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Engineering A New Program Part 2: Georgia Tech In The Modern Era https://digitalalabamanews.com/engineering-a-new-program-part-2-georgia-tech-in-the-modern-era/ This is Part II in Engineering a Program, our series on explaining Georgia Tech’s athletic context to outsiders. If you’d like to read other parts of the series or get a primer on what the series is about, head to its homepage. After a quick history lesson in Part 1, let’s now trace our way from Tech’s split from the SEC in 1964 to the modern era and discuss how Tech’s position has evolved, especially as Atlanta has continued to grow in stature and sprawl. Post-SEC Sporting Outcomes Given that the various changes and controversies surrounding national championship structures in most collegiate sports, the ubiquitous conference title makes for the easiest and most direct semi-modern to modern-day comparison. In the first three decades of the SEC’s existence (starting in 1932), Georgia Tech fielded competitive teams in every sport offered (all of them men’s, as women’s athletics at Tech postdated its departure from the SEC) by the conference at that time, winning at least one conference championship in each of them. Several runs of sustained success — most notably, those of cross country and swimming and diving — were only interrupted by one or more seasons in which the conference championship was not awarded due to wartime measures, and the SEC lacked a golf championship until 1965, the season after Tech departed for the wilds of independence. Georgia Tech Athletics – SEC vs ACC membership Men’s Sport SEC Titles (1932-1964) Seasons ACC Titles (1979/ 1983 [football]-present) Seasons Men’s Sport SEC Titles (1932-1964) Seasons ACC Titles (1979/ 1983 [football]-present) Seasons Baseball 1 1957 9 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2014 Basketball 1 1938 4 1985, 1990, 1993, 2021 Cross Country 10 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1947, 1953, 1954 0 N/A Football 5 1939, 1943, 1944, 1951, 1952 3 1990, 1998, 2009 Track and Field 3 1944, 1945, 1949 0 N/A Swimming and Diving 4 1942, 1948, 1949, 1950 0 N/A Tennis 3 1938, 1946, 1960 0 N/A As the Institute’s current conference affiliation approaches 50 seasons for most sports and while baseball and basketball have seen better fortunes in their stints in the ACC, programs like men’s cross country, track and field, tennis, and swimming and diving have yet to win a conference title, despite combining for 20 in their three decade stint in the SEC. But given recent movement in conference realignment, it is reasonable to wonder if the size of the SEC at the time played a role in the results — IE: did having fewer members make it easier to win a conference title? But interestingly, during Tech’s time in the SEC, it was one of the larger conferences of its time, ranging between 12 and 13 members. Tech’s entrance into the ACC made them the conference’s eighth team, with the admission of Florida State in 1991, Miami and Virginia Tech in 2004, and Boston College in 2005 bringing the conference to 12 before the second-to-last round of conference realignment in 2011. With this in mind, our comparison becomes more even, making clear that the performance of Tech’s men’s sports have been a mixed bag in the ACC era. That being said, it’s not like the ACC era has come without any success. As mentioned previously, baseball and men’s basketball, along with women’s sports like softball and volleyball, have all put together periods of regular postseason appearances and won multiple conference titles, while golf has established itself as the conference’s premier program. For many of these programs, the present and the future in the ACC is and remains bright. However, we must remember which sport drives the bus when it comes to college athletics: the lack of overall consistency, the lack of truly top-to-bottom dominance, and the sporadic local, statewide, or national spotlight on Tech’s crown jewel — the football team — has set the narrative for the entire athletic program, exacerbating Tech’s drift from the center of Atlanta’s sporting psyche to its periphery. Institutional Alignment The logical end for this football-dominated narrative is the broader question of the ideological alignment of the athletic association and other significant campus stakeholders on the importance of collegiate athletics. Certainly, there have been times where this structural agreement between all parties has ebbed and flowed — notably, almost ending one of Tech’s golden eras just before it began. The first major challenge to Tech’s tradition of blending athletic prowess and academic rigor came in 1951, as a vocal movement developed amongst educational leaders to deemphasize athletics at both the University System of Georgia’s schools involved at the highest levels (read: Georgia Tech and the university of Georgia). These critics called for the implementation of several measures aimed to decrease financial costs of sustaining athletic programs in the wake of the implementation of the “two-platoon system” (having different players play offense and defense) and the salacious fallout from various postwar cheating scandals on the court and the gridiron. But this challenge eventually abated, with Tech collecting the 1952 national championship title, along with two other awarded (but unclaimed) national titles in the years that followed. However, in the 1970s, the doldrums of independence, financial doom and gloom, and the evolution of Tech from its roots as a plucky practical local engineering school into a modern research institution in the model of MIT or CalTech set an increasing number of students, administrators, and (in particular) faculty on the path towards a University of Chicago-style full cessation of the athletic program. As the winds of deemphasis swirled through the decade, Tech’s athletic department faced an existential crisis: faced with the possibility of financial ruin, what really was the future of athletics at Georgia Tech? The answer to that came in the form of a blue ribbon panel, which convened athletic directors from Miami, Delaware, and North Carolina (notably, the latter of whom was future Georgia Tech athletic director Homer Rice). This panel made three key recommendations for returning the department to solvency: Athletics should directly solicit alumni for donations. Athletics should levy a student fee to help cover operational costs. Tech should seek conference membership once again, as television and bowl revenues had only grown since Tech departed the SEC. Thus, alumni donors were courted to fund the program much to their chagrin (and the constant ringing of their telephones, as the Alumni Association and the Athletic Association often competed for dollars). A student athletic fee was eventually created, and Tech found a willing conference partner in the Metro (McMath, 1988). However, Tech found the Metro neither financially lucrative nor compelling to fans and general competitive interest, both in part due to the lack of a football association amongst the members, who were smaller, basketball-oriented schools outside of its traditional geographic footprint. The SEC rebuked several Tech attempts at a return, citing both its contentment with its current ten team membership and noting that the institutional memory of both Tech’s arrogance while it had been a member and its controversial departure had not yet and would not soon be forgotten. Without a football partner, Tech was left adrift. “Ivery, Eddie Lee,” Georgia Tech History Digital Portal, accessed October 12, 2022, https://history.library.gatech.edu/items/show/6406. Georgia Tech Archives Then the Atlantic Coast Conference extended an olive branch, offering to make the Institute its eighth member. Not only was Tech perceived to bring the benefit of a consistent top football team to the table — despite being essentially a basketball backwater in the hoops-heavy league, historically inconsistent in baseball, and all but irrelevant since the 1950s in the “country club” or Olympic sports that the conference historically dominated — but it also made the conference the preeminent power in television markets from Washington, DC and Baltimore through to Atlanta and Savannah (or so the league thought). So rather than applying a complete deemphasis of athletics, Tech found itself shifting focus: the football-dominated world of the SEC gave way to a broader base of other sports, especially as Title IX incorporated NCAA-sponsored women’s sports into athletic programming. But this shift didn’t just happen in athletics: in the firm belief of administration and faculty on the Hill, the ACC itself was more academically compelling and compatible with the postwar focus of the Institute as a formidable modern research institution than the SEC had ever been. On the whole, the ACC’s positioning as a collection of holistic academic institutions that simply shared a bond via sports rather than football factories that occasionally provided educations was seen as an acceptable tradeoff, especially considering the call of the late 1960s and early 1970s included calls for Tech to drop to Division III or even close up shop on athletics altogether. Today, concerns of athletic deemphasis are more intangible, more focused on perception than fiscal reality (Tech’s debt situation aside, but we’ll get there soon enough). One could make the argument that the shift to a more holistic athletic program was not only a necessary compromise, but also one that was historically overdue, given the importance of offering women equal opportunity in athletics. While the number of men’s sports at Tech has fluctuated around nine, the addition of eight women’s sports (with softball and volleyball notably excelling in terms of conference titles) offer some evidence that Tech’s move to the ACC broadened and diversified its athletic base. Howeve...

Brooklyn Center Man Admits To Staging Arson With Trump Flag, “BLM” Graffiti https://digitalalabamanews.com/brooklyn-center-man-admits-to-staging-arson-with-trump-flag-blm-graffiti/ 11:34 AM | Wednesday, October 12, 2022 A Brooklyn Center man accused of staging an arson at his home by spray-painting “Biden 2020” and “BLM” on his garage due to his Trump flag has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for filing false insurance claims. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger announced the guilty plea by Denis Molla, 30, on Tuesday. According to court documents, Molla told police that on Sept. 23, 2020 someone had lit his camper on fire and that three unknown males were near his home when he heard an explosion. Molla had stated that his camper was targeted because it had a Trump 2020 flag displayed on it. He also reported this his garage door was vandalized with an Antifa symbol on it, as well as “Biden 2020” and “BLM” for Black Lives Matter. In reality, Molla set his own property on fire and did the vandalism himself. Denis Molla during 2020 interview with CCX News Investigators say Molla later submitted multiple insurance claims seeking coverage for fire damage to his garage, campers, vehicles and home. Molla’s insurance company denied some of those claims, which led Molla to file a written complaint with the company and threaten reporting the insurer to the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, court records showed. Court records show Molla submitted more than $300,000 in fraudulent insurance claims. He received roughly $61,000 from his insurance company, documents showed. Molla also received more than $17,000 from individual donors through GoFundMe, the investigation found. Molla pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date. The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Brooklyn Center Read More…

Lucy Letby Trial: Nurse Killed Baby And Sent Parents Card, Trial Told https://digitalalabamanews.com/lucy-letby-trial-nurse-killed-baby-and-sent-parents-card-trial-told/ Image source, SWNS Image caption, Lucy Letby, 32, of Hereford, denies 22 charges at Manchester Crown Court A nurse accused of murdering babies on a neonatal ward killed a premature baby girl on the fourth attempt before sending her parents a sympathy card, a court has heard. Lucy Letby is charged with murdering seven babies and attempting to murder 10 others at Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016. Manchester Crown Court was told Ms Letby allegedly tried to kill the girl by injecting her with air. Ms Letby, 32, denies 22 charges. Continuing the prosecution’s opening statement for a third day, Nick Johnson KC said the circumstances of the girl’s death were “an extreme example even by the standards of this case”. “There were four separate occasions on which we allege Lucy Letby tried to kill her,” he said. The child, referred to for legal reasons as Child I, was “resilient,” he said, “but ultimately at the fourth attempt, Lucy Letby succeeded in killing her”. He said on the first occasion Ms Letby, of Hereford, had injected Child I with air. On her second attempt, he said she had stood in the doorway of the girl’s darkened room and commented she looked pale. The girl’s designated nurse then turned on the light and saw Child I was not breathing. Following a third alleged attempt to kill her, Child I was again found to have excess air in her stomach, which had affected her breathing. She was transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital where she stabilised, before being taken back to Chester, the court heard. Image caption, Lucy Letby is accused of murdering seven babies and trying to kill 10 others When Child I’s medical alarm went off following a fourth attempt, another nurse found Ms Letby next to the incubator, the jury was told. The baby died that morning. Mr Johnson said: “[Child I] was born very early and very small. “But she survived the first two months of her life and was doing well by the time Lucy Letby got her hands on her. “It was persistent, it was calculated and it was cold-blooded.” The court heard how in the immediate aftermath of Child I’s death her parents were taken to a private room and asked if the baby’s mother wanted to bathe her daughter. As the mother bathed her child, Ms Letby came into the room and, in the words of the mother, she “was smiling and kept going on about how she was present at the baby’s first bath and how much the baby had loved it”. The jury was told Ms Letby later sent a sympathy card to the child’s parents and kept an image of the card on her phone. During a police interview she agreed this was unusual but said it was not often nurses got to know a family as well as they had got to know Child I’s, the court heard. Image source, PA Media Image caption, Lucy Letby worked on the neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital The court was also told how a suspicious doctor walked in on Ms Letby as she allegedly attempted to kill another baby. Dr Ravi Jayaram, a paediatric consultant, had helped deliver Child K, who was born at 25 weeks, and later became aware Ms Letby was alone with the baby. Mr Johnson told the jury: “Feeling uncomfortable with this because he had started to notice the coincidence between the unexplained deaths, serious collapses and the presence of Lucy Letby, Dr Jayaram decided to check on where [Ms Letby] was and how Child K was. “As he walked in he saw Ms Letby standing over Child K’s incubator. “Dr Jayaram could see from the monitor on the wall that Child K’s oxygen saturation level was falling dangerously low, to somewhere in the 80s.” He said an alarm should have been sounding as Child K’s oxygen levels were falling. “We allege she was trying to kill Child K when Dr Jayaram walked in,” Mr Johnson said. Dr Jayaram found Child K’s chest was not moving and asked Ms Letby if anything had happened, to which she replied: “She’s just started deteriorating now.” Mr Johnson said Dr Jayaram found Child K’s breathing tube had been dislodged. The prosecutor said it was possible for this to happen in an active baby, but Child K was very premature and had been sedated. ‘Remarkable recovery’ The jury heard the alarm should have sounded but could be overridden for one minute. Despite his concerns at the time, Dr Jayaram did not make a note of his suspicions, the court heard. Later the same morning Ms Letby was again at Child K’s cot calling for help. She was assisting the baby with her breathing and it was found Child K’s breathing tube had this time slipped too far into her throat, the court heard. Child K was transferred to another hospital later that day but remained unwell and died two days later. Ms Letby is not accused of her murder. Image source, Julia Quenzler/BBC Image caption, Lucy Letby’s trial is continuing for a third day Earlier, Mr Johnson told the court about attempts made on the life of another premature girl, Child H, on two consecutive night shifts. He said that girl had a series of known medical problems but had suffered two inexplicable collapses. He said on the first night, Ms Letby was the girl’s designated nurse and, after she collapsed, she was transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital and underwent a “dramatic improvement”. He said Ms Letby had not been Child H’s designated nurse the following night, after she was returned to Chester. Mr Johnson said: “It is a notable fact in the case of [Child H] and others that as soon as children were removed from the Countess of Chester and the sphere of influence of Lucy Letby, it was often followed by their sudden and remarkable recovery.” He said a week after the baby’s collapses, Ms Letby searched Facebook for the girl’s parents and for the families of two other children she is accused of attacking. The court also heard about Child J, who Ms Letby is accused of trying to murder. She was a premature baby girl who was “doing well and healthy” after a bowel operation. But she suffered two serious problems with her breathing overnight in November 2015 when Ms Letby was one of the six nurses working, the jury was told. She was moved to a high-dependency room and had a seizure at 06:56 GMT. At 07:20 Ms Letby gave the baby a glucose infusion. Minutes later Child J collapsed again with a seizure and had to be resuscitated, with the help of a doctor, but he could not explain why it had happened again, the jury heard. An independent medical expert who reviewed Child J’s case said it was “of concern and consistent with some form of obstruction of her airways, such as smothering”. Again, Ms Letby, made searches on Facebook for the child’s parents. Image caption, Lucy Letby is accused of murdering seven babies and trying to kill 10 others The jury was told of twin baby brothers, Child L and M, who the nurse is charged with attempting to murder in April 2016. By this time, Ms Letby was supposed only to be working day shifts because consultants were concerned about the correlation between her presence and unexpected deaths and life-threatening episodes on the night-shifts. Mr Johnson said the defendant had volunteered to work an extra shift after she noted Child L’s low glucose levels shortly after his birth the previous day. “We say that in effect she saw the opportunity to complete what she had attempted [with Child F],” he said. The prosecution said Ms Letby attacked Child L first by adding insulin to his nutrient feed and then, while that attack was under way, administering air into Child M’s circulation. Child M suffered an unexpected life-threatening event “without warning” and came close to death and his twin’s blood sugar was left dangerously due to the insulin poisoning, the court heard. When Ms Letby’s home in Chester was searched two years later, medical notes were found detailing how many doses of adrenaline were given to Child M during his collapse and a note of his collapse was in her diary. “She denied the notes were a souvenir and she denied deliberately trying to harm [Child M],” Mr Johnson said. The nurse allegedly tried to kill another premature baby, referred to as Child N, who had a blood disorder, on three occasions. Mr Johnson said this meant Ms Letby believed, wrongly, his disorder gave her “cover” to attack him because if he bled it would be put down to the condition. He suffered a sudden life-threatening lowering of his blood oxygen levels but recovered after emergency assistance, the court heard. Independent medical experts said the baby’s sudden deterioration was consistent with some kind of “inflicted injury” or him having received an injection of air. Twelve days later, in June 2016, Ms Letby is alleged to have made two more attempts to murder Child N. Image source, Julia Quenzler/BBC Image caption, Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC said Lucy Letby would search for the parents of the poorly babies on social media The court also heard about Child O and Child P, two boys from a set of triplets. Ms Letby is charged with murdering them both on successive days. Within a few minutes of the nurse coming into the neonatal unit, Child O suffered his first collapse described as a “remarkable deterioration”, the jury was told. A breathing tube was inserted by medical staff and the baby was resuscitated but he suffered another episode later and this time doctors were not able to resuscitate him. A post-mortem examination found unclotted blood in Child O’s body from a liver injury and a coroner certified death on the basis of natural causes and intra-abdominal bleeding. Mr Johnson said: “It would not occur to [the coroner] a nurse would have assaulted a child in the neonatal unit.” He said an independent pathologist had since reviewed the case and was of the opinion the liver injury was not the result of chest compressions in resuscitation. Mr Johnso...

Judge: Trump Must Sit For Deposition In Defamation Lawsuit https://digitalalabamanews.com/judge-trump-must-sit-for-deposition-in-defamation-lawsuit/ FILE – Columnist E. Jean Carroll leaves federal court, Feb. 22, 2022, in New York. A federal appeals court asked a Washington D.C. appeals court Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, to help it decide whether the United States should be substituted for former President Donald Trump as the defendant in a defamation lawsuit brought by Carroll, who says he raped her over a quarter century ago.(AP Photo/Larry Neumeister, File) (Larry Neumeister, Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) NEW YORK – Former President Donald Trump will have to sit for a deposition next week in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s, a judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan rejected a request by Trump’s lawyers that the planned testimony be delayed. The deposition is now scheduled for Oct. 19. The decision came in a lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, a longtime advice columnist for Elle magazine, who says Trump raped her in an upscale Manhattan department store’s dressing room. Trump has denied it. Carroll is scheduled to be deposed Friday. A lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump’s legal team has tried various legal tactics to delay the lawsuit and prevent him from being questioned by Carroll’s attorneys, but Kaplan wrote that it was time to move forward. “The defendant should not be permitted to run the clock out on plaintiff’s attempt to gain a remedy for what allegedly was a serious wrong,” he wrote. Carroll’s lawsuit claims that Trump damaged her reputation in 2019 when he denied raping her. Trump’s legal team has been trying to squash the suit by arguing that the Republican was just doing his job as president when he denied the allegations. That’s a key question because if Trump was acting within the scope of his duties as a federal employee, the U.S. government would become the defendant in the case. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in a split decision last month that Trump was a federal employee when he commented on Carroll’s claims. But asked another court in Washington to decide whether Trump’s public statements occurred during the scope of his employment. Kaplan said Trump has repeatedly tried to delay the collection of evidence in the lawsuit. “Given his conduct so far in this case, Mr. Trump’s position regarding the burdens of discovery is inexcusable,” he wrote. “As this Court previously has observed, Mr. Trump has litigated this case since it began in 2019 with the effect and probably the purpose of delaying it.” Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Read More…

Obituaries In Evansville, IN | Courier Press https://digitalalabamanews.com/obituaries-in-evansville-in-courier-press/ Gilbert Allan “Al” Sartore, M.D., 79, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the Evansville Protestant Home. He was born January 6, 1943 in Evansville to the late Gilbert F. and Mary Louise (Speer) Sartore. Al attended St. Theresa Catholic School and during his eigth grade year, his father passed away unexpectedly. His father’s sudden death had a major impact on the rest of his life. Al graduated from Memorial High School in 1961. He attended Wabash College for one year and graduated from Evansville College. Al attended Indiana University School of Medicine and graduated in 1970. He completed his internship at St. Mary’s Medical Center in 1971. Al worked for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) in Marianna, Arkansas for a year. He provided hands on medical care for the underprivileged in Lee County, Arkansas. This ministry was most fulfilling to Al. He returned to his hometown where he completed a residency in OB/GYN. Afterwards, Al went into family practice with Dr. Ray Nicholson and later was joined by Dr. Mark Meyers. He served in family practice for 39 years. Al worked long, hard hours delivering many babies and caring for patients from birth to old age. He cared for his patients with dedication, they were like his second family. His office staff kept him on his toes and he appreciated all of them. Al cared for the patients and the Sisters at Little Sister’s of the Poor. After retiring from family practice, he continued to complete physicals for patients before surgery. Al believed in physical fitness and stressed the importance of exercise to his patients. He was a good example to his patients, being a physically fit person himself. Al met the love of his life, Jackie Brady in November 1967 and his life changed forever. They married on August 31, 1968 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis. They were blessed with a large family including a son and six daughters. Al was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and he participated in many church activities such as, eucharistic minister, altar server, bingo and cooked fried chicken for the summer socials. Jackie and Al volunteered for St. Vincent DePaul Society and they received the Monsignor Bilski Award in 2013 for their service. Al was an active, loving and devoted father. His dream was for each of his children to become educated and independent. He stressed the importance of hard work, using all of their talents and maintaining a strong faith. Al was passionate about sports. His favorite baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals. His favorite college team was IU but he also cheered for Purdue because his daughter was a student. Al was ecstatic when he was able to watch his children play sports. He also enjoyed horse races. Throughout his life, Al had many jobs at the races, he worked at Ellis Park in the summer and Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby. Al was an avid golfer. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends. Al especially enjoyed the yearly Lead Penny Open played by members of his high school class who were born in 1943, which was the year the penny was made with lead. He lived a life of generosity, tenacity and hard work. His endeavors to help his patients and others in need has made a difference in our world. Al will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jacqueline (Brady) Sartore; son, John Brady Sartore (Julie) of Vienna, VA; daughters, Mary Elizabeth Kumar (Paul) of Evansville, Aimee Johnson (Steve) of Huntsville, AL, Megan Lacer (Jon) of Evansville, Sarah Sartore of Hermosa Beach, CA, Kristin Sartore (Tal Milchan) of Tucson, AZ and Emily Murrell (Rick) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Keagan, Payton, Dalton and Gilbert Kumar, William, Jackie and Max Johnson, Andrew and Jack Sartore, Xavier and Lillian Lacer, Noa Sartore Milchan, Ella and Brady Murrell; sisters, Judy Leidich of New Jersey and Linda Sartore of Evansville; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Jim Stanton of Charleston, SC; and nieces and nephew. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Judy Brady, SSND and in-laws, Bernard and Evelyn Brady. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2022 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Avenue, Evansville with a Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Rd., Evansville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Father Tom Kessler officiating. Burial will be at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society of Holy Rosary or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital-Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. The family would like to express their thanks to the Evansville Protestant Home and Heart to Heart Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com. Posted online on October 12, 2022 Published in The Evansville Courier & Press Read More…

The Best PC Accessory Deals From Amazon’s Fall Prime Day Event https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-best-pc-accessory-deals-from-amazons-fall-prime-day-event/ All of the deals on display during Amazon’s Prime Day Early Access Sale give us a chance to highlight some cool accessories that typically won’t find their way into our regular deals roundups. Yes, we know that we’ve already got a roundup of the best gaming deals of Prime’s Early Access Sale, but this one is explicitly for the best discounts we could find on PC accessories. That means we’re not just looking at mice and keyboards, but we’re diving into motherboards, water coolers, and graphics cards, too. While gaming accessories get all the glory, we’re including plenty of PC accessory deals that are productivity first. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-fast external hard drive or a slick-looking PC case, our roundup of PC accessories has got you covered. Make sure to also check out our collection of the best deals from Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale for the latest discounts. The best Prime Day CPU Cooler deals $139.99 The 360mm MSI MAG CoreLiquid AIO Cooler is compatible with LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets to support the latest generation of processors. The Thermaltake UX100 is a low-profile CPU cooler currently discounted to just $17.99 (normally $19.99). Designed for Mico-ATX builds, the UX100 is compatible with 11th Generation Intel CPUs and AM4 CPUs from AMD. The best Prime Day PC storage deals The massive 2TB model of the SanDisk Extreme Pro originally had a price tag of $509.99 but is currently discounted to $219.99. The ruggedized SSD is designed to withstand falls and has an IP55 waterproof rating. The Extreme Pro is capable of transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/s via a USB-C connection, but it also comes equipped with a USB-A cable, should you need it. $219.99 SanDisk’s Extreme Pro SSD is a portable storage option that’s protected against water, dust, and impacts. It supports USB 3.2, and while it uses USB-C, SanDisk includes a USB Type-A adapter to make it compatible with more devices. The 2TB configuration of the popular Samsung 980 Pro SSD is currently discounted to $189.99 from its usual price of $379.99 — the lowest price yet for the M.2 SSD. The 980 Pro supports transfer speeds of up to 7,000MB/s, letting you quickly bulk transfer files and, in some cases, speed up loading times for games. This model of the 980 Pro doesn’t come with a heatsink though, so don’t try to use it with a PlayStation 5. However, you can also find the 2TB equipped with a heatsink for $209.99 (normally $399.99). $189.99 Samsung’s high-end 980 Pro NVMe M.2 SSD is among the fastest available. It’s PCIe 4.0-ready, so it can achieve fast read / write speeds of 7,000MB/s and 5,000MB/s, respectively. It’ll also work in more prevalent PCIe 3.0 motherboards, but with slightly slower speeds. Another excellent M.2 SSD option, the 1TB configuration of the WD_Black SN770 SSD is currently discounted to $79.99 from its usual price of $129.99 — matching the best price yet for the slim storage device. The SN770 can support transfer speeds of up to 5,150MB/s but doesn’t come packaged with a heatsink. It’s not quite as popular as other SSD models, but the 2TB configuration of the Crucial P5 Plus M.2 SSD is currently on sale for $169.99, down from its usual price of $319.99. It certainly isn’t the fastest SSD on the market, but the advertised 6600MB/s transfer speed makes the Crucial worth checking out if you need some inexpensive storage. Verge Deals on Twitter / Join over 50,000 followers and keep up with the best daily tech deals with @vergedeals Follow us! The best Prime Day RAM deals If your motherboard supports DDR5 RAM and you haven’t upgraded yet, you can currently find a 32GB module of Kingston Fury RGB RAM on sale for $157.99, a modest discount on its usual price of $169.42. This CL40 DDR5 module is rated for speeds of up to 5200MT/s and is compatible with Intel XMP 3.0 overclocking. Amazon is also featuring a discount on a pair of 32GB Kingston Fury DDR5 RAM modules, dropping their combined price from $286.47 to $271.99. These modules aren’t equipped with RGB lighting, but they are rated for speeds of up to 4800MT/s and are compatible with Intel XMP 3.0. The best Prime Day case deals The Thermaltake Core P3 is an open-air ATX case that resembles a piece of brutalist architecture. Normally priced at $159.99, the Core P3 is currently discounted to $134.99 at Amazon. The large case can be mounted vertically or even on a wall if you’re brave and supports radiators up to 360mm in length. If you’re in the market for a white Mini-ITX case, the Cooler Master NR200P case is currently on sale for $99.99 from its usual price of $144.99. Every panel of the NR200P is removable, and the vented side panel can be swapped out with an included tempered glass side panel. The internals of the case are compact but still capable of supporting radiators up to 280mm long. $99.99 The NR200P from Cooler Master is designed for Mini-ITX motherboards, comes with an interchangeable mesh and tempered glass side panel, and supports radiators up to 280mm. One of Cooler Master’s ATX mid-tower cases, the HAF 500, is currently on sale for $132.14 at Amazon, knocking roughly $37 off the original price. The spacious interior of the HAF 500 features numerous options for cable management and support for radiators up to 360mm in either top or front-mounted configurations. The HAF 500 ships with three RGB fans linked to a built-in RGB hub, including two 200mm fans mounted behind the mesh front panel for awesome airflow. The best Prime Day motherboard deals The Asus ROG Strix Z690-E usually costs $469.99 but is currently discounted to $379.99. The ATX board uses an LGA 1700 socket compatible with 12th Generation Intel processors, can support up to four M.2 SSDs, and DDR5 RAM with speeds up to 6400MHz. $379.99 The Asus ROG Strix Z690-E is an ATX motherboard designed for 12th Generation Intel processors using the LGA 1700 socket. Another, less expensive LGA 1700 motherboard, the Asus Tuf Z690-Plus is currently discounted to $229.99 from its usual $259.99. The Tuf Z690-Plus is compatible with 12th Generation Intel CPUs, has enough space for up to four M.2 processors, and supports DDR5 RAM with speeds up to 6000MHz. Power Supply deals $279.99 The 1200W modular power supply from Asus features a 10-year warranty and an 80 Plus Platinum power efficiency rating. The Asus ROG Thor 1200 modular power supply is matching its lowest price yet. Usually priced at $349.99, the 1200W PSU is currently discounted to $279.99. The 80+ Platinum power efficiency rating is accompanied by a 10-year warranty and more than enough juice for even the most demanding setup. The best Prime Day gaming monitor deals You can currently find Pixio’s 32-inch PXC325 curved gaming monitor on sale for $215.99, which knocks $54 off the usual retail price for the budget-friendly gaming monitor. The PXC325 is a 1080p gaming panel that supports refresh rates up to 165Hz and sports a 1ms response time. AMD FreeSync compatibility rounds out the list of features for this inexpensive gaming panel. MSI also has a 27-inch gaming panel on sale. The MSI Optix MAG273R2 is discounted to $194.99 at Amazon (normally $239.99) — its lowest price yet. The 165Hz, FHD panel features a 1ms response time and is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync. The Samsung G9 Odyssey is an absolute lad of a gaming monitor that you can currently pick up at Amazon for $999.99 instead of its usual price of $1,399.99, matching the best price yet for the massive monitor. The 49-inch curved gaming panel is compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-sync for delivering ultra-smooth performance and supports a maximum refresh rate of 240hz. With a maximum resolution of 5120 x 1440, the G9 offers the same screen space as a pair of 27-inch QHD monitors. Read our review. $999.99 The Samsung Odyssey G9 is a gargantuan 48.8-inch PC monitor with 32:9 aspect ratio and fast 240Hz refresh rate. It lacks HDMI 2.1, but it can do the multitasking job of three monitors. LG’s 27-inch QHD gaming monitor is usually priced at $299.99 but is currently discounted to $237.49 — its lowest price yet. The Nvidia G-sync compatible monitor features a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440, a 1ms response time, and a 144hz refresh rate. The packaged stand is height, tilt, and swivel adjustable and supports horizontal or vertical orientation. $237.49 LG’s 27-inch UltraGear gaming monitors are a fantastic value. This particular model features a QHD IPS panel with HDMI and DisplayPort to let you hook up a PC and a gaming console. It also touts a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility. The ViewSonic Elite XG320U is a 32-inch, high refresh rate gaming panel that typically costs $1,009.99 but is currently discounted to $799.99 — the lowest price yet for the AMD FreeSync compatible monitor. Supporting a 4K resolution, the ViewSonic Elite also features a 150hz refresh rate and is compatible with Nvidia Reflex technology to deliver the lowest possible latency. The packaged stand is height, tilt, and swivel adjustable and supports horizontal or vertical orientation. You can also find the Acer Nitro XV272U gaming monitor on sale at Amazon right now for $209.99 (normally $299.99), its best price to date. The 27-inch flat panel supports 1440p resolutions at a maximum refresh rate of 170Hz. Like many other gaming monitors, the XV272U also has a 1ms response time and is AMD FreeSync compatible. The best Prime Day CPU deals As long as you’re not using an integrated graphics card, you may want to check out this discount on Intel’s Core i9-12900KF CPU. Initially selling for $549.97, Amazon has the unlocked 12th-gen CPU on sale for $439.98, roughly $60 cheaper than the 12900K. The 12900KF is a 16-core processor that uses the LGA 1700 socket and is capable of speeds up to 5.2GHz out of t...

Alabama College Announces First Woman To Serve As President In Its 200-Year History https://digitalalabamanews.com/alabama-college-announces-first-woman-to-serve-as-president-in-its-200-year-history/ Mobile-based Spring Hill College will start the next year by establishing a bit of school history. For the first time in the school’s 192-year history, a woman will serve as a president. Mary H. Van Brunt, the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, will become the 39th president of Spring Hill College beginning in January. She was selected following what was described by a college official as an “extensive, national presidential search for the most qualified leader to fulfill and sustain its Jesuit Catholic mission.” “I look forward to connecting with the Spring Hill community and carrying out the centuries-old Jesuit tradition of caring for the intellectual, spiritual, and social growth of our future servant leaders,” Van Brunt said in a statement provided by the college. Spring Hill, founded in 1830, is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the U.S. “The mission coupled with the liberal arts education resonates with me and aligns with my Catholic faith and personal values,” Van Brunt said. Van Brunt replaces E. Joseph Lee II, the current school president who is retiring in December. He began his tenure in August 2018. Jack McKinney, chairman of the Spring Hill College board of trustees, said that Lee led the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic, helped the college develop new and award-winning academic majors and “strengthened community partnerships with the military, local businesses and schools.” Van Brunt arrives to the school with over 20 years of leadership experience in Catholic high education. She has spent over four years in her current position, and nearly 17 years as the Founding Dean of the School of Business, Arts and Media at Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Related content: She was also an awards-winning economics professor who received the NCES/AEFA New Scholar Dissertation Award, the Warren York Fellowship and the Charles R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. Van Brunt has also been inducted into several honor societies including Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, Beta Sigma Gamma Honor Society, and the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Honor Society. She is a published author, consultant, certified business professor, and prior certified management accountant. Van Brunt earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania; a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia; and a PhD in Economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Van Brunt enjoys swimming, kayaking, traveling abroad, and spending time with her six adult children, family and friends. She is relocating to Mobile with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Stella. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

‘A Great Person’: Family Seeks Help With Burial Of Young Man Killed In East Jefferson County Shooting https://digitalalabamanews.com/a-great-person-family-seeks-help-with-burial-of-young-man-killed-in-east-jefferson-county-shooting/ Birmingham Real-Time News Updated: Oct. 12, 2022, 11:15 a.m.| Published: Oct. 12, 2022, 10:59 a.m. Calvin Maurice Chambers (GoFundMe) Family members of a man shot to death last week at an east Jefferson County apartment complex are asking for help with burying their loved one. Calvin Maurice Chambers, 23, was killed Thursday at Charter East Apartments. “Calvin was a great person who loved his friend and family,’’ his mother, Calandra Chambers, said in a GoFundMe created for funeral expenses. Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 4:38 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, to Charter East Apartments, said Lt. Joni Money. When they arrived, they found Chambers had sustained at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators were able to get a description of the suspect vehicle. With help from Flock cameras and the Metro Area Command Center, deputies obtained a location of that vehicle and stopped it after a brief pursuit. Five people initially were taken into custody. William Ayala Torres (Jefferson County Jail) William Ayala Torres, 18, is charged with capital murder in Chambers’ death. Authorities have not released a motive, but said the charge is a capital offense because the fatal shots were fired from within a vehicle. Calandra Chambers said her son was friends with Torres and they were talking when the shooting happened. Calvin Chambers was standing just outside the vehicle. She said her son’s death has been a blow. “He was respectful and helpful. He would help anybody,’ she said. “I’m trying make it but it’s hard. I’m hurt.” Torres was set to make his first court appearance today. He remains held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $107,0000. Of the other four taken into custody, a 20-year-old is charged with felony possession of marijuana, Money said. Two other males and a female were charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Why Republicans Can't Walk Away From Herschel Walker | CNN Politics https://digitalalabamanews.com/why-republicans-cant-walk-away-from-herschel-walker-cnn-politics/ Megan Varner/Getty Images CNN  —  Republicans are standing by Herschel Walker. “I think we’re going to stick with Walker….we’re going take it all the way to the end,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in an interview with CNN that aired Tuesday afternoon. “I think they’re going to hang in there and scrap to the finish.” McConnell’s comments came just hours before The Washington Post reported that “the mother of one of Herschel Walker’s children had to repeatedly press the former football star who is now the Republican Senate nominee in Georgia for funds to pay for a 2009 abortion that she said he wanted her to have, according to the woman and a person she confided in at the time.” That was the latest in a series of allegations swirling around Walker and his past relationships with women. Amid all of this, his son, Christian, a conservative influencer, has spoken out against his father – insisting he was a less-than-ideal parent and that members of his family had urged him not to run for office. The contrast between McConnell’s vote of confidence in Walker and the latest allegation against the Republican Senate nominee in Georgia are striking. But, it speaks to an uncomfortable reality that undergirds Republicans’ continued support for Walker: They badly need to win this seat for the Senate majority, and it’s simply too late now to back away from him and his troubled candidacy. The Senate math is simple. Republicans need to net a single seat to win the majority. But, with Dr. Mehmet Oz trailing in Pennsylvania where Republican Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring and Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly running surprisingly strong against Blake Masters, Republicans are looking at a very narrow window of opportunity to make the gains they needs. A two-seat window, in fact. Nevada, where Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is in a very tight race with Adam Laxalt and, you guessed it, Georgia where Walker continues to run competitively against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. There’s just no other seat that has come on the board for Republicans that could allow them to step away from Walker. New Hampshire was, at the start of the election cycle, widely seen as a potential pickup but popular Gov. Chris Sununu decided not to run and Trump-aligned Don Bolduc emerged as the Republican nominee. While Republican strategists still view Sen. Maggie Hassan as vulnerable, she is clearly in a better spot than many expected her to be even a year ago. In Colorado, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet’s numbers are somewhat soft but a Marist poll released this week showed him leading Republican nominee Joe O’Dea 48% to 41%. Given all of that, what McConnell is engaging in is a bit of realpolitik. He is sticking with Walker not because he buys that all of the allegations against Walker are false or because he thinks Walker is a stellar candidate but because Walker gives him the best chance to win in a state where polling suggests Republicans can still win. That’s it. Don’t overthink it. This isn’t about Walker. Not really. This is about getting McConnell to 51 seats in the Senate – plain and simple. Read More…

Worlds Of Work Career Expo Returns To In-Person Format This Week https://digitalalabamanews.com/worlds-of-work-career-expo-returns-to-in-person-format-this-week/ TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Worlds of Work Career expo is once again set to engage with area ninth-grade students at Shelton State Community College in an effort to showcase industry opportunities in the region. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. The eighth-annual Worlds of Work (WOW) Career Expo will return to an in-person format for the first time since 2019 and plans to welcome over 4,000 students to Shelton State Community College Thursday and Friday. Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch’s new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. “We’re bringing industries and companies all in one place for the next generation – to show them all the opportunities of our region. Sometimes it only takes two days to impact and change a student’s future for the better,” Chamber of Commerce COO and West Alabama Works Executive Director Donny Jones said. “WOW is like no other event we put on throughout the year.” The keynote address will be delivered by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International President & CEO Michael Goebel during a VIP breakfast event at 7:30 a.m. in the Shelton State Community College gymnasium. The VIP breakfast will honor sponsors, industry leaders, education leaders, and elected officials who have supported WOW. Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch’s new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. High school students and parents are also invited to attended WOW Varsity — a free continuation of the expo on Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Shelton State Community College. During WOW Varsity, high school students will be able to speak and engage with industry leaders and prepare for their careers. Prospective attendees can pre-register on the worldsofwork.com website. Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you’re interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The rules of replying: Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated. Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims. Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic. Review the Patch Community Guidelines. Read More…

Faith Academy Coach Jack French Remains Humble After Milestone 300th Win https://digitalalabamanews.com/faith-academy-coach-jack-french-remains-humble-after-milestone-300th-win/ This is an opinion piece. Jack French may be the most modest football coach I’ve ever been around. He consistently gives credit to his assistant coaches, players, family and, especially, his Savior for any success he’s had on the football field and in life. That is why it was so rewarding so see the Faith Academy coach notch his 300th victory two weeks ago against Class 5A, Region 1 rival Vigor. RELATED: AL.com Power 25 rankings RELATED: 5 Week 9 Games to watch in Coastal Alabama “I never thought about 100 (wins), let alone 300,” he said. “I don’t even think I ever thought about 30. We’ve had some good times, and the Lord has blessed me beyond measure. We just trusted Him, and He has taken care of us.” French’s first coaching job came at DeSoto County Academy in Mississippi in 1975. He lost his first two games there before finally getting the first of his now 301 victories. At the time, he said he was just glad to be employed. “I didn’t know what I was going to do before I got that job,” he said. “I had just gotten married and had no means of support. My savings were running out. I was doing work study and making $4 a day. My wife (Karen) was making $1.19 an hour. But it all worked out.” Indeed it did. French won 196 games in 25 years at seven Mississippi schools. His magic touch followed him to Alabama where he has notched 105 victories in 14 years at Baldwin County, Clarke County, Baker and now Faith. His overall record is 301-134-2 in 39 years. “It does mean a lot,” he said of the milestone win. “I’m not going to lie. I know some guys who fell just short, and I thought at the time that I would rather retire with 250 or 260 wins than be close and not make it. From that standpoint, it means a lot. “More than anything, though, what means the most to me is I could tell how much being a part of it meant to our assistant coaches and our players. I think they were as thrilled as I was. I’ve also been blessed to hear from some guys from 10 or 20 years back. One guy on my very first team even called. It’s been humbling.” Though he won multiple state titles in Mississippi, French’s most remarkable coaching likely has come in his last two stops here in Alabama. He took over a bad Baker program in 2011. The Hornets were 27-173 under their last six coaches and hadn’t made the playoffs in two decades. French went 27-15 in four years and took the team to the postseason twice. Same story, different school with Faith. After a brief retirement, French took over the Rams in 2018. Prior to his arrival, Faith had gone 23-66 in AHSAA play and had never made the postseason. Currently in his fifth season, French has guided the team to 42 wins already. The Rams have made the playoffs each year, including a run to the state semifinals – and very nearly to the state championship game – in 2020. We’ve long asked French about the secret to his success. He always has said it is pretty simple. “It’s got nothing to do with Jack French,” he said. “It’s all God. You have to trust Him. Don’t get me wrong. I was nervous sometimes and, as I look back on it, I realize I didn’t have any other career choices. There were no options, so I just had to wait on Him. I thought many times about doing something else, but fortunately God never opened any other doors.” It’s been said that God honors those who honor Him. Jack French is certainly a prime example. Congratulations on 300, coach. Another milestone victory Fairhope coach Tim Carter notched his 150th victory last week when the Pirates beat rival Daphne 26-7. Carter won 14 games at AISA Monroe Academy, 84 at Auburn High and now has 52 wins in eight years at Fairhope. He played for a state championship at Auburn (2013) and has fielded one of the most consistent teams on the Gulf Coast since his arrival at Fairhope. His Pirates team this year is 6-1 heading into Friday’s Region 1 matchup against Alma Bryant. Another Gulf coach is also close to a milestone. Bayside’s Phil Lazenby is 2 wins shy of 200 (198-105 in 26 years). Chasing the overall record UMS-Wright’s win over B.C. Rain last week gave head coach Terry Curtis 343 overall victories in 435 games coached. Curtis is now three wins from tying former Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson as the state’s all-time winningest coach. Anderson won 346 of the 506 games he coached in his long career. Curtis would tie the mark if UMS wins its final three regular season games against Citronelle, Faith Academy and Williamson. He could break it in the first round of the playoffs. Also in the chase for the overall record are Central-Clay County’s Danny Horn and Fyffe’s Paul Benefield. Horn has 337 wins. Benefield has 329. Waldon Tucker retired with 322. Ben Thomas is the high school sportswriter at AL.com. He has been named one of the 50 legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Follow him on twitter at @BenThomasPreps or email him at bthomas@al.com. His weekly column is posted each Wednesday and Friday on AL.com. He can be heard weekly on the Cooper Restaurants “Inside High School Sports” on SportsTalk 99.5 FM in Mobile or on the free IHeart Radio App at 2 p.m. Wednesdays. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Damn The Torpedoes https://digitalalabamanews.com/damn-the-torpedoes/ As he does with most things, State Rep. Chris Pringle put the rampant abuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by state entities very bluntly… One of the rituals of Halloween when I was a child involved my mother staring intently at each piece of candy we received while trick-or-treat… With two kids in college, I’m acutely aware of the price of higher education these days. It often feels like new expenses blindside me just ab… On May 3 of this year, Kenneth Sikes was shot to death by Mobile County Sheriff’s deputies who say he charged at them with a knife. Multiple d… Long, long ago, in a city far, far away, I spent a few years working on Capitol Hill. I never really wanted to be a part of that scene so much… The killing of Otis “OJ” French by a Bay Minette police officer a little over two weeks ago has family members and others in the community dee… We all have our limits. Tonny Kennon’s just might be a bit different than yours or mine.  The mayor of Orange Beach is in a twist about a new … Some backyard thief apparently made his way into my garage in the past few days and made off with a new drill and relatively new leaf blower. … Lately, I’m reminded of the apocryphal story about how Alexander the Great once wept because there were “no more worlds to conquer.” It seems … As we near mid-August, the pulse quickens and the anticipation begins in earnest — football season is nearly upon us.  In our neck of the wood… Late this past Friday afternoon, two intent to subpoena documents were filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court that could — could — go a long … I know the term “environmental group” often elicits the same kinds of feelings in Alabamians that the term “zombie apocalypse” might. Although… I’ve told the story so many times. But on this 20th anniversary of Lagniappe’s first printing, the nostalgia is definitely rushing back.  Ashl… It’s kind of a miracle, I must admit. I’ve been writing this “Damn the Torpedoes” column for 20 years now and it seems like something always p… As a child of the ’80s, I’m inordinately excited about the new “Top Gun: Maverick” summer blockbuster. Why? I’m not getting a cut of ticket sa… If you ask most people what traits they value in our political leaders, I’d imagine words like honesty, integrity, bravery and independence wo… I’m sure most of us have had a maniac in our lives at one point or another. Someone who didn’t realize how amazing and wonderful we are, someo… My son is home from college for the summer and when he’s not working in the pine straw industry, he’s spending time reconnecting with his high… Is it too early to go on the record to say unequivocally that I will not be getting any monkeypox vaccines or wearing a monkeypox mask? Monkey… With this year’s primary elections less than a week away now, I’d like to offer some deep thoughts on what I’ve seen so far. These are just my… If you like to play the game “Wordle” on your phone, the list of possible answers is shrinking. The arena of five-letter words is only so larg… We’re just about three weeks from this year’s primary elections, which means it’s time for debates to help us make up our … What? Wait, you’re… Why do I feel like the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol will soon seem like a warm, safe place compared to Mobile? Because Mayor Sandy Stim… Sitting in my neighbor’s yard yesterday evening, trying to enjoy a delicious mango White Claw (don’t judge me!) the sun was out and the weathe… Hello, I’m Kay James Burdette Blanchard, and I’m running for governor of the great state of Alabama. And I’m just as pleased as a penguin in a… If I look tired you’ll have to excuse me. It’s probably because I jumped out of bed six times last night when that horrible weather alert nois… Read More…

Beltway Beat https://digitalalabamanews.com/beltway-beat/ Talk about public education in Alabama if you want to get conservatives riled up. Be it critical race theory, transgenderism or whatever comes… In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way. The increase in violent crime has been a major issue in Alabama’s largest cities over the past couple of years. The numbers don’t lie. Somethi… Earlier this week, outgoing U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby spoke to the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Before uttering a single syll… One of Alabama’s first economic development projects came in Monroeville during the first half of the 20th century. Mobile’s late Congressman … President Joe Biden’s speech last week triggered many of his critics. In it, he criticized so-called “MAGA Republicans” and categorized those … You have got to give it to him. No one could have seen this playing out, but President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness handout was a low-… State government finds itself in a unique situation for perhaps the first time in its history. With two months to go in the fiscal year, the s… One of the most significant acts at the Alabama Republican Party summer meeting — an event where they sometimes dwell on the insignificant — w… Whether we want it or not, Mobile, at some point in the future, will have the resumption of some kind of Amtrak passenger rail service. Just w… Last week, the political elite and members of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) held their annual confab at The Grand in Fairhope. It is t… One of the signature accomplishments that members of the Alabama Legislature will tell you they had this year was the passage of what they dee… Somewhere in the afterlife, former Alabama Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Worley is stuck on a toilet seat, saying, “At least I’m not a par… Despite the Legislature approving a $1.3 billion prison construction plan and modifications to the state’s sentencing guideline during a speci… For the most part, the 2022 election season ended Tuesday. Yes, technically, it will be officially official after the Nov. 8 general election.… Flawed conventional wisdom from beyond the confines of Alabama suggests our state is so right of center, so ideologically committed that the “… Kay Ivey and Katie Britt exceeded their expectations in the two marquee races on the ballot in the May 23 Republican primary. In the lead-up t… If there was one bright spot for the Alabama Democratic Party last Tuesday — never mind, there was not one. Turnout was abysmal across the sta… Next month will be the seventh anniversary of Donald Trump’s ride down the golden escalator at Trump Tower in New York City to announce his 20… Perhaps the hope is if you build it, they will come. Last November, Gov. Kay Ivey broke ground on what was deemed the historic West Alabama Co… The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which, at the time of the ruling, legalized abortion on deman… Does God still matter? That is not intended to be a provocative question, but a sincere query as we are in the throes of another national elec… The following nominees are finalists in the 2022 Lagniappe Readers’ Choice Awards in MEDIA. Voting will begin on Wednesday, May 4 at NOON on v… It is less than 30 days until voters cast a ballot in what will likely be tallied as the most expensive statewide election in Alabama’s histor… If you said his name a year ago, most in Alabama would not have known who Mike Durant was. That could still very well be the case today. Nonet… “Alabama, you are mean as hell.” “Hold your ground. Don’t let meanness win without a fight.” Those were the profundities espoused by two of Al… Read More…

What Is Vladimir Putin Thinking And Planning? https://digitalalabamanews.com/what-is-vladimir-putin-thinking-and-planning/ Image source, EPA Image caption, President Putin seems to be determined to push ahead despite a series of recent military defeats in Ukraine By Steve Rosenberg Russia Editor, Moscow It’s the question we’ve been asking for months now, even before Russia invaded Ukraine. What is Vladimir Putin thinking and planning? Let me get the disclaimer in early. I have no Kremlin crystal ball. Neither do I have Putin on direct dial. Former US President George W Bush once said he’d looked Vladimir Putin in the eye and “got a sense of his soul”. Look how well that ended for relations between Russia and the West. So, getting inside the mind of the Kremlin leader is a pretty thankless task. But it’s important to try. Perhaps more than ever now, in light of recent nuclear sabre-rattling by Moscow. There’s little doubt that the Russian president is under pressure. His so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine has gone badly wrong for him. It was supposed to last a few days. But we’re nearly eight months in and there’s no end in sight. The Kremlin admits “significant” troop losses; in recent weeks the Russian military has been losing territory in Ukraine which it had previously occupied. To boost troop numbers, last month President Putin declared partial mobilisation, something he’d insisted he wouldn’t do. Meanwhile, sanctions continue to degrade the Russian economy. So, back to Putin’s state of mind. Will he be thinking he got it all wrong, that his decision to invade was a fundamental error? “Putin’s perceptions drive the entire situation in this conflict,” believes Konstantin Remchukov, owner and editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta. “He is the authoritarian leader of a nuclear power. He’s the unchallenged leader in this country. He has some strong beliefs and perceptions which drive him crazy. He’s started to believe that this is existential from the point of view of importance. Not only for him. But for the future of Russia.” If this conflict is existential, how far is President Putin prepared to go to win it? In recent months senior Russian officials (including Putin himself) have been dropping unsubtle hints that the Kremlin leader would be prepared to use nuclear weapons in this conflict. “I don’t think he will,” US President Joe Biden told CNN. “But I think that it’s irresponsible for him to talk about it.” Image source, EPA Image caption, Russian troops were forced to make a humiliating retreat from nearly all of Ukraine’s north-eastern Kharkiv region in September This week’s intense Russian bombardment of Ukraine suggests the Kremlin is, at the very least, determined to escalate things with Kyiv. “He’s trying to avoid direct confrontation with the West, but at the same time he’s prepared for it,” believes veteran liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky. “I fear most the possibility of nuclear conflict. And, on the second place, I fear endless war”. But “endless war” requires endless resources. That’s something Russia doesn’t seem to have. The wave of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities is a dramatic demonstration of force, but how long can Moscow sustain that? “Could you continue this missile flow for days, weeks, months? Many experts doubt that we have enough missiles,” says Mr Remchukov. “Also, from the military point of view, no-one has ever said what would be the sign of ultimate [Russian] victory? What is the symbol of victory? In 1945 it was the banner over Berlin. What is the criteria of success now? [A banner] over Kyiv? Over Kherson? Over Kharkiv? I don’t know. Nobody knows.” It’s not even clear that Vladimir Putin knows. Back in February, the Kremlin’s objective appears to have been the rapid defeat of Ukraine, forcing Russia’s neighbour back into Moscow’s orbit without a prolonged war. He miscalculated. He underestimated the determination of the Ukrainian army and people to defend their land, and seemingly overestimated the capabilities of his own military. What’s he thinking now? Is Vladimir Putin’s current plan to cement control over Ukrainian territory he claims to have annexed and then freeze the conflict? Or is he determined to push on until the whole of Ukraine is back in the Kremlin’s sphere of influence? This week former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev wrote: “The Ukrainian state in its current configuration… will be a constant, direct and clear threat to Russia. I believe the aim of our future actions should be the complete dismantling of Ukraine’s political regime.” If Mr Medvedev’s words reflect President Putin’s thinking, expect a protracted and bloody conflict. Image source, Reuters Image caption, Russia’s military says it wants to mobilise 300,000 reservists – but there appears to be a growing opposition to the move across the country But, inevitably, Mr Putin’s actions abroad are having consequences at home. Over years the Kremlin painstakingly cultivated Putin’s image of “Mr Stability”, encouraging the Russian public to believe that as long as he was in charge they would be safe. “The previous contract between Putin and society was that ‘I protect you’,” says Mr Remchukov. “For many years the main slogan was ‘predictability’. What kind of predictability is there today? The concept is over. Nothing is predictable. My journalists don’t know whether they will receive call-up papers when they get home today.” Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine surprised many. But not Mr Yavlinsky. “I think that [Putin] had been moving in that direction – year by year he was constructing the way to what we have now,” Mr Yavlinsky says. “For example, destroying independent media. He started that in 2001. Destroying independent business. He started that in 2003. Then 2014 and what happened with Crimea and Donbas. You’d have to be blind not to see it. “Russia’s problem is our system. A system was created here that created such a person [as Putin]. The question of the West’s role in creating this system is a very serious one. “The problem is that this system didn’t create a society. There are a lot of very nice people in Russia. But there is no civil society. That’s why Russia can’t resist.” Read More…

Meet AJ Finley: A Husband, The Ultimate Planner And Ole Miss Football's Team Dad – The Dispatch https://digitalalabamanews.com/meet-aj-finley-a-husband-the-ultimate-planner-and-ole-miss-footballs-team-dad-the-dispatch/ OXFORD — To get an idea of just how much of a planner AJ Finley truly is, look no further than his preteen days. Finley, Ole Miss’ senior starting safety the last three seasons, likes to have his routine laid out. Sometimes, it’s set in stone several years in advance. When he was growing up in Mobile, Alabama, Finley — who received his first college scholarship offer his junior year at St. Paul’s Episcopal School — started mapping out his future optimal height and weight statistics back when he was finishing middle school. By the time he was a sophomore or junior in high school, he was going to be 6 feet tall. When he graduated high school, he was going to be 6-foot-2. The fact he was about 5-foot-8 at the time was beside the point: the goal was the goal, and Finley was going to get there one way or the other. Finley — who, for the record, stands 6-foot-3 now — says he doesn’t remember that specific set of goal writing. But his parents Al and Shay certainly do. “Everything that he discussed with us, or he wrote it down, it happened for him,” his mother Shay said. Finley has been a defensive stalwart for the undefeated No. 9 Rebels (6-0, 2-0 SEC), having amassed 214 career tackles and seven interceptions in his career. But just as important as his play on the field is his unofficial role as team dad, a badge he wears quite proudly. You see, whenever a teammate has some sort of problem, whether that be car trouble, handiwork or just needs a nice meal with friends, Finley is the first to offer his assistance. As he spoke to the Daily Journal for this story, Finley noted he was set to help hang a television for true freshman cornerback Davison Igbinosun in the coming days. “Anything. (Teammates) come over to eat sometimes. I’ve helped people put gas in their car,” Finley said. “Like, people run out of gas, I have a gas tank. Hanging TVs, anything. You name it, I’ve probably done it honestly.” Finley married his girlfriend of three years, Ruby Draayer Finley, over the summer. He’s been a member of the Southeastern Conference’s, Chancellor’s and Dean’s honor rolls. His teammates like to lovingly point out the patch of gray he already has in his hair. Finley has always been wise beyond his years, driven to reach success at every level, whatever that entails. Finley tends to fly under the radar — Al always taught him that the spotlight would find him if he did things the right way. But that humility should never be confused with complacency. Finley is on a constant quest to find the best possible version of himself. And, while he’s at it, he’ll help others find their happiness, too. “The thing I am the most proud of is how he treats people. And it doesn’t matter who it is. Fans will come up and are so excited to see him, and he’s always so sweet,” Draayer Finley said. “ … (He’s) always looking for the very best in people and showing those people his best, no matter what.” * * * Given the timeframe of his formative football-viewing days, it’s not a surprise that, despite being raised in Auburn and Alabama territory, Finley grew up infatuated with Oregon. Back when he was eight or nine, the Ducks were the talk of the college football world. Oregon’s on-field success spoke for itself — from 2008 through 2014, the Ducks went 80-14 and played in two national title games. But there was a certain appeal Oregon had at that time, due in no small part to flashy jersey combinations. Every kid in America likely at least thought Oregon looked good. But not everyone took the initiative Finley did. One day, Finley consulted his laptop and began looking at the cost of tuition at Oregon, a good 2,600 miles from home, his mother said. It wasn’t cheap, of course, but he assured his parents it wouldn’t be an issue. He’d figure out a way. “(He said) ‘Mama, you don’t really have to worry about that, because I’m going to get a football scholarship,’” Shay said. “He was like 8 years old.” Finley grew up with baseballs, basketballs and footballs — anything to keep him from “tearing up the house,” Shay noted. Finley had a lot of energy, and the best way to tire him out was to let him be outside. When he was in elementary school, Finley would play with the neighborhood kids, some in middle school and high school. He was significantly better than a lot of them. Shay’s great uncle is MLB Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams, who starred for the Chicago Cubs in the 1960s and 70s. Shay thought baseball might be in AJ’s future — at least, she hoped it might be — but Finley decided at a young age baseball was “too boring.” Al was his son’s first football coach, coaching him from age 4 to 10. The duo won four of six Mobile Youth Football Conference championships, Al says proudly. Finley was a quarterback growing up. But even then, he didn’t rely on athleticism to win; he studied. “I would be sitting here game planning for the week, and even practice prepping for the week, he would be in my hip pocket,” Al said. “So theoretically, by the time we got to practice, I didn’t have to really explain anything to him in terms of what the game plan was.” Finley was largely an offensive player up until his senior season at St. Paul’s. As a junior running back, he rushed for more than 1,200 yards. He didn’t move to defense full time until his senior season, when it became a position of need. But, as always, he soaked things up like a sponge. Finley was high school teammates with Jalyn Armour-Davis, the former Alabama cornerback who was a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. The Saints needed another defensive back. So Armour-Davis gave Finley a crash course in defense the spring before he departed for Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Finley responded by intercepting six passes his senior season en route to helping St. Paul’s win its third straight Alabama Class 5A state title. “I feel like that’s always been me. I’ve always been dedicated. I don’t know where it came from, what happened with me, why it clicked so young,” Finley said. “But I’ve always been a preparation type of guy. I take that stuff very serious.” Finley could have gone to Tennessee, Duke or Wake Forest, among others. At the time, Ole Miss was still coming off sanctions and had just endured a 5-7 season. But something about Oxford just felt right for Finley. That, and he knew he had the chance to see the field early. Finley also looked at the Rebels’ recruiting class that year — Jerrion Ealy, Jonathan Mingo, Sam Williams, John Rhys Plumlee, Snoop Conner, Dontario Drummond, Nick Broeker and others — and knew that, by the time he was done at Ole Miss, the Rebels were going to be a force to be reckoned with. “I knew the turnaround for this team was going to be spectacular, no matter what,” Finley said. * * * Al himself was quite the athlete back in the day, though he’s willing to admit his son got the better end of the deal. Al played running back and then linebacker his senior year of high school in Alabama. In retrospect, Al will tell you he did not work as hard as he could have or should have given his ability. If teammates were going to go drink a few beers, he “was the first one in the car,” Al said. He didn’t take practice seriously and didn’t heed advice his coaches tried to give him. He didn’t put in extra time in the weight room. He was the last one in and the first one out. Because of that, coaches didn’t have the best perception of Al, despite his talent. Having grown up in a largely single-parent household, Al said he didn’t always have a father figure around to steer him in the right direction. Al had college programs interested in his services, he said, but it never amounted to anything because he wasn’t willing to put the necessary work in. He ended up joining the military after high school. Al can talk about all of this now, years after the fact. But it’s something that stuck with him. “I had established, unfortunately, a reputation with my coaches — some of them, anyway — that I didn’t care,” Al said. “… When I say squandered opportunities, I take full responsibility for not utilizing and capitalizing on the opportunities that I had.” From Day 1, Al was determined to push AJ to be the best version of himself and, in the process, for him to be better than he was. His son was going to make the most of every opportunity he had. St. Paul’s is on the higher end of private school tuition, but it was worth every cent for AJ to get the best possible education to be prepared for college and beyond. AJ was not going to make the same choices his father made. His son was going to reach for the stars and climb beyond them. “I always challenged him and told him, ‘You’re going to be better than me. You’re going to do better than I did. You’re going to make better decisions, because I’m going to show you how to do it,” Al said. “Now it’s up to you to do it.” Finley knows his father’s story. It’s not something he thought a lot about growing up. He also didn’t look at it as his dad making sure his son was better than him; he thought of it more as his father wanting him to utilize everything at his disposal. As Draayer Finley says, if Finley puts his mind to it, it almost certainly will get done. But after talking it out, Finley — who, to this day, still shows up to everything 45 minutes to an hour early, according to Draayer Finley — had a moment of clarity. “I just know he wanted me to be very successful in life,” Finley said before continuing. “… He did say he wanted me to do more than him. I guess that is what he meant.” * * * Late last season, sophomore safety Tysheem Johnson had a shoulder injury that hindered him from driving. He could drive with his left hand, he said, but it wasn’t optimal. Al, Shay and AJ were out one night ...

New Evidence To Show Trump Was Warned Of Violence On Jan. 6 https://digitalalabamanews.com/new-evidence-to-show-trump-was-warned-of-violence-on-jan-6-2/ The probably final public hearing of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol is expected to highlight newly obtained Secret Service records showing how President Donald Trump was repeatedly alerted to brewing violence that day, and he still sought to stoke the conflict, according to three people briefed on the records. The committee plans to share in Thursday’s hearing new video footage and internal Secret Service emails that appear to corroborate parts of the most startling inside accounts of that day, said the people briefed, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal records. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified in June that Trump was briefed on Jan. 6 that some of his supporters were armed for battle, demanded they be allowed into his rally and insisted he wanted to lead them on their march to the Capitol. Surveillance footage the committee plans to share was taken near the Ellipse that morning before Trump’s speech and shows throngs of his supporters clustered just outside the corralled area for his “Stop the Steal” rally. Secret Service officers screened those entering who sought to get closer to the stage. Law enforcement officials who were monitoring video that morning spotted Trump supporters with plastic shields, bulletproof vests and other paramilitary gear, and some in the Secret Service concluded they stayed outside the rally area to avoid having their weapons confiscated, according to people familiar with the new records. Other internal emails likely to be revealed at the hearing further buttress accounts about staff members warning Trump about the risk and then the reality of violence that day, as he continued to press nervous Secret Service agents to take him to the Capitol to join his supporters marching there, the three people said. After being alerted to violence erupting at the Capitol when he returned to the White House, Trump tweeted criticism of Vice President Mike Pence for not blocking the certification of the election, whipping up supporters who had already trampled over security barricades and were battling police to break into the halls of Congress. On July 21 the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack outlined a detailed account of President Trump’s defiant inaction during the riot. (Video: Adriana Usero/The Washington Post, Photo: Tom Brenner/The Washington Post) The newly obtained Secret Service records are just part of a larger hearing in which the committee hopes to summarize and remind the American public of all the ways Trump is said to have played a central role in fomenting a violent insurrection at the Capitol, one of the most brutal attacks on democracy in U.S. history, according to multiple people briefed on the evidence and committee plan. While the committee’s previous hearings took center stage over several weeks this summer, the committee is trying to revive interest in its probe and deliver what it has privately called its “closing arguments” about past and ongoing threats to democracy as voters prepare to cast ballots next month in the midterm elections. The hearing aims to highlight new evidence gathered by investigators that corroborates the committee’s key findings about Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to the people briefed: that he sought to rile up his supporters to help block the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory; used his bully pulpit to encourage a fiery showdown at the Capitol; and then refused to budge to help rescue thousands of lawmakers, staff members and police officers on Capitol Hill who were either fleeing or fighting for their lives that afternoon. It’s unclear, however, if the new material will shed any light on a particularly dramatic part of Hutchinson’s testimony, in which she recounted a senior Secret Service official telling her that Trump had erupted in anger and lunged at the lead security agent in his motorcade when told he could not go to the Capitol. Email shows question over Trump’s plans One email the committee has obtained highlights the level of alarm inside Secret Service headquarters on Jan. 6 about the possibility that Trump would get his wish to head to the Capitol — and join a melee in progress. By 1 p.m. Eastern time that day, according to police testimony, hand-to-hand combat between protesters and officers was breaking out on the steps and platforms immediately outside the Capitol. The Secret Service had just then offered to send reinforcements to help an overwhelmed U.S. Capitol Police force, according to texts and testimony from then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund. The new correspondence obtained by the committee shows that while Trump was still speaking to his supporters and announcing he was going to the Capitol, Secret Service personnel in charge of transportation and field operations scrambled to try to secure a safe motorcade route for the president and his entourage, two people briefed on the records said. The Secret Service staff members sought D.C. police help to block intersections. But with tens of thousands of protesters in downtown Washington, and D.C. police being dispatched to help Capitol Police with protesters breaking through barricades, D.C. police declined the Secret Service’s request. About 1:10 p.m., Trump had left the Ellipse in his motorcade after finishing his speech and demanded to go to the Capitol. Trump’s detail leader, Bobby Engel, riding with Trump in his sport utility vehicle, told an enraged Trump that they were heading back to the White House and it was not safe to take him to the Capitol, The Washington Post previously reported. “We don’t have the assets,” Engel told Trump of the inability to secure safe passage for his motorcade, according to a Secret Service official briefed on Engel’s account. By about 1:20 p.m., Trump was back at the White House. One of the committee’s newly obtained documents shows that sometime between 1:30 and 2 p.m., a senior Secret Service supervisor for protective operations emailed Engel with an urgent update and seeking to know if Trump’s plan to go to the Capitol was successfully quashed. It came after a tumultuous hour for the Secret Service detail, which had effectively ignored a command from the president. Even with Trump back at the White House, Secret Service headquarters wanted to be sure the president was staying put. The supervisor, Ronald L. Rowe, warned Engel that the situation was rapidly devolving at the Capitol and sought Engel’s confirmation he was not considering taking Trump there, according to a senior law enforcement official familiar with the records turned over to the committee. Rowe urged Engel to call him. Rowe declined to comment, but Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Rowe’s email reflected the larger agency’s position: Trump’s idea of going to the Capitol was a non-starter. In other internal emails, agents relayed reports that Trump was angry about being told he couldn’t go to the Capitol. Some of the information, the people briefed said, calls into question the previous testimony of Engel and Anthony Ornato, then a Secret Service leader who was serving in an unprecedented political role of White House deputy chief of staff. Both men told the committee in closed-door depositions that they could not recall certain events relayed by other witnesses, including Trump’s demand that the Secret Service let armed people into his rally. After Hutchinson testified that Ornato told her that Trump had lunged at Engel inside the sport utility vehicle they were traveling in, anonymous Secret Service sources said that Engel and Ornato disputed any altercation occurred and were prepared to say so under oath. The committee has not yet re-interviewed the two men, as lawmakers sifted through the additional trove of Secret Service records. Ornato and Engel, through a Secret Service spokesman, declined to comment. How the committee got the documents The vast trove of records turned over to the Jan. 6 committee is the result of an ironic twist of events, according to the people briefed on the documents. The same Secret Service that permanently deleted agents’ texts from Jan. 6 and the surrounding days amid congressional requests last year has now provided to the committee this large volume of internal communications from the same time period. Voluntarily, the agency has turned over every record it kept of logistical planning, security concerns and private discussions related to the scheduled protests and president’s movements. This extensive sharing of records — more than 1 million pages’ worth and many which the committee did not specifically request — followed a period when the Secret Service came under fire for executing an agencywide destruction of all texts exchanged from agents phones in that key period. Federal regulations mandate the preservation of government records, and the Secret Service’s deletion of these records prompted a federal investigation into the failure to do so. The texts were wiped from agents’ phones as part of a Secret Service-wide update of employees phones that began in January 2021. Secret Service officials have said the mass deletion of reams of potential evidence was unintentional, and the agency’s telephone provider has concluded those texts are now impossible to recover. The committee had considered sharing a portion of its videotaped interview with Ornato at a previous hearing and it’s unclear if lawmakers will do so Thursday. In one portion of his interview, according to two people briefed on his account, Ornato described briefing White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows the afternoon of Jan. 6 about detailed reports of violence breaking out at the Capitol, as well as police officers being transported...

GOP Eyes Trump Midterm Spending With Relief, Concern https://digitalalabamanews.com/gop-eyes-trump-midterm-spending-with-relief-concern/ (NEXSTAR) — Republicans are breathing a little easier after former President Donald Trump opened the financial spigot and began spending on behalf of GOP Senate candidates involved in tight battles that could determine which party controls the upper chamber. As of Monday, the Trump-sanctioned super PAC MAGA Inc., which the former president’s allies formed in late September, had poured $5 million into five competitive states with ads focusing on key Senate and gubernatorial races.  The financial foray came after weeks of criticism from corners of the party that, outside his trademark rallies, Trump wasn’t doing enough to support the very Republican candidates he had propelled to primary wins in crucial battlegrounds. “Any money to send Republicans is helpful. It’s smart politics for Trump. He wants to help the team. It’s a win for everybody,” one GOP strategist involved in the midterms told The Hill. “I think every one of these races is close. … It’s helpful. The more money spent attacking Democrats, the better. It helps him to look like a team player.” According to AdImpact, an advertisement tracking firm, MAGA Inc. has dropped money into Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada — all of which are hosting some of the tightest Senate races of the cycle. A second GOP operative told The Hill that they expect the former president’s newly minted group to spend in one or two more states.  As of the end of July, Trump’s Save America PAC had raised $135 million since he left office and spent $36 million of that total, leaving him with $99.1 million in the bank that Republicans clamored for him to spend ahead of next month’s elections.  In an interview last week, shortly before Trump’s spending began, former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) told The Hill that it was “disappointing” to see that the former president had not stepped in to deliver monetary help to Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania and other GOP Senate candidates he had endorsed. Santorum added the message Trump had been signaling to those campaigns was, “You’re on your own.”  Now, however, Republicans believe Trump’s decision was not just good for the campaigns, but also for him personally as he continues to tease a 2024 presidential run. “It is wise and super important that he engaged in some of these races. There was a fair criticism going around if he were to not spend,” the second operative said. “Certainly, any place he spends, he’s going to talk about it for months to months on end.” There are still concerns surrounding the timing of Trump’s spending.  The late ad reservations coupled with the rate outside groups usually secure mean he is not getting the bang for his buck that he could have gotten if he made the move earlier.  They also come as Democratic nominees across the country are breaking fundraising records. As a third GOP strategist noted, candidate dollars go roughly 30 percent further than those spent at this point by a third-party group. “It doesn’t have the same impact,” said the strategist, who is involved in races on the midterm map. “The support is helpful. Making it about candidates, not Trump, is important. This is about electing Blake Masters. This is about electing Adam Laxalt. This is about electing Mehmet Oz. … This is about them and their races, and it’s not about Donald Trump.” “The rising tide lifts all boats and if Trump helps them across the finish line, this is helpful to Donald Trump,” the strategist continued. Republicans are also waiting to see whether the former president’s spending will extend to the House map. Thus far, the ads released in all five states are focused on Senate contests, with only one focusing any attention on a gubernatorial race — for Arizona Republican nominee Kari Lake.  Some strategists believe Trump’s financial might would go farther if targeted in key districts that feature Democratic incumbents in toss-up races.  If Republicans keep hold of the seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Toomey (R) in Pennsylvania, they just need one seat to retake the majority. On the House side, Democrats hold a four-seat majority, but the GOP holds the edge to retake the chamber, according to the Cook Political Report.  The second operative said that it would be a “surprise” if the PAC makes a House investment at this point. A Trump spokesman did not respond to a request for comment over whether they plan to engage in House contests. “We’re looking at a situation in the House where months ago, we were talking about a red wave and 235 to 240 seats. Now we’re talking about 223 to 227. Trump’s help could get that to 230, maybe,” the third strategist said, noting that Trump’s spending now is taking place in expensive cities such as Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix and Las Vegas.  The strategist used Republican Zach Nunn’s battle against Rep. Cindy Axne (D-Iowa) as a prime example, as spending would center on the Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., markets, where Trump’s dollars would have a “real, real impact.” The strategist said they do not have a client running in the district.  “Nobody is spending serious money in those markets. You could help flip those seats for a lot smaller of a financial impact,” the strategist said. Read More…

McConnell Says He Has Votes To Serve As Majority Leader, Despite Trump Attacks  https://digitalalabamanews.com/mcconnell-says-he-has-votes-to-serve-as-majority-leader-despite-trump-attacks/ Greg Nash Minority Leader Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) arrives for a press conference after the weekly policy luncheon on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) says he has the votes to serve as majority leader if Republicans capture control of the Senate, despite weathering nearly two years of personal attacks from former President Trump.   Trump has repeatedly called on Senate Republicans to replace McConnell as leader but he hasn’t gotten any traction in the Senate GOP conference.   “I have the votes,” McConnell told CNN in an interview, slamming the door on any speculation that an influx of Trump-aligned freshman senators could shake up the Senate GOP leadership structure.   Republican senators say that no one in their conference has made a move to explore support for a possible challenge to McConnell.   The top members of McConnell’s leadership team — Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), GOP Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) — have stayed unswervingly loyal to McConnell, knowing that he retains a firm grip on power.   McConnell has augmented his influence both among Senate GOP colleagues and candidates running in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Colorado through tens of millions of dollars in spending by an affiliated super PAC, Senate Leadership Fund.   The Senate Leadership Fund has spent $52 million on television ads in the past two weeks, according to AdImpact, an ad-tracking firm.   Trump’s PAC, Save America, has contributed only about $8.4 million to Republican candidates and committees, according to The Washington Post. A huge chunk of its budget has been consumed by legal fees.   Still, that hasn’t stopped Trump for criticizing McConnell on Monday for not steering more money into the Arizona Senate race, where Trump-allied candidate Blake Masters trails incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) in the polls.   Trump specifically criticized the Senate Leadership Fund for supporting moderate Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) in Alaska over Trump-backed Kelly Tshibaka, who is waging a challenge from the right.   Trump most recently called for McConnell to be ousted from his job in August.   “Mitch McConnell is not an Opposition Leader, he is a pawn for the Democrats to get whatever they want,” Trump said in a statement. “He is afraid of them, and will not do what has to be done. A new Republican Leader in the Senate should be picked immediately!”  McConnell has not spoken to Trump since mid-December 2020 and denounced him on the Senate floor in February of last year for instigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.   Read More…

Smoke 'em If You Got 'em: Inside The Tennessee-Alabama Cigar Rivalry https://digitalalabamanews.com/smoke-em-if-you-got-em-inside-the-tennessee-alabama-cigar-rivalry/ Dave Watson knew it could be a special year, so he needed a special deal for customers. Watson owns Smoky’s Tobacco, a Knoxville institution since 1983. Like most cigar shops in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville, business has increased for the Third Saturday in October. Alabama plays Tennessee in a football game this Saturday, triggering the annual migration to Smoky’s about 9 miles from campus. Watson, himself a Tennessee alum, has pushed the Rocky Patel San Andreas this week. A medium to full-strength blend, the Patel tastes of peppery spice, cedar notes, and a hint of nostalgia. They were rolled with an orange wrapping in 2006, the last time the Vols beat the Tide. Not many anticipated a top-six battle this fall between the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers. While Alabama is favored by 7.5-points, Tennessee is in a resurgence under second-year Josh Heupel and an offense Nick Saban called one of the best in the conference. The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, is dealing with an injured starting quarterback. Tennessee, which also just completed a $288 million dollar stadium renovation, is having a moment. And so are stores like Smoky’s. “Honestly, we’re more excited about it because of the prospects of the game,” Smoky’s employee Josh Manis chuckled. “In years past there wasn’t a lot of hope.” A successful program means happy customers who then require celebratory cigars. Multiple stores told AL.com that the day after Tennessee beat LSU, people were already coming in “just in case,” and spending double what they usually would. For some owners, pandemic-related supply chain issues have created a “Catch-22.” Shelves aren’t empty, but Heupel and quarterback Hendon Hooker certainly appear to be trying to clear them. For good reason. The Tide reinvigorated the 60-year-old tradition — reportedly started by Jim Goostree, a trainer for Bear Bryant — in 2005. Cigars became the standard in 2007, and for the last 15 meetings, only those wearing crimson have gotten to partake. While some in Alabama can bank on one of their best weeks of the year, some in Tennessee had to watch a generation grow up without it. Tuscaloosa-based R&R opened five years into the Tide’s run in 2012. The rivalry mattered, co-owner Reagan Starner said, but before R&R, there was no designated cigar shop in the city. Now operating out of their “Cigar Mansion”, Starner and his family have been featured on ESPN and other national media outlets. A bartender from Nashville’s Smokers Abbey is rooting for Tennessee not just because he doesn’t like Alabama, but because a win will get customers to move a tier from the average $9 purchase to selections in the $20-30 range. In a Chattanooga business office, watercooler recaps about the Vols’ last game against LSU turned more serious on Monday. Is this the year? And if so, where do we go looking for a smoke? On Reddit, threads were started on r/rockytop asking for recommendations, one user joked that he asked his friend, an Alabama fan. More Tide-Vols: What Alabama expects from Tennessee ‘Orange Out’ crowd as ticket prices soar Alabama-Tennessee rivalry connections include coaches, players who swapped sides “It affects us greatly,” Mike Hicks, 22-year owner of Knoxville’s Blue Smoke Cigar, said. “A good season like this season, the couple days leading up to whether it’s a home game or an away game, we can sell twice the number of cigars.” The hype has stretched across the state. Hicks, who’s recognized regulars coming in and purchasing pricer options, said excitement is at a level unmatched for a decade when Jonathan Crompton nearly upset Greg McElroy and then-No. 2 Alabama in 2009. The cloud of smoke hanging over Bryant-Denny Stadium in the fourth quarter of Alabama’s 52-24 win over Tennessee as seen from the press box.Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com On Monday, a customer walked into Nashville’s Belle Meade looking for something a “little special.” Co-owner Jeff Watson, who’s operated Belle for 18 years, loaded him with a trio of Montecristos. He figured if the Vols lose, the fan would save them for the Georgia game on Nov. 5. For the last seven years, Starner has provided Alabama players with their postgame routine. The Starner-blended Casa de las Estrellas is available for fans to purchase. Starner concocted the cigar to honor his family and, potentially, be photographed in the hands of Alabama stars like Derrick Henry in 2015. Birmingham-chain Vitola launched a Tuscaloosa location in 2019 and has relied on younger consumers, a manager said, some of whom just want stogies for Instagram photos. Manis, 37, comes from a family of Volunteers fans. The rivalry has brought the same cycle of hope, preparation and disappointment for the last 15 years. But, as he’s heard at Smoky’s over the last couple of days, this season may be different. Anticipation roared through Rocky Top, leading Manis to dedicate some time to his humidor on Tuesday night. He’s narrowed his victory smoke down to about three or four options, a Plasencia and a Padrón may be in the lead. Is Manis going to be in Neyland Stadium for kickoff? Well, no. Earlier this year, he booked a trip to Las Vegas for this weekend. He figured his Vols would have two or three losses by now. “Whenever you think they’re vulnerable, (Alabama) will strike with a vengeance,” Manis said, “We’re hopeful and optimistic. Cautiously optimistic.” Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com. 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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LIVE: 125 Of The Best Deals To Score During Amazon's Prime Day October Sale Before It Ends Tonight https://digitalalabamanews.com/live-125-of-the-best-deals-to-score-during-amazons-prime-day-october-sale-before-it-ends-tonight/ Live Updates Updated 2022-10-12T14:52:27Z Amazon; Alyssa Powell/Insider Latest Updated 2022-10-12T14:52:27Z Isntree Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50+ Sun Stick Amazon This is the “sunscreen holy grail” recommended by TikTok skincare aficionados. Its formula is thin, hydrating, and easy to swipe on, even over your makeup. It rarely dips below its retail price, so don’t miss out on this chance to save $9 on your own stick. Joomra Pillow Slippers Amazon Pillow slides are super thick and squishy but still offer a decent amount of support. There are a ton of brands to try on the market, but these ones are on sale for only $24 — a worthwhile price. Reidea Electronic Candle Lighter Amazon This convenient candle lighter is small, easy to store, and a perfect tool for anyone who hates matches or open flames. Down to $10, this is a rare chance to save on this neat and handy device. Mirari OK to Wake! Alarm Clock and Night Light Amazon This adorable alarm clock serves as a learning tool for young kids who get out of bed too early by using a green light to indicate when it’s okay to wake up the family. It also includes a handy nap timer and alarm clock with a snooze function. Down to $23, this is an excellent deal for a valuable learning tool. Mighty Patch Original Amazon Though not the biggest discount, this drop to $18 is worth taking advantage of, since the Mighty Patch almost never sees discounts. Portable and simple to use, these patches treat acne gently and without drying out your skin. Logitech G604 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse Amazon Complete with 15 programmable buttons and an ergonomic design, the Logitech G604 is designed to help you game better. It sees discounts regularly throughout the year, but $45 is an especially great price drop during Amazon’s Prime Early Access Event. Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle Set Amazon Kids can let it rip with this all-inclusive battle set complete with two tops, two launchers, and a plastic stadium to battle in. It’s now more affordable than ever at only $27, a rare drop and new all-time low. Laneige Radian-C Cream Amazon This vitamin C and E-packed daily moisturizer brightens your skin and reduces dark spots to give you a more even skin tone. It’s $10.50 off for Prime Day. Hoover ONEPWR Blade MAX Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Amazon The Hoover ONEPWR series is a powerful, convenient way for cleaning up a variety of messes. The Blade Max Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner comes with everything you need to keep your house tidy, even if you have several pets. Right now, it’s at an all-time low price. 2021 Apple TV 4K (32GB) Apple The Apple TV 4K is a good fit for buyers who want easy integration with the rest of Apple’s products, and the latest model features an improved remote and processor. At $110, it’s the best time to pick up the 2021 Apple TV 4K — it’s the best price we’ve seen to date.  Melissa & Doug Food Groups Amazon This sturdy wooden play set makes colorful fun of learning about a well-balanced meal. It includes 21 wooden pieces and four wooden crates that kids can play with. Back down to $12, this deal matches the previous all-time low we’ve seen for it. Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse Amazon Matching the previous best price we’ve seen for it, the Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse is back down to $20. Compact with a USB unifying receiver, this mouse is a solid investment for laptop users who want to break free from their trackpads. Philips Essential Airfryer XL 2.65lb Amazon Philips is one of our favorite brands for air fryers and right now you can get this one for 28% off. And if you’re looking for a multi-functional machine, then this could be it. It not only air fries, it also grills, roasts, bakes, and reheats. Plus all removable parts are dishwasher safe, making clean up quick and easy. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider Sony’s WH-1000XM5 are the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones you can buy at this price point. Now you can save over $50 on your own pair in a rare deal from Amazon. Levoit LV-H126 Air Purifier for Bedroom, Home Amazon Typically around $60, this compact little Levoit air purifier is at one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for just $41.99. That’s 30% off the usual price. CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack Amazon This 50-ounce, ultralight hydration pack sees discounts regularly, but $43 is a new all-time low. It features an ergonomic handle, on/off lever, and reflective material for runs in the dark. Jabra Elite 7 Pro Amazon The Jabra Elite 7 Pro are the latest high-end wireless noise cancelling earbuds from Jabra that come with improve...

Does Auburn’s Offense Have An Identity Crisis At Season’s Halfway Point? https://digitalalabamanews.com/does-auburns-offense-have-an-identity-crisis-at-seasons-halfway-point/ Auburn’s offense is in the middle of an identity crisis. The Tigers entered the season wanting to build out their offense from a strong run game, centered on preseason All-SEC running back Tank Bigsby, but that ground game has struggled to get going midway through the season. The passing attack, meanwhile, has been sporadic — while also dealing with an injury to season-opening starting quarterback T.J. Finley, as well as injuries across the offensive line. The results have not been pretty, and they’ve left second-year coach Bryan Harsin searching for answers, and for hope as his team embarks on the second half of its schedule this weekend with a trip to Oxford, Miss., to take on No. 9 Ole Miss (11 a.m. on ESPN). Read more Auburn football: Auburn’s poor run-blocking has Tank Bigsby mired in mediocrity The pressing issue Auburn’s offense must resolve against Ole Miss Goodman: Bryan Harsin proving Doug Barfield wasn’t so bad “I think the identity right now, we want to be balanced,” Harsin said Monday. “We want to run the ball, throw the ball. We want the play-action off some of the run game. We want to be able to get out on the perimeter and still be firm and be able to run downhill, inside the tackles, and really try to be balanced as much as we can. Utilize our personnel. “So, that hasn’t changed. Have we been very good at that at this point? Are we where we want to be right now? We’re not. But that’s what our identity is.” Through the first half of the season, Auburn ranks last in the SEC and toward the bottom of FBS in several offensive categories: scoring (20.3 points per game), third-down conversion rate (32.9 percent), passing efficiency (113.77), completion rate (55.2 percent), passing touchdowns (five) and total touchdowns (15). The Tigers are also 13th in the SEC in yards per play (5.56, just ahead of Missouri’s 5.52), 11th in passing offense (218.8 yards per game), 10th in yards per pass attempt (7.3), 10th in rushing offense (148.3 yards per game) and 13th in yards per carry (4.12). Auburn has had to adjust its offense in recent weeks following the shoulder injury Finley sustained against Penn State, tailoring the gameplan to better suit the skillset of Robby Ashford. It has also had to navigate injuries along the offensive line — first losing starting center Nick Brahms before the start of the season, then losing his replacement, Tate Johnson, to an elbow injury; Alec Jackson and Austin Troxell also both sustained injuries during Auburn’s loss to Georgia. “Injuries happen, unfortunately,” Harsin said. “Again, that’s where your depth comes in. You want to have really good depth. That’s why you’re building your team every year. Most of the time, you’re losing a quarter of your team, you’re bringing a quarter of it in, right? In the middle is where your depth is at—your starters and maybe some of your young guys. So, your backups have got to be ready to play. They’ve got to execute the gameplan. “You can’t really pull back in the middle of a game. You’ve got to keep pushing forward.” Auburn hasn’t helped its own cause offensively, with negative plays (36 tackles for loss, 13 sacks allowed), fumbles (an FBS-leading 16 total, with five resulting in turnovers) and penalties that have placed the offense behind the chains and often put itself in difficult down-and-distances. In its four games against Power 5 competition, Auburn’s average third-down distance to gain has been 9.43 yards. As a result, Auburn has struggled to sustain drives and keep its offense on the field, punting 24 times over its last four games. “What we put together each week — you don’t get to every single play,” Harsin said. “Sometimes the game changes, and you don’t get to all the plays you have in there. You don’t get to every single thing that you wanted to get to, because maybe you’re not in that field position. You’re not in that down-and-distance. You can bump it up, but you’re really game-planning that for that moment. That’s where sustaining drives, that’s where getting more plays, that’s where staying on the field is going to allow us to get more into that rhythm.” The closest semblance of Harsin’s desired offensive identity that he has seen from his team came early on in Auburn’s loss to LSU two weeks ago. Auburn put together two impressive touchdown drives in the first half of its eventual 21-17 loss, including a six-play, 69-yard drive on the game’s opening possession. On that drive, Auburn had a 4-yard run on a sweep to the perimeter by Ja’Varrius Johnson, followed by a third-down conversion from Ashford to Koy Moore for 10 yards. Tank Bigsby picked up 2 yards up the middle, and then after an incomplete pass, Ashford found Johnson on a deep ball for a 53-yard touchdown pass. Auburn’s second touchdown drive was even more impressive on paper, as it went 99 yards on six plays while using up just under three minutes of clock, despite the ground game sputtering a bit. Ashford completed passes of 20, 61 and 18 yards on the drive while extending some plays with his legs. The 61-yarder got running back Jarquez Hunter involved in the passing game, and Ashford capped the drive with the 18-yard touchdown pass to freshman Camden Brown. Auburn didn’t produce another touchdown against LSU after that, but the team still moved the ball more successfully than it has since its season-opener against FCS opponent Mercer, totaling 438 yards of offense and averaging 6.26 yards per play while generating more chunk plays through the air. “Some of those drives — that’s what you want it to look like,” Harsin said. “I think we want to continue that.” It’s on Harsin and his staff to adjust and tinker with the gameplan to best accentuate the ability of its playmakers — guys like Ashford, Bigsby, Hunter and Johnson — in order to better establish the team’s preferred offensive identity. Until that happens, Auburn will continue to totter offensively in search of answers. “We’re still working on building that identity,” Harsin said. “We have the vision for it. We’ve got to actually do it.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Post Politics Now: Biden Heads West With Eye On Boosting Fellow Democrats https://digitalalabamanews.com/post-politics-now-biden-heads-west-with-eye-on-boosting-fellow-democrats/ Today, President Biden heads west on a trip heavily focused on bolstering fellow Democrats in advance of next month’s midterm elections. His first stop is Colorado, where he plans to designate Camp Hale as a new national monument, delivering on a key priority for Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.), who faces a competitive reelection bid. Other stops in coming days include California and Oregon. Meanwhile, the latest in a string of debates in marquee Senate races — this one between Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and his Democratic challenger, Mandela Barnes — is scheduled Wednesday night. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments, including in a case about the “fair use” doctrine in copyright law. Your daily dashboard 9:15 a.m. Eastern: Biden departs the White House en route to Colorado. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will brief reporters aboard Air Force One. Listen live here. 3:30 p.m. Eastern (1:30 p.m. Mountain): Biden delivers remarks at Camp Hale in Vail, Colo. Watch live here. 7 p.m. Eastern: Johnson and Barnes debate in Milwaukee. 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. Analysis: Abortion is a strong motivator for voters, which is good news for Democrats Return to menu Democrats and Republicans are sharpening their battle plans in the final stretch of the midterm campaign, aiming to find the right messaging to motivate their bases to get to the polls on Election Day. Writing in The Health 202, The Post’s Rachel Roubein says that a new survey out Wednesday from the Kaiser Family Foundation has both good and bad news for Democrats. Per Rachel: The good: Abortion is a stronger motivator for midterm voters now than it was in July. In particular, access to the procedure is motivating Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters in states where most abortions are illegal. The bad: The Medicare provisions in the party’s health-and-climate bill are popular among Democrats and independents. But few voters are aware of the law’s specific health provisions roughly two months after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act. Midterm elections see far fewer voters than in the presidential election years, meaning races will be won and lost by which factions turn out in November. That gives increasing importance to any issue that could drive voters to the ballot box. You can read Rachel’s full analysis here. The latest: Jan. 6 panel to highlight new evidence Trump was alerted of violence Return to menu The probable final public hearing of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol is expected to highlight newly obtained Secret Service records showing how President Donald Trump was repeatedly alerted to brewing violence that day, buy still sought to stoke the conflict, according to three people briefed on the records. The Post’s Carol D. Leonnig and Jacqueline Alemany report that the committee plans to share in Thursday’s hearing new video footage and internal Secret Service emails that appear to corroborate parts of the most startling inside accounts of that day, said the people briefed, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal records. Per our colleagues: On our radar: Harris calling in to radio stations in six competitive states Return to menu Vice President Harris on Wednesday plans a blitz of radio interviews focused on a half-dozen states with competitive Senate and gubernatorial races. According to her office, Harris plans to call in to local stations in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Her aim, her office says, is “to share with listeners how the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered for working American families and speak to the investments the Administration has made into specific communities.” Analysis: Parties fight for control of key state legislatures Return to menu The 2022 midterm elections are officially less than one month away and efforts to shore up or flip majorities in state legislatures have kicked into high gear across the country. Writing in The Early 202, The Post’s Leigh Ann Caldwell and Theodoric Meyer note that states are often where national political and policy trends bubble up. Control of these bodies is particularly important now that the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has left the issue of access to abortion up to state governments. Per our colleagues: On our radar: Biden to designate Colorado’s Camp Hale as his first national monument Return to menu President Biden will travel to Colorado on Wednesday to designate a World War II-era military site as a national monument, using his executive powers to protect the historic landscape and delivering on a key priority for Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.) ahead of next month’s midterm elections. The Post’s Maxine Joselow reports that Biden has yet to create an entirely new national monument, although he has expanded existing monuments that President Donald Trump slashed in size. Per Maxine: The designation will apply to Camp Hale, which served as winter training grounds for the Army in the 1940s and now provides critical habitat for wildlife including elk, deer, lynxes and migratory songbirds. The Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument will encompass more than 53,800 acres and will also include the Tenmile Range, a mountain range with stunning views that is prized by hikers and rock climbers, according to a White House statement. You can read Maxine’s full story here. Noted: Biden sees ‘a very slight recession’ at worst and other CNN interview highlights Return to menu President Biden, in a prime-time interview broadcast Tuesday night, said he doesn’t see a recession coming and believes it would be “very slight” if there is one. Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Biden downplayed repeated forecasts by some economists that the U.S. economy could fall into a recession. “Every six months they say this,” Biden said. “Every six months, they look down the next six months and say what’s going to happen. … It hadn’t happened yet. It hadn’t. … I don’t think there will be a recession. If it is, it’ll be a very slight recession. That is, we’ll move down slightly.” The latest: Biden says Supreme Court ‘more of an advocacy group’ than ‘evenhanded’ Return to menu President Biden on Tuesday stepped up his criticism of the Supreme Court, calling it “more of an advocacy group” than “evenhanded.” Biden’s assessment came toward the end of remarks at a virtual fundraiser for Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) as he laid out what he sees at stake for Democrats in November. “So, I view this … off-year election as one of the most important elections that I’ve been engaged in, because a lot can change because the institutions have changed,” Biden said. “The Supreme Court is more of an advocacy group these days than it is … evenhanded.” On our radar: The most surprising battleground for the House is New England Return to menu A handful of Republicans in New England — including candidates in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut — have a chance of winning in a region where Republicans at the federal level had been considered an endangered species. The Post’s Leigh Ann Caldwell and Theodoric Meyer note that there are no New England Republicans in the House, and Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) is the only Republican senator from the northeastern part of the country. Per our colleagues: The political environment appears to favor Republicans to retake the House. But Republicans in New England point to additional factors in their favor, including a cadre of strong candidates and a “perfect storm” of issues that include the high cost of energy and food as well as the rise of fentanyl in New England communities, which GOP candidates argue is arriving up north due to a lack of security at the southern border. You can read the full story, which includes a look at the competitive race in Rhode Island between Democrat Seth Magaziner and Republican Allan Fung, here. On our radar: In crucial Nevada, economic woes threaten to shake Democrats’ grip Return to menu In Nevada, a crucial midterm battlefront where Republicans haven’t won a Senate race in a decade and have come up short in other key races, economic woes have raised the GOP’s hopes of flipping seats throughout the ballot. Reporting from Las Vegas, The Post’s Hannah Knowles writes that financial strains are testing Democrats’ ability to retain and turn out the minority, working-class voters who have long helped power them to victory, according to interviews with voters, candidates and strategists, as well as a review of polling. Per Hannah: Read More…

Indiana Democrats Push Abortion Issue As Early Voting Starts https://digitalalabamanews.com/indiana-democrats-push-abortion-issue-as-early-voting-starts%ef%bf%bc/ NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana voters can begin casting early, in-person ballots Wednesday for the Nov. 8 election in which Democrats are looking for a backlash against the Republican-backed state abortion ban approved over the summer. Republicans in the tightest races are largely avoiding the abortion issue while emphasizing economic topics as they seek to extend their dominance over statewide offices and the General Assembly. Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young is seeking reelection by following a front-runner strategy of mostly ignoring Democratic challenger Thomas McDermott ahead of their only televised debate scheduled for Sunday. Democrats, meanwhile, are targeting the Indiana secretary of state’s race, in which former Mike Pence aide Diego Morales won the Republican nomination despite twice leaving jobs in that office after being written up for poor job performance. Here is a look at top races on Indiana ballots: U.S. SENATE Young entered the campaign with huge fundraising and organization advantages over McDermott, who has been the mayor of Hammond, Indiana, since 2004 but is little known outside northwestern Indiana. FILE – Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., speaks during the Senate Armed Services and Senate Foreign Relations GOP news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Indiana’s Senate race hasn’t seen the tens of millions in outside spending that it attracted four years ago when Republican Mike Braun defeated Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly and in 2016 when Young won the Senate seat over former Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh. Young avoided a primary challenge this year despite not fully embracing Donald Trump’s presidency — and not getting a Trump endorsement. Young voted to acquit Trump in his Senate impeachment trial but voted to uphold President Joe Biden’s election win. McDermott, a lawyer and U.S. Navy veteran, has tried to build an appeal to working-class voters attracted to Trump while advocating congressional protection of abortion rights and federal marijuana legalization. The lack of national groups spending money in the race when Democrats and Republicans are fiercely fighting for control of the current 50-50 Senate makes it difficult to see Young as vulnerable, although the abortion issue is a wildcard, said Paul Helmke, the former Republican mayor of Fort Wayne and the party’s 1998 U.S. Senate candidate. “It might be something that gives a little new spark to Democrats in the state,” said Helmke, now an Indiana University public affairs professor. “But whether that’s enough to overcome the strong Republican mindset is hard to tell.” SECRETARY OF STATE Morales won the Republican nomination to become Indiana’s top elections office after talking up a push for tighter state voting restrictions and calling the 2020 presidential election a “scam” while pointing to unfounded claims Trump and his allies have made about other states. Democrats criticize Morales as an “election denier” and see a chance to defeat him by pointing to him leaving low-level secretary of state office jobs in 2009 and 2011 after job performance write-ups. Morales returned to state government as an aide on Pence’s gubernatorial staff until Pence left to become Trump’s vice president in 2017. Democratic candidate Destiny Wells, an attorney and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, says Morales is “sowing seeds of fear and doubt” about elections and that the secretary of state should focus on improving Indiana’s troubles with low voter turnout. Libertarian Jeff Maurer, who is also on the ballot, is advocating improved statewide paper versions of all ballots and independent audits of vote tallies in all counties. U.S. HOUSE SEATS Republicans are making their first serious challenge in several decades for the northwestern Indiana congressional district that has long been a Democratic stronghold. Black U.S. Air Force veteran Jennifer-Ruth Green is challenging Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan, who won his first term in 2020 in the 1st District that hugs Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline. Democrats have typically won there by large margins, but Trump closed the gap by appealing to working class voters in the district that has some of the country’s largest steel mills. Green, who is a lieutenant colonel in the Indiana Air National Guard, touted herself as a Trump supporter during the Republican primary campaign. Democrats have focused much of their criticism on her opposition to abortion rights. STATE LEGISLATURE Democrats are trying to pick up enough state legislative seats to break the Republican supermajorities that have left Democrats largely powerless against conservative proposals such as the abortion ban that’s been blocked by a court order. Democrats need to gain five seats in the 100-member House needed to break the two-thirds supermajority that allows Republicans to act even if no Democrats are present. New district maps taking effect with this election protect most current Republican lawmakers, but Democrats are targeting some Republican-held seats in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis and in the South Bend and Fort Wayne areas. State Democratic Chairman Mike Schmuhl said the abortion ban is an example of “government overreach” stemming from the decade-long Republican legislative supermajority. “I think that really crystallizes things for people,” Schmuhl said. “That something so personal, that really should be between a woman, her family, her faith, her doctor, have Republican politicians kind of step in front of those folks and say, ‘Oh, no, we’re going to make those decisions for you.’” Read More…

New Jersey Man Betrays His Own Brothers, Embezzles One Million From Their Construction Company https://digitalalabamanews.com/new-jersey-man-betrays-his-own-brothers-embezzles-one-million-from-their-construction-company/ An Atlantic County man is the second New Jersey resident over the last week to be reported to not have paid taxes in some fashion and is being sentenced for it. The sentence of a former co-owner of the Christopher Construction Company, LLC. was announced by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office as 67-year-old Pat L. Christopher of Hammonton who was charged with Second Degree Theft and Third Degree Tax Evasion. Getty Images/iStockphoto Getty Images/iStockphoto loading… To make matters worse out of the courts, his scheme betrayed his brothers as he was accused of stealing from Dennis and Robert Christopher, who also co-own the business. Atlantic County Prosecutor’s and their Financial Crimes Unit learned that Pat embezzled more than $1.1-million and also reported some of the transactions he made as business expenses which was a cover up for him using money to pay his credit card bills. It added up over time, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said he did this for about 10-years time and on the tax evasion front, he didn’t report the additional compensation on his 1040 tax form for five years time. New Jersey tax return for 2017 (Townsquare Media NJ) New Jersey tax return for 2017 (Townsquare Media NJ) loading… His sentence is five years of probation and he is ordered to no contact with his brothers — the victims — for his fraudulent conduct and because he committed these actions, he also has to pay restitution to the company his brothers own “conditioned upon a stock buyback transaction handled civilly between the defendant and the victims.” Atlantic County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Erika Halayko represented the State in this matter. Last week, a Matawan man pleaded guilty to not paying his taxes and misreporting his income for several years time. He now faces three years in prison. Economic Stimulus Package Tax Rebate Checks Printed Getty Images loading… LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born? Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance. LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet’s phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice. Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you. Check Out the Best-Selling Album From the Year You Graduated High School Do you remember the top album from the year you graduated high school? Stacker analyzed Billboard data to determine just that, looking at the best-selling album from every year going all the way back to 1956. Sales data is included only from 1992 onward when Nielsen’s SoundScan began gathering computerized figures. Going in chronological order from 1956 to 2020, we present the best-selling album from the year you graduated high school. Read More…

New Evidence To Show Trump Was Warned Of Violence On Jan. 6 https://digitalalabamanews.com/new-evidence-to-show-trump-was-warned-of-violence-on-jan-6/ The probably final public hearing of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol is expected to highlight newly obtained Secret Service records showing how President Donald Trump was repeatedly alerted to brewing violence that day, and he still sought to stoke the conflict, according to three people briefed on the records. The committee plans to share in Thursday’s hearing new video footage and internal Secret Service emails that appear to corroborate parts of the most startling inside accounts of that day, said the people briefed, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal records. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified in June that Trump was briefed on Jan. 6 that some of his supporters were armed for battle, demanded they be allowed into his rally and insisted he wanted to lead them on their march to the Capitol. Surveillance footage the committee plans to share was taken near the Ellipse that morning before Trump’s speech and shows throngs of his supporters clustered just outside the corralled area for his “Stop the Steal” rally. Secret Service officers screened those entering who sought to get closer to the stage. Law enforcement officials who were monitoring video that morning spotted Trump supporters with plastic shields, bulletproof vests and other paramilitary gear, and some in the Secret Service concluded they stayed outside the rally area to avoid having their weapons confiscated, according to people familiar with the new records. Other internal emails likely to be revealed at the hearing further buttress accounts about staff members warning Trump about the risk and then the reality of violence that day, as he continued to press nervous Secret Service agents to take him to the Capitol to join his supporters marching there, the three people said. After being alerted to violence erupting at the Capitol when he returned to the White House, Trump tweeted criticism of Vice President Mike Pence for not blocking the certification of the election, whipping up supporters who had already trampled over security barricades and were battling police to break into the halls of Congress. The newly obtained Secret Service records are just part of a larger hearing in which the committee hopes to summarize and remind the American public of all the ways Trump is said to have played a central role in fomenting a violent insurrection at the Capitol, one of the most brutal attacks on democracy in U.S. history, according to multiple people briefed on the evidence and committee plan. While the committee’s previous hearings took center stage over several weeks this summer, the committee is trying to revive interest in its probe and deliver what it has privately called its “closing arguments” about past and ongoing threats to democracy as voters prepare to cast ballots next month in the midterm elections. The hearing aims to highlight new evidence gathered by investigators that corroborates the committee’s key findings about Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to the people briefed: that he sought to rile up his supporters to help block the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory; used his bully pulpit to encourage a fiery showdown at the Capitol; and then refused to budge to help rescue thousands of lawmakers, staff members and police officers on Capitol Hill who were either fleeing or fighting for their lives that afternoon. It’s unclear, however, if the new material will shed any light on a particularly dramatic part of Hutchinson’s testimony, in which she recounted a senior Secret Service official telling her that Trump had erupted in anger and lunged at the lead security agent in his motorcade when told he could not go to the Capitol. Email shows question over Trump’s plans One email the committee has obtained highlights the level of alarm inside Secret Service headquarters on Jan. 6 about the possibility that Trump would get his wish to head to the Capitol — and join a melee in progress. By 1 p.m. Eastern time that day, according to police testimony, hand-to-hand combat between protesters and officers was breaking out on the steps and platforms immediately outside the Capitol. The Secret Service had just then offered to send reinforcements to help an overwhelmed U.S. Capitol Police force, according to texts and testimony from then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund. The new correspondence obtained by the committee shows that while Trump was still speaking to his supporters and announcing he was going to the Capitol, Secret Service personnel in charge of transportation and field operations scrambled to try to secure a safe motorcade route for the president and his entourage, two people briefed on the records said. The Secret Service staff members sought D.C. police help to block intersections. But with tens of thousands of protesters in downtown Washington, and D.C. police being dispatched to help Capitol Police with protesters breaking through barricades, D.C. police declined the Secret Service’s request. About 1:10 p.m., Trump had left the Ellipse in his motorcade after finishing his speech, and demanded to go to the Capitol. Trump’s detail leader, Bobby Engel, riding with Trump in his sport utility vehicle, told an enraged Trump that they were heading back to the White House and it was not safe to take him to the Capitol, The Washington Post previously reported. “We don’t have the assets,” Engel told Trump of the inability to secure safe passage for his motorcade, according to a Secret Service official briefed on Engel’s account. By about 1:20 p.m., Trump was back at the White House. One of the committee’s newly obtained documents shows that sometime between 1:30 and 2 p.m., a senior Secret Service supervisor for protective operations emailed Engel with an urgent update and seeking to know if Trump’s plan to go to the Capitol was successfully quashed. It came after a tumultuous hour for the Secret Service detail, which had effectively ignored a command from the president. Even with Trump back at the White House, Secret Service headquarters wanted to be sure the president was staying put. The supervisor, Ron Rowe, warned Engel that the situation was rapidly devolving at the Capitol and sought Engel’s confirmation he was not considering taking Trump there, according to a senior law enforcement official familiar with the records turned over to the committee. Rowe urged Engel to call him. Rowe declined to comment, but Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Rowe’s email reflected the larger agency’s position: Trump’s idea of going to the Capitol was a non-starter. In other internal emails, agents relayed reports that Trump was angry about being told he couldn’t go to the Capitol. Some of the information, the people briefed said, calls into question the previous testimony of Engel and Anthony Ornato, then a Secret Service leader who was serving in an unprecedented political role of White House deputy chief of staff. Both men told the committee in closed-door depositions that they could not recall certain events relayed by other witnesses, including Trump’s demand that the Secret Service let armed people into his rally. After Hutchinson testified that Ornato told her that Trump had lunged at Engel inside the sport utility vehicle they were traveling in, anonymous Secret Service sources said that Engel and Ornato disputed any altercation occurred and were prepared to say so under oath. The committee has not yet re-interviewed the two men, as lawmakers sifted through the additional trove of Secret Service records. Ornato and Engel, through a Secret Service spokesman, declined to comment. How the committee got the documents The vast trove of records turned over to the Jan. 6 committee is the result of an ironic twist of events, according to the people briefed on the documents. The same Secret Service that permanently deleted agents’ texts from Jan. 6 and the surrounding days amid congressional requests last year has now provided to the committee this large volume of internal communications from the same time period. Voluntarily, the agency has turned over every record it kept of logistical planning, security concerns, and private discussions related to the scheduled protests and president’s movements. This extensive sharing of records — more than 1 million pages’ worth and many which the committee did not specifically request — followed a period when the Secret Service came under fire for executing an agencywide destruction of all texts exchanged from agents phones in that key period. Federal regulations mandate the preservation of government records, and the Secret Service’s deletion of these records prompted a federal investigation into the failure to do so. The texts were wiped from agents’ phones as part of a Secret Service-wide update of employees phones that began in January 2021. Secret Service officials have said the mass deletion of reams of potential evidence was unintentional, and the agency’s telephone provider has concluded those texts are now impossible to recover. The committee had considered sharing a portion of its videotaped interview with Ornato at a previous hearing and it’s unclear if lawmakers will do so Thursday. In one portion of his interview, according to two people briefed on his account, Ornato described briefing White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows the afternoon of Jan. 6 about detailed reports of violence breaking out at the Capitol, as well as police officers being transported to a hospital. The committee learned from other witnesses that Meadows then briefed Trump. The hearing could build out the evidence that Trump took steps to ratchet up the conflict at the Capitol, despite being warned of escalating violence. Lawmake...

Federal Court Orders Alabama Secretary Of State To Turn Over Voting Records https://digitalalabamanews.com/federal-court-orders-alabama-secretary-of-state-to-turn-over-voting-records/ A federal judge in Montgomery ruled last week that Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill must turn over records of purged voters and of former felons denied the right to vote to Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM), which sued Merrill in an effort to get the public documents.  In his opinion, Judge Myron Thompson also questions Merrill’s “motivations” in denying GBM the records. Thompson noted that in response to the lawsuit, Merrill established a new requirement for viewing the voter rolls, which included either printing out the entire list – more than 100,000 pages in all – or requiring that those who wish to view the rolls come to his office and view them on a state computer while being monitored by a staff member at all times. If a person chose the latter option, he or she would be allowed to take “limited” notes on the voter roll, but not verbatim copy.  All of that instead of simply emailing the requested lists, or using a file-sharing system – methods that Merrill admitted his office is capable of using.  “(The facts of the case) raise concerns as to Secretary Merrill’s motivations,” Thompson wrote in a footnote. “The court is hard-pressed to furnish a reason why he would refrain from sending the records to GBM in digital form except to frustrate the aims of the public-inspection provision by making it more difficult and costly for GBM to access the records to which it is entitled. Use of these alternative methods would further delay provision of the records GBM seeks.” GBM, which performs voter outreach around the state and focuses specifically on registering people with previous felony convictions, filed its lawsuit earlier this year after Merrill’s office refused to make public lists of voters purged from the rolls due to previous felony convictions – lists that Merrill’s office maintains.  The National Voter Registration Act requires that voter rolls, including subsets of information, be made available to the public. The specific intent of the act is to assist voter registration efforts.   “Greater Birmingham Ministries strengthens our democracy by bringing more Alabamians into the democratic process. This work is impossible to do when the Secretary of State stonewalls access to voter purge records that they are required to disclose under the law,” said Danielle Lang, senior director of voting rights at Campaign Legal Center. “At a time when Alabama’s discriminatory voting policies are under a microscope, this ruling is a win for transparency and will allow Greater Birmingham Ministries to help more voters make their voice heard.”  Tari Williams, an organizing director for GBM, said that while the ultimate outcome was a win for GBM and voters, the time and money wasted on litigation to force a state agency to simply follow the law was still a setback.  “This victory is bittersweet. GBM has been trying for well over a year to get these records released pursuant to the NVRA,” Williams said. “The time, money, and effort wasted by the Secretary of State giving us the run around is shameful. These resources could have been put to better use by correcting erroneous denials of voter registrations, informing tens of thousands of Alabamians with felony convictions of their immediate eligibility to vote upon enactment of the 2017 Moral Turpitude Law, and/or the  process for rights restoration (where applicable), and implementing stronger protections against flawed voter purging.” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, whose office defended Merrill, declined to comment. A spokesperson at Merrill’s office also declined comment on pending litigation, and said it was likely that the opinion would be appealed.  That also could be a win for the state. The voter registration deadline in Alabama is Oct. 25. Even without an appeal that would further delay disclosure of the documents, Merrill’s office has managed to deny GBM public records for over a year and left less than two weeks for their use.   However, in his ruling, Thompson ordered that Merrill turn over the records immediately, and he required that the fee for doing so be “reasonable.” Read More…

3 Philadelphia SWAT Officers Shot Serving Warrant, Suspect Killed https://digitalalabamanews.com/3-philadelphia-swat-officers-shot-serving-warrant-suspect-killed/ PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Three SWAT officers serving an arrest warrant were wounded and a suspect was killed during a shooting in North Philadelphia, Action News has learned. It happened around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of 8th and Brown streets. Officers were serving a warrant on a suspect wanted for homicide and other violent offenses. Police say the 19-year-old suspect tried to exit the rear of the home. He fired at the officers who were in the backyard and the officers fired back. One officer was shot in the hip, another in the leg and the third in the chest. The officers were taken to Jefferson University Hospital. They are listed in stable condition. The murder suspect was also shot. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. In audio from police radio obtained by Action News, one of the injured officers called in after being shot. “We got two officers shot. We are en route to Jefferson Hospital…let them know, I’m shot in the hip. My partner is shot in the leg,” the officer said. Chopper 6 showed police officers bringing out children from the home. Chopper 6 showed police officers bringing out children from the home. Moments later, officers took two people away in handcuffs including an adult male. Officers took two people away in handcuffs including an adult male. Several officers arrived at Jefferson Hospital to check on the wounded SWAT members. Several officers arrive at Jefferson Hospital to check on the wounded SWAT members. The suspect was wanted for a homicide that occurred in August, police said. Though a barricade situation was reported during the incident, police say there was never a barricade as the suspect tried to flee the home. This is a breaking news story. Stay with 6abc.com as more information becomes available. Copyright © 2022 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Read More…

The Best Gaming Deals From Fall Prime Day https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-best-gaming-deals-from-fall-prime-day/ Amazon’s Prime Day Early Access Sale is here for another day, so let’s scope out some sweet deals on gaming headsets, keyboards, and other cool accessories. Whether you’re gaming on a console or PC, there are plenty of awesome odds and ends to round out your setup at home. For a better view of what’s currently on sale make sure to check out our best deals from Amazon’s Prime Early Access sale. We’re not holding our breath for discounts on next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, but we’re already finding great deals on gaming keyboards from Razer, HyperX headsets, and Bluetooth controllers from 8BitDo. Of course, we’ll be looking out for deals on anything that can make your gaming experience just a little more awesome. Let’s go! The best gaming deals from Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale The best gaming keyboard deals The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed with linear switches is discounted to $94.99, down from its usual price of $179.99 at Amazon. The BlackWidow V3 Mini can connect to your desktop via its USB-C connection, but also supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. Naturally, the Mini features per-key RGB lighting, but also comes packaged with PBT keycaps to prevent visible wear. $94.99 Razer’s first 65 percent gaming keyboard gives you the essentials while taking up an absolute minimum of real estate.  The 65-percent Asus ROG Falchion gaming keyboard with linear switches is normally priced at $149.99, but is discounted to $99.99 at Amazon. The Falchion is equipped with PBT keycaps, per-key RGB lighting, and can be used wirelessly using the included 2.4Ghz wireless dongle. Another interesting feature of this keyboard is the touch bar along its left side, which is used to control volume and media playback. Logitech’s G915 is typically available for $249.99, but is currently discounted to $159.99. This configuration of the low-profile gaming keyboard is equipped with linear switches and five dedicated macro keys, in addition to its full-size layout. The wireless keyboard also includes dedicated media playback controls and the ability to quickly swap between profiles. You can also find the wired version, the Logitech G815, with linear switches discounted to $139.99 (normally $199.99). Originally $249.99, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is now discounted to $170.99 at Amazon. The Huntsman V2 is virtually identical to older versions of the Huntsman gaming keyboard but includes analog switches that can have their actuation point modified with the Razer Synapse software. The full-size keyboard is also equipped with PBT keycaps, dedicated media playback buttons, and a magnetic wrist rest. The best gaming mice deals A wired optical gaming mouse with a couple of interesting twists, the Asus ROG Chakram is normally priced at $79.99 but is discounted right now to $49.99. The Core is equipped with your usual array of buttons, but also features an omnidirectional analog stick situated under your thumb. Rounding out its list of features are a 16K DPI sensor, adjustable weights, and hot-swappable switches. A solid wireless gaming mouse, the Asus ROG Pugio II is currently available for $54.99, instead of its usual price of $99.99. The Pugio II uses an ambidextrous design with side buttons that can be added or removed based on which hand you use. Like several other mice from Asus, the Pugio II has hot swap switches and features a 16K DPI optical sensor. It can also pair with devices via Bluetooth or with its 2.4Ghz wireless dongle, and reportedly lasts up to 100 hours on a single charge. The Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed originally cost $59.99, but is on sale for just $37.99. The ergonomic, wireless gaming mouse is powered by either a single AA or AAA battery and can pair with devices using Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wireless. The V2 X retains the curvaceous shape of older DeathAdder models but includes an extra pair of buttons on the periphery of the left mouse button, and features an upgraded 14K DPI optical sensor. Normally $69.99, the Razer Basilisk V3 is a gaming mouse with a little more flair that is currently discounted to $47.49. The Basilisk V3 has a slick RGB underglow, but also features 11 programmable inputs and a 26K DPI sensor. However, its coolest feature has to be its HyperScroll wheel, which can be moved in incremental steps but will scroll continuously if you give it a gentle nudge in either direction. $47.49 Compared to the Basilisk V2, Razer’s latest iteration makes a few improvements, including an impressive scroll wheel that can ramp up speed depending on how hard you scroll. It also sports more RGB LEDs. The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and its accompanying charging dock typically retail for $169.99 but are discounted to $84.99 at Amazon right now. The Basilisk Ultimate, the wireless version of the original Razer Basilisk, keeps the same 20K DPI sensor and claw-shaped design but includes a charging dock to top it off between sessions. Normally $99.99, the Steelseries Aerox 3 Wireless is currently on sale for $49.98, matching the best price ever for the lightweight gaming mouse. The Aerox 3 sports the popular honeycomb design and weighs in at just 68 grams, but still packs an 18K DPI sensor. Another slick lightweight option, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is discounted to just $59.99 in its white colorway (normally $79.99). The honeycomb shell on the Haste reduces its weight to a paltry 62 grams, making it one of the lightest wireless gaming mice available. The best gaming headset deals The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a wired gaming headset that features 7.1 digital surround sound for PCs and is currently discounted to $79.99 ($50 off). The Cloud Alpha S shares a similar design to other HyperX Cloud headsets with a design that’s mostly aluminum with plush leatherette covering the contact points. The Alpha S uses a 3.5mm breakaway cable with inline audio controls that let you adjust game and chat volume balance in addition to toggling its 7.1 digital audio. Multiple colorways of the second-generation Astro A10 gaming headset are currently discounted to $49.99 from their usual price of $59.99. The wired, cross-platform headset features 32mm drivers, inline volume controls, and an integrated boom mic. $49.99 The second-generation Astro A10 features a new collection of colorways, an lighter construction than their predecessor. Razer’s Kraken V3 wired gaming headset is on sale for $75.99 instead of $99.99. The V3 is compatible with PC, and PlayStation consoles, has inline audio controls, and supports 7.1 THX surround sound on PC. The design of the Kraken V3 features oversized earcups to support its 50mm drivers that each have an RGB addressable Razer logo. The Kraken V3 connects with devices with a USB-A connection and also comes equipped with a detachable boom mic. If you’re looking for a gamer-centric pair of earbuds, you can currently find the second-gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless discounted to $79.99 for Prime members (normally $129.99). The wireless in-ears sport an AirPods-like design with their capsule-shaped charging case and a microphone extending from each earbud. The earbuds are also equipped with active noise cancellation and have RGB logos that can be customized through the Razer Audio app. $80 Razer’s second-gen Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds feature the company’s signature Chroma RGB lighting, good sound, and decent noise cancellation for the price. The excellent Logitech G535 is available at Amazon for $79.99 instead of its usual $129.99. The wireless gaming headset features inline volume controls and is compatible with PC and PlayStation consoles via its 2.4Ghz wireless dongle. The wired version of the Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset is on sale for $66.49 (normally $99.99). This aviator-style headset features a detachable boom mic and a volume control knob on the left earcup. The 3.5mm audio cable also makes the BlackShark V2 compatible with any device, but you can only use its THX Spatial Audio feature with PCs. You can also find the wireless Razer BlackShark V2 Pro on Amazon for $113.99 instead of its usual price of $179.99. The V2 Pro has the same fit and finish as the wired model, but also features 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity. Verge Deals on Twitter / Join 50,000 followers and keep up with the best daily tech deals with @vergedeals Follow us! The best controller deals The 8BitDo Pro 2 is the best alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and is currently discounted to $39.99 from its usual price of $49.99. The top of the Pro 2 chares a similar look to the original SNES controller but with a pair of analog sticks in a PlayStation-like arrangement, and a set of triggers. It also has grips on both sides, and a pair of back paddle buttons for more customization. While it is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, the Pro 2 can also work with PCs, Android, and macOS. Read our review. $39.99 The 8BitDo Pro 2 offers many of the same features as the Nintendo Pro Controller but at a lower price point. It features extra triggers, hand grips, remappable buttons, and back paddles and can pair with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via Bluetooth. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is an excellent choice for fighting game fans that is currently discounted to $71.99 ($18 off). The peripheral features a massive “lollipop” joystick and eight individual buttons. Capable of pairing with either Windows PCs or the Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wireless, the Arcade Stick also has a software suite for recording macros onto its hardware. What the 8Bitdo Zero 2 Bluetooth controller lacks in size, it makes up for in cuteness. Normally $19.99, you can currently get it in the yellow, pink, and turquoise colorways for $17.60 when you clip the on-page coupon. No bigger than a keychain, the Zero 2 is compatible with the Nintendo ...

Druzhba Pipeline Leak Reduces Russian Oil Flows To Germany https://digitalalabamanews.com/druzhba-pipeline-leak-reduces-russian-oil-flows-to-germany/ WARSAW, Oct 12 (Reuters) – Germany said on Wednesday it was receiving less oil but still had adequate supplies, after Poland found a leak in the Druzhba pipeline that delivers crude from Russia to Europe that Warsaw said was probably caused by an accident rather than sabotage. The discovery of the leak in the main route carrying oil to Germany, which operator PERN said it found on Tuesday evening, comes as Europe is on high alert over its energy security as it faces a severe crisis in the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine which has cut supplies of gas. “Security of supply in Germany is currently guaranteed,” an economy ministry spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “The refineries in Schwedt and Leuna continue to receive crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline.” Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com The Schwedt refinery, which supplies 90% of Berlin’s fuel, said in an emailed statement that deliveries were taking place at reduced capacity. Germany said it was hoping for more information soon from Poland about the cause of the leak and how it can be repaired. Europe has been on high alert over the security of its energy infrastructure since major leaks were found last month in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines running from Russia to Europe under the Baltic Sea. Both the West and Russia have blamed sabotage. However, Poland’s top official in charge of energy infrastructure, Mateusz Berger, told Reuters by telephone that the leak in the Druzhba pipeline was most likely caused by “accidental damage”. “We are living in turbulent times, different connotations are possible, but at this stage we have no grounds at all to believe that,” he said, when asked about the possibility of sabotage. Berger said the leak was located 70 km (44 miles) west from Plock, where Poland’s biggest refinery owned by PKN Orlen is located. As a result, part of the shipping capacity towards Germany was not available, he said, adding that repairs would likely “not take long”. PERN said supplies to Germany were reduced but continuing. Reuters Graphics GERMAN, POLAND REFINERY SUPPLIES A model of a pipe line is seen at the main entrance to the Gomel Transneft oil pumping station, which moves crude through the Northern Druzhba pipeline westwards to Poland and Europe, near Mozyr, Belarus, in this file picture taken January 4, 2020. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko The Druzhba oil pipeline, whose name means “friendship” in Russian, is one of the world’s largest, supplying Russian oil to much of central Europe including Germany, Poland, Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria. Russia’s Transneft state-owned pipeline monopoly said that oil continues to be pumped towards Poland. Poland’s PKN Orlen (PKN.WA) said that oil supplies to its Plock refinery were not interrupted while Czech pipeline operator MERO said it had not seen any change in flows to the Czech Republic. “The main action (we are taking) is to pump out the liquid and locate the leak and stop it,” fire brigade spokesman Karol Kierzkowski told state broadcaster TVP Info. “When the pressure decreases, the leak will stop and allow us to reach the leak,” he said, adding that it was too early to establish the cause and there was no danger to the public. Firefighters in the mid-northern Kujawsko-Pomorskie region of Poland said they had pumped about 400 cubic metres of oil and water from the site of the leak which was in the middle of a corn field. The second line of the pipeline, and other elements of PERN’s infrastructure, were working as normal, PERN said. “At this point, all PERN services (technical, operational, in-house fire brigade and environmental protection) are taking action in accordance with the algorithms provided for this type of situation,” the operator said. The total capacity of the western section of the pipeline that ships oil from central Poland to Germany is 27 million tonnes of crude oil per year. Germany’s Schwedt refinery is particularly dependent on Druzhba. The German government aims to eliminate imports of oil from Russia by the end of the year under European Union sanctions. But in the first seven months of the year, Russia was still its top supplier, accounting for just over 30% of oil imports. As Germany looks for alternative supplies for Schwedt, Druzhba could be instrumental in supplying oil via the Polish port in Gdansk. The German government has also been in talks to secure oil from Kazakhstan to supply Schwedt, but that oil would have to flow to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline too. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Reuters bureaus writing by Alan Charlish and Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Jan Harvey and Elaine Hardcastle Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More…

Alabama City Grapples With ‘confusion,’ Over Medical Marijuana Dispensary https://digitalalabamanews.com/alabama-city-grapples-with-confusion-over-medical-marijuana-dispensary/ In one Alabama city, a battle is underway to make sure a debate over allowing for a medical marijuana dispensary does not turn into an overall debate about the legalization of recreational pot. Early indications suggest that Fairhope city officials are battling misinformation, and the mayor said on Tuesday she is worried about “confusion” from the public over Alabama’s 2021 state law that established the state as the 37th to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Related stories: “They think this is the first step for Alabama to legalize marijuana (for recreational use),” Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said. “But this doesn’t mean there are people who are going to be walking on the sidewalks and smoking marijuana. And the state isn’t making this look like candy.” She added, “It’s a very regulated industry. I think the state has done a good job.” Councilman Jack Burrell echoed her concerns, saying he felt there is “misconceptions” on what the city was considering. “We are not legalizing it,” said Burrell. “We are only legalizing a dispensary (opening) in town.” Dispensary opposition Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan speaks during a 9-11 ceremony on Friday, September 10, 2021, in downtown Fairhope, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). The council is weighing its options ahead of a meeting next week in which it’s expected they could vote on an ordinance allowing for a medical marijuana dispensary only if the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission determines to put one in Fairhope. Sullivan said the issue in Fairhope is likely headed to the city’s planning commission, which could restrict where a medical marijuana dispensary can locate. One possible idea is to restrict them to a zoned area surrounding by medical buildings near Thomas Hospital. “We don’t want anyone coming in to buy up property thinking they could put a dispensary anywhere they want to,” she said. Some residents, including a local doctor, hope the council votes down the ordinance. Dr. Steven Wittmer, a physician in Fairhope who also sees hospice patients in Daphne, told the council he believes medicinal use of marijuana “will bleed into the general public,” and compared it to the opioid crisis that is leading to drug overdose deaths nationwide. “In the mid-90s, under a lot of pressure and research and organization as we know now as Purdue Pharmaceuticals, opioids became marketed for the management of non-cancerous pain,” Wittmer said. “Look at where we are 20 years later with that crisis. We are talking about the opioid crisis in the United States which has claimed many lives. Now we are beginning to retreat on those drugs widely for non-cancerous pain.” He said he believes there are limited ailments, such as congenital seizure disorders, in which medical marijuana could be useful. Proponents of the program disagree, saying there is plenty of research to suggest medical marijuana can be beneficial. The new Alabama law allows medical marijuana for more than a dozen conditions or symptoms including cancer-related pain, Autism, depression, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss, PTSD, among other things. “It will bleed into the adolescent and childhood community who are the most vulnerable to the development of cannabis use disorder,” said Wittmer, adding he was concerned about an increase in vehicle crashes. Billy Wise, a Fairhope resident, also said he was worried that medical marijuana supporters were pushing the product onto children. He incorrectly stated that Alabama was planning to OK medical marijuana products as candy, and that “children are much more likely to be drawn to medical marijuana that looks like candy that dad is chewing than the oily CBD product.” Council debate Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell (standing) meets with Councilman Kevin Boone ahead of the the Fairhope City Council meeting on Monday, June 27, 2022. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Alabama law prohibits medical marijuana from being smoked, vaped, covered in sugar or put into food and sold as a raw plant. The state cannabis commission established peach as the “one universal flavor” for jelly cubs and lozenges that will be part of the new program when it rolls out next summer. Burrell said he is concerned the issue is getting twisted. “People are talking about smoking marijuana, which is not allowed by law,” he said. “I’ve heard a reference to candy. That’s not allowed by law. Does it lead to higher crime, and does it lead to violence as some people were alluding to? I’m sure there are studies that can tell you just about anything you want to hear. It’s up to us to do more research and determine for ourselves if allowing a dispensary is a true menace to society.” Some of the opposition did resonate with some of the Fairhope council members who could vote on the ordinance next week. Councilman Jay Robinson acknowledged that Wittmer’s comment “carries weight with me” since he is a physician. But Robinson – like Sullivan and Burrell — said he was also concerned that opponents were focused on the legalization of recreational use of marijuana, which Alabama does not allow, and not medical marijuana. “We are not voting as a council to legalize marijuana one way or the other,” said Robinson. “I want everyone to understand what it is we are talking about and not get lost into whether or not you think marijuana is good or appropriate or not. It’s not a decision any one of us gets to make.” Councilman Kevin Boone disagreed. He said that “anytime we made a decision based on something, it’s the opinion that we condone it.” He said by approving the ordinance, the city will “condone” the idea of marijuana usage. “By allowing it to be done in Fairhope, you still condone the idea,” he said. “My opinion.” Councilman Cory Martin said that Fairhope did not decide on whether to allow for medical marijuana dispensaries, but that it was a decision made by the Alabama Legislature. Said Boone, “Alabama can do what it will do, but we don’t have to accept it.” Cities, counties act Indeed, it’s up to every city and county whether they want to have a medical marijuana dispensary within their jurisdiction. The ordinances, which are voted on by cities, and resolutions, voted on by the counties, are needed for cities and counties to host a medical marijuana dispensary or an integrated facility that includes a dispensary. According to the cannabis commission, there are 18 cities and counties that have already adopted an ordinance or a resolution. Two are near Fairhope – Daphne and Foley. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission meets on Sept. 8, 2022 in Montgomery. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) The cannabis commission does not track cities or counties that vote down an ordinance or resolution. Pelham, on January 24, issued a proclamation that outlines several reasons why the city does not want to host a dispensary. In recent months, some of Alabama’s largest cities have acted. Birmingham, during its October 4 meeting, approved an ordinance allowing for medical marijuana dispensaries. Tuscaloosa and Dothan did the same last month. Montgomery was the first city to adopt an ordinance. It did so last December. “We wanted to make sure that Montgomery positions itself for the growth in this area,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed told AL.com last month. “We want the industry to know we are open for business as this new dispensary network comes to fruition. Being the first was important to let the state and industry know where we are. When we consider what this may mean for the residents of Montgomery and of this area moving forward, it’s a net positive.” There is no guarantee that a city or a county, even after voting in support of a medical marijuana dispensary, will get one. The odds are, in fact, rather long: At a maximum, Alabama state law will allow for 37 dispensaries. Applications to operate a dispensary or another operation related to the medical marijuana industry in Alabama will be issued to requestors on October 24. The applications must then be submitted to the commission by December 30. The commission is scheduled to vet the applicants next year ahead of a vote to reward licenses at its June 12, 2023, meeting. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…