Digital Alabama News

Can Auburn Accelerate Production At WR Despite Passing Game Issues? https://digitalalabamanews.com/can-auburn-accelerate-production-at-wr-despite-passing-game-issues/ Auburn’s wide receiver corps is in rare company through the first four weeks of the season — and not for the right reason. Auburn is one of just three FBS teams — not including option-based service academies like Army and Navy — that has yet to have a wide receiver score a touchdown, either receiving or rushing, this season. The Tigers join UAB and South Florida in that distinction, making them the only Power 5 team with that glaring omission on their season stats. “We’ve got dogs in that room, and we haven’t been able to show it as much, but it’s coming,” Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford said. “…We’ve got a lot of ballers and they’re just waiting to pop out. I think they will really soon.” Read more Auburn football: Auburn’s offense still looking for remedy to second-half woes Tate Johnson out 6-8 weeks as Auburn down to third center A few notable changes to Auburn’s depth chart entering LSU game Through Auburn’s first four games, its quarterbacks have thrown two touchdowns — one to tight end John Samuel Shenker in the season opener and one to running back Jarquez Hunter in the loss to Penn State — which is tied for fifth-fewest passing touchdowns in the nation. The struggles with the offense overall and the passing game in particular have been well-documented already this season: Auburn is 103rd nationally in passing offense (202.8 yards per game), 105th in passing efficiency (121.09) and 85th in completion percentage (60.2 percent), while Ashford and T.J. Finley have thrown a combined six interceptions. Despite those unappealing numbers in the passing game, Auburn’s wide receivers have shown signs of promise — especially from where the unit was a year ago at this point. The Tigers struggled with dropped passes, misalignments and other mental errors through four games last fall, prompting head coach Bryan Harsin to fire receivers coach Cornelius Williams and promote Eric Kiesau from analyst to on-field coach. Kiesau is now offensive coordinator, and Harsin tabbed longtime NFL assistant Ike Hilliard — a former All-SEC and All-America receiver at Florida — to oversee the Tigers’ wide receivers. The group lost two of its top-three receivers from last season, with Kobe Hudson landing at UCF following an offseason dismissal and Demetris Robertson exhausting his eligibility, and nearly lost another key piece after Ja’Varrius Johnson spent time in the transfer portal in February before reconsidering and returning to the team in the spring. Auburn did a quick revamp of the room, adding three freshman wide receivers in the 2022 class and picking up two on the transfer market. Two of the bright spots for the receiving corps have been Johnson and former LSU transfer Koy Moore. Johnson leads the team with 231 yards on 13 receptions, averaging 17.77 yards per catch, while Moore is coming off his best game with his new team — a four-catch, 74-yard performance against Missouri that included each of Auburn’s three most explosive plays of the day. Moore had receptions of 21, 20 and 24 yards in Auburn’s 17-14 overtime win to open SEC play, including a heads-up play on a designed wide receiver pass in which he kept the ball and scampered for 21 yards downfield instead of trying to force a pass. “It was good on his end just to go create something but also take care of the football,” Harsin said. “He’s a really smart player. That’s the one thing. That’s why we put him in those positions. He’s really smart. And it was good to see him get the ball in his hands and do some things…. He’s a guy we’ve got to continue to keep getting going. But I liked his attitude in the game. A lot of energy. Wanted the ball in his hands. Just that mentality was big for us, especially in that game. “So, we’ll keep building on that, because he’s a good player. And I think what we saw, we can do some more things to try to get him in the mix.” Prior to last week’s game against Missouri, Moore had just two catches through the first three games — a pair of 13-yard receptions against San Jose State and Penn State. Meanwhile Johnson, despite being the team’s top receiver — and its best downfield threat (he has been on the receiving end of passes of 39, 36 and 24 yards that have gotten down inside the opponent’s 7-yard line this season) — did not record a catch in the SEC opener. He was targeted just once on the afternoon, and it came on Ashford’s final pass attempt of the game — a third-down pass that was nearly picked off in overtime. Along with Johnson and Moore, Shedrick Jackson has caught 10 passes for 141 yards through three games, while Harsin and Kiesau tried to work freshmen Omari Kelly and Camden Brown into the gameplan against Missouri. With Auburn’s offense sputtering, particularly in the second half against quality competition, Harsin knows the coaching staff needs to do more to get the receivers involved so the offense can get on track, regardless of who is at quarterback. It has been a work in progress, and there are certainly some things to build upon with guys like Moore and Johnson flashing their potential— but the Tigers can’t afford to take their time; the results need to come if the team is to stand a chance in SEC play. “We had a few things at the wide receiver position that was good,” Harsin said. “We need to do more of that and use those guys. And we’re trying to do those things.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Read More…

McConnell, Schumer Back Bill To Prevent Efforts To Subvert Presidential Election Results https://digitalalabamanews.com/mcconnell-schumer-back-bill-to-prevent-efforts-to-subvert-presidential-election-results/ Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have endorsed a bipartisan electoral count reform bill in the Senate, all but cementing its passage in the Senate and giving the legislation a key boost over a similar bill the House passed last week. Both bills seek to prevent future presidents from trying to overturn election results through Congress, and were directly prompted by the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob seeking to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral win. The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), would amend the Electoral Count Act of 1887 and reaffirm that the vice president has only a ministerial role at the joint session of Congress to count electoral votes, as well as raise the threshold necessary for members of Congress to object to a state’s electors. Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, McConnell said there was a need to make “modest” updates to the Electoral Count Act. “Congress’s process for counting their presidential electors votes was written 135 ago. The chaos that came to a head on Jan. 6 of last year certainly underscored the need for an update,” McConnell said. “The Electoral Count Act ultimately produced the right conclusion … but it’s clear the country needs a more predictable path.” Later the Senate Rules Committee, of which Schumer and McConnell are both members, voted to advance the bill. Schumer voted yes by proxy, while Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) was the lone no vote. Speaking minutes after McConnell had expressed his support for the legislation in committee, Cruz went against his party leader and blasted the bill as “bad policy and… bad for democracy.” “I understand why Democrats are supporting this bill,” Cruz said. “What I don’t understand is why Republicans are.” The bill already enjoyed strong bipartisan support, with 11 Democratic and 11 Republican senators signing on to co-sponsor it before Tuesday. “We are pleased that bipartisan support continues to grow for these sensible and much-needed reforms to the Electoral Count Act of 1887,” Collins and Manchin said in a joint statement last week. “Our bill is backed by election law experts and organizations across the ideological spectrum. We will keep working to increase bipartisan support for our legislation that would correct the flaws in this archaic and ambiguous law.” After the 2020 election, President Donald Trump had falsely told his supporters that Vice President Mike Pence had the power to reject electoral votes already certified by the states. Pence did not do so — and has repeatedly emphasized that the Constitution provides the vice president with no such authority. But on Jan. 6, many in the pro-Trump mob that overran the Capitol began chanting, “Hang Mike Pence!” on the misguided belief that the vice president could have stopped Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. The House last week passed the similar Presidential Election Reform Act, written by Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), on a 229-203 vote. Cheney and Lofgren argued that the risk of another effort to steal a presidential election remains high, as Trump continues to spread baseless claims of widespread election fraud, and as pro-Trump candidates in state and local elections around the country have embraced those falsehoods. The Senate and House bills differ chiefly in how much they would change the threshold necessary for members of both chambers to object to a state’s results. Currently only one member each from the House and Senate are required to object to a state’s electors. The House electoral reform bill would raise that threshold to at least one-third of the members of both the House and the Senate, while the Senate version would raise that threshold to at least one-fifth of the members of both the House and the Senate. Schumer had withheld his support because he preferred Democrats’ sweeping voting bill that also addressed access to the polls. But after that bill failed in the Senate due to a lack of Republican support earlier this year, the bipartisan working group forged ahead on a narrower bill that would implement guardrails and clarifications regarding how presidential electors are appointed, submitted and approved. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Rules panel who had worked on his own electoral bill, said Monday that it was “critical” they pass legislation as soon as possible. “This isn’t comprehensive voting rights reforms but it is important because of the danger that we experienced on Jan. 6,” King told The Washington Post. “It’s critical we do this before next year when we are in the throes of the presidential election.” Unlike the Senate bill, the House bill saw little support from GOP lawmakers. Only nine Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats in supporting the measure, and none of those nine will be members of Congress next year — either because they lost their primaries or chose to retire. Several of the House Republicans who opposed the bill, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), criticized it as unconstitutional. On Tuesday, McConnell called the House bill a “non-starter” because of its lack of support from GOP lawmakers. “It’s clear that only a bipartisan compromise originating in the Senate can actually become law,” he said. “One party going it alone would be a non-starter. In my view, the House bill is a non-starter. We have one shot to get this right.” The Biden administration issued a statement last week in support of the House bill, calling it another step in “critically needed reform of the 135-year-old Electoral Count Act.” “Americans deserve greater clarity in the process by which their votes will result in the election of a President and Vice President,” the Office of Management and Budget said. “As [the Presidential Election Reform Act] proceeds through the legislative process, the Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to ensure lasting reform consistent with Congress’ constitutional authority to protect voting rights, tally electoral votes, and strengthen our democracy.” Leigh Ann Caldwell contributed to this report. Read More…

Adam Schiff And Jerry Nadler Clashed Over Trump's First Impeachment With Nadler Saying Democrats' Plans Were 'unfair' And 'unconstitutional' https://digitalalabamanews.com/adam-schiff-and-jerry-nadler-clashed-over-trumps-first-impeachment-with-nadler-saying-democrats-plans-were-unfair-and-unconstitutional/ Two powerful House Democrats disagreed on how to handle Trump’s first impeachment. At issue was which of their committees would take the lead in the investigation. Rep. Jerry Nadler also reportedly pushed Democrats to have Trump’s lawyers more involved.  Loading Something is loading. A pair of powerful House Democrats clashed repeatedly behind the scenes over the handling of President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, according to a forthcoming book. Reps. Jerry Nadler of New York and Adam Schiff of California reportedly disagree over how much power to give Nadler’s House Judiciary Committee and how to address potential due process concerns with the proceedings.  “It’s unfair, and it’s unprecedented, and it’s unconstitutional,” Nadler reportedly told Schiff, according to an excerpt from “Unchecked: The Untold Story Behind Congress’s Botched Impeachments of Donald Trump.” The book, written by Politico Playbook co-author Rachael Bade and Washington Post reporter Karoun Demirjian, will be published on October 18. Fox News published the latest excerpt from the book on Tuesday afternoon. Nadler, according to the book, felt that if the Judiciary Committee did not cross-examine witnesses, Trump and his attorneys would raise concerns about whether his due process rights had been violated. Nadler reportedly wanted Democrats to handle charges Trump abused his power by freezing aid to Ukraine like the Judiciary panel handled President Richard Nixon’s impeachment before he resigned. “If we’re going to impeach, we need to show the country that we gave the president ample opportunity to defend himself,” Nadler warned Schiff and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, per the book. In the end, Schiff’s House Intelligence Committee took the lead role in handling Trump’s impeachment, a break from the historic tradition of the Judiciary Committee handling such proceedings. According to the authors, this was because Pelosi did not trust Nadler. “She didn’t want the Judiciary panel to interview witnesses at all,” they wrote. “Pelosi simply didn’t trust the panel — which was stacked with liberal crusaders and hotheaded conservatives — to handle the rollout of the complex Ukraine narrative with the careful, compelling treatment it required. She couldn’t afford another Nadler screwup.” Nadler’s repeated pleas to Schiff were also reportedly unsuccessful. “I write the rules of my committee, not you,” Nadler reportedly told his colleague once. “I resent you telling me how to run my committee.” Schiff, according to the book, retorted, “I don’t really care about your resentment. Neither the Speaker nor I agree.” The Intelligence panel later had some witnesses reappear before the full committee. Republican lawmakers grilled the likes of then Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, but Trump’s lawyers were not present. The White House declined to appear at a Judiciary hearing that featured four constitutional scholars. Trump’s lawyers would later make these due process complaints the center of their defense during the Senate trial, though fact checkers found they repeatedly stretched the truth. Trump was later acquitted with only one Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney, voting to convict him on the charge of abusing his power. Romney was the first senator in US history to vote to convict an impeached president of their own party. Representatives for Schiff and Nadler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.  Read More…

Leaks In Undersea Gas Pipelines After Explosions Point To Sabotage, Officials Say https://digitalalabamanews.com/leaks-in-undersea-gas-pipelines-after-explosions-point-to-sabotage-officials-say/ Image The land portion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Lubmin, Germany, last week.Credit…Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters Explosions under the Baltic Sea and the rupture of major natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany appeared to be a deliberate attack, officials across Europe said on Tuesday, deepening uncertainty about European energy security amid soaring prices and fears of running short of fuel over the winter. Three separate leaks erupted from the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which were already caught up in the conflict over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sending swirling streams of methane to the surface of waters off Denmark and Sweden. Top Polish and Ukrainian leaders blamed Moscow, while Russian state media suggested U.S. or Ukrainian involvement. “It’s hard to imagine that it’s accidental,” Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters while on a trip to Poland to open a new undersea pipeline to carry Norwegian gas — a judgment echoed by officials in several countries. Swedish seismologists reported detecting the underwater explosions on Monday, and pipeline monitors in Germany registered a swift drop in the conduits’ pressure. Later, patches of sea surface in the same areas as the explosions began roiling with dangerously combustible gas, forcing shipping to steer clear. Several countries said they were investigating the cause. The apparent attack had no immediate effect on European energy supplies; Nord Stream 2 has never gone into service, and Nord Stream 1 has been shut down since August. But it raises the stakes — and European jitters — in a simmering energy war between Russia and the West prompted by the war in Ukraine. Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s prime minister, blamed Russia for the leaks, saying they were an attempt to further destabilize Europe’s energy security. He spoke at the launch of a new undersea pipeline that connects Poland to Norway through Denmark. “We do not know the details of what happened yet, but we can clearly see that it is an act of sabotage,” Mr. Morawiecki said. “An act that probably marks the next stage in the escalation of this situation in Ukraine.” Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said that sabotage could not be ruled out. “It is too early to conclude yet, but it is an extraordinary situation,” she said during a visit to Poland to inaugurate the pipeline from Norway. “There is talk of three leaks, and therefore it is difficult to imagine that it could be accidental,” she said. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, said on Twitter that the leaks were “a terrorist attack planned by Russia and an act of aggression towards E.U.” Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Tuesday, “There are initial reports indicating that this may be the result of an attack or some kind of sabotage, but these are initial reports and we haven’t confirmed that yet.” “My understanding is the leaks will not have a significant impact on Europe’s energy resilience,” he added. The Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, said of the leaks that “no possibility can be ruled out,” but the Russian state media sought to blame the United States and Ukraine. The state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported that Washington “is an active opponent of Russian gas supplies to Europe,” and said that Ukraine opposed Nord Stream 2 because it “was afraid of losing revenues from the transit of Russian gas.” Image A satellite image showing a leak at the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline 13 nautical miles southeast of Bornholm Island, Denmark, on Tuesday.Credit…Planet Labs It was not immediately clear who would benefit from ruptures in the pipelines, which were not in operation. The pipelines have been a focal point of the broader confrontation between Russia and Europe. After the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia to penalize it for invading Ukraine in February, Russia began withholding the natural gas that for decades it had sent to Europe, threatening the continent’s energy supply as winter looms. Monika Pronczuk, Oleg Matsnev, Torben Brooks and Richard Pérez-Peña contributed reporting. Image This handout picture released on Tuesday by the Danish Defense Command showed the leak at the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline off the island of Bornholm, Denmark.Credit…Danish Defense Command, via Getty Images As investigators from several countries look into gas leaks at Nord Stream 1 and 2, Sweden’s public broadcaster said on Tuesday that monitoring stations in Sweden and Denmark had recorded heavy underwater explosions in the same area as the gas leaks on Monday. “There is no doubt that there were blasts,” said Björn Lund, an associate professor of seismology at the Swedish National Seismic Network. The Swedish National Seismic Network said it had detected two distinct blasts in the area on Monday. One had a magnitude of 2.3 and was recorded at as many as 30 monitoring stations in southern Sweden. The first explosion was recorded at 2:03 a.m. on Monday, and the second at 7:04 p.m. The warnings about the gas leaks came from the Swedish Maritime Administration on Monday afternoon and evening after ships detected bubbles on the surface. — Christina Anderson Image The pro-Russian proxy mayor of Mariupol visited a polling station on Tuesday.Credit…Agence France-Presse — Getty Images KYIV, Ukraine — The four days of stage-managed referendums on joining Russia in occupied parts of Ukraine wrapped up on Tuesday, as pro-Moscow officials used raw intimidation tactics, including armed men in ski masks at polling stations, Orwellian messaging and thinly attended festivities to influence the vote. The referendums were intended to be a show of democracy by Russia, and even though most Western leaders dismissed them as a sham, they are likely to have chilling consequences. The purported results claimed the great majority of residents had voted to join Russia, giving the Kremlin a rationale to formally announce annexation as soon as this week. The Russian state news media was reporting what it described as results showing enormous levels of support for joining Russia in four occupied territories. Tass, the Russian news agency, reported 92.68 percent in favor in Zaporizhzhia, 86 percent in Kherson in the south, and 93.95 percent in Donetsk and 98.53 in Luhansk in the east. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, told the U.N. Security Council that Russia was staging “sham” referendums that were an effort to “erase the norms of international law.” “This is an attempt to steal the territory of another state,” he said in a remote address to the Council on Tuesday. The staged votes earned broad international condemnation, and world leaders vowed not to recognize the announced results. At a news conference in Washington on Tuesday, Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken said the United States would never recognize territories annexed through the referendums. He denounced Russia for what he called a “diabolical scheme” to move local Ukrainian residents out of captured areas and bus in Russians for the purpose of having them vote. Dmytro Orlov, the mayor of the occupied city of Melitopol, said in an interview the results of the voting were meaningless because of intimidation tactics. “They bang loudly, they ring the doorbell, they give people a ballot and point with their rifles where to put the mark,” he said. Mr. Orlov said the aim of Moscow was clear: to claim the land in four provinces partly occupied by the Russian Army as Russian and assert that Ukraine is now attacking Russia, not the other way around. President Vladimir V. Putin has said Russia will defend the territories with any means. The country has the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia who now serves as deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, reiterated on Telegram on Tuesday that Moscow had the right to defend itself with nuclear weapons and that was “definitely not a bluff.” Formal annexation would require a vote in the Russian Parliament. Mr. Putin is scheduled to address both houses on Friday, suggesting that a possible vote on annexation could take place then, British military intelligence reported. Ukrainians have expressed fears that one immediate consequence of annexation would be conscription of their citizens into the Russian military, forcing them to take up arms against their own country. In parts of Luhansk and Donetsk, which have been occupied by Russia since 2014, that is already the case. Maria Varenikova, Carly Olson and Michael Crowley contributed reporting. Image President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addressing members of the U.N. Security Council by video on Tuesday.Credit…UNTV, via YouTube With Russia appearing poised to annex parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lashed out at the Kremlin on Tuesday, telling the U.N. Security Council that Russia was staging “sham” referendums at gunpoint as a prelude to stealing part of his country. “This is an attempt to steal the territory of another state,” he said, speaking remotely by video and wearing his signature olive green shirt. He called the referendums a reckless breach of international norms and called for the international community to impose sanctions on Russia. “This is an attempt to erase the norms of international law,” he said. Mr. Zelensky also repeated his castigations of Russia for using what he has called “nuclear blackmail” to destabilize the world and highlighted reports that Russia is disproportionately targeting Crimean Tatars and other Indigenous people in its draft. Mr. Zelensky addressed the Council as Russian-backed administrators in ...

US Forecast https://digitalalabamanews.com/us-forecast-45/ City/Town, State;Yesterday’s High Temp (F);Yesterday’s Low Temp (F);Today’s High Temp (F);Today’s Low Temp (F);Weather Condition;Wind Direction;Wind Speed (MPH);Humidity (%);Chance of Precip. (%);UV Index Albany, NY;66;48;64;47;A shower in spots;NW;6;68%;60%;2 Albuquerque, NM;82;58;82;56;Mostly sunny;S;8;36%;0%;6 Anchorage, AK;52;41;51;43;A touch of rain;NE;7;70%;99%;1 Asheville, NC;67;40;65;41;Partly sunny;NNW;9;47%;3%;6 Atlanta, GA;75;49;75;51;Clouds and sun, nice;NE;8;36%;0%;6 Atlantic City, NJ;75;52;70;53;Some sun, pleasant;NNW;9;52%;12%;5 Austin, TX;91;59;91;59;Plenty of sunshine;SSE;5;30%;2%;7 Baltimore, MD;73;52;70;53;Clouds and sun;NNW;8;48%;6%;4 Baton Rouge, LA;85;57;83;52;Sunny and nice;NNE;9;43%;3%;7 Billings, MT;85;55;90;58;Very warm;SSW;9;29%;4%;4 Birmingham, AL;77;51;75;50;Sunny and nice;NNE;10;35%;0%;6 Bismarck, ND;68;42;77;50;Partly sunny, breezy;SE;14;45%;2%;4 Boise, ID;93;63;90;56;Partly sunny, warm;ESE;8;21%;3%;4 Boston, MA;73;55;72;53;Some sun;NW;9;50%;30%;4 Bridgeport, CT;71;51;70;50;Clouds and sun;NNW;8;53%;7%;4 Buffalo, NY;62;51;57;45;A morning shower;NNW;9;79%;62%;1 Burlington, VT;60;52;60;47;A shower or two;NW;7;79%;78%;2 Caribou, ME;66;48;61;44;A shower or two;WNW;7;74%;83%;1 Casper, WY;82;46;84;51;Breezy in the a.m.;SW;13;24%;5%;5 Charleston, SC;83;59;74;59;Not as warm;NNE;10;43%;27%;5 Charleston, WV;66;43;63;45;Partly sunny, cool;N;5;68%;4%;5 Charlotte, NC;78;47;71;49;Partly sunny;NNE;8;39%;0%;5 Cheyenne, WY;75;48;79;52;Partly sunny, warm;SSW;10;31%;3%;5 Chicago, IL;59;47;58;49;A cool breeze;NNE;15;64%;4%;2 Cleveland, OH;59;53;59;52;A couple of showers;NNE;13;70%;85%;1 Columbia, SC;83;52;75;53;Partly sunny, nice;NNE;7;34%;2%;6 Columbus, OH;61;44;62;46;Clouds and sun, cool;N;8;63%;25%;2 Concord, NH;72;46;67;46;Clouds and sun;NW;8;64%;36%;3 Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX;89;64;90;63;Plenty of sunshine;SE;9;32%;2%;6 Denver, CO;78;52;84;57;Partly sunny;S;5;32%;4%;5 Des Moines, IA;69;39;64;41;Plenty of sunshine;SE;7;47%;4%;4 Detroit, MI;63;48;60;45;Clouds and sunshine;N;10;68%;27%;2 Dodge City, KS;86;49;78;51;Partly sunny;ESE;13;36%;55%;5 Duluth, MN;54;35;57;42;Mostly sunny;SSW;6;65%;1%;4 El Paso, TX;86;61;86;59;Mostly sunny;ESE;9;28%;0%;7 Fairbanks, AK;45;31;53;33;Partly sunny;NE;7;62%;11%;1 Fargo, ND;60;35;66;49;Partly sunny, breezy;SSE;14;40%;17%;4 Grand Junction, CO;83;57;81;56;A stray t-shower;SE;9;33%;43%;5 Grand Rapids, MI;56;45;58;39;Rather cloudy, cool;N;9;73%;27%;1 Hartford, CT;73;50;71;50;Some sun;NW;7;56%;8%;4 Helena, MT;83;46;86;52;Very warm;SSE;5;34%;10%;4 Honolulu, HI;88;75;88;75;A morning shower;NE;12;56%;44%;9 Houston, TX;89;62;88;63;Plenty of sunshine;ENE;7;39%;4%;7 Indianapolis, IN;65;45;65;45;Partly sunny;NE;8;59%;2%;2 Jackson, MS;81;54;80;50;Sunny and nice;NNE;9;40%;3%;6 Jacksonville, FL;85;70;77;70;Rain and wind;NE;14;71%;100%;2 Juneau, AK;54;43;54;52;Rain and drizzle;ESE;9;87%;99%;1 Kansas City, MO;81;47;71;46;Sunny, not as warm;E;8;38%;6%;5 Knoxville, TN;72;43;69;45;Sunny and pleasant;NNE;7;49%;2%;5 Las Vegas, NV;96;73;96;73;Partly sunny;NNE;7;31%;8%;5 Lexington, KY;67;40;65;45;Partly sunny, cool;NNE;8;59%;3%;4 Little Rock, AR;84;53;80;48;Sunny and pleasant;NE;9;42%;3%;6 Long Beach, CA;89;68;88;66;Mostly sunny, warm;S;7;56%;0%;6 Los Angeles, CA;91;68;96;66;Sunny and hot;SSE;7;48%;0%;6 Louisville, KY;70;42;67;46;Partly sunny;NNE;7;55%;1%;4 Madison, WI;56;36;58;36;Sunny and breezy;ESE;15;60%;2%;4 Memphis, TN;80;55;76;50;Sunny and pleasant;NE;11;35%;1%;5 Miami, FL;81;79;86;79;Some wind and rain;SSW;23;80%;99%;2 Milwaukee, WI;58;44;56;43;Breezy;NNE;15;66%;5%;3 Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN;59;38;62;43;Partly sunny;SSE;7;44%;2%;4 Mobile, AL;83;58;83;54;Sunny, breezy, nice;N;14;34%;1%;7 Montgomery, AL;80;53;78;51;Mostly sunny;NNE;9;36%;0%;6 Mt. Washington, NH;41;32;39;30;Windy with a shower;NW;28;97%;85%;1 Nashville, TN;76;44;70;47;Sunny and pleasant;NNE;9;42%;0%;5 New Orleans, LA;83;66;82;61;Sunny, breezy, nice;NNE;15;40%;2%;7 New York, NY;70;55;70;53;Clouds and sun;NNW;9;45%;6%;5 Newark, NJ;71;51;70;51;Partly sunny;NNW;8;50%;8%;4 Norfolk, VA;80;56;70;59;Not as warm;N;9;45%;15%;5 Oklahoma City, OK;90;60;88;58;Plenty of sun;SE;10;36%;3%;5 Olympia, WA;75;52;66;55;A shower or two;SSE;6;80%;91%;1 Omaha, NE;78;40;68;44;Sunny, not as warm;SE;8;42%;3%;5 Orlando, FL;84;74;79;75;Rain and wind;E;17;92%;100%;2 Philadelphia, PA;73;54;70;54;Partly sunny;NNW;9;47%;10%;5 Phoenix, AZ;102;82;101;79;Clouds and sun, warm;ESE;8;25%;16%;5 Pittsburgh, PA;62;46;61;47;A passing shower;NNW;7;70%;81%;1 Portland, ME;71;51;67;49;Some sun;NW;7;65%;31%;4 Portland, OR;79;56;69;58;A shower or two;S;7;71%;88%;1 Providence, RI;74;50;71;49;Partly sunny;NW;7;54%;8%;4 Raleigh, NC;79;48;72;50;High clouds and nice;NNE;7;42%;3%;5 Reno, NV;88;53;84;49;Breezy in the p.m.;W;12;23%;0%;5 Richmond, VA;75;47;71;51;Some sun;NNW;7;48%;10%;5 Roswell, NM;88;56;87;55;Plenty of sun;SSW;8;35%;3%;6 Sacramento, CA;84;56;84;58;Sunshine;S;7;49%;3%;5 Salt Lake City, UT;87;62;85;60;A stray t-shower;SSE;15;32%;64%;5 San Antonio, TX;91;59;91;60;Plenty of sunshine;SSE;8;32%;3%;7 San Diego, CA;82;67;81;68;Partly sunny, humid;SW;7;73%;0%;6 San Francisco, CA;68;58;71;58;Clouds, then sun;W;13;67%;3%;5 Savannah, GA;83;61;75;60;Breezy and cooler;NNE;14;47%;56%;6 Seattle-Tacoma, WA;75;56;67;56;A shower or two;SSW;7;74%;86%;1 Sioux Falls, SD;72;35;67;46;Mostly sunny;SSE;9;39%;0%;4 Spokane, WA;90;53;82;55;Periods of sun, warm;SW;7;38%;26%;4 Springfield, IL;69;37;65;42;Mostly sunny, cool;ENE;6;55%;1%;5 St. Louis, MO;73;42;67;44;Sunny, but cool;NE;7;48%;2%;5 Tampa, FL;84;73;80;73;Rain and wind;ENE;39;91%;100%;1 Toledo, OH;60;46;60;44;Mostly cloudy, cool;N;8;70%;26%;1 Tucson, AZ;96;72;95;68;Partly sunny;E;10;32%;26%;6 Tulsa, OK;89;56;86;54;Sunshine;E;8;40%;5%;5 Vero Beach, FL;79;76;85;79;Rain and wind;SSE;21;85%;99%;2 Washington, DC;73;51;70;52;Clouds and sunshine;NNW;8;49%;4%;4 Wichita, KS;88;55;80;52;Mostly sunny, breezy;E;15;38%;3%;5 Wilmington, DE;72;50;70;51;Partly sunny;NNW;9;52%;8%;5 _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Read More…

Trump Sidelines $3M Attorney And Inspires Hilarious Twitter Speculation https://digitalalabamanews.com/trump-sidelines-3m-attorney-and-inspires-hilarious-twitter-speculation/ A highly regarded lawyer for Donald Trump has been sidelined less than a month after he was hired to defend against the investigation into government documents kept at Mar-a-Lago, according to CNN. In mid-September, media reports found that former Florida Solicitor General Chris Kise was paid a whopping $3 million advance to represent the former president after the FBI seized 11,000 sensitive files from his Florida home in August. However, Kise was officially sidelined from the federal probe by Tuesday. CNN reported that the lawyer is expected to stay on Trump’s legal team but will not be leading the defense. Although Trump representatives haven’t explained the reason for the shift, observers are suggesting that Kise may focus on other investigations facing the former president, such as a recent lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general over allegations of a long-running tax-dodging scheme. Considering that Kise is no longer the top attorney, his $3 million advance might seem a tad high ― especially since Trump has a long history of allegedly stiffing the people who work for him. However, Kise’s salary was covered by the former president’s key fundraising arm, the Save America political action committee. Online, the latest news about Kise inspired all sorts of hilarious speculation from Twitter users. GREEN EGGS AND SPIES Dr Seuss I don’t like green eggs and spies I don’t like Trump and his ugly ties I don’t like espionage gals or guys Or Pence’s head: it collects flies I don’t secrets the Saudi buys I don’t like lies, how Trumpy tries But now he’s had to fire Chris Kise https://t.co/NFRb9BGhsm pic.twitter.com/e3trMQKzdT — Tomi T Ahonen Standing By Ukraine (@tomiahonen) September 27, 2022 Trump is already throwing over Chris Kise after signing a $3M retainer and convincing him to leave Foley & Lardner? That seems … not smart. Chaos monkey gonna chaos monkey, I guess.https://t.co/lkShsvkwGI — Liz Dye (@5DollarFeminist) September 27, 2022 The one credible lawyer that Trump has hired in years, Chris Kise, paying $3M up front, now has been demoted and is no longer leading the MAL defense. Must be Trump’s payback for the fix he’s now in w/ Judge Dearie. He thinks he’s Goldfinger/Dr.No but he’s really Austin Powers. — Harry Litman (@harrylitman) September 27, 2022 This is why Trump has trouble attracting talented lawyers. Chris Kise left his firm to take this case, and reportedly he has already been sidelined. I presume the $3 million payment he received was just a retainer, and the remainder will be returned to Trump. https://t.co/uFd3sYK4J9 — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) September 27, 2022 Trump spent $3 million upfront to get DeSantis lawyer Chris Kise onto his legal team for the Mar-a-Lago documents case. Now Kise is off the team. Why? Because he wouldn’t lie to the Court? Because the money didn’t come through? Because Trump fired him in a huff? — Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) September 27, 2022 Donald Trump paid Chris Kise $3 million less than a month ago to oversee the Mar-A-Lago case and he’s now being sidelined. Sounds like the Mar-A-Lago case is going well for Trump. — Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) September 27, 2022 My GUESS as to why Donald sidelined Chris Kise: he wouldn’t lie for him about the documents being planted or declassified – or Kise wanted to say they aren’t asserting declassification or malfeasance by the FBI. Donald only likes lawyers that will push his narratives. — Mueller, She Wrote (@MuellerSheWrote) September 27, 2022 Amazing. I wonder if Trump yanked the $3 million fee he’d agreed to pay Chris Kise? Or maybe he never actually paid Kise up front? Either way, quitting seems the only smart move Kise made since signing on with Trump. https://t.co/099k5rcgjF — Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) September 27, 2022 Read More…

Jan. 6 Panel Delays Hearing As Hurricane Ian Aims At Florida https://digitalalabamanews.com/jan-6-panel-delays-hearing-as-hurricane-ian-aims-at-florida/ WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol announced Tuesday that it had postponed a hearing scheduled for Wednesday as a hurricane hurtled toward the Florida coast. The committee had planned to hold what was likely to be its final investigative hearing Wednesday afternoon, but members decided at the last minute to delay it as it became clear that Hurricane Ian was churning on a collision course toward Florida, where it was expected to strengthen into a catastrophic Category 4 storm. “We’re praying for the safety of all those in the storm’s path,” committee chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and vice chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “The Select Committee’s investigation goes forward and we will soon announce a date for the postponed proceedings.” The committee had not yet provided a specific agenda for the Wednesday hearing, but Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said over the weekend it would “tell the story about a key element of Donald Trump’s plot to overturn the election.” This week’s hearing was intended to close the series of public hearings the nine-member panel embarked on in early June. Throughout eight hearings, the committee — comprised of seven Democrats and two Republicans — sought to show the American public in great detail how former President Trump ignored many of his closest advisers and amplified his false claims of election fraud after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. Some of the more than 1,000 witnesses interviewed by the panel — a number of them Trump’s closest allies — recounted in videotaped testimony how the former president declined to act when hundreds of his supporters violently attacked the Capitol as Congress certified Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021. But the committee has said its work isn’t done. During the August recess, congressional investigators continued to interview witnesses, including several of Trump’s cabinet members, some of whom had discussed invoking the constitutional process in the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office after the insurrection. Cheney had previously said the committee “has far more evidence to share with the American people and more to gather.” There are also many questions surrounding the effort to overturn the election that remain unanswered as the committee goes into its final three months of work. The committee wants to get to the bottom of missing Secret Service texts from Jan. 5-6, 2021, which could shed further light on Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after earlier testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol. Thompson said earlier this month that the committee has recently obtained “thousands” of documents from the Secret Service. The committee has also secured an interview with conservative activist Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, who’s married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Lawmakers want to know more about her role in trying to help Trump overturn the election. She contacted lawmakers in Arizona and Wisconsin as part of that effort. The committee is expected to turn over a comprehensive report by the end of the year that will include legislative reforms to help prevent a future attempt to subvert democracy. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Read More…

Exclusive: Fannie Mae To Announce Plan To Bolster Renters https://digitalalabamanews.com/exclusive-fannie-mae-to-announce-plan-to-bolster-renters/ Only positive payments of renters will be reported (those who fall behind will be unenrolled) and renters can chose to opt out at any time. One in ten adults in the U.S., or about 26 million people, are “credit invisible,” meaning they do not have a credit history with one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Renters are seven times more likely than homeowners to lack a credit score, according to a study the Urban Institute When it comes to credit scores, renters are at a distinct disadvantage compared to homeowners. While mortgage payments are reported by lenders to credit bureaus, landlords typically don’t report rental payments  – and that can hamper renters’ ability to build a credit history. Fannie Mae plans to subsidize the cost for landlords of multifamily properties it finances to help renters build their credit starting Tuesday , the mortgage giant shared exclusively with USA TODAY. Fannie Mae will partner with three firms that serve as intermediaries between landlords and credit bureaus to report on-time rental payments.  “Given the reach that we have across the country, we’re trying to be a catalyst to accelerate this adoption,” says MicheleEvans, executive vice president and head of Multifamily, at Fannie Mae. “We’re incentivizing borrowers (landlords) so it benefits historically underserved groups who just disproportionately have no credit scores or lower credit scores.” Credit scores: How this single mom raised her credit score despite losing her job Housing: Home prices decline at rates seen close to a decade ago While mortgage payments are considered for credit scores – which can determine one’s ability to obtain a loan for a house, a car, or college –  of the roughly 80 million U.S. adults who live in rental housing, just 1.8 million (2.3%) have rental payments reported in their traditional credit file, according to FICO, which calculates credit scores based on information collected by credit reporting agencies. How will Fannie Mae’s plan work? Only positive payments of renters will be reported (those who fall behind will be unenrolled) and renters can choose to opt out at any time. Eligible multifamily property owners (those with at least five years worth of outstanding loans) can share timely rent payment data through vendors to the three major credit bureaus for incorporation in the renter’s credit profile. The vendors who have been tapped to work with Fannie Mae are three New York-City-based companies Esusu Financial Inc., Jetty Credit and Rent Dynamics. In the last five years, Fannie Mae has financed over 3.7 million units of multifamily housing. Last year, it provided financing for approximately 694,000 units of multifamily housing in 2021, with nearly 95% of those units affordable to families earning at or below 120% of the area median income, providing support for both affordable and workforce housing. ‘Credit invisibles’ and credit scores One in 10 adults in the U.S., or about 26 million people, are “credit invisible,” meaning they do not have a credit history with one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies, according to a 2015 study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. An additional 19 million consumers have “unscorable” credit files, which means that their file is thin and has an insufficient credit history. In total, 20% of the U.S. adult population, or some 45 million consumers, may be denied access to credit because they don’t have scorable credit records. Renters are seven times more likely than homeowners to lack a credit score, according to a study by the Urban Institute. These gaps disproportionately affect Black and Latino households, who, compared with white households, are about twice as likely to rent and to lack a credit score. And these factors contribute, in turn, to the nation’s persistent racial disparities, the study found. “I think this is an enormous positive because for most renters, their rental payments are the single largest payment they make each month and not getting credit for rental payments in their credit prevents them from building a credit history as quickly as they could,” says Laurie Goodman, founder of the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute. Positive rental payments Last September, Fannie Mae began considering positive rental payment history in their automated mortgage underwriting process for single-family homes through applicants’ bank statement data. However, that program had no bearing on the renter’s credit scores.  Since its launch, more than 2,800 first-time homebuyer loan applications have become eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae that otherwise would not have been, it says.  Esusu co-founder and co-CEO Wemimo Abbey knows a thing or two about being “credit invisible.” “I grew up in the slums of Lagos, Nigeria,” he says. When he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of Minnesota, his mother and Abbey were turned away by many banks as they had no credit history. “We had to get a loan from a payday lender at 400% interest,” he says. About five years ago, he co-founded Esusu with Samir Goel, a first-generation Indian American, whose parents struggled with the financial burdens of immigrating to a new country. “We have a system that treats you like you’re guilty until proven innocent,” says Abbey. “Because we didn’t have this three-digit number that’s called a credit score.” Today, Esusu has close to 3 million rental units on their platform owned by companies such as Related, Camden and Goldman Sachs’ real estate division. Of the 53,000 affordable apartments that are owned by Related Companies nationwide, 16,000 are financed by Fannie Mae, said Jeffrey Brodsky, vice chairman at Related. The company has worked with Esusu before and expects to roll out the program for all eligible renters. “Their program allows for tremendous measurable impact at scale, which is an unusual opportunity for us to serve the needs of our residents at the same time and measure the results of the benefits to them,” he says. After enrolling on the Esusu platform, 10,000 of the 53,000 residents who previously did not have credit scores now have them, says Brodsky. About 71% of the residents have seen their credit scores go up and the average resident credit score has improved by 28 points, he says. “Two-thirds of the residents in these apartments are people of color and they have very modest incomes. And so we see a tremendous benefit at scale.” Improving the credit score August Ortega, a renter in Long Beach, California, has been struggling with his credit score after a series of financial setbacks including his mother’s cancer diagnosis and a job loss. While his credit card bills piled up, one thing he didn’t fall behind on was his rental payment. But the fact that it didn’t count toward his credit score was frustrating, he says. “It was always silly to me that it wasn’t being reported because this is like a major bill,” says Ortega, a fashion designer and an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in LA. Last year, when Ortega’s landlord offered the Esusu service, he signed up. His credit score, which had plummeted to 520 is slowly on its way up now that his rental payments are being taken into consideration. “I think it’s up to about 540,” he says. “I hope to be a homeowner someday.” Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a housing and economy correspondent for USA TODAY.  You can follow her on Twitter @SwapnaVenugopal and sign up for our Daily Money newsletter here. Read More…

Ask The Old Guy: The Right Stuff? https://digitalalabamanews.com/ask-the-old-guy-the-right-stuff/ CHARLOTTE — I’m just spitballing here, but I think, after doing this for a minute, that the only thing more vast and limitless than space is the number of football fans who want to play the backup, no matter what the position. I mean, especially quarterbacks, but I’ve got to hand it to you people this week; there are some deep cuts in this Mailbag, some real Rush 2112-level stuff you never hear on the radio. The Panthers have played three games so far, one result they enjoyed and two they did not. There were some common threads to all three games, and honestly, even the one they won was probably closer than it should have been. But the most important thing to remember is that there have been exactly three of them. Yesterday, live on my TV (itself a miracle of technology), I watched the by-God American heroes at NASA steer a payload roughly the size of Derrick Brown into a flying rock 7 million miles from here. They called it DART, for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, because it’s great when science and art work together, and our Derrick Brown-sized spaceships have cool names. They did this by having courage and foresight (and also lots and lots of math). Ten months ago, a rocket was launched into the way-out-there. Inside it, a box they kept saying was as big as a vending machine intercepted a little moonlet called Dimorphos which circles around an asteroid called Didymos, and slammed into the moonlet on purpose. AND IT SENT US PICTURES DURING THE SLAMMING. It was as if Brian Burns was wearing a GoPro on an unblocked speed rush. Now, all the people who think Bruce Willis and Aerosmith are actual astronauts immediately want to know if we blew it up. Settle down, cowboys; that’s not what we’re going for. We’ve got to let our scientists stare into the telescopes for a couple of days or weeks to see if its orbit is any different. We’re just trying to nudge it a little, to see if one day we can, you know, keep another one from hurtling into Earth and causing a mass extinction event. No big deal, just planetary survival. But we won’t know whether it worked for a minute. Likewise, it’s going to be hard to tell if the Panthers have actually changed the trajectory of a season by beating the Saints. I mean, maybe, but we can’t honestly know that yet. But how cool is it that we saw Derrick Brown flying through space, and he made a one-handed interception? That’s what happened here, people. Thus inspired (and if you’re not inspired by space travel I’m not sure if we can be friends), let’s look at the mail: ———————————————————- What do you see as the root cause for our offensive woes? Is it QB play, O-line play, WR not getting separation, play calling? The only thing that seems to be consistently working is handing the ball to Christian McCaffrey. I think all of those things are contributing, but which one do you think is the biggest? — Tim, Harrisburg, NC The answer — like to the question of what lies beyond the surly bonds of Earth — is all of the above. Listen, Baker Mayfield‘s not playing great at the moment. He’s completing 51.9 percent of his passes (31st in the league) for 183.3 yards per game (the league average is 231.1). His passer rating is a pedestrian 80.8 (which is 25th in the league). He hasn’t turned it over (one interception), but he’s not making nearly enough plays. As head coach Matt Rhule pointed out Monday, it’s also not all on him. Receivers have to run routes at the correct depth every time, so he can develop a rhythm with them. The pass protection has to be consistent, so he can learn what the pocket feels like and not run himself into trouble. The play-calling has to put him in a position to succeed. And all that stuff needs to work more often on third downs, as the Panthers are 31st in the league in conversions there (27.0 percent). If you don’t convert third downs, you don’t get enough plays, and if you don’t run enough plays, eventually, a defense is going to wear out. But when we start looking for easy answers, we almost always come back to the quarterback and the coach. That’s the nature of the business. All the other stuff needs to be more polished, but Baker’s got to play better than he has. Is it reasonable for him to be a fully integrated Panthers quarterback after training camp and three regular season games? Probably not. But they’re also in it at the moment, and they can’t go back and trade for him in April so he can have OTAs. There are a lot of things they need to be more efficient at. But him completing more passes is a big one. ———————————————————- OK, Darin, it was a good win Sunday, but I’m concerned about the offense. DJ Moore is not involved enough. Baker doesn’t look like he’s comfortable with the offense yet. Do you think within the next week or two that the offense will look like we expect it to? — Michael, Marion, NC In three weeks, Moore has seven catches for 88 yards and one touchdown. That’s not enough catches. Or yards. Or touchdowns. Moore’s been one of the most consistent players in the league (three straight years of 1,100-plus yards), despite never having what you’d call ideal quarterbacking around him at any point in his career. But he’s still put up numbers, which makes me think he ought to begin to at some point. But this is also the least-productive three-game stretch of his career since the first three games of his rookie season (in which he had two catches for 54 yards). Getting him more involved is obviously something they want to do and need to do. He and Mayfield made some plays in training camp, so there’s no reason to think they can’t connect. But having his ability to make plays in traffic and then get to the open field is clearly important to the offense and will help open up so many things. It was always going to take time. It is taking time. Having Moore more involved will be one of the things that will let us know when Mayfield’s feeling more comfortable. ———————————————————- How close are we to fans calling for Sam Darnold to come back? — Josh, Oceanside, CA First-time submitter (ASU ’87). With Darnold set to come off IR in a couple of weeks, what’s the chance that Rhule reopens the QB competition and gives Sam a chance at the wheel? — Bradley, Nellysford, VA Never mind rockets hitting moving targets 7 million miles away. That train is never late. The backup quarterback is always the most popular quarterback on the roster in the minds of many fans (even when the starter and the backup change roles). So having people ask about Darnold is not surprising. Sam’s moving around well, but he’s still a week from being eligible to be activated after his preseason ankle injury that landed him on IR. After Week 4, they’ll have a decision to make with PJ Walker, too. Because Walker is so experienced, he’s helpful running the scout teams and the various looks they see in practice (6-foot-6 Jacob Eason ain’t the guy you want replicating Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in practice this week). Sam had a fine preseason, but it’s way too soon to start this up already. Although, I guess Josh just did. Thanks, Josh. Bradley gets a pass as a first-timer because when he said ASU ’87, that means he’s even older than me. ———————————————————- Sorry for the long question, but I need to explain myself with this one: Ever since Luke Kuechly left, we haven’t really had a star at the linebacker position, and in my opinion, that affects our defense more than people think. We may be a stout defense, but as of Week 2, we hadn’t yet forced a turnover (I think), and we don’t really make “big plays” on defense; we just don’t give up big plays. I think the coaching staff should consider moving Jeremy Chinn back to linebacker. I understand that if a player is equally adept at two positions, he should play the one where he can play a longer career, but I don’t think Chinn is equally good at the positions. He is a good safety, but he was a great linebacker, and in today’s league, great linebackers can carry a defense (see Fred Warner, Darius Leonard, and of course, Luke in the past). I especially remember that Vikings game where Chinn was ELECTRIC. My point is our linebackers have been average at best since Luke left. But Chinn was special there because he was great against the run but could also cover like a safety. I know the likelihood that the coaches move him back to LB because of a fan’s opinion is essentially zero. But is there any scenario where you see Chinn going back to his best position other than every LB on the roster getting injured? Again, sorry for the long question, I’m just passionate about this team being the best it can be, and I think that’s with Chinn at ‘backer. — Grant, Gahanna, OH I’ve said it before and will say it again (#selfawareness): Panthers fans have become a little spoiled by always having elite inside linebacker talent, from Sam Mills to Micheal Barrow to Dan Morgan to Jon Beason to Luke Kuechly. I can’t think of a non-Chicago NFL city with that kind of lineage at the position. As to Chinn moving back to the line of scrimmage, Grant’s not the only one who’s been wondering about that (especially because Marquis Haynes Sr.s’ fumble recovery touchdown Sunday was the first defensive score since Chinn hit the daily double against Minnesota). And seeing him flying around blitzing more on Sunday was also a reminder of how impactful Jeremy can be near the line of scrimmage. I don’t know that a 215-pound guy really wants the constant banging in the box (and his uncle, Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater, concurs), but he’s good there. I think the answer falls somewhere in the middle, and keeping him at safety while letting him roam a bit could create more plays. But the backup safeties on the roster at the moment are mostly special teams guys, so they’d likely need to adjust the roster a bit if Jeremy was going to play c...

Body Found Identified As Missing Freeport, Maine, Teen https://digitalalabamanews.com/body-found-identified-as-missing-freeport-maine-teen/ In a press conference held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, the Freeport Police Department confirmed that the body found by a Marine Patrol plane earlier Tuesday afternoon is in fact that of missing 14-year-old Freeport, Maine resident Theo Ferrara. Theo had been missing since Thursday afternoon. Around noon time, WGME reported that Maine Game Wardens had discovered a body “in the ocean” near the area where searches for Theo had been ongoing over the last few days. Shortly after, RSU 5, the school district that Theo attended, announced in a letter posted to their website and by Superintendent Jean Skorapa that the body found was indeed that of Theo. It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to inform you that this afternoon, Theo Ferrara was found deceased.  Our sincere condolences to Theo’s family and friends.  During this time as the school community processes this news and copes with grief, the school district will offer counseling and bereavement support to all students and staff. The cafeteria at Freeport High School will remain open for students who may want to gather until 9:00PM tonight.  Our team of school counselors will be available for any student or staff member who may need or want assistance surrounding this loss.  A student death is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate anxiety for some students.  How we, as adults, manage ourselves serves as an important model for helping kids handle tragedies like this.  We encourage you to listen carefully to your child and answer questions openly and honestly should they occur.  Accepting your child’s feelings and validating them is beneficial.   During the days ahead, your child may find it helpful to discuss his/her feelings.  If you feel your child needs to speak to a school counselor or other caring adult, please do not hesitate to call your child’s school. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. A visibly emotional Freeport Police Chief Nathaniel Goodman confirmed the opening of Superintendent Skorapa’s letter in the short five-minute press conference, only confirming that the body found was Theo’s and empathizing with the heartbreaking situation the Ferrara family is currently going through. He also thanked the long list of people who aided in the search — including Maine Game Wardens, the Brunswick Police Department, and “the Freeport friends and residents.” LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born? Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance. Read More…

House Jan. 6 Committee Postpones Public Hearing Because Of Hurricane https://digitalalabamanews.com/house-jan-6-committee-postpones-public-hearing-because-of-hurricane/ 3:53PM Obituaries PGe PG Store Archives Classifieds Classified Events Jobs Real Estate Legal Notices Pets MENU SUBSCRIBE LOGIN REGISTER LOG OUT MY PROFILE Home News Local Sports Opinion A&E Life Business Contact Us NEWSLETTERS ACCOUNT Subscribe Login Register Log out My Profile Subscriber Services Search SECTIONS HOME Homepage This Just In Chats Weather Traffic Event Guide PG Store PGe Video Photos The Digs RSS Feeds NEWS News Home Crimes & Courts Election 2022 Politics Education Health & Wellness COVID-19 Transportation State Nation World Weather News Obituaries News Obituaries Portfolio Science Environment Faith & Religion Social Services LOCAL Local Home City Region East North South West Washington Westmoreland Obituaries Classifieds Legal Notices Real Estate SPORTS Sports Home Steelers Penguins Pirates Sports Columns Gene Collier Ron Cook Joe Starkey Paul Zeise Pitt Penn State WVU North Shore Drive Podcast Riverhounds Maulers NFL NHL MLB NBA NCAA College Sports High School Sports OPINION Opinion Home Editorials Letters Op-Ed Columns PG Columnists Insight A&E A&E Home Celebrities Movies TV & Radio Music Concert Listings Theatre & Dance Art & Architecture Books Events LIFE Life Home Food Dining Recipes Drinks Buying Here Homes & Gardens goodness Random Acts of Kindness Seen Outdoors Style & Fashion Travel Holidays BUSINESS Business Home Building PGH Your Money Business Health Powersource Workzone Tech News Business / Law Other Business Consumer Alerts Business of Pittsburgh Top Workplaces OTHER PGe NEWSLETTERS PG STORE ARCHIVES CLASSIFIEDS OBITUARIES JOBS LEGAL NOTICES REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS EVENTS PETS CONTACT US / FAQ CONTACT US ADVERTISING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TOP Email a Story Your e-mail: Friends e-mail: Read More…

House Jan. 6 Committee Hearing Postponed Because Of Hurricane Ian https://digitalalabamanews.com/house-jan-6-committee-hearing-postponed-because-of-hurricane-ian/ WASHINGTON – The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol postponed its upcoming hearing scheduled for Wednesday because of Hurricane Ian.  “In light of Hurricane Ian bearing down on parts of Florida, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s proceedings,” the committee’s chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and vice chair, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said in a statement. “We’re praying for the safety of all those in the storm’s path. The Select Committee’s investigation goes forward and we will soon announce a date for the postponed proceedings.” The committee was supposed to return to public hearings Wednesday at 1 p.m. after a two-month break. A new date was not announced.  The committee last met in a public hearing in July, capping off a summer of eight hearings that revealed more about the deadly attack and former President Donald Trump’s efforts to hold on to power. Stay updated on Jan. 6 hearings and more top political news: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter The panel ended the last hearing promising more hearings in the months to come after receiving more evidence. A full report is expected this fall. Ian is expected to make landfall in Florida over the coming days after pounding Cuba earlier Tuesday. Florida ordered mandatory evacuations for hundreds of thousands of residents in the path of the storm, which is expected to cause statewide power outages.  Jan. 6 hearing breakdown: The next Jan. 6 hearing is Wednesday: A breakdown of the committee’s first 8 hearings Trump’s PAC backing state candidates: Backing candidates down to the state level, Trump’s fundraising machine builds a party loyal to him Trump PAC spends big on lawyers: Trump Save America PAC’s legal spending skyrockets to $3.9M in August as probes intensify What did Trump do on Jan. 6?: A breakdown of the 187 minutes Trump was out of view on Jan. 6 as aides urged him to act Read More…

House Jan. 6 Panel Postpones Hearing Set For Wednesday Due To Hurricane Ian https://digitalalabamanews.com/house-jan-6-panel-postpones-hearing-set-for-wednesday-due-to-hurricane-ian/ US Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House committee investigating the Capitol riot speaks during a House Select Committee hearing to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol, in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, June 13, 2022. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot is postponing its next public hearing due to a major hurricane, the leaders of the panel announced Tuesday. The hearing, which was scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, will now be held at a later date to be announced, Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and Vice Chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said in a joint statement. “In light of Hurricane Ian bearing down on parts of Florida, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s proceedings,” Thompson and Cheney said. “We’re praying for the safety of all those in the storm’s path. The Select Committee’s investigation goes forward and we will soon announce a date for the postponed proceedings,” they said. The delay came after Hurricane Ian, a Category 3 storm expected to wallop Florida with high winds and heavy rainfall, made landfall in Cuba. Forecasters predict Ian could strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday evening. The panel’s next hearing will be its ninth, and the first since late July. The committee is investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, when a violent mob of then-President Donald Trump‘s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The insurrection forced lawmakers to flee their chambers and temporarily stopped them from confirming President Joe Biden‘s victory over Trump in the 2020 election. In the now-postponed hearing, the panel was expected to show clips of Roger Stone, a longtime political operative and confidant of Trump’s, talking about challenging the 2020 election results, NBC News reported. This is breaking news. Please check back for updates. Read More…

2 More Former South Alabama Starters Off Team https://digitalalabamanews.com/2-more-former-south-alabama-starters-off-team/ South Alabama offensive linemen Antawn Lewis and Anterrious Gray are no longer with the team, Jaguars coach Kane Wommack said Tuesday. Lewis and Gray were both starters for the Jaguars in 2021, Lewis at right tackle and Gray at left guard. Both former Division I transfers and fifth-year seniors, they’d lost their first-team positions to other players this season. READ MORE SOUTH ALABAMA FOOTBALL South Alabama heads to Louisiana to face Sun Belt West’s ‘standard-bearer’ Running back Terrion Avery off team at South Alabama South Alabama return specialist Caullin Lacy honored by Sun Belt Conference Lewis left the team shortly after Saturday night’s 38-14 victory over Louisiana Tech, in which he did not play. Gray saw action in that game with the second-team offense and on special teams, but cut ties with the program on Monday morning. “This is the time of year where you’re going to have some situations where guys see that they’re not where they want to be,” Wommack said following Tuesday’s practice. “Some guys stick it out and other guys choose to move along.” South Alabama offensive lineman Antawn Lewis, left, and South Alabama defensive lineman Charles Coleman III lock up during a scrimmage Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com) Lewis and Gray are the second and third veteran offensive players to leave the South Alabama program this week. Running back Terrion Avery, also a starter in 2021, was dismissed over the weekend for violation of team rules, Wommack said Monday. Lewis (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) started 11 of 12 games at right tackle in 2021 after transferring in from Louisiana Tech and began preseason practice running with the first-team offense. He suffered a knee injury midway through camp and was replaced by redshirt freshman Adrein Strickland, who has played virtually every important snap since then and has drawn praise for South Alabama coaches for his development. Lewis played two seasons of junior-college football and spent two years at Louisiana Tech before transferring to South Alabama, but like every other Division I athlete received an extra year of eligibility for 2020 due to COVID. He has not appeared in a game this season, so he could presumably apply for a medical redshirt to receive a sixth year of eligibility at another school. Gray (6-3, 317) started 10 games at left guard last season after transferring from North Texas, but lost his starting job in the spring to Florida State transfer Dontae Lucas. Former walk-on Reggie Smith won the right guard position in preseason camp, leaving Gray working mostly as a back-up tackle. Gray has played in two games this season on special teams or with the second-team offense. The Macon, Miss., native played in junior college in 2018-19, then spent the 2020 COVID season at North Texas before transferring to South Alabama for 2021, but has not yet used a redshirt year and could do so for 2022 because he has played in four or fewer games. The departure of Lewis and Gray leaves the Jaguars with limited depth at offensive tackle behind Strickland on the right side and Josh McCulloch and PJ Mixon, who have split reps on the left side this season. Veteran walk-on John Gill, Auburn transfer Daniel Foster-Allen — who moved to tackle from the defensive line during spring practice — and true freshman Malachi Carney have not played in a game this season. Tennessee transfer James Robinson, listed as the Jaguars’ second-team right guard, was working as the second-team right tackle in practice Tuesday. Trey Simpson, the Jaguars’ second-team center, also has extensive experience at guard. South Alabama (3-1) opens Sun Belt Conference play on Saturday at Louisiana (2-2, 0-1 Sun Belt). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Cajun Field in Lafayette, La. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Read More…

How To Watch The House Jan. 6 Committee https://digitalalabamanews.com/how-to-watch-the-house-jan-6-committee/ The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will be holding another public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 28, which the committee says will reveal some of the information they learned this summer. CBS News will broadcast the hearing as a Special Report on television and streaming starting at 1 p.m. ET. The committee has not yet said if any witnesses will appear. A source familiar with the committee’s plans confirmed to CBS News that the hearing is expected to feature clips from an upcoming documentary on Roger Stone, an ally of former President Donald Trump. The source said the filmmaker provided the panel with a total of 14 clips from the documentary, which was shot over a three-year period. The documentary, “A Storm Foretold,” is expected to be released later this year.    In a statement to CBS News, Stone said he challenged the “accuracy and the authenticity of these videos and believe they have been manipulated and selectively edited.” Stone called it “categorically false” that he “knew in advance about, participated in or condoned any illegal activity” on Jan. 6.  “The excerpts you provided below prove nothing, certainly they do not prove I had anything to do with the events of Jan. 6. That being said, it clearly shows I advocated for lawful congressional and judicial options,” he said.  Committee Chair Bennie Thompson said earlier this month that the committee plans to put together an interim report about two weeks after the late September hearing, in mid-October, and will finalize the report before the end of the year.  That would take them past the November midterm elections. The committee’s two Republicans, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, are both leaving Congress in January. Cheney lost the Republican primary in Wyoming to a Trump-backed challenger; Kinzinger decided not to run for reelection.  A video of former President Donald Trump played on a screen during a hearing of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, on July 21, 2022. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images In a series of blockbuster public hearings this summer, the committee combined never-before-seen footage from Jan. 6, video testimony from some of the people who were in Trump’s inner circle, and in-person witness testimony.  One of the hearings, in late June, was called at the last minute to spotlight a witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, whose stunning testimony provided firsthand and second-hand accounts of Trump’s behavior before and during the Jan. 6 attack.  “As an American, I was disgusted. It was unpatriotic,” Hutchinson testified about the events of Jan. 6. “It was un-American. We were watching the Capitol building get defaced over a lie. And it was something that was really hard in that moment to digest knowing what I’d been hearing down the hall in the conversations that were happening.”  The hearings sought to tie Trump himself to the coordination of the attack and shed light on alleged plans devised by him and members of his inner circle designed to overturn the 2020 elections results.  Other witnesses included Trump’s former deputy attorney general Richard Donoghue, former Justice Department attorney Steve Engel, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, Georgia election worker Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards and documentary filmmaker Nick Quested, who was embedded with the Proud Boys on Jan. 6.  After the earlier hearings, a letter from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general revealed that the watchdog office had asked for  text messages from the U.S. Secret Service between Jan. 5-6, and had found out that thousands had been deleted — according to the agency, as part of a device replacement program. The Secret Service said it launched a “criminal” probe into the matter. CBS News confirmed on Tuesday from two sources briefed on the investigation that in compliance with the DHS Inspector General’s request, U.S. Secret Service handed over the cellphones of 24 agents involved in the agency’s response to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol.  These are the same 24 agents whose text messages were subpoenaed by the inspector general and the House Jan. 6 committee. Since the last hearing was held on July 16, the committee said it has had conversations with the Justice Department about a scheme allegedly cooked up by Trump’s allies to put forward alternate electors supporting him in seven battleground states that President Biden won. The committee has interviewed more than 1,000 people and issued more than 100 subpoenas since its creation last year. They also are still speaking to witnesses. A lawyer for conservative activist Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, confirmed Wednesday that she will meet with them.  If Republicans take control of the House after the November election, it is likely the committee will be disbanded. Thompson told reporters earlier this month that the committee will “sunset” at the end of the year. Jeff Pegues, Nikole Killion and Nicole Sganga contributed to this report.   Updated 1:22 PM How to watch the House Jan. 6 committee hearing What: The House Jan. 6 committee holds its last scheduled hearing Date: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022 Time: 1 p.m. ET Location: U.S. Capitol On TV: CBS News stations (Find your local station here) Online stream: Live on CBS News in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device.   22m ago Stone calls it “categorically false” that he knew in advance about Jan. 6 attack A source familiar with the committee’s plans confirmed to CBS News that the hearing is expected to feature clips from an upcoming documentary on Roger Stone, an ally of former President Donald Trump. The source said the filmmaker provided the panel with a total of 14 clips from the documentary, which was shot over a three-year period. The documentary, “A Storm Foretold,” is expected to be released later this year.    In a statement to CBS News, Stone said he challenged the “accuracy and the authenticity of these videos and believe they have been manipulated and selectively edited.” Stone called it “categorically false” that he “knew in advance about, participated in or condoned any illegal activity” on Jan. 6.  “The excerpts you provided below prove nothing, certainly they do not prove I had anything to do with the events of Jan. 6. That being said, it clearly shows I advocated for lawful congressional and judicial options,” he said.  — Jeff Pegues, Nikole Killion   Read More…

Why The GOP Has Shunned Some Republicans In Key Races https://digitalalabamanews.com/why-the-gop-has-shunned-some-republicans-in-key-races/ Three Republicans running in what should be winnable races this year have been all but abandoned by the national GOP, leaving them in limbo with just over a month to go until November’s midterm elections. In Pennsylvania, state Sen. Doug Mastriano’s bid for governor is failing to gain traction. In Arizona, Senate nominee Blake Masters has seen funding dry up for his bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Mark Kelly. And in Ohio, J.R. Majewski’s challenge to the longest-serving woman in the history of the House of Representatives was hobbled last week after a national Republican campaign group pulled its advertising for him. To be sure, all three candidates could still win in November. But right now they’re struggling, and their fellow Republicans don’t seem keen to help. Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano at a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Sept. 3. (Mary Altaffer/AP) Doug Mastriano won the May primary for the Republican gubernatorial nomination easily, securing more than 40% of the vote in a crowded field. This came despite an unsuccessful effort by more moderate Republicans to consolidate around an alternative candidate, which was undercut by former President Donald Trump’s last-minute endorsement of Mastriano. A former Army colonel, Mastriano didn’t rely on traditional advertising during the primary. Instead, he played to hard-right Pennsylvania Republican voters on social media, and won a following by opposing anti-COVID-19 efforts and supporting Trump’s baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. GOP power brokers in the state were trying to stop Mastriano because they felt his views were too extreme for general election voters in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. Mastriano attended the Jan. 6, 2021, rally in Washington, D.C., and has sued the committee investigating the events of that day for wanting to question him. He’s also said that he would put in place new voting restrictions and has called for a complete ban on abortion. There is also concern that if elected, Mastriano would try to throw out Pennsylvania’s election results in 2024 should the state be won by a Democratic presidential candidate. Former President Donald Trump and Mastriano at the rally in Wilkes-Barre. (Mary Altaffer/AP) The Republican Governors Association has not thrown financial support behind Mastriano, instead focusing on other races. At an event last month, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey — the RGA chairman — said the group would not “fund lost causes.” “You have to show us something, you have to demonstrate that you can move numbers and you can raise resources,” Ducey added, in remarks recently reported by Axios. Last week a Mastriano campaign adviser called for supporters to push the RGA to get involved in the race. Appearing in a Facebook livestream, Mastriano noted he was “really not finding a lot of support from the national-level Republican organizations.” Mastriano has avoided talking to the press, and a Saturday rally in the state capital of Harrisburg was sparsely attended. The governor’s race was seen as winnable. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who is not running again due to term limits, is unpopular. But the Democratic nominee going up against Mastriano, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, has already won two statewide races, emerged unscathed from the gubernatorial primary in which he was the only candidate, and has been a successful fundraiser, giving him a major financial edge. While Mastriano has been mostly absent from the airwaves, Shapiro started running ads criticizing Mastriano’s positions before Mastriano had even won the GOP nomination. Shapiro explained the tactic to Yahoo News in May, saying he felt it was apparent Mastriano would win the nomination and adding, “We think there’s a clear contrast in this race and we want to make sure we’re out in front highlighting those differences and getting a jump on the general election.” Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s Democratic nominee for governor, at Franklin County Democratic Party headquarters on Sept. 17 in Chambersburg. (Marc Levy/AP) Jim Wertz, the Democratic Party chairman in Erie County, told Yahoo News that he’s had some Republican donors approach him at events asking how they could help Shapiro. Erie is one of the state’s most important swing counties, with Trump winning it in 2016 while winning the state and Joe Biden doing the same in 2020. “It’s a real sign of trouble for the Republican Party that they continue to nominate characters that a sizable portion of the party can’t support or defend,” Wertz said. “That said, we take nothing for granted. There is still a large contingent of election deniers and insurrectionists in the heart of the Republican Party, and we can’t ignore their enthusiasm for extremist candidates and how that might affect the outcome of these midterm races.” The Mastriano campaign did not respond to Yahoo News’ request for comment. Recent polling on the race has been both sparse and varied: While some surveys show Shapiro with a double-digit lead, others have Mastriano within a few points. Arizona Republican Senate nominee Blake Masters at a rally on July 22 in Prescott, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin/AP) Blake Masters won a crowded GOP Senate primary thanks in large part to the financial backing of billionaire Peter Thiel and Trump’s endorsement. But since August, the fundraising gap between Masters and his opponent, Democratic incumbent and former astronaut Mark Kelly, has only grown. Thiel and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell fought over who should be on the hook for backing Masters in the general election. As a result, a super-PAC aligned with McConnell canceled nearly $10 million in booked advertising across television, radio and digital last week. Thiel’s super-PAC, meanwhile, has bought ads supporting Masters, but Thiel himself has been reluctant to spend more of his personal fortune on the rookie candidate. As of the most recent filings, Kelly had raised $52 million versus $4 million for Masters. Masters, a 36-year-old venture capitalist who has worked closely with Thiel for years, won a contentious primary for the GOP nomination by hewing close to Trump. Masters has promoted the conspiracy theory that Democrats are plotting to win elections by “importing” immigrants to replace native-born voters; called the Jan. 6 Capitol riot a “false flag operation,” claiming that “one-third of the people outside of the Capitol complex on January 6 were actual FBI agents hanging out”; has blamed “Black people, frankly” for America’s “gun violence problem”; and has suggested privatizing Social Security. Masters has been particularly hard-line on abortion, calling for a federal personhood amendment, which would criminalize the procedure nationwide. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., in the U.S. Capitol on July 27. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images) Last year Masters said support for abortion rights had become “demonic” and likened the procedure to “religious sacrifice.” Yet amid waning polls and fundraising numbers, Masters scrubbed his website of extreme language pertaining to reproductive rights last month. Abortion remains a key issue in Arizona, where a judge ruled last week that a near-total ban dating back to an 1864 law should go back into place. According to a recent New York Times report, Masters was in Washington, D.C., last week at an event with McConnell pressing potential donors, saying, “We don’t need as much money as Kelly, just enough to get the truth out.” Polling earlier this month showed Kelly with double-digit leads on Masters, but two recent surveys indicated the race has tightened. Both the nonpartisan Cook Political Report and University of Virginia Center for Politics give Kelly the edge and have the race rated as “lean Democrat.” In their decision to move the race from a toss-up toward Kelly last week, Cook analyst Jessica Taylor wrote that Masters was emblematic of candidates “beset by problems and anemic fundraising.” Ohio Republican congressional candidate J.R. Majewski at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 17. (Tom E. Puskar/AP) Republican groups were fully behind Majewski in his race to defeat Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who represents the Ninth District, which runs along the state’s northern border with Lake Erie. Kaptur became a top Republican target earlier this year when a redrawn Ohio map made her district significantly more Republican. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy campaigned with Majewski in August, and the political novice spoke at a Trump rally earlier this month. All of this support came despite Majewski’s attendance of the Jan. 6 rally and his ties to the QAnon conspiracy theory. However, last Thursday, multiple outlets reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee had withdrawn a nearly $1 million ad buy. The day before, the Associated Press reported that Majewski had misrepresented his military service. According to military records, he was primarily stationed at an Air Force base in Japan but served a six-month deployment in Qatar loading planes to support the Afghanistan war effort in 2002. Majewski, right, at the VFW Post 2529 annual corn roast in Sandusky, Ohio, on Aug. 20. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images) This is in contrast to the language of his campaign, where he refers to himself as a “combat veteran,” and a biography published by national Republicans, referring to him as part of a “squadron [that] was one of the first on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11.” The AP also found that Majewski had likely exaggerated his professional experience, unable to find evidence to support his claim that he was an “executive in the nuclear power industry.” Majewski has said the AP report is incorrect. At a press conference Friday, he said that his deployments...

University Of Idaho Says Staff Can Offer Condoms For STDs – Not Birth Control https://digitalalabamanews.com/university-of-idaho-says-staff-can-offer-condoms-for-stds-not-birth-control/ Condoms should only be provided to students to prevent sexually transmitted infections, not as birth control, according to a memo sent by the University of Idaho to staff last week. The memo, first obtained by the Idaho Press and issued to all employees on Friday, laid out the university’s reproductive policies following the enactment of Idaho’s abortion law, which bans the procedure in nearly all cases. The memo further warned employees that they could not speak in support of abortion and should “proceed cautiously at any time that a discussion moves in the direction of reproductive health”, reported the Hill. The advice on birth control was included because of the law’s lack of clarity on “prevention of conception”, the university said, according to the Idaho Capital Sun. Staff have been prohibited from recommending or referring abortion to a student. Employees have also been told not to issue emergency contraception – the so-called morning after pill, also known as Plan B – except in cases of rape. Standard birth control pills will reportedly still be distributed at student health centers, which are administered by Moscow Family Health, not the university itself. The university does not provide abortion services. It warned that any staff recommending abortion to students risked a felony conviction and could be banned from any future state employment. “Since violation is considered a felony, we are advising a conservative approach here,” read the memo. Idaho’s near-total ban on abortion only has exceptions for rape or when a person’s life is in danger. It went into effect on 25 August and faced a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice, which argued it could prevent doctors from using the procedure in medical emergencies. The university said it was issuing its recommendations that staff stay neutral on abortion to avoid punishment because of another law passed in 2021, the No Public Funds for Abortion Act, which bars state employees and officials from recommending abortions. “This is a challenging law for many and has real ramifications for individuals in that it calls for individual criminal prosecution. This guidance was sent to help our employees understand the legal significance and possible actions of this new law passed by the Idaho legislature,” Jodi Walker, the executive director of communications at the university, told the Washington Post. Not all universities in anti-abortion states are following suit, however. Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, where a near-total ban on abortion went into effect in August, has said it will continue providing birth control methods and emergency contraception to students, reported the Post. Read More…

Stephen Rohde: Biden’s Efforts To Have Julian Assange Extradited Should Be Called Out https://digitalalabamanews.com/stephen-rohde-bidens-efforts-to-have-julian-assange-extradited-should-be-called-out/ It is called “the New York Times problem,” but it could just as easily be called “the Tribune problem.” “The New York Times problem” is a legal boundary spelled out in 2013 when the Obama administration had significant internal debates about whether to prosecute WikiLeaks or its founder, Julian Assange. The Obama Justice Department took a hard look at Assange, the renegade publisher who starting in 2010 released classified information leaked by then-soldier Chelsea Manning. Those revelations embarrassed the U.S. government by exposing alleged war crimes, civilian losses and other possible misconduct in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. Justice Department officials ultimately chose restraint, concluding that if they indicted Assange, they would have had to pursue The New York Times and other news outlets that had published some of the material. In other words, it would have required crossing an important First Amendment boundary. To charge Assange, they would have to criminalize the same journalistic practices used by the Times, the Tribune and CNN. Media outlets large and small, traditional and online, are in the business of publishing scoops, leaks and all sorts of information that powerful people do not want the public to know. Donald Trump, however, had no compunctions about overturning Barack Obama’s decision and cracking down on press freedom when he became president. His administration’s hostility toward the press — and by extension, the First Amendment — was among the most disgraceful aspects of the Trump presidency. Trump spoke of toughening libel laws, belittled established media outlets, mocked reporters and toyed with White House press access. His heated rhetoric rightly drew condemnation from the media, but his use of the Justice Department to go after sources and journalists was far more dangerous. The Justice Department’s indictment of Assange was a clear signal that Trump’s antipathy toward the press was more than just rhetorical bluster. As journalist Glenn Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept, phrased it, the move relied on legal theories that are part of “an entirely different universe of press freedom threats.” The initial indictment against Assange was narrow: one shaky count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. That fact, combined with years of news coverage painting Assange as an unsympathetic figure, resulted in a tepid response to the indictment from mainstream news outlets. Some spoke up. Others, including the Tribune, took a wait-and-see approach. Assange was arrested more than three years ago. The Trump administration tacked on 17 counts under the Espionage Act, all of them centered on Assange allegedly obtaining or disclosing so-called “national defense information” — in other words, receiving information from a source and then publishing it. His lawyers have said he faces 175 years in federal prison. The expanded indictment drew stronger condemnation. The New York Times Editorial Board wrote that “it is aimed straight at the heart of the First Amendment.” The Guardian lamented that no one had been punished for the crimes that WikiLeaks had exposed and found that the charges against Assange “undermine the foundations of democracy and press freedom.” News media outlets should be unanimous in their outrage that President Joe Biden has followed in Trump’s footsteps and continued to pursue this dangerous case. The Tribune has done a commendable job providing space for those arguing against the government’s pursuit of Assange, running letters to the editor and even reprinting an op-ed by Assange himself. But the Tribune Editorial Board’s stance has left much to be desired. The Tribune Editorial Board call in 2018 for Assange to be expelled from London’s Ecuadorian embassy poisoned the well by amplifying smears and factual errors about the case and generally failed to appreciate the case’s broader implications for journalists, publishers and whistleblowers. When the Ecuadorians revoked Assange’s asylum, and police arrested him in London, the editorial board characterized the development as overdue. The Tribune published a column by Steve Chapman a few days later that framed Assange’s indictment as a “victory for press freedom.” Chapman’s take was pretzel logic: His suggestion that the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom of the Press Foundation “should be relieved, if not enthusiastic” strains credulity. The Espionage Act charges that followed in May 2019 have nothing to do with “hacking” and everything to do with industry-standard newsgathering and publishing activities. James Goodale, former general counsel and vice chair of The New York Times, has called on editorial boards throughout the country to condemn the prosecution of Assange. To Goodale, who represented the Times in four U.S. Supreme Court cases — including the landmark Pentagon Papers case — the true danger lies in moderate figures, such as Biden, perpetuating Trump’s repressive, anti-journalism policies. In a way, “the New York Times problem” is a microcosm for recent administrations’ perspectives on the rule of law and freedom of the press. The Obama administration showed restraint. The Trump administration showed recklessness and contempt. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s failure to reject the Trump-era indictment against Assange risks the erosion of the First Amendment safeguards that protect reporters and publishers. Even if Assange is never convicted, the chilling effect on investigative journalism increases with each day that Assange remains locked in a maximum-security London prison fighting extradition. If he were to be flown to the United States for trial, the damage to press freedom would be immeasurable. Biden backers often portray the president’s legacy in opposition to Trumpism, and Biden himself has called journalists “indispensable to the functioning of democracy.” With the midterms approaching, if Biden truly wishes to roll back the authoritarian abuses of the Trump era, he should have a problem with “the New York Times problem.” Outlets such as the Tribune must follow the lead of the Times and the Guardian, increasing the pressure on Biden to dismiss the charges against Assange and to return us to safer, saner territory. Stephen Rohde is a constitutional lawyer, author and past chair of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Read More…

Alabama Prison Inmate Kastellio Vaughan Refused Medical Care After Surgery, ADOC Says https://digitalalabamanews.com/alabama-prison-inmate-kastellio-vaughan-refused-medical-care-after-surgery-adoc-says/ Alabama prison officials have released more medical information of an inmate whose photos of his physical deterioration have gone viral on social media. Kastellio Vaughan, 32, is serving a 20-year sentence for 2019 convictions of multiple car break-ins and a burglary in Baldwin and Mobile counties. He signed a waiver allowing the Alabama Department of Corrections to disclose additional details about his medical history that have contributed to his physical conditions. ADOC officials on Tuesday said Vaughan was admitted to Jackson Hospital in Montgomery on Aug. 3, 2022, for a bowel obstruction and underwent surgery. The surgery was due to a complication from a previous gunshot wound. Vaughan, as previously reported by AL.com, was shot in 2013 when authorities say he was carrying out an attempted home invasion in Mobile. Following the surgery, according to Tuesday’s statement, he opted to be discharged on Aug. 10 against medical advice. Vaughan was admitted to Jackson Hospital again on Sept. 3, for post-surgical complications. “He, once again, opted to be discharged (against medical advice) on Sept. 7 and refused all medication.” In addition, the statement reads, Vaughan has repeatedly refused medical assessment and medical treatment while in the custody of ADOC following his return from Jackson Hospital. “The ADOC offers medical assessment and treatment to all inmates but does not force them to accept that care,’’ according to the statement. Last week, Vaughan’s sister posted to Facebook photos of Vaughan that showed him emaciated and his eyes rolling back into his head. The images were in stark contrast to a photo of Vaughan taken in July. The sister said she was sent the photos with the message, “Get Help.” On Saturday, the Alabama Department of Corrections issued its first statement regarding Vaughan’s medical care. “As of today, he was housed in Staton (prison) infirmary where he was observed walking and eating,’’ according to the statement. “He has been in contact with his family to update them on his situation and ease their concerns.” Prison officials said Vaughan has requested and received medical attention with the ADOC at least 11 times between July 30, 2022, and September 22, 2022. As a result, they said, each time he received appropriate medical treatment and/or care. As part of that care, he has spent at least 13 days in the institutional infirmary. Additionally, he was treated at an outside hospital three times in the same time frame, resulting in one major surgery and at least 17 days in the hospital. On Friday, civil rights attorney Lee Merritt announced he was hired by the inmate and his family. Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels are also on the case. A GoFundMe started two days ago by Vaughan’s sister for legal fees has raised more than $45,000. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Read More…

Nord Stream Pipelines Hit By Suspicious Leaks In Possible Sabotage; Russia Says It Has 'a Right' To Use Nuclear Weapons https://digitalalabamanews.com/nord-stream-pipelines-hit-by-suspicious-leaks-in-possible-sabotage-russia-says-it-has-a-right-to-use-nuclear-weapons/ CIA reportedly warned Berlin about possible attacks on gas pipelines Russia has drastically reduced gas supplies to Europe in recent weeks. Odd Andersen | Afp | Getty Images The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency had weeks ago warned Germany about possible attacks on gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, German magazine Spiegel said after gas leaks in Russia pipelines to Germany were reported. The German government received the CIA tip in summer, Spiegel reported, citing unnamed sources, adding that Berlin assumes a targeted attack on Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. A German government spokesperson declined to comment, Spiegel added. — Reuters A superyacht linked to a sanctioned Russian businessman fetched $37.5 million at auction The Axioma super yacht belonging to Russian oligarch Dmitrievich Pumpyansky who is on the EU’s list of sanctioned Russians is seen docked at a port, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in Gibraltar, March 21, 2022. Jon Nazca | Reuters A superyacht linked to a sanctioned Russian businessman fetched $37.5 million at auction in Gibraltar last month after it was sold at the behest of creditor JP Morgan, a court has confirmed, in the first sale of its kind since Russia invaded Ukraine. The 72.5-meter Axioma was impounded by the Gibraltar authorities in March after U.S. bank said its alleged owner, a company that was owned by Dmitry Pumpyansky, had reneged on the terms of a 20.5 million euro loan ($19.6 million). Pumpyansky, 58, was until March the owner and chairman of steel pipe manufacturer OAO TMK, a supplier to Russian energy company Gazprom. — Reuters NATO chief speaks with Zelenskyy and reaffirms the alliance’s support “Just spoke with President Zelenskyy and made clear that NATO allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-defense,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. “The sham referenda held by Russia have no legitimacy and are a blatant violation of international law. These lands are Ukraine,” he added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the call in a separate tweet and said that he thanked the NATO chief for “condemning Russia’s illegal referenda.” “We discussed current battlefield developments and further support of the alliance’s member states to the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” Zelenksyy added. — Amanda Macias Gas leaks from Russian pipelines to Europe raise sabotage fears BORNHOLM, DENMARK – SEPTEMBER 27: Danish Defense shows the gas leaking at Nord Stream 2 seen from the Danish F-16 interceptor on Bornholm, Denmark on September 27, 2022. Danish Defence/ | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Europe is investigating leaks in two Russian gas pipelines that churned up the Baltic Sea, raising concerns from Copenhagen to Moscow about sabotage on infrastructure at the heart of an energy standoff. However, it remained far from clear who might be behind any foul play, if proven, on the Nord Stream pipelines that Russia and European partners spent billions of dollars building. Poland’s prime minister blamed sabotage for the leaks, without citing evidence, while the Danish premier said it could not be ruled out. Russia, which slashed gas deliveries to Europe after the West imposed sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, said sabotage was a possibility and that the incident undermined the continent’s energy security. A senior Ukrainian official called it a Russian attack to destabilize Europe, without giving proof. The Nord Stream pipelines have been flashpoints in an escalating energy war between European capitals and Moscow that has pummeled major Western economies, sent gas prices soaring and sparked a hunt for alternative energy supplies. — Reuters U.N. calls for immediate release of those detained in Russia protesting Putin’s mobilization order Russian policemen detain a demonstrator protesting against mobilization in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. AP Photo The U.N. called on the Kremlin to release people who have been detained in Russia for protesting President Vladimir Putin’s mobilization order. “As of 26 September, according to credible reports, some 2,377 demonstrators had been arrested since last Wednesday in various locations across the country. It is unclear how many people remain in detention,” wrote Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. “We stress that arresting people solely for exercising their rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of liberty,” Shamdasani said, adding that the U.N. calls for the immediate release of all those detained in this manner. — Amanda Macias NATO air forces conduct training drills over Baltic Sea Two Swedish Air Force jets fly over their home territory in 2021. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images NATO members Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania participated in the training drills dubbed “Ramstein Alloy.” “The exercise series integrates more than two dozen fighter and support aircraft and NATO airborne early warning aircraft with NATO and national command and control centers,” the alliance wrote in a release. “The realistic drills train Allied forces to deter and if needed defend against any aggression.” — Amanda Macias Russian reservists called up in Putin mobilization attend a departure ceremony Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last week that he was mobilizing hundreds of thousands of Russian men to bolster Moscow’s army in Ukraine, sparking demonstrations and an exodus of men abroad. Reservists that have been called-up to active duty attend a departure ceremony in in Sevastopol, Crimea. Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022.  Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022.  Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022.  Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022.  Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022. Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Reservists drafted during the partial mobilisation attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022.  Stringer | AFP | Getty Images — AFP | Getty Images Wheat rises on concern over Russian crops Wheat is loaded aboard a cargo ship in the international port of Rostov-on-Don to be shipped to Turkey, on July 26, 2022. Stringer | AFP | Getty Images Chicago wheat futures climbed, supported by concern over Russian supplies as some farmers are called to the army, while corn and soybeans rose from the previous session’s near two-week low due to a slower-than-expected U.S. harvest. Wheat prices gained 1.5% and were set to snap a two-session losing streak. “Agricultural markets have faced pressure in the last few sessions due to concerns over global recession,” said a Singapore-based trader. “But we have a slight strength today as the U.S. harvest is slow.” The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) most-active corn contract was up 0.4% at $6.69 a bushel, as of 1130 GMT, and soybeans added 0.7% to $14.21-1/2 a bushel. Wheat gained 1.5% to $8.70-1/2 a bushel. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the corn harvest was 12% complete, as of Sunday, behind the average analyst estimate of 13% and the five-year average of 14%. The soybean harvest was 8% complete, lagging the average analyst estimate of 11% and the five-year average of 13%, the agency reported after the market closed on Monday. — Rueters Nord Stream leaks ‘a severe safety and environmental hazard,’ analysts say Workers are seen at the construction site of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, near the town of Kingisepp, Leningrad region, Russia, June 5, 2019. Anton Vaganov | Reuters Suspicious leaks reported on the Nord Stream pipelines from Russia to Germany represent a “severe safety and environment hazard,” according to experts at the Eurasia Group. Nord Stream operator Nord Stream AG reported Tuesday that both the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have sustained “unprecedented” damage via three known leaks, adding it was impossible to estimate when the gas network system’s working capability would be restored. Danish and Swedish authorities declared a no-shipping zone around the location of the suspected leak in their maritime zones while Denmark raised its power and gas safety alert level. Henning Gloystein, director of energy, climate and resources and senior analyst Jason Bush, both at Eurasia Group, said in a note Tuesday that while German and Danish authorities said the cause of the leaks was unknown, “unplanned leaks to undersea pipelines are rare as they are designed to avert accidental damage.” “Several EU sources said sabotage seemed likely. Neither pipeline was delivering commercial gas at the time of the leaks, yet given both lines were still pressured and each has the capacity to pipe around 165 million cubic metres of methane-heavy gas per day,” they said, adding: “Leaks of this size are a severe safety and environmental hazard, especially should Russia not stop pumping gas into the system.” The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have centered heavily in the breakdown of relations between Europe and Russia because of the war in...

5 Birmingham Area High School Football Games To Watch In Week 7 https://digitalalabamanews.com/5-birmingham-area-high-school-football-games-to-watch-in-week-7/ Here are five games to watch in the Birmingham area this week as region play continues. The complete schedule follows. CENTER POINT (5-1, 2-1) AT SHADES VALLEY (4-1, 1-1) Center Point’s Jabari Collier scrambles away from Fairfield’s Keaundre Hendrix in Center Point, Ala., Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (Mark Almond | preps@al.com) Time/location: Friday, 7 p.m., Frank A. Nix Athletic Complex, Irondale Last week: Center Point beat Fairfield 27-6 and Shades Valley downed Bessemer City 26-20. The skinny: Shades Valley leads the series against Center Point (Erwin) 18-6-1 and has won six straight, including 38-20 in the last meeting in 2017. It’s a Class 6A, Region 6 contest. Shades Valley is off to its best start since 2014 behind second-year coach Reuben Nelson. The offense features a good pair of WR in Christian Thomas (36-yard TD catch last week) and Kendarius Irvin (15-yard TD catch last week) with QB Steve Brown (accounted for all 4 TDs last week) triggering the attack. Ethan Johnson (rushing TD last week) plays on both sides, handling RB on offense and LB on defense. LB Kordell Steele is also key on defense along with DBs Jacob Mahand and Erin Callens. Center Point RB Troy Bruce (17 TDs) and QB Jabari Collier (13 TDs) lead the offense that averages 39.5 points a game. Top receiving targets include WR Harold Holloman (18 catches, 429 yards) and TE/DE DeMario Hicks. Gerald Perry anchors the offensive line. DE Jordan Jackson (25 tackles, 6 TFL) along with LBs Malik Brown (32 tackles, 5 TFL) and Kaleb Parker Holt (26 tackles) head the front 7 while SS KeMarius Horne (27 tackles, 2 INT), who also has an 85-yard kickoff return TD, and FS Deon Moore (2 INT) are the last line of defense. HELENA (5-1, 2-1) AT BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN (3-2, 1-1) Helena’s Jordan Washington (34) carries the ball against Chelsea during the AHSAA Kickoff game at Crampon Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. , August 18, 2022. (Marvin Gentry | preps@al.com) Time/location: Friday, 7 p.m., Lions Pride Stadium, Birmingham Last week: Helena beat Jackson-Olin 16-13 and Briarwood downed Oak Mountain 34-14. The skinny: It’s the first meeting between the teams. The game is a Class 6A, Region 3 matchup. Helena RB Jordan Washington is tough to stop while RB AJ Horstead has a nose for the end zone. WRs Hunter Hale and Torrey Ward are targets for QB Dalton Lewellyn. The defense is stout with a front 7 that includes LBs Nathan Thomason and Mason Johnson backing Derrick Wilson and Xavier Guy on the defensive line. Desmon James and Kevin Pinkard are stoppers in the defensive backfield. Briarwood QB Christopher Vizzina leads the team in passing (81-125, 939 yards, 8 TDs) and rushing (83-347 yards, 8 TDs). RB Colton Williams runs behind an offensive line featuring Harrison Clemmer and Sawyer Russell. WR Brady Waugh (17-237, 4 TDs receiving) is a top target. LBs Grey Reebals and Grant Dickinson along with DL Preston King and Andrew Kassouf are key to the front 7. Peyton Steed leads the defensive backfield. HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE (4-2, 2-1) AT THOMPSON (4-2, 3-0) Thompson’s Korbyn Williams carries the ball against Spain Park during the first half of a football game Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Alabaster, Ala. (Photo/Butch Dill)AP Time/location: Friday, 7 p.m., Warriors Stadium, Alabaster Last week: Class 7A seventh-ranked Hewitt-Trussville beat Huffman 49-8 and fifth-ranked Thompson beat Class 6A top-ranked Clay-Chalkville 17-14. The skinny: Thompson leads the series 8-6, winning the last three straight, including 42-9 last season. It’s a Class 7A, Region 3 contest. Hewitt-Trussville QB Peyton Floyd is key running and passing (13-of-14 passing for 186 yards and 5 TDs in first half last week) while RBs Jaqson Melton and Kennedy Mitchell lead the rushing attack behind an OL with Kade Martin. WRs Kadarius Barnes and Jadon Loving along with TE Donovan Price grab plenty of passes. Braylon Chatman (12 tackles last week) and Hunter Jones back the defensive front that includes Alabama commit Hunter Osborne. The last line of defense is handled by Riggs Dunn and Tennessee commit Rickey Gibson. Thompson’s defense has allowed 11.25 points a game during its four-game winning streak. LB Jake Ivie (41 tackles, 6 TFL) had the game-clinching INT last week and LB Seth Hampton (38 tackles, 4 TFL) roam behind Clemson commit DL Peter Woods (31 tackles, 9 TFL). DB Anquon Fegans (30 tackles, 4 INT) and Alabama commit Tony Mitchell (36 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 PBU) are strong at DB. On offense, AJ Green is key at RB (7 TDs this season) while QB Zach Sims throws to WRs Korbyn Williams (27-245 yards, 3 TDs), Deuce Oliver (20-246, 2 TDs) and Kolby Hearn (19.8 yards per catch). MCADORY (4-1, 3-0) AT NORTHRIDGE (3-2, 2-1) McAdory running back Rod Thomas (6) carries the ball against Pinson Valley during the game at Willie Adams Stadium in Pinson, Ala., Friday August 26, 2022. (Marvin Gentry | preps@al.com) Time/location: Friday, 7 p.m., Northridge Stadium, Tuscaloosa Last week: McAdory was idle last week while Northridge beat American Christian 42-28. The skinny: McAdory leads the series 9-1, but the teams have split the past two meetings, McAdory winning 27-11 last season at home and Northridge winning 26-7 at home in 2020. It’s a Class 6A, Region 4 matchup. McAdory’s attack is keyed by a strong ground game with RBs Rod Thomas and Peyton Ryans behind and offensive line anchored by Kaleb May. WRs Jacorey Whitted and Tavaris Coles are favorite targets of QB Jacob Clopton. It’s a typical Yellow Jackets defense, allowing 13.4 points a game. DLs Alan Price and Savian Graham along with LB Nathan Lake are keys to the front 7 while LaBarryon Moore and Brent Barnes man the last line of defense. The Northridge offense averages 32 points a game with a strong ground game and effective passing attack. The RB trio of Toryion Spears (15-yard TD run last week), Tyler McNeal (38-yard TD run) and PJ Hall (2 TDs last week) excel behind and OL anchored by Alabama commit Wilkin Formby. QB Rowdy Christensen throws to WRs Kollyn Shelnutt and Nick Sherman. ATH TJ Banks has Alabama and Auburn offers and is lockdown DB while a threat every time he touches the ball on offense and Hall also plays LB. NORTHSIDE (4-1, 2-1) AT CORNER (5-0, 3-0) Northside quarterback Braden Green passes the ball during a game. (File Photo | Bob Gathany)AL.com Time/location: Friday, 7 p.m., Corner Stadium, Dora Last week: Class 4A eighth-ranked Northside was idle while Corner beat Fultondale 44-6. The skinny: Each team has a win in the series with Corner winning the last meeting 20-12 in 2019. It’s a Class 4A, Region 5 game. Northside lost its only game this season to Haleyville prior to the open week, mainly because the Rams committed four turnovers. QB Braden Green keys the offense with loads of help on the ground from RB Luke Jones and WB Justin Montgomery. The OL features Aidan Parsons and Brady Fanning. The defense has allowed 49 points (35 in the loss) with two shutouts. LB Logan Sullivan is steady behind a front of Brendan Parsons, Peyton Beard and Davis Perdue. CB Jayden Roberts handles the back end. Corner has started the season 5-0 for the first time since 1980. The offense averages 39 points a game behind a good set of skill players. RB Gavin Brown has 17 TDs and 887 yards this season while QB Landon Peterson has 5 passing TDs and 2 on the ground. WR Nick Dyer and TE Brodie Dunlap are top targets. LBs Caleb Bell with 43 tackles (7 TFL, 2 sacks) and Caleb Earley with 32 tackles (6 TFL, 2 sacks) are stoppers while DE Cade Rouse has 30 tackles (7 TFL, 3 sacks). DB Jace Boyd has 20 tackles and 3 interceptions. BIRMINGHAM AREA SCHEDULE (All games at 7 p.m. unless noted) THURSDAY Banks Academy at Edgewood Ramsay at Wenonah FRIDAY Brookwood at Bessemer City Center Point at Shades Valley Central-Tuscaloosa at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Chelsea at Vestavia Hills Coosa Valley at Evangel Cornerstone Christian at Southern Prep Fairfield at Carver Fultondale at Ashville Handley at Anniston Helena at Briarwood Christian Hewitt-Trussville at Thompson Hoover at Oak Mountain Hueytown at Paul W. Bryant Huffman at Pinson Valley Jackson-Olin at Gardendale McAdory at Northridge Midfield at Greensboro Minor at Mortimer Jordan Montevallo at Sipsey Valley Morgan Academy at Bessemer Academy Northside at Corner Oak Grove at Haleyville Parker at Woodlawn Pelham at Calera Pleasant Grove at John Carroll Shelby County at Demopolis Southside-Gadsden at Leeds Springville at Moody Tuscaloosa County at Spain Park Vincent at Ranburne Winfield at Tarrant Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Read More…

Biden Pumped Up, Demands Gas Stations Slash Prices At The Pump: ‘Do It Now’ https://digitalalabamanews.com/biden-pumped-up-demands-gas-stations-slash-prices-at-the-pump-do-it-now/ President Biden lashed out at gas stations on Tuesday for allegedly being tardy in lowering the price of fuel in line with dropping oil prices. During a meeting Monday with economic aides, Biden lamented that while crude prices fell sharply last month, it has taken a “long time” for the drop in price to trickle down to the consumer. “We haven’t seen the lower prices reflected at the pump though. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies are still making record profits — billions of dollars in profit,” the president said Monday.   “My message is simple. To the companies running gas stations and setting those prices at the pump: Bring down the prices you’re charging at the pump to reflect the cost you pay for the product.” Biden’s comments, which were posted by the White House, were reported by Insider. The president exhorted gas stations to pass along savings to customers more quickly. “Do it now,” Biden said. “Do it now. Not a month from now — do it now.” “And it’s going to save people a lot of money.” The average cost of a gallon of fuel nationwide is some 17% higher compared to a year ago, according to AAA. Anthony Behar/Sipa USA Bob Bilbruck, CEO of business strategy firm Captjur, told The Post that Biden was “way off base.” “I grew up in the convenience store gas station business,” Bilbruck said. “Margins are razor-thin in these operations and depending on their relationship in the buying ecosystem, they may be buying from a bulk fueler or directly from the producer [so] we are talking very little difference in prices,” he said. Since gas station owners work on small margins, they are under “constant competitive pressures from the station next door to keep their prices competitive.” “This is simple supply and demand,” Bilbruck told The Post. “You have less drilling going on and less oil and gas being refined — prices go up.” He added: “It’s basic economics — if Biden wanted to make a true impact and get costs down for the consumer, there are many things he could do.” Gas prices have ticked up following 99 consecutive days during which they fell. Getty Images Free-market advocates also did not take too kindly to the president’s comments. “Having the president of the country pressuring private companies into cutting profit is not a good look at best,” geopolitical analyst Irina Tsukerman, who heads Scarab Rising, told The Post. “These comments indicate that Biden is avoiding responsibility for his own contribution to the price crisis — the policies that have driven up the gas prices to begin with, failure to allow for leases on federal land, the shutdown of pipeline projects, the gas tax hike, among others.” The average price of a gallon of fuel ticked up to $3.75 nationwide on Tuesday — which is 17% higher compared to a year ago, when the cost was $3.19 per gallon. Biden administration officials touted the drop in gas prices from mid-June, when they reached a record high of $5.02. Last week, gas prices rose for the first time, snapping a 99-day streak of falling prices. Gasoline prices mostly reflect trends in global oil prices, and crude — both the US benchmark and the international Brent — have been slumping since mid-June on growing fears of a global recession that would reduce demand for energy. US crude rose $0.73 on Tuesday, closing at $77.44 a barrel. Brent crude jumped 1.32% to $85.17 a barrel. Read More…

Bonnie Rae Terkelson Bolduc Obituary (1935 – 2022) Deseret News https://digitalalabamanews.com/bonnie-rae-terkelson-bolduc-obituary-1935-2022-deseret-news/ Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend left this earth on September 26, 2022 and the world lost a true angel. Bonnie Bolduc was born on August 3, 1935, in Sandy, UT to Henry and Florence Terkelson. She was the fifth of six children in their family. She graduated from West High School in June 1953. After graduation, Bonnie and some friends began attending dances at the Wendover Air Base, where she met Phil Bolduc, one of the Airmen stationed there. Bonnie and Phil dated for several months, and they were married on June 6, 1958. Bonnie had four boys who were her reason for living every day to it’s fullest. In July 1977, sadly, Bonnie was divorced from Phil and spent the rest of her life serving her boys and their families, and her mother (until she passed in 2001). Bonnie worked for Mountain Bell/US West for 35 years, as a Planning Engineer. She retired in 1990 and moved to West Jordan in 1998. Bonnie was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many Church positions including Stake Missionary, Ward/Stake Special Interest Specialist (17 years), and Family History Missionary amongst others. Bonnie was an incredibly talented crafter and loved crocheting. Bonnie raised her boys, literally around the corner from her mother. This was a great blessing for her boys and her, after her divorce. She lived in the Poplar Grove neighborhood of Salt Lake City for over 30 years. She also truly enjoyed her West Jordan neighborhood and made many friends there. Mom was an amazing sports fan, when her boys were participating, she never missed a game. Even though she didn’t understand football, she watched intently as Ben and Matt played. She participated as a Scorekeeper in baseball and Church Basketball when her boys played. She even kept score for one of her grandson’s baseball games at 76 years old. She was also a huge fan of the Utah Jazz and BYU football. Bonnie loved her children and thought that they were her greatest accomplishments. Of course, she was right! She loved her grandchildren too. Her face would light up whenever she was around her grand-children and great-grandchildren. She truly loved the family getting together, it was the happiest time of her life. Bonnie is survived by her children Chris (Trudy) of Huntsville, AL; Bob (Shirleen) of South Jordan; Ben (Nancy) of West Jordan; and Matt (Corinne) of Syracuse; her brother Van (Sue) Terkelson of Fruitland; her 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, two brothers and two sisters. The family wishes to acknowledge all of Bonnie’s many friends. You were each incredibly special to her and she loved you so much! Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM at The Welby 1st Ward, 9376 South 4000 West, West Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services at the ward beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Published by Deseret News from Sep. 27 to Sep. 30, 2022. Read More…

Dana White Looks Back On Historic Friendship With Donald Trump: 'He Has Been Such A Good Friend To Me' https://digitalalabamanews.com/dana-white-looks-back-on-historic-friendship-with-donald-trump-he-has-been-such-a-good-friend-to-me/ UFC president Dana White values his friendship with former United States President Donald Trump very much. Dana White Lauds Donald Trump Friendship White has been very open about his friendship with the former United States President, despite the controversy surrounding the latter. Speaking in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson on FOX News, White detailed how his friendship with Trump began, and how integral the New York businessman’s help played a part in making the UFC what it is today “He’s a very very good friend of mine. Donald Trump has been such a good friend to me, since the day I met him. We originally – when we bought this company, this company had such a bad stigma attached to it and this sport, that we couldn’t even get into the venues. “Venues didn’t want us. And Donald Trump saw that this thing could possibly be big. Plus he’s a sports guy, he loves sports. He offered us to come do the event in the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, a very fair deal, we went down there, and we did two events with him. “He showed up for the first fight, stayed to the last fight. And you can imagine back then, Trump brand here (up) UFC brand here (low) but he took us in and he was great. “Everything that ever happened to me in my career after that day, the first guy who reached out to me and said congratulations was Donald Trump. “Whether it was a letter – we were on the cover of the New York Times one time – he sent me a letter saying “I always knew you were going to do it Dana, congratulations” and sent me the paper. “Sent me a pen one time congratulating me. Always sending me something and congratulating me. A guy who was genuinely happy for your success.” When Trump decided to run for President Of The United States, White was one of the first people Trump called to speak on his behalf at the Republican National Convention. UFC President Dana White has never been afraid to support his friend, Donald Trump. “Everything that ever happened to me in my career, after that day, the first guy to reach out and say congratulations was Donald Trump.” pic.twitter.com/JmWhkBQUvB — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) September 27, 2022 Trump made it clear their friendship would remain unaffected should White prefer not to get involved, but White did not hesitate to back his longtime friend. “And then came the day he was running for president, and he called me one day, he started the conversation like this, “If you don’t want to do this, I completely understand and there are no hard feelings. But I would be honored if you would speak for me at the Republican National Convention.” “I said I’ll be there. I said, ‘You’re the best man, you’ve always been a great guy to me, you’ve been a good friend to me,’ and I spoke that day. “And after I spoke that day for him at the convention, our friendship went to a whole other level. This guy has been so good to me its unexplainable” White was asked about the backlash and abuse he received for supporting Trump, but in the business that White works in, he’s developed a rather thick skin in that regard. The UFC boss said he doesn’t hate people for how they choose to vote politically, and doesn’t want to associate himself with anyone who does. “I’m in the abuse business, we take abuse every day. You’d have to explain to me what the abuse on the Trump side would be. I get it, there’s people – this is what’s sad. Obviously I did not vote for President Biden. “He’s my president, he’s the President Of The United States right now and I’m an American. I don’t dislike or hate anybody who voted for Biden. “The fact that you’re the type of person who would actually hate somebody because of whop they voted for, shows me exactly who you are – I don’t want to know you anyway. You’re not my type of person and I don’t want to be friends with you either. “The feeling is very mutual. So it’s not because of who you voted for, it’s because of how you carry yourself. Who you voted for or what you decide to do with your life means nothing to me, that’s you’re own personal choice. “In America this is a free country and you can choose to vote or do whatever you want to do with your personal life.  Read More…

Key Questions Remain Unanswered As Jan 6 Committee Enters Its Final Stage – KION546 https://digitalalabamanews.com/key-questions-remain-unanswered-as-jan-6-committee-enters-its-final-stage-kion546/ By Annie Grayer, CNN The House Select Committee investigating January 6 has been able to uncover much of the multi-faceted plot to subvert the 2020 presidential election. But as it heads into what is likely to be one of its final hearings this week, there are a few investigative threads that remain unanswered. The committee has presented evidence that former President Donald Trump wanted to go to the Capitol on January 6, eliciting testimony from numerous witnesses describing the former President’s urgent desire to be driven to the Capitol complex by his Secret Service detail following his speech on the Ellipse. It also has established that Trump anticipated staying in office. Yet the committee has not been able to uncover precisely what Trump planned to do upon arriving at the Capitol, a source familiar with its investigation says, and attributes the gap in knowledge to the limited subpoena power of the committee. It also has been unable to definitively conclude if Trump had a plan. Instead, the committee has developed a number of working theories, the source says. Understanding Trump’s intentions for going to the Capitol on January 6 would provide insight into his state of mind that day and could expose more potentially criminal activity, as the committee has sought to do throughout its investigation and hearings. Among the biggest questions hanging over the committee ahead of its hearing on Wednesday is whether it will make a criminal referral to the Justice Department. Multiple members on the committee tell CNN the panel has still not reached a decision. “I think we will certainly discuss whether we will make referrals” Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who serves on the committee, told CNN. “In terms of whether we need to make referrals, not in the legal sense, but I think there is a very important element to Congress, finding evidence of criminal conduct and making sure the department is aware of it.” Speaking at the Texas Tribune festival over the weekend, Republican Rep. and committee vice-chair Liz Cheney said “I think we will be unanimous” when asked how the panel will approach the process of whether to make a criminal referral. There is also a growing sense among committee members that the Justice Department will be able to fill in some of the unanswered questions left by the committee’s investigation because of the subpoena power that comes with its ongoing criminal investigation, particularly when it comes to senior officials from Trump’s orbit like his former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and longtime confidante Roger Stone, who cited various claims of privilege to limit cooperation with the congressional panel. Schiff told CNN the House committee developed a strategy early on to focus on individuals it knew would cooperate, rather than become tied up in months of legal battles with individuals like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy or GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, that could outrun the panel’s existence. “We made a decision that it was more important for us to get people through the door quickly than to go to court and challenge their assertions of privilege” Schiff said, adding that the panel always reserved the right to make challenges later. “But it’s getting pretty late in the day, and it would likely take months, if not years to challenge these claims of executive privilege or attorney client privilege or other things. So that’s probably the biggest category of evidence beyond our reach that should be within the Justice Department’s reach.” Mark Meadows has already complied with a DOJ subpoena by turning over the same materials he provided to the committee before he stopped cooperating. The committee and Meadows reached a standstill in June after DOJ declined to charge Meadows with contempt of Congress because of his compelling case for claiming executive privilege. “If the DOJ is successful in getting these obstructionist witnesses to testify, my guess is that we will likely not learn of the substance of the testimony until the public does” Schiff told CNN. ‘It’s time to wrap up’ Because of the ticking clock, Schiff thinks time has run out to get compliance from the five Republican lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, who have refused to testify. “I think the reality is that in every large investigation, you reach a point where you know much of what you’re going to know, and it would just take too long to get the next valuable piece of evidence. And it’s time to wrap up.” But when it comes to Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, Schiff is not ready to call it quits. “I think we have to reach out to every witness with relevant information. And in the case of the Vice President, I hope that he will choose to testify voluntarily. But speaking generally, I think the committee should seek the testimony of everyone who has relevant evidence” when asked about Trump and Pence. And as CNN has reported, this continues to be a topic the panel has not reached a conclusion on. DOJ making ‘rolling series of requests’ to committee Members on the committee have in the past criticized DOJ’s investigation into January 6 as moving too slowly, but even now that the criminal investigations have ramped up, the committee is still cautious about how it shares its work product with DOJ. Schiff characterized DOJ’s requests to the committee as being a “rolling series of requests” with requests regularly getting “refined,” Previously, CNN reported the committee only intended to share 20 transcripts with DOJ. Members on the committee pushed back on DOJ’s initial request for all of the committee’s transcripts because members have wanted to maintain ownership over their work product and have been worried about handing over sensitive information from the committee’s investigation that could end up in a public court setting. “We are viewing on a sort of case by case basis” Schiff told CNN. “What is the department asking for? How specific is their ask, what is the risk to our own investigation if we essentially lose control of our own transcripts because they’re provided in court process? And so, we’re looking to find accommodations where we can. We want them to succeed. And over time, we’ll be able to accommodate more and more of the requests.” Schiff does not believe however that DOJ’s trial into the seditious conspiracy of Oath Keepers leader Steward Rhodes, which is slated to begin the day before the committee’s hearing, has any impact on what the committee presents publicly about Rhodes or other domestic extremist “I don’t think it’s a factor in what we present publicly” he told CNN. “But, you know, we are mindful of what the department is doing, and any impacts that our work has on the department.” The-CNN-Wire & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Read More…

Northampton County, A Bellwether In Pennsylvania, Will Be Place To Watch On Election Night https://digitalalabamanews.com/northampton-county-a-bellwether-in-pennsylvania-will-be-place-to-watch-on-election-night/ By John King, CNN Chief National Correspondent It is dusk on a crisp, perfect fall evening, and at the end of the long gravel driveway, Cindy Deppe is waiting with a smile and a choice: Screen One or Screen Two. She’s running the ticket booth at Becky’s Drive-In, a Lehigh Valley treasure. The family-owned business for 76 years now, is a throwback and a survivor in a slice of America that is a very different place than it was when William Beck first fired up the projector on this site in 1946. Bethlehem Steel anchored the Lehigh Valley economy then, along with the Atlas Cement Company. Democrats dominated local politics. But nowadays in Northampton County, the home of Walnutport, times — and politics — have changed. “This area,” Cindy’s son, Christopher Deppe, put it, is the battleground within the battleground. Walnutport is a borough in Northampton County. It is a mostly rural county dotted with farms and small towns – 377 square miles in all – but also home to the small and smaller cities Bethlehem and Easton. Barack Obama carried Northampton County twice. Donald Trump won it in 2016, and Joe Biden narrowly flipped Northampton County back to blue in 2020. Only 25 counties in America share that voting pattern. This year, Northampton County will be a place to watch on Election Night, first because of its history as a Pennsylvania bellwether, but also because the 8 p.m. ET poll closing time means it will be among the first swing counties to report results. As Deppe runs the digital projectors on this Friday night, he breaks an unwritten family rule, half grimacing, half grinning. “I have made my choices: I’m rooting for Shapiro and John Fetterman,” he says, referring to Josh Shapiro, the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania governor, and Fetterman the Democratic Senate nominee. “If you drive around this area you are likely to see more Mastriano and Dr. Oz signs, but I really do think those people are in the vocal minority.” Only three times in the last century has the Northampton County winner in a presidential race not also carried the commonwealth and won the White House. Competitive of late is an understatement: Trump carried the county by 3.4 percent in 2016. Four years later, Biden eked out a 1,233 vote county win —a margin of less than one percentage point. That explains that unwritten family rule of not talking politics at Becky’s Drive In. “People are pretty heated,” Dean Deppe, Christopher’s father and Cindy’s husband, says as he fills orders at the refreshment stand. “We try to minimize it because, you know, we don’t want to disengage half our customer base.” Casual conversations with movie goers Friday night ranged from liberal college students to a Trump-voting grandfather who ended talk of politics politely but quickly “because it just riles me up.” ‘I don’t think the old rules apply anymore’ The leaves are beginning to change colors, which means the screens will soon go dark until spring. And it means Northampton County will soon help answer several pressing midterm questions. The Pennsylvania governor appoints the Secretary of State, and Republican Doug Mastriano is an election denier who tried to help Trump overturn the state’s 2020 count here. Plus, the Fetterman-Oz race could settle which party controls the Senate come January. And all of Northampton County is in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, an early, Eastern time zone test of whether vulnerable Democrats are able to hang on in a midterm climate that historically is unkind to members of the incumbent President’s party. Rep. Susan Wild is the Democratic incumbent here. She won with 52% in 2020 and faces the same Republican opponent in 2022. The district lines were redrawn a bit after the last census, and the new territory leans heavily red. “I know what history says,” Wild, who was first elected in the last midterm cycle in 2018, tells CNN. “This is a different kind of year.. … I don’t think the old rules apply anymore.” One old rule is that turnout drops in midterm years, and the party out of power usually benefits from higher enthusiasm. Wild’s Saturday visit to the Easton Farmers’ Market was part of an effort to make sure that dropoff doesn’t happen this year. “Don’t forget to vote. November 8” is her refrain as she wanders from vendor to vendor to say hello and make her case. One stand is selling indigenous Latin American bags and art. “Nice to see you. You live here in Easton?” Wild asks. “It’s such a great place,” Wild says. And it’s critical to Democratic math. Easton is one of just two reliably Democratic pieces of this complicated county. Bethlehem is the other. In a county that is 86% White, according to the Census Bureau — and with race and education among the most telling divides in American politics — Easton is 67% White and by far the most diverse slice of the county. Biden won every Easton voting ward handily; his smallest margin of victory was 24 points. Bethlehem, too, is a deep blue piece of Northampton County. It has more than 75,000 residents — nearly 25% of the county total population — and it is 79% White. Further, 42% of Bethlehem residents have a least a bachelor’s degree; the county average is 32%. Much of Bethlehem has a suburban feel, and at a rally on Saturday, Wild turned to the issue Democrats believe just might help them defy midterm history. “My opponent has said that she is open to national ban on abortion,” Wild told the crowd at Northampton Community College. In the gym, the line was well received. Across the street from campus, Chad Horton held a sign making clear inflation is more important to him. Covid-19 restrictions backed by Democrats also shape his midterm mood. “Susan Wild has definitely not earned the privilege of being reelected,” Horton said. “They put people out of work. I’m going to put them out of work.” Businesswoman Lisa Scheller is Wild’s opponent – and very much hopes the old midterm rules do apply. One Scheller TV ad opens with grainy images of Wild, President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “The Biden Democrats are hurting Pennsylvania families with their radical agenda,” the narrator says. A second ad strikes a similar theme: “Biden and Pelosi’s economic polices are hurting us. Susan Wild is with them.” Wild’s counter, in a TV ad and every time she can when talking to voters, is to call herself a bipartisan moderate. “I grew up in a household with a dad who was a conservative Republican and a mom who was a liberal Democrat,” she tells a man who recalled seeing the TV ad. “So I guess I was born to be bipartisan.” Wild knows the stakes here come Election Night. Republicans are sending in late money, and in the neighboring 8th Congressional District, where Democrat Matt Cartwright is also in a 2020 rematch and also in a race rated as a tossup. “If you see on election night that Matt Cartwright and I have held our seats, then you are going to see that the Democrats hold on to their majority in the House,” she said in an interview. “These are truly two of the most pivotal races in the entire country.” ‘They are not into it like they used to be’ Mount Bethel is an 18-mile drive from Easton, following PA 611 up the banks of the Delaware River. It gets more rural by the mile, and by the time the highway bends away from the river, it is clear where Trump got many of the votes to almost overcome the big Biden edges in Easton and Bethlehem. Trump ran it up in tiny Mount Bethel, which is 92% White, winning one of its voting districts by 45 points. Like Becky’s Drive-In, the Mt. Bethel Diner is a throwback. A counter with vinyl stools, the walls lined with vintage booths. A menu of hearty breakfast staples, and a waitress quick to bring coffee and a warm welcome. But there is a modern =-day exception to the throwback theme: When we ask if we can talk to patrons about their midterm votes, the owner says no — that CNN isn’t welcome here. She says Trump won, and we don’t tell the truth. Pen Argyl is just shy of 10 miles away, PA 611 to PA 512. Biden lost big here, too. And you are far more likely to see Republican lawn signs. “We’re just a little hick town,” local barber John Cuono says. “There’s about 3,000 people here.” Cuono has cut hair in this same spot since his discharge from the Navy 59 years ago, first working with his father, then taking over the small shop on West Main Street. “They are not into it like the used to be,” he said of talking politics with customers. “All they are is a downer.” Cuono is a registered Democrat but voted for Trump twice. “Well, he did as heck of a job,” the 86-year-old says. “I liked what he was doing.” Cuono reads the newspapers and watches the news. He knows about all the Trump investigations and does not dispute that Trump tried to stay in power after the election was certified for Biden. “I look at it this way: he got caught,” Cuono said. “But how many other presidents did the same thing and didn’t get caught. You know. We don’t know.” Would he vote Trump again? “I’m really not sure. I’d have to hear what he has to say and who is running against him.” Local newspapers are sprinkled around the barber shop, and Cuono says he is debating his 2022 choices. He is still undecided in the governor’s race and says likely to decide in the voting booth. “I think I am going to go with Dr. Oz,” is his take on the Senate race. “He knows a little bit about life. …I don’t know about Fetterman. I don’t know much about the man.” Of Wild, his Democratic congresswoman, Cuono says: “She is a whirlwind. … Sometime she is alright. Sometimes she’s bad. …I’m not sure on her.” The drive in this part of the county is telling. There are still some Trump-Pence 2020 signs hanging, plus flags ...

Jabari Smith Already Growing In The NBA https://digitalalabamanews.com/jabari-smith-already-growing-in-the-nba/ The Houston Rockets may have gotten a little bit more with the third pick in the 2022 NBA Draft than they thought. The Rockets selected Jabari Smith Jr. at No. 3 on June 23, and on Monday, the former Auburn standout said he thinks he’s taller now. “I think I have grown, honestly,” Smith said on Monday. “My dad thinks I’ve grown, so it’s definitely a possibility. I haven’t gotten measured since – what? — before the draft maybe. I’m real curious to see if I have, but I think I have.” Smith remains listed at 6-foot-10 on the Rockets’ roster as the team tips off training camp on Tuesday in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Because of his offseason work, Smith said there were differences bigger than an extra inch between the player drafted by Houston and the one they have now. “Just learning the offense, learning where to get my shots from, learning when to attack, learning where to be on defense, getting in the weight room, getting stronger,” Smith said of his improvements. “I feel like I’m a whole different player, honestly.” RELATED: PELICANS’ HERB JONES: ‘THE DUDE DOESN’T HAVE AN OFF SWITCH’ Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in his only season with Auburn, during which the Tigers posted a 28-6 record, won the SEC regular-season title and reached the second round of the NCAA tourney. Auburn won more games last season than Houston did. The Rockets have had the worst record in the NBA in each of the past two seasons, going 17-55 in 2020-21 and 20-62 in 2021-22. Houston yielded more points than any other team in the NBA last season, and Rockets coach Stephen Silas said he thought Smith would have an immediate impact on improving the team on that end of the court. “I think the main thing for Jabari that everybody needs to know is he is such a gifted defensive player — like now,” Silas said, “so harping on what he does offensively and some of the shots that he makes or misses or where he is on the floor and the opportunities that he gets and all, we’ll teach him that and he’ll grow into that and he’ll learn that. “But him as a defender is what I’m so excited about, and that’s the thing that I’ll really kind of hone in on him with because, as I said the last time we were all together last year at the end of the season, our defense needs to be better, and he’s a big piece to that.” Smith said he hopes to provide a boost for the Rockets on offense and defense as well as the locker room. “I feel like I fit right in with my defense, my versatility,” Smith said. “I feel like with me being able to play the five, me being able to play the four, I feel like I’ll be able to help with spacing, being able to space the floor for Jalen (Green), for (Kevin Porter), for our guys to work and also just adding that spark on offense and just overall playing hard. And just my will to win will help us tremendously.” The Rockets have two other 2022 first-round draft choices – Tari Eason, picked No. 17 from LSU, and TyTy Washington Jr., picked No. 29 from Kentucky. Houston’s 20-player training-camp roster includes 14 with three or fewer seasons of NBA experience. “It’s actually fun because I have a lot of peers,” Smith said, “so it’s like we all are going through the same things off the court kind of. On the court, just growing with them. We’re all young. We’re all still learning this league, still finding ourselves, so it’s fun to be with them and just learn with them.” The Rockets start their four-game preseason schedule on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs. Houston tips off its regular-season slate on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 19. “Being with my teammates and playing against them for so long, I’m just ready to get out there and play against somebody else and compete with them,” Smith said. “I feel like we’re bonding, we’re getting close, so I’m just ready to get out there and compete with them and really step foot in the NBA.” Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Read More…

Trump And N-Word, Part 2: Nobody Cares https://digitalalabamanews.com/trump-and-n-word-part-2-nobody-cares/ Yesterday, I wrote a piece about Donald Trump baiting his base to yell racial slurs in public. I pointed out that Trump knew the press wouldn’t cover it. Several commenters on the blog asked why. I realized that I missed the biggest punch line of the story: Nobody cares. It’s almost inconceivable that Trump’s ploy would have been ignored before 2016. In the time before Trump, our country had come to a consensus that racism was socially unacceptable—at least in public. People might be using all kinds of racial slurs behind closed doors, but they weren’t saying them out loud. If they had, the press would have called them out. If they happened at a political rally of either party, incumbents and party leaders would have disavowed and condemned them.  Not today, though. Trump’s racial call and response got barely a notice outside of social media. The press didn’t pick it up. No Republican at the rally distanced themselves from Trump’s little charade and the rest of party ignored it. They’ve dispensed with the dog whistle and embraced the bullhorn. That’s what normalization looks like. It’s now okay to be racist in public. The media expects such behavior Trump and the people who attend his rallies. They know that no GOP politicians will disavow the behavior, so they don’t even cover it. They don’t ask Mark Robinson, the African American Lieutenant Governor who was at the rally, what he thinks. They don’t ask Ted Budd, who wrapped himself around Trump, his reaction.  They don’t ask because it’s no longer news. It’s not shocking or surprising. People would largely shrug. It’s not going to change any minds or any votes. We know who Trump is and we know who his base. Part of the GOP is blatantly bigoted and nobody really cares. It’s where Trump and the Republican Party has taken our country.  Thomas Mills is the founder and publisher of PoliticsNC.com. Before beginning PoliticsNC, Thomas spent twenty years as a political and public affairs consultant. Learn more Read More…

Fact Check-King Charles III Did Not Sign Proclamation Stating Donald Trump Won 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Or Threaten Joe Biden And Kamala Harris With War https://digitalalabamanews.com/fact-check-king-charles-iii-did-not-sign-proclamation-stating-donald-trump-won-2020-u-s-presidential-election-or-threaten-joe-biden-and-kamala-harris-with-war/ Britain’s King Charles did not sign a proclamation stating that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and is therefore the country’s rightful leader. He also did not threaten U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with war if they refused “to vacate the premises within 48 hours”. One Facebook user (here) posted an image of Charles signing a large document on Sept. 10 and accompanied it with the caption: “SHOCKING NEWS OR THE GRANDEST HOAX! King Charles III signs a proclamation stating that Donald Trump won the 2020 Presidential election and is the rightful President by Law. Warns Biden and Kamala to vacate the premises within 48 hours or a state of war will exist between America and England.” Similar posts can be seen on Facebook (here, here and here), Twitter (here), where it has amassed more than 1,160 shares, and Instagram (here and here). Archived posts with hundreds of shares and interactions can be found (archive.ph/qv9QR, here and archive.ph/r3dZj). Comments and replies to the posts appear to suggest some people believe the claim. For example, one person wrote: “Unexpected but it was going to be acknowledged somehow.” Another commented: “Wow! This is good news.” However, there is no evidence the monarch signed such a proclamation. The image used in the social media posts comes from a live feed (here) of his accession ceremony on Sep. 10, 2022, at St James’s Palace, during which Charles was proclaimed king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Footage (here) shows him signing an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland (here and here). This is required under the Act of 1707 by which Scotland joined with England and Wales to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. This has been done by every Sovereign at their Accession since 1714 (here). At no point does the document mention Donald Trump, the U.S. Presidential election or a threat of war. Moreover, declaring war is currently a prerogative power of Britain’s Prime Minister, who authorizes military action on behalf of the Crown (here). Parliament is often consulted and informed before action is taken. The claim has been addressed by other outlets (here and here ). VERDICT False. King Charles did not sign a proclamation stating that Trump won the 2020 election, nor did he threaten Joe Biden and Kamala Harris with war. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work here. for-phone-onlyfor-tablet-portrait-upfor-tablet-landscape-upfor-desktop-upfor-wide-desktop-up Read More…

Live Updates: Ian Makes Landfall In Cuba As Powerful Category 3 Hurricane https://digitalalabamanews.com/live-updates-ian-makes-landfall-in-cuba-as-powerful-category-3-hurricane/ When disaster strikes, household pets’ lives are among the most vulnerable. Evacuating animals during any type of emergency — whether a hurricane, wildfire or earthquake — adds a layer of stress in a turbulent situation. However, experts with animal-advocacy organizations say that taking care of our furry, purry, feathered and scaly housemates is an imperative lifesaving effort that can be conducted smoothly with advance planning. Every attempt should be made not to leave animals behind, the advocates say. You might not be able to return home for longer than you anticipate, and abandoning pets can have “devastating consequences,” said Kelly Donithan, director of animal disaster response for the Humane Society of the United States. “If you’re leaving for any reason, don’t think that it’s safe to leave them behind,” Ms. Donithan said. Experts emphasized that successfully evacuating with your pets depends on actions you can take well before the threat of an emergency is imminent. “Every story is going to be unique,” said Dr. Lori Teller, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Planning ahead definitely makes the whole ordeal a lot easier.” Prepare to leave. Ensure your pets are wearing collars with clear, current identification and your contact information. A GPS collar could also come in handy, especially if you have a fearful pet that is prone to making escape attempts in stressful situations, said Jason Cohen, a dog trainer based in New York City. You’ll need a sturdy leash and a pet carrier or crate labeled with your contact information. Consider getting a backup attachment for your pet’s collar, such as a metal carabiner or double-clip accessory, for added security if a collar accidentally comes off. Your pets might not be accustomed to traveling, so building their familiarity with different modes of transportation could help. Know the various evacuation routes and practice them in advance. “If you know where you are going to go, if you know your routes, if you have all the supplies you need, that’s the best-case scenario,” Ms. Donithan said. Assemble a disaster kit for your pet. Emergencies can happen at any time, so this kit should be updated regularly and kept in a convenient, easily accessible place in your home, advocates said. The kit should include enough nonperishable food and water to last at least a week. It should also contain: food and water receptacles a first-aid kit a couple of weeks’ supply of medications, if needed a printed document or USB stick with medical records, such as a rabies vaccine certificate, key details about your pet’s diet, any behavioral issues and contact information for your veterinarian, all enclosed in a waterproof container a toy or two for those idle hours hygiene supplies such as poop bags or a litter box a current picture of you and your pet, in case you later need to prove ownership or reclaim it Consult with your vet. Microchips, small transponders embedded into a pet’s skin that are linked to identification and the owner’s contact information, can later be scanned if the pet is lost. Getting your pet microchipped by a veterinarian is a must, experts said. It doesn’t end there. You’ll have to register this information with an online database and verify that the registration is linked to your name and phone number. Once registered, microchip numbers can be searched here. To help ease your pet’s anxiety, there are a variety of supplements available, some by prescription. You could consider speaking to your vet about what might be appropriate for your pet, Dr. Teller said. Potential remedies include medications such as trazodone and hemp-based CBD products. These aids should be tested out before an emergency, especially if you already know your pet is anxious in certain situations, such as traveling, Ms. Donithan added. Keep vaccinations current and consider obtaining pet insurance. Find accommodations for your pet. Ideally, you’ll be able to stay with your pet during a disaster, and there are many hotels that allow pets. Emergency shelters in your municipality may not permit pets, so ask local safety officials about their general policies. If you can’t secure accommodation with your pet, create a backup housing plan by assessing nearby shelters, boarding kennels or out-of-town family members or friends with whom your pet could temporarily stay. Brush up on training. Steps such as crate training, which consists of preparing your pet to spend some quiet time in its kennel, could be “a lifesaver in emergency situations,” Mr. Cohen said. “If a dog is comfortable in a crate, it will help keep them safe and not add more stress,” Mr. Cohen added. And it goes beyond dogs. Many animals, including ferrets, pigs and rabbits, can be crate-trained, Ms. Donithan said. To help your pets get used to spending time in the crate, you could regularly feed them meals inside it, which will build comfort and positive connections with their portable home. You can also toss treats in and out of the crate to help them develop their ease with entering and exiting a pet carrier, Mr. Cohen said. It could also be useful to brush up on the “come” command and good walking practices, and to identify your pet’s hiding spots at home. Know what to do when disaster strikes. Don’t wait for the mandatory evacuation order to leave. Stay informed by monitoring different websites, including ready.gov, and opting into receiving emergency alerts through your smartphone settings. You should also monitor updates from your local municipality and emergency responders. Then, evacuate as early as possible. It will give you more flexibility and keep you and your pets calmer. You can do most of the work before actually evacuating, Ms. Donithan said. In an active emergency, it’s about implementing the plan you’ve already made. “When it’s happening, it’s going to go as well as you’ve practiced or how well-prepared you are,” Ms. Donithan added. You’ll want to contact your local emergency management office to see if they have temporary housing options for you and your pet. If not, rely on your alternatives. Certain pets will require extra care. For birds, depending on the weather, you’ll need a blanket to cover the carrier and trap heat or a spray bottle to moisten feathers. If you have a reptile, you’ll need a sturdy bowl for your pet to soak in and something to warm it with. Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase. There are also special considerations for livestock and horses. The experience could be traumatic for both you and your pet. Some signs of distress your pet might exhibit, such as panting, moderate nausea and shaking, could be normal. But other indicators — excessive vocalization or dangerous attempts to break out of confinement — might require medical attention, Dr. Teller said. Having a grasp of the basics of pet first aid with an app like this one from the Red Cross can help. And if you must leave your pets behind, take the appropriate actions. Leave out plenty of food and fresh water and do not restrain your pet. Boost awareness of your pet’s location by notifying local law enforcement, animal control officials, and animal shelters. Also, post a note outside your home, where rescue teams can see it, indicating that you have a pet and where it is, and listing your contact information. You can order an emergency sticker to affix to your window or door from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If flooding is expected, you should place your pet at the highest point in your residence. Adjust back to normal. If your pet is lost, contact your local animal shelters and seek help from neighborhood social media groups. You can also post a notice on microchip databases or print fliers and offer a reward for your pet. Once you do return home, remember that the transition will not be seamless. The environment, including scents and appearances, may no longer be familiar to your pet. Supervise your pet carefully and help it ease into the home with patience. Read More…