Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Snap decision?
The 2026 field for LTG might be scrambling when what we’re hearing happens next. Mobile-born Alabama football star AJ McCarron is zeroing in on running for lieutenant governor, rather than a different statewide office in the open U.S. Senate, as initially mulled. For McCarron, the decision came down to all the additional time he would have to spend away from family, both on the campaign trail and in D.C., if elected. Word of McCarron’s final choice of races spread fast: He is already making calls, asking for support. Can he win? Early polling says it’s entirely possible. But we’re also hearing the race won’t be a cakewalk for anyone – some influential political actors are calling attention to McCarron’s residential eligibility. Sounds familiar, right?
Chairman race in Limestone County?
Is a race for chairman forming up in Limestone County? Limestone residents reported receiving polling calls featuring a hypothetical matchup between the incumbent Chairman Collin Daly and current District 2 County Commissioner Johnny Turner. Later on social media, Chairman Daly announced that he is indeed running for re-election, but was not conducting any polling, leaving a mystery as to who was conducting the survey. However, local political insiders say it was conducted by Commissioner Turner’s campaign. Turner seemed to give a nod in that direction on Facebook, posting that he was aware of the poll and he is “considering running” although he does not specify for which office. He concluded the post stating that “No, I haven’t made a final decision.” If Turner does run, local politicos say he will give Daly a run for his money.
Lee Greenwood brings patriotism and star power to Clift Farm’s Village Green
Clift Farm’s brand-new Village Green opened with a red, white, and blue flourish Tuesday night as Grammy Award–winning artist Lee Greenwood headlined “An All-American Celebration.” More than 600 people filled the three-quarter-acre green space in Madison County to hear Greenwood perform his iconic hit God Bless the USA and other favorites. Greenwood, who dedicated the night to friends Louis and Patti Breland, stayed long after the music ended to greet fans and pose for photos, making sure every person who wanted a picture got one. The Village Green, the newest addition to the 500-acre Clift Farm development, offers a stage, open lawn, and a community-focused gathering spot for future concerts, classes, and events.
Wilson Dam hits 100
Here’s a century-old powerhouse that refuses to slow down. Wilson Dam, built between 1918 and 1925 with 1.26 million cubic yards of concrete and the sweat of 18,000 workers, turns 100 this year. The concrete giant stretches 4,541 feet across the Tennessee River between Florence and Muscle Shoals, where crews once built an entire pop-up city of 1,700 buildings, 165 miles of sewer lines, and 685 miles of electrical cable just to get it done. Now a National Historic Landmark and the largest conventional hydroelectric plant in the TVA system, Wilson still cranks out 663 megawatts of juice while offering 166 miles of shoreline for weekend boaters. Not bad for a dam that was making power before TVA even existed.
