Mayoral Mania: Who's Running ChumCity?

When it comes to local power, the mayoral election is where it's at! It's the vote that hits closest to home, shaping your everyday life. So, what happened in the latest round of elections?

The Old Guard Returns (Mostly)

Most of our city council and mayoral races wrapped up in August, and as usual, the incumbents held their ground. We're seeing familiar faces back for another four years in many towns. But hold on, there were a few shake-ups...

Saying Goodbye to Some Local Legends

We're sending off some seriously impactful mayors into retirement this year! Think Sandy Stimpson of Mobile, a true Port City powerhouse. And let's not forget Gary Fuller, who transformed Opelika. Plus, Joe Lee is stepping down after 22 years of turning Moody into a boomtown!

Popularity Prevails

Tommy Battle of Huntsville and Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa sailed to victory unopposed – talk about popular! Pike Road's main man, Gordon Stone, snagged another term, and Dothan's Mark Saliba crushed the competition for a third term. Troy's Jason Reeves is potentially eyeing the title of longest-serving city official ever. Phenix City is keeping Eddie Lowe for a fourth term, and Chuck Ables is back in Geraldine for his fourth run, too!

Fresh Faces in Charge

Opelika welcomed Eddie Smith, a longtime ally of the retiring Gary Fuller, as its new mayor. Mobile has Spiro Cheriogotis at the helm. Birmingham's Randall Woodfin snagged a whopping 75% of the vote, proving his popularity is off the charts.

Change is in the Air

Vestavia Hills is keeping Ashley Curry around, and Mountain Brook finally elected their first female mayor, Graham Smith. Trussville picked City Council member Ben Short, and Homewood welcomed Jennifer Andress as their first female mayor!

More Mayoral Updates

Athens is sticking with Ronnie Marks for a fifth term! Madison elected Ranae Bartlet as mayor. Albertville's Tracy Honea is back for a fourth term, and Kent Lawrence is taking the lead in Decatur. Dale Phillips is now the mayor of Northport. Leigh Dollar won another term in Guntersville, and Mark Jones is running the show in Jacksonville.

The Biggest Upsets: Police Chiefs Take Charge!

Hoover and Ozark saw the most surprising results. In Hoover, Police Chief Nick Derzis unseated the two-term mayor. But the biggest shocker? Ozark elected Police Chief Charles Ward in a landslide victory!

Mayoral Matters

Remember, it's the mayor's office where the real change happens!

Wild Game Cook-Off Returns to its Roots!

The Alabama Wildlife Federation's (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off Series recently fired up back where it all began: the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!

A Culinary Throwback

Way back in 1996, Mobile hosted the very first AWF Wild Game Cook-Off. It was such a hit that the idea took off, spreading statewide. And this year's Gulf Coast event was a HUGE success, part of a 15-cook-off series.

More Than Just a Cook-Off

AWF shares a passion with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR): responsible harvesting of game animals and turning them into amazing meals. These cook-offs showcase the skills of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who elevate wild game, fowl, and fish to gourmet levels!

AWF Speaks Out

"It's a great way for our members to connect and socialize," said AWF Executive Director Tim Gothard. "It's a chance to demonstrate that responsible hunters and anglers properly utilize their harvest. Plus, it helps fund our conservation projects!" Gothard was thrilled with the turnout, praising both the cook teams and the massive crowd.

The Competition Was FierCE!

Speaking of cook teams, they were busy serving up samples of their wild game creations to an estimated 1,600 to 2,000 attendees. "I'm proud to have all our members out here supporting us," said Gothard, hinting at "big things in store."

And the Winner Is...

Tommy Tidwell, AWF's Cook-Off Coordinator, explained that teams can use pretty much any wild game, fowl, or fish found in North America or commercially available. This year, Cowin Equipment took home the overall prize with "Yo Mom's Backstrap," a bacon-wrapped, stuffed venison masterpiece.

Game, Fowl, and Fish Fanatics!

Second place in the Game category went to Team Briggs for their Deer Meatball Fricassee, followed by 100 Proof Outlaws and their Gator Swamp Puppies. The Pigfish Seafood Cook Team snagged the fish category crown with their Shrimp and Crab Bisque. Over in the fowl division, Taylor Machine Works won with Quail and Crunch – quail breast wrapped in bacon.

Props to the Presentation!

Community Bank took home the award for Best Presentation, while Death Rowe Cook Team was a close second.

New Troopers Ready to Roll in Alabama!

Governor Kay Ivey gave a huge welcome to 48 soon-to-be state troopers, fresh out of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Training Center! She wants everyone to know Alabama's serious about keeping things safe.

A Warm Welcome from the Governor Herself!

The Governor met the trainee troopers on the steps of the Governor's Mansion – talk about a VIP treatment! She gave them props, cheered them on, and then threw a reception in their honor. Awesome!

Ivey's Got Their Backs!

"These troopers are the real deal – courageous folks dedicated to serving," Ivey said. "They're on the front lines, making Alabama safer, and I'm proud to have their backs!"

Graduation Day is Here!

The 48 members of ALEA Trooper Class 2025-B are officially becoming troopers on Wednesday, October 22, at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Big Class, Bigger Impact

This is one of the biggest trooper graduating classes since before you-know-what. It shows Alabama's commitment to having more troopers on the ground, keeping everyone secure.

Where Are They Headed?

Of these new graduates, 41 will be patrolling highways, 4 will be hitting the water with the Marine Patrol, and 3 will be guarding the State Capitol and other important spots.

Months of Hard Work

Training started back in May, so these guys and gals have been putting in the effort for a while.

Making Alabama Safer

Class 2025-B is the first trooper class to graduate this year, showing that Governor Ivey and ALEA are keeping their promise to make Alabama a safer place for us all.

Senator Britt Calls for Sports Industry Oversight

Alabama Senator Katie Britt is throwing a flag on shady practices in the sports world, demanding Congress use its power to investigate accountability and transparency issues. This comes on the heels of some major league drama involving illegal gambling and potential Mafia ties!

FBI Busts and Mafia Mayhem

The FBI recently dropped a bombshell, announcing two criminal cases involving six individuals, including current and former NBA players, caught in an illegal betting and money laundering scheme. Separately, a Brooklyn indictment charged 31 defendants linked to the Mafia in a poker cheating ring. The Justice Department is not playing around!

Senator Britt Sounds Off

Britt didn't mince words during a recent radio appearance. "We absolutely have to take a look at all of this," she stated, referencing questionable referee calls that have "changed the direction of the game," especially in SEC football. She also pointed to the unprecedented discipline against an SEC referee following a review of officiating in an Auburn-Georgia game.

A Personal Connection

Senator Britt isn't just speaking as a politician. Her husband, Wesley, is a former NFL player for the New England Patriots. "Being the wife of a former professional athlete... I know how much grit and grind goes into these games," she explained. "And so if you have people that are doing things unethical, absolutely 100% we've got to get to the bottom of it."

Worries About the Next Generation

Britt also expressed concerns about the impact of online gambling on young people, citing the potential for addiction and other issues. She revealed that she's urged the Attorney General and the FBI Director to investigate, believing that "this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Shrimp Talk, Y'all!

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) wants YOUR input on a shiny new shrimp fishery management plan! That's right, they're all ears (or fins?) for what shrimpers and everyday folks think about keeping our shrimp stocks healthy and happy.

Listening Sessions Incoming!

ADCNR's Marine Resources Division is hosting two listening sessions in November. This is your chance to share your wisdom before the plan gets finalized.

"We're going for certification to show our shrimp fishery is managed sustainably," says ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. "This new plan is key to that, and we need input from everyone involved in Alabama's shrimping scene!"

What's on the Menu?

MRD staff will lay out the proposed goals and objectives during each session. You can chime in with feedback, toss in extra ideas, and generally help shape the final plan during several public comment periods.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Wednesday, Nov. 12: Bayou La Batre Community Center, 12745 Padgett Switch Rd., Bayou La Batre, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 13: Gulf Shores Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Need Assistance?

ADCNR's got you covered! They're all about making natural resources shine through Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries divisions.

Crimson Tide Dominate the TV Ratings!

It just means more...especially when it comes to SEC football! And nobody's drawing eyeballs like the Alabama Crimson Tide. On3 just dropped a list of college football's most-watched teams, and Bama sits right on top!

But here's the real kicker: the whole top five is stacked with SEC squads!

SEC Reigns Supreme on TV

The Crimson Tide are pulling in just under 8 million average viewers, snagging the No. 1 spot. Right behind them are the Tennessee Volunteers, clocking in at a solid 7.80 million. Think those games against Georgia and the Third Saturday in October helped? You bet!

The Georgia Bulldogs aren't far behind, with nearly 7.6 million viewers. The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners round out the top five with 6.88 million and 6.29 million respectively.

More SEC Love in the Top 10

LSU, Ohio State (the lone Big Ten rep!), Miami, Florida, and Notre Dame complete the top ten.

Clearly, it's been an epic year for SEC football, and fans are glued to their screens. And with the push for Atlanta and the College Football Playoff heating up, expect those numbers to keep climbing!

Trump's 2028 VP Plans: A Maybe?

President Trump has tossed a curveball into the political landscape, dodging questions about a potential VP run in 2028. His noncommittal response has ignited speculation, leaving everyone wondering what he's really planning. Is he leaving the door open for Vance or Rubio? Time will tell!

Alabama Education Association & Homeschoolers: A Truce?

ALGOP Chairman John Wahl reports a positive chat with the Alabama Education Association. He claims they've assured him they won't be pushing for regulations on homeschool families. Could this be a sign of smoother waters ahead?

Hochul's Rally Rocked by "Tax the Rich" Chants

Governor Kathy Hochul's speech at a Zohran Mamdani campaign rally in NYC was "interrupted" by passionate "tax the rich" chants. While many Democrats support this, some more rational ones worry about how that message plays with average Joes.

NASA Union Sues Trump Admin: A Fool's Errand?

The International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers is suing the Trump administration over alleged unfair labor practices regarding NASA employees' collective bargaining rights. They even argued their mission is about science for "all humanity," not national security. Good luck with that one!

US & China: Trade Talks on the Horizon?

The U.S. and China are gearing up for trade talks aimed at easing tensions. Word is, they've already agreed on a "framework" for a tariff deal, signaling a cautious willingness to play nice.

Shutdown Woes: SNAP Benefits Halted

The USDA announced that because of the government shutdown, no federal SNAP benefits are going to the 1-in-8 Americans who depend on them. Meanwhile, Democrats are focused on Obamacare subsidies as the shutdown drags on.

Reps. Strong & Moore Weigh In on Shutdown

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) says the 27-day government shutdown is a Democratic ploy for political points. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) claims the GOP is ready to negotiate healthcare reforms once the government reopens, showing confidence in their negotiating power.

Dale Jackson is a voice at Yellowhammer News and your morning companion weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.

Tuberville Sounds the Alarm on Montgomery Crime

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is hitting the gas on efforts to tackle violent crime in Alabama's capital, Montgomery. Following the devastating downtown shooting earlier this month that left two dead and a dozen injured, Tuberville is demanding immediate action.

"A WAR ZONE?"

Tuberville didn't mince words in a recent interview. He expressed outrage over the recent violence, especially the decision to release a suspect on bond. "We are not a third-world country," he stated. "But Montgomery has been turned into a WAR ZONE."

Making Montgomery Safe Again

"Alabamians deserve to feel safe," Tuberville declared. "There were more than 61 homicides in Montgomery last year. This cannot continue. We're going to make downtown Montgomery a safe zone."

Federal Help on the Way?

Tuberville says he's been in contact with federal officials and expects increased support for local law enforcement. He mentioned discussions with the FBI Director, anticipating a surge of agents to assist Montgomery.

Background on the Tragedy

The October 4th shooting transformed a lively downtown area into a crime scene. Rival gunmen opened fire during a busy weekend, impacting victims aged 16 to 43. Despite a quick response from local law enforcement and assistance from federal and state agencies, the incident underscores Montgomery's ongoing struggle with violent crime.

Tuberville's Message

Tuberville's comments highlight his push for more federal resources and tougher enforcement to restore safety to Montgomery.

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