The South Alabamian News Podcast

Republican runoffs could reshape Alabama politics

The May 19 GOP primary election resolved several important statewide races. In Alabama, winning the Republican nomination is often tantamount to election, making the Nov. 3 general election largely a formality for these candidates. Every statewide office in Alabama is currently held by a Republican. Four statewide races have already been decided. Tommy Tuberville for governor, Caroleene Dobson for secretary of state, Young Boozer for state treasurer and Andrew Sorrell for state auditor were all elected on May 19. The most interesting battles of the year will be decided next week in the June 16 GOP runoff elections. The runoffs for...   Article Link [https://www.southalabamian.com/articles/republican-runoffs-could-reshape-alabama-politics/]

Mary Dykes Reaves

Mary Dykes Reaves, beloved mother and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on Nov. 14, 1940 in Jackson, Mary lived a life devoted to family, knowledge, and the beauty of nature. A longtime member of Jackson Church of Christ, Mary cultivated deep friendships and shared unwavering love and support with her church family. Mary dedicated much of her professional life to serving her community as an assistant librarian at the White Smith Memorial Library. Her passion for reading shaped her identity; she was a true lover of literature and instilled...   Article Link [https://www.southalabamian.com/articles/mary-dykes-reaves/]

Community Calendar

JUNE 20 CCHS Class of 1971 will hold its 55th class reunion June 20 at the Senior Center in Grove Hill. Brunch will be from 10 a.m. to noon and a banquet at 6:30 p.m., with a cost of per person due by May 1. JUNE 27 Thomasville will host its annual hometown celebration June 27 at 5 p.m. downtown. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Watermelon Festival announced by Thomaston Historical Foundation on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. East watermelon at the festival and take one home. The festival will take place on the...   Article Link [https://www.southalabamian.com/articles/community-calendar-320/]

Two old friends and a lifetime of memories

I went to lunch with some friends the other day. They brought along a 91-year-old friend to meet another 91-year-old who had been his classmate. One lives in Monroeville and the other near Demopolis. They meet regularly, usually in Thomasville or Camden, to catch up and reminisce. Both men are still sharp-minded, which they consider a blessing. At their age, many of the people they once knew have died or struggle with memory loss. I thought of a woman who lived up the street from me. By the time she reached 91, she was the last surviving member of her...   Article Link [https://www.southalabamian.com/articles/two-old-friends-and-a-lifetime-of-memories/]

Annie Pearl Harris Thornton

Mrs. Annie Pearl Thornton passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Born on Oct. 23, 1948, to John Harris and Lonie Harris, she lived a life rooted in love, hard work, laughter, and devotion to the people she cherished most. Annie Pearl was a woman who found beauty in life’s simple blessings and made those around her feel the warmth of her caring spirit every day. Whether she was outside cutting grass, tending to her garden, or simply sitting and watching the hummingbirds she adored, she found joy in the wonders of God’s creation....   Article Link [https://www.southalabamian.com/articles/annie-pearl-harris-thornton/]