Jul. 04, 2025

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House Republicans lifted President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final passage Thursday. Trump is expected to sign the bill at 5 p.m. today.

The tight roll call, 218-214, came at a potentially high political cost, with two Republicans joining all Democrats opposed.

Along with the two Republican House members who voted against the bill dubbed by Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” three GOP senators voted “no” on Wednesday: Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

With Democrats unified in opposition, the bill will become a defining measure of Trump’s return to the White House, with the sweep of Republican control of Congress.

Alabama has set another execution date, planning to put two men to death using nitrogen gas about a month apart.

Geoffrey Todd West will be executed sometime between 12:00 a.m. on September 25, and before 6 a.m,. September 26.

The 49-year-old has been on Alabama Death Row for over 28 years for the March 1997 killing of Margaret Parrish Berry. 

At his original trial, a jury voted 10-2 for the death penalty.

West’s execution date is set for about a month after David Lee Roberts, who is set to die by also breathing in pure nitrogen gas on August 21.

Roberts is set to be the fourth man executed in Alabama this year. If he dies, West will be the fifth.

Alabama led the nation in executions last year by executing six people.

Planning to light up the sky this Independence Day? In Alabama, your ability to legally enjoy fireworks depends largely on where you live.

While fireworks are generally illegal within incorporated towns and cities across the state, they remain legal in most unincorporated areas. But even in areas where fireworks are permitted, specific ordinances may restrict when they can be used or limit noise levels.

Class C consumer fireworks are permitted for use in Alabama. Those generally permitted include:

-Bottle Rockets

-Roman Candles

-Firecrackers

-Sparklers

-Smoke Bombs

-Wheels and Spinners

The National Weather Service is forecasting hot temperatures and low rain chances for most -- but not all -- of the state on Friday, Independence Day. 

Sunset on Friday will be around 8 p.m., and fireworks shows typically start around 9 p.m.

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