Off the Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
No more Mo?
Apparently, as our former congressman, Mo Brooks, has reemerged and reintroduced himself on the turf he once represented as an elected official – people are remembering why they never really cared for him then either, some watchful longtime voters in the district tell us. In his primary challenge to young State Rep. James Lomax’s (R-Huntsville) second term in the Alabama House, multiple polls taken in recent weeks have shown that Lomax has regained the lead by at least +2 points. The reaction may already be playing out. Brooks’ recent swipe at the Business Council of Alabama seemed personal. It also raised some eyebrows. While Mo has never cared about anyone’s opinion of him, it seems to be getting under his skin at this juncture in his latest race…
Blurring the nonpartisan line?
Madison county democrats claiming nonpartisan races, or nonpartisan leaders claiming to be democrats? School board members Andrea Alverez and Ryan Renaud alongside city council members Michelle Watkins and John Meredith were featured in a post promoting Democrat candidates by the local party. It makes one wonder if they will be running for re-election under that quasi banner, as these races are meant to remain nonpartisan. If so, one does wonder if the strategy is effective in deep red South Huntsville and Downtown.
Tuscaloosa’s torches & pitchforks
An angry mob of UA students stood outside the home of 20-year-old Ryan Jeffery DellaFranco Monday evening, waiting on his inevitable arrest. Social media detailed DellaFranco getting in a pretty nasty fight with his ex-girlfriend. Cops verified that with a third-degree domestic violence charge. Rumors talk of DellaFranco fleeing the state pre-arrest, an NYPD father getting involved and buying a new phone? It seems his guilt got the best of him. He turned himself in a couple days after the incident.
More restaurant closures, fewer explanations
Something’s stirring in Birmingham’s restaurant scene. Pihakis Restaurant Group, a major player in the city’s dining landscape, is facing a wave of closures and growing financial questions, including a high-dollar supplier lawsuit. The company has stayed mostly quiet, but with multiple eateries going dark in recent weeks, industry chatter is picking up. For a group that helped shape Birmingham’s food scene, all eyes are now on what comes next.
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