North Alabama political power; Daniels for District 2? And more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

North Alabama’s political power

With State Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) the rumored next Senate president pro tem, all eyes are turning to North Alabama. Livingston, the current Majority Leader, would be working closely with another North Alabama native, Speaker of the Alabama House  Nathaniel Ledbetter of Rainsville. Not to mention, the current attorney general and likely gubernatorial candidate Will Ainsworth hails from Marshall County. Is North Alabama set to become the new power center in the state?  

Daniels for Senate?

Could Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) be eyeing a run for the upper chamber? Daniels, who has served in the Alabama Legislature for nine years and as leader of the House Minority Caucus since 2017, is being urged to run for State Senate District 2. State Sen. Tom Butler is reportedly not seeking reelection in 2026. Names that have been floated on the Republican side include Madison Mayor Paul Finley and John Roberts.  

You’re still the (Irons) one

Irons One has a new owner.  The Huntsville distillery – the “still in the mill” – was founded in 2015 by Jeff Irons at Lowe Mill.  Bottles of their  small-batch bourbon and bourbon mash whiskey have built a loyal cult following throughout the Southeast. New owner Jim McCarty is reportedly set to grow the popular brand. Meanwhile, if you would like to get your hands on a bottle, follow Irons One social media for updates on their latest batches.  

Christmas at Ditto

Ditto Landing is back with its incredibly popular Christmas Card Trail along the Tennessee River. The “life-size Christmas Cards” are accompanied by festive lights and music and feature special drive thru and shuttle days. Organizers say they are still accepting sponsorships for the Christmas cards which can be hand painted printed onto 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of plywood. Ditto Landing in South Huntsville sits on the Tennessee River. Follow Christmas at Ditto for more details all season long.