West Alabama Thanksgiving Day Briefing
Good Thanksgiving Day morning. It is Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Thanksgiving Morning Observations:
According to a study by Statista (a global data and business intelligence platform), Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday of the year, followed by Memorial Day and Christmas.
The late comedian Red Skelton once joked, Thanksgiving is popular because all you do is eat. Then you find creative ways to eat the same thing over and over for days.
The story of Thanksgiving is enshrined in American lore as the time when English Pilgrims, who came to what they called the "New World" (it was new to them) aboard the Mayflower, celebrated surviving a particularly harsh winter. Some of them died but the survivors made it through due to the Wampanoag Indians, who offered provisions and advice.
A bountiful crop, again with the help of the Wampanoags, left the new settlers thankful to survive and joined in a meal with the generous Native Americans to celebrate. Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically after that but didn't become a public holiday until in 1862.
But contrary to belief, Thanksgiving is not a uniquely American event. It is also celebrated on different dates and in different fashions in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Grenada, India, Japan, Liberia, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, St. Lucia, United Kingdom and at least a dozen other countries.
Some Thanksgiving holidays are religious observances, while others are multi-day festivals that bring the community together. But no matter how they celebrate or whether the word “Thanksgiving” is in the name, the spirit of gratitude is there.
The idea of thanksgiving exists in other cultures and religions where they celebrate historical triumphs over adversity, such as the Jewish celebration of Sukkot or the Italian Olivagando festival.
In Christianity it comes from the Holy Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are told to, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.".
In Ephesians 5:20 we are told, "Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ".
More than 100 Bible verses refer to our need to be thankful, so it is not just about an annual feast or observance, it is about the way we should live in gratitude and thanksgiving every day.
(Opinions expressed in Morning Observations are those of the author and not necessarily those of ownership, management or staff of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.)
Weather:
A scattered shower or two are possible but any severe weather threat will mainly be limited and below the I20/59 corridor this morning. Later today a cold front will usher in the coldest temperatures of the season so far.
Read More: Chilly Change Ahead: Holiday Weekend Brings Falling Temps to Alabama
The Forecast:
Topping the News:
Former University of Alabama star football player and later Athletics Director Bill Battle has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by the UA Athletics Department.
Arrivals are a different story where many arrivals from areas like Houston, Charlotte, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Washington that are dealing with severe weather or winter weather. At least 14 arriving flight schedules are being revised.
Thousands of Alabamians have seen their SNAP EBT accounts drained by hackers. Alabama’s Department of Human Resources report hackers have stolen millions of dollars from users.
A statement by DHR reports the thieves are targeting people by using skimmers on top of credit card devices at gas stations and other businesses to steal these benefits.
DHR is working on security upgrades like converting EBT cards to have chips in them, which makes them more secure.
Stolen benefits must be reported within 30 days of the theft being discovered.
Saturday may be Iron Bowl Day in Alabama, but Gov. Ivey has also declared the day as “Small Business Saturday” in the state.
“The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a time when many of us gather with family and friends, often to enjoy one of Alabama’s great traditions, the Iron Bowl,” the governor said in her announcement. “As you prepare for the holiday season – and perhaps for the big game – I encourage everyone to take a moment to visit local small businesses. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, support your community and make this weekend a win for our great state.”
The governor’s press release noted that small businesses are vital to Alabama’s economy. There are nearly 450,000 small businesses in the state, making up 99.4 percent of all Alabama businesses. Small businesses also employ nearly half of Alabama’s workforce.
The press release goes on to note that Alabama’s small businesses created 41,091 new jobs in 2022 — nearly 80 percent of the state’s total net job growth.
A battle over how Alabamians vote is looming in the coming legislative session next year. Long lines at some polling places have spurred Democrats to pre-file bills that would allow early voting. Republicans don't trust early voting and believe there is a better solution.
Democrat State Rep. Thomas Jackson of Thomasville wants four days added ahead of Election Day to make it easier on seniors and those with disabilities to vote.
Hoover Republican State Representative Susan DuBose wants to see more polling pads added to move voting lines quicker.
Topping Sports News:
A Tide men's basketball team, visibly exhausted from Tuesday night's physical overtime win over Houston had to hold on to beat Rutgers 95-90 in last night's second round of the Las Vegas Players Era Tournament.
Bama plays undefeated Oregon for the tournament championship and $1.5 million in NIL money Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. CST
Read More: Tide Drown Scarlett Knights; Advance to Player's Era Championship
Injuries play a big part in the outcome of many games. It impacts how a team prepares and what they are able to do depending on availability and condition of various personnel. Click below for the latest SEC required Injury Report from both sides in Saturday's Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny.
Read More: Iron Bowl Injury Report for Alabama & Auburn
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
The award is named after running back Earl Campbell and honors the top offensive player in Division I football who meets certain criteria, while also demonstrating resilience in overcoming adversity or injury.
Click on TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather throughout the day. Better yet, download the app.
Enjoy the holiday and count your blessings on this Thanksgiving. ROLL TIDE!!