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Republican secretary of state’s first act in office: withdrawing Alabama from voter-registration organization

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Republican secretary of state’s first act in office: withdrawing Alabama from voter-registration organization


Wes Allen speaks at his inauguration ceremony on the steps of the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery.


AP

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s new secretary of state has introduced the state’s withdrawal from a 32-state voter-registration partnership, a data-sharing effort that was designed to keep up correct voter rolls however has generally develop into the goal of right-wing ire and conspiracy theories.

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A day after being sworn in on Jan. 17, Secretary of State Wes Allen despatched a letter to the Digital Registration Info Middle, a nonprofit linking 32 states and the District of Columbia, saying the state will now not take part within the sharing of voter registration knowledge.

“I made a promise to the folks of Alabama that ending our state’s relationship with the ERIC group could be my first official act as Secretary of State,” Allen stated in an announcement. The letter stated that Alabama would instantly stop transmitting knowledge.

The Republican, who had pledged throughout his marketing campaign to withdraw from ERIC, cited privateness issues for the choice.

Digital Registration Info Middle, or ERIC, database was created as a software to keep up correct voter rolls and fight fraud by permitting states to know when somebody strikes, dies or registers elsewhere.

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“Offering the non-public info of Alabama residents, together with underage minors, to an out of state group is troubling to me and to people who I heard from as I traveled the state for the final 20 months,” Allen stated.

The database was created as a software to keep up correct voter rolls and fight fraud by permitting states to know when somebody strikes, dies or registers elsewhere, however has generally been focused by critics.

In November, former Secretary of State John Merrill, a fellow Republican, had criticized Allen’s intent to withdraw. He stated then that ERIC gives info that Alabama couldn’t in any other case entry — reminiscent of different states’ voter registration and motorist driver’s license data — and has been a vital software for sustaining voting rolls.

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“I belief he has evaluated this case and is making the choice primarily based on what he believes to be in the perfect curiosity of the state of Alabama,” Merrill stated on Jan. 18 after Allen’s withdrawal letter.

Don’t miss: Incoming Democratic governor of Pennsylvania faucets Philadelphia Republican for prime election-administration publish

The difficulty of participation in ERIC was raised in not less than one different state. The Republican candidate for Arizona secretary of state stated in the course of the marketing campaign that he would withdraw from ERIC if elected, however he misplaced. Louisiana withdrew earlier this yr.

See: Trump-aligned election conspiracist Finchem loses secretary of state race in Arizona to Democrat Fontes

Nevertheless, one other Republican campaigned on becoming a member of the partnership.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, additionally a Republican, proudly famous in stump speeches that the state had joined ERIC. Raffensperger stated in 2019 that it will be an incredible step ahead for the integrity of Georgia’s voter rolls.

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In keeping with the group, the states that at present take part in ERIC are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The District of Columbia can also be a member.

Learn on: Democrats and voting-rights teams specific dismay as Wisconsin Republican election official boasts of minority-voter suppression



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Alabama

Alabama Barker throws money into the ocean as critics rage over decision

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Alabama Barker throws money into the ocean as critics rage over decision


ALABAMA Barker has left critics fuming after her latest Instagram Story featured wasted money.

The 18-year-old was pictured with two men on a boat, throwing cash into the ocean, although the exact location is unclear.

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Alabama Barker (above) is the daughter of Blink-182 member Travis BarkerCredit: INSTAGRAM/alabamaluellabarker
Alabama Barber angered social media users on Saturday after posting an Instagram Story, throwing money into the ocean

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Alabama Barber angered social media users on Saturday after posting an Instagram Story, throwing money into the oceanCredit: instagram/alabamaluellabarker

Users on an online thread called out Alabama as “tone-deaf” and “entitled” for posting this content online.

“This is disgusting,” said one person.

“Here I am trying to provide for my family while drowning in student loans and there’s people without doing s**t just throwing away money”

“Wow kid, really showing everybody how mature and grown up you are,” mocked another.

Read More on Alabama Barker

“Revolting spoiled immature little brat,” commented a third user under thread.

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But this is not the first time the influencer has caused a stir online.

In May, Alabama shared a heartfelt photo of her carrying her younger step-brother Rocky Thirteen, but people had concerns.

In the snap, Alabama was sporting a sharp set of silver nails that many social media users said could have harmed the baby.

“Those nails with exposed fragile baby skin makes me anxious!” one user commented under the post.

Travis Barker’s daughter Alabama, 18, packs on PDA with rapper boyfriend Lil Darius in pics fans ‘need a warning for’

“Agreed poor little sugar prob getting knifed up with those acrylics,” another replied.

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Travis Landon Barker, 48, is a musician who serves as the drummer for the famous rock band Blink-182.

Alabama’s mother, Shanna Lynn Moakler, 49, is an actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder.

She was the winner of the Miss New York USA pageant in 1995 and was the first runner-up at Miss USA 1995.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker relationship timeline

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker first sparked romance rumors in January of 2021. A little over a year later, the two reportedly tied the knot in a Las Vegas wedding ceremony. Here is a timeline of their love story:

She and Travis were married for four years, from 2004 to 2008.

In 2022, Travis married Kourtney Kardashian, and are currently still together.

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Judging by her social media posts, Alabama has a good relationship with stepmom Kourtney and has spoken positively about their relationship in the past.

Travis has four children, including Alabama.

The rocker has maintained a close relationship with all of them.

Travis and Kourtney welcomed their son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, in November 2023.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Meanwhile, Alabama has worked to escape her dad’s shadow.

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Alabama has amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram, portraying a luxurious and mysterious lifestyle.

In 2017, she released her first single titled, Our House, with the music video receiving more than 400,000 views.

She followed the song with her new single and music video, Heartbreaker which was released in October 2018.

It seems the singer is open about her relationship with her famous father.

In the Young Hollywood YouTube show, Travis revealed that Alabama’s name came from the True Romance character Alabama Whitman – Travis’ favorite movie.

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She has even made an appearance on Blink-182’s California album on the song She’s Out of Her Mind.

Alabama created and recorded the piano instrumental in that song.

Alabama Barker posted another Instagram Story on Saturday of two male friends throwing up the middle finger

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Alabama Barker posted another Instagram Story on Saturday of two male friends throwing up the middle fingerCredit: instagram/alabamaluellabarker
Alabama Barker has appeared on an Blink-182 song, producing background instrumentals

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Alabama Barker has appeared on an Blink-182 song, producing background instrumentalsCredit: Instagram/alabamaluellabarker
Alabama Barker and her father, Travis Barker, have maintained a close public relationship

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Alabama Barker and her father, Travis Barker, have maintained a close public relationshipCredit: Getty



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Case against Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission dismissed by court

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Case against Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission dismissed by court


MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Medical cannabis could soon be available across Alabama now that a federal court has dismissed a case against the state’s regulatory commission on the matter.

On Friday, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals dismissed the main case against the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. The commission, which is in charge of awarding licenses to businesses seeking to distributing cannabis, had faced lawsuits after some applicants claimed they did not receive a fair consideration for a license.

The court said that because the commission is a state agency, it is immune from being named as a defendant in a court case.

Joey Robertson, managing partner of Wagon Trail Med-Serv who was awarded an integrated license, said that the ruling is a positive step forward.

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“We may see additional lawsuits pop up from this- who knows,” Robertson said. “But at least the appellate court is standing up and saying ‘you know what, these cases need to go away, they don’t have grounds, they don’t have standing- and they should be dismissed.”

Will Somerville, an attorney representing rejected applicant Alabama Always, LLC, said the courts dismissed their case because of legal technicalities, but that there is still litigation pending from another plaintiff.

“The Court of Civil Appeals ordered the circuit court to dismiss those,” Somerville said. “There’s still another case pending in which injunctions were entered. And that injunction is still in effect.”

But Ray French, CEO of Specialty Medical Products of Alabama, says otherwise.

“This is the green light to go forward and allow the commission to proceed with their process of licensing,” French said.

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John McMillan, commissioner of the AMCC, said that the group’s legal team is reviewing the decisions. He also said that he wants to get the program up and running to take care of patients and their needs.



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Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn to compete for Miss Alabama title – The Cullman Tribune

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Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn to compete for Miss Alabama title – The Cullman Tribune


Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn will head to Samford University June 26-29, 2024, to compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant. (Savannah Lynn)

HANCEVILLE, Ala. –  Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn is headed to Birmingham June 26-29, to compete in the statewide pageant and Miss America qualifier, Miss Alabama.

It was an unexpected turn of events for Lynn, a seasoned pageant contestant. On Sept 10, 2023, she was not named Miss Wallace State, nor the first runner-up. Instead, she was selected as the pageant’s second runner-up, leaving her third in line to make it to the statewide circuit. However, due to scheduling conflicts for the winner and first runner-up, Lynn was next in line and bravely stepped up to the challenge.

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Said Lynn, “I remember right after that phone call, the first thing I did was pray. I was so nervous and excited at the same time and all I wanted to do, was thank God for this amazing opportunity.”

For Lynn, preparing for the pageant was more than just a routine; it was a part of her family’s legacy. Her two great-aunts, Sonya and Regina White, own the local pageant wear staple, Avenue Bridals. Lynn’s connection to the pageant world was established long before she could even walk, thanks to her glamorous great-aunts and their stunning outfits that always stole the show.

“I have participated in pageants since before I could walk, Lynn smiled. “ Growing up with a family who owned a pageant dress store was such a cool thing to me. I mean, how could I not participate in pageants? I have so much love for the pageant industry and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

While moving through the ranks of the pageant sphere and advancing her skills and on-stage performance, Lynn held those familial ties close to her heart. She said her mother, Heather Lynn, has been her biggest supporter through the hours of practice, rehearsing and countless tears, instilling a strong faith and sense of self in the young woman, no matter how tough the criticism or circumstances.

“I wouldn’t even be competing if it wasn’t for her. She has always been my biggest supporter in everything that I do and I’ll forever be thankful for her,” Lynn said emotionally.

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Her mother’s and aunts’ support are what led Lynn to find her philanthropic platform, Back to Business. The platform hopes to bring awareness to and incorporate business skills in STEM courses in public education. Lynn is now next in line to run Avenue Bridals, keeping the storefront in the family. Her passion for business skills in STEM education blossoms from those familial ties and the needs she said she has seen for upcoming owners of small, local and family owned businesses that have lasted decades.

“We are the next generation to take over these small businesses one day,” she said. “I want students to feel prepared and excited about becoming business owners and working in the business industry.”

Lynn will compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant beginning at 7 p.m. on June 26 in the Samford University Wright Center. The pageant will not be broadcast publicly; however, tickets can be purchased online at Missalabama.com.

Copyright 2024 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.



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