SUMMARY: Kyle Larson dominated the 2025 Xfinity Series race at Bristol, leading 277 of 300 laps and claiming his first win of the season. Despite a few scary moments, Larson maintained control, finishing with only 12 cars on the lead lap. He also won the Cup Series race on Sunday. James Livingston from Foley won a NASCAR hat in a prediction contest, joining 11 others in a chance to win tickets to the NASCAR Xfinity Championship in Phoenix. The Xfinity Series will return to Rockingham for Easter weekend, with Casey Kane making his return to racing.

Kyle Larson started on the pole at Bristol and ended Saturday’s race in victory lane.
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by Ralph Chapoco, Alabama Reflector
April 14, 2025

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld a lower court ruling that found two Alabama laws criminalizing panhandling unconstitutional.

Citing existing legal precedents, U.S. Circuit Judge Elizabeth L. Branch wrote in the unanimous opinion that First Amendment protections of speech apply to the act of begging.

“Thus, the begging statute’s applications, which are solely to begging, are impermissible, and the pedestrian solicitation statute’s applications, which are to begging and other constitutionally protected speech, are impermissible,” Branch stated in her opinion.

Messages were sent to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the defendant in the lawsuit. Messages were also left with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, which represented the state, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, which represented plaintiff Jonathan Singleton, and others in the suit.

The initial lawsuit challenged two statutes. The first prohibits a person from standing on the highway and asking those in a vehicle for money, a job or other “business.” Violating that statute is punishable by up to 10 days in jail and a $100 fine.  The second prevents people from loitering in public spaces “for the purpose of begging,” which carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine.

Singleton was cited six times for allegedly violating the laws in Montgomery.

A lower court ruled in Singleton’s favor in March 2023 and issued a permanent injunction against ALEA’s enforcement of the law. The agency appealed the lower court decision to the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Attorneys from the Southern Poverty Law Center, who represented Singleton and the individuals affected, and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office argued the case before a panel of three judges with the 11th Circuit in December.

Alabama Deputy Solicitor General Robert Overing argued in court that begging specifically is not protected speech based on the First Amendment and that the state could regulate the activity and impose penalties on those who violate rules set by the government.

He cited a law passed in the state of New York in 1788 and an action by former President James Madison in 1812 to penalize those who loitered in public spaces.

The Southern Poverty Law Center cited Smith v. Fort Lauderdale, a 1999 decision by the 11th Circuit that upheld a local law banning panhandling on part of a sidewalk, but said that panhandling laws must be narrowly tailored to avoid infringing on the First Amendment. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals then applied that same standard to other cases involving panhandling.

The Alabama Legislature revised the statute concerning begging in public places during the 2023 session by approving HB 24, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, that  makes the first arrest for loitering a violation and subsequent infractions a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine.

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

The post Federal appeals court upholds ruling against Alabama panhandling laws appeared first on alabamareflector.com

SUMMARY: Bellingrath Gardens is set to host its first Chinese Lantern Festival, showcasing Chinese culture along the Gulf Coast. Project manager Euan Ting Lee and his team have been preparing since March, emphasizing the significance of various displays, such as a stunning 197-foot-long dragon sculpture symbolizing good fortune. The festival will feature lanterns, panda bears, Chinese zodiac animals, and interactive art pieces, creating an immersive atmosphere for visitors. Lee hopes to inspire attendees to learn more about Chinese culture while enjoying time with family. The event opens to the public next Thursday and runs until June 15th.

Bellingrath Gardens will host its first Chinese lantern festival, showcasing illuminated Chinese lanterns and other displays for visitors.

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