Nov 01, 2024

Welcome to November. May it bring good fortune and at least a little precipitation to your neck of the woods.

Thanks for reading,

Ike

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Beer runs, state-line liquor stores and big ol' lottery signs all became part of the Alabama culture and landscape because of differing laws among counties and states.

If they get to have it, and we don't get to have it, then we'll just scoot down there and get some of it.

As AL.com's John Sharp reports, an amendment on Florida's statewide ballot could send certain Alabamians scooting across the state line.

Florida voters will be deciding the fate of Amendment 3 through Election Day on Tuesday. If it passes, it would make Florida the first southern state to legalize recreational marijuana.

And y'all think "Florida Man" is a little out of sorts now.

A yes vote would mean that those 21 years old or older could possess up to three ounces of marijuana or five grams of cannabis concentrate.

The state's medical-marijuana treatment centers could sell the product.

It takes 60 percent of the vote for Amendment 3 to make it to Florida's Constitution. If it does, it would take effect in May.

Don't bet the back 40 on its passage Tuesday, however. Its polling a few points below that 60 percent, so it would require much more ambition on the part of the pro-pot crowd to overcome the gap with turnout.

Of course, you can still contribute to the Florida state scratch-off fund on any road going south (or east from Mobile).

Alabamians could be voting on a Constitutional Amendment on the National Anthem in a later election if the state legislature passes a bill proposing a requirement for public schools to play it at least once a week, reports AL.com's Heather Gann.

State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Tuscaloosa Republican, pre-filed the bill for next year's session. Currently, the Pledge of Allegiance is required to be recited daily in public schools, although participation is not mandatory.

There's been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough nationally, and some cases have been showing up in Alabama, reports AL.com's Heather Gann.

Recent cases have shown up in schools, including Scottsboro High, Auburn High, Jefferson County's Corner High and Muscle Shoals' Highland Park Elementary.

Health officials hypothesize -- and it certainly seems fairly obvious -- that the number of cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, dipped during the pandemic because of the prevention practices people used for COVID. They've been on the rise again this year.

They say it's important to get tested and treated early.

Was the sign supposed to be taken literally? Metaphorically? Is it speaking truth? Is it bearing false witness? This much we know for sure: This campaign season will be over with Tuesday's election. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)

In 1936, R&B musician Andre Williams of Bessemer.

In 1960, Apple CEO Tim Cook of Mobile.

In 1975, singer Bo Bice of Huntsville.

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