7 Things: Trump has momentum; Strong scrutinizes FEMA dollars; Woodfin’s murder commission; and more …

7. Voting is starting. Georgia saw record early voting turnout on the first day of early voting for the 2024 election, with over 306,000 voters casting ballots, nearly double the 2020 numbers. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has requested the dismissal of DOJ lawsuits challenging a program that removes ineligible voters, including non-citizens, from voter rolls, citing its proximity to the upcoming November election. The DOJ argues that the program violates the National Voter Registration Act by risking the wrongful removal of eligible voters and creating confusion, and seeks remedies to prevent further violations.

6. Vice President Kamala Harris did an ambassador with an interview with aa apparent-media representative for all black people, Charlamagne Tha God. Harris tried to says she is stronger on the economy, suggested that giving Russian President Vladimir Putin COVID tests cost black Americans their lives, which is painfully stupid. She discussed her commitment to pandering to black people with reparations and emphasized her support for decriminalizing marijuana to rectify past injustices against Black men, and if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Harris also defended her speaking style, asserting that sticking to key points shows “discipline” and helps reach distracted voters.

5. The Mobile Public Library faces the potential loss of $486,000 in state funding if it fails to comply with new state guidelines restricting minors’ access to certain materials, which is a bit odd that this is even a controversy. Library Director Margie Calhoun has vowed to adopt the guidelines, which aim to prevent minors from checking out “sexually explicit” content without parental approval, to safeguard the library’s funding.

4. A recent NBC News poll shows a five-point swing in favor of former President Donald Trump, leaving him tied with Kamala Harris at 48% support among registered voters and solidifying that momentum is in his favor. Harris had previously held a 5-point lead over Trump in September, but her declining popularity and growing voter concerns about her connection to Biden’s policies have helped narrow the race. Trump’s support surged as Republicans rallied behind him, while Harris lost momentum, particularly among young and independent voters.

3. Former President Trump, during an interview with Bloomberg News in Chicago, described the Republican Party as “the party of common sense” and outlined his economic plans for a potential second term. He discussed key election issues, his stance on tariffs, and foreign policy, receiving applause from the audience when defending his trade policies and relationships with world leaders.

2. Following a recent mass shooting that killed four and injured 17, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced a new 19-member advisory commission to combat the city’s gun violence surge when the answer is clear … more jail. The commission, composed of business, criminal justice, and community leaders, is tasked with identifying effective strategies to reduce homicides and will deliver a preliminary report within 60 days.

1. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) and fellow Republicans on the House Committee on Homeland Security are pressing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FEMA for their inadequate financial response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The lawmakers expressed concern that funds needed for disaster relief may have been diverted to support migrant services, leaving storm-affected Americans without sufficient aid.

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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.