Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Shutdown strain hits North Alabama
North Alabama is starting to feel the squeeze as the federal government shutdown drags on, now the second longest in history. Federal workers told OTR they’re “doing okay … for now.” One worker put it bluntly: “Everyone assumes if you work at the Arsenal you’re fine, you’re rich, but that’s not always the case. I’ve got friends without additional support — single parents, younger coworkers who haven’t built savings.” Others are more worried about the long-term fallout. “A million and one projects are slipping,” one employee said. “Even if they open now, programs they say are huge, number one priorities will be months, even years, behind.” Another was even more candid: “The federal government has been bleeding talent. The only people left are the ones who can’t get other jobs. We’re on a downward spiral.”
AJ backlash in full force
Less than 24 hours after former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron announced his run for lieutenant governor, the political backlash was in full swing. What started as mild amusement among politicos quickly turned to irritation, with many calling his announcement “disrespectful” to those who’ve spent years earning their stripes in public service. The Auburn crowd was especially put off by McCarron comparing himself to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who, as one insider noted, “spent years shaking hands before he ran.” By day’s end, group chats have been flooded with memes and jokes, from AJ’s old Obama jersey photo to snark about scout teams and chest tattoos. As one political veteran quipped, “When the first vote you ever cast is for yourself, maybe start with homecoming king.” McCarron reportedly registered to vote for the first time this week.
Whitt wows at Rural Tourism Conference
State Rep. Andy Whitt brought his trademark leadership and deep understanding of economic growth to the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference in Athens this week, driving home his message that “Tourism is Economic Development.” As chair of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, Whitt has been a consistent champion for promoting Alabama’s small towns and local attractions as key drivers of prosperity. The annual tri-state conference drew hundreds of tourism professionals, local leaders, and economic developers focused on strengthening rural communities through tourism. And hats off to Athens for putting its best Southern hospitality on display while hosting this year’s event.
Big openings coming
There is a flurry of activity coming at Town Madison, the city of Madison’s largest commercial development. Groundbreakings have been announced for next week for the ChopHouse restaurant and the TownPlace Suites by Marriott. On the openings side, Ardent Preschool and Daycare opened this week and the Escapology Escape Rooms and dual brand Marriott Residence Inn and Courtyard are opening next week. Meanwhile, Madison’s newest Starbucks is set to open by Christmas meaning more red cups for your holiday cheer.
Huntsville International gets a sign it’s time for new signs
Huntsville International Airport is getting a full signage and wayfinding makeover — and not a moment too soon. Some of the airport’s oldest signs have been standing since shoulder pads were in style. “Some of our oldest signs are 35 years old,” admitted Chief of Design and Construction Jim Flowers to Airport Improvement magazine, adding they “no longer serve our passengers well.” The Airport Authority hired Gresham Smith to develop a two-year master plan to fix the confusion, which ran from April 2024 to April 2026 and was approved in May. Among the problems: drivers don’t get enough time to compare parking prices before the ticket plaza and can’t remember where they parked once inside the garage. Implementation is now underway, with final designs and early construction expected next year — so by 2026, maybe finding your car at HSV will be as easy as finding your gate.
