Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Coach is back at Kelly’s Kitchen
OTR would’ve loved to have been a fly on the wall for the bread breaking action that took place this week between U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter at Kelly’s Kitchen – the same diner Coach kicked off his first statewide campaign at, back in 2019. With Ledbetter fully in the driver’s seat of the House next quadrennium, Coach calling plays, and Ainsworth remaining in a position of major influence, we hear the conversation veered toward what North Alabama’s infrastructure needs will demand next quadrennium.
Liliana who?
Many heads turned when first time candidate Liliana Peinder was able to take Dr. Jennie Robinson, a longtime Huntsville political figure, to a runoff in Tuesday’s municipal elections, but it also left many asking, who is this? Records show that Liliana Pender moved into the council district less than a year ago. While perfectly above board, it does raise the question on if this was a run of opportunity or true communal ties.
Athens Sushi Cat says soon
Athens sushi lovers, the wait is nearly over. Sushime Asian Bistro is getting ready to open at 116 N. Jefferson St., the latest addition to downtown Athens’ growing dining scene. Expect Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other Asian favorites. We’re told fans of Sushime’s Huntsville location can expect the same great food with an even more spacious dining experience. And that distinctive cat statue sitting patiently on a bench outside? He’s been waiting right along with the rest of us. OTR hears the owners are targeting a mid-September grand opening.
Beef betrayal
Alabama cattle producers have a bone to pick with President Donald Trump’s move to bring more tariff-free Argentine beef into the U.S. One source with deep ties to Alabama’s cattle industry gave OTR an assessment that would require more asterisks than we have room for. Many of the state’s producers, including Republican nominee for ag commissioner Corey Hill, see the move as a “betrayal” of American ranchers who weathered years of drought, soaring costs and a U.S. cattle herd at historic lows, only to face cheaper foreign competition as conditions finally begin to improve. While the promise is cheaper beef, Alabama cattle producers aren’t buying it.
