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Fairhope Public Library surprised by APLS vote to rescind its funding

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alabamareflector.com – Ralph Chapoco – 2025-03-21 16:59:00

Fairhope Public Library surprised by APLS vote to rescind its funding

by Ralph Chapoco, Alabama Reflector
March 21, 2025

Fairhope Public Library staff and officials were surprised to learn that the Alabama Public Library Service had rescinded their funding on Thursday.

One library board member said she was eating lunch when one of the staff called and told her about the vote to eliminate state aid.

“I was shocked, distressed, couldn’t quite believe they would do something like that without a warning, or anything from them that said we were not in compliance,” said Randal Wright, one of the board members of the Fairhope Public Library.

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Wright said that APLS board members as of late Friday morning had not reached out to staff or any of the board members to get their account of the situation before they decided to “simply pause our funding.”

The APLS board voted to rescind state aid for the Fairhope Public Library at the same meeting that the board also terminated Nancy Pack who had been at APLS since 2014.

Several parents complained during the public comment period that the board for the Fairhope Public Library decided to retain books in the teens section of the library over their objections, saying they belonged to the adult section.

Shortly after a public comment period ended Thursday, board member Amy Minton made a motion to eliminate funding to the library in Fairhope, with nearly all the remaining members voting in her favor except for Ronald A. Snider, who also voted against terminating Pack.

“The Fairhope library is one of the jewels of the state library system, one of the best funded in the state library system, in one of the most conservative parts of Alabama,” Snider said during the discussion.

He said the board is filled with prominent people and all of whom have been reappointed.

“To tell them that we are going to make the choice for how they do things, is far beyond the scope of this agency,” Snider said.

The library modified its policies in the fall based on the administrative code changes that were imposed in 2024 that APLS sent to local library boards and wanted them to follow. Among them is that libraries must have a policy in place to move materials from their collection that were sexually explicit or obscene to the adult section. Critics have charged the changes aim to lead to the removal of books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

Wright said that the library relocated five books but stands by the decision to keep the other books where they are.

“That Alabama code does say that you have to remove ‘sexually explicit’ books,” Wright said. “Well, what does sexually explicit mean to you? It might not be the same thing that it means to me. For example, for me, something that is sexually explicit is written to arouse you and to titillate. These books do not do that. These books have a brief mention about something, but the whole book is not about that.”

A message seeking comment was sent to John Wahl, chair of both the APLS board and the Alabama Republican Party, on Friday.

“Our goal is not to punish anyone but to ensure that all libraries receiving state funding adhere to the established standards that protect our children,” Wahl wrote in a statement on Thursday. “We look forward to working with Fairhope Public Library to resolve this matter so that funding can be restored as soon as possible.”

Wright said that the Fairhope Public Library sent APLS its revised policies that considered changes to the administrative code and that APLS approved them.

More than 100 parents signed a letter addressed to Wahl that expressed support for the decisions made by the board of the Fairhope Public Library.

Wahl responded to that letter in February, telling the parents that libraries are required to abide by the new administrative code while also telling them that the Fairhope Library has complied with the requirements.

“I am thankful that the Fairhope Library has now come into compliance, and I look forward to working with them as we strive to provide the best library experience possible to all Alabamians,” Wahl said in the email response.

In an interview with the media following Thursday’s APLS meeting, Wahl said that the situation involving the Fairhope Public Library was different because parents had complained to the board about their challenges, but the board did not act to relocate the books to the adult section, per the new administrative code and after they changed their local policies.

“There were a significant number of books in 2023 that we decided to accept the director’s decision on those books and the books were going to stay where they were,” Wright said. “Parents have asked us in email if we would reconsider those books that were not moved. That was a decision made in 2023. It was way before APLS changed the code and we said we would not reconsider those books.”

“There is a state code defining that terminology and they do have books in their minors’ section that are in violation of that,” Wahl said during the interview.

Obscenity was found in the state code, which includes offensive sexual conduct that is offensive or perverse.

Part of that definition includes what a “reasonable person would find that the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

Minton sent a message to the Alabama Reflector stating that the term sexually explicit is defined in the United States Code that includes sexual intercourse, excitement, as well as nudity. Those terms are further defined in Alabama state code. She also stated the term sexually explicit is defined in a section in the Alabama Code dealing with child pornography.

Critics of those support additional restrictions for library materials say that they are reading passages from books without considering the entire body of work, and that the literature portrays the lives of people in society and the issues that affect them. They are, in effect, valid information that the public should have access to.

Wright said there is a process to challenge materials in the collection, even the sections of the library where they are located, that begins with patrons completing the form and having the library director review the materials and decide if the books should be reshelved or be removed from circulation.

The director is currently on leave and the process to challenge books will begin once the director returns. A committee of two board members will then review any appeals submitted by parents if they disagree with the director’s decision and issue a recommendation to the full board.

For now, the challenge forms that were filed are awaiting the return of the library director.

“The library director has recommended that five books be moved and the rest, they are going to stay where they are, because that is where they belong,” Wright said in response to the challenges. “They are appropriate for the age and the level of readers where they are shelved.”

Clarification: The story was updated to reflect additional information about where the term sexually explicit is found in Alabama Code.

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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 Fairhope Public Library surprised by APLS vote to rescind its funding appeared first on alabamareflector.com

News from the South - Alabama News Feed

Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns: Which items are eligible

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www.youtube.com – WVTM 13 News – 2025-07-18 08:09:43

SUMMARY: Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Sunday, allowing families to purchase specific items tax-free. Eligible items include clothing under $100 (boots, diapers, jackets, jeans, uniforms), school supplies under $50 (binders, crayons, glue, pens, pencils), computers under $750, and books under $30. This tax break helps lower-income families save money, as they typically spend a larger portion of their income on school supplies. The holiday provides temporary relief from sales tax, making back-to-school shopping more affordable. A complete list of eligible items is available on the Alabama Department of Revenue website and WVTM 13’s site.

Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns: Which items are eligible

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Loving Memories of Autumn Strickland | July 17, 2025 | News 19 at 6 p.m.

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www.youtube.com – WHNT News 19 – 2025-07-17 18:28:27

SUMMARY: Friends and loved ones of Autumn Strickland, the woman tragically abducted and killed in May, are honoring her vibrant spirit and generous heart. Known for her bold energy, love of horses, and deep loyalty, Autumn was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She cherished time at the barn, helping others, and expressing love openly—even during her school years. Her two-year-old daughter Aspen survives her, while her son Lane passed away at age five. Friends remember Autumn’s fearless, compassionate nature and are committed to keeping her memory alive, especially for Aspen, hoping she will grow up knowing her mother’s love and strength.

Childhood and lifelong friends of Autumn Strickland spoke exclusively to News 19 about how they want her memory to live on …

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Democrats walk out on US Senate Judiciary vote on Trump judicial nominee Emil Bove

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alabamareflector.com – Ashley Murray – 2025-07-17 12:55:00


Emil Bove, President Donald Trump’s former criminal defense attorney, was advanced by Senate Republicans for a lifetime judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit despite a Democratic walkout protesting alleged ethical violations. Democrats criticized Bove for his role in dismissing bribery charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams and firing prosecutors investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. A whistleblower accused Bove of encouraging defiance of federal court orders on Trump’s deportation policy, allegations Bove denies. Over 80 former judges condemned the nomination, citing concerns about Bove’s temperament, judgment, and alleged political loyalty. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination in a 12-0 vote amid procedural controversy.

by Ashley Murray, Alabama Reflector
July 17, 2025

WASHINGTON — Despite a walkout from Democrats, Senate Republicans tasked with vetting nominees to the federal bench on Thursday claimed to advance President Donald Trump’s former criminal defense attorney, Emil Bove, one step closer to a spot on the U.S. Appeals Court that handles cases in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A spokesperson for Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, told States Newsroom the panel approved Bove’s nomination in a 12-0 vote — that is, despite panel rules that state “at least two members of the minority” must be present to transact committee business. The Iowa Republican’s office did not immediately respond to a follow-up question about committee rules.

In a show of opposition, all Democratic members of the panel, with the exception of Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, stood up and left as Republicans on the panel cast “aye” votes to push Bove’s nomination to the full Senate.

Booker, of New Jersey, refused to stop speaking as Grassley called the vote.

“You are a decent man. Why are you doing this?” Booker protested.

In a post on social media following the meeting, Josh Sorbe, press secretary for the committee’s minority, wrote: “Shameful day in Senate Judiciary. Republicans broke numerous committee rules, ignored privileged motions, denied debate, and rushed through judicial nominees without real vetting. Sen. BOOKER admonished them for it, and Democrats denied quorum and walked out.”

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the panel, later issued a statement acknowledging the vote took place, but maintained Senate Republicans broke committee rules by ignoring Booker’s request for further debate and moving ahead with the vote.

“Chairman Grassley claimed that he was following Committee precedent. This is simply untrue,” Durbin said. 

Questions about bribery charges, Jan. 6

Senate Democrats, former judges and advocates opposed Bove’s nomination over what they describe as unethical behavior, including questions about his role as a top Department of Justice official in the dismissal of federal bribery charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and in the firing of prosecutors who worked on cases probing the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Critics also pointed to recent whistleblower accusations that Bove suggested ignoring a federal court order limiting Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

Bove represented Trump in his multiple federal criminal cases in 2023 and 2024, as well as in a New York state trial that ended in Trump’s conviction on 34 felonies for falsifying business records.

Trump appointed Bove as acting attorney general on his first day in office, and Bove shifted to principal associate deputy upon Attorney General Pam Bondi’s confirmation.

Bove’s nomination to a lifetime appointment on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit has been overshadowed by a whistleblower’s account alleging Bove told subordinates to consider defying a federal court order halting Trump’s deportation flights to El Salvador in March.

Both Bove and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, another of Trump’s former criminal defense attorneys, deny the allegations.

Grassley said Thursday prior to the vote that allegations against Bove “frankly crossed the line.”

“What we’re witnessing has all the hallmarks of a political hit job,” Grassley said.

Illinois’ Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the panel, said in his opening statement Thursday that Bove “should not be seriously considered by the Senate for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.” 

“He led this administration’s embarrassing efforts to strike a corrupt bargain with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and he has been trailed by a history of complaints, long predating his affiliation with President Trump, about his temperament, his poor judgment and lack of candor before the court,” Durbin said.

Whistleblower complaint

Durbin and fellow minority committee members requested the panel hear testimony from Erez Reuveni, a former senior DOJ official who filed a whistleblower complaint in which he alleged he was fired for refusing to follow department orders to undermine the courts in Trump’s deportation cases. 

In the complaint submitted to the DOJ inspector general and Congress, Reuveni, who spent 15 years with the department, outlined “a pattern of deliberate defiance of federal court rulings related to immigration enforcement,” according to a summary from the Government Accountability Project and Gilbert Employment Law P.C., which filed the complaint on Reuveni’s behalf.

Lawmakers who viewed the complaint said Reuveni recounted witnessing Bove suggesting the DOJ might need to tell the courts “f— you” in relation to any order blocking the administration from sending planes full of deported migrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.

“Mr. Reuveni has made credible allegations against Mr. Bove, which, if true, clearly disqualify him for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. Thus, it is imperative that the Committee hear from Mr. Reuveni, under oath, before we vote on Mr. Bove’s nomination,” according to a letter Monday led by Durbin.

Grassley shut down the request Tuesday, writing in a response that documents provided by the minority to support the claim do not “substantiate any misconduct by Mr. Bove.”

“I respect whistleblowers and the whistleblowing process and have taken this matter seriously. I note that the available documents and the public record are inconsistent with some of the whistleblower’s assertions, which have been reviewed in good faith,” Grassley wrote.

Dozens of former judges protest nomination

More than 80 former federal and state judges described Bove’s nomination as a “disservice to the constitution, to law enforcement and to the rule of law” in a letter to Grassley and Durbin Tuesday.

The judges, including former 4th Circuit Judge Michael Luttig, a George H. W. Bush appointee who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris last year, slammed Bove’s “egregious record of mistreating law enforcement officers, abusing power, and disregarding the law itself,” adding that the allegations disqualify him for the position.

The letter cited Bove’s alleged role in firing Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and DOJ officials who prosecuted those involved in storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump pardoned all of the nearly 1,600 Jan. 6 defendants on the first night of his second term, including the most violent convicted felons.

The former judges also called Trump’s nomination of his personal defense attorney to a federal judgeship “deeply inappropriate.”

“In fact, when President Trump nominated Bove, he posted on social media that Bove would ‘do anything else that is necessary to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.’ That statement underscores the peril of confirming a nominee whose principal qualification appears to be personal loyalty to the president,” the former judges wrote.

Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the list of concerns over Bove’s nomination “goes on and on and on.”

“I think when it comes down to it, you know, in a lifetime position that requires good judgment, wise discretion, good temperament and the dedication to the rights of all, Mr. Bove fails on every single one of those accounts,” Zwarensteyn told States Newsroom in an interview Wednesday.

GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced his retirement after breaking ranks earlier this month on Trump’s budget reconciliation package, said Thursday he found nothing to prove Bove expressed support for Jan. 6 defendants — something that would have been a “red line,” he said.

“The fact of the matter is, I can’t find one piece of evidence where he said that the violent act against police officers were okay or condoned. If you find it, let me know,” Tillis said.

Bove, of Seneca Falls, New York, graduated from Georgetown University Law in Washington, D.C., in 2008. He clerked for Judge Richard J. Sullivan of the Southern District of New York, and Judge Richard C. Wesley, who now sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

Bove, 44, worked as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, and in 2023 became a partner at Blanche Law, the private firm of Todd Blanche.

Tense confirmation hearing

Democratic senators, and in some cases Republicans, peppered Bove with questions and concerns about the numerous misconduct allegations during the Judiciary Committee’s June 25 confirmation hearing.

Booker said he remained worried about a “pattern of behavior” first reported by Politico in February regarding complaints about Bove’s temper from former colleagues in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York.

“The allegations align with reports about your abuse of power now at the DOJ,” Booker said.

Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, pressed Bove on why the DOJ dismissed the federal corruption case against the New York mayor, who was charged with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel in exchange for favors.

The Trump administration moved to dismiss the Adams case in February, arguing the case interfered with the mayor’s ability to carry out immigration enforcement in the city. The administration requested a dismissal without prejudice — meaning Adams could be prosecuted again — but a federal judge ultimately dismissed the case in April with prejudice, citing concerns the White House would have leverage over Adams’ policy decisions.

“Do you believe in a higher being?” Kennedy asked Bove.

“It’s a very personal question, Senator, but I do,” Bove responded.

“I want you to look me in the eye and swear to your higher being when you answer this question, did you make a deal, a political deal, and dismiss the charges against Mayor Adams?” Kennedy said.

“Absolutely not,” Bove answered.

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 Democrats walk out on US Senate Judiciary vote on Trump judicial nominee Emil Bove appeared first on alabamareflector.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This article presents the nomination of Emil Bove with a critical tone largely aligned with Democratic perspectives and concerns. It emphasizes allegations of misconduct, ethical questions, and opposition from Democrats and former judges, while providing Republican statements primarily as counterpoints or defenses. The framing highlights criticism of the nominee’s ties to former President Trump and portrays Senate Republicans as pushing the nomination amid procedural disputes. Although the article reports statements from both sides, the overall emphasis on Democratic objections and allegations suggests a center-left leaning in coverage, reflecting skepticism toward the nominee and the Republican-led process.

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