West Alabama Tuesday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama!! It is Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
The vote in the most contentious presidential election in modern history is one week from today. And to many people who are tired of the name calling, misinformation, downright lies, and incivility of the campaign in cannot come soon enough.
Unfortunately, most election experts believe the outcome will most likely not be decided on election night. Harkening back to the days of the Florida "Hanging Chad" in the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore that had to be decided by the courts; many believe the courts may be forced to make the determination this time as well.
First: Hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed across the country with even more expected after the election. They are challenging almost every aspect of the election.
Second: Three potentially decisive states — Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — are notoriously slow at counting. A winner may not emerge before the end of the week.
Third: The validity of whoever emerges as the winning will most likely be challenged by the other side. If the election comes down to a few thousand votes or less in a state that is crucial for an electoral college victory, then expect both sides to litigate as hard as they can.”
Local, state and federal officials across the state are deeply concerned about the potential for violence, from both the far right and far left. There is great concern for another January 6th type riot during the congressional election certification process.
On top of all that, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are doing all they can to divide the American people and question the legitimacy of the balloting and declared winner.
This is not the electoral process most of us grew up with. Let us all pray that somehow, someway we can return common sense to our society, develop a renewed sense of trust, not allow social media to mislead and divide us and most of all remember the adage from Abraham Lincoln's June 16, 1858, speech when he uttered the famous phrase, "A house divided against itself cannot stand".
Weather:
The Forecast
Absentee Ballot requests for next Tuesday’s General Election are due no later than close of business today at your local County Board of Registrar’s office. They must be returned in person in person by close of business November 4th and by mail no later than noon on November 5th.
44-year-old Cedric Leon Tinker is in jail, charged with attempted murder and other crimes after he allegedly fired a TPD officer’s weapon during a scuffle. No one was hit by the bullet in the West End incident. Tinker's family had reportedly made several calls about his mental health in the last few days, and TPD dispatched a Mental Health Officer to evaluate him. Tinker resisted an effort to transport him to the hospital for evaluation leading to the scuffle.
Read More: Tuscaloosa Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Firing Officer’s Gun During Checkup
Gas prices are down across Alabama in the last week. The average gallon of regular statewide is $2.80. That is 4¢ lower than last week but 2¢ higher than a month ago. Triple A’s Clay Ingram advises motorist to comparison shop for gas, "If you compare, you can always find lower gas prices."
In West Alabama Perry County’s $3.06 is the highest with Tuscaloosa County’s $2.72 the lowest. That is down 4¢ from last week.
A Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Workshop was conducted at ALDOT’s West Central Region Office in Tuscaloosa last night. ALDOT’s Allison Green tells us integrating plan into the overall transportation system is critical as more people walk a bicycle.
Four more workshops will be held across the state over the next 2-weeks before a final plan is developed.
Another community storm shelter is on the way in West Alabama. Democrat Congresswoman Terri Sewell will present a check later this morning for construction of a new shelter in Marengo County. There has been a concerted effort to build shelters in rural West Alabama Counties.
Topping Sports News:
The LA Dodgers are one win away from a World Series sweep of the New York Yankees. A 4-0 win by the Dodgers powered by a homerun by former Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman gives LA a 3-games-to-none lead over the Bronx Bombers.
In an exhibition game in Huntsville last night, the second ranked Alabama Men’s basketball Team took a 96-88 victory over the Memphis Tigers in the Rocket City Classic. Tide coach Nate Oats was not happy with his team committing 20 turnovers.
The pre-conference season officially start’s Monday.
Read More: Nate Oats Comments on Poor Effort from Bama Basketball
Former Tide running back Linnie Patrick died on Monday. A Walker County native, Patrick was one of the most exciting running backs to play for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Patrick was a running back for the Crimson Tide from 1980 to 1983.
Read More: Former Alabama Crimson Tide Running Back Passes Away
Keep up with the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather throughout the day by clicking on TuscaloosaThread.com. Better yet, download the app.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
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