Digital Alabama News

Chris Wallace Traces Today’s Polarized News To His Dad’s ’60 Minutes’ On Bill Maher’s ‘Real Time’ https://digitalalabamanews.com/chris-wallace-traces-todays-polarized-news-to-his-dads-60-minutes-on-bill-mahers-real-time/ Chris Wallace, the CNN Anchor and host of Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? on HBO Max, had a startling confession during his segment on Friday’s Real Time with Bill Maher. During a conversation between Maher and Wallace lamenting today’s conservative/liberal polarization of the news, Wallace traced the problem back to the golden days of three major channels and the world tuning in at 6:30 PM to hear about the world from Walter Cronkite or Huntley-Brinkley. Those programs drew audiences of as much as 29 million, but they weren’t profit centers. But the men who ran the networks at the time saw news as a public service, and if it didn’t lose an enormous amount of money, they were fine with that. But when Chris Wallace’s father, Mike Wallace, and his 60 Minutes team started in 1968, things shifted. That show began making money, “and suddenly, the executives in television said, ‘You can make money from this.’” That’s when they “started chasing an audience.” Maher was stunned. “Aren’t you a bigger fan of 60 Minutes than me?” Maher joked that perhaps the negative attitude stemmed from the show taking Chris’s father away from home too much. Wallace said his point was that “60 Minutes opened the Pandora’s box where you can make money from news.” That led to today’s conservative and liberal media divide, with straight news like becoming a golden memory. Maher couldn’t resist tooting his own horn in that context. Audiences are now only hearing what doesn’t upset us because “They don’t want to make people turn the dial the wrong way – except on this show. I’ve paid for that. There are lots of woke people who used to watch that don’t anymore.” So why does he continue to spit into that wind? “It’s just that the left went crazy, so I have to do it more.” Wallace stonewalled an attempt by Maher to get him to knock his former home at Fox News. Wallace claimed he now has “message discipline.” Maher fired back: “That’s for politicians, not for us.” Maher then shifted, saying he had one last question. Wallace kidded him that the segment went by swiftly. “It goes fast when you avoid questions,” Maher retorted. Wallace, who moderated presidential debates in 2016 and 2020, had one last nugget of wisdom. During the 2020 debates, where President Donald Trump “went nuts,” Wallace said someone counted the interruptions. Trump jumped in 145 times, Wallace claimed. This week’s panel discussion included special correspondent for BBC News and host of the new documentary, Trump: The Comeback? Katty Kay, and former Republican Governor of New Jersey and political and legal contributor for ABC News, Chris Christie. Their talk ranged from a comparison between Christie’s infamous beach meeting with President Obama as opposed to Ron DeSantis’s meeting this week with Joe Biden, to why Christie is an adamant opponent to marijuana, as opposed to Maher’s notorious affinity for the drug. The anti-marijuana stance is particularly strange when the country is being bombarded with fentanyl, a much more dangerous drug. Christie’s dodging defense was that he defended the laws of the time, and suggested that the path to reform was by changing the laws. Read More…

SIAC Week Six Preview https://digitalalabamanews.com/siac-week-six-preview/ October 7th, 2022 1:00am As the month of October gets into full swing in the SIAC, teams’ seasons could be made or broken this weekend.  Fort Valley State need to win to stay one game behind Benedict and keep the potential Fountain City Classic with Albany State, at the end of the season, relevant.  During the preseason, the Miles vs. Benedict game would have been the game of the week.  But with Miles’ struggles offensively and Benedict’s dominant defense, this game may have lost its luster.  Savannah State has a “get right” game, for homecoming, against Virginia-Lynchburg.  Lane looks to remain undefeated in conference against Kentucky State, who wants to get back in the SIAC West race.  Someone will get their first conference victory when Clark-Atlanta travels to Allen.  Albany State tries to take care of business against Edward Waters, who picked up their first victory on the season last week.  The “Granddaddy Of Them All” is not the Rose Bowl, but in HBCU land, is the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, the longest running HBCU football rivalry. Fort Valley at Central State    Homecoming McPherson Stadium; Wilberforce, OH 1pm VIDEO              AUDIO             STATS With their undefeated record now gone via a homecoming loss to Benedict last week, Fort Valley State (4-1, 1-1) travels to Wilberforce, OH to attempt ruin the Marauders homecoming this weekend.  The schools meet for the 13th time, with the all-time series tied at six each.  The Wildcats bring in an offense that is averaging 23.2 ppg while the defense is giving up 22.4 ppg.  The defense is the 2nd best in the conference at stopping the run at 121.2 ypg.  The offense has the 2nd best red zone efficiency in the SIAC at 88.9 percent, scoring 11 touchdowns and five field goals.  Emanuel Wilson leads the conference in rushing yards per game at 130.0 ypg.  Central State (2-3, 1-1) enters homecoming with the SIAC’s second best scoring offense at 26.8 ppg, but in contrast, have the conference’s worst scoring defense, allowing 28.0 ppg.  Brandon Kyles is passing for 204.4 ypg (2nd) and Twon Hines leads the conference in receiving yards at 93.4 ypg and all-purpose yards at 146.2 ypg.  Hamady Diallo is the conference’s top punter at 42.4 yards per attempt.  Jalil Lenore leads the conference in tackles at 11.8 per game.  Miles at #24 Benedict Charlie W. Johnson Stadium; Columbia, SC 2pm VIDEO              STATS Miles (1-4, 1-1) ranks last in the conference in in total offense, total defense, pass defense, passing efficiency, pass defense efficiency, and lead the SIAC in penalties.  Only Kentucky State has a worst passing offense and averages fewer first downs per game (13.2).  Only Central State has given up more sacks.  The offense is scoring 10.8 ppg and the defense is giving up 24.6 ppg.  The Golden Bear defense is 4th in the conference in sacks with 11.  As a team, Miles is 3rd in turnover margin at 1.4 per game.  Miles only trails Kentucky State in time-of-possession at 32:36. William Hardy has forced two fumbles this season. Benedict (5-0, 3-0) leads the SIAC in many categories, including scoring offense, total offense, total defense, pass defense, pass defense efficiency, first downs, opponent first downs, opponent third down conversion, and turnover margin.  The Tigers are second in rushing offense, pass efficiency, and sacks.  Benedict scores 35.0 ppg while giving up 9.4 ppg.  Zaire Scotland is third in the conference in rushing at 72.0 ypg and leads the conference at 8.4 ppg.  Reginald Harden is 8th in the conference in receiving yards at 57.0.  Loober Denelus leads the SIAC in sacks with 5 and is third in tackles for loss with 7.  This game will not count in the conference standings for Benedict but will count for Miles.  Benedict is 3-7 in the last ten matchups and won last year’s game 24-21. Kentucky State at Lane Lane Field; Jackson TN 3pm Kentucky State (1-4, 1-1 SIAC) trails Benedict and Albany State in rushing yards per game (188.6) and have the conference’s top rushing defense at 114.2 ypg.  The offense is only scoring 12.4 ppg while the defense is giving up 19.8 ppg.  The Thorobreds lead the SIAC in time-of-possession at 34:53. Lane (3-2, 2-0) are tied for the top of the SIAC West and are coming off an overtime upset of FCS HBCU Tennessee State, 28-27.  The Dragons return home looking to continue the momentum gained.  The offense is scoring at a 25.6 ppg clip.  Lane has the top red zone defense in the conference at 52.6%.  Virgil Young and Jacquez Jones are top ten receivers at 72.2 and 58.0 ypg, respectively.  Ike Brown is tied for 2nd in scoring at 6.0 ppg.  Virgil Young is averaging 105.0 all-purpose yards per game.  Jeffrey Johnson is second in the conference in tackles at 10.0 per game.  Andrew Farmer and Tyshun Gaiter are 6th and 7th in tackles.  Andrew Farmer leads the conference in total tackles for loss at 17.5 and sits third in sacks 4.  Virginia-Lynchburg at Savannah State            Homecoming Theodore A. Wright Stadium; Savannah, GA 3pm VIDEO              STATS Savannah State (2-3, 2-1) come off a short week, due to Hurricane Ian, with a disappointing loss at home to Kentucky State.  The Tigers face Virginia-Lynchburg who lost their top quarterback, HBCU Freshman of the year candidate, CJ Brooks, who had 722 passing yards and four passing touchdowns through four games.  Savannah State has the conference’s second best passing defense at 140.8 ypg. Clark-Atlanta at Allen Westwood High School; Blythewood, SC 6pm VIDEO Clark-Atlanta (1-4, 0-3) comes in off a disappointing double-overtime loss to Tuskegee at home.  The Panthers rank in the bottom quarter of the conference in many statistical categories.  On the good side for Clark-Atlanta, they lead the conference in opponent third down percentage (17.4%), field goal percentage (100%) and net punt average (37.2).  The Panthers are second in conference in opponent first downs, 18.5, and time-of-possession (32:39). Allen (0-4, 0-3), looking for their first win of the season, comes in with the SIAC’s third best passing attack, led by QB David Wright’s 226.0 ypg.  Jayden Horace and Jamal Jones are both averaging five catches a game.  Jones is second in the conference in all-purpose yards with 155.5 ypg. #13 Albany State at Edward Waters Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium; Jacksonville, FL 6pm VIDEO.            AUDIO.            STATS Albany State(4-1, 2-0) enters this matchup with another solid performance, this time against Miles.  The Golden Rams are only giving up 12 ppg on defense and have the conference’s second best rushing attack at 205.0 ypg.  The Golden RAms have not given up a sack through five games this season.  Marquis Fulks and Kam Ward are third and fourth in rushing in the SIAC at 94 and 78 yards per game.  Stephan Pierre leads the defense with 9.4 tackles per game. Edward Waters (1-4, 1-2) hosts their second game in a row but has a short week due to a Sunday game because of Hurricane Ian.  EWU was able to secure the blowout victory over Morehouse this past Sunday.  The Tigers are putting up almost 31 points per game, but on the flip side, they are giving up almost 30 points per game.  Edward Waters lost their first three games of the season by five points or less. Morehouse vs. Tuskegee                    Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic Legion Field; Birmingham, AL 7pm VIDEO              STATS This Classic is the “Granddaddy” of them all, with the first classic being played in 1902 in Fort Benning, GA as entertainment for the African-American military members stationed there.  The 87th Classic will take place in Birmingham, AL for the second consecutive year.  Previous Classics were played in Columbus, GA.  These teams have met 111 times, with Tuskegee owning the series 73-31-7, but Morehouse won the first Classic in Alabama 31-15 last season.  This Classic is tied for the most played HBCU Classic with Virginia State-Virginia Union.  On the Division II level, only South Dakota Mines-Black Hills State (136) and Emporia State-Washburn (118) has been played more often.  Tuskegee enters this game tied with Lane for first place in the SIAC West (3-2, 2-0).  Morehouse enters this game tied for last place in the SIAC East (0-5, 0-2). About A.D. Drew In addition to covering the SIAC for d2football.com, Drew is a member of the Black College Sports Network, co-host of the BCSN SportsWrap podcast, a producer of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab with Michael Washington and Charles Bishop, and a producer of Thee Pregame Show with Bishop and Neely.  Drew is also an executive board member of the HBCU-Pro Sports Media Association and the Black College World Series.  Read More…

LaMarion McCammon Leads Hoover To 7th Straight Win https://digitalalabamanews.com/lamarion-mccammon-leads-hoover-to-7th-straight-win/ LaMarion McCammon ran for 245 yards and three scores as Class 7A, No. 3 Hoover remained unbeaten in Region 3 play with a 31-13 victory over No. 7 Tuscaloosa County at the Hoover Met. The score likely would have been more lopsided if Hoover had not lost five fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown. Hoover has now won seven straight games. McCammon scored touchdowns of 6, 45 and 11 yards in the second half as Hoover extended a 7-6 halftime lead. Hoover (7-1 overall, 5-0 in region) rushed for 299 yards as the Bucs were down to third-string quarterback Noah Schuback as starter Brewer Smith is out with a non season-ending shoulder injury and backup Brody Stacey also did not dress out, but should be available going forward, coach Wade Waldrop said. “Our defense was really solid,” Hoover left tackle Ethan Hubbard said. “This was our fault. They should have had less possessions. As an offense, we’ll take the blame for it, but we’ll go back and take a look at it.” Tuscaloosa County (5-2, 3-2) got two field goals from Isaac Rodriguez and a 32-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Quilen Hale, Star of the game: It was McCammon, filling in for an injured starting running back Ahamari Williams. He had a career night and, like most good running backs, credited the offensive line as had 200 yards after halftime. Key moment: Leading 7-6 and receiving to begin the second half, Hoover’s Jay Avery nearly lost a fumble on the kickoff return, but recovered at midfield and the Bucs scored on a 27-yard field goal from Peyton Argent. By the numbers: 12, consecutive wins by Hoover over Tuscaloosa in a series that has the Bucs ahead 19-3. … 11, tackles for loss by the Hoover defense. … 2, interceptions by the Hoover defense. Stat sheet: Jacorrey Hayes had 39 yards rushing and an 18-yard touchdown for the Bucs. Tuscaloosa County was held to 113 total yards, and the Bucs had 350, with 299 on the ground. Coachspeak: “I thought our defense played great all night, especially when they had to go out five, six, seven extra times that they shouldn’t have had to. I thought the offensive line played their best game from the very first snap. That’s really the first game they’ve gone one to four (quarters) and done their job up front the way they did.” – Hoover coach Wade Waldrop “I think Hoover came out and really responded in the third quarter. They made some plays and we didn’t respond well to keep the ball game close. We had every chance to be in the game and have a chance to win, but you’ve got to give Hoover credit. They made the stops when they needed to.” – Tuscaloosa County coach Adam Winegarden They said it …: “LaMarion was having a tough week last week, but he showed up tonight. He could have had at least 400 (yards), but we had (five lost) fumbles and we really need to work on that. We’re going to improve on that heading into Chelsea (next week).” – Hoover left tackle Ethan Hubbard “Amazing. It was beautiful. Holes opened up everywhere. They really did their thing.” McCammon, praising the offensive line. What’s next?: Hoover is at Chelsea and Tuscaloosa County hosts No. 2-ranked Thompson. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Friday Roundup: No. 1s Montgomery Catholic, UMS-Wright Continue To Roll https://digitalalabamanews.com/friday-roundup-no-1s-montgomery-catholic-ums-wright-continue-to-roll/ Montgomery Catholic 64, Bullock County 0 Class 4A, No. 1-ranked Catholic Montgomery rolled again Friday night. Caleb McCreary threw five touchdown passes, including three to Luke Harkless, and E.J. Babies added 134 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a 64-0 victory over Bullock County. The Knights (8-0 overall, 5-0 in Class 5A, Region 2) have outscored their opponents 471-57 this season and the defense has four shutouts in the last five weeks. Damian Rankins led the defense with five tackles and a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown against Bullock County. Jaden Jones added 10 tackles, and L.J. Green had three tackles for a loss and five total tackles. Harrison Rogers also recorded a safety when he tackled a Bullock County ball carrier in the end zone. Harkless finished with six catches for 136 yards, while Josh Palmer also caught two TD passes. Giovanni Hayner had 87 yards and a rushing TD on six carrieS. McCreary finished 8-for-13 passing for 186 yards and added 51 yards rushing on four carries. The Knights play at Dale County next week. Bullock County (3-5, 0-5) plays Geneva at home. BIRMINGHAM Clay-Chalkville 62, Huffman 0 Coming off a bye week after its only loss of the season — falling to Class 7A second-ranked Thompson — the Class 6A, No. 2 Cougars wasted little time getting back on track against winless Huffman. Aaron Osley had 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns on six carries to lead the Cougars’ 454-yard offensive effort. Clay-Chalkville (5-1, 4-0 Region 6) led 42-0 at halftime by scoring in a variety of ways. Osley started things with a 61-yard rushing touchdown. Kamari McClellan hit Jaylen Mbakwe on a 43-yard receiving touchdown. Mbakwe produced the next touchdown, the first of the second quarter, on a 59-yard punt return. Ormond Wallace returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. McClellan added a pair of touchdowns to Mario Craver (26 and 7 yards) to round out the first-half scoring. Huffman, meanwhile, produced only 18 yards of total offense, 14 through the air. Clay-Chalkville hosts Oxford on Oct. 14. Huffman faces off against Pell City, which was winless going into Friday’s game against Shades Valley. Pleasant Grove 35, Fairfield 0 Freshman Jordan Smith scored twice to lead Class 5A fourth-ranked Pleasant Grove (6-1, 4-1) over Fairfield in Region 5 action. Spartans quarterback Eric Handley, who played at Fairfield last season, set up the first-quarter score with a 27-yard pass to Brian Hardwick to the 1-yard line. Handley added a 6-yard scoring pass to Aaron Tift on the last play of the first quarter for a 13-0 lead. Handley again set up a short run with his 41-yard pass to DJ Lavender to the 1-yard line. Handley’s sneak and two-point conversion pass to Hardwick made it 21-0. Smith ran 5 yards for a touchdown with 1:13 to go in the third quarter for a 28-0 lead and Cam Wormley wound 22 yards with 3:02 remaining for the final score. Amare Small recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass to lead the defense. Bibb County 46, Montevallo 0 Benjamin Locks returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown and the Choctaws raced to a 38-0 halftime lead while the defense held the home team to just 85 total yards Friday night. Bibb County improved to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in Class 4A, Region 3. Jordan Goode picked off a Braxton King pass for a touchdown and John Michael Downs threw TD passes to Colby Collums and Chris Billingsley. Downs completed 7-of-14 passes for 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jaison Taylor ran for 96 yards on 14 carries and had a 39-yard TD run. Bibb County also picked up a safety and Tyler Fielding, Taylor and Downs scored 2-point conversions. Blaize Bishop made 2-of-3 point-after kicks. Montevallo dropped to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the region. The Bulldogs play at Holt next week while Bibb County hosts Dallas County. MOBILE UMS-Wright 42, B.C. Rain 7 Joe Lott scored the first three touchdowns of the game as Class 5A No. 1 UMS-Wright built a 35-0 halftime lead and cruised to a win in a game played at Alma Bryant. The Bulldogs improved to 7-0 overall, 5-0 in Class 5A, Region 1 play. Lott opened the scoring with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and then added TD runs of 7 and 11 yards. Sutton Snypes completed the first-half scoring with TD passes of 12 yards to Matthew Hedge and 22 yards to Bo Willis. Cole Blaylock scored on a 10-yard run in the third quarter. UMS finished with 14 first downs to B.C. Rain’s 5. Snypes was 8-of-12 for 115 yards and the 2 TDs. Blaylock finished with 86 yards on 13 carries. Hedge had 4 receptions for 71 yards. The Bulldogs travel to winless Citronelle next week. Head coach Terry Curtis now has 343 career wins and needs just 3 more to tie former Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson as the state’s all-time wins leader. Sweet Water 45, Keith 0 Class 1A, No. 9-ranked Sweet Water snapped 1A, Region 3 rival Keith’s four-game winning streak and improved to 4-2 this season and 4-1 in the region. The Bears fell to 5-3, 3-2. The Bulldogs rolled up 302 total yards, 291 on the ground with six different players scoring touchdowns – all on runs. Lashon Young had a 37-yard punt return for a score, too. The TDs came from Timothy Kelley (11 yards), Jonathan Morris (14), Caleb Dixon (7), Deshanard Blanks (11), Zyreonne Hamilton (9) and Ethan Carr (1). Morris led Sweet Water with 110 yards on 9 carries. HUNTSVILLE Grissom 17, Albertville 3 Grissom got its first Class 7A, Region 4 win with the win over Albertville. The Tigers led 3-0 at the half on Kaiden Burke’s 37-yard field goal and Albertville tied the game on Alex Mateo Francisco’s 26-yard field goal with 48 seconds left in the third quarter. Grissom put the game away in the fourth quarter getting an 8-yard touchdown from Tristan Graham and 15-yard touchdown run from Kanya Varise. What’s Next: Grissom (2-5, 1-4) will be at Florence next Thursday and Albertville (1-6, 0-5) will host James Clemens. –Jimmy Lay Randolph 55, DAR 0 Randolph won its sixth straight game beating Class 4A, Region 8 foe DAR. Quarterback Andrew Hunter threw 4 TDs and Nic Strong rushed for 3 scores while Grayson Davenport caught 2 touchdowns from Hunter. Randolph stays tied with Priceville for the top spot in Region 8. What’s Next: Randolph (6-1, 5-0) will travel to New Hope and DAR (1-7, 0-5) will be at St. John Paul II. –Jimmy Lay Pisgah 41, North Sand Mountain 14 Pisgah dominated the Bison on the ground, running for 479 of its 557 yards of total offense, to improve to 6-1 on the year and 5-0 in Class 2A, Region 7. The fifth-ranked Eagles will host No. 1 and 7-0 Fyffe next week. Legion McCrary scored on runs of 71 and 2 yards and finished with 171 yards on 9 carries for Pisgah. Mason Holcomb completed 6-of-9 passes for 78 yards with a touchdown and an interception. North Sand Mountain (3-4, 3-2) will play at Section next week. Fairview 55, Brewer 13 Eli Frost enjoyed a big night and set a school record as the Aggies won their fifth straight game. Frost ran 27 times for 383 yards and seven touchdowns to lead Fairview to victory Friday night. He now has 1,926 yards this season – a new single-season school record in seven games – and 33 touchdowns. Brewer lost its third straight game. Fairview (6-1 overall, 4-0 in Class 5A, Region 8) plays at Lawrence County next week, while Brewer (3-5, 2-3) is open next week before playing West Point at home on Oct. 21. Arab 56, Boaz 17 The Knights stayed perfect in Class 5A, Region 7 play behind a first half where they scored on seven of its eight possessions at Dr. L.F. Corley, Jr. Stadium. Drake Franklin accounted for four rushing touchdowns to key the Arab offense. He had 166 yards on 20 carries. Aiden Cox was 14-for-18 passing for 273 yards with touchdown passes of 47 yards (to Spencer Strickland), 30 (Drew Puccio), 79 (Brody McCain) and 21 (Strickland). Arab led 49-14 at hafltime. For Boaz, Presley Fant rushed for 110 yards on 27 carries. Tyler Pierce was 12 of 23 for 167 yards. Gavin Smart caught eight passes for 126 yards. Arab (7-1, 5-0) hosts Guntersville on Oct. 14, while Boaz (1-6, 1-3) visits Sardis. — Ricky Smith STATE Pike Road 40, Russell County 7 Pike Road won its fifth straight game, as Kaleb Forster threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. Russell County dropped its sixth straight game since a season-opening victory over Harris County (Ga.). Pike Road’s Brennan Tormey caught both TD passes, and D.J. Williams led the running game with 80 yards on 16 carries. Anthony Rogers added 67 yards on four carries. Mac Ceman led the defense with six tackles and two interceptions. Jalan Jarrett added seven tackles. Pike Road (5-2 overall, 4-0 in Class 6A, Region 2) plays at Stanhope Elmore next week. Russell County (1-6, 0-5) plays Park Crossing at home. American Christian 27, West Blocton 12 The Patriots pulled away with 21 second-quarter points to improve to 6-2 on the year, 5-0 in Class 4A, Region 3. Kolby Preskitt ran for 156 yards on 10 carries with 90-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Carson Sute ran for 146 yards on 18 attempts with a touchdown and completed 7-of-14 passes for 55 yards and a score. The visitors ran for 341 yards and held West Blocton to 130 total yards, 116 on the ground. Nate Barron led the Tigers with 109 yards on 23 carries and scored both touchdowns, on runs of 13 and 3 yards. American Christian was flagged 12 times for 125 yards to 4 for 18 for the Tigers. The Patriots host Sipsey Valley next week while West Blocton plays at Hale County. Clarke Prep 34, Banks Academy 14 AISA No. 9 Clarke Prep improved to 5-2 with the win at 4-3 Banks Academy in the first meeting of the two programs. Treamel Almacen had a kickoff return for a touchdown for the Jets and Issiac Smith had a fumble recovery fo...

Putin Orders Seizure Of Exxon-Led Sakhalin 1 Oil And Gas Project https://digitalalabamanews.com/putin-orders-seizure-of-exxon-led-sakhalin-1-oil-and-gas-project/ MOSCOW/HOUSTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday that establishes a new operator for the Exxon Mobil Corp-led (XOM.N) Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project in Russia’s Far East. Putin’s move affecting Exxon’s largest investment in Russia mimics a strategy he used to seize control of other energy properties in the country. The decree gives the Russian government authority to decide whether foreign shareholders can retain stakes in the project. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Exxon holds a 30% operator stake in Sakhalin-1, with Russian company Rosneft (ROSN.MM), India’s ONGC Videsh (ONVI.NS) and Japan’s SODECO as partners. Oil production at the Sakhalin-1 project fell to just 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July from 220,000 bpd before Russia invaded Ukraine. NAVIGATING AN EXIT Exxon has been trying to exit its Russia operations and transfer its role in Sakhalin-1 to a partner since March, after international sanctions imposed on Moscow. Russia’s government and Exxon have clashed, with the oil producer threatening to take the case to international arbitration. Exxon declined to comment on Friday’s decree. Japan’s SODECO was not immediately available to comment, but an official of the industry ministry, which owns a 50% stake in the firm, said it was gathering information and talking with partners. Japan has stopped buying crude from Russia since June. read more Exxon took an impairment charge of $4.6 billion in April for its Russian activities and said it was working with partners to transfer Sakhalin-1’s operation. It also reduced energy production and moved staff out of the country. In August, Putin issued a decree that Exxon said made a secure and environmentally safe exit from Sakhalin-1 difficult. The U.S. producer then issued a “note of difference,” a legal step prior to arbitration. Friday’s decree said the Russian government was establishing a Russian company, managed by Rosneft subsidiary Sakhalinmorneftegaz-shelf, that will own investors’ rights in Sakhalin-1. Foreign partners will have one month after the new company is created to ask the Russian government for shares in the new entity, the decree said. Putin used a similar strategy in a July decree to seize full control of Sakhalin-2, another gas and oil project in the Russian Far East, with Shell (SHEL.L) and Japanese companies Mitsui & Co (8031.T) and Mitsubishi Corp as partners. Russia has approved applications by the two Japanese trading houses seeking to transfer their stakes to a new operator. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Reuters; Additional reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto, Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo, Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Clarence Fernandez Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More…

Daphne Hosts Fairhope In A Prep Football Game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, In Daphne, Ala. https://digitalalabamanews.com/daphne-hosts-fairhope-in-a-prep-football-game-friday-oct-7-2022-in-daphne-ala/ 1 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope’s Jason Connolly (40) and Joshua Gillen (59) celebrate with running back Preston Godfrey (3) after he scores against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 2 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope defenders William Hollon Brock (11) and Ethan Shareck (84) celebrate after a play against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 3 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne running back Nick Clark pushes for yardage against Fairhope in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 4 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope defensive back Lashavion Brown tackles Daphne running back Nick Clark in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 5 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope’s William Rock Gearhart makes an extra-point against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 6 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne’s Gabe Reynolds scrambles against Fairhope in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 7 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne’s Cameron Long reaches for Fairhope running back Preston Godfrey in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 8 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope quarterback Caden Creel scrambles against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 9 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne’s Alexander Woodard dives for Fairhope quarterback Caden Creel in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 10 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope linebacker Brooks Brasfield tackles Daphne’s Stephon Blackshear in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 11 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne’s Michael Scott Jr. runs the ball against Fairhope in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 12 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne head coach Kenny King, left, and Fairhope head coach Tim Carter talk before a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 13 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne defensive lineman Johnnie Perdue sacks Fairhope quarterback Caden Creel in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 14 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope’s Preston Godfrey runs the ball against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 15 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne’s Stephon Blackshear runs the ball against Fairhope in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 16 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne linebacker Richard Childress loses his helmet as he tackles Fairhope running back Preston Godfrey in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 17 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne quarterback Gabe Reynolds passes against Fairhope in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 18 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope wide receiver Ben Moseley makes a diving catch against Daphne’s Ian Eiland in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 19 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne hosts Fairhope in a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 20 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope’s Preston Godfrey (3) celebrates his touchdown against Daphne with offensive lineman Barrett Cain (52) in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 21 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Daphne defensive lineman Johnnie Perdue lll pressures Fairhope quarterback Caden Creel in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 22 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope’s Preston Godfrey scores against Daphne in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 23 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope quarterback Caden Creel tries to elude Daphne’s Julian Mark in the first half of a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) 24 / 24 Mike Kittrell Fairhope at Daphne football Fairhope cheerleaders lead out the Pirates to play Daphne in a prep football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Daphne, Ala. (Mike Kittrell | preps@al.com) Read More…

3 Men Stabbed, 1 Fatally, In NYC Subway Attacks In 8-Hour Span https://digitalalabamanews.com/3-men-stabbed-1-fatally-in-nyc-subway-attacks-in-8-hour-span/ MORRIS HEIGHTS, Bronx (WABC) — Three men were stabbed, one fatally, in separate attacks in the New York City subway system within an eight-hour span. A 38-year-old Bronx man was getting off a northbound No. 4 train as it arrived at the 176th St. station just before 9 p.m. Thursday when he was stabbed multiple times in the back and chest by a suspect who came up behind him in what seemed to police to be an unprovoked attack. The victim collapsed on the platform, was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died, becoming the seventh person to be killed in the NYC transit system this year, and the second fatal subway stabbing in less than a week. He was later identified as Charles Moore. The suspect is described as a man with a dark complexion, about 5’11, and was last seen wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt and Nike sneakers. Earlier Thursday, at 5:15 p.m., a 45-year-old man was slashed in the face by a man on a moped who followed him into a Brooklyn subway station in East New York. Just after 1 p.m., a 59-year-old man was stabbed in the back at a Harlem subway station. The victim was waiting for a train at the 125th St station at St Nicholas Avenue when he got into an argument with a man he didn’t know, possibly after a harmless bump on the platform. The other man pulled a knife and stabbed the victim in the upper back. He was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside hospital in stable condition The suspect, last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue jacket and blue tinted glasses, ran off. New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said the NYPD had “to do more” after three people were stabbed, one fatally, in three separate attacks on the subway within an 8-hour span. “We’ve surged thousands of officers into the subway system,” Sewell said Friday during a news conference. “We have to deter and prevent this activity.” Police said it was too soon to talk motive for the seemingly random attacks. None of the suspects is in custody. “There was no contact in that train car between the victim and assailant,” Chief of Department Kenneth Corey said of the fatal stabbing in the Bronx. “Looking at the video, it looks as though the attacker goes after that individual specifically. We don’t know what the motive is.” The department stressed the number of transit assaults and arrests have increased, but it is working on getting the illegal cutting weapons off the streets. Police have made more than 600 arrests for illegal cutting instruments on the subway so far this year. Transit Chief Jason Wilcox said that’s a 95% increase from last year. “The events of yesterday, very disturbing,” Wilcox said. “We are going to be out there with the riders and for the riders, keeping them safe.” Eyewitness News spoke with concerned riders overnight. “The most I can do different is basically be a little more vigilant than usual, but I’m not surprised,” said one. “I typically feel OK at this particular subway, first time I heard something this tragic at this subway,” said another. “Crime is pretty high right now, so I don’t think it’s an isolated situation,” said a third commuter. Anyone with information on any of these cases is urged to contact the NYPD. Call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit tips by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging on Twitter @NYPDTips. ALSO READ | Who is the NYC rooftop jumper? Eyewitness News solves mystery behind viral daredevil stunt ———- * More Bronx news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Copyright © 2022 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Read More…

SEC Football By The Numbers: Top 10 For Week 6 https://digitalalabamanews.com/sec-football-by-the-numbers-top-10-for-week-6/ The sixth Saturday of the SEC’s 90th season features seven conference contests, the first of two weeks in the 2022 campaign during which all 14 teams are involved in league play. Here are 10 numbers, along with the schedule, TV times and betting lines, to get ready for the SEC’s sixth week of 2022: 1 Major-college football rivalry will have been contested more than Auburn and Georgia after the Tigers and Bulldogs square off on Saturday for the 127th time. Minnesota and Wisconsin have met 131 times. North Carolina and Virginia will square off for the 127th time on Nov. 5. Georgia leads the series with Auburn 62-56-8, but the Tigers are 18-16 in Athens, the site of Saturday’s game. 3 Consecutive Tennessee-LSU games in Baton Rouge have gone down to the final play. The Volunteers and Tigers play again in Tiger Stadium on Saturday. On Sept. 30, 2000, LSU defeated Tennessee 38-31 in overtime when S Damien James broke up third- and fourth-down passes from the Tigers 4-yard line in the end zone to end the game. On Sept. 26, 2005, Tennessee defeated LSU 30-27 in overtime when RB Gerald Riggs scored from 1 yard out on the final play. On Oct. 2, 2010, LSU defeated Tennessee 16-14 when RB Stevan Ridley scored on a 1-yard TD run on the final play. The Tigers had the opportunity for the winning touchdown after Tennessee was flagged for having 13 defensive players on the field when it stopped LSU on what would have been the final snap of the game. 5 QBs in the nation has thrown at least 100 passes without an interception in 2022, including LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, whose teams meet on Saturday. Daniels has completed 89-of-131 passes for 915 yards with six TDs, and Hooker has completed 81-of-113 passes for 1,193 yards with eight TDs. The other QBs with at least 100 passes and no interceptions this season are San Jose State’s Chevan Cordeiro, Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel and Kansas State’s Adrian Martinez. 6 Consecutive conference games have been lost by Florida, tied for the second-longest league losing streak in school history. The only SEC losing streak that has been longer for the Gators lasted 11 games between a 6-6 tie with Tulane on Oct. 6, 1945, and a 7-7 tie with Tulane on Nov. 15, 1947. Saturday’s game will be one day short of the one-year anniversary of Florida’s most recent SEC victory. The Gators defeated Vanderbilt 42-0 on Oct. 9, 2021, and have lost conference contests to LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee since. 7 Completions are needed by Mississippi State QB Will Rogers to become the SEC career leader. Georgia’s Aaron Murray established the conference record with 921 completions across 52 games from 2010 through 2013. Rogers has 915 completions in 26 games for the Bulldogs. Last season, Rogers completed 505 passes – 103 more than any other player in SEC history has in one campaign. SEC FOOTBALL BY THE NUMBERS: TOP 10 FROM WEEK 5 8 Consecutive games at Tiger Stadium with pre-noon kickoffs have been won by LSU. The Tigers’ most recent home loss in a game that started before noon came on Oct. 18, 1997, when Ole Miss defeated LSU 36-21 in a contest that kicked off at 11:37 a.m. in Baton Rouge. During its winning streak, LSU beat Mississippi State three times and Appalachian State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Utah State and Florida once apiece. 10 Consecutive Vanderbilt seasons have included a loss in the Commodores’ first home conference game. After a 55-3 loss at Alabama in its conference opener on Sept. 24, Vanderbilt plays its first 2022 SEC home game on Saturday against Ole Miss. Since Vanderbilt defeated Ole Miss 30-7 in its first home SEC game of 2011, the Commodores have opened their home conference slate with losses to Georgia and South Carolina three times apiece, Ole Miss twice and Alabama and LSU once apiece. The 2011 season also is the most recent one in which Vanderbilt did not lose its first two conference games. 36 Consecutive home games have been won in October by Alabama. The Crimson Tide, which hosts Texas A&M on Saturday, hasn’t been beaten at Bryant-Denny Stadium in the 10th month since South Carolina took a 20-3 victory on Oct. 2, 2004. 64 Years since the Auburn-Georgia series had a six-game winning streak, with the Bulldogs entering Saturday’s contest having won the past five meetings with the Tigers. Auburn won six in a row from 1953 through 1958. The longest streak in the series lasted nine games, with Georgia winning annually from 1923 through 1931. 675 Passing yards have been averaged in Tennessee’s games this season. The Volunteers lead the nation in passing offense with an average of 365.75 yards per game, and Tennessee also ranks last in the SEC in passing defense by yielding an average of 309.25 yards per game. FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE SEC, GO TO OUR SEC PAGE This week’s SEC schedule includes (all times are CDT with point spreads from vegasinsider.com): Saturday · Arkansas at Mississippi State, 11 a.m. at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi (SEC Network). Line: Mississippi State by 9.5. · Missouri at Florida, 11 a.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida (ESPNU). Line: Florida by 11. · Tennessee at LSU, 11 a.m. at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (ESPN). Line: Tennessee by 2.5. · Auburn at Georgia, 2:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia (CBS). Line: Georgia by 30. · Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 3 p.m. at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee (SEC Network). Line: Ole Miss by 17. · South Carolina at Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky (SEC Network). Line: Kentucky by 6.5. · Texas A&M at Alabama, 7 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (CBS). Line: Alabama by 24. Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

‘Las Vegas Is Safe’: Locals React To Increased Police Presence On Strip Following Deadly Stabbing https://digitalalabamanews.com/las-vegas-is-safe-locals-react-to-increased-police-presence-on-strip-following-deadly-stabbing/ The Daily Beast Pro-Trump Rally-Goers Blame Mysterious Bogeymen for Latest Event Flop Zachary Petrizzo/The Daily BeastWASHINGTON, D.C.—Right-wing activists assembled on Capitol grounds Friday afternoon for yet another pro-Trump rally after a similar event proved to be an epic failure less than two weeks ago—but again found themselves struggling to explain pathetically low turnout.Fervent supporters of Jan. 6 defendants, a MAGA-loving fashion designer, and a rough-and-tumble gentleman dressed in early colonial garb were just a few of the characters back outside the Capitol, equall The Daily Beast Putin’s Own Allies Turn On Him as Ukraine Unleashes Hell in Stolen Russian Tanks Sergei Karpukhin/ReutersHot on the heels of embarrassing reports of Russian recruits fighting each other and Moscow loyalists calling for Kremlin ministers to kill themselves, it seems the rage against Vladimir Putin’s handling of his invasion of Ukraine is now openly being conveyed to the man himself by members of his own inner circle.A report Friday—which is Putin’s 70th birthday—said that one of the despot’s closest allies had openly challenged the disastrous way the war was being conducted. The Daily Beast Court Screwup Reveals Mar-a-Lago Judge’s Latest Legal Absurdity in Trump Case Photo Illustration by Erin O’Flynn/The Daily BeastFirst, she stopped FBI special agents from even glancing at the classified documents they recovered from Mar-a-Lago. Then she appointed a special court referee that former President Donald Trump wanted to slow down the investigation over his mishandling of classified documents.But now, it’s clear District Court Judge Aileen Cannon already knew the Department of Justice was ready to hand Trump back a ton of personal records six days before she cla The Root Maybe It’s Time to Rethink Thursday Night Football As a rule, the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games are awful. Players are generally lethargic after playing just four days earlier in their usual Sunday slots. Coaches, also lacking the typical prep time, haven’t had enough bandwidth to install more than generic offensive or defensive schemes. What typically follows is what we got in last night’s 12-9 snoozer between the Indianpolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, where the most interesting part of the action came on the third play of the game. Th Bloomberg Judge to Trump Lawyers Over Deposition: ‘Stop Wasting Time’ (Bloomberg) — Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers were told by a federal judge to “stop wasting time” after they tried halting the deposition of former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham in a defamation lawsuit minutes after it began, citing her painkiller medication. Most Read from BloombergBiden Says Putin Threats Real, Could Spark Nuclear ‘Armageddon’Stock Traders Hit Sell Button on Hawkish Fed Bets: Markets WrapBiden Should Hit Saudi Arabia Where It Really HurtsKremlin Lets S Read More…

Man Utd News LIVE: Chelsea 'could' Go BACK IN For Ronaldo, United To 'bid' For Dumfries In January, Everton Build Up https://digitalalabamanews.com/man-utd-news-live-chelsea-could-go-back-in-for-ronaldo-united-to-bid-for-dumfries-in-january-everton-build-up/ Live Blog UNITED NEWS Updated: 0:20, 8 Oct 2022 MANCHESTER UNITED star Cristiano Ronaldo could finally complete his Old Trafford exit plan as Chelsea are reportedly ready to go back in for him. Ronaldo, 37, played the entire 90 minutes as United beat Omonia FC 3-2 in Cyprus. But reports suggest that the Blues’ stance has changed on Ronaldo with them eyeing a deal for the Portuguese legend in January. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are looking likely to do some January business of their own as they are set to bid for Denzel Dumfries according to reports. And keep up to date with all of the latest gossip surrounding Manchester United’s upcoming fixture against Everton. HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL Get all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip here… United extend stay in Cyprus in Everton warm-up Manchester United enjoyed an extra day in the Cyprus sun as they continued preparations to face Everton. The Red Devils followed up their embarrassing 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City with a close shave against minnows Omonia on Thursday night. Two-goal Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial rescued Erik ten Hag’s team as they secured a 3-2 Europa League victory. But instead of heading straight back to Manchester, the United squad stayed the night on the Mediterranean island. A number of their players were put through their paces in training this morning, while ten of the starting XI from Thursday stayed at the hotel for a recovery session.  Tyrell Malacia, who was taken off and replaced by Luke Shaw at half-time, was the only man that started to train outside. Now United will be hoping that the extra day of sun can get them warmed-up to return to winning ways domestically at Goodison Park on Sunday. And Diogo Dalot has revealed that United’s players can no longer hide under Ten Hag. Real to beat Utd, City and Liverpool to Bellingham EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid are poised to pip the Prem big guns to land Jude Bellingham for £87million next summer, writes MARTIN LIPTON. The Spanish giants have made their opening moves in the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, despite the Prem sides having monitored him since his Birmingham days. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and champions Manchester City are all eyeing the 19-year-old. But Madrid believe they are in pole position to persuade Dortmund to agree a deal ahead of a move at the end of the season. The Bernabeu hierarchy see Bellingham’s arrival completing the overhaul of their midfield engine room. Real, who sold Brazilian Casemiro to Manchester United in August, know that time is running out for Luka Modric, 37, and 32-year-old Toni Kroos. But having already recruited French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Madrid think England ace Bellingham would be the perfect third piece in that central jigsaw. Ron ‘at loggerheads’ with ‘stubborn’ Ten Hag Cristiano Ronaldo reckons Erik ten Hag is too stubborn AND over-reliant on his Ajax-style tactics. That’s the claim from The Times as the benched Manchester United legend reportedly struggles to find serious suitors for a move. Old Trafford chief Ten Hag dropped Ronaldo early this season and the Portugal striker wasted a string of chances in Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League win at Omonia Nicosia.  And the Times claim Ron is often ‘at loggerheads’ with the Dutchman. Ten Hag has said: “He wants to play. And he is p***** off when he’s not playing. “But he is training well, he has a good mood, he is motivated and he gives his best, and that is what we expect.” Toon linked to Shaw Newcastle could move for Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw in January as his contract expires next summer. Football insider say the Magpies are monitoring the England ace who has lost his United place to Tyrell Malacia this season. Shaw, 27, could be available for a cut-price fee in the next transfer window. And he faces a tough fight if he hopes to persuade Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag to consider a new contract. United hint for Hirving Hirving Lozano’s ex-agent has hinted the Napoli winger could join Manchester United in the summer. The Mexico star, 27, has been linked with United, Everton, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig despite still having three years left on his contract with the Italian giants. And Lozano’s former representative Alessandro Monfrecola told Gonfia la Rete: “Next June, Lozano will leave, in my opinion, also because he earns over 4 million at Napoli “Although he is delighted to be here, he has never hidden that he aspired to the top English clubs, although now he is probably realising that Napoli itself is a top club. “He has never hidden that he loves Barcelona and Real Madrid, but unless (Real boss Carlo) Ancelotti falls in love with him again, he has no market.” Boro eye Carrick talks Middlesbrough want to hold talks with Manchester United legend Michael Carrick over becoming their new manager. The Championship club sacked Chris Wilder on Monday after a dismal start to the campaign left them in the bottom three. Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal. He guided Boro to a 1-0 win over Birmingham on Wednesday and the 54-year-old Uruguayan will be in charge for the trip to Millwall on Saturday while the search for a new boss continues. And one of those that chairman Steve Gibson is keen to speak to is ex-United captain Carrick. The 41-year-old is from the North East and is currently out of work. Ronaldo tipped to stay until the summer Cristiano Ronaldo is set to stay at Manchester United even once the January window opens – as there are no clubs willing to sign him. Reports from ESPN suggests that a lack of suitors could mean Ronaldo stays at OId Trafford until the end of the season. His high wages will likely put off clubs who do not have large financial muscles, while manager Erik ten Hag is believed to not get any money to spend in January. Yesterday Ronaldo was linked with a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Romeo Bee-ckham David Beckham’s son Romeo has been training with Brentford’s B-team. The 20-year-old is still under contract at Inter Miami – co-owned by his father David. But according to The Times, the son of a legend has made a surprise move to take his training to England. It is unclear how long he has been in Brentford’s camp or for what amount of time he will remain there. The move comes 19 years after his dad left the Premier League and Manchester United for Real Madrid. Romeo was once on Arsenal’s books alongside brothers Brooklyn and Cruz but was released in 2014. Rashford ‘great fit’ for Gunners Marcus Rashford would be a “great fit” for Arsenal. That’s Stan Collymore’s verdict on speculation the Gunners are monitoring the England striker as he’s yet to extend his Old Trafford contract beyond next summer. Ex-Liverpool and Three Lions striker Collymore told Football Insider: “He’s been a Manchester United player for so long that I worry familiarity is breeding contempt. “He knows what it’s like to play for a massive club, so I would have no doubts that he could deal with the pressure of playing for Arsenal. “Marcus Rashford would be a great fit for Arsenal,. “I think Rashford would benefit massively from a move at this stage in his career. He’s only 24 years old, so he still has plenty of football left to play.” Heaven ‘n Bell Jude Bellingham is better than the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard at the same age, Rio Ferdinand has insisted. The 19-year-old continues to stun observers with an endless series of high-quality performances for Borussia Dortmund. His latest came in a 1-4 away win at Sevilla in the Champions League, where he also scored a stunning goal. And ex-Manchester United defender Ferdinand is convinced that Bellingham, who has been linked with a move back to England, is better than Premier League legends at a comparable age. He told BT Sport: “What he is doing in his place at his age, we’ve not seen. The best of our generation, [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard, [Paul] Scholes, [Patrick] Vieira, Roy Keane, those guys weren’t doing this.  “I’m just saying that they weren’t doing this. He’s still got to go on and prove it and do it over a long period of time. But they weren’t doing what he is doing right now. Influencing a game at this level, captaining a team at this level.” Prem Prediction Manchester United are reportedly one of two Premier League clubs chasing Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The 27-year-old Mexican international is currently starring for Napoli in Italy. The forward moved to Serie A from PSV in 2019 and has scored 20 goals in 95 matches since. Everton were considering a swoop for the ace, who is under contract until 2024, when Carlo Ancelotti, who managed him at Napoli, was in charge. Now Lozano’s former agent, Alessandro Monfrecola, has claimed that both the Toffees and United could sign his client at the end of the season. Monfrecola told Gonfia la Rete: “Next June, Lozano will leave in my opinion, also because he earns over £4million at Napoli. “Although he is delighted to be here, he has never hidden that he aspired to the top English clubs, although now he is probably realising that Napoli itself is a top club. “He has never hidden that he loves Barcelona and Real Madrid, but unless Ancelotti falls in love with him again, he has no market.” Toff Decisions Raphael Varane faces a race to be fit as he looks to start at Goodison Park when Manchester United visit Everton. And with Erik ten Hag playing some big names in the win over Omonia yesterday, it won’t be easy trying to guess his starting lin...

Testimony Sought From Michael Flynn And Newt Gingrich In Georgia 2020 Election Probe – KVIA https://digitalalabamanews.com/testimony-sought-from-michael-flynn-and-newt-gingrich-in-georgia-2020-election-probe-kvia/ By Jason Morris The prosecutor leading an investigation into efforts by Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia is seeking testimony from an additional batch of his allies, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former US House speaker Newt Gingrich. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the investigation into 2020 election interference, filed additional court petitions on Friday seeking to secure testimony from the out-of-state witnesses in front of the special grand jury meeting in Atlanta. Willis says Flynn, Trump’s onetime national security advisor, is a “necessary and material witness” and wants the grand jury to hear from him specifically about a December 18, 2020, meeting he had with Trump, attorney Sidney Powell, and others associated with the Trump campaign, according to Friday’s court filing. During the heated Oval Office meeting, CNN previously reported, Flynn and Powell floated outrageous suggestions about overturning the election, three weeks after Trump pardoned Flynn. Prosecutors are interested in hearing from Gingrich about his role working with Trump’s campaign after the 2020 election, including the scheme to send “fake electorate” certificates to the National Archives and encouraging the then-President’s campaign “to air advertisements promoting the false narrative that election workers had smuggled suitcases containing fake ballots at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta,” according to the filing. CNN reported last month that the House select committee investigating the January, 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol sent a letter to Gingrich seeking his voluntary cooperation to discuss his role promoting false claims that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen. CNN has reached out to Flynn and Gingrich for comment. Willis also filed court paperwork on Friday to attempt to issue subpoenas to former Trump White House lawyer Eric Herschmann and at least two other individuals who she says have valuable insight to share with the grand jury. CNN previously reported that the district attorney aims to quickly wrap up the grand jury’s work after the midterm elections and could begin issuing indictments as early as December, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Georgia probe — set off by an hour-long January 2021 phone call from Trump to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger asking him to “find” the votes necessary for Trump to win the Peach State — has steadily expanded. It now covers presentations on unfounded election fraud claims to state lawmakers, the fake elector scheme, efforts by unauthorized individuals to access voting machines in one Georgia county and a campaign of threats and harassment against lower-level election workers. The-CNN-Wire & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Read More…

500 Children Reunited With Families By Biden-Harris Task Force, Nearly 200 Still In Process – Deltaplex News https://digitalalabamanews.com/500-children-reunited-with-families-by-biden-harris-task-force-nearly-200-still-in-process-deltaplex-news/ (NEW YORK) — More than 500 children have been reunited by the Biden administration’s task force to find families separated as a result of the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy at the border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Friday. “This is a significant milestone that reflects the tireless dedication of the many public servants in the Department of Homeland Security and across the federal government, including those in the Departments of Health and Human Services, State, and Justice,” Mayorkas said in a statement. “It is a milestone that we could not have achieved without the partnership and critical work of several incredibly committed non-governmental organizations.” Nearly 200 other children who have yet to be reunited and are in the process, Mayorkas said. The administration had previously identified 3,855 total children who would qualify for government-assisted reunification, according to the last formal progress report from the task force in July. Since then, the administration has now reached out to about 150 families who are eligible but have not responded. Prior to the establishment of the task force, some 2,260 known children were reunified. The work is done in connection with international non-governmental organizations including the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency. Human rights workers have fanned out across Central America, traveling over 62,000 miles to find separated parents. “We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to reunite children separated from their families at the United States-Mexico border,” Mayorkas said Friday. Those admitted for reunification receive humanitarian parole for three years to live and work in the U.S. The status is similar to those who have fled Afghanistan and Ukraine over the past year. The administration continues to operate two websites — Together.gov and Juntos.gov — where families can register to check their eligibility. So far, the government has registered about 1,700. Once found eligible, families then submit documentation to receive parole, allowing them to enter the U.S. The government is also providing families access to mental health services as part of the reunification effort. Last month, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to approve a new round of psychological evaluations for those separated and a part of an ongoing lawsuit in Arizona federal court. Five mothers who were separated from their kids are seeking compensation for mental health damages from the U.S. government. Lee Gelernt, the lead ACLU attorney representing migrant families said in a statement to ABC News that the progress was notable, but much more work needs to be done, noting they continue to look for 150 separated families. “The task force should be given credit for reunifying 500 families, but unfortunately there is still a long way to go to remedy the historic wrong committed by the Trump administration,” Gelernt said. “Beyond reunification, these families deserve comprehensive relief, including a chance to remain in the United States.” Armando Garcia and Luke Barr contributed to this report. Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Read More…

‘Armageddon’ Warning Reflects Biden’s Instincts About Putin https://digitalalabamanews.com/armageddon-warning-reflects-bidens-instincts-about-putin/ President Biden’s warning this week that Russia’s threats to use nuclear weapons amounted to the most serious “prospect of Armageddon in 60 years” was not based on any new intelligence or information collected by the government, U.S. officials said Friday, but rather Biden’s own assessment of what Russian President Vladimir Putin could be capable of. Biden and other U.S. officials have harbored concerns in recent weeks that as the war continues to go poorly for Moscow, Putin would resort to increasingly drastic measures, said a senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. U.S. officials stressed on Friday that they had seen no evidence that Russia had taken the measures necessary to use its nuclear arsenal and that the United States has no reason to change its nuclear posture. But several officials said they are taking Putin’s threats seriously and have said the United States is engaged in direct back-channel conversations with the Russians about the repercussions of taking steps such as the use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. “We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture, nor do we have indications that Russia is preparing to imminently use nuclear weapons,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Friday. She added, “The kind of irresponsible rhetoric we have seen is no way for the leader of a nuclear-armed state to speak, and that’s what the president was making very clear about.” Biden startled many Americans by saying at a fundraiser Thursday night that Putin, who he knows “fairly well,” was “not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons.” He added, “I don’t think there’s any such thing as the ability to easily [use] a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon.” Biden suggested that the threat was reminiscent of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, when the United States and Soviet Union came close to nuclear confrontation during the Cold War. “My sense is this is clearly weighing really heavily on President Biden, and we can all say intellectually the risk of the use of nuclear weapons is low, but the reality is the risk has gone up,” said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. “At a very human level, he now has the potential to be a president who has to manage nuclear use for the first time in 70 years,” Kendall-Taylor said. “I maybe would have preferred he didn’t use the phrase ‘nuclear … Armageddon,’ but I think it’s useful for the president and the administration to be having a conversation with the public about the risk.” Biden’s comments were reflective of the long-held distrust he has harbored against Putin and his understanding of what Putin is willing to do to carry out his goals, U.S. officials and outside experts said. His skepticism about Putin began long before he became president — and long before Putin became one of the United States’ biggest adversaries. Biden’s bleak assessment of Putin dates back at least to 2001, when President George W. Bush met the Russian leader for the first time shortly after he had come to power. While Bush heaped praise on him — describing him as “very straightforward and trustworthy” — Biden, then a senator from Delaware, disagreed, stating that he did not trust Putin. Biden, who has focused on foreign policy throughout his career and chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, places a high value on his own instincts and assessments when it comes to evaluating foreign leaders and landscapes. During his presidential campaign, he often spoke of how many foreign leaders he had met personally, for example citing the long travels he took with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While Biden’s mention of “Armageddon” was his most vivid warning yet, the president has been raising the alarm for weeks about Putin’s actions in Ukraine, including his staging of sham referendums in four Ukrainian territories and then annexing them. In a speech at the U.N. General Assembly last month, Biden addressed the referendums and nuclear threats directly, saying Moscow had “shamelessly” violated the core of the U.N. charter by forcefully invading its neighbor. “Just today, President Putin has made overt nuclear threats against Europe, in a reckless disregard for the responsibilities of the nonproliferation regime,” Biden said. “A nuclear war cannot be won. And must never be fought.” Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons since the beginning of the conflict in February, but officials said they have long recognized that the threat of such a strike would rise if Putin’s military position became imperiled in Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive and made significant gains on the battlefield. But U.S. officials were at pains Friday to stress that nothing they have seen on the ground in recent days has prompted them to expect a potential nuclear strike in the short term. “We have been doing contingency planning for a wide range of scenarios throughout the conflict,” a senior State Department official said. “But have not seen reason to adjust our strategic nuclear posture.” State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel added, “We’ve not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture, nor do we have any indications that Russia is preparing to imminently use weapons.” Other senior U.S. officials said they believe any movement of Russian nuclear warheads would not only be detected through various monitoring methods, but would require detectable internal coordination and could be observed by U.S. surveillance in real time. Still, a range of officials acknowledged that such methods are never 100 percent certain. Asked Sunday whether the United States would actively enter the war if Putin used a nuclear weapon, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN, “I have said before that we have had the opportunity to communicate directly to Russia a range of consequences for the use of nuclear weapons and the kinds of actions the United States would take. I have also said before that we are not going to telegraph these things publicly.” Some leaders suggested Friday that Biden’s comments were needlessly provocative. French President Emmanuel Macron said that “we must speak with prudence” on issues like nuclear weapons. Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear weapons expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, also questioned Biden’s tone, saying it would be better for U.S. officials to make limited, calm statements in response to Putin’s nuclear threats. “When you get into this kind of language of ‘Armageddon’ and ‘World War III’ as an official, I think you are raising the anxiety without actually conveying the deterrent threat,” Lewis said. “The primary message that the White House should be conveying at this point is strength and confidence.” Still, he added, Putin could always miscalculate even if the White House messaging was flawless. “Even if they were doing it perfectly, there is going to be a risk that he misreads them, because he already did it with Zelensky,” Lewis said. Other European officials noted that Putin is unpredictable and dangerous, saying Russian losses on the battlefield are creating a kind of pressure he has rarely faced before. For months, the war has not gone according to plan for Putin, and he has resorted to ever more brazen and far-reaching measures to try to stem his losses. After making a failed run at Kyiv, the Russian military retreated from the Ukrainian capital in early April and refocused its efforts on taking more territory in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, an area known as Donbas. The regroup shifted the conflict into more of a traditional artillery war. Russian troops seized a string of new cities and towns in June and July in a dispiriting moment for Ukrainian forces, which found themselves outgunned by Russia’s longer-range artillery. But the United States and other European allies armed the Ukrainians with more sophisticated weapons, including the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and found ways to alleviate some ammunition shortages, helping to level the playing field. By the time Kyiv launched its counteroffensive in late August, Putin’s forces had suffered significant losses and lacked the personnel to defend such a wide swath of territory. Russia’s front-line defenses in the Kharkiv region swiftly collapsed, and Ukrainian forces retook thousands of square miles in a rapid advance that has thrown Moscow off-balance. In recent weeks, as Ukrainian forces have pushed farther, Putin resorted to a move U.S. intelligence sources had said he would try to avoid at all costs: ordering a partial military mobilization of up to 300,000 reservists. Putin had been reluctant to take the step earlier, cognizant that it could hamper domestic support of the war, and since the announcement, many Russian men have tried to flee the country to avoid conscription. At the same time, Putin moved up the timeline for the sham referendums and annexations, declaring that the people living in the annexed regions would “be our citizens forever” and warning that the land now belonged to Russia and would be defended as if it were any other part of the country. These urgent — some say desperate — actions form the backdrop for Putin’s escalation of his nuclear threats. Some analysts say the Russian president may see the threats as a way to make the United States and Europe think twice about letting Ukraine advance far enough to provoke the Kremlin into potentially using a weapon of mass destruction. “If the territorial integr...

Woman Tells New York Times Herschel Walker Asked Her To Have Second Abortion | CNN Politics https://digitalalabamanews.com/woman-tells-new-york-times-herschel-walker-asked-her-to-have-second-abortion-cnn-politics/ CNN  —  The woman who said Georgia Senate hopeful Herschel Walker paid for her 2009 abortion, setting off a controversy that has rocked his campaign, told The New York Times that the Republican nominee asked her to terminate a second pregnancy two years later. She refused the request, and their relationship ended, she told the Times, which said it was withholding the name of the woman. Walker was unmarried at the time. Their son, she said, is now 10 years old. Walker, who said in May he supports a full ban on abortions, with no exceptions, has denied an earlier report from The Daily Beast, in which the woman first alleged that the former football star reimbursed her for an abortion she sought at his urging. Speaking to the Times, the woman said she decided to come forward with new details about her relationship with Walker after his Republican allies rallied around him in the aftermath of the first report. The Times said that interviews it conducted with the woman and documents provided to the newspaper “together corroborate and expand upon an account about her abortion first published on Monday in The Daily Beast. The Times also independently confirmed details with custody records filed in family court in New York and interviewed a friend of the woman to whom she had described the abortion and her eventual breakup with Mr. Walker as those events occurred.” CNN has not independently confirmed the woman’s allegation about the abortion or that Walker urged her to terminate a second pregnancy. CNN has reached out to the Walker campaign for comment. The Times left messages Friday afternoon with Walker’s spokesman and campaign manager. Walker vehemently denied the initial report about paying for the abortion in the Daily Beast, in the “strongest possible words” and said it was a “flat-out lie.” The Georgia race between Walker and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock is among the most competitive Senate contests on the 2022 midterm slate and could be instrumental in deciding control of the evenly divided chamber. Walker, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the GOP nomination in May despite some Republicans’ concerns about past allegations that he threatened women with violence. Walker has denied at least one of those allegations and has spoken publicly and written about his struggles with mental illness. With the stakes set so high, Republican groups have vowed not to abandon Walker, even as the scandal sent his campaign scrambling. Campaign manager Scott Paradise, addressing staff earlier this week, acknowledged that the initial Daily Beast report was a setback, but pointed to Trump’s victory in 2016 – despite the initial backlash to the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape in which he spoke crudely about groping women – as evidence that Walker remained a viable candidate. Warnock has mostly refused to weigh in on the allegation, dodging a question about its implications earlier this week. “I’ll let the pundits decide how they think it will impact the race,” the senator said, before pivoting to his broader message on abortion rights. “But I have been consistent in my view that a patient’s room is too narrow and cramped a space for a woman, her doctor, and the government. … And my opponent, on the other hand, is talking about a nationwide ban with no exceptions.” The Times, like The Daily Beast, reported that Walker gave the woman a check for $700 for the procedure, which took place at a clinic in Atlanta. According to both outlets, Walker also sent the woman a “get well” card afterward. Earlier Friday, Walker’s campaign split from its political director, Taylor Crowe, over suspicions that he was leaking information to the media, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. Crowe did not respond to multiple requests for comment from CNN. It is unclear if there were other factors at play or if the move had any connection to the abortion allegations. Though Walker’s campaign remains otherwise intact and his support from national Republicans has stayed in place, one of his own sons, Christian Walker, 23, a conservative social media influencer, has turned on him. “Every family member of Herschel Walker asked him not to run for office, because we all knew (some of) his past. Every single one. He decided to give us the middle finger and air out all of his dirty laundry in public, while simultaneously lying about it,” Christian Walker tweeted shortly after the Daily Beast report was published on Monday, the first in a series of posts denouncing his father. “I’m done.” Walker has brushed off that criticism, saying at a Thursday news conference of his adult son, “He’s a great little man. I love him to death. And you know what, I will always love him, no matter what my son says.” Christian Walker has not responded to an email and social media messages from CNN seeking comment on his criticism of his father. Read More…

GA Prosecutor Seeks Testimony From Gingrich, Flynn, Other Trump Allies In 2020 Election Probe https://digitalalabamanews.com/ga-prosecutor-seeks-testimony-from-gingrich-flynn-other-trump-allies-in-2020-election-probe/ Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis filed petitions on Friday to compel testimony from a range of allies of former President Trump as part of her investigation into alleged efforts to interfere with the 2020 presidential election. The Associated Press reported that Willis filed the petitions for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former White House attorney Eric Herschmann and others to testify in the investigation. Willis has been looking into a slew of steps that Trump and his allies took to try to overturn President Biden’s victory in the state. Trump’s former personal lawyer Rudy Guiliani testified before a grand jury that Willis gathered in August, and she has been battling Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to compel his testimony. The fight over his participation is pending in court. Willis began her investigation shortly after an audio recording of Trump’s phone call with Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (R) was publicized. Trump called Raffensperger in January 2021, telling him to “find” the roughly 11,000 votes he needed to win the state. Gingrich did not immediately return a request from The Hill for comment through his multimedia production company Gingrich360, where he serves as chairman. The Hill has reached out to Flynn’s lawyer for comment. The Hill was unable to reach Herschmann. Willis has said she plans to suspend her investigation’s public activities in the month before the November midterm elections. At least 17 people have been notified that they are targets of a criminal investigation from Willis, including Guiliani. The other 16 are fake electors who created documents to declare Trump the winner in the state. Willis has said she expects to make a decision about whether to seek Trump’s testimony in the fall. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Read More…

500 Children Reunited With Families By Biden-Harris Task Force, Nearly 200 Still In Process – The Pulse Of NH https://digitalalabamanews.com/500-children-reunited-with-families-by-biden-harris-task-force-nearly-200-still-in-process-the-pulse-of-nh/ Tarik Ergenç/EyeEm/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — More than 500 children have been reunited by the Biden administration’s task force to find families separated as a result of the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy at the border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Friday. “This is a significant milestone that reflects the tireless dedication of the many public servants in the Department of Homeland Security and across the federal government, including those in the Departments of Health and Human Services, State, and Justice,” Mayorkas said in a statement. “It is a milestone that we could not have achieved without the partnership and critical work of several incredibly committed non-governmental organizations.” Nearly 200 other children who have yet to be reunited and are in the process, Mayorkas said. The administration had previously identified 3,855 total children who would qualify for government-assisted reunification, according to the last formal progress report from the task force in July. Since then, the administration has now reached out to about 150 families who are eligible but have not responded. Prior to the establishment of the task force, some 2,260 known children were reunified. The work is done in connection with international non-governmental organizations including the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency. Human rights workers have fanned out across Central America, traveling over 62,000 miles to find separated parents. “We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to reunite children separated from their families at the United States-Mexico border,” Mayorkas said Friday. Those admitted for reunification receive humanitarian parole for three years to live and work in the U.S. The status is similar to those who have fled Afghanistan and Ukraine over the past year. The administration continues to operate two websites — Together.gov and Juntos.gov — where families can register to check their eligibility. So far, the government has registered about 1,700. Once found eligible, families then submit documentation to receive parole, allowing them to enter the U.S. The government is also providing families access to mental health services as part of the reunification effort. Last month, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to approve a new round of psychological evaluations for those separated and a part of an ongoing lawsuit in Arizona federal court. Five mothers who were separated from their kids are seeking compensation for mental health damages from the U.S. government. Lee Gelernt, the lead ACLU attorney representing migrant families said in a statement to ABC News that the progress was notable, but much more work needs to be done, noting they continue to look for 150 separated families. “The task force should be given credit for reunifying 500 families, but unfortunately there is still a long way to go to remedy the historic wrong committed by the Trump administration,” Gelernt said. “Beyond reunification, these families deserve comprehensive relief, including a chance to remain in the United States.” Armando Garcia and Luke Barr contributed to this report. Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Read More…

AP News Summary At 8:34 P.m. EDT https://digitalalabamanews.com/ap-news-summary-at-834-p-m-edt/ Biden’s ‘Armageddon’ talk edges beyond bounds of US intel WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Joe Biden’s warnings that the world is at risk of nuclear “Armageddon” were meant to convey that no one should underestimate the extraordinary danger if Russia deploys tactical nuclear weapons in its war against Ukraine. The president’s grim assessment sent ripples around the world on Friday and also appeared to edge beyond the boundaries of current U.S. intelligence assessments. U.S. national security officials continue to say they have no evidence that Russia’s Vladimir Putin is preparing for the use of nuclear weapons. Uvalde schools suspend entire police force after outrage AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Uvalde school leaders have pulled its embattled campus police force off the job four months after the Robb Elementary School shooting. The decision Friday follows a wave of new outrage over the hiring of a former Texas state trooper who was part of the hesitant law enforcement response during the May attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. School leaders also put two members of the district police department on administrative leave, one of whom chose to retire.  A total of 400 officers responded to the shooting, including five school district police officers. The city’s police, county sheriff’s deputies, state police and U.S. Border Patrol agents were among others who responded. Michael Flynn’s ReAwaken roadshow recruits ‘Army of God’ BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) — The ReAwaken America Tour led by former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has carried a message of a country under siege to tens of thousands of people across the US. The tour serves as a traveling roadshow and recruiting tool for an ascendant Christian nationalist movement that has grown in power and influence inside the Republican Party. The retired three-star Army general warned the tour’s audience in Batavia, New York, in August that they were in the midst of a “spiritual war” and a “political war” and urged people to get involved. In the ReAwaken vision of America, Christianity should be at the center of American life and institutions, an idea that upends the constitutional ideal of a pluralist democracy. But it’s a message that is taking hold. Multiple explosions rock eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A series of explosions have rocked the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv, sending towering plumes of illuminated smoke in the sky and triggering a series of secondary explosions. The blasts came just after midnight as Russia concentrated attacks Friday in its increasingly troubled invasion of Ukraine on areas it illegally annexed. Meanwhile, the death toll from earlier missile strikes on apartment buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia rose to 14. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the explosions were the result of missile strikes that hit targets including one of the city’s medical institutions and a nonresidential building. Appeals court ruling allows Arizona abortions to restart PHOENIX (AP) — Abortions can take place again in Arizona, at least for now, after an appeals court on Friday blocked enforcement of a pre-statehood law that almost entirely criminalized the procedure. The three-judge panel of the Arizona Court of Appeals agreed with Planned Parenthood that a judge should not have lifted the decades-old order that prevented the older law from being imposed. The brief order written by Presiding Judge Peter J. Eckerstrom said Planned Parenthood and its Arizona affiliate had shown they are likely to prevail on an appeal of a decision by the judge in Tucson to allow enforcement of the old law. Haiti’s leader requests foreign armed forces to quell chaos PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s government has agreed to request the help of international armed forces as gangs and protesters paralyze the country and basic supplies including fuel and water dwindle. A document published Friday and signed by Prime Minister Ariel Henry and 18 top-ranking officials states they are alarmed by “the risk of a major humanitarian crisis” that is threatening the life of many people. It authorizes Henry to request from international partners “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity,” to stop the crisis caused partly by the “criminal actions of armed gangs.” It wasn’t clear if the request has been formally submitted. Flynn, Gingrich testimony sought in Georgia election probe ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia prosecutor investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 election has filed paperwork seeking to compel testimony from a new batch of Trump allies. They include former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed petitions seeking to have Gingrich and Flynn, as well as former White House lawyer Eric Herschmann and others, testify next month before a special grand jury that’s been seated to aid her investigation. They join a string of other high-profile Trump allies and advisers who have been called to testify in the investigation. Nobel Peace Prize to activists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to jailed Belarus rights activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the judges wanted to honor “three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence.” The announcement represents a strong rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin whose invasion of Ukraine has outraged the international community and highlighted his authoritarian rule. The award follows a tradition of highlighting groups and activists trying to prevent conflicts, alleviate hardship and protect human rights. What Friday’s jobs report means for Fed’s inflation fight WASHINGTON (AP) — For most Americans, Friday’s September jobs report was welcome news: Businesses kept hiring at a brisk pace, unemployment fell back to a half-century low and average pay rose. Yet for the Federal Reserve, the jobs figures highlight how little progress they’re making in their fight against inflation. With the Fed more likely to keep raising borrowing costs rapidly, the risk of recession will also rise. Employers did pull back slightly on hiring last month, and average wage gains slowed. But economists say neither is falling fast enough for the Fed to slow its inflation-fighting efforts. Hurricane Ian drowning victim was “the best big brother” FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Construction worker Craig Steven Markgraff Jr. was last seen clinging to a tree as rising waters from Hurricane Ian lashed areas dozens of miles inland from Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of Ian’s first publicly identified victims in Florida, the 35-year-old man’s body was found this week by rescue crews near his home in Zolfo Springs in central Florida. That’s according to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office said. Markgraff was known as “CJ” to many of his friends. But to his sister April Rudolph, he was just Craig and “the best big brother ever.” She says that, “ If you ever needed anything, he was right there. He was the protector of the family.” Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read More…

Southern Union Has Strong Pipeline To Auburn University https://digitalalabamanews.com/southern-union-has-strong-pipeline-to-auburn-university/ LAUREN JOHNSON The vast majority of students at Southern Union State Community College who are pursuing a four-year degree transfer to Auburn University, according to Southern Union President Todd Shackett. Likewise, Norman Godwin, associate provost for academic affairs at Auburn University, said the university receives more transfer students from Southern Union than any other institution of higher education. “Historically, Auburn University has had a very close relationship and strong relationship with Southern Union,” Godwin said, “not only because they’re our neighbor and in the same industry, but we have the same goals of educating Alabamians and those in our region.” Godwin said 1 in 5 students that have transferred to Auburn from an Alabama institution have come from Southern Union and currently about 10% of all of Auburn’s undergraduate students have at least one credit from Southern Union. “You can see that a lot of Auburn University students have been educated by Southern Union faculty,” Godwin said. Southern Union has a STARS agreement with Auburn University, which is a contract between a two-year school and four-year school that ensures students can transfer their class credits. In 2019, Shackett said the two colleges built on that partnership by creating the Path to the Plains program, which allows students to be co-enrolled at both schools for the price of Southern Union tuition. Shackett said this benefits students who come from small high schools because it allows for an easier transition into college. Godwin said this helped establish a more structured relationship between the two schools. “Path to the Plains is an effort to provide an accessible and affordable pathway to Auburn through Southern Union,” he said. Both schools have worked to develop curricular models for students to follow. Right now there are about 25 different curricular pathways available to choose from. “It’s a structured model,” Godwin said. “If a student follows it, they will be on time and pace to continue their studies here at Auburn having already acclimated to campus and developed that sense of belonging that is so important for students success here at Auburn.” Shackett said he and Auburn University President Christopher Roberts also have a strong relationship and meet frequently to discuss how to improve programs and education for students. “One of my main priorities as president is to increase the accessibility and affordability of an Auburn education,” Roberts wrote in an email. “This is particularly important given our land-grant mission and our commitment to the citizens we serve. Our long partnership and great relationship with Southern Union meaningfully contributes to this effort by allowing students an affordable pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree from Auburn.” Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Read More…

Alabama Appeals Court Reverses Mobile Lawyer’s Contempt Citation https://digitalalabamanews.com/alabama-appeals-court-reverses-mobile-lawyers-contempt-citation/ The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday unanimously reversed a Mobile County judge’s criminal contempt citation against a lawyer who was trying to serve another lawyer with a subpoena. The lawyer held in contempt, Christine Hernandez, now will not have to the $100 fine that Mobile County Circuit Judge Wesley Pipes imposed last year. “It just goes to show that I’ve now been vindicated,” she told FOX10 News. “I was never in contempt.” The incident occurred in November during a murder trial that Pipes was presiding over. Just after closing arguments, a process server served defense attorney Chase Dearman with a subpoena related to a case in which his former secretary was charged with stealing money from his law firm. Dearman asked the judge for a mistrial, arguing that it might prejudice jurors who saw the exchange. Pipes held off ruling on that issue, but 10 days later, he conducted a hearing in which he took testimony from the process server and Hernandez, who represented Dearman’s former secretary and had hired the process server. The two offered different versions of what happened. The process servicer, Eddie Stokley, testified that Hernandez told to serve Dearman before court. She testified that she told him to wait until after the trial. Pipes made clear he believed Stokley. “Finally, the testimony on this issue is contradictory and it is my determination that Stokley’s is true,” he said, according to a transcript included in the appellate court decision. In a written ordered issued three days later, Pipes wrote: “Further, it is the court’s determination that Hernandez directed Stokley to do so for no legitimate reason and that it was done to make a point to [Dearman] in their ongoing and completely unrelated saga involving [Dearman’s] former secretary, whom Hernandez represents.” The appeals court ruling by Judge Chris McCool focused on whether the process server had any impact on the trial. McCool pointed to a statement by one of the jurors questioned by Pipes. He said that he had seen Stokley and Dearman but did not see the process server hand anything to the lawyer and that he did not know what the Stokley was doing. “In short, then, there is simply no evidence to support the conclusion that Dearman’s client’s trial was tainted in any way by the service incident,” McCool wrote for the court. McCool wrote that constructive criminal contempt occurs when someone obstructs the administration of justice. In this case, he wrote, there is no evidence to support that contention. The jury did not reach a verdict that day, and Dearman’s client pleaded guilty the nest day. McCool wrote that Hernandez’s actions demonstrated “a lack of wisdom” on her part but that the law requires more than “speculation as to what could have occurred” as a result of her actions. The decision reads: “We can certainly envision scenarios in which serving Dearman with a subpoena during his client’s murder trial could have interfered with the trial, and we understand why Judge Pipes was frustrated with Hernandez’s decision to effect service at that time and why he believed there was no valid reason for effecting service at that time; nevertheless, although Hernandez clearly demonstrated a lack of prudence in that decision, there is no evidence, testimonial or otherwise, to support the conclusion that the service incident interfered with the trial.” Hernandez said Friday that she told the truth in her testimony. “The judge said it could have been worse, or it could have this, or it could have been that,” she said. “And the reality is this: Contempt requires a whole lot more than could have been. And if the process server had done what I told him to do in the first place, I don’t think we would have even been in that situation.” — Download the FOX10 Weather App. Get life-saving severe weather warnings and alerts for your location no matter where you are. Available free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Copyright 2022 WALA. All rights reserved. Read More…

Trump's Arizona Slate Risks Turning Off Independent-Minded Voters In Key Senate And Governor's Races – ABC17NEWS https://digitalalabamanews.com/trumps-arizona-slate-risks-turning-off-independent-minded-voters-in-key-senate-and-governors-races-abc17news/ By Maeve Reston, CNN Megan Lindsay, a 48-year-old teacher, had a recurring thought as she surveyed the Donald Trump-backed candidates in Arizona’s Senate and governor’s races: she is a voter who no longer feels at home in either party. It was a common refrain in interviews with more than two-dozen voters in the Phoenix suburbs — an area that could play a pivotal role in determining control of the governor’s mansion and a Senate seat that will shape the balance of power in Washington, DC. The nomination of polarizing candidates aligned with the former President in key swing states, including Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, has complicated the GOP’s ability to appeal to more moderate and independent voters in Senate and governors races across the country. The potential for disaffected Republicans to cast ballots for Democrats may be especially prevalent here — as is the possibility for ticket-splitters, once a dying breed — in a state where Trump’s imprimatur elevated a full slate of election deniers for the top four offices in the state. The former President, who lost the state by less than 11,000 votes, plans to campaign with them Sunday at a rally in Mesa. “I felt like my party left me,” Lindsay said after a recent weekend grocery shopping trip, explaining her reaction to Trump-aligned Republicans exerting control in Arizona over the past few years. Though she is still registered as a Republican, she now thinks of herself as one of the unaffiliated voters in the state who comprise about a third of the electorate. Those independent voters, along with disaffected GOP voters repelled by the MAGA message, are likely to be a powerful force in November in a longtime conservative state that President Joe Biden flipped in 2020. Given the extent to which Arizona once valued politicians who were willing to buck their party, Lindsay and her husband were dismayed to see the enduring power of Trump’s influence in elevating gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and Senate nominee Blake Masters. Both won their August primaries, in part, by echoing Trump’s lies about the 2020 election and his hard-right rhetoric on immigration. “It seems like it has become less about what they actually stand for and who they are as human beings — and a lot more about (Trump’s) name,” Lindsay said. Many of Arizona’s independents live in the suburbs around the Loop 101 that rings Phoenix. They are often the White college-educated women who abandoned the Republican Party nationally in droves during the Trump years. Republicans hoped that dissatisfaction with Biden and concerns about inflation and crime would help them reverse that trend here, but the strident breed of candidates Trump advanced has complicated that equation. The Republican Party in Arizona is now largely controlled by Trump allies who have often censured his critics. Lindsay was just one of many who said she was wrestling with her choices in November and confronting the possibility of splitting her ticket. She has no patience for Lake’s scorched-earth rhetoric and is alarmed by the former news anchor’s lack of government experience. But she said she would “have a hard time” supporting Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Lake’s Democratic opponent, because she thinks Hobbs is too liberal on issues like abortion. As for Masters: “God, that hurt,” Lindsay said describing the moment he became the Senate nominee. Lindsay and her husband are leaning toward Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, because she said they cannot support “anybody who does not understand the need to treat people as human beings when they are running for their lives” — a reference to Masters’ harsh rhetoric on immigration during the GOP primary. Mariette Ketchum, an independent who lives in Phoenix, said she could not vote for Lake. “I feel that if Lake’s our governor, then Trump is our governor.” Hobbs, the 67-year-old hair stylist said, “is addressing more of what matters to us as citizens of the state,” while Lake has been focused on “fraud in the election, which I don’t believe in.” Lake has repeated Trump’s falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen. “I’m so tired of hearing about it,” Ketchum said. “Enough already. Putting it in my face one more time is not going to change my mind.” “It just seems like it’s not the Republican Party anymore, it’s the Trump party,” said Ketchum as she unloaded groceries from her cart in the Phoenix suburbs. “It’s the MAGA party and I just cannot go there on any level. I see no peace in it.” The pursuit of independent voters Trump’s close association with Lake and Masters has made it difficult for the GOP to woo Arizona’s independent voters, who have been a pivotal force for years in electing figures like former Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, current Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who is term-limited, and Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, whose campaign tagline was “independent, just like Arizona.” (Sinema, along with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, has become one of the biggest thorns in the sides of Washington Democrats.) “We have a name for those voters — they are Ducey-Sinema voters,” quipped one GOP strategist, who requested anonymity to speak freely about the challenge facing the party. “Republicans need to be able to appeal to them. They have successfully in previous cycles. The question is whether they are going to or not this cycle — whether some of the vernacular in the primary was disqualifying.” Like Trump in 2020, Lake and Masters have both struggled to pivot toward the general electorate after devoting their energy to supercharging the GOP base during the primary. Kirk Adams, former speaker of the Arizona House and former chief of staff to Ducey, noted that Trump lost Arizona in 2020 in part because “professional women in the suburbs — in the Loop 101 corridor — personally found the president distasteful, and were open-minded to voting for Joe Biden — voting for a Democrat, which they had not done very often.” The MAGA messaging embraced by Trump’s slate continues to turn off some of those voters, even though the GOP is benefiting from Biden’s unpopularity, inflation and Democrats’ perceived mishandling of border security. “We’re going to find out that candidates matter,” Adams said. “You can get away with running on the extremes on both sides in some of the legislative districts or congressional districts,” Adams said, “but statewide, I don’t believe that’s the case.” New polling from CNN reflects the GOP’s challenge in Arizona. Kelly is holding a narrow lead over Masters even though the economy and inflation — issues that have created a favorable political climate for the GOP — were cited as voters’ top concerns. The polling showed that Masters’ connections to Trump were serving as a drag on his support — about half of Arizona voters (48%) said Masters is too supportive of the former President, while 37% said his support was about right. Kelly’s edge stemmed in part from his lead among independents: 53% backed the Democrat while 38% backed Masters. There was no clear leader in the race between Lake and Hobbs. In the governor’s race, about 51% of independents said they were supporting Hobbs, while 39% were supporting Lake. About a quarter of Arizona voters said they were undecided or could change their mind before November in the Senate race, while about 20% said they’d made no choice yet or might change their mind in the governor’s race. CNN’s polling showed that abortion ranked as a distant second-place concern for Arizona voters. On the ground in the Phoenix suburbs, women of all political persuasions expressed concern that the GOP nationally and many of the candidates in their state have become too extreme on that issue, even if they did not list it as their top issue. Abortion rights has been at the fore in the Grand Canyon state after the Supreme Court struck down the Roe v. Wade decision amid a heated debate over which of Arizona’s laws should take precedence — a 15-week ban passed by the state legislature this year and signed by Ducey or a pre-statehood law banning nearly all abortions. The pre-statehood ban was enjoined in 1973 after the Roe decision, but a Pima County Superior Court judge recently ruled that it could go back into effect at the urging of the state’s GOP attorney general. Masters’ campaign has said he is “100% pro-life,” but many voters here took note in August when he attempted to moderate his stance on abortion by editing his website to remove the mention of his support for a “federal personhood law” and other anti-abortion rights positions. The GOP Senate candidate says he would also support a national abortion ban at 15 weeks as a “federal backstop.” Interviews with female voters, however, suggest there is significant confusion about Lake’s position on abortion. Lake described herself as “pro-life” during the primary and has called abortion “the ultimate sin.” But she has also repeatedly said recently that she would uphold state law on abortion without specifying which one. When she was pressed by an NBC reporter this week to clarify whether she supports the 15-week ban or the near-total ban enshrined in the pre-statehood law, she replied: “We don’t really know what the law is right now. We are trying to figure that out. And I will uphold the law — whatever that law may be.” A familiar face One of the advantages that Lake has over Masters is that some voters in Arizona feel like they know her, because of her long career in local television — even if they aren’t exactly sure what positions she holds. Alisa Johnson, a 51-year-old purchasing manager from Peoria, Arizona, who leans Republican, said Lake “seems l...

Trump Super PAC Reserves Millions In Airtime In Key Midterm Election States https://digitalalabamanews.com/trump-super-pac-reserves-millions-in-airtime-in-key-midterm-election-states/ NEW YORK Former President Donald Trump is opening his checkbook, reserving millions of dollars in airtime for ads to bolster his endorsed candidates in key midterm races just one month before Election Day. Trump’s newly-formed MAGA Inc. super PAC has so far placed reservations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Arizona, according to the ad tracking firm AdImpact. Additional spending is planned in Nevada and Georgia, according to a person familiar with the effort who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the buys before they were made public. The Georgia spending is particularly notable, coming as Trump’s hand-picked Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker’s campaign has been rocked by reports alleging he encouraged and paid for a woman’s 2009 abortion. Walker, a longtime football icon, backed a national ban on abortion during his primary, and has said he does not believe in exceptions even in cases of rape, incest or when the health of a pregnant woman is at risk. Toay, the super PAC booked $1 million worth of airtime in Arizona, with ads set to begin airing Saturday, according to AdImpact. That follows reservations of $1.34 million in Ohio and $829,000 in Pennsylvania placed Thursday, AdImpact said in a tweet. MAGA Inc. spokesman Steven Cheung declined to say how much additional spending Trump had planned beyond the initial reservations. “We’re not going to telegraph our spending but it’s a significant buy,” he said. The super PAC’s first two ads are negative spots aimed at turning voters off the Democratic rivals of Trump-endorsed candidates. The first attacks Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman, who is running against Republican nominee Mehmet Oz, by portraying Fetterman as soft on crime. “John Fetterman wants ruthless killers, muggers and rapists back on our streets,” it charges, labeling the lieutenant governor “dangerous.” The second targets Ohio Democratic Senate candidate Tim Ryan for voting with his party as a member of Congress, using footage from a speech in which he joked that he would “suck up a little bit” to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, “his future boss.” Ryan, who is running against Trump-endorsed Republican JD Vance, has run as centrist trying to win back the Rust Belt voters who have soured on the party in recent years. The ads released so far notably do not feature or even mention Trump, who remains a deeply divisive figure, but one who is extremely popular with the Republican base. Trump had been under growing pressure to finally start spending on midterm races after playing an outsize role in the primaries and pushing his favored candidates. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, in particular, had urged candidates with Trump’s support to ask him to open his checkbook heading into the race’s final stretch. The notoriously thrifty former president’s Save America PAC, his main fundraising vehicle since leaving office, ended August with more than $90 million in the bank. Trump aides have discussed transferring a portion of that money to MAGA Inc., which could later be used to support a presidential campaign should Trump decide to run again, though campaign finance experts are divided on the legality of such a move. Trump has continued to tease another presidential run, telling supporters at a rally in Warren, Michigan, last weekend, “We’ll be talking about great things hopefully in the not so distant future.” “Oh I think you’re going to be happy,” he went on to say. “But first we have to win a historic victory for the Republican Party this November.” Read More…

Football High Live: Scores, Updates From Friday's Week 8 Slate https://digitalalabamanews.com/football-high-live-scores-updates-from-fridays-week-8-slate/ The Week 8 schedule includes huge region games from Daphne to Decatur. Some of tonight’s key games include Bob Jones at Sparkman, McAdory at Hueytown, Muscle Shoals at unbeaten Decatur and Fairhope at Daphne. Check back frequently tonight for updates on those games and many others. A complete score list will be included at the end of the night. 6:53 PM, Huge Honor: The state’s all-time leading tackler, Thomas Johnston, was inducted into the Spanish Fort Hall of Fame tonight before the Toros’ game against McGill-Toolen. Johnston was the Class 6A Lineman of the Year and was runner-up to Mr. Football as a senior. He went on to sign with UAB and play with older brother, Tyler. 6:50 PM, Keeping a close eye on: We’ll be trying to keep track of as many statewide games as we can as usual tonight, but here is a list of some of our key games and the reporters who will be filing live updates: Bob Jones vs. Sparkman — Skip Vaughn Hartselle at Athens — Jerry Felts Austin at James Clemens — R. Sirvell Carter Gardendale at Minor — Evan Dudley McAdory at Hueytown — Cameron Buford Fairhope at Daphne — Darron Patterson McGill-Toolen at Spanish Fort — Jonathan Thompson Mary G. Montgomery at Baker — John Vella Theodore at Blount — Arthur L. Mack Orange Beach at Bayside Academy — Randy Kennedy 6:40 PM, Todd’s Take: We started a new feature this week with former high school football defensive coordinator Jacy Todd breaking down one of the state’s biggest games. This week, Todd told us the keys to Fairhope vs. Daphne — two schools he served as an assistant coach at. Read the first Todd’s take before tonight’s game kicks off at Jubilee Stadium. 6:33 PM, Lineup change: Freshman Noah Schuback, was announced as the starting QB for Hoover tonight against surprising Tuscaloosa County. Doesn’t look like the Bucs will have Ahamari Williams carrying the ball tonight either. Schuback played a bit at the end of last week. We’ll be following this developing story. 6:30 PM, Sibling rivalry: It will be brother vs. brother once again tonight as Bob Jones takes on Sparkman. Sparkman’s Laron White will to even his record against younger sibling Kelvis White. Read Mike Perrin’s preview of this game. 6:27 PM, Bulldogs on a roll: Andalusia looks to improve to 8-0 tonight as Trent Taylor’s team hosts Slocomb. The Bulldogs, who have allowed just 91 points all season, appear to be steamrolling toward a matchup with No. 1 Montgomery Catholic on Oct. 21. Read Ben Thomas’ column about Andalusia’s season so far. THURSDAY’S RESULTS Buckhorn 38, Lee-Huntsville 20 Central-Phenix City 55, Lee-Montgomery 20 Chambers Academy 56, Abbeville Christian 7 Danville 49, Asbury 6 Decatur Heritage 49, Woodville 8 Donoho 48, Talladega Co. Central 14 East Limestone 54, Lawrence Co. 13 Edgewood 35, Macon-East 34 Elba 62, Georgiana 28 Foley 55, Alma Bryant 32 Gordo 35, Fayette County 0 Gulf Shores 49, Elberta 3 Homewood 31, Chilton County 10 Hooper 72, Sparta 50 Houston Academy 52, Northside Methodist 0 J.B. Pennington 55, Brindlee Mountain 0 Mountain Brook 35, Parker 6 Patrician 34, Lowndes Academy 6 Pelham 30, Benjamin Russell 20 Plainview 33, Sylvania 30 Ramsay 56, John Carroll 7 Sidney Lanier 41, Stanhope Elmore 17 Southside-Selma 52, Greensboro 30 St. John Paul II 27, New Hope 20 St. Michael 49, Wilcox Central 6 St. Paul’s 39, Robertsdale 14 Thompson 51, Oak Mountain 0 Valley Head 34, Appalachian 28 Westminster 70, Madison County 42 Williamson 20, Citronelle 0 If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Lindsey Graham Wanted Jan. 6 Capitol Attackers Shot In The Head: Book https://digitalalabamanews.com/lindsey-graham-wanted-jan-6-capitol-attackers-shot-in-the-head-book/ A former Washington D.C. police officer who was nearly killed on Jan. 6 claims South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told cops they should have killed Donald Trump loyalists who raided the U.S. Capitol. “You guys should have shot them all in the head,” officer Michael Fanone recalls Graham telling him in a new book obtained by Politico. Graham was clearly upset the day Trump supporters interrupted the certification of the 2020 election in which President Biden defeated the incumbent. Former Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone listens as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2022. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) “All I can say is count me out!” Graham said on the Senate floor following the invasion. “Enough is enough.” Fanone, who was dragged into a sea of MAGA assailants while defending the Capitol, was beaten by a crowd where he said he heard at least one rioter say “kill him with his own gun.” His book “Hold the Line” details events surrounding that experience, which also resulted in a Trump supporter, Ashli Babbitt, being fatally shot. “We gave you guys guns, and you should have used them,” Fanone recalls Graham saying. The 42-year-old D.C. native said Graham made his remarks during a May 2021 discussion where Fanone and other officers urged Republican senators to get behind a bipartisan commission to investigate the attack on Capitol Hill. Breaking News As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. The 67-year-old lawmaker reportedly told badly outnumbered officers he doesn’t understand why they didn’t use lethal force against their attackers. Fanone testified before the House Select Committee formed to investigate the Capitol attack. That committee will convene again next Thursday, Oct. 13, to present its findings to the public. According to Politico, Fanone writes that as a “lifelong Republican,” he found it “shocking” and “disgraceful” that some GOP leaders worked to undermine what he experienced on that deadly day. Fanone left his job in law enforcement less than a year after the attack on the Capitol. [ Pro-Trump radicals target Michael Fanone after testifying about Capitol riots on Jan. 6 ] He told CNN in May 2021 “I see a whole team of doctors” to treat him for physical and psychological harm brought on by the attack. “Some days I’m good to go,” he told host Don Lemon. “Other days, or other times within the same day, I’m just broken.” Fanone said he also relies on fellow officers who survived the attack for emotional support. Graham, who spent eight years in the House of Representatives, was elected to the Senate for the fourth time in 2020. Read More…

Ukraine Police Say Bodies Of More Than 500 Civilians Found In Kharkiv | CNN https://digitalalabamanews.com/ukraine-police-say-bodies-of-more-than-500-civilians-found-in-kharkiv-cnn/ CNN  —  The bodies of more than 500 civilians have been discovered in territory in northeast Ukraine recently retaken from Russian forces, Ukrainian police say. And as Ukrainian forces liberate more land in the northeast, new burial sites are being discovered in Donetsk. Many appear to contain the remains of civilians who lost their lives during several months of shelling and rocket fire. “We found the bodies of 534 civilians from the de-occupied territories” in Kharkiv region alone, said Serhii Bolnivov, head of the investigative department of the regional police. The bodies included 226 women and 19 children, Bolvinov added. Most of those recovered – 447 – were found at what he described as a “mass burial site” in the town of Izium, which Ukrainian forces liberated from Russian occupation in early September. Russian troops had been using Izium as a launchpad for attacks southward into the Donetsk region. CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh visited the site in mid-September. Bolvinov also alleged that more than twenty suspected Russian “torture chambers” have been found in the region. “In almost all large cities and towns, where military units of the Russian army were based, they set up such places of detention of civilians and prisoners of war and tortured them,” he said, mentioning one in the town of Pisky-Radkivski. “This is the 22nd torture chamber which we have found and inspected in the de-occupied territory of the Kharkiv region,” said Bolvinov. He said the most common torture techniques were electric shocks and severe beatings with sticks and other objects. There were also cases of nails being pulled out and the use of gas masks to restrict breathing. Bolvinov said there were also criminal proceedings underway regarding allegations of rape. “We understand that it is very difficult for victims to testify about such facts. However, there are proceedings that we have registered, there are appeals from women who were raped. We have information about the alleged facts of rapes in torture chambers,” Bolvinov added. The Ukrainian investigations in Kharkiv follow the discovery of grave human rights abuses by Russian forces north of Kyiv in March. Russia was accused of a litany of war crimes during its unsuccessful campaign to capture Kyiv in the early months of the war. After retreating from Bucha, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital, reports of emerged of Russian forces carrying out summary executions indiscriminate shelling. Bodies were found shot, tied up and left to rot, some bearing signs of torture. In nearby Borodianka, dead civilians were found strewn along the streets. Homes were reportedly ransacked. Moscow has consistently denied its soldiers are responsible for war crimes. In Bucha, the Kremlin claimed – without evidence – that the atrocities there were staged. However, witnesses who spoke to CNN said the carnage in the town began after its occupation. A report published in July by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe found that found that the patterns of violent acts by Russian forces in Ukraine meet the qualification of crimes against humanity. Read More…

Jason Made Releases New Single https://digitalalabamanews.com/jason-made-releases-new-single/ My Alabama Single Cover Fairhope native creates soulful tribute to the state. Amazing vocal agility and lyrical prowess that transports everyone within earshot” — NPR FAIRHOPE, AL, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Jason Made releases his highly-anticipated new single “My Alabama” via Jason Made Music/AWAL. Available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Youtube Music, and anywhere music is sold. The self-produced, My Alabama explores Jason Made’s warm blend of modern R&B with lush, soul-filled highs and lows. The track is the exploration of a new era for Jason Made, one that celebrates his life growing up in small-town Alabama, while painting a picture for listeners of balmy days, melting ice cream cones, and family fun. My Alabama is a supersized dose of nostalgia that makes the listener feel right at home. ABOUT JASON MADE Jason Made is a singer songwriter from Fairhope, Alabama. He began his musical journey in the heart of the church where he learned to create music that first and foremost connects with and moves the listener. Although his gospel roots are evident, “soulful” is an understatement if there ever was one. He has a voice that is at home in genres ranging from country to pop and rock & roll. Jason’s influences are as varied as the songs he writes. His music has been described as a mix of r&b, soul, rock & roll, and country. He cites artists like Prince, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Al Green, and James Brown as some of his biggest influences. Jason Made has been writing and playing music professionally since nine years old and has performed for audiences nationwide. He is currently working on his debut solo album, which is set to be released in 2023. J Poires Jason Made Music/AWAL email us here Visit us on social media: Twitter You just read: EIN Presswire’s priority is source transparency. We do not allow opaque clients, and our editors try to be careful about weeding out false and misleading content. As a user, if you see something we have missed, please do bring it to our attention. Your help is welcome. EIN Presswire, Everyone’s Internet News Presswire, tries to define some of the boundaries that are reasonable in today’s world. Please see our Editorial Guidelines for more information. Submit your press release Read More…

New Biden Counterterror Strategy Puts Limits On Drone Use https://digitalalabamanews.com/new-biden-counterterror-strategy-puts-limits-on-drone-use/ 1 of 2 President Joe Biden returns a salute as he exits Air Force One at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. President Joe Biden walks to a University of Pennsylvania bookstore with granddaughter Natalie Biden, left of Biden, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Philadelphia. By ZEKE MILLER – AP White House Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday formally issued new guidance curtailing the use of armed drones outside of war zones as part of a new counterterrorism strategy that places a greater priority on protecting civilian lives. The new policies require presidential approval before a suspected terrorist is added to the U.S. government’s target list for potential lethal action, including drone strikes and special operations raids, according to a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the classified memoranda. The new guidance returns U.S. policies to where they were at the end of the Obama administration, and it reverses former President Donald Trump’s more permissive rules that allowed lower-level officials more leeway when launching deadly strikes. Biden had issued temporary restrictions on the U.S. military and intelligence community requiring presidential sign-off for lethal actions outside of war zones when he took office. The new policies and strategy, which resulted from a review that began shortly after Inauguration Day last year, formalize the directive. The strategy would require a subsequent president looking to reverse the new action in order to rescind Biden’s directive. “President Biden’s formal counterterrorism guidance directs his administration to be discerning and agile in protecting Americans against evolving global terrorist challenges,” said White House Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall in a statement. The president’s guidance on use of lethal action and capture operations outside areas of active hostilities “requires that U.S. counterterrorism operations meet the highest standards of precision and rigor, including for identifying appropriate targets and minimizing civilian casualties,” she said. The guidance comes a day after U.S. forces killed three senior Islamic State leaders in two separate military operations in Syria Thursday, including a rare ground raid in a portion of the northeast that is controlled by the Syrian regime, U.S. officials said. Under Biden’s guidelines, though, Syria is considered a conflict zone where specific presidential approval isn’t necessarily required. Strikes in Afghanistan, where the U.S. in August killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri at Biden’s direction, would require presidential approval. The policy change was first reported by The New York Times. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Read More…

🌱 Local Guilty Of Kidnapping + 5 Suspects In Center Point Shooting https://digitalalabamanews.com/%f0%9f%8c%b1-local-guilty-of-kidnapping-5-suspects-in-center-point-shooting/ Skip to main content Mountain Brook, AL Vestavia Hills, AL Hoover, AL Trussville, AL Pelham, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Huntsville, AL Montgomery, AL Dallas-Hiram, GA Douglasville, GA Alabama Top National News See All Communities Hey, everybody! It’s Saturday in Birmingham and I’m back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what’s happening in town. But first, today’s weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 43. Find out what’s happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch. I’m looking for business owners and marketers in Birmingham who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales. I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Birmingham Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now. Find out what’s happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch. Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham: A Birmingham man has been found guilty of Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney’s kidnapping. The jury returned its guilty verdict against Patrick Devone Stallworth, 42, after three days of testimony. Stallworth was convicted of one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim for events from October 2019. The jury also found the minor victim’s death resulted from the kidnapping and Stallworth faces life in prison. (Trussvilletribune) An unidentified man has been killed during an apparent assault in Birmingham. The 20-year-old man died Thursday, Oct. 6, around 10:30 a.m. Tarik Juwan Hawkins was shot and transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he later succumbed to his injuries. (Trussvilletribune) After one death, five suspects are in custody for a Center Point shooting. Around 4:30 p.m. in the Charter East Apartments, police found a male who had been shot at least once and was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators were able to get a description of the suspect vehicle and located five suspects. (AL.com) Today in Birmingham: Food & Culture Fair At St. Symeon Orthodox Church (9:00 AM) Space Science Week At McWane Science Center (10:00 AM) Fall Pumpkin Patch Craft Show At Cahaba Brewing Company (12:00 PM) From my notebook: Feel like you’ve eaten everything Birmingham has to offer? Try new restaurants like The Ono Poké, which is opening next to Taco Mama; or Fairway Social, which is the perfect place to watch a game. (AL.com) Looking for a new home? There are a handful of new houses available in and around Birmingham. We particularly liked the cottagecore feel of the Dolly Ridge Road house. (Bham Now) A Birmingham crisis center has been named after a longtime mental health advocate. Dr. Richard Craig also received the NAMI Alabama Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the annual Alabama Institute for Recovery H.O.P.E. Award in 2011. (AL.com) That’s it for today. I’ll see you back in your inbox Monday with a new update! — Miranda Fraraccio About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer. 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…

Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl, Freshman Chance Westry Both Undergo Same Knee Surgery https://digitalalabamanews.com/auburn-coach-bruce-pearl-freshman-chance-westry-both-undergo-same-knee-surgery/ Auburn coach Bruce Pearl underwent arthroscopic knee surgery alongside freshman guard Chance Westry on Thursday, the program announced. It’s unclear what led to either of their injuries, but the procedures reportedly went as planned. Pearl will return to work on Monday, though won’t be at full strength. Westry will be out for at least three weeks. Pearl is set to enter his ninth season leading the Tigers this fall. He’s compiled a 166-98 overall record so far at Auburn and is fresh off winning his second regular season SEC title. Pearl signed an eight-year contract extension with the program in January, and said he hopes to remain there “for life.” Westry, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Chandler, Arizona, was a four-star Rivals.com recruit and the No. 34 ranked player in the class of 2022. He landed at Auburn with offers from Arizona State, Florida, Georgetown, Michigan, Syracuse and more. Westry is the second significant Tigers player to be sidelined so far this fall. Senior Allen Flanigan is currently away from the team due to a personal matter, per Alabama.com, and it’s unclear when he will return. Auburn is set to open its season on Nov. 7 against George Mason. Though the two injuries were unrelated, and the timing was likely coincidental, Pear certainly found a unique way to make sure his freshman guard feels welcome to the program. Chance Westry will be out for 3-4 weeks and Bruce Pearl will be back at work on Monday after they both underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday. (Bob Donnan/USA Today) Read More…

Hillicon Valley — Musk Knocks Trump’s App https://digitalalabamanews.com/hillicon-valley-musk-knocks-trumps-app/ Elon Musk knocked former President Trump’s app Truth Social as part of a wide-ranging interview that was published as Musk’s bid to buy Twitter forges ahead.   This is Hillicon Valley, detailing all you need to know about tech and cyber news from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. Send tips to The Hill’s Rebecca Klar and Ines Kagubare. Someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Musk vs. Truth Social   Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk took a swipe at former President Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, calling it a “rightwing echo chamber.”  During an in-depth interview with the Financial Times published Friday, the tech mogul talked about his reasoning behind making a bid to purchase Twitter, a transaction that, thus far, has been fraught with legal drama.  “I’m not doing Twitter for the money. It’s not like I’m trying to buy some yacht and I can’t afford it,” Musk, a billionaire, said. “I don’t own any boats. But I think it’s important that people have a maximally trusted and inclusive means of exchanging ideas and that it should be as trusted and transparent as possible.”  The other option, he told the Financial Times, is allowing the debate to splinter into different social media apps.  “It [Truth Social] is essentially a rightwing echo chamber. It might as well be called Trumpet,” he said.  Musk and Twitter were embroiled in a legal battle after Musk withdrew his $44 billion deal to buy the social media platform. Following the withdrawal, Twitter sued Musk and Musk countersued, alleging that the tech company had not been forthcoming about the number of bots occupying the platform.  Read more here.   JUDGE GRANTS STAY FOR MUSK  A Delaware judge on Thursday granted Elon Musk’s request to stay an upcoming trial with Twitter, giving him until Oct. 28 to close a $44 billion merger deal with the company.  Kathaleen McCormick, the head of the Delaware Chancery Court, ruled that if the merger agreement is not closed by Oct. 28, she would issue a notice of a trial date in November.  On Thursday, Musk’s attorneys filed a motion for a stay on the upcoming trial, saying it was now an “enormous waste of party and judicial resources” since he says he will go through with his agreement to purchase the company.  Twitter’s attorneys also filed on Thursday opposing Musk’s motion, arguing he has not agreed to a closing date and the company is “entitled to its day in court.”  The attorneys said Musk has “pursued increasingly implausible claims” and has long sought to delay the trial.  Read more here.   236K NEW JOBS IN SEPTEMBER  The U.S. added 263,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent, according to data released Friday by the Labor Department.  The September employment report showed job growth continuing to slow from a torrid pace earlier in the year but remaining strong as the economy powers through high inflation and rising interest rates.  The jobless rate also dropped by 0.2 percentage points and returned to pre-pandemic level in February 2020, which was the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 50 years. Economists expected the U.S. to have added roughly 250,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate to remain at 3.7 percent, according to consensus estimates. The decline in the jobless rate last month came as labor force participation fell slightly — a sign of ample demand for workers even amid recession fears.  Read more here.   BITS & PIECES An op-ed to chew on: Permanent climate change on habitable planets  Notable links from around the web:  This Is Life in the Metaverse (The New York Times / Kashmir Hill)  This Is the Third Amazon Warehouse to Catch Fire This Week (Motherboard / Jules Roscoe)  Memory Chip Makers Struggle With Declines in Demand, Price (The Wall Street Journal / Jiyoung Sohn and Asa Fitch)  Lighter click: The Hill’s photos of the week One more thing: A dangerous wave  Book bans are nothing new in the United States, but authors of some of the country’s most contested books worry about the newest push to censor what literature children have access to in schools.    “I’m an old pro at this,” said Sherman Alexie, author of the young adult novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” The novel tells the story of Arnold Spirit Jr., a 14-year-old aspiring cartoonist who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation while attending an all-white high school.    The book has faced pushback since it was published in 2007 and has been contested for its use of profanity, racist language — including the N-word — and references to sexual acts. Over the past 15 years, the novel has earned a spot on the American Library Association’s banned books list six times.     The novel is currently banned in 16 different school districts across a handful of states including Florida, Georgia, Iowa and Kansas, according to PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans.  Read more here.   That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hill’s Technology and Cybersecurity pages for the latest news and coverage. We’ll see you next week. Read More…

Flynn, Gingrich Testimony Sought In Georgia Election Probe https://digitalalabamanews.com/flynn-gingrich-testimony-sought-in-georgia-election-probe/ By KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia prosecutor investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 election filed paperwork Friday seeking to compel testimony from a new batch of Trump allies, including former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed petitions seeking to have Gingrich and Flynn, as well as former White House lawyer Eric Herschmann and others, testify next month before a special grand jury that’s been seated to aid her investigation. They join a string of other high-profile Trump allies and advisers who have been called to testify in the probe. Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and Trump attorney who’s been told he could face criminal charges in the probe, testified in August. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s attempt to fight his subpoena is pending in a federal appeals court. A lawyer for Flynn did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Gingrich did not immediately respond to a voicemail left on his cellphone. Herschmann could not immediately be reached for comment. Political Cartoons Willis has said she plans to take a monthlong break from public activity in the case leading up to the November midterm election, which is one month from Saturday. Each of the petitions filed Friday seeks to have the potential witnesses appear in November after the election. But the process for securing testimony from out-of-state witnesses sometimes takes a while, so it appears Willis is putting the wheels in motion for activity to resume after her self-imposed pause. When she wants to compel testimony from witnesses who don’t live in Georgia, Willis has to use a process that involves getting judges in the states where they live to order them to appear. The petitions she filed Friday are essentially precursors to subpoenas. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who’s overseeing the special grand jury, signed off on the petitions, certifying that each person whose testimony is sought is a “necessary and material” witness for the investigation. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read More…