Alabama is seeing a flurry of activity across government, business, and community life. The state’s top headlines include a controversial CEO search for Central Alabama Water, where only one candidate, Jeffrey Thompson, is being considered, drawing criticism from officials like Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodin who called the process secretive. Meanwhile, a federal judge has ordered a new Alabama Senate map after finding racial gerrymandering in Montgomery, with a court-selected plan now in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections. In politics, former Senator Doug Jones has officially filed to run for governor, shaking up the state’s political landscape.

The Alabama legislature recently wrapped up a session marked by major education funding changes and tense debates, while local governments continue to grapple with infrastructure and public safety needs. On the business front, Bessemer is moving forward with plans for a $14.5 billion data center campus after rezoning nearly 700 acres, and Huntsville welcomed a new laser defense facility from IPG Defense. The state’s small business ecosystem is also getting a boost, with new investments and initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence in Birmingham, supported by Regions Bank and city leaders.

Community news highlights include Auburn University’s Board of Trustees approving a $5.7 million dormitory at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, set to open in 2027. In education, Jefferson County’s superintendent was named among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders for 2025. Infrastructure projects are also underway, with Robins & Morton breaking ground on a new $81 million emergency department and bed tower expansion in Dothan. Public safety remains a focus, with Rep. Terri Sewell securing $3.2 million for local projects in Alabama’s Black Belt, including health care upgrades and new first responder facilities.

Alabama’s economy continues to grow, with the state Department of Workforce announcing $11 million for abandoned mine land revitalization projects. The state’s small business sector is thriving, with over 465,000 small businesses operating statewide, and Governor Ivey proclaiming November 29 as Small Business Saturday.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect more developments in the governor’s race, ongoing legislative debates, and continued investment in infrastructure and economic growth.

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Alabama’s news landscape this week has been marked by significant developments in community events, state governance, business investment, education, and the environment. The cancellation of Etowah County’s CommUnity Thanksgiving, formerly the largest of its kind in Alabama, has resonated deeply. Organizers cited rising food costs, a shortage of volunteers, and surging demand as factors driving this decision. Last year, close to 11,000 meals were served, setting a state record, but this year’s budget shortfall made the event unsustainable according to ABC 33/40. However, local churches and groups are working to provide alternative meals, and plans are being considered to return next year in a new community-based format.

State government continues to tackle key issues impacting Alabamians. Lawmakers recently passed Senate Bill 252, which establishes prescription reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies and imposes new regulations on pharmacy benefit managers. This measure was widely supported in the legislature and is expected to help smaller pharmacies compete and better serve their communities, as reported by LegiScan. Meanwhile, Alabama Daily News highlights overhauls in education funding as another major accomplishment this session, along with ongoing debates over state budgets and previewing the 2026 elections.

On the business front, the Alabama Port Authority in Mobile has gained approval for a $24 million RESTORE Act grant and the essential permits to advance the Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Project. The effort—heralded by the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce—will both restore hundreds of acres of wetlands and turn dredged material into habitat, demonstrating an intersection of economic growth and environmental stewardship. Senator Tuberville lauded the move, affirming the Port of Mobile’s status as a critical state economic driver. Additionally, Business Alabama notes the opening of a new indoor sports complex in Saraland, a $61 million stainless steel plant being constructed in Loxley, and private equity investments channeling over $200 million into Alabama shipyards as part of a defense-related opportunity zone strategy.

Employment and economic news show a mix of momentum and challenge. A study reported by Business Alabama highlights concerns over prison labor affecting automotive wages, raising questions about labor practices across Hyundai’s Alabama supply chain. Meanwhile, infrastructure investment continues with $11 million in federal funds announced for abandoned mine land revitalization and new workspace developments under construction near Highway 280, according to the Alabama Department of Workforce and the Birmingham Business Journal.

Education in central Alabama stands out as a point of pride, with ABC 33/40 reporting on broad improvements in this year’s State Report Cards. Nearly half of the districts earned the highest grade, and Coosa County achieved a remarkable leap in performance, improving nearly 14 percent over last year. The University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Scholars Program was also recognized for its 30-year contribution to healthcare access in rural areas, with over 50 percent of its graduates now practicing in underserved communities, as highlighted on UA News.

Weather-wise, no major disruptive events have been reported, though listeners are reminded that portions of Highway 280 are slated for closure, according to local news updates, potentially impacting commutes in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for further updates on the state’s education policy, the rollout of new environmental projects along Mobile Bay, continued infrastructure investments, and ongoing economic changes tied to both defense and manufacturing. Significant political maneuvering around state revenue and spending will also shape headlines through the end of the year.

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Alabama’s week opened with sports headlines as the University of Alabama’s football team saw its 17-game home winning streak snapped in a narrow 23-21 loss to Oklahoma, drawing thousands to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa according to the University’s official athletics site. Attention quickly shifted to Montgomery, where lawmakers are preparing for the 2026 election cycle, which promises a wave of newcomers in top state offices after four decades of political continuity. The recent legislative session produced notable action with the passage of new gun safety laws, including a ban on so-called Glock switches, devices that illegally convert handguns to fully automatic fire. Governor Kay Ivey signed the measure into law, signaling a bipartisan effort to combat gun violence, a move covered by WSFA 12 News.

Economic optimism continues to build on the back of major investments across Alabama. The Alabama Department of Commerce reports that since 2020, rural counties have attracted $7 billion in new capital, creating nearly 9,000 jobs. Recent high-profile projects include an $800 million expansion at the Alabama River cellulose plant by Georgia-Pacific, and a $1.2 billion electrical steel mill by ArcelorMittal. This past week, wire manufacturing leader Southwire announced an expansion in Heflin that will bring more than 85 jobs, reflecting a trend of industrial growth in both urban and rural regions.

Business Facilities magazine recognized the Alabama Department of Commerce as one of the nation’s top economic development organizations in 2025, citing its support for innovation in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles. High-tech companies like SmartWiz are also expanding in Birmingham with plans for 66 new AI-driven jobs, and proposals for a $14.5 billion multi-building data center campus in Bessemer are up for formal review by the city council later this week.

Education and community infrastructure remain high priorities. University trustees have approved several major projects, with the University of Alabama in Huntsville undertaking a $47.7 million renovation to launch a national Center for Cybersecurity, while the University of Alabama at Birmingham continues construction on a $190 million genomics facility funded in part by the state legislature. Local governments such as Morgan County Schools report steady progress on several school construction sites, and the Highway Research Center at Auburn University celebrates 40 years of impact on transportation safety and innovation.

In state government, a prefiled bill aims to stiffen penalties for assaulting public officials, reflecting broader concerns about political safety and accountability. There is also continuing debate around housing affordability and local charter amendments, with legislators and city councils preparing a slate of policy proposals for the 2026 session.

The weather has brought relative calm to most of Alabama, but transportation infrastructure remains in the spotlight with the impending closure of Highway 280 near Birmingham scheduled for urgent repairs as reported by local news updates on social media.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for formal action on large development projects like the Bessemer data center and expect further announcements about state budget priorities and education funding as the legislative session draws closer. The Crimson Tide returns to the field for Senior Day, and infrastructure improvements across the state are set to shape Alabama’s communities for years to come.

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Alabama’s top headlines this week feature a blend of political action, business growth, education milestones, and updates from communities statewide. Governor Kay Ivey affirmed the state’s quick response to recent federal disruptions, emphasizing that full November SNAP benefits were swiftly reinstated after the government shutdown. The Alabama Department of Human Resources began processing payments immediately to support thousands of families ahead of the holidays, with Ivey expressing gratitude for local organizations that stepped up during the uncertainty, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

In legislative news, Alabama lawmakers are building the state’s disaster resilience for future emergencies. Pew Research reports that the Alabama Resilience Council Act gained momentum in 2025, aiming to codify best practices for disaster response, environmental stewardship, and public health, though the bill awaits final passage. Meanwhile, a prefiled bill in the upcoming legislative session seeks tougher penalties for assaulting public officials, elevating some offenses from misdemeanor to felony charges, as covered by KFOX-TV. Education funding remains a key topic, with Alabama Daily News noting intense debates and filibusters in the closing days of the 2025 legislative session and anticipation for major school policy reforms.

Alabama’s business landscape is seeing robust growth, especially in rural areas. The “Rural Alabama Powers Growth Potential" report from the Department of Commerce highlights that from 2020 to 2024, targeted counties secured about seven billion dollars in new investments and nearly nine thousand jobs, driven by advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and food production. Business Alabama Magazine reports on a transformational two-hundred-forty million-dollar development in Huntsville, bringing major retailers, dining, and medical facilities to the city’s north side and promising significant job creation and infrastructure upgrades. Birmingham is also part of the tech surge, with SmartWiz, an AI-driven tax software company, adding sixty-six high-paying jobs.

Education and infrastructure projects continue to shape communities across Alabama. Morgan County Schools updated the board on five active projects, reporting steady progress. The University of Alabama in Huntsville is launching two major initiatives: a forty-seven-million-dollar cybersecurity center and a fifteen-million-dollar NCAA-quality track and field complex, enhancing academic and athletic opportunities. The Highway Research Center in Auburn celebrated its fortieth anniversary, with notable advances in safer bridges, environmental protection, and the training of civil engineers, as reported by Auburn University.

Public safety and transportation received attention this week after a major road in South Mobile County reopened following a serious crash, as reported by WKRG, and work-based learning initiatives are expanding across South Alabama to strengthen workforce skills through public-private collaboration, per the Alabama Department of Labor.

Weather-wise, Alabama residents are enjoying a stretch of sunny, warm days with only minor clouds and sprinkles expected in some areas, according to Alabama News Center. Disaster preparedness remains in sharp focus, as state leaders consider further resilience legislation after a decade of tornado recovery efforts.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect reintroduction of key resilience bills when the legislature reconvenes in 2026, more groundbreaking developments in business and education, and continued infrastructure investment as Alabama positions itself for steady growth. Major sporting events, new construction starts, and efforts to boost rural innovation are all stories to watch in the coming months.

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Alabama’s top headlines this week shine a light on urgent challenges and major opportunities. According to The Voice of Alabama Politics, thousands of residents face food insecurity as November saw a 35% reduction in SNAP benefits, prompting bipartisan calls for the state to close the gap. Governor Kay Ivey responded by releasing $7 million for food banks and other resources, but Democrats are pressing for a longer-term fix. Politics remain heated as the state gears up for the general election, with questions swirling over candidate residency requirements and the Republican Party’s early endorsement of Tommy Tuberville for governor. Notably, former football star AJ McCarron from Mobile has entered the race for lieutenant governor, positioning himself as an outsider.

On the government front, Governor Ivey announced the launch of the Alabama Department of Workforce, aiming to streamline economic development and create a unified approach to job training and employment services. The state also submitted its plan for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, hoping to secure funding and support for struggling rural hospitals.

Economic news in Alabama is marked by significant investment and fresh construction projects. Huntsville has approved a transformative $240 million development, featuring new retail, restaurants, and a $50 million Huntsville Hospital facility. Mayor Tommy Battle described the project as serving both local residents and those from neighboring regions. Additionally, Albertville’s Sand Mountain Marketplace is underway, issuing more than $15 million in building permits for stores like Target and HomeGoods, boosting local employment and commercial appeal. Liberty Tire Recycling is opening two facilities in the state, while the shipbuilder Birdon is delivering 27 vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard out of Mobile, adding new jobs to the region.

Alabama’s colleges and universities are requesting historic budget increases for 2027, with the University of Alabama System reporting record enrollments and asking for funds to address salaries, technology, and deferred maintenance. Meanwhile, the University of Alabama in Huntsville is moving forward with two major projects: renovating the Bevill Center to house a new Center for Cybersecurity Research and building a new NCAA-compliant track and field complex. These improvements aim to position UAH as a national leader in cyber research and enhance campus life.

In public safety, firefighters responded to a car fire near Clay Chalkville Middle School in Center Point, while local infrastructure sees continued investment in highways, schools, and commercial spaces. Weather events this week have included scattered thunderstorms and a brief cold snap with freeze warnings across the state, though temperatures are expected to rise soon, bringing mild afternoons. Notably, a powerful geomagnetic storm earlier in the week allowed Alabamians to witness the rare northern lights, visible as far south as Birmingham, a spectacle not usually seen in the region.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for the upcoming general election, ongoing debates over SNAP funding and rural healthcare, and the continued development of major commercial and educational projects statewide. Alabama’s weather is set to warm up heading into the weekend. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Alabama listeners are greeted this week with several key headlines, including Governor Kay Ivey’s reflection on Veterans Day and a salute to the state’s service members, as reported by the Governor’s Office, as well as her appointment of Will Parker to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court after years of legal advisory experience. State leadership also announced the submission of Alabama’s plan for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at boosting healthcare outcomes in rural communities.

In an effort to counter the impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Ivey is releasing two million dollars from Alabama’s emergency funds to support food banks throughout the state. This action responds to disruptions in the SNAP program, which affects more than 300,000 children and over 100,000 seniors and disabled adults in Alabama. Governor Ivey emphasized that while state action offers temporary relief, the long-term solution must come from Congress reopening the federal government, according to official state communications.

At the legislative level, some lawmakers have urged a special session to consider tapping Rainy Day funds for further support, but the Governor clarified that this is not an option unless the state enters budget cuts known as proration. Meanwhile, on the federal front, Alabama’s Rep. Shomari Figures introduced a bill to ensure that federally funded infrastructure projects continue during federal shutdowns, which could impact numerous projects state-wide.

Business and economic development are in focus, as the City of Huntsville approved a transformational $240 million retail and restaurant development set to deliver over 500,000 square feet of new space anchored by Target and Home Depot, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2026. North Alabama’s Albertville will see over $18 million invested in a new shopping center called Sand Mountain Marketplace, expected to feature a Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors, HomeGoods, and Burlington, as reported by The Bama Buzz. U.S. Steel also announced a $75 million investment in advanced manufacturing in Fairfield, signaling continued growth in Alabama’s industrial sector as covered by Business Facilities.

In community news, Governor Ivey celebrated a major milestone in the Alabama Statewide Middle-Mile Fiber Network, with fiber service now available in all 67 counties. This infrastructure project, managed with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, aims to close the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to underserved communities, ultimately strengthening the economy and connecting schools, healthcare, and public safety agencies. At the university level, the University of Alabama has established a new School of Leadership and Policy to prepare future public servants for roles statewide and nationally.

There have been no recent significant weather events reported in Alabama this week, offering a respite for communities often affected by periodic storms.

Looking ahead, Alabama listeners should watch for next steps in the legislative session, groundbreakings for the major retail projects in Huntsville and Albertville, and ongoing progress in broadband expansion. With new education initiatives and infrastructure investments on the horizon, the state continues to position itself for growth despite national challenges. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Alabama has seen a week of significant developments, with top headlines focusing on infrastructure investments, education funding, economic growth, and ongoing policy debates. Huntsville made waves with its approval of a $240 million North Village Town Center project, which will bring over 500,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space and is expected to transform the region beginning in 2026, according to the City of Huntsville’s November announcement. Meanwhile, Governor Kay Ivey marked a major milestone in the Statewide Middle-Mile Fiber Network, which will provide every Alabama county with access to high-speed broadband—a transformative step for underserved and rural communities. Governor Ivey emphasized that this network is intended to "ensure every Alabamian, no matter their zip code, has access to reliable, high-speed internet service," according to the Alabama Governor’s Office.

On the government front, the state legislature faces criticism for letting a key overtime tax exemption expire. The Alabama Policy Institute has spoken out, saying the lapse impacts worker pay and taxpayer savings. In upcoming legislative debates, a proposed bill filed by Senator Donnie Chesteen seeks to bar non–natural-born citizens from holding state constitutional offices, igniting controversy and raising constitutional questions reported by ABC 33/40. At the same time, Alabama Republicans are preparing for potential redistricting changes. They’ve offered a bill enabling do-over elections should the Supreme Court weaken current protections for Black voters’ district representation, as highlighted by Democracy Docket.

In education, Alabama’s public colleges and universities are requesting substantial state funding increases for 2027, citing operational strains and plans to expand student support, faculty salaries, and technology. The University of Alabama System alone reports more than 71,000 enrolled students and is asking for a 10 percent rise in operational funds to address staffing and IT upgrades, according to recent remarks by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. The community college system seeks a 24 percent hike, largely to support a booming dual enrollment program and meet workforce training demands.

Business and economic news is marked by fresh investments, especially in rural Alabama. A Commerce Department report notes over 50 new economic development projects were announced in targeted rural counties this year. Additionally, according to business facilities sources, U.S. Steel is moving forward with a new $75 million advanced manufacturing plant in Fairfield, pointing to strong job prospects. Birmingham and central Alabama are in the middle of a "retail magnet" boom, with projects like the Chelsea Plaza and new Costco development drawing attention.

In community news, construction has commenced on the $62 million Alabama School of Healthcare campus in Demopolis, a project seen as a milestone for healthcare and allied professions in the state. The University of Alabama’s new School of Leadership and Policy aims to become a national hub for training future public servants. Public safety updates include a significant pedestrian incident in Tuscaloosa, leading to traffic rerouting near Jack Warner Parkway, as reported by ABC 33/40. In infrastructure, federal and state officials stress the importance of keeping projects moving during budget uncertainties; a bill filed in Congress by U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures seeks to insulate critical projects from federal shutdowns.

As Veterans Week is celebrated statewide, Governor Ivey has released $2 million in emergency funding to support Alabama's food banks, helping fight food insecurity while the federal government remains gridlocked on relief, according to the Governor’s official announcements. No major weather events have affected Alabama in recent days.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect debate over voting...

Alabama is facing significant challenges and notable progress across multiple fronts as listeners tune in this week. WHNT News 19 reports that the ongoing federal government shutdown has left thousands of Alabama families, especially those relying on SNAP benefits, struggling to cover food costs. In response, Governor Kay Ivey announced the release of two million dollars in emergency state funds to assist food banks statewide, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources redirecting an additional three million dollars to support Feeding Alabama. More than 300,000 children and 100,000 seniors or disabled citizens have been affected by delayed benefits. Emergency assistance will help, but recovery for many families may take longer, especially after missing bill payments or taking on new debts.

Meanwhile, Alabama lawmakers have wrapped up a legislative session characterized by intense debates over education funding and anticipated changes ahead of the 2026 elections, as covered by Alabama Daily News. There were major overhauls to how schools are funded, but also tense standoffs and filibusters in the statehouse. The Alabama Senate recently approved an executive amendment to SB25, confirming various key appointments and passing a host of local and licensing bills, reflecting ongoing changes in state and local government policy.

In business and economic news, U.S. Steel announced a $75 million investment at its Fairfield plant that aims to modernize production and expand capacity, marking a substantial step forward for manufacturing and job growth. According to a press release, this project is expected to create 44 permanent jobs and 250 construction positions, reinforcing Alabama’s leadership in American-made steel products. On the local business landscape, Business Alabama cites Jefferson County’s approval of mixed-use developments and the construction of a new Coca-Cola United headquarters, while the city of Irondale is welcoming a new Costco location and beginning a $20 million renovation at its civic center.

The University of Alabama is making strides in education and technology. As highlighted by university sources, a new high-performance computing project is underway, backed by state and federal funding, setting the stage for advanced artificial intelligence research and greater opportunities for students statewide. Across K-12, Montgomery County Public Schools and Morgan County Schools are progressing with key construction projects—such as new classrooms and upgrades—designed to support growing student populations and modernize local infrastructure.

On the public safety and infrastructure front, Huntsville has broken ground on a dramatic expansion of the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, while a Montgomery legislator has filed a bill to keep essential infrastructure projects moving during future federal shutdowns, ensuring projects such as the Mobile River Bridge can continue regardless of national funding battles.

No major weather events have been reported in recent days, though local officials continue preparations as the state’s unpredictable fall weather patterns persist.

Looking ahead, Alabama is preparing for a special legislative session on redistricting in December. The state is also advancing its trade infrastructure, as plans move forward for a new berth at the Mobile container terminal, supporting growth at the Port of Mobile. Community leaders anticipate continued development in affordable housing, civic amenities, and efforts to bridge gaps in food security if federal support lags.

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