Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Gaming craps out again
It didn’t last long, but the 2025 effort to tackle legal gaming in the state Legislature has folded. A bill being “shopped” around was referred to as a comprehensive gaming package that includes Class II casinos, sports betting, a statewide lottery, and regulatory commissions to oversee and enforce its activity. “Well at least it was a quick, easy demise this time,” said one political insider. Last year’s gaming effort, led by the House, involved a year’s worth of work by representatives and months of debate before spectacularly dying in the Alabama Senate.
Don Jr. in Birmingham
Donald Trump Jr. was in the Yellowhammer State last night addressing the Alabama Republican Party in Birmingham as the keynote speaker for their Trump Victory Dinner. Reports indicate the event was a success as Trump Jr. urged fellow Republicans not to get too complacent. One attendee did share an item of note regarding U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s “very long” video introduction: “He sure sounded a lot like someone who is going to run for governor.”
Election ttention on Athens
After businessman Danny Whitfield announced his candidacy for mayor this week, all eyes have turned to current Mayor Ronnie Marks. The mayor since 2010, Marks told The News Courier his last election was the 2020 race. A source close to the action tells us prior to Whitfield’s announcement, Marks was mulling another run. The 80-year-old Marks took office when former Athens Mayor Dan Williams was elected to the state Legislature 15 years ago.
Walk On’s finally opening?
Legal observers tell us that the Walk On’s Town Madison location is set for its liquor license hearing April 14 at the Madison City Council. That is good news as the community has been scratching their heads for months about what seemed to be a stalled project for the Louisiana-themed sports bar. The building appears complete and the sign has been up for several months with little activity. However, that has changed recently with workers on site and “Now Hiring” and “Opening Soon” signs have appeared. Insiders now say to expect a ribbon-cutting by the end of the month.
