Florida book ban leads to lawsuit, college football returns, and Baldwin County’s new sheriff is sworn in | Aug. 30, 2024

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5. College Football is BACK

College football is back!
And fans will see some big changes this year.
For the first time in the postseason, 12 teams will compete for the national championship, with 4 schools getting a first-round bye in the single-elimination tournament.
Oklahoma and Texas are joining the SEC.
And the Big Ten is adding UCLA, USC, Washington and Oregon.

4. Florida’s Education Department Sued

Several book publishers are suing the heads of Florida’s education department, claiming a state law surrounding the removal of books violates the First Amendment.
Some publishers include big names like Penguin Random House, Harper Collins and Macmillan Publishing Group.
They argue the part of the law banning books that include sexual material is too broad.
The publishers say the restrictions apply to all grade levels and broadly regulate the availability of constitutionally protected books.
They are not challenging other aspects of the law.

3. Off the Field, On a Ventilator

A Northwest Florida high school football player will not be on the field tonight…because he’s in a hospital bed, on a ventilator.
17-year-old Nathaniel Lyons, Jr. was hit by a driver who state troopers believe left the scene because they were drunk.
The severity of Nathaniel’s injuries won’t be known until he is off of the ventilator.
The 21-year-old driver is charged with DUI, hit-and-run, and driving without a license.

2. Change of the Guard

A changing of the guard in Baldwin County…
Anthony Lowery was sworn in as the next sheriff today…
It was a small ceremony in Robertsdale…
A formal event is scheduled for next week…
Hoss Mack officially retires as sheriff this weekend…
It’s a position he’s held since 2007…
As for his next move… he’s becoming the executive director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association.

1. Update on Abandoned Dogs

We have an update on some shih tzus that were neglected and found at the Mobile SPCA yesterday. Today, the pups were taken to a groomer to get their matted fur shaved off.

These are some of the pictures of the process. Apollos Paws in West Mobile volunteered to groom them for free.

Three puppies and two adult shih tzus were found while anchor Devon Walsh was filming our Pet of the Week segment.

The Mobile SPCA is accepting monetary donations for vet care. They also need soap, towels and newspaper, and milkbones.

The dogs won’t be ready for adoption for at least a month.

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