Merrill Announces Run for Alabama U.S. Senate Seat
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is adding his name to the list of Republicans who hope to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones. At a press conference at the state capitol Tuesday, Merrill said Alabama needs a “proven conservative” in the Senate who will support President Donald Trump on issues like immigration and judicial appointments.
Merrill’s announcement was accompanied by a campaign video where the 55-year-old touts himself as a “winner” for conservatives and Alabama.
At 10 o’clock this morning I made a formal announcement to launch my campaign to become Alabama’s next United States Senator! Thanks for your support and your encouragement! Please share this message with your family and friends! #ALSEN #ALPolitics #All67 https://t.co/ILvq3qtJGT
— John Merrill (@JohnHMerrill) June 25, 2019
The announcement comes nearly a week after former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore launched his second run for the U.S. Senate seat. Jones defeated Moore in the 2017 special election amid allegations of Moore’s alleged sexual misconduct with teenagers. Moore has denied those allegations.
Joining Merrill and Moore in the GOP primary are U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, former Auburn University coach Tommy Tuberville, former Rep. Arnold Mooney and businessman Stanley Adair.
Trump federalizes the National Guard in Chicago, while troops arrive in Oregon
The White House said Trump "authorized" the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard members, after vowing to send troops into Chicago. Meanwhile, Guard members arrived in Oregon from California.
SNL roasts Trump in season premiere, as Bad Bunny addresses Super Bowl criticism
Bad Bunny returned to SNL as a host for the second time, and the musician addressed criticism over his upcoming Super Bowl performance.
States are cutting Medicaid provider payments long before Trump cuts hit
North Carolina and Idaho have cut their Medicaid programs to bridge budget gaps, raising fears that providers will stop taking patients and that hospitals will close even before the brunt of a new federal tax-and-budget law takes effect.
At least 5 dead in large-scale nighttime Russian strike on Ukraine
At least five civilians died after Russia launched a major nighttime attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, a barrage which officials said targeted civilian infrastructure.
With makeshift jump ropes and hide and seek, kids play to cope with crisis
From Gaza to Ukraine to South Sudan, children play to deal with the stress — and find a moment of joy.
25 years after its premiere, ‘Gilmore Girls’ still draws fans to small town Connecticut
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore's fictional hometown of Stars Hollow was born after Gilmore Girls creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, stayed in northwestern Connecticut. The show premiered in the fall of 2000.