Politico: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been untouchable for the past year as he commanded the Republican culture wars to become heir apparent to Donald Trump. The latest coronavirus surge is starting to change that. Covid infection rates continue to climb as the state faces shortages of health care staff, morgue space and even oxygen…
“Man charged with $25M extortion scheme promising pardon for Rep. Matt Gaetz”
Politico: “A Florida developer and fraud convict was arrested Tuesday on a charge that he tried to extort $25 million from the father of Rep. Matt Gaetz in exchange for a presidential pardon that would shut down a high-profile, criminal sex-trafficking investigation into the Republican congressman. Stephen Alford, 62, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted…
“Mo Brooks Way Ahead In GOP Senate Primary”
Political Wire: “A new Alabama News Daily/Cygnal poll gives Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) a 41% to 18% lead over Katie Britt (R), former chief of staff to the retiring Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) in the Republican U.S. Senate race. Former congressional candidate Jessica Taylor (R) receives 3% and former U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard (R) receives 2%.”
Anti-Science COVID Rage in Alabama Seemingly Disconnected from Facts on the Ground
AL Political Reporter: “Let me repeat that: The state health officer, a mild-mannered doctor who everyone genuinely likes, was advised by state law enforcement officials to put on a bulletproof vest. Because they thought someone might try to kill him. As crazy as that sounds, it’s probably true. A teacher in Texas had her mask…
“Texas GOP advances voting bill after Democrats’ holdout ends”
North State Journal: “Texas Republicans advanced new election integrity measures last week after months of protests by Democrats, who abandoned the state for 38 days before returning. The nearly 50-page bill passed the Texas House on a 79-37 mostly party-line vote. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott says he will sign the measure that is on track…
“[Birmingham] Mayor Woodfin grows stronger”
AL Political Reporter: “So, what does it say about Birmingham voters that they re-elected Mayor Randall Woodfin in a landslide against seven other candidates, including a former mayor and a current Jefferson County commissioner? Voters in Birmingham are happy with Woodfin. And as they should be. Woodfin certainly has his detractors – all politicians do….
“Abbott’s TX COVID Strategy Isn’t Just Post-Conservative, It’s Post-Coherent”
MSNBC: “About a week after testing positive for Covid-19 himself, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order banning the use of vaccine mandates in the public sector and for businesses that contract with the state. The Republican’s guidance was sweeping — overriding both local control and private sector rights. Under his order, any “public or private entity that is…
TX Marine Lance Cpl. David Espinoza Among 13 Troops Killed in Afghan Airport Suicide Attack
WaPo: “David Espinoza 20, of Rio Bravo, Tex. — On Wednesday, Elizabeth Holguin received a call from her son, who was stationed in Kabul. Before hanging up, he said “I love you,” she told The Post. That was the last time they ever spoke. Inspired by the prospect of helping others, Espinoza had always dreamed of…
“Dallas’ Hidden History of Terror”
TX Observer: “The Accommodation begins with the bombings. The 1950s terror spree that racist Dallasites unleashed on Black residents who’d dared buy homes in a then-white neighborhood. The dozen or so packages of dynamite hurled at South Dallas houses that rocked the city, yet led to no criminal conviction. The shameful episode that local elites have…
“Former Conway lawmaker [and Former Chairman of AR GOP] to face retrial on federal bribery charges”
Arkansas Times: “Federal prosecutors plan to retry former lobbyist and political fundraiser Gilbert Baker on bribery and other charges after a mistrial earlier this month. Chief U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall Jr. on Friday set the retrial to begin in Little Rock on Oct. 4. On Aug. 12, a jury on its fifth day of…