7. State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga) believes the response from some pornography websites to Alabama’s new “Porn ID” law, which takes effect in October, confirms the need for the legislation. The law requires age verification and warnings about the dangers of pornography, and some sites have already announced they will pull their services in Alabama due to the new restrictions.
6. In Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District race, The Grio’s Michael Harriot ridiculously declares that the race is between Democrat Shomari Figures and Republican Caroleene Dobson is a race between “a daughter of the confederacy vs. the Klan killer’s son.” Harriot’ brain-damaged take includes given Figures’ father’s accomplishments to him while placing Dobson’s great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather’s sins on her.
5. Congress passed a temporary funding measure on Wednesday, averting a government shutdown by keeping agencies funded through December 20, while also adding $231 million to bolster the Secret Service amid increased threats. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature, with more difficult negotiations over final spending decisions expected after the November 5 election.
4. Republicans get on board, not as much as the media pretends, though, as support is growing among Alabama lawmakers from both parties for a bill to ban Glock switches, devices that convert semi-automatic handguns to automatic fire. Mayor Randall Woodfin has called for legislative action, and key Republican leaders, like Sen. Jabo Waggoner, are backing the measure, though some lawmakers remain skeptical of the need for additional state laws.
3. Following the deadly shooting in Birmingham’s Five Points South, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) condemned rising violence, blaming Democratic policies like “defund the police” and calling for more support to law enforcement. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin responded by advocating for stricter gun laws, putting him at odds with state lawmakers, as Tuberville emphasized the need to “fund the police” and focus on tangible solutions to crime.
2. Birmingham City Council member Crystal Smitherman expressed frustration over rising crime in the city, urging Mayor Randall Woodfin to “put the hammer down” on criminals after the recent mass shooting in Five Points South. Smitherman emphasized that residents feel unsafe and criticized the perceived boldness of criminals, noting that stricter enforcement is needed to restore public safety. For her part, Governor Kay Ivey clarified that she has “no plans” to deploy the National Guard to Birmingham
