Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Roll up those sleeves
It’s go time in the Alabama Legislature. For those of you keeping track, after legislators return to Montgomery after this past week’s break, they have only 14 days to get the business of the state’s government done. In addition to the battles over independent pharmacy reform and ALFA’s proposed health insurance plan, there’s still the ever-looming budgets. And if that wasn’t enough, there just might be a teensy little gambling bill coming up in the Senate.
‘May’ be time for announcements
As the regular legislative session winds down, expect campaign announcements to kick into high gear come May. 2026 will be a banner year for elections, every constitutional state office, from governor and lieutenant governor to attorney general and secretary of state will be on the ballot. Gov. Kay Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate are all ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits. Meanwhile, we’ve heard “Widen I-65” Ainsworth was expected to officially announce his candidacy for governor next month. However, some are now saying it all depends on what U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville decides.
College teams have a ball at Toyota Field
The Trash Pandas season begins next Friday, so college baseball – and softball – at the stadium has wrapped up. This year saw baseball games featuring Alabama, Auburn, UNA and Army. If you are wondering who won the Iron Bowl of Toyota Field attendance this year, it is Alabama which saw 5,931 fans for their game while Auburn’s crowd totaled 5,207. While Crimson Tide fans might celebrate, insiders note that this is the first time that Alabama has outdrawn the Auburn Tigers at Toyota Field.
Cheers for coming winery
News broke online last week that Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is joining the lineup at Clift’s Farm and the response has been over the top. It will be the first Alabama location for the restaurant/winery that features their own signature wines. Cooper’s Hawk describes their unique concept as “an upscale casual dining restaurant, full service bar, private dining room and Napa-style tasting room and retail gift store all under one roof.” The location is currently under construction and is expected to open by year’s end.
