Senator Jones Clinches GOP Nomination in District 10!

Two-term Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre) powered through a stiff challenge from newcomer Amy Dozier Minton on Tuesday, snagging the Republican nomination for Alabama Senate District 10. Jones swept all three counties in the district – Cherokee, Etowah, and a slice of DeKalb!

County-by-County Breakdown

In Cherokee County, Jones pulled in 1,754 votes (53.22%) while Minton got 1,542 (46.78%). Etowah saw a closer race, with Jones edging out Minton 5,246 (51%) to 5,040 (49%). Jones really shined in DeKalb, grabbing 1,308 votes (70.59%) compared to Minton's 545 (29.41%).

Victory Speech Highlights!

"Huge win tonight! Thank you all SO much for making me your Republican nominee! We were honored to win ALL THREE COUNTIES!" Jones exclaimed after his victory. "To the Amy Minton supporters, congratulations to Team Minton on a hard fought race, and I humbly ask for your vote on November 3rd!"

More from Jones:

"To our supporters, volunteers, friends, and family: Thank you for believing in us! It takes a team, and ours has been working hard for over a year. The 'Andrew and You' movement is alive and well!"

Minton's Campaign

Minton, a Rainbow City resident and member of the Alabama Public Library Service Board, had the backing of the Alabama Farmers Federation's FarmPAC. Her campaign focused on opposing gambling expansion, addressing concerns about library content, and championing traditional conservative values.

What's Next?

Remember Jesse Battles? He was removed from the ballot earlier this year but is now running as an independent in November. Jones will face both Battles and other independent challengers in the general election.

Wahl Wants to Pump the Brakes on Alabama Gas Taxes!

Lieutenant Governor hopeful John Wahl is all in on giving Alabamians a break at the pump. He's not just backing President Trump's idea of a federal gas tax holiday, he thinks Alabama should've already done it!

"100% In" on Gas Tax Suspension

Wahl, speaking on WVNN’s "The Yaffee Program," made it clear he's a big supporter of temporarily nixing the gas tax. He says the Alabama Legislature missed a golden opportunity to ease the pain at the pump during the last session.

Missed Opportunity?

"I had this thought right at the end of the session," Wahl stated, suggesting he even considered finding a legislator to champion the cause. But, alas, time ran out. He believes this kind of "creative thinking" is exactly what Montgomery needs.

More Than Just Gas

While some lawmakers have dismissed the gas tax holiday idea, pointing to the grocery tax holiday, Wahl wants more. He’s pushing for permanent grocery tax cuts and a gas tax suspension. "Families are struggling, and $4 gas hurts," he explained. "I feel that pain too!" He suggests a temporary suspension until gas dips below $3.

Where's the Money Gonna Come From?

Worried about road projects taking a hit? Wahl says, no sweat! He believes there's plenty of "wasteful spending" that can be cut to make up the difference. "Let's be small government conservatives here!" he exclaimed. "Cut wasteful spending and allocate that money for infrastructure."

No More Vaccine Billboards, Please!

Wahl didn't hold back, taking aim at government spending he deems unnecessary. "If I never see another taxpayer-funded COVID vaccine billboard, I'll be just fine!" He wants to reallocate those funds and potentially even use the savings to cut the grocery tax or state income tax down the road.

Welcome Back, Brandt LaPish!

The DCH Health System Foundation is thrilled to announce a familiar face is returning to spearhead future fundraising and growth! Brandt LaPish has been appointed as the new vice president of development at DCH. Get ready for exciting philanthropic strategies, amplified donor engagement, and powerful community partnerships that bolster DCH's mission in West Alabama!

A Fundraising Veteran

LaPish brings over two decades of experience in fundraising, communication, donor relations, and partnership development from healthcare, education, and economic development. Her expertise is sure to make a splash!

Saban Center Success

Most recently, LaPish spearheaded development for the Saban Center Foundation, building their fundraising operations from the ground up for the impressive $121 million Saban Center project in Tuscaloosa. This educational workforce campus focuses on workforce development and learning. Her work secured over $36 million in donations and an additional $25 million in state funding.

DCH Homecoming

LaPish isn’t new to DCH! She was previously the development director from 2018 to 2022, where she oversaw major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships while expanding the donor base and philanthropic initiatives.

DCH Excited!

“Brandt’s leadership experience, passion for this community, and strong background in healthcare philanthropy make her an outstanding fit for this role,” said DCH President and CEO Katrina Keefer. “We are excited to welcome her back to DCH!"

UA Alum

LaPish holds degrees from The University of Alabama!

About DCH Health System

For over a century, DCH Health System has served West Alabama through DCH Regional Medical Center, Northport Medical Center, and Fayette Medical Center. Her return coincides with DCH's focus on long-term growth and community partnerships. Welcome back!

Montgomery Vikings Grounded: Coach Suspended, Postseason Ban Hammered Down!

Big news out of Mary G. Montgomery High School, and it's not good for Vikings football fans. Head Coach Zach Golson has been slapped with a one-year suspension by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), and the team is barred from postseason play. Ouch!

Recruiting Violations Land Vikings in Hot Water

Apparently, the AHSAA has placed Mary G. Montgomery on probation and fined them for violating recruiting rules. The school self-reported the violation, but that didn't soften the blow. They'll play their regular season, but no playoffs for the Vikings in 2026.

Regular Season Games Still on, but with a Twist

Even though the Vikings will be playing their 10-game schedule, their games won't count towards the Class 6A, Region 1 standings or any tiebreaker scenarios. Talk about a season with an asterisk!

Students Face Consequences Too

Any students caught breaking the recruiting rules are permanently ineligible to play sports at Mary G. Montgomery. They might regain eligibility in their home school district, though. No word yet on how many student-athletes are affected.

The Root of the Problem: A Signing Ceremony Gone Wrong?

The alleged violation stems from a signing ceremony for eighth-graders back in April. Apparently, some of the students there didn't live in the school zone. Social media photos from the event raised eyebrows and sparked the investigation. The AHSAA doesn't allow coaches to recruit students outside their zone.

Tough Blow for a Successful Coach

This all comes after a stellar run for the Vikings under Coach Golson, who racked up 37 wins and led them to their only three playoff victories ever. He was even named Class 7A Coach of the Year twice! Before him, the Vikings had a rough record.

Coach on Leave

Mobile County Public Schools had already placed Golson on administrative leave earlier this month. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds!

Alabama AG Race Heads to a Runoff!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Republican primary for Alabama's Attorney General is going down to the wire with a runoff election set for June 16th. After Tuesday's primary, neither Katherine Robertson nor former Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell managed to snag over 50% of the vote, leaving Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey out of the running.

The Numbers Are In!

Robertson came out on top with 40.5% of the votes (a whopping 189,175!). Mitchell wasn't far behind, securing 34.4% with 160,613 votes. Casey put up a good fight, earning 25.1% and 116,930 votes.

Get Ready for Round Two!

This sets the stage for an epic showdown between Robertson and Mitchell. This primary has been a real rollercoaster, folks, with hard-hitting attack ads, accusations flying, and millions of dollars being spent. It's been a primary for the history books!

Who Are These Candidates?

Robertson, a long-time chief counsel to outgoing Attorney General Steve Marshall (who has endorsed her!), also boasts backing from the NRA and over 25 Alabama sheriffs. She's got serious connections!

Mitchell, a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice, brings experience from his 16 years practicing law. He's snagged endorsements from the Business Council of Alabama, 22 police chiefs, and seven Republican sheriffs.

What's Next?

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 16th! That's when the runoff election happens. The winner will face Democrat Jeff McLaughlin in the November general election.

Who Can Vote?

If you voted in the Republican primary on Tuesday, or didn't vote at all, you're eligible to vote in the runoff. Get out there and make your voice heard!

Tuberville Triumphs in Gubernatorial Primary!

Senator Tommy Tuberville, the Auburn icon, absolutely crushed the Republican primary for governor on Tuesday night. He snagged a whopping 85.48% of the vote, making it clear from the get-go that this race was his to lose!

The Runner-Ups

Ken McFeeters trailed behind with 9.56%, while "Alabama" Will Santivasci followed with 4.96%. Looks like the Senator's star power was too much to handle!

The November Showdown

Get ready for a heavyweight battle! Tuberville is now set to face off against former U.S. Senator Doug Jones in the November 3rd general election. Remember, Trump carried Alabama by a massive 30 points in 2024, setting the stage for an interesting contest.

Deja Vu?

These two have history! Tuberville previously trounced Jones in the 2020 U.S. Senate race, snagging 60.10% of the vote compared to Jones' 39.74%. Can Jones turn the tables this time around?

Trump's Endorsement

President Trump was all-in on Tuberville, showering him with a "complete and total endorsement." He even gave a final pep talk, calling Coach T "a true WINNER" and "a lifelong leader, both on and off the field."

Tuberville's Platform

The former Auburn head coach, now a U.S. Senator since 2021, is running on a platform of shrinking state government, slashing taxes, and making Alabama a manufacturing powerhouse thanks to Trump's trade policies.

A Bold Promise

Tuberville's also promising to redraw the congressional map to create a 7-0 Republican advantage! He's vowed to call a special session to eliminate that last Democratic-held congressional seat the moment he takes office. Talk about making waves!

Senate Seat Up for Grabs!

Don't forget, Alabama voters also hit the polls to pick Tuberville's replacement in the U.S. Senate. Rep. Barry Moore, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and ex-Navy SEAL Jared Hudson are leading the charge in a crowded field. We're still waiting on the results, so stay tuned!

Bama's Former Prez Eyeing Up Florida Gig!

Word on the street (or swamp, in this case) is that former University of Alabama President Dr. Stuart Bell is poised to potentially helm the University of Florida! After a stellar run in Tuscaloosa, it looks like he's the sole finalist for the top spot in Gainesville.

Saban Says "Go Gators!" (Maybe)

Even legendary Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is singing Dr. Bell's praises! The University of Florida even shared Saban's endorsement.

Saban's Stamp of Approval

Saban reportedly said, "Dr. Bell is an outstanding person and was a great leader at the University of Alabama. In the locker room after almost every game, he is a good friend and passionate supporter of athletics – and is someone who made a significant impact on the university and the Tuscaloosa community. I know he will do wonderful things in Gainesville."

Growth Spurt Under Bell

Since taking the reins at UA in 2015, Dr. Bell oversaw some serious growth. It seems like a natural fit for him to bring that same success to the Gators, both on and off the field.

Upset in District 96!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! There's a shakeup brewing in Alabama House District 96! Political newcomer Danielle Duggar just pulled off a squeaker, unseating two-term incumbent State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) in the Republican primary.

By a Hair!

Talk about a close call! Duggar, hailing from Spanish Fort, snagged 2,951 votes (51.37%) while Simpson trailed with 2,794 votes (48.63%). That's a nail-biting victory margin of just 157 votes out of a whopping 5,745 ballots cast. Wowza!

Simpson's Gracious Exit

"I want to thank the people of District 96," Simpson posted after the results. "It has been an honor to serve...While tonight’s election results didn’t go the way I had hoped, I am at peace knowing that I gave all I could to serve." Class act!

The Gambling Expansion Factor

Simpson was one of five Republican incumbents in the crosshairs of Alabama Values PAC, a newly formed outside group. This PAC also targeted several State Senators and Reps who had supported legislation on gambling expansion.

Duggar's Winning Formula

Duggar, backed by the Alabama Farmers Federation, ran on a platform that resonated with voters: opposing gambling expansion, eliminating the state’s grocery tax, and pushing for a closed primary system. Watch out, Montgomery!

HUGE News for Muscle Shoals: Virginia Transformer Coming to Town!

Get ready, Shoals! Virginia Transformer just announced they're building a massive new manufacturing plant right here in Muscle Shoals! We're talking about a potential 1,100 new jobs hitting the area!

What's the Deal?

Virginia Transformer is dropping a 600,000-square-foot power transformer plant at the Shoals Research Airpark in Colbert County. Construction kicks off ASAP, with production slated to begin in January 2028. This isn't just some basic factory; it'll boast a dedicated rail line, a training center, cutting-edge automation, and even a customer portal.

Why Muscle Shoals?

Apparently, our Northwest Alabama manufacturing scene, killer transportation, and business-friendly vibe sealed the deal. Governor Ivey herself noted that we make a lot more than just music here! (Though, let's be real, the music's pretty great too!)

The Commitment Company

"For more than 50 years, Virginia Transformer’s growth has been driven by our commitment to delivering for our customers – we are The Commitment Company," said CEO Prabhat Jain. This Muscle Shoals plant marks their seventh manufacturing facility! They're all about quality and speed, and this new spot will help them meet growing demand.

Shoals is BOOMING!

Kevin Jackson, president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority, emphasized that this project highlights the region's knack for manufacturing and our skilled workforce. It's a win for collaboration and shows the Shoals region is a prime spot for advanced manufacturing.

More Than Just Jobs

This plant won't just create jobs; it'll serve customers across a wide range of industries, from energy and mining to data centers and everything in between, throughout the US and Canada.

Wahl Leads in Lieutenant Governor Race!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! The Alabama Lieutenant Governor race just got a whole lot more interesting. Former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl snagged the top spot in Tuesday night's primary, racking up a solid 40.56% of the vote!

Allen Trails, Runoff Set

Sitting Secretary of State Wes Allen came in second with 38%, meaning we're heading for a runoff showdown on June 16th. Wahl's impressive performance? Chalk it up to a certain former president's endorsement.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Wahl pulled in a whopping 192,431 votes, while Allen secured 180,286. The other five candidates in the mix grabbed just 21.44% combined. Rick Pate landed in third with 7.29%, and Nicole Jones Wadsworth followed with 5.88%.

Trump's Touch

Despite Allen's name recognition and experience, Trump's backing proved a powerful force for Wahl.

What's Next?

Mark your calendars! The June 16th runoff will decide who represents the Republican party in the November 3rd general election. If you voted Republican on Tuesday, or didn't vote at all in the primary, you're good to go for the runoff. Get out there and make your voice heard, ChumCity!