Thanksgiving is a great time for family and friends, but it's also a time to remember to keep our furry family members and friends safe while we enjoy the holiday!

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with guest J.J. Nelson Sr. to talk about his time as a standout athlete at Midfield High School, his experience on the gridiron at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and in the NFL, and his short stint coaching at Rice University. Nelson has now transitioned into coaching for the San Tan Youth Football League and doing speed and agility training in Arizona.

On this Week's Keepin' It Real, Cam is tired of people not from Alabama degrading and belittling our state, but in this certain case, Cam says, we might deserve it.

Coming off a home loss to Oklahoma and with lower-division Eastern Illinois visiting Saturday, number ten ranked Alabama will try to reclaim its rhythm before the Iron Bowl. Saturday represents the last chance for the Crimson Tide to tune up its game before the now all important Iron Bowl. Alabama’s Homecoming loss to Oklahoma means its path to the playoffs has narrowed

The Mobile based band “The Red Clay Strays” took a top honor during last night’s Country Music Awards. The country rock band won vocal group of the year, which broke a seven year streak by Old Dominion in that category. Billboard Magazine listed the win for the Strays as a “surprise” during last night’s CMA’s .

Next week, millions of Americans may be in one of two places. Either in the kitchen with the Thanksgiving turkey or in front of their televisions. The Macy’s parade is a holiday tradition in many U.S. households. This time next year, group of young musicians from Alabama will be marching between the floats. The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band will be returning to New York City in 2026. They’ll be part of one hundredth Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A federal judge has ordered Alabama to use a new state Senate map in upcoming legislative elections after ruling that districts drawn by lawmakers illegally diluted the voting power of Black residents in the state’s capital city. U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.

A historic ocean liner will become the world’s largest artificial reef after it's sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast early next year. Okaloosa County officials announced Tuesday that they expect to sink the SS United States in early 2026 about 22 nautical miles (41 kilometers) southwest of Destin and 32 nautical miles (59 kilometers) southeast of Pensacola.

Facing a public backlash, the commission that oversees Alabama Public Television voted Tuesday to continue paying its contract with PBS, rejecting an effort — at least for now — to be the first state to cut ties with the broadcast giant because of politics and federal budget cuts.

Roy Wood, Jr. has come a long way from Birmingham. He launched his comedy career making prank phone calls for a local radio station in the Magic City in 2001. Along with his current success as a stand up comic, Wood is host of CNN's panel show "Have I Got News For You." That followed eight years as a correspondent on "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah." Wood is also out with a new book titled The man of many fathers. It's a memoir focusing on his relationship with his dad, civil rights era journalist and radio show host Roy Wood, Sr, All of that's coming up on APR Notebook.

142 years young! Grab your black cap and necktie— we're talking all about Mobile's legendary Excelsior Band. The country's oldest marching jazz band is led by Hosea London. He chats with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about preserving that beautiful, traditional jazz sound! Plus, the big beach debate (Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach), what's an acceptable dish for a potluck in the Port City and how the Yellowhammer State can make some progress.

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? In APR’s new series Deck the South, Digital Content Reporter and Producer Aydan Conchin takes you on a tour of Alabama’s most dazzling holiday traditions. From twinkling lights and ice rinks to parades and small-town celebrations, Deck the South highlights the magic, community, and Southern charm that make this season shine across the Yellowhammer State.