Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Where’s Mayor Marks?
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks is apparently running for reelection, however, he has yet to confirm the announcement with any news outlets. Marks seemingly made a Facebook post set to private announcing his intention to run for reelection in 2025. After winning in 2020, the 83-year-old official made a statement to the media that he would not be running again. Marks’ quasi-announcement follows business owner Danny Whitfield announcing his candidacy for mayor this month.
Legislative slowdowns
Much like a horse race, things heat up on the final stretch of the Legislature. With this week leading to only seven legislative days left, the Alabama Senate and the House are very much jockeying over first place. This spilled over this week when Sen. Andrew Jones filibustered at length in protest for the House of Representatives not taking up his Senate bill or any Senate bills on their calendar. The House promptly carried over remaining senate bills and gaveled out for the day. Obviously ready to address the subject, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter told the media that it is “hogwash” to say the House is not considering Senate bills, rattling off statistics about the House passing 277 bills and the Senate only 119 this session. Statistics aside, time will tell if tempers are subsided or if things will boil over again. With budgets upcoming, you can bet there will be even further jockeying at the finish line.
South Star moves to Spring
The South Star Music Festival is reportedly moving to spring. The inaugural South Star event was held at the end of last September at John Hunt Park in Huntsville and featured an array of artists before being canceled on its second day due to extremely muddy conditions following heavy rains from Hurricane Helene. There’s been no official word from the city or festival organizers at this time, but if you’ll remember it was about this time last year when 2024’s musical lineup was being announced.
Navy Week is coming
Monday marks the kickoff of Navy Week in Huntsville. This is the first Navy Week in the Rocket City and coincides with the Navy’s 250th birthday. The special week will also see a few Alabama sailors returning home for the festivities. The weeklong celebration will kick off Monday at 5 p.m. at the Apollo Courtyard of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The family friendly event is free to attend and at 6:51 p.m., the crowd will sing “Happy Birthday” to the U.S. Navy!
