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Alabama lawmaker moves to keep Glock switches out of Jefferson County

Alabama Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, has pre-filed a bill that would prohibit trigger activators, otherwise known as Glock switches, in Jefferson County.

Within the bill’s text, a trigger activator is defined as “any part or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting or enabling a firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger.”

Under HB73, any person found possessing such a device would be liable for a civil penalty of at least $1,000 for each violation.

The bill states that it does not apply to:

State or local law enforcement officers acting in an official capacity.
A person who lawfully has in his or her possession, control, care, or custody a trigger activator pursuant to federal law.
Any trigger activator designed or intended to increase a firearm’s rate of fire but that does not enable a semiautomatic firearm to fire more than two shots, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

Sellers previously told WBRC that localized legislation was necessary because 53% of the state’s violent crimes happen in Jefferson County and Montgomery.

And while Glock switches are illegal federally, there is no state ban.

“This issue is really bad,” he said.

“Because they are mass producing by 3D printers and other distribution, we have got to do something about it. This is just one way of starting to apply a little bit of pressure, a little bit different on those that are caught with Glock switches.”

Efforts to reach Sellers were not immediately successful.

If passed, the bill would go into effect on Oct. 1.

Sellers is one of several legislators sponsoring bills aimed at reducing gun violence.

Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, is once again sponsoring legislation that makes anyone caught with a Glock switch on a pistol subject to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.

Rep. Kenyatte Hassell’s, D- Montgomery, HB23 would require a person to have a permit to carry an assault-style weapon on their person or in their vehicle. Rep. Juandalynn Givan’s, D- Birmingham, HB62 would ban bump stocks in Birmingham.

And Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, has prefiled a series of bills aimed at increasing penalties for firearm related offenses and banning Glock switches in response to the Sept. 21 mass shooting at Hush Lounge.

General

‘90s metal band cancels tour due to singer’s health problems: ‘Just not able to do my job’

Coal Chamber, a popular nu-metal band, has canceled more than 30 shows on its agenda for March and April 2025, citing health problems experienced by its lead singer, Dez Fafara.

Fafara, 58, posted an “urgent” message to fans this week via social media, pointing to unspecified heath issues that have made things “stormy” for him and his family. He predicted that Coal Chamber would be off the road until the last three months of the year.

Here’s the full text of Fafara’s message, as it appears on Instagram and Facebook:

“Hello everyone, first off let me say that we are sending prayers to all who are affected in these terrible California wildfires. We have many friends on evacuation or that have lost everything please donate or do what you can to help.

“At this time, I will be taking down the scheduled touring this year until quarter 4 to focus on my health.

“For everybody that has given me positive comments or sent our family prayers or contacted us with well wishes I want to thank you so much. It means a great deal to not only myself but my family during this trying time.

I’ve had a very blessed life and in all lives some rain must fall and certainly over the last few years. It’s been stormy for my family and I with my health.

“I’m looking forward to getting healthy. My attitude is positive and when I’m ready I’m gonna get back on the road harder than ever with both Coal Chamber and DevilDriver.

“There are a lot of things in the works with both of those bands, but I won’t go over them now because I want to focus on this announcement and I wanted you guys to hear it straight from me.

“To all those who supported me, been behind me I’m so sorry that these tours have to come down but at this time I’m just not able to go do my job at 100%. Love one another and be good to one another.”

The California rock band was set to travel the country on its “Fiend for the Fans” tour, which included a March 23 show at Mars Music Hall in Huntsville. Fear Factory, Twiztid and Black Satellite were on the bill, as well.

The tour also was set to stop in Southern cities such as Atlanta, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Newport, Kentucky; and Destin and Orlando, Florida. (See all the canceled tour dates here.)

The tour was originally scheduled for summer 2024, but was postponed to spring 2025 after the frontman experienced a health crisis at his home, according to an August 2024 post from Fafara on social media.

Although Fafara said he didn’t have a specific diagnosis at the time, he talked about passing out and going to the emergency room. He also mentioned a bout with COVID in his past, but said he battled back and was feeling ready for the summer trek.

“With a heavy heart, let me tell you a story about life taking a turn. I’m writing to you from my bed,” Fafara wrote in his 2024 post.

“I’ve been running 6 miles daily, I’ve been rehearsing two hours daily in my home studio and excited to hit the road, I’m excited to get on a bus with my brothers and sister and my crew. I’ d never felt better and as you all know, I fought back hard after long haul COVID tried to kill me.

“Saturday morning I woke up and I was coming up my stairs. I saw flashes in my eyes. I passed out and my wife revived me. My vitals were through the roof, and I was sheet white and vomiting, and the whole world was spinning. Anahstasia (his wife) called 911. I ended up in the back of an ambulance and did nine hours in the ER testing all my vitals including taking X-rays of my heart and lungs. My doctor has advised me to get a CAT scan, and until further testing, I am on bedrest and must postpone the tour. … This tour postponement is surreal.”

Coal Chamber was formed in the early ‘90s by Fafara and guitarist Miguel “Meegs” Rascón. A self-titled debut album came out in 1997 on Roadrunner Records, and included the hit song “Loco.” A cover of Peter Gabriel’s ”Shock the Monkey,” featuring Ozzy Osbourne, was included on the 1999 follow-up, “Chamber Music,” and hit the Billboard charts that year, reaching the top 30.

The band has released four albums total, including 2015’s “Rivals,” and has a devoted fan base that lauds Coal Chamber for pioneering and defining the nu-metal sound. Coal Chamber has disbanded and reunited a couple of times over the years, with the most recent incarnation popping up in 2022. Along with Fafara and Rascón, the band now includes drummer Mikey Cox and bassist Nadja Peulen.

Fans have posted supportive comments on Coal Chamber’s latest Instagram post, encouraging Fafara to prioritize his health and get well soon.

“Really, really hope you’re okay,” said @malenkyslovos_. “I know it’s difficult making a decision like this, especially considering how much love and energy you put into these shows. But you’ve given us fans SO MUCH over the years. Taking care of yourself and your family is top priority.”

“Take as much time as you need!! Sending love and prayers to you and your family,” said @aj.dr0wn3d.

“Much love @dezfafara we just want you to feel better brother, please take care of yourself, we will always have your back & be in those pits at as many shows as possible as soon as you feel ready!!” said @stonerchick6420.

“You gotta take care of yourself Dez, I hope you can recover soon!” said @kclevelandart. “Second time this tour is getting canceled over it, so I hope you can fight whatever this is successfully soon! Your health and safety is more important than a tour though, so keep kicking!”

Fafara, in turn, thanked fans in the comments for their patience and understanding. “My job is to get strong and come back full on,” the singer said.

General

CNN must pay millions for defaming security contractor employee said had ‘punchable’ face

CNN was ordered Friday to pay $5 million for defaming a security contractor in a 2021 story about desperate Afghan refugees seeking to flee their country.

The contractor, Zachary Young, sued in 2022, alleging that his livelihood was destroyed after the network accused him of operating in a “black market.”

The jury found that CNN had defamed Young and ordered the network to pay $4 million for his loss of income, plus another $1 million in other compensatory damages. The jury also found CNN should have to pay punitive damages.

On Friday afternoon, CNN and Young’s attorneys reached a settlement on the punitive damages award. The settlement amount was not immediately announced, but it relieved the jury from the obligation of reaching a separate verdict on that issue.

In response to the outcome, a CNN spokesperson said, “We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting at CNN, though we will of course take what useful lessons we can from this case.”

The trial lasted two weeks in Panama City, Fla. The jury deliberated for about seven hours before reaching its verdict Friday morning.

Kyle Roche, Young’s attorney, thanked the jury for its verdict, saying that Young “feels heard in a way he hasn’t for three years.”

Before the settlement was announced, Roche began the damages phase by urging the jury to punish CNN “where it hurts — the bottom line.”

“They treated him as guilty until proven innocent,” Roche said. “They labeled him as a criminal for their own benefit.”

David L. Axelrod, CNN’s attorney, told the jury that he was “disappointed” in the verdict. Urging the jury to limit its punitive damages award, he said that the network is not “unredeemable.” He also argued that the network’s worth is in “subtle decline,” given the “headwinds” faced by the entire media industry.

The attorneys returned from a lengthy break Friday afternoon to inform Judge William Henry that they had settled the punitive damages issue. One of the jurors asked what the amount was. The judge said that even he did not know, and the attorneys on both sides remained tight-lipped.

At the beginning of the trial, Roche had urged the jury to “send a message” to the mainstream media by holding CNN liable.

“Reckless journalism is un-American,” Roche said in his opening statement. “It’s dangerous, and if media companies engage in theater in the newsroom, Americans will hold them accountable in the courtroom.”

CNN’s lawyers defended the coverage as “tough” but “fair and accurate.”

The trial revealed numerous internal communications among CNN’s reporters, in which reporter Alex Marquardt referred to Young as a “mf-er” and vowed to “nail” him. Another CNN employee said that Young had a “punchable” face.

The CNN report told of Afghans who were seeking to escape the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Young advertised his services on LinkedIn, charging $14,500 per person in some cases. CNN argued that amount was far beyond what a typical Afghan could pay. The piece included about a minute on Young. CNN’s defense team argued that the references to Young relied almost entirely on his own words.

General

Alabama Supreme Court denies Steven Reed’s sister’s appeal to appear on ballot for election that already happened

In a unanimous decision published Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court denied an appeal from the sister of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed for her name to be placed on the Democratic primary ballot for county commissioner, with the court noting that the election already occurred.

Irva Reed challenged the Alabama Ethics Commission’s determination that she was disqualified from appearing on the ballot because she failed to provide a statement of economic interest before the deadline.

Reed claimed an illness prevented her from submitting the statement, and while a preliminary injunction was ultimately issued ordering her name to be put on the ballot, the commission appealed that ruling and the Alabama Supreme Court stayed the injunction to hear the case.

While Reed did not appear on the Democratic primary ballot in the race for Montgomery County Commissioner for District 4, she ran as an independent in November.

She only got roughly 14% of the vote, losing to Commissioner Isaiah Sankey, the Democratic incumbent who captured more than 85% of the vote.

In its 9-0 ruling, the court said Reed failed to argue that the exceptions to mootness apply to her case, adding that her challenge was not a “pressing issue of great public concern across Alabama.”

“Irva E. Reed seeks to appear on the ballot for an election that has already taken place. Because Reed’s claim is moot, and because no cited exception to mootness applies, we must dismiss this appeal,” the ruling stated. “Reed’s claim is moot. And although Reed cites several exceptions to mootness, none of them apply. As a result, we dismiss this appeal with instructions to the trial court to dissolve the injunction and dismiss Reed’s complaint.”

General

Katie Britt bill inspired by Laken Riley clears another hurdle in Senate vote

The bill authored by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., in response to the murder of Laken Riley is one step closer to passage following a procedural vote Friday.

The Laken Riley Act, which would force U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement to hold undocumented migrants charged with theft and similar crimes, survived a filibuster Friday when nine Democrats joined 52 Republicans to push the bill forward.

Britt’s bill is the first to be considered by the new Senate GOP majority.

“The American people spoke loud and clear on November 5,” Britt tweeted Friday. “They said they would no longer put up with open borders policies like those that led to Laken Riley being stolen from her loved ones. The Senate has a duty to act—to protect our citizens and pass the Laken Riley Act.”

The bill advanced by a vote of 61-35.

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest undocumented immigrants charged with theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses and mandate those suspects be detained until they are deported so they cannot reoffend.

Riley’s killer, undocumented Venezuelan national Jose Antonio Ibarra, had been arrested multiple times once in the United States but was released each time before ICE could put a detainer on him.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Riley was jogging on the University of Georgia campus in Athens when she was killed by Ibarra.

The House earlier passed a version of the bill and will have to take the legislation up again should the Senate pass the bill on Monday due to differences between the versions.

General

‘No more rom-coms’: Star of iconic movies says she’s done with genre

Cameron Diaz has finally made her triumphant return to movie stardom, but it comes with a caveat her longtime fans may not love.

The star of “The Holiday,” “There’s Something About Mary” and other popular romantic comedies outright said she’s done with the genre.

Diaz, 52, currently co-stars with Jamie Foxx in the new spy thriller “Back in Action” (now streaming on Netflix), her first film since 2014’s “Annie,” which also co-starred Foxx. In the movie, Diaz and Foxx play former CIA spies who are drawn back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed.

In a recent interview with Empire, Diaz reflected on her return to acting and remains undecided on whether not she’s back for good.

“I don’t know how I view it. It’s hard to say,” she told Empire. “If I say it then it becomes this thing. I reserve the right to say no to doing a movie ever again, and I reserve the right to say yes if I decide to. I’m not defining anything. I’m just open to whatever makes sense for me and my family at any given moment.”

But Diaz sounded certain of one thing: She’s moving on from the genre that brought her great fame starting in the 1990s.

“No more rom-coms, only mom-coms,” said the mother of two.

Read the full Empire article.

Indeed, Diaz is a rom-com icon.

After debuting in 1994’s Jim Carrey slapstick vehicle “The Mask,” she began to appear in somewhat edgier romantic comedies like “She’s the One” and “Feeling Minnesota” in 1996 before her mainstream breakthrough continued while supporting rom-com queen Julia Roberts in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” just a year later.

Diaz became a superstar and a go-to Hollywood lead with 1998’s gross-out comedy hit “There’s Something About Mary,” and she continued as a face of the genre with others like “The Sweetest Thing,” “The Holiday,” “Knight and Day,” “Bad Teacher,” “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” “The Other Woman” and “Sex Tape.”

But Diaz wasn’t limited to a single category, stretching the movie genre spectrum while working with A-list directors in films like Spike Jonze’s “Being John Malkovich,” Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday,” Cameron Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky,” Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” and Ridley Scott’s “The Counselor.”

She also became the face of the “Charlie’s Angels” action franchise and served as one of the key voices in the globally successful “Shrek” animated film series.

Following the release of “Annie” in 2014, has written a book, invested in startups and launched a wine brand. She will next appear in the film “Outcome,” co-starring Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill (who is also directing), along with Alabama’s Laverne Cox and Roy Wood Jr.

General

Spurs-Grizzlies free livestream: How to watch NBA game tonight, TV, schedule

The San Antonio Spurs play against the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA game tonight. The matchup will begin at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Spurs enter this matchup with a 19-20 record, and they are coming off a 129-115 loss against Memphis. During the loss, San Antonio’s star center Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively. He ended the game with 13 points and shot 5-19 from the field, so Wembanyama will try to improve his offensive efficiency tonight.

The Grizzlies enter this matchup with a 26-15 record, but they have lost four of their last seven games. The Memphis squad is coming off a win, so they will try to continue their win streak tonight.

The Memphis offense will rely on their star players Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Both players are currently averaging more than 20 points per game, and they combined to score 40 points last game.

Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

General

Golden Knights-Hurricanes free livestream: How to watch NHL game tonight, TV, time

The Vegas Golden Knights play against the Carolina Hurricanes in an NHL game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on NHL Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Golden Knights enter this matchup with a 29-12-3 record, but they have lost three of their last four games. In their most recent game, the Golden Knights lost 5-3 against Nashville.

During the loss, Vegas struggled defensively. The team’s goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov allowed four goals and only accrued 18 saves.

The Hurricanes enter this matchup with a 26-16-3 record, but they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Hurricanes lost 4-2 against Buffalo.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Carolina squad will need to rely on their star forward Martin Necas. He leads the team with 51 points this season, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.

Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

General

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to his father: ‘I’ll die on the field for this game’

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed six games during the 2024 NFL season. A concussion sustained in the second game sent the former Alabama All-American to injured reserve for four contests, and he missed the final two games with a hip injury that the team and the quarterback purposely described in only vague terms.

Because Tagovailoa suffered two concussions that caused him to miss five games during the 2022 season, the 2024 setback raised alarms about Tagovailoa’s long-term health and questions about whether he should continue to play.

During an appearance on KKEA-FM in Honolulu on Thursday, the quarterback’s father, Galu Tagovailoa, said his son loved football too much to stop playing.

“The game is something that he loves,” Galu Tagovailoa said. “One of the things that I talked to him when he was going through his concussion was: Hey, what do you think? And he’s like, ‘Dad, I love this game, and I’ll die on the field for this game.’ So that answers everything for me. But at the same time as a father, you’re like, ‘Man, you got to take care of your health. That’s the most important thing. You have a family.’ I have two beautiful grandkids, and that’s something that I got to talk to him about. Something to think about. …

“His wife is such a beautiful lady, and she’s all about his health. And she tells him, ‘I want to live long with you. We got to make sure we do the right thing.’ But you know, Tua grew up in a way that everything is just so competitive. He just don’t want to leave the game. I mean, the kid loves it. But I believe the Lord has a plan for him and wherever the Lord takes him, that’s a decision he’s going to have to make with his family.”

What Tua Tagovailoa told his father sounded much like what he told reporters at a press conference on Oct. 21 as he prepared to return to the Miami lineup.

“I appreciate your concern,” Tagovailoa said. “I really do. I love this game, and I love it to the death of me. That’s it.”

Tagovailoa signed a $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins in July designed to keep him with Miami through the 2028 campaign. Tagovailoa signed the deal after starting every game in 2023 (including a playoff contest), leading the NFL in passing yards and earning his first Pro Bowl invitation.

As for the quarterback’s latest injury, Galu Tagovailoa said his son “is doing well. He’s recovering.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

Huntsville cleanup event set for Monday in honor of MLK National Day of Service

Huntsville is inviting volunteers to take part in a community cleanup event Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.

The focus will be Campus 805 and the surrounding area, a city news release said. The city’s Green Team will set up a tent at S.R. Butler Green at Campus 805, 2620 Clinton Ave., and the event will run from 9 to 11 a.m.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service is a tremendous opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy and give back to your community,” Landscape Management Director Brian Walker said. “Our community cleanups are also a time to make new friends and join together in an effort to make Huntsville an even better place to live and work.”

The Green Team will provide volunteers with tools and equipment, including gloves, litter sticks, safety vests and trash bags. Green Team, a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, is a division of the city’s Landscape Management Department.

For more information, email [email protected]