7. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey requested the resignation (then removed) Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis, citing mishandling of federal ARPA funds, jeopardizing veteran services, and the filing of ethics complaints against colleagues, which were dismissed as frivolous by the Alabama Ethics Commission. Additionally, Ivey removed John Kilpatrick from the State Board of Veterans Affairs. Kilpatrick’s nonprofit was tied to the disputed ARPA funds.
6. Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges to spare his family from the humiliation of a public trial, citing his past battles with addiction. He expressed regret for causing them pain and emphasized that he has since paid his overdue taxes and remained sober for over five years. Biden’s lawyer stated that the case was extreme, as Hunter was charged for actions committed during the depths of his addiction, which have since been rectified. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that President Joe Biden will not pardon his crackhead son following his new guilty plea, but that statement seems very questionable.
5. Polling guru Nate Silver’s latest forecast has elevated former President Donald Trump’s chances of winning the Electoral College against Vice President Kamala Harris to 60.1%, the highest figure since July. Silver attributes Harris’ decline in polling, especially in critical battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, to diminished post-convention momentum and voter enthusiasm issues. On Thursday, Trump also widened his lead over Harris to seven percentage points on the Polymarket platform, the largest margin since Aug. 22.
4. Remember, voter fraud never happens, except when a Guatemalan illegal immigrant in Alabama, Angelica Maria Francisco, was charged with assuming a U.S. citizen’s identity to obtain a passport and vote in multiple elections. Francisco used the false identity to cast ballots in 2016 and 2020 (4 times total), and will plead guilty to all charges under a plea agreement. Minnesota is dealing with the same issue and, it is not surprising, vice presidential candidate and Governor Tim Walz’s administration seems disinterested in addressing the matter.
3. U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) warned that a Trump victory in November could lead to civil unrest from left-wing extremists, similar to what occurred during Trump’s first inauguration. He expressed concerns about election fairness and criticized the Biden administration’s economic policies, especially regarding inflation and energy costs. Moore believes Trump could restore the U.S. economy, but cautioned that his return to office would bring a challenging period for the country.
2. The Montgomery City Council passed an ordinance this week requiring a valid photo ID for concealed carry, which conflicts with Alabama state law that permits concealed carry without a permit for those 18 and older with violators having their firearm confiscated for a month and can retrieve it for a $150 fine, or the weapon will be destroyed after 30 days if proof of ownership isn’t provided. Councilor Glen Pruitt supports the ordinance, emphasizing its use for law enforcement, despite acknowledging likely legal challenges, and it is clear this law will never be enforced.
1. Colin Gray, the father of 14-year-old Colt Gray, who allegedly killed four people in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, murder, and child cruelty. The elder Gray is accused of providing the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting as a Christmas gift.
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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
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