meet to discuss the continued disciplinary action over his hairstyle violations. The family has been given a Wednesday deadline to meet with school officials, the lawyer said. “What I expect for them to try to do is to put him out of school,” Booker told CNN. “But they won’t do it with our consent.” The family was previously told the teen would be placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, also known as alternative school, if he didn’t cut his hair, Booker said. In a statement shared with CNN, David Bloom, director of communications for the Barbers Hill Independent School District, said the district is “unable to provide any comment with respect to disciplinary matters involving a student.” George, a junior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, received multiple disciplinary action notes and was placed on in-school suspension for wearing his locs hairstyle in a ponytail, his mother, Darresha George, previously told CNN. She said Darryl was suspended the same week the state’s CROWN Act, a law prohibiting discrimination based on one’s hair texture or protective hairstyle such as locs and braids, went into effect. His mother told CNN the family is considering legal action. She also said school officials told George his loc hairstyle violated the district dress code which also states, “Male students’ hair must not extend below the top of a t-shirt collar or be gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes when let down.” George was initially reprimanded by a school official for his locs and for wearing frayed jeans, which are also prohibited. His mother previously told CNN the school said the 17-year-old he could change his clothes but he would also have to cut his hair. When the teen did not cut his hair, he was put on in-school suspension.
Statue of Booker T. Washington on campus of Tuskegee University, an 1890 Historically Black Land Grant By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Historically Black land-grant universities across 16 states have been denied a staggering $12.6 billion in funding over the past 30 years, according to the Biden administration. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack announced that they have contacted governors in each affected state, urging them to rectify the funding gap, which has had its most significant impact in Tennessee, according to a news release. Tennessee State University has suffered an underfunding deficit of $2.1 billion. “Unacceptable funding inequities have forced many of our nation’s distinguished historically Black colleges and universities to operate with inadequate resources and delay critical investments in everything from campus infrastructure to research and development to student support services,” Cardona emphasized. Similar letters were dispatched to governors in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The nation’s land-grant universities, established in the 19th century, were designed to advance agricultural education and research. While federal law mandates equitable distribution of state funding for all land-grant universities, this has not been realized for many historically Black institutions, as revealed in a comprehensive analysis. Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the federal agencies uncovered funding disparities in 16 out of 18 states hosting Black land grants. Only Delaware and Ohio provided equitable funding. Cardona spoke fervently about the accomplishments of HBCUs and their impact on various professions. “The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to have made record investments in our HBCUs, but to compete in the 21st century, we need state leaders to step up and live up to their legally required obligations to our historically Black land-grant institutions,” Cardona demanded. Vilsack echoed Cardona’s sentiments, recognizing these institutions’ pivotal role in agricultural advancements. He emphasized the need for governors to invest in HBCUs at levels commensurate with their contributions to society and the economy. In a news release, administration officials noted that the Second Morrill Act of 1890 mandated that states establishing a second land-grant university for Black students ensure equitable distribution of state funds between their 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions. The 1862 land-grant universities were established through the First Morrill Act of 1862, which provided states with federal land to support the colleges. Drawing on data from the National Center for Education Statistics from 1987 to 2020, the departments calculated the amount these institutions would have received if their state funding per student equaled that of 1862 institutions. Officials said the discrepancies in appropriated funding ranged from $172 million to $2.1 billion, creating significant financial disparities. Over the past three decades, these funds could have been channeled towards crucial infrastructure and student services, enhancing the universities’ capacity to pursue grants and expand educational opportunities. The Departments of Education and Agriculture said they have extended their offer to collaborate with each state’s budget office to analyze the funding data and redress the disparities in investments for 1890 HBCUs that have faced chronic underfunding. Each letter outlined the specific underfunding per student for each state’s 1890 HBCUs between 1987 and 2020 and suggested remedies for the situation. “We want to make abundantly clear that it is not necessary to reduce funding to other institutions, nor make a reduction in general fund allocations to (HBCUs) in addressing these disparities,” the secretaries wrote. “We are at an inflection point that will determine our place in the world as leaders. We need to solidify our country as the top producer of talent and innovation – demonstrating to the global community that nothing can beat American ingenuity.” They continued: “The state that serves as our nation’s economic engine for the next generation is sure to be one that fully realizes all its assets and is committed to ensuring that opportunity is equally distributed. Given the career opportunities that will be available due to recent bipartisan federal investments for key industries, strengthening these universities to provide tomorrow’s workforce will enhance your state’s economic viability.”
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In the face of a sustained Republican campaign to stoke fears among white voters, Vice President Kamala Harris remains resolute, highlighting her trailblazing achievements and defending her legacy against racially charged attacks. Prominent figures within the Republican Party have continued the GOP’s attempt to cast doubt on President Joe Biden’s ability to complete a potential second term, equating a vote for him with a de facto endorsement of Harris as president. Former South Carolina Governor and GOP Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley asserted, “A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for Kamala Harris,” while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, positioning himself as a contender for the 2024 presidential race, labeled Harris as “impeachment insurance.” “They feel the need to attack because they’re scared that we will win based on the merit of the work that Joe Biden and I, and our administration, has done,” Harris responded. She further emphasized the historic barriers she has shattered throughout her career, including being the first woman district attorney in San Francisco and the first Black woman to serve as California’s attorney general. When questioned about her readiness to assume the highest office, if necessary, Harris affirmed her preparedness while expressing confidence in Biden’s leadership. “Joe Biden is going to be fine. Let me tell you something: I work with Joe Biden every day,” she told CBS News. “The work that our administration has accomplished under Joe Biden’s leadership is transformative.”
Coco Gauff has etched her name in tennis history as she clinched the U.S. Open singles title, becoming the youngest player, at 19, since Serena Williams’ historic victory in 1999 when she was just 17 years old. Gauff’s remarkable triumph came after an intense three-set battle against Aryna Sabalenka, with a final score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Amidst the crowd’s roar and the flashbulbs of countless cameras, Gauff stood on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, her trophy shining brightly, and her victory speech filled with a sense of readiness for the fame that will undoubtedly come her way. “I’m ready,” Gauff proclaimed, her youthful confidence evident. “I embrace it. I know how to keep my peace but also embrace all of this around me.” As Gauff accepted her winner’s check of $3 million, she took a moment to graciously thank tennis legend Billie Jean King, who stood alongside her on the stage. King is a long time advocate for equal treatment and payment of female athletes in all sports. The gesture highlighted Gauff’s perspective, humor, and charm that has set the stage for American sports’ next global superstar. “She is so humble,” said Pere Riba, Gauff’s coach, in the post-match interview. “Her work ethic is so strong, so professional, and she has very good manners. Put all of that together, and she will only get better. She can handle it all.” Gauff has long been earmarked as one of tennis’ next superstars. Her maturity on and off the court, intelligence, and ability to articulate herself have endeared her to the American public and the global tennis community. Even prominent figures in the political arena couldn’t contain their excitement. President Joe Biden took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to congratulate the young champion. “Congrats to U.S. Open Champion Coco Gauff,” he tweeted. “You electrified Arthur Ashe stadium and the entire nation – the first of more to come and proof that anything is possible if you never give up and always believe. You’ve made America so proud.” Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who cheered Gauff during her first-round match against Laura Siegmund, also extended congratulations. “We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court – and we know the best is yet to come,” Barack Obama wrote. The former First Lady paid tribute to Gauff’s “hard work and grit” and shared a cherished photo of their meeting after that memorable first-round match. Former President Bill Clinton joined the chorus of praise, describing Gauff’s victory as “incredible” and expressing optimism for the future of American tennis. Serena Williams, whom Gauff credits for inspiring her dreams, shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Ahhhhh!!!! Amazing!!!!” Gauff reflected proudly on her victory. “My dad took me to this tournament, sitting right there, watching Venus and Serena compete, so it’s really incredible to be here on this stage,” she stated.
Alabama fans were overheard shouting racist and homophobic slurs at three Texas players in a viral video filmed during the Crimson Tide’s 34-24 loss to the Longhorns on Saturday night.
Fans behind the Texas sideline at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., yelled homophobic and racist language at Longhorns defensive backs Jelani McDonald and X’Avion Brice as well as running back Quintrevion Wisner. Among the slurs that can be heard on the video are Alabama fans calling the Texas players –“faggots” and advising them “to go back to the projects”. In the wake of the video’s circulation on social media, Alabama released a statement to The Austin American-Statesman, saying the university does not condone the behavior and that such behavior “will not be tolerated” in its venues. “We are disgusted by reports of vile language and inappropriate behavior Saturday night,” the statement read, per Danny Davis of The American-Statesman. “It’s not representative of UA and our values. We expect all attendees to act with class and respect towards others. Fans are strongly encouraged to report issues to our security resources on-site. Game day and delayed reports are appropriately addressed, and anyone found to be in violation of our rules and expectations will be promptly removed and may be banned from future events.
