Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Space Command announcement for real this time
We hear the latest buzz in Huntsville is that the long-awaited, long-rumored, and often-rescheduled announcement on U.S. Space Command headquarters is finally coming early next week. The move to Redstone Arsenal was set to be unveiled earlier this month, but the timing was pushed after President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took precedence. The announcement will be made in Washington, D.C., not in Huntsville, as many had hoped. And Golden Dome is still expected to be included in remarks from the president. Let’s go Huntsville!
Municipal mayhem
While everyone’s still watching those seven provisional ballots in Guntersville, where just one vote put Mayor Leigh Dollar over challenger Jeff McLaughlin, there were plenty of other surprises Tuesday night. In Tuscumbia, Thurman “TW” Billings cleared 50% to win outright over two challengers, including the sitting mayor. Over in Madison, the District 6 council race benched the incumbent, setting up a runoff between two political newcomers. Top vote-getter Erica White shocked most observers (though not her supporters) with a strong 45% showing.
New challenger to the Kling throne?
For decades, Bill Kling has been the immovable fixture of Huntsville politics. Kling was first elected in 1988 and is still standing tall after wave upon wave of challengers. But whispers suggest a new contender is preparing to make a splash. Sources say this challenger will be pliant enough to navigate the political waters and bold enough to test Kling’s unshakable grip on his seat.
Giddy up Rocket City, it’s Space Cowboy time
The cleats are laced, the kits are crisp, and the Space Cowboy Match is saddling back into town. Nashville SC of the MLS is riding down to face its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC for a friendly next Wednesday on Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, kickoff is 7 p.m. For one night only, MLS meets the Rocket City under the lights and you can snag a ticket for the wonderfully random price of $11.83.
