Alabama listeners are watching a state in motion, with politics, the economy, education, and infrastructure all evolving at once.
On the political front, Alabama is already gearing up for the 2026 election cycle. Alabama Political Reporter notes that every statewide constitutional office and all 140 legislative seats will be on the ballot, with the Republican primary effectively deciding most races. The outlet reports that former U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s decision to run for governor has turned that race into the marquee contest, while competitive battles are also expected for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and agriculture commissioner, even as more than 80% of legislative incumbents face no opposition.[6]
In education policy, Governor Kay Ivey is pressing ahead with school choice. According to the Office of the Governor, the CHOOSE Act education savings account program opens renewal applications for families on December 15, with new applicants able to apply beginning January 2 for the 2026–2027 school year. The program will provide up to $7,000 per participating student in private schools and $2,000 per homeschooled student, initially focusing on lower-income families before expanding statewide in later years.[2] Separately, Alabama Political Reporter highlights a $20 million Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative to expand HBCU-based charter schools at Stillman College and near Tuskegee University, aiming to strengthen academic pipelines and career opportunities for Black students.[8]
Economically, Alabama’s job market remains strong. The Alabama Department of Labor reports that the state’s September unemployment rate fell to 2.8%, down from 3.3% a year earlier, with 22,000 jobs added over the year, especially in private education and health services, construction, and leisure and hospitality.[1] A Commerce Department report summarized by Trade and Industry Development says rural Alabama has attracted $7 billion in capital investment and nearly 9,000 jobs since 2020, driven by sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and forest products, with 57 rural projects announced in 2024 alone.[7]
Local governments are tying growth to infrastructure and workforce. The Alabama Port Authority has launched a $100 million federally backed redevelopment of Mobile’s historic Pier B South to modernize breakbulk cargo operations and support major steel and forest products shippers.[3] In the same city, Alabama Political Reporter notes that Mobile has committed $100,000 to the new South Alabama Homebuilding Academy to train workers in trades like carpentry and HVAC, addressing both housing needs and job demand.[4] Huntsville officials report approving a $240 million, 500,000-square-foot retail and restaurant development in north Huntsville, which city leaders describe as a transformational commercial hub for the area.[13]
Weather remains a point of curiosity more than crisis. The Montgomery Advertiser reports that forecasters are watching a polar vortex pattern that could bring a colder winter and a small chance of holiday snow, but no major severe weather events have recently defined conditions statewide.[5]
Looking ahead, listeners can expect escalating 2026 campaign activity, continued rollout of the CHOOSE Act, progress on major port and retail projects, and close monitoring of winter weather patterns and rural investment trends across Alabama.
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