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johnsharp99.bsky.social

@johnsharp99.bsky.social
539 followers 37 following 416 posts

Journalist at AL.com.

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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Feature story on an Alabama marching band that has 98 freshmen, offering the staff and senior class leaders with a bit of a challenge. “It’s all a big machine." www.al.com/life/2026/09...
al.com
From 40 students in 1989 to 250 today, the Sound of the Eastern Shore has become one of Alabama's most ambitious band programs
The "Sound of the Eastern Shore" enters competition season with record numbers of freshmen and seniors providing challenges as high standards fuel program's growth.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Hurricanes, flooding, and thunderstorms are the norm for the Gulf Coast. Snow is not. But when it strikes, Mobile city officials want to be prepared. After 2025, there is a bit of a shock factor. The council is poised to spend over $73K on snow plows. www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Once unthinkable, now on the agenda: $73,372 for snow plows in Mobile
Still remembering the record-breaking snowstorm of 2025, Mobile city leaders are poised to approve the purchase of four snow-plow attachments.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Is Mobile's future the Wallace Tunnel and the Trump bridge? A host of politicians in Mobile, including the mayor, believe there should be some local input. Mobile leaders, in 1964, drove the push to have the tunnel named after Wallace: www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Wallace Tunnel, Trump Bridge? Naming fight continues around I-10 project
As proposals swirl to name the new I-10 Mobile River Bridge after Donald Trump, local officials are urging to let Mobile and Baldwin County residents have a say.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The TIFIA loan is approved on the I-10 project, financing secured, and all that remains is a groundbreaking. What the loan also means -- tolls. The latest on the massive I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project: www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Mobile River Bridge project secures $2.52 billion federal loan, construction nears
A $2.52 billion federal loan approval removes the final major financing obstacle for the start of the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.
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Reposted by @johnsharp99.bsky.social
AL.com @al.com · 18/09/2026
Tommy Tuberville attacked Doug Jones for proposing a temporary suspension of Alabama's fuel tax, arguing Jones has a weak record on tax relief.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
@DougJones renews his call for Alabama to suspend the 10-cent-per-gallon increase of the state's fuel tax adopted in 2019 to support the Rebuild Alabama Act. His call comes as diesel prices eclipse $6 per gallon. www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Doug Jones urges Alabama to suspend fuel tax increase as diesel prices hit record high
Diesel prices rose above $6 a gallon, reaching record levels as the war with Iran disrupted global fuel markets.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Is it time to slow down the trolley talk in Mobile? One council member says it may be wiser to do so. However, the mayor believes to a more accurate picture of a trolley-filled future is to get more trolleys and have them rolling through the city streets. www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
‘Put the brakes on’: Mobile councilman questions trolley spending
A Mobile city councilman is urging the city to slow its investments in trolley-style transit vehicles until officials can determine whether an initial rollout boosts ridership, while Mayor Spiro Cheri...
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Mobile mayor's trolley fascination ramps up and here's his long-term plans: www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
A Streetcar Named Spiro: Mobile mayor pushes trolley-filled future
On Tuesday, Mobile's mayor took his obsession a step further by taking his inaugural ride aboard the first rubber-tired trolley replica to serve downtown Mobile and making a bold pronouncement.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Dr. Oz is citing the 2024 death of a University of Mobile basketball player to illustrate what he claims is a "predatory scheme" by "fraudster" doctors and is urging federal and state govt's to take medical fraud seriously. www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Dr. Oz claims ‘predatory scheme’ by ‘fraudster doctor’ led to Alabama college athlete’s death
Dr. Mehmet Oz cited the death of University of Mobile basketball player Kaiden Francis as an example of alleged medical fraud.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The funding of HBCU games is an issue in Mobile's budget, and a conversation is still ongoing over the fate of some of these events: www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Penn, NAACP push for review of city-funded games amid Port City Classic cut
During the finance committee meeting, the mayor said he is willing to have a broader conversation about performance contracts
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Reposted by @johnsharp99.bsky.social
AL.com @al.com · 03/09/2026
A sweepstakes casino company that emerged as one of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s notable campaign donors increased its support this week, pushing its total donations to Tuberville's campaign to $130,000 this year.
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Reposted by @johnsharp99.bsky.social
AL.com @al.com · 03/09/2026
A months-long Alabama State Port Authority investigation has resulted in criminal charges against three former McDuffie Coal Terminal employees.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
In Foley, there are no plans for a data center. But the City Council is planning to push forward a six-month moratorium anyway. Here's why: www.al.com/news/2026/09...
al.com
Fast-growing Foley moves to get ahead of data centers with proposed moratorium
Foley officials are proposing a six-month moratorium on data centers, seeking time to develop regulations before any projects are proposed in one of Alabama's fastest-growing cities.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The story behind a new mural inside a Mobile County Public School. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
‘Rooted in Resilience’: Africatown mural honors Clotilda survivors, inspires students
Enrique Lopez, a 2015 graduate of Mary G. Montgomery High School who describes himself as a muralist, was hired to create the artwork through private funding.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Mobile's proposed budget zeroes out two HBCU (a combined cut of $500K) events while adding $100K into another. The budget activity is drawing some reaction. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Mobile mayor’s budget ends funding for two HBCU events, boosts a third
Supporters argue one event delivers educational, cultural and workforce-development benefits that extend beyond football.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis doubles down on his vision to replace all the city's Wave buses with trolleys. But a lot of questions on how that will be done, and how long it will take, remain: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Mobile mayor doubles down on vision to replace city buses with trolleys: ‘Obsessed with them’
Some Mobile council members unaware city bought a trolley for $100,000.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A good review about the issue of data centers here in Alabama by @hannah_denham1 and @margkates. Recommended read. www.al.com/business/202...
al.com
‘Sweet home’ for data centers? What we know about Alabama’s multibillion-dollar industry
Investment in data centers has grown past $63 billion in Alabama. Our map shows you where they are and where they are planned.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Back in 2014, @al.com ran a poll on naming the future I-10 Mobile River Bridge. The winner? Joe Cain Mardi Gras Bridge. A lot has changed since then, but there was the story on the winning name which raises another question: Should Mardi Gras be given a consideration? www.al.com/news/mobile/...
al.com
Let the good times roll: Joe Cain 'Mardi Gras' Bridge is winner of AL.com's 'Bridge Madness' tournament
Is it time to link the city's favorite holiday with the Interstate 10 Bridge in Mobile? According to AL.com readers, "yes."
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
In a week in which Donald Trump's name surfaced the name of the new I-10 Bridge, an Alabama state Senator in Baldwin County is suggesting another name - Jimmy Buffett. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Move over Trump? Alabama state senator says Mobile bridge should honor Jimmy Buffett
As some Alabama Republicans push to name the future I-10 bridge after Donald Trump, State Sen. Chris Elliott suggests it should be named after Gulf Coast music icon Jimmy Buffett.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
In a week in which Donald Trump's name surfaced the name of the new I-10 Bridge, an Alabama state Senator in Baldwin County is suggesting another name - Jimmy Buffett. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Move over Trump? Alabama state senator says Mobile bridge should honor Jimmy Buffett
As some Alabama Republicans push to name the future I-10 bridge after Donald Trump, State Sen. Chris Elliott suggests it should be named after Gulf Coast music icon Jimmy Buffett.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The story out of Fairhope last night and the message from the public was clear: If the school system is not broken, why fix it? Still, two more public meetings are scheduled to further discuss the prospects of a city school system. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
‘Too big of a gamble’: Fairhope speakers defend county schools amid split debate
The show of support for remaining within the Baldwin County School System came during the first of three public meetings to discuss whether Fairhope should pursue its own school district.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore wants the new I-10 bridge named after the "Gulf of America" and President Donald Trump. He's approached Alabama state lawmakers about this request, and explained the situation today while speaking at a Mobile Chamber event: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore wants I-10 bridge named after Donald Trump, Gulf of America
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore is urging Alabama lawmakers to name the new Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge after President Donald Trump, a proposal that is expected to spark partisan debate.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Gulf Shores police chief says that Flock cameras have the potential to be the most important crime-fighting tool for law enforcement since DNA testing. The latest from coastal Alabama: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Alabama beach town defends Flock cameras amid surveillance concerns
Gulf Shores Police Chief Dan Netemeyer compared the technology’s impact on policing to the rise of DNA testing and fingerprint analysis.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
There was a joke going around the Jerry Carl gathering tonight that about 50 percent of his vote came from those who assembled at Moe's Bar-B-Que. Turnout was bad - and slumping to near modern historical lows. The story: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Confusion, apathy and little competition: Alabama congressional primary turnout near historic low
The special election sank to a level that may have few rivals among elections involving federal offices.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Turnout will likely be low, but Tuesday's special primary election in four AL congressional districts caps a chaotic season with a historic first. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Alabama’s unprecedented no-runoff congressional primary caps chaotic election season
A Supreme Court ruling, redistricting battle and special election schedule have set the state for an an unprecedented congressional primary in Alabama on Tuesday in which the winners take all.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
In fast-growing Foley, the current and longtime horse arena's property could be reused as medical offices. It's creating a stir in the community: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Horse arena crossroads: Foley weighs growth, redevelopment and equestrian needs
Foley officials are exploring alternatives for the city-owned horse arena as a potential medical office development advances, while equestrians urge the city to provide a suitable replacement.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Alabama's reality is creating headaches in rural parts of the state. Amid data center development, there is very little county governments can do unlike other states that permit more home rule authority: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Data center fight reveals hard truth for rural Alabama: Counties have little say
Data cener opponents in Alabama are discovering that county governments have little power to regulate or halt such projects, fueling new debates over local control, zoning and home rule.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
At 4 p.m. Tuesday, Streets Seafood will set up a food trailer at its restaurant site to serve customers. Other restaurants in North Baldwin are also stepping up after the restaurant was destroyed by fire on Saturday: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
‘Icon of Bay Minette’: Community, family rallies around Streets Seafood after fire
A food trailer will be placed at the Streets site on Tuesday and will serve food to customers starting at 4 p.m. The Overstreet family said their intention is to rebuild.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
TV spectacle or a good opportunity to get information of the newly accused? The perp walk gets scrutinized after the arrest of the Prichard police chief: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Transparency or public shaming? Perp walks scrutinized after Prichard police chief’s arrest
The public arrest of Prichard Police Chief Walter Knight has ignited debate over whether perp walks serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose or unfairly humiliate suspects.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Should the Alabama Public Service Commission do anything regarding data centers before January? At least one PSC candidate says that two lame-duck commissioners should not, and the government agency ought to wait until after a new PSC is seated. www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
‘Lame duck’ commission: PSC candidates question who should decide Alabama’s data center future
Candidates from both parties dispute over whether a soon-to-be-replaced Public Service Commission should be making decisions that could shape the state's energy future for decades.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
A few Spirit Halloween stores opened for the season in Alabama on Saturday. One of them is in Daphne. Here's a peak inside: www.al.com/news/2026/08...
al.com
Halloween Returns: Take a Look Inside Alabama’s First Spirit Halloween Stores of 2026
Spirit Halloween has begun opening stores across Alabama, giving shoppers an early look at this year's costumes, animatronics and spooky décor weeks before many schools return to class.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Gulf Shores residents push for the city to maintain a Fat Tuesday tradition. It could lead to the city hosting two Carnival season parades in 2027: www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
‘Save Mardi Gras’: Gulf Shores backs Saturday night parade, but some want Fat Tuesday tradition
Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said he is open to assisting organizers in maintaining a Fat Tuesday parade after the council unanimously voted to support a Saturday night parade in 2027.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
A beachfront rooftop bar/lounge would be a first in coastal Alabama. Here's what is planned: www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
Orange Beach hotel project adds rooftop lounge, a first for Alabama’s beachfront
An Orange Beach hotel planned for completion in 2028 will feature Alabama's first public beachfront rooftop lounge, adding a new attraction to the Gulf Coast's lineup of iconic beach destinations.
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Reposted by @johnsharp99.bsky.social
AL.com @al.com · 24/07/2026
Baldwin County leaders are urging the state to widen I-10 to the Baldwin Beach Express, but funding to do so is not part of the state's $3.2 billion Bridge and Bayway project. More 👇
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The politics of a bridge project -- who should get the credit? Trump or Biden? A bit of a debate surrounding the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
As $3.2 billion I-10 bridge project advances, Republicans and Democrats clash over credit
Alabama Democrats and Republicans are divided over whether the Biden administration’s funding or the Trump administration’s changes deserve more credit for making the project possible.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Residents showed up at the Mobile County Commission meeting today to raise concerns over a massive data center project in Calvert. They pleaded for commissioners to oppose it. But the commission said there is nothing they can do about the project: www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
‘We have no authority’: Mobile County commissioners say they can’t halt $6 billion data center
At issue is the proposed Calvert Infrastructure Hub by Canadian-based Beacon Data Centers.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Much of the $3.2 billion I-10 project's first phase will occur in Mobile w/construction of a new bridge. But in Baldwin, rapid and ongoing growth is fueling a need for improvements, added I-10 lanes and another north-south corridor: www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
Baldwin County I-10 expansion: What to know about the project
In addition to the widening of I-10 and new $3.2 billion bridge project, other potential developments include a new 39-mile north-south corridor through the Eastern Shore connecting Barnwell near Fair...
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Solar farm, data center looms over Stockton zoning vote as residents in rural area of Alabama say "Yes" for zoning protections. Solar farm company and the county administration says it's exempt from the new regulations. A clash could be coming: www.al.com/news/2026/07...
al.com
Stockton residents vote for zoning despite county exemption for proposed solar farm
Stockton voters approved zoning for the unincorporated community, but Baldwin County officials say the controversial Silicon Ranch solar farm will move forward under a grandfather exemption.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The Kohl's in Spanish Fort was sold last month. Here's the plan for the former department store: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Infirmary Health buys former Kohl’s in Spanish Fort for $7.1 million: Here’s the plan
The building at Town Center will be converted into a pharmaceutical facility servicing hospitals across Mobile and Baldwin counties, with operations expected to begin early 2027.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
$510K in security and furnishings were approved Tuesday for Mobile's Regions Arena. It's all part of an existing $300 million budget. Here's the latest one week after the announcement that the Mobile Mysticks are back: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Mobile approves $510,000 for security, furnishings at Regions Arena
Mobile officials approved more than $510,000 in purchases for furnishings and security equipment at Regions Arena as construction remains on schedule despite minor storm-related damage.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A solar farm project that is the underlying reason for a zoning referendum in rural Stockton next week may be able to skirt zoning regulations due to a grandfathering clause. Here's the latest from North Baldwin County: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Controversial 2,000-acre solar farm in Stockton may avoid new rules: Here’s why
Baldwin County officials say Silicon Ranch's solar farm could be exempt from new zoning rules if it secures a completed development permit before Stockton's June 30 zoning referendum.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The pedestrian bridge project in Gulf Shores got a bit more expensive. Here's why: www.al.com/news/mobile/...
al.com
Pretty in pink? Gulf Shores pedestrian bridge lighting adds $408,000 to cost
Gulf Shores approved a $408,940 lighting upgrade for its new pedestrian bridge, raising the project’s total cost to $24.7 million.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Banners acknowledging National Pride Month are along Water Street. A Mobile pastor wants banners advertising National Child Awareness Month. The City of Mobile, which oversees the banner program, is discussing how to handle this going forward. The latest: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Pride banners, pastor’s challenge push Mobile to assess its display policy
Mobile is assessing its banner program after a local pastor’s request for a “traditional family” banner sparked a dispute over how the city handles privately funded messages on public property.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
By 6 p.m., we will know the name of Mobile's new hockey franchise. All signs point to a Mardi Gras symbol, following an evolving trend in Mobile of a complete marketing connection of the city and the holiday. www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
New professional hockey franchise in Mobile may lean into city’s Mardi Gras roots
Mobile’s long-running push to brand itself as the true home of Mardi Gras is poised for a major boost as its new professional hockey team prepares to debut with a likely Carnival‑themed identity.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Barring anything unforeseen, the congressional races for the Aug. 11 special election are set. Here is the lay of the land for the 1st and 2nd districts after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling late Tuesday: www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Late‑night map change resets south Alabama’s congressional races — again
Alabama’s congressional races were reshaped again after the Supreme Court ruling reinstated a GOP‑drawn map, and reshaping the political landscape in South Alabama.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Another qualifying deadline came and went on Tuesday, and candidates for Alabama's congressional primaries --particularly those in #AL1 -- voiced their frustrations over the confusion that symbolizes the primaries. www.al.com/news/2026/06...
al.com
Alabama congressional candidates voice frustration as election confusion deepens
Congressional races are mired in uncertainty amid shifting court rulings, new proclamations, and conflicting directives.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
There is legislation out there that can start addressing so-called "dark money" that plays a big role in Alabama politics, particularly in primary battles. Here's what could happen: www.al.com/news/2026/05...
al.com
Alabama lawmakers renew dark money disclosure push after bitter primary races
Alabama’s low-turnout primary triggered fierce backlash over dark money groups whose negative ads helped unseat several Republican incumbents and revived calls for stronger donor‑disclosure laws.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Turnout from last night - while Alabama is a red state, it may be mirroring the national trends. Red counties (Baldwin, Winston, Cullman, Shelby, etc.) had turnouts trailing 2022 primary. Montgomery and Jefferson saw bump ups. Almost all Black Belt counties above state trend.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Alabama state Sen. Chris Elliott says he's 100% focused on Tuesday's election but won't confirm or deny interest in the 1st district congressional race after Tuesday. His opponent is calling him out on it via Facebook: www.al.com/news/2026/05...
al.com
Alabama state senator says he is ‘100% focused’ on primary amid congressional speculation
Alabama state Sen. Chris Elliott's opponent in Tuesday's election called out the senator via social media to see if he planned to qualify for a congressional run the day after the election.
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johnsharp99.bsky.social @johnsharp99.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Not yay or nay but "why"?
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