Special Master Reviewing Mar-A-Lago Documents Urges Trump Lawyers DOJ To Refine Disputes
Special Master Reviewing Mar-A-Lago Documents Urges Trump Lawyers, DOJ To Refine Disputes https://digitalalabamanews.com/special-master-reviewing-mar-a-lago-documents-urges-trump-lawyers-doj-to-refine-disputes/
Raymond Dearie, the special master, asked both sides for estimates about how many documents were disputed so he could prepare staffing to meet a Dec. 16 deadline for his review.
Dearie said 21,792 pages of non-classified documents were seized at Mar-a-Lago.
Dearie said Trump contested one document as both personal and fell under executive privilege.
Trump lawyer James Trusty accused the department of ‘gamesmanship,’ which government lawyers denied.
The number of pages seized at Donald Trump’s estate was much smaller than previously estimated and a special master reviewing the documents encouraged lawyers for Trump and the government on Tuesday to narrow their disputes about them so the review can be completed by a Dec. 16 deadline.
U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie, the special master, said the number of pages of non-classified documents seized from Mar-a-Lago he is reviewing is 21,792 – much less than the 200,000 pages estimated.
A vendor estimated the larger figure based on the length of typical business documents, according to Stephen Marzen, a Justice Department lawyer.
Lawyers for both sides are scheduled to provide Dearie with a list of documents by Nov. 12 that could potentially fall under personal or fall under attorney-client privilege or executive privilege. The Justice Department is investigating possible criminal violations of the Espionage Act or obstruction of justice, but government lawyers couldn’t use personal or privileged documents in building a case.
Dearie asked lawyers for both sides to estimate how many documents might be disputed before they provide a final list of disputes by Nov. 12 so he can potentially hire more staffers to help his review. He wants to hit his Dec. 16 deadline U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon set for the review.
“That is of course a bit of a concern, not knowing whether I will get 10 or 10,000,” Dearie said.
Dearie also asked lawyers for both sides to narrow their disputes.
One document he described is a letter from Trump to the Justice Department. Dearie says either it was sent or not sent, meaning it could remain privileged or not.
“I don’t want to be dealing with nonsense objections or nonsense assertions,” Dearie said.
Trump lawyer James Trusty said the letter was unsigned, so he doesn’t know whether it was sent. Government lawyers couldn’t say immediately whether it matched letters the department received.
Trusty used the example to chide government lawyers who said they were eager to move quickly through the review.
“That’s a cute bit of jiu-jitsu after saying how ready they were and were citing the fact that they think it’s been sent,” Trusty said. “This shouldn’t be gamesmanship of saying, ‘Well, we think it’s not privileged but we have to find something the government possesses.’”
Benjamin Hawk, deputy chief of the department’s counterintelligence section, denied playing games and argued Trump should know whether he sent the letter.
“Respectfully, I hope it is clear that there is no gamesmanship on behalf of the government,” Hawk said.
Another dispute dealt with executive privilege. Trump claimed one document was both personal and the subject of executive privilege, a policy to keep presidential communications confidential to ensure candid advice from aides. But a document couldn’t be both a personal record and a government record.
“Unless I’m wrong and I’ve been wrong before, there’s a certain incongruity there,” Dearie said. “We’re going to have to deal with that sooner rather than later.”
Lawyers didn’t respond to that dispute during the hearing.
The hearing came as the Justice Department continues to urge the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Dearie’s appointment. But a decision in that appeal might not come until after his review is completed.
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Strip Club Murder Suspect To Stay In Jail Until Trial In Mobile
Strip Club Murder Suspect To Stay In Jail Until Trial In Mobile https://digitalalabamanews.com/strip-club-murder-suspect-to-stay-in-jail-until-trial-in-mobile/
by: Chad Petri
Posted: Oct 18, 2022 / 12:50 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 18, 2022 / 12:51 PM CDT
THEODORE, Ala. (WKRG) — A woman accused of murder in the death of a man at a now-defunct strip club is back in custody. Breanna Cunningham allegedly lost her freedom because she was accused of hanging out with another murder suspect in another state.
Her bond was revoked this week. In February of 2021 45-year-old Manchella Allen was shot and killed in the Cookies-N-Cream club.
In court testimony from last year, the state claims that the victim got into a fight with Robert Abrams–Cunningham wasn’t screened for weapons and allegedly had a gun in her purse that Abrams used to shoot the victim. She then allegedly took the gun with her and the two were arrested in Mississippi.
In November 2021, while out on bond Cunningham, was arrested in Mississippi and charged with aiding in the escape of Aceon Hopkins, a murder suspect who authorities say escaped from Singing River Hospital while being treated for wounds following a shooting.
According to a motion to revoke Cunningham’s bond, she was at an apartment with Hopkins just last month which the state said was a clear violation of the terms of her bond that forbid her from leaving the state of Alabama. A judge agreed and granted the motion, putting her back in Mobile County Metro Jail. Her codefendant Robert Abrams has remained in jail since being charged with murder last year.
The strip club is no longer open for business. A fire gutted the building. It has since been boarded up with the words “danger” and “keep out” spray painted on the plywood covering the windows and entrance.
Stay ahead of the biggest stories, breaking news and weather in Mobile, Pensacola and across the Gulf Coast and Alabama. Download the WKRG News 5 news app and be sure to turn on push alerts.
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The Company Behind Truth Social Fired Its Co-Founder After He Shared Whistleblower Documents With The Washington Post The Publication Reported
The Company Behind Truth Social Fired Its Co-Founder After He Shared Whistleblower Documents With The Washington Post, The Publication Reported https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-company-behind-truth-social-fired-its-co-founder-after-he-shared-whistleblower-documents-with-the-washington-post-the-publication-reported/
The company behind Truth Social fired one of its co-founders, the Washington Post reported.
Will Wilkerson shared documents with the Post related to an SEC whistleblower complaint he filed in August.
Trump Media fired him last Thursday for sharing “unauthorized disclosures,” per the publication.
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Trump Media & Technology Group, the owner of former President Donald Trump’s right-wing social-media platform Truth Social, fired one of its co-founders for sharing information with The Washington Post, the publication reported.
Will Wilkerson, who was the company’s senior vice-president of operations, shared documents with The Post related to an SEC whistleblower complaint he filed in August.
In the complaint, Wilkerson said that Trump Media had tried to raise money by merging with a special purpose acquisition company using “fraudulent misrepresentations … in violation of federal securities laws.”
Wilkerson is cooperating with the SEC and the Southern District of New York’s investigations into the company, his attorneys told The Post for the article, published Saturday.
In a subsequent statement sent to Insider, Wilkerson’s lawyers said he remains “committed to assisting investigators.”
“I wanted this to succeed more than anything,” Wilkerson told the Washington Post. “But these are glaring issues, and they’re threatening me now for calling them out. I couldn’t stay quiet anymore.”
Wilkerson said that when his SEC complaint was first reported by The Miami Herald on October 6, he got a letter from a Trump Media attorney that night, suspending him for a “blatant violation” of his nondisclosure agreement.
On Thursday, Trump Media dismissed Wilkerson, attributing the move to “unauthorized disclosures” he made to The Post, the publication reported.
Trump said early in 2021 that he was creating his own social-media app after Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube barred him following the Capitol siege on January 6, 2021. Trump has repeatedly criticized the platforms for removing his accounts and accused them of violating his First Amendment rights.
Truth Social has been plagued by problems since Trump first announced its development in October 2021. Within hours, hackers claiming affiliation with the group Anonymous created a fake account for Trump, on which they posted a picture of a defecating pig. The hackers also created fake accounts for his former aide Steve Bannon, conspiracy theorist Ron Watkins, and then-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
Its launch in February was dogged by technical difficulties, and since then, executives including a technology chief and a head of product development have resigned, Reuters reported.
A buyout deal between Digital World Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, and Truth Social was first announced in October 2021, and was originally set to close in September 2022.
The deal has been delayed, something which Trump Media blames on the SEC postponing a review into the merger. Digital World said investors were pulling $138.5 million of the roughly $1 billion the company had secured for the deal.
Among the allegations in Wilkerson’s SEC filing was his belief that Trump retaliated against another co-founder for refusing to give some of his Trump Media shares to Trump’s wife.
The SEC complaint says that Trump got a 90% stake in the company when it was founded. Wilkerson said that fellow co-founder Andy Litinsky got a call from Trump in October 2021, asking him to give some of his shares to Melania Trump. Litinsky was reluctant, Wilkinson told The Post.
Litinsky was removed from the company’s board five months later, which Wilkerson claims was retaliation after Litinsky refused to transfer shares to Melania. The Post viewed an email shared by Wilkerson and his attorneys in which Litinsky said that Trump was “retaliating against me.”
A spokesperson for Trump Media told Insider that The Post’s article was “rife with knowingly false and defamatory statements and other concocted psychodramas.”
They said that Truth Social had launched on the Apple, Google, and Samsung Galaxy app stores, attracted millions of users, and expanded to the UK.
The spokesperson did not specifically respond to Insider’s question about whether Wilkerson had been fired.
“Trump Media’s termination of the whistleblower after the company was contacted for comment by the Washington Post is patent retaliation against a SEC whistleblower of the worst kind,” the statement from Wilkerson’s lawyers said.
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30% Of Ukraine's Power Stations Destroyed By Strikes; Zelenskyy Urges Troops To Take More Russian Prisoners
30% Of Ukraine's Power Stations Destroyed By Strikes; Zelenskyy Urges Troops To Take More Russian Prisoners https://digitalalabamanews.com/30-of-ukraines-power-stations-destroyed-by-strikes-zelenskyy-urges-troops-to-take-more-russian-prisoners/
UK and France agree to provide more support to Ukraine
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Britain’s Prime Minister Liz Truss attends a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room on October 14, 2022 in London, England. After just five weeks in the job, Prime Minister Liz Truss has sacked Chancellor of The Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng after he delivered a mini-budget that plunged the UK economy into crisis. (Photo by Daniel Leal-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Danioel Lee | Getty Images News | Getty Images
British Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron this afternoon to discuss more support for Ukraine.
“They agreed the UK and France will continue to work closely together with allies to support Ukraine and coordinate our response to Russian aggression,” a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement. The British readout of the call did not provide additional details of security assistance.
The two leaders discussed their concern about a slew of Russian missile and drone strikes against civilian areas in Ukraine.
“The Prime Minister and President Macron also welcomed the recent opportunity to meet in person at the leaders’ summit in Prague, and looked forward to continuing to deepen bilateral cooperation,” the spokesperson added.
— Amanda Macias
62 civilian deaths recorded over three days, Ukraine says
Firefighters at a destroyed building after Russian attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine on Oct. 17, 2022.
Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
At least 62 civilian casualties were recorded across Ukraine from Friday through Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office said.
The three-day death toll followed a flurry of Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. The Kremlin has previously denied that it targets civilians or critical infrastructure.
The United Nations has confirmed 6,306 civilian deaths and 9,602 injuries in Ukraine since Russia invaded its ex-Soviet neighbor on Feb. 24.
The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said the death toll in Ukraine is likely higher, because armed conflict can delay fatality reports.
The international organization said most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, as well as missiles and airstrikes.
— Amanda Macias
More than 7.6 million Ukrainians have become refugees from Russia’s war, U.N. estimates
A man holds his child as families, who fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, wait to enter a refugee camp in the Moldovan capital Chisinau on March 3, 2022.
Nikolay Doychinov | Afp | Getty Images
More than 7.6 million Ukrainians have become refugees and moved to neighboring countries since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the U.N. Refugee Agency estimates.
More than 4.3 million of those people have applied for temporary resident status in neighboring Western European countries, according to data collected by the agency.
“The escalation of conflict in Ukraine has caused civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, forcing people to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance,” the U.N. Refugee Agency wrote.
— Amanda Macias
Ukrainian official warns Kyiv residents to shelter, refrain from posting on social media as Russia unleashes fresh attacks
Ukrainian firefighters works on a destroyed building after a drone attack in Kyiv on Oct. 17, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Yasuyoshi Chiba | Afp | Getty Images
The Ukrainian official in charge of Kyiv’s military administration told residents to shelter in place and not post anything on social media as Russia unleashed fresh strikes in the area.
“Residents of the Kyiv region! Stay in shelters! Take care of yourself and your loved ones,” wrote Oleksiy Kuleba, head of Kyiv Military Administration on the Telegram messaging platform.
“I emphasize, do not film or post anything on social networks,” he said. He also urged residents not to film the work of the Ukrainian military.
Kuleba’s warnings followed fresh Russian drone attacks across Kyiv on Monday.
— Amanda Macias
Iran agrees to ship missiles, more drones to Russia, defying the West
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 19, 2022. Putin likely wanted to show that Moscow is still important in the Middle East by visiting Iran, said John Drennan of the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Sergei Savostyanov | AFP | Getty Images
Iran has promised to provide Russia with surface-to-surface missiles, in addition to more drones, two senior Iranian officials and two Iranian diplomats told Reuters, a move that is likely to infuriate the United States and other Western powers.
A deal was agreed on Oct. 6 when Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, two senior officials from Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards and an official from the Supreme National Security Council visited Moscow for talks with Russia about the delivery of the weapons.
“The Russians had asked for more drones and those Iranian ballistic missiles with improved accuracy, particularly the Fateh and Zolfaghar missiles family,” said one of the Iranian diplomats, who was briefed about the trip.
A Western official briefed on the matter confirmed it, saying there was an agreement in place between Iran and Russia to provide surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles, including the Zolfaghar.
— Reuters
Ukraine receives 2 billion euros in financial aid from Europe
Ukraine received 2 billion euros in financial aid from the European Union ($1.96 billion), part of a 5 billion euro macro-financial loan package.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the bloc in a tweet, saying, “Grateful to [EU] President @vonderleyen for support,” referring to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “We count on ASAP implementation of the full program – €9 billion. This is a crucial contribution to financial stability & our victory.”
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also thanked the EU, saying, “The additional financial resource will help to cover urgent budgetary expenses, in particular for the social and humanitarian spheres.”
— Natasha Turak
Bodies of five children exhumed in Lyman, Donetsk region
GP: Donetsk Region Death Toll: Forensics carry a body of one of 55 dead Ukrainian soldiers buried in one mass grave at a cemetery near Lyman, Donetsk region, on October 11, 2022.
Sergey Bobok | AFP | Getty Images
The bodies of five children have been exhumed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lyman, in the Donetsk province, which had been occupied by Russian forces in early October.
They were three girls and two boys between the ages of one and 14 who appeared to have died from shrapnel injuries, Ukraine’s defense ministry said.
Hundreds of bodies have been found in mass graves in and around the towns and cities that Russian troops occupied and later left, Ukrainian and United Nations officials say. The existence of these graves and the civilian bodies found in them has been well-documented, and Ukraine’s government as well as international rights organizations are in the process of conducting investigations into war crimes committed by Russia.
— Natasha Turak
Ukraine’s foreign minister proposes cutting ties with Iran
A drone flies over Kyiv during an attack on October 17, 2022, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Sergei Supinsky | Afp | Getty Images
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has sent a proposal to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cut diplomatic ties with Iran, based on evidence that Tehran has supplied lethal drones to Russia.
The Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicles are Iranian-made and have been increasingly used by Russia to strike at civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly in the capital Kyiv.
Iran officially denies providing Russia with the drones, but U.S. officials say the first shipment was delivered to Russia in August.
Despite Tehran’s denials, Kyiv says this makes Iran fully responsible for the destruction and death caused by the drone attacks across Ukraine.
Kuleba has also asked EU foreign ministers to sanction Iran for helping Russia “carry out terror against Ukrainians.”
— Natasha Turak
Kyiv mayor urges residents to use less water, electricity amid power outages
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko surveys the site of a missile strike in the Shevchenkivskyi district on April 29, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
John Moore | Getty Images
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko is urging residents to restrict their water and electricity use after Russian strikes hit critical energy facilities across Ukraine.
“In Kyiv, as a result of rocket attacks by Russian barbarians, two critical infrastructure facilities were damaged. Emergency and rescue services are working on the ground,” Klitschko said in a Telegram post.
“Currently, the provision of electricity and water supply services is partially limited in many houses on the left bank of the capital … I appeal to all Kyiv residents to save electricity as much as possible. For residents who have low pressure in the water supply network – save water as much as possible now,” Klitschko said.
He added that work was in progress to “stabilize the situation.”
Several Russian strikes hit power stations in Kyiv on Tuesday morning, Ukrainian officials said. At least three major cities in the country are experiencing power outages.
— Natasha Turak
30% of Ukraine’s power stations destroyed by Russian strikes in roughly a week, Zelenskyy says
Smoke rises over Kharkiv’s western outskirts as firefighters put out the fire after a Russian rocket attack hit an e...
AP News Summary At 1:40 P.m. EDT https://digitalalabamanews.com/ap-news-summary-at-140-p-m-edt/
Biden vows abortion legislation as top priority next year
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is promising that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill next year will be one that codifies Roe v. Wade — if Democrats control enough seats in Congress for Biden to sign abortion protections into law. In a speech designed to energize his party’s voters just three weeks before the November midterms, Biden said, “If you care about the right to choose, then you gotta vote.” Biden urged those in the crowd to recall how they felt when the Supreme Court in late June overturned the landmark 1973 ruling legalizing abortion. Republicans are widely projected to gain control of at least the House. Abortion rights have been a key motivating factor for Democrats this year.
As Russia strikes power plants, Ukrainians brace for winter
KIVSHARIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — As temperatures drop below freezing in eastern Ukraine, those who haven’t already fled from the heavy fighting and months of Russian occupation are now facing a brutal winter. Collecting firewood and pulling up water from wells, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are digging in for the cold months. Many residents of the Kharkiv region have been living without gas, water or electricity for weeks after Russian strikes cut off utilities in many cities and towns. Now bundling up at night and cooking outdoors is their only way to survive. Adding to the foreboding about the coming winter, Russian attacks in the past week have knocked out 30% of Ukraine’s power plants causing massive blackouts across the country.
Runners worldwide finish slain Raleigh mother’s last run
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Just over 5 miles into her Thursday evening run along the familiar Neuse River Greenway, Raleigh mother of three Susan Karnatz was fatally shot by a 15-year-old boy whose shooting rampage killed five people, wounded two and frightened hundreds more. Her husband, Tom Karnatz, says she died 1.9 miles short of her 7-mile goal for that day. Now, runners across the globe are finishing the final leg of the run Karnatz never got to complete. Organizing under the hashtag #RunforSue, hundreds of runners are sharing photos of their routes — often 1.9 miles to complete her run, 5.1 miles to mark the distance she covered or 7 miles to match her goal — to show the Karnatz family how many she inspired.
Worry grows for Iran athlete who competed without her hijab
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An Iranian competitive climber has left South Korea after competing at an event in which she climbed without her nation’s mandatory headscarf covering. Farsi-language media outside of Iran have warned that she may have been forced to leave early by Iranian officials and could face arrest back home. The decision by climber Elnaz Rekabi comes as protests sparked by the September death of a 22-year-old woman detained by the country’s morality police have entered a fifth week. Iran’s Embassy in Seoul denied “all the fake, false news and disinformation” about Rekabi. A later Instagram post on Rekabi’s account claimed she “unintentionally” didn’t wear it and was rushed, though video of the event showed her relaxed at the time.
Are you a mosquito magnet? It could be your smell
NEW YORK (AP) — If mosquitoes love you, new research suggests it may be because of how you smell. A study published Tuesday finds that people who are “mosquito magnets” have high levels of certain chemicals on the skin that are tied to odor. Scientists pitted people’s smells against each other in the lab and saw that the bugs swarmed to the same hosts over time. Bad news for the mosquito magnets: It’s hard to change your skin acid levels. But some scientists hope the new research can help think up new ways to fight off bites.
’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson on trial on 3 rape charges
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Opening statements are set to begin soon in the trial of “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson, who is charged with raping three women about 20 years ago. A Los Angeles County jury is expected to be seated as soon as Tuesday in the trial of the 46-year-old former star of the long-running sitcom. All three women say Masterson raped them at his home between 2001 and 2003. Masterson is a member of the Church of Scientology and all three women are former members, making the church likely to loom large during the trial.
Mike Lee tries to distance himself from Trump in Utah debate
OREM, Utah (AP) — U.S. Senator Mike Lee has used a debate with his challenger Monday evening to try to draw a distinction between his record and former President Donald Trump’s. Lee is locked in a competitive race against independent Evan McMullin, hoping to win a third-term representing Utah in the U.S. Senate. The election has taken shape as a referendum on the direction Trump has taken the GOP. McMullin is attempting to harness anti-Trump sentiment, while Lee is attacking the direction President Joe Biden has taken the nation. Lee’s efforts to put space between his voting record and Trump’s stances depart from his past messaging as the election nears.
US: French cement firm admits Islamic State group payments
NEW YORK (AP) — French cement company Lafarge has pleaded guilty to paying millions of dollars to the Islamic State group so a plant in Syria could remain open, a case the Justice Department describes as the first of its kind. Lafarge has agreed to pay fines of $91 million and forfeit $687 million. Prosecutors accused Lafarge of turning a blind eye to the militant group’s conduct, which included beheading kidnapped Westerners. The charges were announced Tuesday by federal prosecutors in New York City and by Justice Department leaders from Washington. Lafarge merged with Swiss company Holcim to form the world’s largest cement maker. Holcim fired the former Lafarge executives who were involved in the payments.
Climate Questions: Who is most vulnerable to climate change?
Most of the world’s population has been affected in some way by climate change — 85% of the world, in fact. But the effects of climate change haven’t been equally felt by all. Some communities have seen a slight rise in temperature here and there, but others have had their entire communities wiped out. As the rise of global temperatures and sea-level continues to affect the world with increasingly frequency and intensity, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change?
South Carolina women unanimous No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25
South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll. The defending national champions went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last year and have been the top team for 20 straight weeks. Stanford, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee round out the top five. UConn is sixth, the first time since 2006 that the Huskies aren’t in the first five in the preseason poll. Louisville, Iowa State, Notre Dame and N.C. State is the rest of the top 10.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Biden Promises Abortion Rights Law As Democrats Try To Rally Voters | CNN Politics
Biden Promises Abortion Rights Law As Democrats Try To Rally Voters | CNN Politics https://digitalalabamanews.com/biden-promises-abortion-rights-law-as-democrats-try-to-rally-voters-cnn-politics/
CNN —
President Joe Biden on Tuesday made a major promise on a push to put abortion rights into law as his party looks to seize on the politically divisive issue in the final push ahead of the midterm elections.
At an abortion-rights-focused speech at a Democratic National Committee event on Tuesday, Biden said that if Democrats elect more senators and keep control of the House in the midterms.
“The court got Roe right nearly 50 years ago and I believe the Congress should codify Roe, once and for all,” Biden said.
He then implored voters to elect more Democrats in order to make sure that bill could pass.
“If we do that, here’s the promise I make to you and the American people: The first bill I will send to the Congress will be to codify Roe v. Wade. And when Congress passes it, I’ll sign it in January, 50 years after Roe was first decided the law of the land,” Biden added.
Dating back to the 2020 campaign, Biden has called for codifying Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a federal constitutional right to abortion. The Supreme Court overturned it earlier this year, transforming access to reproductive health care in the country. It is unclear how politically effective such a promise of prioritizing such a bill will be, given that Democrats have an intensely tough battle in November to keep both the Senate and House.
Biden has not been able to fulfill that campaign promise in part because he needs more than just a simple majority in the Senate to overcome the chamber’s filibuster rules. While Biden has voiced support for ending the 60-vote threshold to codify abortion rights, Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona remain opposed to such a carveout. Biden has previously said he would need at least two more Democrats elected to the Senate to change the filibuster rules and pass abortion rights legislation.
Biden’s promise to prioritize abortion in the new legislative term is an indication he is exhausting executive steps to protect those rights, even as some activists call for more action. The White House was accused of being caught flat-footed on the issue in the spring, despite a draft of the opinion striking down Roe v. Wade leaking more than a month before it was officially decided.
Biden has signed an executive order defending the ability to cross state borders to obtain an abortion, sought to ensure access to medication abortion and issued a reminder to universities last month that they cannot discriminate on basis of pregnancy. But he has stopped short of declaring a public health emergency, which some activists have called for, and ruled out other options like allowing use of federal lands for abortion.
The White House has been skeptical that some of those steps would prove effective, and has been wary of provoking legal battles. Even before the Supreme Court ruled, White House officials were open in acknowledging there was little they could do to unilaterally restore the nationwide right to abortion.
Instead, Biden and other top officials have cast abortion rights as a moral question to voters.
In remarks at the DNC event at Howard Theatre in Washington, DC, Biden plans to speak broadly about what he sees as the choice voters confront in the midterms between Republicans who are pushing for a national abortion ban and going after doctors who perform abortion services, versus Democrats who want to codify Roe v. Wade.
The official also said that the context they want to keep making clear with Biden’s speech Tuesday is that “nearly half the states in the United States have either passed a ban on abortion or will shortly and in many states, abortion is already banned even in cases of rape and incest.”
Since the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, Democrats have hoped that abortion rights would galvanize and mobilize voters and have seen some signs of this dynamic.
For example, 50% of registered voters in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey said the Supreme Court’s decision has made them more motivated to vote next month – up 7 percentage points from July, when the same question was asked just a few weeks after the ruling came down. About half of voters in states with full abortion bans also said their states’ abortion laws have made them more motivated to vote.
Women are especially motivated by the Supreme Court decision, the new survey found: About 3 in 5 women ages 18 to 49 who said they are more likely to head to the polls next month cited the overturning of Roe as a motivating factor.
However, a recent CNN/SSRS poll found that the economy remains the central focus for voters, with 90% of them saying it was extremely or very important to their vote. Fewer – 72% – said the same about abortion.
And a New York Times/Sienna poll showed that likely voters see the economy (26%) and inflation (18%) as the most important problem facing the country, with just 5% picking abortion as their top issue.
The economy and inflation take on added importance in competitive congressional districts. While 59% of registered voters nationally called the economy extremely important to their vote, that rose to 67% in those districts, and the share calling inflation that important rose from 56% to 64%.
Abortion has been a complicated issue for the President, who has witnessed the changing politics around it over the half-century span of his career and reckoned with personal qualms rooted in his Catholic faith. As a candidate in 2019, Biden reversed his long-held support for an amendment preventing federal funds from being used for abortions.
As his administration unveiled new steps to enhance abortion protections earlier this month, Biden said he would not “sit by and let Republicans throughout the country enact extreme policies.”
The White House has seized on a proposal from Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that would impose a federal ban on most abortions at 15 weeks of pregnancy. At a Democratic fundraiser in New York City last month, the President described Graham’s bill as emblematic of Republicans becoming “more extreme in their positions.”
As the midterm elections approach, Biden has argued that voters need to elect more Democrats in order to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into law. He’s also pledged to veto any bill that would ban abortions on the federal level if Republicans take control of Congress.
More than a dozen states have seen abortions bans come into effect since the Dobbs ruling, affecting nearly 30 million women of reproductive age.
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5 Coastal Alabama Football Games To Watch In Week 10
5 Coastal Alabama Football Games To Watch In Week 10 https://digitalalabamanews.com/5-coastal-alabama-football-games-to-watch-in-week-10/
Here are 5 key games around Coastal Alabama in Week 10 of the 2022 season.
A complete schedule follows.
DAPHNE (3-5) AT FOLEY (5-3)
Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, Ivan Jones Stadium, Foley
Last week: Daphne lost to Mary G. Montgomery 14-9; Foley defeated Davidson 43-41
On the air: Radio – WHEP-AM 1310 in Foley
Region standings: Daphne is 3-2 in Class 7A, Region 1; Foley is 4-1
The skinny: Foley can clinch the region title outright with a win. It would be their first outright title since Todd Watson’s 2007 team went 12-1 overall in 2007. … A Daphne win could force a four or possibly even five-way tie between the top teams in the region. … Daphne leads the overall series with Foley 20-6 and has won the last nine in a row. … Daphne has lost three straight games since starting the year 3-2 overall. Cameron Long scored the Trojans’ only TD last week, closing out a 99-yard drive at the end of the half with a 3-yard run. Nick Clark led the Daphne offensive attack with 93 yards on 18 carries. The Trojans rushed 24 times for 153 yards and completed 14-of-33 passes for 133 yards for a total of 286. … Foley, on the other hand, has won three straight games after a 2-3 start. Deric Scott’s team is averaging 45.6 points during that stretch but also giving up 37. QB Reece Tynes is completing 63 percent of his passes for 1,681 yards and 17 TDs. Perry Thompson has 65 receptions for 749 yards and 9 TDs. Harrison Knight has 50 receptions for 524 yards and 6 TDs. Kolton Nero (111 carries, 840 yards, 11 TDs) is the team’s leading rusher.
Faith Academy running back Christian Burnette (23) carries the ball against Shelby County during the first half of a football game Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 in Columbiana, Ala. (Photo/Butch Dill)AL.COM
FAITH ACADEMY (7-1) AT UMS-WRIGHT (8-0)
Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, Cooper Stadium, Mobile
Last week: Faith Academy defeated Williamson 26-0; UMS-Wright defeated Citronelle 50-6.
On the air: Radio – Sports Talk 99.5 FM
Region standings: Faith Academy is 5-1 in Class 5A, Region 1; UMS-Wright is 6-0
The skinny: UMS-Wright could clinch the region title with a win, while Faith could force a three-way tie at the top of the region if Gulf Shores also defeats Vigor this week. … UMS is 5-2 in seven meetings with the Rams. The Bulldogs won 34-26 a year ago. … Faith Academy has won six straight games since a 22-12 loss at Gulf Shores on Sept. 2. The Rams have allowed just 41 points this season, including just 13 during the current six-game win streak that includes four shutouts. Christian Burnette rushed for 140 yards and 3 TDs last week against Williamson. Ty Goodwill caught a 21-yard TD pass. He finished with 5 receptions for 87 yards. QB Jarrett Daughtry was 12-for-17 passing for 164 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. … UMS has outscored its opponents 265-89 this season, including 126-26 in the past three games – all on the road. South Alabama commit Cole Blaylock has rushed for 1,213 yards and 17 TDs on 158 carries this season and caught 3 TD passes. QB Sutton Snypes is completing 60 percent of his passes for 561 yards and 5 TDs. Joe Lott has rushed for 4 TDs, passed for 2 and intercepted 5 passes. Matthew Hedge (12 receptions, 220 yards, 2 TDs) has been a key receiver. John Charles Erwin leads the team in tackles with 76. Thomas Hall has 71. … UMS coach Terry Curtis (344-92) is two wins shy of tying retired Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson as the state’s all-time winningest coach. Curtis and Faith Academy coach Jack French have combined for 646 total wins.
Andalusia’s J’marion Burnette scores the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the Faith Academy vs Andalusia football game, Friday, August 20, 2021, in Mobile, Ala. (Scott Donaldson | al.com)Scott Donaldson/al.com
MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC (9-0) AT ANDALUSIA (9-0)
Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, Memorial Stadium, Andalusia
Last week: Montgomery Catholic defeated Dale County 52-0; Andalusia defeated B.T. Washington 36-14
On the air: NA
Region standings: Both teams are 6-0 in Class 4A, Region 2
The skinny: Battle for the Region 2 title. The two teams have played just twice previously. Andalusia won both of those meetings – 41-21 in 2014 and 42-24 in 2015. … Catholic has outscored its opponents 523-57 this season with five shutouts. The Knights have allowed 15 points since Sept. 2. Overall, Kirk Johnson’s team has won 22 of its last 23 games dating back to 2021 and outscored the competition 1,159-100 in the process. QB Caleb McCreary is completing 65 percent of his passes for 1,684 yards and 29 TDs with 1 interception. He also has rushed for 708 yards and 8 TDs on 47 carries. Auburn RB commit Jeremiah Cobb has rushed for 1,180 yards and 19 TDs on 88 carries. He also has caught 4 TD passes. Senior WR Luke Harkless has 29 receptions for 722 yards and 14 TDs. Joshua Palmer has 8 TD receptions. Jaden Jones leads the defense with 81 tackles. … Andalusia has outscored its opponents 428-105 this season. The Bulldogs have scored 49 or more points five times. Junior QB Jack Lathrop is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 1,451 yards and 22 TDs with 3 interceptions. Junior RB J’Marion Burnette has gained 1,021 yards and scored 13 TDs on 111 carries, while senior Dorean Crittenden has rushed for 723 yards and 9 TDs on 54 carries. Freshman Zerrick Jones has 7 rushing TDs. Kaden Denson (16 receptions, 624 yards, 10 TDs) is the leading receiver. … Andalusia was voted one of the two best Friday Night Atmospheres for high school football in the state this summer in an AL.com survey of high school coaches. The Hoover Met was the other.
Theodore QB Cameron Rigby throws a pass downfield against McGill-Toolen. (Brad McPherson | preps@al.com)
SARALAND (8-0) AT THEODORE (8-0)
Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, C.A. Douglas Field, Theodore
Last week: Saraland was idle; Theodore defeated McGill-Toolen 37-10
On the air: TV – MCPSS-TV; Radio – WNSP-FM 105.5
Region standings: Both teams are 6-0 in Class 6A, Region 1
The skinny: Winner clinches the top seed from Region 1 with one game left in the regular season. … The teams split two previous meetings with Saraland winning 42-21 in 2020 and Theodore winning 28-14 a year ago. … The Spartans have outscored their opponents 351-109 this season. Their closest game was a 35-24 win over Spanish Fort on Sept. 9. Sophomore QB K.J. Lacey is completing 69 percent of his passes for 1,676 yards and 25 TDs with 3 interceptions. Sophomore Alabama WR commit Ryan Williams has 15 receiving touchdowns and 5 rushing TDs. Fellow sophomore Santae McWilliams (117 carries, 662 yards, 9 TDs) is the leading rusher. C.D. Gill has 451 yards receiving and 6 TDs. … Theodore has outscored its opponents 291-71 in its first year after dropping from 7A to 6A. Junior QB Cam Rigby has thrown for 890 yards and 14 TDs. Vandy commit Kamrean Johnson has 6 TD receptions, while Tevaris Sullivan has 4. Senior RB Brayden Jenkins is the offensive key. He has rushed for 1,185 yards and 18 TDs on 149 carries – an average of 148 yards per game and 8 yards per carry. The defense is led by Navontay Richardson (65 tackles) and Cameron Pruitt (61 tackles). Southern Miss DB commit Will James has been out since the opener due to injury.
St Michael RB Ezra Sexton (8) scores a touchdown during the game against Jackson on Thursday October 13, 2022 (Jon Hauge | prep@al.com)
ST. MICHAEL (5-4) AT T.R. MILLER (7-1)
Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, Municipal Stadium, Brewton
Last week: St. Michael lost to Jackson 28-6; T.R. Miller defeated Satsuma 41-14
On the air: NA
Region standings: T.R. Miller is 6-0 in Class 4A, Region 1; St. Michael is 4-2
The skinny: T.R. Miller already has clinched the Region 1 title. St. Michael is one of three teams in the region tied with 4-2 records. Bayside is 3-3. The Cardinals lost to Bayside, meaning they likely need to either win at T.R. Miller or have Bayside lose to 1-7 Satsuma to make the playoffs for the first time in school history. … The Tigers have won both previous meetings with St. Michael, including a 44-21 win in 2019. … For St. Michael, QB Josh Murphy has completed 109-of-181 pass attempts for 1,574 yards and 13 TDs. Ezra Sexton has rushed for 708 yards and 8 TDs and caught 34 passes for 603 yards and 6 TDs. Braylan Green has 45 receptions for 670 yards and 3 TDs. Moe Faiupu has rushed for 6 TDs and caught a pair of TD passes. Philip Rivers’ defense is led by Clay Barr (72 tackles, 12 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 INT) and Tyler Cella (76 tackles, 4 TFL) … The Tigers scored 28 first-half points at Satsuma last week in clinching the region title. QB Nathan Commander was 6-of-10 for 112 yards and a TD, while Myles Johnson rushed for 50 yards on just 5 carries. Sam Kelley caught a 25-yard TD pass from Commander and also added a 55-yard punt return for a score. Brent Hubbert is 35-12 in his fourth year at T.R. Miller and 218-53 in 22 years overall. The Tigers have missed the playoffs just one time since 1983. That came in 2017.
WEEK 10 COASTAL ALABAMA SCHEDULE
Friday’s Games
Alma Bryant at Davidson (at Baker)
Autauga Academy at Monroe Academy
Baker at Fairhope
B.C. Rain at Elberta
Chickasaw at St. Patrick
Clarke County at Francis Marion
Daphne at Foley
Escambia Academy at South Choctaw Acad.
Escambia County at Orange Beach
Faith Academy at UMS-Wright
Flomaton at Monroe County
Fruitdale at Southern Choctaw
Gulf Shores at Vigor (at Ladd) (Sunny 105.7 FM in Gulf Shores)
Hillcrest-Evergreen at Cottage Hill
J.F. Shields at Choctaw County
J.U. Blacksher at Washington County
LeFlore at Citronelle
Leroy at Millry
Mary G. Montgomery at Robertsdale
McGill-Toolen at Blount (Archangel Radio 1410 AM)
Mobile Christian at Thomasville
Murphy at Spanish Fort (California Dreaming Bowl)
Patrician Academy at Clarke Prep
Saraland at Theodore
Satsuma at Bayside Academy
Sp...
Prichard, Spence Donaldson (Cleveland) https://digitalalabamanews.com/prichard-spence-donaldson-cleveland/
Spence Donaldson Prichard, 87, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022 in a local hospital.
He was a 1953 graduate of Polk County High School. After graduation, he worked for a bit in Chicago until he and some friends decided to go to the Army because there was “nothing better to do”. He served two years in Germany with the 101st Airborne. He returned to Cleveland and attended business school and started his 43-year career at Hardwick Clothes.
He was a member of Westwood Baptist Church for over 56 years where he taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and usher, and sat on numerous committees. He is most widely known as being a greeter, where it has been rumored, he has opened over 35,000 doors for people arriving at church.
He was proceeded in death by his wife of nearly 62 years, Nina Prichard; parents, Willie Prichard and Abbie Cavett Prichard; and brothers, Dewey Prichard, Willie Prichard and Buddy Prichard.
He is survived by his two sons, Steve Prichard of Nashville, Tn., and Scott Prichard (Michele) of Huntsville, Al.; one granddaughter, Lily Prichard, and one grandson, Benji Prichard; and sisters, Ruth Widner of Corbin, Ky., and Betty Johnson of Athens, Tn.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor Steve Smartt and Pastor Paul Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors, a white dove release ceremony, and the playing of bagpipes concluding the service.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the staff of Legacy Assisted Living for all the care and compassion they have shown to our Dad over the past two years.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Prichard family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.
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Stocks Making The Biggest Moves Midday: Hasbro Salesforce Carnival Lockheed Martin & More
Stocks Making The Biggest Moves Midday: Hasbro, Salesforce, Carnival, Lockheed Martin & More https://digitalalabamanews.com/stocks-making-the-biggest-moves-midday-hasbro-salesforce-carnival-lockheed-martin-more/
Hasbro Inc. toys from based on “Marvel’s The Avengers” movie sit on the shelf at a Target Corp. store in Union, New Jersey, U.S., on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading Tuesday.
Hasbro — Shares of the toy company dipped 2.3% after the company reported third-quarter earnings that missed expectations. CEO Chris Cocks blamed “increasing price sensitivity” among consumers and inventory gluts.
Salesforce — Salesforce shares gained 5.2% after Starboard Value revealed to CNBC that it has taken a “significant” stake in the software giant. Starboard founder Jeff Smith did not reveal the exact amount but said he sees a big opportunity after the shares fell more than 40% this year.
Carnival Corporation — Shares of the cruise company jumped more than 12% after one of Carnival’s subsidiaries began an offering of $1.25 billion of senior priority notes due 2028. The company plans to use the net proceeds of the offering to make principal payments on debt and for other general corporate expenses, according to a regulatory filing. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean also rose 8.8% and 7.6%, respectively, on the news.
Goldman Sachs — Goldman Sachs rallied 3% after beating third-quarter analyst expectations for profit and revenue on better-than-expected trading results. The company also announced a corporate reorganization that combines the firm’s four main divisions into three.
Target — Shares of the retailer jumped 5% after Jefferies upgraded Target to a buy from hold, saying they can rally about 20% from current levels and benefit from both an easing of supply chain issues and improved inventory positioning.
Lockheed Martin — Shares of the aerospace company jumped 8.5% after Lockheed reported third-quarter earnings of $6.87 per share excluding items, which was higher than a Refinitiv estimate of $6.66 per share.
Amazon — Amazon added 2.7% after Citi named it a top pick for both a hard and soft economic landing, saying it would perform well under either scenario.
XPO Logistics — XPO Logistics fell 1.7% after the freight transportation company released disappointing preliminary quarterly results ahead of its earnings release. The company said Monday that it expects revenue to come in lower than analysts expect, but that earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization will be higher. The company reports Oct. 31.
Nordstrom — The retailer’s shares added more than 3% after the company announced its chief financial officer, Anne Bramman, will step down in December. Nordstrom has begun its search for her successor and said accounting chief Michael Maher will serve that role in the interim.
Enviva — The wood pellet maker rose 4.7% after Raymond James said its value as a more environmentally and socially responsible energy provider is misunderstood.
— CNBC’s Carmen Reinicke, Alex Harring and Michelle Fox contributed reporting
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These Democrats Flipped The House In 2018. But 2022 Will Be Harder.
These Democrats Flipped The House In 2018. But 2022 Will Be Harder. https://digitalalabamanews.com/these-democrats-flipped-the-house-in-2018-but-2022-will-be-harder/
WASHINGTON — Moments after she flipped a longtime Republican congressional seat in 2018, Iowa Democrat Cindy Axne declared that “Washington doesn’t have our back and we deserve a heck of a lot better.”
Now seeking a third term in one of the most competitive House races, Axne is sounding a similar tone, telling voters she’s delivered for Iowans “while Washington politicians bicker.”
But Axne and other Democrats from the class of 2018 are campaigning in a much different political environment this year. The anxiety over Donald Trump’s presidency that their party harnessed to flip more than 40 seats and regain the House majority has eased. In its place is frustration about the economy under President Joe Biden.
And many districts that were once competitive have been redrawn by Republican-dominated state legislatures to become more friendly to the GOP.
“It was a very different world,” pollster John Zogby said of 2018. “Inflation’s now where we haven’t seen in 40 years and it affects everybody. And this is the party in power. With campaigns, you don’t get to say, ‘But it could have been’ or ‘But look at what the other guy did.’”
Many swing-district Democrats elected four years ago were buoyed by college-educated, suburban voters, women and young people shunning Trump. That means many defeats for second-term House Democrats could be read as opposition to Trump no longer motivating voters in the same way — even though the former president could seek the White House again in 2024.
Trump continues to shape politics in a far more present sense, too. He’s dominated the national Republican Party despite spreading lies about 2020′s free and fair presidential election and now facing a House subpoena for helping incite the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol last year.
Tom Perez, who headed the Democratic National Committee from 2017 until 2021, noted that midterm cycles are historically tough for the president’s party and that — plus grim U.S. economic news — would normally raise the question “are Democrats going to get shellacked?”
Instead, Perez thinks many of the toughest congressional races remain close because of the strength of Democrats elected four years ago.
“All these folks from the Class of ‘18, what they have in common is they’re really incredibly competent, accomplished and they’ve earned the trust of voters in their districts across the ideological spectrum,” said Perez, co-chair of the super PAC American Bridge 21st Century. “That, to me, is why we have a chance here, not withstanding the headwinds of the moment, is that incredible combination of candidate quality contrasted with the extreme views of the people who are running against them.”
In all, 66 new Democrats won House races in 2018, flipping 41 Republican seats. Their party gave back many of those gains in 2020, with Republicans taking 14 new seats. Those GOP victories included defeating a dozen Democrats elected to the House for the first time the previous cycle.
The Democratic House losses were overshadowed by Biden beating Trump. But this time, the ranks of the 2018 Democratic House class further dwindling may draw more attention — especially if it helps the GOP gain the net five seats it needs to reclaim the chamber’s majority.
In addition to Axne, Democrats who may be vulnerable include Reps. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Tom Malinowski of New Jersey and Elaine Luria of Virginia. Another Virginia Democrat, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, as well as Reps. Jared Golden of Maine, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Sharice Davids of Kansas all also may face tough reelections.
“The question is, is it going to have similarities to ‘18 or not in the sense of democracy being on the ballot and a reaction to Trump,” former California Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda, who was elected in 2018 but narrowly lost his reelection bid, said of next month’s election. “Based on polling and the primaries, it doesn’t seem like the voting public is holding Republicans responsible for the Big Lie.”
Perez is more sanguine: “The midterm election is supposed to be a referendum on the president, but Donald Trump continues to inject himself” into the nation’s politics.
House turnover is common among both parties. By early 2018, almost half of the 87 House Republicans newly elected when their party took control of the chamber during the 2010 tea party surge were gone. More lost that November.
Still, the 2018 class was notable as the largest influx of first-year House Democrats in four-plus decades, and the chamber’s youngest and most diverse ever.
Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, said 2018 was also the largest class of new women elected to the House since 1992, with 35 Democrats and one Republican. But 2020 also saw 28 new women elected to Congress, and some were Republicans who defeated Democrats who’d won for the first time the last cycle.
“We had a couple of very strong years in a row, one for Democrats and one for Republicans,” Walsh said of women in the House. She said that means that even if the 2018 House Democratic class gets smaller this year, “I would not look at one election cycle and say the face of Congress is going back to old, white men.”
Republicans, meanwhile, have 32 Hispanic nominees and 23 Black nominees running for the House this cycle — both party records. They say their chances of winning the chamber’s majority are built more on high inflation and crime rates rising in some places than Trump or last year’s insurrection.
“We have a choice between commonsense and crazy,” Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. “And Americans will vote for Republicans up and down the ballot as a result.”
The Democrats’ 2018 House class won’t dissolve completely. Some incumbents are seeking reelection in safely blue districts, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Lucy McBath of Georgia and Colin Allred of Texas, who was the class’ co-president.
Democratic Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens, the other co-president, beat fellow 2018 Democratic House class member Andy Levin when the two incumbents squared off in this year’s Democratic primary based on their state’s new map.
One Democratic 2018 House class member ousted in 2020, former New York Rep. Max Rose, is now running to get back to Congress. Another member, New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, has since become a Republican.
Former Virginia Rep. Denver Riggleman was a Republican elected in 2018 but lost his 2020 GOP primary. Riggleman is now appearing in a TV ad praising Spanberger.
“She’s trying to change Congress and make it work,” Riggleman says in the ad. “She puts country first.”
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Trump Gifts Jews An Important Lesson On Antisemitism
Trump Gifts Jews An Important Lesson On Antisemitism https://digitalalabamanews.com/trump-gifts-jews-an-important-lesson-on-antisemitism/
Donald Trump thinks he’s great for the Jews. So great that on the eve of Sukkot, as Jewish families across the United States were preparing to celebrate together, he decided to release a threat masqueraded as a rant, telling the ungrateful Jews of America that they better ‘get their act together’ and start supporting him, ‘before it’s too late.’
Trump’s differentiation between the ‘good Jews’ of Israel, where he claims he could have been elected prime minister, and the ‘bad Jews’ of the U.S., who twice voted against him by a large margin, is nothing new.
When Richard Nixon and pastor Billy Graham were recorded having a brazenly antisemitic conversation in the White House, during which they discussed how the Jews supposedly control the media, spread pornography, and support radical left-wing policies, Nixon emphasized that “not all Jews are bad”, and in fact, “The best Jews are actually the Israeli Jews.”
Trump’s public comment wasn’t as ugly as Nixon’s private conversation with Graham, but it was bad enough to give political ammunition to his rivals ahead of the midterm elections, and the Biden White House was quick to denounce him. Jewish voters are an important constituency in several swing states, most notably Pennsylvania, where a far-right Republican candidate is running for governor against the state’s Jewish Attorney General. If Trump thinks his threats are the way to attract more Jewish voters to his party, it’s a sign that he has learned nothing from his stinging loss in 2020.
The more important question is what American Jews will learn from this episode, which together with Kanye West’s antisemitic outbursts, is a reminder of the threats Jews face in today’s toxic political climate. It’s a mistake to ignore or downplay antisemitism coming from the far left, but it’s also a mistake to equate it with the larger threat coming from organized and powerful far-right forces that have taken over one of America’s two major parties. In that sense, Trump actually gave the Jewish people a gift as we marked the end of the High Holy Days: a much-needed reminder of who he is and how he views us.
Read more on Trump, antisemitism, and the midterms:
U.S. Jewish orgs slam Trump for warning American Jews to ‘get their act together’
Antisemitism, extremism dominate agenda as Pennsylvania becomes key swing state
In this swing state, the far right has completed its takeover of the GOP
Don’t miss today’s best reads on Haaretz.com:
Anshel Pfeffer read Netanyahu’s new book, and says the former prime minister couldn’t resist his own victimhood
Sam Sokol reports that ex-Jewish Agency head has slammed Israel for being ‘afraid of Putin’ as Israel rejects request for call between Gantz and Ukraine’s defense minister
Shira Kadari offers a rare peek a rare peek into how Haredi schools in Israel teach pupils ‘what the rabbi wants’
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Looking Back On Oct. 18: Charge Auburn Fire Chief Deserted Wife
Looking Back On Oct. 18: ‘Charge Auburn Fire Chief Deserted Wife’ https://digitalalabamanews.com/looking-back-on-oct-18-charge-auburn-fire-chief-deserted-wife/
175th anniversary
Posted 12:01 AM
Updated at 6:04 AM
increase font size
Lewiston Evening Journal from Oct. 18, 2022
Read more about Oct. 18, 1922, in the SunJournal.com archives.
100 Years Ago: 1922
The Senior class of the Stephens High School will hold another sociable and dancing party on Friday evening, Oct 20th, at the high school. Entertainment will be given and Al Melanson’s orchestra will furnish music. These socials are very popular and the proceeds go to the Senior Class Treasury.
50 Years Ago: 1972
Mrs. Joanne Ayotte of Lewiston will cut silhouettes at the Harvest Bazaar, being held Friday at the old YWCA building, 73 Pine Street under the auspices of the YW. Mrs. Ayotte will cut silhouettes of individuals or families.
The silhouette attraction is one of several features to be introduced at the Bazaar. Another is a wishing well and a house of treasures, a children’s corner, a Christmas boutique and a gourmet table, the latter a home cooked food table which will offer unusual arrangements.
25 Years Ago: 1997
A senior citizens luncheon will be held at the United Methodist Church of Auburn, Park Avenue, Tuesday. John Neal will play the piano starting at 11:30 a.m. At 12:15 p.m. lunch, consisting of American chop suey, rolls, green beans, jellied salad, apple crisp with ice cream and beverage, will be served. For reservations, call Gladys Chapman at the church.
The material used in Looking Back is produced exactly as it originally appeared although misspellings and errors may be corrected.
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The Armed Rebellion Wasn't Over FBI Agent Details Alleged Oath Keepers Conspiracy Ahead Of Jan. 6 Attack
“The Armed Rebellion Wasn't Over” – FBI Agent Details Alleged Oath Keepers Conspiracy Ahead Of Jan. 6 Attack https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-armed-rebellion-wasnt-over-fbi-agent-details-alleged-oath-keepers-conspiracy-ahead-of-jan-6-attack/
As the high-profile Oath Keepers’ seditious conspiracy trial entered its third week on Monday, an FBI special agent testified that members of the far-right group worked to amass weapons and store them in a Washington, D.C.-area hotel in the days leading up to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
Prosecutors alleged that the group’s founder, Stewart Rhodes, traveled from his home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., stopping multiple times along the way to purchase weapons and ammunition, according to bank records presented to the jury in court.
Rhodes and his associates Kelly Meggs, Jessica Watkins, Kenneth Harrelson and Thomas Caldwell stand accused of multiple crimes stemming from their alleged involvement in the events of Jan. 6, including seditious conspiracy, the most serious crime so far alleged in the Justice Department’s sprawling investigation. The five defendants have all pleaded not guilty and, although none are actually accused of weapons crimes, the alleged amassing of an arsenal outside the D.C. city limits is key to the government’s case.
Rhodes and Caldwell are not accused of entering the Capitol. Meggs, Watkins and Harrelson allegedly formed a military-style “stack” to breach the building, according to the government. Their defense teams say the group was in D.C. largely to provide security to high-profile members of Trump’s orbit.
During testimony from FBI agent Sylvia Hilgeman, prosecutors showed security camera footage from inside a Comfort Inn in Ballston, Virginia, where some of the defendants and their associates, some of whom have been charged and others who haven’t, allegedly planned for Jan. 6.
The videos showed members of the Oath Keepers, like Harrelson and Meggs, inside the hotel as large containers, which investigators allege held weapons, were brought into the hotel — some on luggage carts, others in duffel bags.
The weapons never entered Washington, D.C. — prosecutors concede the Oath Keepers were cognizant of the city’s firearms laws — but the government contends that the group amassed the weapons as part of an armed Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, designed to respond to Washington, D.C. if called into action.
For his part, as Rhodes traveled from to the D.C. area, allegedly amassing weapons along the way, text messages displayed at trial revealed sexually-explicit communications between Rhodes and Oath Keepers attorney-turned Jan. 6 defendant Kellye SoRelle. Prosecutors contend the two had a personal relationship and defense attorneys have so far unsuccessfully argued SoRelle’s position as attorney barred her messages from the evidentiary records. SoRelle is charged with multiple counts related to the Jan. 6 attack and pleaded not guilty.
Once in the Washington, D.C. area, the Oath Keepers allegedly prepared to take action. In a podcast on the morning of Jan. 6, Edward Vallejo – a member from Arizona also charged with seditious conspiracy and set to go on trial next month – spoke of resorting to “guerilla war,” according to recordings played at trial, advocating for Donald Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and take a stand against the incoming Biden presidency.
Vallejo was heard saying that Trump needed to take action, adding, “If that doesn’t happen, then sh** is on.” Vallejo is accused of preparing the QRF leading up to the attack.
FBI agent Hilgeman’s testimony also advanced the government’s theory of the case, that the the storming of the Capitol was only the beginning, part of a larger seditious plan to prevent the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Joe Biden. Defense attorneys are contending the Capitol breach was the final event, devoid of any larger conspiracy.
Under cross-examination, Hilgeman told defense attorneys that she believed the allegedly armed QRF was not necessarily meant for the Capitol itself, but to occupy the city and prevent Joe Biden from ever becoming president, “whatever form that took.”
Hilgeman said Caldwell talked of sending a boat full of weapons across the Potomac River from their Virginia hotel to the Capitol, if necessary.
Seizing on the fact that none of the Oath Keepers are accused of bringing guns into Washington, D.C., Rhodes’ attorney Philip Linder asked the agent, “The armed rebellion was unarmed?”
“The armed rebellion wasn’t over,” Hilgeman responded, acknowledging the government’s contention that the Oath Keepers planned to continue their resistance after the events of Jan. 6.
And when asked by another defense attorney if Biden’s impending presidency was the impetus for the Oath Keepers’ presence in D.C. that day, Hilgeman responded by recalling her recollection of Rhodes’ own words that if Trump failed to act, “we will.”
“This was the ‘we will’ part,” the agent said.
Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Mike Lee Tries To Distance Himself From Trump In Utah Debate
Mike Lee Tries To Distance Himself From Trump In Utah Debate https://digitalalabamanews.com/mike-lee-tries-to-distance-himself-from-trump-in-utah-debate-3/
OREM, Utah — Fending off attacks from his independent challenger, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah worked to distinguish himself from former President Donald Trump in a contentious debate Monday evening.
“I stood against my party time and time again to oppose reckless spending. I will do it again and again and again. We need people who say no,” the second-term Republican said.
Lee repeatedly pointed to his voting record and twice told the audience at Utah Valley University that he voted less in line with Trump than all but two Republican senators — Rand Paul and Susan Collins.
“To suggest that I’m beholden to either party, that I’ve been a bootlicker for either party is folly. And it’s contradicted by the plain facts,” Lee said.
Lee faces a challenge from Evan McMullin, a former Republican known most for his long-shot bid for president six years ago, when as an independent he won 21.5% of voters in Utah, including Lee. McMullin has remained a pillar of the anti-Trump movement, attacking the former president as an authoritarian who poses a threat to democracy.
Lee’s attempts to draw a distinction with Trump reflect the peculiar dynamics emerging in Utah this election cycle. In the red state’s marquee race, one candidate is running as an independent and the other is attempting to emphasize his independent streak.
The race has taken shape as one of the nation’s many referendums on the direction Trump has taken the GOP. McMullin is attempting to harness anti-Trump sentiment that has distinguished Utah from other Republican strongholds. Lee’s last minute efforts to put space between his voting record and Trump’s stances depart from his past messaging as Election Day nears.
“I don’t think he’s trying to distance himself from Trump. What I think he’s trying to do is draw that contrast,’” Utah Republican Party Chair Carson Jorgensen said.
“No, he’s stood up for what he believed every time, even when it came to Trump,” he added.
Utah is a reliably Republican state, however its religion-infused politics are idiosyncratic. The majority of residents belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which places a high value on manners and eschews alcohol and foul language. Members of the faith lean Republican, yet polling has shown Trump commands less robust support among them than other prominent GOP politicians.
Trump failed to win support from a majority of Utah voters in 2016 and Joe Biden performed better with Utah voters in 2020 than any Democrat since 1964.
Lee’s emphasis on his willingness to stray from Trump comes as McMullin attempts to paint him as one of the former president’s most loyal disciples. McMullin recently released an attack ad based on Lee’s 2020 remarks comparing Trump to Captain Moroni, a scriptural hero in the Book of Mormon.
Monday’s debate was McMullin’s first chance to directly confront Lee about the text messages he sent to Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in the lead-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which he’s made a centerpiece of his campaign.
The texts show Lee asking for advice on how to contribute to efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. Lee has defended his actions by saying he merely intended to look into the legal arguments and rumors about swing states putting forth slates of fake electors, noting that he ultimately voted to certify the results.
On Monday, Lee demanded an apology from McMullin and said his version of events exhibited a “cavalier, reckless disregard for the truth.”
Though the messages suggest Lee researched the legality of alternate elector slates in the lead-up to Jan. 6, Lee said they showed no evidence that he would have supported such a scheme. He said he wouldn’t have and noted that he voted to certify the election results.
A raucous crowd made up mostly of Lee supporters jeered and booed when McMullin called Lee’s actions “a travesty.”
“Senator Lee, that was the most egregious betrayal of our nation’s Constitution in its history by a U.S. Senator. I believe it will be your legacy,” McMullin said, wagging his finger at Lee.
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Trevor Noah Mocks Trump For Trying To Get Melania Truth Social Shares: Find You A Man Who Will Commit Securities Fraud For You (Video) IMDb
Trevor Noah Mocks Trump For Trying To Get Melania Truth Social Shares: ‘Find You A Man Who Will Commit Securities Fraud For You’ (Video) – IMDb https://digitalalabamanews.com/trevor-noah-mocks-trump-for-trying-to-get-melania-truth-social-shares-find-you-a-man-who-will-commit-securities-fraud-for-you-video-imdb/
Trevor Noah Mocks Trump for Trying to Get Melania Truth Social Shares: ‘Find You a Man Who Will Commit Securities Fraud for You’ (Video)
18 October 2022
by Andi Ortiz
The Wrap
When it comes to finding a romantic partner, Trevor Noah has some new advice for women: find a man who’s willing to commit fraud for you, like Donald Trump apparently tried to do for Melania.
According to a report this week from The Washington Post, a whistleblower from Truth Social revealed that the twice impeached former president pushed another executive to give some of his shares in the social media company to Melania Trump and then fired him when he didn’t comply.
Also Read:
Trevor Noah Says Trump Will Testify Before the Jan. 6 Committee for the Ratings: It’s ‘the Super Bowl Meets Watergate’ (Video)
“Which is just…so romantic!” Noah joked. “Yeah ladies, find you a man who will commit securities fraud for you! Are you kidding?”
Joking somewhat aside — it is Trevor Noah after all — the late night host noted that giving your wife shares in
See full article at The Wrap »
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Author Tejuania Nelson Born To Love Childrens Book
Author Tejuania Nelson ‘Born To Love’ Childrens Book https://digitalalabamanews.com/author-tejuania-nelson-born-to-love-childrens-book/
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Alabama resident, Tejuania Nelson, is not only an authoress, she is also a wife, mother, grandmother and successful Education Director of several thriving businesses. She was also a 40 over 40 recipient in 2021. She spends time mentoring and teaching leadership skills and strategies to women. Her nurturing, caring nature can easily be seen in her heart to help people. Tejuania is gifted with a very adaptive nature. She is able to handle various situations, circumstances and businesses with ease, grace and dignity, which has helped her develop a business image that is revered among her peers and the community.
She has written a children’s book “Born To Love” that has taken off in so many ways. She partnered with Ukrainian illustrator, Kabelkova Margarita Mikhailovna, began the “Born to Love,” project in her hometown, amid the Russo-Ukrainian War. As hostilities escalated, her hometown received a deadly and devastating attack, which forced her to make a hasty escape with the clothes on her back, a small amount of sustenance and her computer. Traveling sixteen hours to search for safety, her creative spirit did not waver. Despite her feelings of fear, loss and bewilderment, she completed the book with illustrations that portrayed love, acceptance and hope for the future.
“Born To Love” Book launch will be on October 20, 2022, at 10:00am, at Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services 3101 International Dr. Mobile, AL, 36606.
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Yankees Trade Deadline Risk Is Paying Off In Dividends
Yankees’ Trade Deadline Risk Is Paying Off In Dividends https://digitalalabamanews.com/yankees-trade-deadline-risk-is-paying-off-in-dividends/
Sep 20, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader (22) reacts after hitting a two run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Just before the trade deadline expired, the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals completed a controversial deal at the time: Brian Cashman sent reliable starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery to St. Louis and got Gold Glove center fielder Harrison Bader in return.
The move was seen as risky at the time because the Yankees subtracted from their pitching depth after adding Frankie Montas from the Oakland Athletics, and because Bader was dealing with plantar fasciitis. He didn’t return until September.
It’s fair to say, however, that the risk paid off for the Yankees. Yes, losing Montgomery – a solid pitcher with an ERA consistently in the threes – hurt, but you have to give to get.
Bader hit .217/.245/.283 with a .528 OPS in 14 games with the Yankees during the regular season, but as it turns out, he was saving the best for the playoffs.
The Yankees deadline addition has had a marvelous series
In the four games the Yankees have played against the Cleveland Guardians so far in the AL Division Series, Bader is slashing .286/.286/.929 with an incredible 1.215 OPS. He has gone 4-for-14, and three of those four hits have left the yard.
The power that Bader has contributed so far in the postseason has been crucial to keep the Yankees in games. His three round-trippers represent the same output as the Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo trio in the playoffs and it has been one of the most pleasant surprise so far in the ALDS.
Bader, who has been hitting in the bottom third of the lineup, may be making a case to be brought up in the Yankees lineup for Game 5, as he is making hard contact in the air consistently.
As the Yankees try to fend off the pesky Guards, Bader’s two-way play – his defense remains outstanding – will be one of the keys to Game 5, and hopefully beyond.
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Death Toll Jumps To 14 In Crash Of Russian Warplane In Residential Area That Ignited Massive Blaze
Death Toll Jumps To 14 In Crash Of Russian Warplane In Residential Area That Ignited Massive Blaze https://digitalalabamanews.com/death-toll-jumps-to-14-in-crash-of-russian-warplane-in-residential-area-that-ignited-massive-blaze/
Russia starts “suicide drone” attacks on Kyiv
Russia launches new wave of “suicide drone” attacks on Ukraine 06:48
A Russian warplane crashed Monday into a residential area in a Russian city on the Sea of Azov after suffering engine failure, leaving at least 14 people dead, three of whom jumped from upper floors of a nine-story apartment building to escape a massive blaze.
A Su-34 bomber came down in the port city of Yeysk after one of its engines caught fire during takeoff for a training mission, the Russian Defense Ministry said. It said both crew members bailed out safely, but the plane crashed into a residential area, causing a fire as tons of fuel exploded on impact.
After hours of combing through the charred debris of the building, authorities said 14 residents, including three children, were found dead. Another 19 were hospitalized with injuries. Initially, officials had put the death toll at four.
The region’s vice governor, Anna Menkova, said three of the four victims died when they jumped from the upper floors of the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, according to the RIA-Novosti news agency.
Authorities reserved emergency rooms at local hospitals and scrambled medical aircraft. Over 500 residents were evacuated and provided with temporary accommodations.
In this handout photo released by Kooperativ Telegram Channel, flames and smoke rise from the scene after a warplane crashed into a residential area in Yeysk, Russia, Oct. 17, 2022. One of the pilots, right, descends on a parachute. Kooperativ Telegram Channel via AP
The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the crash and dispatched the ministers of health and emergencies along with the local governor to the site. Yeysk, a city of 90,000, is home to a big Russian air base.
Several hours after the crash, regional Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev said that emergency services managed to contain the fire, making the evacuation of residents in adjacent buildings unnecessary.
Surveillance cam videos posted on Russian messaging app channels showed a plane exploding in a giant fireball. Other videos showed an apartment building engulfed by flames and loud bangs from the apparent detonation of the warplane’s weapons.
A Russian warplane crashed in a residential area in the southern port city of Yeysk, Russia, on Oct. 17, 2022. Reuters/Stringer
Oksana, a local resident who declined to give her last name, told Agence France-Presse the area was cordoned off.
“There could be an explosion. Everything is burning inside. There is smoke,” she told AFP.
She said she was stuck in traffic when she heard the news.
“I’m in shock, obviously. My child was alone at home. We already used to go to sleep with fear every day — Mariupol is just across from us,” she said.
The Su-34 is a supersonic twin-engine bomber equipped with sophisticated sensors and weapons that has been a key strike component of the Russian air force. The aircraft has seen wide use during the war in Syria and the fighting in Ukraine.
Monday’s accident marked the 10th reported non-combat crash of a Russian warplane since Moscow sent its troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Military experts have noted that as the number of Russian military flights increased sharply during the fighting, so did the crashes.
In:
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Oil Prices Fall To Around $90/bbl In Volatile Trade
Oil Prices Fall To Around $90/bbl In Volatile Trade https://digitalalabamanews.com/oil-prices-fall-to-around-90-bbl-in-volatile-trade/
LONDON, Oct 18 (Reuters) – Oil prices fell in volatile trade on Tuesday on fears of higher U.S. supply amid economic slowdown and lower Chinese fuel demand.
Brent crude futures fell by $1.35, or 1.47%, to $90.27 a barrel by 1406 GMT.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down $1.77, or 2.07%, at $83.69, having risen by over $1 earlier in the session.
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China’s fuel demand outlook weighed on sentiment after the world’s top crude oil importer delayed release of economic indicators originally scheduled to be published on Tuesday. No date was given for a rescheduled release. read more
China’s adherence to its zero-COVID policy has continued to increase uncertainties about the country’s economic growth, CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said.
Also in focus was the Bank of England’s plan to start selling the vast government bond holdings it amassed during the coronavirus crisis. That sent long-dated yields higher , indicating increased risks to financial stability.
On the supply side, market chatter of U.S. oil reserve release announcement weighed on sentiment, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.
The Biden administration plans to sell oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to cool fuel prices before next month’s congressional elections, sources told Reuters on Monday.
In addition, U.S. crude oil stocks were expected to have risen for a second consecutive week, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.
Output in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, the biggest U.S. shale oil basin, is forecast to rise by about 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.453 million bpd this month, the Energy Information Administration said.
Price support came in early trading from investors increasing long positions in futures after a 2 million barrel per day (bpd) cut to output targets agreed by OPEC+, ANZ Research analysts said in a note.
Several members of the oil producer group have endorsed the cut after the White House accused Saudi Arabia of coercing some nations into supporting the move, a charge Riyadh denies.
“Even though the production cut is not likely in reality to be even half as high, the U.S. government sees it as an affront … The question now is how the U.S. will react, as this could have a far-reaching impact on the oil market,” Commerzbank said in a note.
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Reporting by Rowena Edwards in London, Additional reporting by Isabel Kua in Singapore, Editing by David Goodman and Ed Osmond
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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Home Services: Roofers: What Are Customers Looking For?
Home Services: Roofers: What Are Customers Looking For? https://digitalalabamanews.com/home-services-roofers-what-are-customers-looking-for/
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School is back in session and so is the Southern Fall weather. It’s one of the most favorite seasons of the year with bright colored falling leaves, cool crisp air in the mornings, evenings, and the return of Alabama’s liquid sunshine.
As we begin buttoning up our jackets, it is also time to prepare our homes for the weather ahead. Before the first freeze, here are a few suggestions on how to prepare your roof for the cold, wet weather ahead.
Trim the trees
Clean the gutters
Clear any debris
Check for damage and deterioration
Check attic insulation and ventilation
Photo courtesy of SociallyIn
A few hours of carefully examining your roof can extend its life and help catch small problems before they turn into big ones.
But what if they become big ones like in need of replacement or restoration? Looking for reliable and dependable help is few and far between after the effects of COVID-19. Here are some results and takeaways for finding the right roofer and contractor to understand what customers are looking for.
1. Educate Customers
Based on studies from Pew Research, we know that at least half of Americans tended to check online reviews before making purchases. When homeowners were asked how they primarily researched their roofing project, online research was the most frequent answer at 43% (some said that they at least spend 10 hours on research); however, a full 33 percent of respondents request calls from contractors without doing any research at all.
The takeaway? Customers want to be educated! By becoming an educational source for homeowners, relationships are created, and most importantly, you can earn trust and ultimately win their business.
2. How to Budget for a New Roof
Since many homeowners don’t research their potential roofing project, the cost is typically unknown or, much less, a budget set aside for this type of expense.
Lack of a budget means they’ll need more education about costs and the earlier this is addressed, the less time and effort is wasted for both parties.
The takeaway? A competitive approach would be to offer discounts, financing, or rebates for this project. More than 50 percent of respondents said they would like to finance at least half of their roofing project.
3. References and Value Pricing
Data shows that the top two reasons homeowners chose the roofing contractor they chose were personal references and the price quoted.
There still is no replacement for the hard-won praise a homeowner hears from their neighbors, friends, and family. Doing great work and delivering professional service are still the most important factors in obtaining more business.
The takeaway? The easiest way to lose bids is to have unclear communication. That means breaking down the elements and delivering email and text responses that are succinct, logical, and timely.
Although there is not a perfect answer, research reinforces the importance of the takeaways listed above. Get references based on doing great work, empathize with and educate homeowners on their upcoming projects, and give them a path to financial assistance where necessary. Then enjoy the success of turning more leads into completed projects.
This post was written by Sociallyin, whose SEO division is headquartered in downtown Birmingham at 1601 5th Ave N Suite 124, Birmingham, AL 35203. They specialize in home services marketing on Google and other search engines.
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How Nick Saban Uses Losses To Fuel Title Runs https://digitalalabamanews.com/how-nick-saban-uses-losses-to-fuel-title-runs/
Nick Saban has won seven national championships during a career where he’s established himself as college football’s greatest coach.
In only two of those national championships did a Saban-led team go undefeated.
If you’re an Alabama fan licking your wounds after watching a 15-year win streak against Tennessee go up in smoke over the weekend, that gives you optimism moving forward. As Leo McGarry in “West Wing” would say, Saban has been down in the hole before, and he knows the way out.
In my book “The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban: How Alabama’s Coach Became the Greatest Ever,” one of the chapters, “Don’t Waste a Failing,” is dedicated to how Saban handles losses. They have been few and far between during his incredible run in Tuscaloosa, but there’s a clear playbook Saban draws from that’s instructive on how the Crimson Tide will move forward after Saturday’s 52-49 loss against Tennessee.
Saban began the process Saturday night when he said everything was still on the table for the team. It might feel like the sky is falling in Alabama, but Saban is never particularly emotional after losses. He is coldly rational, evaluating how his program fell short and how he can clean up the issues moving forward. Despite what his sideline antics might imply, the Alabama head coach is not yelling and screaming at everyone right after a loss to make them feel worse. He recognizes everyone is already down, and there is no need to bury them further, instead focusing on ways to improve to ensure that losing feeling doesn’t revisit them.
“It’s really about making guys refocus, whether it was discipline, actions off the field, classroom. All of that is a buildup,” former Alabama receiver Christion Jones told me in the book. “It’s him trying to exploit that situation and letting people know, ‘If we correct this, we won’t be in this situation.’ It’s not about chewing guys out; it’s all about moving forward. What are we going to do this week to eliminate the things that created a loss for ourselves last week?”
RELATED: Inside Nick Saban’s recruiting blueprint that built a dynasty
With this Alabama team, Saban has quickly zeroed in on getting the team to play with more fun and less anxiety. He noticed right before his team ran out onto the field against Tennessee, the players weren’t chanting the way they usually would before a game. At that moment, Saban knew his team was tight, and the subsequent play backed that up. It might seem like a small detail, but it explains why this Alabama team has struggled so much on the road, especially with penalties. At the beginning of Saban’s tenure, the Alabama teams were full of “hateful competitors” who fed off the opposing fanbase’s energy and wanted to destroy everyone in the building. This team has shirked in the face of that intensity, an issue Saban has been dealing with throughout the season.
“Not looking at the scoreboard, not worrying about results, not being fearful of what’s gonna happen if something bad happens or if we lose a game,” Saban said. “Just go play, compete, and then when the game’s over, and we do that and do it well as a collective group, we can live with the results. So that’s what it’s our job, my job, to help these players get to that point.”
Alabama has looked wobbly throughout the season, almost losing to Texas and Texas A&M before finally suffering defeat against Tennessee. Saban frequently talks about how hard it is to change behavior when the results are still positive, an issue that last year’s team also struggled with before losing to Texas A&M during the regular season. Saban views the post-loss period as critical to changing behavior because of the collective openness to fix problems that might not have previously been there. He’ll remind them that all their goals are still possible if they immediately commit to doing the things it takes to be the best. One of Saban’s favorite sayings is, “So What; Now What?” After a loss, the now what is always about learning from the mistakes to power growth.
Saban is very good at many things, but handling losses ranks among the biggest reasons he’ll go down as college football’s greatest coach. Mike Vollmar, who worked for Saban at Michigan State and Alabama, says it is the thing he remembers most about his former boss.
“When you’d lose a game, the way he was after was the most incredible thing I’ve seen in a college football coach of the guys I’ve ever worked for,” Vollmar said. “There was a teaching moment, everything that got to that point why we lost the game, and here’s what we’re going to need to do to move on.”
It’s why multi-loss seasons have been so rare during Saban’s time in Alabama. Excluding his first season at Alabama in 2007, Saban has lost consecutive games only once, and that involved the Kick Six and the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma. Stop for a second and consider how unbelievable it is that Saban never falls into the football cliche of letting a team beat you twice. Since 2010, Alabama has outscored its post-loss next opponent 363-114.
Mississippi State, Alabama’s opponent this weekend, has historically been on the receiving end of an unfair share of those games. Alabama beat Mississippi State in 2010 (30-10), 2011 (24-7), 2019 (38-7) and 2021 (49-9) after losing the previous week. Saban’s teams look to send a message in the aftermath of a loss, much to the chagrin of their poor opponents.
The rare losses have also been a rallying point for teams on their way to championships. Jimmy Courtenay, an offensive lineman on Saban’s 2003 LSU title team, told me that the national championship wouldn’t have happened without a regular season loss to Florida. LSU was feeling good after big wins over Georgia and Mississippi State, and the failure against the Gators made everyone on the team realize to win it all would require a more significant commitment.
“That game reset everybody,” Courtenay said. “It allowed us to start sprinting up the mountain instead of taking the slow trail.”
At Alabama, there have been plenty of similar examples. After a loss to Texas A&M in 2012, Saban challenged the team’s leaders to stand up and say what each was personally going to do to get the team back on track. In 2015, Alabama used the “dynasty is dead” talk following an Ole Miss loss to challenge the team to quiet a growing legion of critics.
“We knew what everybody was saying – it was ‘Alabama’s over, they don’t have it anymore, Saban’s lost it, these guys can’t change with the times, ‘” former Alabama linebacker Keith Holcombe told me in the book. “We heard that, and we did not avoid it. We put it all in the locker rooms.
“It just added fuel to the fire we already had cooking.”
If Alabama is going to meet its lofty preseason expectations, the Tennessee game will be the accelerant to stoke this team’s fire. Losing to Tennessee might feel like a state emergency in Alabama, but Saban has been here before and he knows the way out.
John Talty is the sports editor and SEC Insider for Alabama Media Group. He is the bestselling author of “The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban: How Alabama’s Coach Became the Greatest Ever.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
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Post Politics Now: Biden Seeks To Keep Focus On Abortion With Political Address
Post Politics Now: Biden Seeks To Keep Focus On Abortion With Political Address https://digitalalabamanews.com/post-politics-now-biden-seeks-to-keep-focus-on-abortion-with-political-address/
Today, with three weeks remaining until the midterm elections, President Biden will try to keep the issue of abortion in the spotlight as he delivers an address in Washington hosted by the Democratic National Committee. Biden is expected to focus on an issue that Democrats have sought to elevate in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, but one that recent polling shows is not weighing as heavily on voters as the economy and related issues.
On Monday, Biden officially launched the website for student loan borrowers to apply to receive up to $20,000 in debt cancellation, holding an event the White House complex to draw attention to the effort. Meanwhile, debates in high-profile midterm contests are continuing around the country.
Your daily dashboard
12:15 p.m. Eastern: Biden delivers remarks at the Howard Theatre in Washington.
1:45 p.m. Eastern: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters. Watch live here.
6:15 p.m. Eastern (3:15 p.m. Pacific): Vice President Harris participates in a moderated discussion in San Francisco on climate change. Watch live here.
Got a question about politics? Submit it here. After 3 p.m. weekdays, return to this space and we’ll address what’s on the mind of readers.
The latest: GOP would use debt limit to force spending cuts, McCarthy says
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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said that if Republicans win control of the House, the GOP will use raising the debt limit as leverage to force spending cuts — which could include cuts to Medicare and Social Security — and limit additional funding to Ukraine.
The Post’s Eugene Scott has details:
“You can’t just continue down the path to keep spending and adding to the debt,” the California Republican told Punchbowl News in a recent interview. “And if people want to make a debt ceiling [for a longer period of time], just like anything else, there comes a point in time where, okay, we’ll provide you more money, but you got to change your current behavior.”
“We’re not just going to keep lifting your credit card limit, right,” he added. “And we should seriously sit together and [figure out] where can we eliminate some waste? Where can we make the economy grow stronger?”
Pressed on whether changes to the entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security were part of the debt ceiling discussions, McCarthy said he wouldn’t “predetermine” anything.
The debt limit — the country’s borrowing cap — will need to be lifted next year to protect the country’s credit score and to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its debt. But McCarthy suggested that his party would be willing to hold the debt limit up for policy changes.
Analysis: Kevin McCarthy weighs future of special committee on climate change
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When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) created a special committee to examine climate change in 2019, the panel’s days seemed numbered. If Republicans regained control of the House, many observers assumed, they would immediately scrap the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, since the GOP has historically opposed ambitious measures to tackle global warming.
But, writing in The Climate 202, The Post’s Maxine Joselow reports that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who hopes to become speaker if Republicans pick up enough seats in the midterms, has not yet decided whether to keep the committee, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private discussions. Per Maxine:
Take a look: Rep. Swalwell’s ad dramatizes woman being arrested for an abortion
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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is out with an ad that dramatizes a family dinner being interrupted by police coming to arrest the mother for having had an abortion. The 90-second spot is titled, “Lock Her Up,” a reference to the Republican chants regarding Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2020 presidential bid.
With a wave of GOP-led states outlawing abortion, “I thought through, ‘What is this going to look like as it plays out across America?’ ” Swalwell said during an appearance Monday night on MSNBC.
Noted: Georgia blows away record for early midterm ballots cast on first day
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More than 125,000 Georgia voters cast ballots on Monday, the first day of early voting, far eclipsing the total in the state’s last midterm elections, the secretary of state’s office said.
“Our elections team has reviewed the initial early vote numbers for Day 1 and we know we are north of 125,000,” Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer of the office, said in a tweet shortly after 9 p.m. Eastern time on Monday. “This dwarfs the previous record of 72k from the 2018 midterm 1st day of early voting.”
Analysis: Marijuana is on the ballot in five more states this year
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Voters in November will decide whether recreational marijuana can be used legally in five states: Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Writing in The Health 202, The Post’s Rachel Roubein notes that four out of the five states are home to many traditional conservatives — a testament to how the once-liberal issue has achieved increasingly bipartisan support in recent years. Per Rachel:
As it stands, 19 states, two territories and D.C. have embraced marijuana legalization over the last decade, while medical cannabis is legal in 37 states, three territories and the District, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Even still, it was only a decade ago when recreational marijuana was illegal nationwide, and efforts by cannabis advocates since haven’t been without setbacks. Most recently, voters rejected ballot measures to legalize adult use of marijuana in North Dakota in 2018 and Arizona in 2016, although the latter changed its tune and voted in favor of the initiative the following election year.
“When you look at ballot campaigns in the past, you’ll see that this is an issue that crosses traditional party lines,” said Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “We anticipate similar outcomes this November.”
You can read the full analysis here.
On our radar: Jan. 6 committee could issue Trump subpoena today
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The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol could issue its subpoena to former president Donald Trump as early as Tuesday, The Post’s Theodoric Meyer and Leigh Ann Caldwell note in the latest edition of The Early 202.
The panel voted last week to authorize a subpoena for both testimony and documents from Trump.
As our colleagues note, when the subpoena is issued, it will be the next big step for a committee that appears to be in the final phases of its investigation.
On our radar: Biden seeking to frame the choice voters have on abortion
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With three weeks remaining until the midterm elections, President Biden will try to keep the issue of abortion in the spotlight on Tuesday as he delivers an address in Washington hosted by the Democratic National Committee.
He is expected to focus in the speech on an issue that Democrats have sought to elevate in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, but one that recent polling shows is not weighing as heavily on voters as the economy and related issues.
Biden is scheduled to make a short trip to the Howard Theatre, where he “will speak about the choice that voters face this November between Republicans who want to ban abortion nationwide, and Democrats who want to codify Roe into law to protect women’s reproductive freedom,” according to a DNC advisory.
Noted: A battle for the white working-class vote in a key Indiana House race
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When Democratic Rep. Frank J. Mrvan was first elected in 2020, he won easily in a working-class district that has been in Democratic hands for nearly a century. Campaigning at the Northwest Indiana Area Labor Federation’s annual awards dinner last week, though, there was an edge in Mrvan’s voice.
Reporting from Chesterton, Ind., The Post’s Theodoric Meyer writes that Republicans are targeting the district — a union-heavy Democratic stronghold outside Chicago — this year for the first time in decades in their campaign to retake the House in November. Per our colleague:
The latest: Ohio Senate debate filled with recriminations
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A second debate in Ohio’s Senate race was filled with heated exchanges as Rep. Tim Ryan, the Democratic nominee, sought to frame his unexpectedly close race with GOP rival J.D. Vance as a choice between a moderate and an extremist, while Vance tried to tie his opponent to national Democratic leaders.
The Post’s Hannah Knowles, Annie Linskey and Mariana Alfaro report that Ryan zeroed in on Vance’s praise for the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, his about-face on former president Donald Trump and his support for far-right lawmakers such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Vance has been “running around backing these extremists, the most extreme people in the country,” Ryan said. Vance said Ryan has voted in lockstep with President Biden and his party as the Republican nominee sought to undermine the centrist persona that has helped Ryan remain competitive in a solidly red state.
The latest: Utah Senate debate features heated exchange over 2020 election
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Utah’s Senate debate grew heated on Monday night as independent candidate Evan McMullin assailed Sen. Mike Lee (R) over his efforts to help Donald Trump find alternate electors to overturn his 2020 loss, drawing applause but also loud boos from the audience.
Lee, at one point, demanded an apology from McMullin, who accused the two-term incumbe...
The Sleeper Senate Races That May Determine Whether Democrats Or Republicans Control The Majority
The Sleeper Senate Races That May Determine Whether Democrats Or Republicans Control The Majority https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-sleeper-senate-races-that-may-determine-whether-democrats-or-republicans-control-the-majority/
Donald Trump doesn’t think much of Colorado Republican Senate nominee Joe O’Dea.
The former president, who remains the most popular and influential politician in the Republican Party, criticized O’Dea as a RINO (Republican in name only), called him “stupid,” and argued that his supporters wouldn’t back the Denver area construction company owner and first-time Republican candidate as he challenges Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.
While Trump may not think much of O’Dea, the Senate Leadership Fund, the top pro-Senate Republican super PAC, apparently does. The group, which is aligned with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, last week funneled $1.25 million to a pro-O’Dea super PAC and said in a statement that it thinks that Bennet is “vulnerable.”
While the high-profile Senate showdowns in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and North Carolina, as well as the expensive faceoffs in competitive states such as Florida, Ohio and New Hampshire have hogged the national political spotlight, the contest in Colorado may be a sleeper in the battle between the Democrats and Republicans for the Senate majority. And the race in Colorado may not be the only contest that could offer a surprise in next month’s midterm elections.
FROM CARPENTRY TO CONGRESS? JOE O’DEA’S UNLIKELY ROAD INTO POLITICS
Joe O’Dea, Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Michael Bennet, speaks during a primary election night watch party, late June 28, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
A day after O’Dea – a fiscal conservative who supports beefed up border security and cracking down on crime but who’s socially moderate on abortion and same-sex marriage – said in a Sunday talk show interview on CNN that he’d “actively” campaign against Trump and for other GOP candidates if the former president runs again in 2024, Trump shot back on social media, saying “MAGA doesn’t Vote for stupid people with big mouths.”
WHAT JOE O’DEA TOLD FOX NEWS ABOUT BIDEN’S VISIT TO COLORADO
Hours later, in a statement to Fox News and other organizations, O’Dea returned fire, writing, “President Trump is entitled to his opinion, but I’m my own man and I’ll call it like I see it. Another Biden-Trump election will tear this country apart. DeSantis, Scott, Pompeo or Haley would be better choices. These elections should be focused on Joe Biden’s failures supercharged inflation, a broken border, rampant crime, a war on American energy, not a rehash of 2020.”
Staying laser-focused on inflation, energy prices, the border crisis and crime has kept competitive a race in a state that President Biden carried by 13 points two years ago. An average of the latest public opinion polls compiled by Real Clear Politics indicates Bennet with a 7.7-point lead over O’Dea.
“We’ve been monitoring Colorado and we like what we see there,” Senate Leadership Fund president Steven Law told Fox News. “We think Michael Bennet is vulnerable.”
But it’s not just Republican outside groups that are spending in Colorado. Pro-Democratic super PACs have dished out seven figures to boost Bennet.
THESE 11 SENATE RACES WILL LIKELY DETERMINE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE MAJORITY
“If there’s a sleeper upset potential for Republicans, Colorado is likely to be it,” Kyle Kondik, managing editor of the nonpartisan political handicapper Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told Fox News.
Colorado has leaned blue in recent election cycles, but it was only a decade and a half ago that it was a competitive western battleground. But in Washington state, it’s been nearly 30 years since a Republican has won a Senate election in the blue state.
Washington Republican Senate nominee Tiffany Smiley, right, stands alongside Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, during a meeting with border patrol agents and their families in McAllen, Texas, on Aug. 30, 2022. (Brandon Gillespie)
Tiffany Smiley, who like O’Dea is another first-time candidate, is aiming to break the losing streak.
While Smiley – a military wife, nurse and veterans rights advocate – trails Sen. Patty Murray by the upper single digits in an average of the latest polls, she outraised the longtime Democratic incumbent by roughly $2.3 million in the past three months.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS 2022 MIDTERMS POWER RANKINGS
“I am blown away and humbled by the groundswell of support we have received,” Smiley emphasized in a statement.
Republicans have argued for over a year that Murray could be vulnerable with the right GOP challenger and if the money flowed.
Sen. Patty Murray gives an opening statement during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Sept. 30, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool via Reuters)
“That sort of thing catches your eye,” Kondik said, as he pointed to Smiley’s surge in fundraising.
Reliably red Utah could be another wild card in this year’s battle for the Senate majority.
Independent candidate Evan McMullin trails two-term conservative Republican Sen. Mike Lee by just a few points in the latest surveys, in a race where the Democrats decided against fielding their own candidate. And Utah’s other senator, Republican Mitt Romney, has pointedly not endorsed Lee, who supported Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden.
Adding to the drama, if McMullin ends up pulling off the upset, his pledge not to caucus with either the Democrats or Republicans would complicate the battle for the Senate majority.
Republican Sen. Mike Lee, left, and his independent challenger Evan McMullin shake hands following their televised debate, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Orem, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
In Iowa, the latest Des Moines Register poll in the state’s Senate races is turning heads, as it indicates 89-year-old Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley – who’s served in the Senate for four decades – up by only three points over Democratic challenger and retired Navy Adm. Mike Franken.
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“Iowa has become more Republican over time,” Kondik noted. But he added that “Grassley probably not getting the same crossover which he used to.”
The poll indicates a closer Senate contest than many believed and that Grassley’s facing his toughest re-election to date, losing a chunk of support from independent voters and six in 10 saying his age is a concern. But the poll has yet to trigger any outside spending by pro-GOP groups to defend the longest serving Republican in the chamber.
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in New Hampshire.
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Letter: Vastly Different Opinions About Jennie Taylor And Mike Lee
Letter: Vastly Different Opinions About Jennie Taylor And Mike Lee https://digitalalabamanews.com/letter-vastly-different-opinions-about-jennie-taylor-and-mike-lee/
I think North Ogden’s Jennie Taylor Is a true patriot! I cannot begin to imagine the heart ache she has so bravely faced! I think she deserves all the praise and love that has been sent to her! She is a lady we can all look up to and appreciate greatly! We need more people like her! I also think she is one who loves, appreciates and honors our Constitution! That is something I cannot say about our U.S. Representatives and Senator Mike Lee! Lee and Mark Meadows seemed to be supporting “alternate Trump electors” in states won by Biden in 2020! (Standard Examiner, Friday, June 10, 2022.) Lee seems to be like the water in a glass and when the water is thrown in a bathtub it just goes with the flow and has no backbone! Also at a rally in Arizona Lee compared Trump to Captain Moroni, a Book of Mormon honest and honorable person! Lee also said something like Trump was working for God’s glory and not his glory! That’s all Trump seems to be about is his glory and nobody else’s! Mike Lee seems to be the one who is “unhinged!” I would like to hear about Mike Lee’s service in our Armed forces? Has he ever served in any capacity in any branch of our military! Maybe he had “connections” and knew the right people so he was graded “4-F?” If Mike Lee could not serve in the military then he probably should not serve as a Senator! I think Lee was more interested in getting a good grade from some conservative report card than voting for a Bill that would benefit the people! Lets vote Mike Lee out and send him home to learn what our Constitution says! Thank you!
Don Cunningham
Fruit Heights
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7 Things: Tuberville Breaks Silence UAB Doctor Calls Trans Suicide bold And More
7 Things: Tuberville Breaks Silence, UAB Doctor Calls Trans Suicide “bold”, And More … https://digitalalabamanews.com/7-things-tuberville-breaks-silence-uab-doctor-calls-trans-suicide-bold-and-more/
7. Democrat elites helping Alabama Democrats for some reason
The Alabama Democrat Party can’t win elections unless the opposing candidate is fatally flawed, the national media helps them and money pours in from out of state. 2022 is not 2017 so Democrats appear to be lacking 2 of the 3 things needed to win.
Hollywood liberals and Big Tech elites are dumping thousands of dollars into the Alabama Democrat Party. Television/film producers Chuck Lorre, Seth McFarland and J.J. Abrams contributed money with Apple, Microsoft and Google executives pumping in thousands as well.
6. Voter registration deadline is Oct. 24
Secretary of State John Merrill is letting everyone know that if you want to register to vote, and haven’t yet, Oct. 24 is the deadline.
You must be an Alabama resident and U.S. citizen to vote. The postmark must be made by Oct. 24 or you can bring your registration applications to the local Board of Registrars’ office that day. This is not hard stuff.
5. Threatening the people who supply your oil was a bad idea
When President Joe Biden attempted to collude with the Saudi Arabian monarchy to get them to hold off on oil cuts until after the election, he failed. When he tried to threaten them with arms sales cuts and by removing troops, he failed. The Saudis are not happy now.
Saudi Prince Saud al-Shaalan reminded us, “Anybody that challenges the existence of this country and this kingdom. All of us, we are products of jihad, and martyrdom.” This is not something you want to hear from the guy who pumps your gas.
4. Why? Why? Why, dear God, why?
For the last few years, COVID-19 has wrecked the economy, caused lockdowns and taken down leaders, but we still appear willing to play around with the virus. It is believed the virus came from a lab in Wuhan, China, where scientists were modifying the virus. It looks like a Boston University lab is doing it now.
Boston University brags that its scientists have created a virus that allegedly kills 80% of the mice it infects, it is expected to be more contagious and more deadly. We learned nothing from COVID-19
3. Spike in gun crimes in Birmingham has police chief angry
Alabama’s second-largest city is heading toward a record-breaking body count, morale is low, staffing is suffering and the chief of police is pissed. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, four months into the job, says, “We’re destroying ourselves.”
Birmingham City Council Member Hunter Williams seems to be happy with the job the new chief is doing when he says, “Throughout all of the other chiefs, my office did get calls and complaints about police-related matters that were under the chiefs’ purview and, since Chief Thurmond taking over, I have not gotten any calls.” But that metric seems insignificant when the body count is at a record high.
2. An actual doctor called suicide of a trans teen “bold”
In a misguided push to get the state of Alabama to allow “gender-affirming” care, an actual real-world doctor implied the lack of such care led to a suicide, which she called “boldly ending her life.” What about the Hippocratic oath? What about do no harm?
Morissa Jean Ladinsky, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s of Alabama and specialist at UAB’s LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, was quoted by another doctor who was shocked by her words that she said “glorifying suicide.” Threats of mass trans suicide has been an effective weapon in the fight for trans surgery for minors but the science shows suicide is more prevalent after the “transition.”
1. Tuberville responds to outrage over his crime remarks
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has broken a week-long silence by giving an exclusive statement to the Alabama Daily News about the often nefariously misquoted comment about crime and “reparation,” which has been taken as “reparations.”
Tuberville accurately notes the media, including most in Alabama, are trying to use his comments to help Democrats, “The issue is crime, not race, but the liberal media is intent on helping Democrats remain in power.” Speaking on the original issue itself, Tuberville said, “crime has spiked nationwide under Democrats and their ‘Defund the Police’ policies, and I was pointing out the frustration many Americans share when I spoke last weekend.”
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Mike Lee Tries To Distance Himself From Trump In Utah Debate
Mike Lee Tries To Distance Himself From Trump In Utah Debate https://digitalalabamanews.com/mike-lee-tries-to-distance-himself-from-trump-in-utah-debate-2/
OREM, Utah (AP) — Fending off attacks from his independent challenger, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah worked to distinguish himself from former President Donald Trump in a contentious debate Monday evening.
“I stood against my party time and time again to oppose reckless spending. I will do it again and again and again. We need people who say no,” the second-term Republican said.
Lee repeatedly pointed to his voting record and twice told the audience at Utah Valley University that he voted less in line with Trump than all but two Republican senators — Rand Paul and Susan Collins.
“To suggest that I’m beholden to either party, that I’ve been a bootlicker for either party is folly. And it’s contradicted by the plain facts,” Lee said.
Lee faces a challenge from Evan McMullin, a former Republican known most for his long-shot bid for president six years ago, when as an independent he won 21.5% of voters in Utah, including Lee. McMullin has remained a pillar of the anti-Trump movement, attacking the former president as an authoritarian who poses a threat to democracy.
Lee’s attempts to draw a distinction with Trump reflect the peculiar dynamics emerging in Utah this election cycle. In the red state’s marquee race, one candidate is running as an independent and the other is attempting to emphasize his independent streak.
The race has taken shape as one of the nation’s many referendums on the direction Trump has taken the GOP. McMullin is attempting to harness anti-Trump sentiment that has distinguished Utah from other Republican strongholds. Lee’s last minute efforts to put space between his voting record and Trump’s stances depart from his past messaging as Election Day nears.
“I don’t think he’s trying to distance himself from Trump. What I think he’s trying to do is draw that contrast,’” Utah Republican Party Chair Carson Jorgensen said.
“No, he’s stood up for what he believed every time, even when it came to Trump,” he added.
Utah is a reliably Republican state, however its religion-infused politics are idiosyncratic. The majority of residents belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which places a high value on manners and eschews alcohol and foul language. Members of the faith lean Republican, yet polling has shown Trump commands less robust support among them than other prominent GOP politicians.
Trump failed to win support from a majority of Utah voters in 2016 and Joe Biden performed better with Utah voters in 2020 than any Democrat since 1964.
Lee’s emphasis on his willingness to stray from Trump comes as McMullin attempts to paint him as one of the former president’s most loyal disciples. McMullin recently released an attack ad based on Lee’s 2020 remarks comparing Trump to Captain Moroni, a scriptural hero in the Book of Mormon.
Monday’s debate was McMullin’s first chance to directly confront Lee about the text messages he sent to Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in the lead-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which he’s made a centerpiece of his campaign.
The texts show Lee asking for advice on how to contribute to efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. Lee has defended his actions by saying he merely intended to look into the legal arguments and rumors about swing states putting forth slates of fake electors, noting that he ultimately voted to certify the results.
On Monday, Lee demanded an apology from McMullin and said his version of events exhibited a “cavalier, reckless disregard for the truth.”
Though the messages suggest Lee researched the legality of alternate elector slates in the lead-up to Jan. 6, Lee said they showed no evidence that he would have supported such a scheme. He said he wouldn’t have and noted that he voted to certify the election results.
A raucous crowd made up mostly of Lee supporters jeered and booed when McMullin called Lee’s actions “a travesty.”
“Senator Lee, that was the most egregious betrayal of our nation’s Constitution in its history by a U.S. Senator. I believe it will be your legacy,” McMullin said, wagging his finger at Lee.
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Russia's War In Ukraine | CNN https://digitalalabamanews.com/russias-war-in-ukraine-cnn-4/
‘I wanted it to end’: American captured by Russian-backed forces describes torture
04:12 – Source: CNN
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure came under renewed Russian attacks Tuesday, including a wave of strikes on facilities in Kyiv and Dnipro, according to officials.
“Massive blackouts” have taken place across Ukraine as 30% of the country’s power stations have been destroyed in just over a week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The death toll in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv continues to climb following Russian attacks with Iranian-made “kamikaze” drones, officials said. At least five people were killed Monday and at least three people died in separate strikes on Tuesday.
Ukraine and Russian-backed authorities in the eastern Donetsk region exchanged more than 200 prisoners. The swap also featured a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian human rights officials.
Meanwhile in Russia, at least 13 people were killed after a Russian bomber jet crashed into a residential building in the city of Yeysk, near the Sea of Azov, officials said.
The number of people killed in a Russian attack on Kyiv Tuesday morning now stands at three, according to the mayor of the Ukrainian capital.
“Three people were killed in today’s attack on critical infrastructure in Kyiv,” Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram. “They are employees of one of the critical infrastructure facilities.”
Klitschko said that two objects were “heavily damaged.”
Kyiv residents have been asked to save electricity and water after two critical infrastructure facilities were struck on Tuesday, Klitschko said earlier in the day.
Ukrainian police said they have exhumed the bodies of five children in the formerly Russian-occupied town of Lyman in eastern Donetsk region on Tuesday.
Four of the kids were buried in a mass grave at a cemetery and another was exhumed from a makeshift grave dug by his mother in their yard, according to the police.
“Investigators found four children in a mass burial at the cemetery. A mother has buried a boy in her own yard. It was preliminarily established that all of them died from shrapnel wounds as a result of Russian shelling,” the National Police of Ukraine said in a statement posted to Telegram.
Preliminary results indicated all five died from shrapnel wounds as a result of Russian shelling, police added.
“Police officers retrieved girls born in 2021, 2019, and 2008, and boys born in 2011 and 2012 from spontaneous graves. The two youngest girls were sisters,” the statement said.
The children will be reburied after forensic examination, according to the police.
Investigations are ongoing in Lyman, which was liberated by Ukraine on Oct 2.
“Investigative actions have been ongoing for two weeks in Lyman — at the site of the largest mass burial in the de-occupied part of Donetsk region. Investigative teams work continuously, searching for and interviewing relatives, establishing the history of all the dead,” the statement said.
Ukrainian authorities said Monday that they are exhuming up to 15 bodies a day in formerly occupied areas of Donetsk.
Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that Russian Armed Forces continued high-precision strikes on targets in Ukraine.
“During the day, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continued to strike with long-range high-precision air and sea-based weapons on military command and energy systems of Ukraine, as well as arsenals with foreign-made ammunition and weapons, all designated targets were hit,” Lieutenant-Colonel Igor Konashenkov said during a daily briefing on Tuesday.
The Russian Defense Ministry also said it targeted a Ukrainian space communication center near Odessa.
As Ukraine’s energy infrastructure came under renewed attacks on Tuesday, residents in parts of the capital have been urged to save electricity and water. Since October 10, nearly a third of Ukraine’s power stations have been destroyed, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday.
Here are the latest developments:
Ukrainian power stations take a hit: “Massive blackouts” have taken place across Ukraine as 30% of the country’s power stations have been destroyed in just over a week, according to Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader said there is “no space left for negotiations with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s regime.”
Power outages: At least three Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, are experiencing power interruptions following Moscow’s attacks on critical infrastructure on Tuesday. The mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko, has urged residents to restrict their use of electricity and water after two energy facilities were hit.
Death toll from Kyiv strikes rises: The number of people killed by Russia’s fatal attacks on the Ukrainian capital on Monday has risen to five, according to Klitschko. Separately, at least two people have died in strikes on Kyiv on Tuesday, Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office said.
Partial mobilization in Russia: The Kremlin said it has not set an end date for Putin’s order for increased military conscription — announced in September — despite as many as 40 regions having completed their military draft quota as of Tuesday. The mobilization can only end with a presidential decree, according to government spokesman Dmitry Peskov. As of Friday, some 222,000 troops out of the planned 300,000 Russians had been drafted.
Nord Stream pipelines: Danish authorities said that explosions were the cause of damage to two major gas pipelines between Russia and Europe last month. The pipelines were created to funnel gas from Russia into the European Union, and were controversial long before Russia waged war on Ukraine, largely because of fears around European reliance on Russian energy.
Yeysk fighter jet crash: At least 13 people have died after a Russian SU-34 fighter jet crashed into a residential building in the western city of Yeysk during a training flight Monday, according to Russian state media and authorities.
Smokes rises above Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18.
Reuters
Two people have been killed and one injured in Russia’s attacks on Kyiv on Tuesday, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office.
“According to preliminary data, two people were killed and one was injured,” the prosecutor general’s office said in a statement.
“According to the investigation, on October 18, 2022, the armed forces of the Russian Federation, using means of warfare prohibited by international law, launched a missile attack on an energy supply facility on the left bank of the capital,” the statement added.
A separate series of drone attacks launched by Moscow on Monday killed at least five people in the Ukrainian capital city, including a pregnant woman and an elderly woman, according to local authorities.
Young men walk in front of a billboard promoting contract army service with an image of a serviceman and the slogan reading “Serving Russia is a real job” in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on September 29.
Olga Maltseva/AFP/Getty Images
The Kremlin said it has not set an end date for President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization order, despite as many as 40 regions having fulfilled their military draft quota as of Tuesday.
The Russian Ministry of Defense sets the quota for each region which needs to be completed, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
However, the fulfilment of the quota in these regions does not mean that mobilization is over. It can only end with a presidential decree.
“There have been no such decisions on the end of mobilization,” Peskov said when asked about it, adding that “there can be no question” on surpassing the targeted figure of 300,000 soldiers “under current decree.”
On Monday, Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced the fulfilment of the quota in the Russian capital.
But Russian human rights group Agora said that Sobyanin’s statement does not mean partial mobilization is over.
“As long as the partial mobilization is not completed by the official who announced it, its legality is preserved. That is, you need to wait for the presidential decree,” Russian human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov said on Telegram.
Putin has defended his partial mobilization of Russians that began in September, telling reporters on Friday that it is expected to end in two weeks. Some 222,000 troops out of the planned 300,000 Russians have been drafted so far, he added.
Firefighters work to put out a fire in a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters
Residents in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv have been asked to preserve electricity and water after two critical infrastructure facilities were hit on Tuesday.
“In Kyiv, as a result of rocket attacks by Russian barbarians, two critical infrastructure facilities were damaged. Emergency and rescue services are working on the ground,” the city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said on Telegram.
“Currently, the provision of electricity and water supply services is partially limited in many houses on the left bank of the capital… I appeal to all Kyiv residents to save electricity as much as possible.”
“For residents who have low pressure in the water supply network – save water as much as possible now.”
Work was underway to “stabilize the situation,” Klitschko added.
There were at least three attacks on an energy facility located on the left bank in Kyiv on Tuesday morning, the deputy head of the president’s office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, confirmed earlier.
As many as three Ukrainian cities are experiencing power outages Tuesday as a result of Russian attacks overnight.
Firefighters work to put out a fire in a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters
Thirty percent of Ukraine’s power stations have been destroyed since October 10, according ...
Kanye West Says He Plans To Have Dinner With Donald Trump And Welcome Him Onto Parler And Will Also Sign Up To Truth Social
Kanye West Says He Plans To Have Dinner With Donald Trump And Welcome Him Onto Parler — And Will Also Sign Up To Truth Social https://digitalalabamanews.com/kanye-west-says-he-plans-to-have-dinner-with-donald-trump-and-welcome-him-onto-parler-and-will-also-sign-up-to-truth-social/
Kanye West has planned to have dinner with Donald Trump, he told Bloomberg.
The rapper told Bloomberg he wants to invite Trump onto Parler, the right-wing app he agreed to buy.
Ye also said he will sign up to Trump’s social media app, Truth Social.
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Kanye West said he has organized dinner with former President Donald Trump this week after agreeing to buy social media site Parler, Bloomberg reported on Monday.
West, now known as Ye, said in an interview with Bloomberg he wants to invite Trump onto Parler, the conservative-leaning site which describes itself as a “free speech platform.”
Ye had around 2,800 followers on Parler as of Monday after the announcement about him purchasing the app. It came after the musician was locked out of his Twitter account after posting an antisemitic tweet.
Ye told Bloomberg Parler would be for people who were “bullied by the thought police” and restricted by bigger platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter. He added he was “willing to put everything at risk because they’ve already taken enough from me for differences of opinion.”
Ye also told the publication he would also sign up to Truth Social, the social media platform launched by Trump in February.
The former president was permanently suspended from Facebook and Twitter after the attack on the US Capitol by a mob of his supporters on January 6, 2021. Around 13 months after being kicked off the social media platforms, Trump launched his own: Truth Social.
Since launching this year, Truth Social has struggled to take off. Investors recently walked away from planned commitments of $140 million for Truth Social, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Insider reviewed Parler when it launched, saying it was “conservative ghost town that had been overrun by bots.”
Billionaire Elon Musk, who is in the process of buying Twitter, described Truth Social as a “right-wing echo chamber,” adding that “it might as well be called Trumpet.”
Musk said he had spoken to Ye about the rapper’s antisemitic tweet. Ye told Bloomberg on Monday that Musk didn’t give him advice on whether to acquire Parler or not.
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