Jan 25, 2024

On the run today? Don't forget that we have a short (usually under five minutes) podcast so you can get some of what we write here while you're out and about.

Ike Morgan

Looking for the podcast? Click here or check other options below.

The first newborn baby has been placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box -- and it was in Madison, Alabama, reports AL.com's William Thornton.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are stations in the exterior walls of some fire stations. Moms who, for whatever reason, aren't in a position to have a child can anonymously surrender her newborn to state custody by placing it in the baby box from outside the station. The infants are supposed to be quickly taken by emergency workers inside and provided with what they need.

In June 2023, the Legislature expanded Alabama's "Safe Haven" law to allow infants up to 45 days old to be surrendered at 24-hour fire stations staffed with emergency workers.

The baby box in Madison had been open for just 12 days when a healthy newborn girl showed up on Sunday.

The founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes is Monica Kelsey. She posted a video last night directed at the anonymous mother. She thanked her for doing what she thought was best, told her they're praying for her, and offered to provide counseling or medical care if needed.

Safe Haven boxes have been installed in Madison and Prattville. They're coming soon to Tuscaloosa, Opelika and Gadsden.

A man well-respected along the Gulf Coast as a marine scientist and a figure in the fishing community has passed away.

AL.com's Lawrence Specker reports that Robert L. Shipp's death was confirmed by the University of South Alabama. A university statement said Shipp died in Tampa after a short illness.

Shipp, who was often called "Dr. Bob," worked at South for 40 years and retired in 2013 as chair of the Department of Marine Sciences.

He published “Dr. Bob Shipp’s Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico," and he served several years as the head judge of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo.

He's also credited as an influential proponent of introducing artificial reefs off the Gulf Coast.

Robert Shipp was 81 years old.

Target is now selling a line of clothing and home goods inspired by the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama, reports AL.com's Mary Colurso.

t's called "Gee's Bend x Target," and it's being marketed as a celebration of Black History Month.

Women in Gee's Bend are famous for having made their quilts for generations, dating back to the 19th century. Their designs have African and American Indian influences, and sometimes you can see some of it at area art festivals. Gee's Bend -- or, formally, "Boykin, Alabama" -- is in Wilcox County, southwest of Selma.

Target's website mentions some Gee’s Bend quilters as being involved in the project.

“If I’m, in fact, a cowboy, then give me a horse, give me a hat, a six shooter and let me ride at dawn on March 5, because we got a nation to save."

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, in a GOP primary debate against U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, after Carl accused Moore of being one of the "show horses" in the House Freedom Caucus.

We appreciate you for taking the time to read today. Hope you're able to check back soon. Meantime, reply to this email with any suggestions you might have.

If you're so inclined, we'd love it if you'd forward to friends who might be interested in reading. (And if you're someone who's been forwarded this newsletter, we encourage you to subscribe and get this in your inbox every day.)

The “Down in Alabama” podcast is short and free. Listen to it by clicking on the player above or subscribe by looking for “Down in Alabama” on the device of your choosing.

You can find “Down in Alabama” wherever you get your podcasts, including these places: