7. Bush infuriates Republicans by equating 9/11 hijackers to U.S. Capitol rioters

• Former President George W. Bush angered many on the right by comparing the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol to 9/11 at a memorial this week, saying, “There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home. But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit.” This absurd comparison was echoed all over the American media as conservatives were cajoled to give into liberals in the sense of national unity through submission and abandonment of their principles in favor of what they have always been in favor of.
• The people who hated President Bush, comparing him to Adolf Hitler and claiming he stole elections in 2000 and 2004 until former President Donald Trump arrived on the scene, were ecstatic. The Democratic Coalition tweeted, “George W. Bush is right—we must always remain vigilant against terrorist extremists both at home and abroad. And we cannot rest until all of Trump’s traitorous, insurrectionist foot soldiers face justice.”

6. Massive infrastructure bill likely to fail

• U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has said that it’s likely the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill will fail as Democrats like U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) are unwilling to vote for such a large spending bill that’s being passed through budget reconciliation.
• Manchin has remained consistent that he won’t vote for the spending, and he’s said that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is aware of where he stands on the package. According to Manchin, it’s also unlikely the infrastructure bill could be resolved this month. He added, “If they play politics with the needs of America, I can tell you America will recoil.”

5. Mike Hubbard wants to be released

• Former Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard has requested an early release from prison where he was sentenced to serve 28 months. So far, Hubbard has served 12 months of his sentence, but he’s not currently eligible for parole.
• The motion filed said that Hubbard “poses no danger to the public,” adding that he “has no prior criminal record, and the offenses of which Defendant stands convicted are not violent in nature.”

4. Rental assistance has been delayed

• There has been a delay in rental assistance given to people in Alabama as some evictions have resumed. Only $13 million of the $237 million in rental assistance that was given to the state of Alabama has been spent, and there’s been a renewed push to distribute more funds.
• The issue with some funds being tied up could be due to the issue of infrastructure spending, but Jefferson County Judge Shera Grant has said there are “tenants obviously that are in a very serious situation, but we also have landlords who have not been able to receive any rent for over a year.”

3. Special session is coming for prisons, money for prisons is there

• Speaker of the Alabama House Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) stated this weekend that a special session for prison reform is likely in late-Septemeber or early October. He said the votes are still being counted but noted that a resolution to Alabama’s prison issues needs to come soon because of the never-ending saga of a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit in federal court concerning prison conditions. McCutcheon wants it resolved before the federal government comes in and makes decisions for the state that could be far more costly.
• State Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) has discussed the financial situation of building new prisons in Alabama, and he’s said there could be up to $785 million available in money from a yet-to-be-resolved bond issue. Clouse advised that when it comes to the “men’s prison in Escambia County – we’ll be able to basically build that with cash without having to use any bond money there.” He added that there’s a desire to have a focus on also renovating the Limestone and Donaldson facilities.

2. Trump could be hinting at a 2024 run

• On 9/11, President Donald Trump spoke to first responders where he was specifically asked if he would be running in 2024, and he replied, “I know what I’m going to do, but I’m not supposed to be talking about it yet from the standpoint of campaign finance laws, which frankly, are ridiculous.”
• Trump has regularly hinted at possibly running in 2024 in the past but not always in as much of a blatant way as this. Trump said that for those waiting for his campaign decision, “I think you’re going to be happy.”

1. Teen vaccinations without parental consent limited after complaints

• Parental consent will be required for any school-aged child attempting to get the vaccine at a school-run clinic, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Previously, it was allowed that those 14-years-old and older could get the coronavirus vaccine without parental consent.
• This comes after a radio talk show host brought it to the attention of legislators who complained about the previous standards, and while the legislators who complained were not named, there has already been a bill by State Representative Chip Brown (R-Mobile) filed that would prevent minors from getting the vaccine without parental consent. Democrats look to expand vaccinations without parental consent nationwide, with U.S. Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY) arguing, “One of the reasons that we need to avoid steps like this is that we need to protect kids from their parents.”