SUMMARY: As Alabama prepares for the 2025 legislative session, various bills have been introduced, covering key issues such as immigration, law enforcement, public school funding, and parental rights. Notable proposals include making police body cam footage public records, imposing penalties for not disclosing concealed weapons to law enforcement, and designating Election Day as a state holiday to enhance voter access. Additionally, a bill seeks to establish voting centers in each county to reduce long lines during elections. Another proposal mandates K-12 schools to play the national anthem weekly, whether by band or electronically.

Lawmakers are gearing up for the 2025 legislative session, and a slew of bills have been filed in the last month.

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SUMMARY: Mobile City Council has unanimously passed changes to ordinances on panhandling, loitering, and sidewalk obstruction, claiming they align local laws with state and federal regulations. While officials, including the city’s homeless Outreach coordinator, assert that the changes do not target the homeless, dissenting voices argue otherwise. Reed Bourne, from a local outreach group, stresses that panhandling should not be criminalized, especially following a 2015 Supreme Court ruling protecting it as free speech. The city plans to redirect homeless individuals to shelters instead of jail, aiming for community education on managing these changes before enforcement begins.

Panhandling, loitering and sidewalk obstruction have been hot topics at Mobile’s Government Plaza with the city council voting to change city ordinances to crack down on the issues.
FULL STORY: https://trib.al/ylWlPYW

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SUMMARY: The second winner of the Side to Showcase contest is Carol Cooper, recognized for her sweet potato dumplings, a unique treat combining traditional sweet potatoes with a dumpling format. Over 100 entries were submitted, showcasing the challenge judges faced in selecting just three winners. Carol shared that the recipe, passed down from her Nana, is a beloved dish at family gatherings, often enjoyed as a dessert. The dumplings are easy to prepare using crescent rolls and include a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze. Viewers are encouraged to try the recipe, available on the WHNT website, as it promises to be a hit at holiday gatherings.

Kiara Cooper visited News 19 Tuesday after her Sweet Potato Dumplings recipe was selected as one of the Side Dish Showcase winners!

News 19 is North Alabama’s News Leader! We are the CBS affiliate in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley since November 28, 1963.

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