SUMMARY: On March 21, 2025, News 5 Now at 8 featured hosts Shamani Baker and Bill discussing local news and weather. Significant stories included an investigation into the Fair Hope Public Library’s removal of books deemed inappropriate for children, which threatened its funding. Okal Lissa County provided free latches to secure garbage cans against black bears attracted by spring food sources. Construction began on a $35 million medical facility in Daphne, expected to create new healthcare jobs. Additionally, DoorDash’s new financing option for deliveries was highlighted, alongside March Madness updates, including Alabama’s basketball tournament progress. The hosts also engaged viewers with questions about music and local wages.

Allegations of obscene material at the Fairhope Public Library, latches on Okaloosa County garbage cans to stop bears and round one of the March Madness tournament continues with the Tide and Trojans.

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SUMMARY: Erica Brigman, a victim of a drunk driving accident in Pensacola, has made a miraculous recovery after nearly 19 months. The incident occurred in July 2023 when Brigman was struck head-on while trying to enter a parking lot, resulting in severe injuries, including broken bones and major spinal damage. Despite the grim prognosis from a doctor who had never seen anyone survive such internal injuries, Brigman defied the odds. With unwavering support from her friend Anna Lewis, she has now regained the ability to walk unaided, a milestone she once thought impossible during her hospital stay.

Erika Brigman can walk once again without a crutch or assistance after enduring a head-on collision with a drunk driver in July 2023.
FULL STORY: https://trib.al/24tWfqc

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Alabama House approves tax exemption on baby formula, maternity clothing, hygiene products

by Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
March 20, 2025

The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed its fifth tax cut of the week Thursday with an exemption for baby products and menstrual hygiene products.

HB 152, sponsored by Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, exempts baby formula, maternity clothing and menstrual hygiene products from state sales tax.

Although the legislation passed unanimously, Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said she was concerned about what clothes would be considered “maternity.”

“I’m not being critical. That’s their choice,” Moore said of people who have “restrictive” maternity clothes. “What you consider to be maternity clothing may not be what they want to wear.”

Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, offered an amendment to the bill expanding the exemption to adult diapers. It was adopted unanimously.

“You know I’m all about women, children and seniors,” she said to Rafferty on the floor. “I have an amendment to include seniors with diapers.”

The legislation would take $10.5 million dollars from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) before Shaver’s amendment, but Rafferty said the amendment adds an additional $2.5 million in tax cuts. The ETF is $9.2 billion this year. 

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, sponsored the tax passage that passed Tuesday. He supported the fifth tax cut for a majority of Alabamians. The four-bill package that passed Tuesday will reduce the ETF by $192 million.

“An additional $13 million in tax breaks for a broadbase of Alabamians,” he said.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, applauded the tax cut after the House adjourned Thursday.

“We had five tax cuts this week alone,” Ledbetter said. “So the people of Alabama are going to start seeing relief that they hadn’t had, and certainly we’re proud to be able to do that.”

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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.

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